Compatibility of consumables with aerosol provision devices

Abstract

An aerosol provision device is provided that includes a housing containing a power source and defining a receptacle. The power source is configured to power compatible consumables to generate aerosol for delivery to a user, when respective ones of the compatible consumables are inserted to a mating depth into the receptacle. The compatible consumables including a first consumable and a second consumable, and the aerosol provision device includes an interlocking feature configured to engage a matching interlocking feature of the first consumable. The matching interlocking feature if the first consumable is also configured to provide an interference that renders the first consumable incompatible with a second aerosol provision device with which the second consumable without the matching interlocking feature is compatible.

Description

[0001] COMPATIBILITY OF CONSUMABLES WITH AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICES

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 588,560 filed October 6, 2023, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0004] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0005] The present disclosure relates to aerosol provision systems such as smoking articles designed to deliver at least one substance to a user.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Many aerosol provision systems and in particular non-combustible aerosol provision systems have been proposed through the years as improvements upon, or alternatives to, smoking products that require combusting tobacco for use. These systems are generally designed to deliver at least one substance to a user, such as to satisfy a particular “consumer moment.” To this end, the substance may include constituents that impart a physiological effect on the user, a sensorial effect on the user, or both. The substance may be generally present in an aerosol-generating material that may contain one or more constituents of a range of constituents, such as active substances, flavors, aerosol-former materials and other functional materials like fillers.

[0008] Aerosol provision systems include, for example, vapor products commonly known as “electronic cigarettes,” “e-cigarettes” or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), as well as heat-not-bum products including tobacco heating products (THPs) and carbon-tipped tobacco heating products (CTHPs). Many of these products take the form of a system including a device and a consumable, and it is the consumable that includes the material from which the substance to be delivered originates. Typically, the device is reusable, and the consumable is single-use (although some consumables are refillable). Therefore, in many cases, the consumable is sold separately from the device, and often in a multipack. Moreover, subsystems and some individual components of devices or consumables may be sourced from specialist manufacturers. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0009] The evolution of a product with the addition of new and advanced features over time is a common process in various industries. A number of features more recently contemplated for aerosol provision systems focus on preventing youth vaping. These so-called youth access prevention (YAP) features more specifically seek to prevent under-age use, and may incorporate age verification systems and other similar measures.

[0010] For vapor products and other aerosol provision systems that include a device and a consumable, features are often incorporated into the device. When a version of a device is released that includes certain features, and particularly YAP features, it may therefore be beneficial to steer users to that device. Example implementations of the present disclosure are therefore directed to an aerosol provision device and consumable with interlocking features that provide compatibility for multiple consumables, but that provide interference that renders a first of the consumables incompatible with a second aerosol provision device. In this regard, the present disclosure includes, without limitation, the following example implementations.

[0011] Some example implementations provide an aerosol provision device comprising: a housing containing a power source and defining a receptacle, the power source configured to power compatible consumables to generate aerosol for delivery to a user, when respective ones of the compatible consumables are inserted to a mating depth into the receptacle, the compatible consumables including a first consumable and a second consumable; and an interlocking feature configured to engage a matching interlocking feature of the first consumable, the matching interlocking feature configured to provide an interference that renders the first consumable incompatible with a second aerosol provision device with which the second consumable without the matching interlocking feature is compatible.

[0012] Some example implementations provide a consumable comprising: a housing containing an aerosol generator configured to generate aerosol for delivery to a user, when the consumable is inserted to a mating depth into a receptacle of an aerosol provision device with which the consumable and a second consumable are compatible; and a matching interlocking feature configured to engage an interlocking feature of the aerosol provision device, the matching interlocking feature configured to provide an interference that renders the consumable incompatible with a second aerosol provision device with which the second consumable without the matching interlocking feature is compatible.

[0013] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description together with the accompanying figures, which are briefly described below. The present disclosure includes any combination of two, three, four or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are expressly combined or otherwise recited in a specific example implementation described herein. This disclosure is intended to be read holistically such that any separable features or elements of the disclosure, in any of its aspects and example implementations, should be viewed as combinable, unless the context of the disclosure clearly dictates otherwise.

[0014] It will therefore be appreciated that this Brief Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example implementations to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above described example implementations are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the disclosure in any way. Other example implementations, aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of some described example implementations.

[0015] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016] Having thus described aspects of the disclosure in the foregoing general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol provision system according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E illustrate a first aerosol provision system that may correspond to the aerosol provision system of FIG. 1, according to some example implementations;

[0019] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E illustrate a first aerosol provision system that may correspond to the aerosol provision system of FIG. 1, according to some example implementations;

[0020] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the first aerosol provision system, including a first aerosol provision device and a first consumable, according to some example implementations; FIG. 5 is an enlarged view illustrating compatibility of a second consumable of the second aerosol provision system, with the first aerosol provision device, according to some example implementations;

[0021] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the second aerosol provision system, according to some example implementations;

[0022] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view illustrating incompatibility of the first consumable of the first aerosol provision system, with the second aerosol provision device, according to some example implementations;

[0023] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the first aerosol provision system, according to other example implementations;

[0024] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate portions of the first aerosol provision system, according to yet other example implementations; and

[0025] FIGS. 11 A and 1 IB illustrate portions of the first aerosol provision system, according to yet other example implementations.

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Some implementations of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which some, but not all implementations of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, various implementations of the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the implementations set forth herein; rather, these example implementations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0028] Unless specified otherwise or clear from context, references to first, second or the like should not be construed to imply a particular order. A feature described as being above another feature (unless specified otherwise or clear from context) may instead be below, and vice versa; and similarly, features described as being to the left of another feature else may instead be to the right, and vice versa. Also, while reference may be made herein to quantitative measures, values, geometric relationships or the like, unless otherwise stated, any one or more if not all of these may be absolute or approximate to account for acceptable variations that may occur, such as those due to engineering tolerances or the like. As used herein, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, the “or” of a set of operands is the “inclusive or” and thereby true if and only if one or more of the operands is true, as opposed to the “exclusive or” which is false when all of the operands are true. Thus, for example, “[A] or [B]” is true if [A] is true, or if [B] is true, or if both [A] and [B] are true. Further, the articles “a” and “an” mean “one or more,” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Furthermore, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified, the terms “data,” “content,” “digital content,” “information,” and similar terms may be at times used interchangeably.

[0029] Example implementations of the present disclosure are generally directed to delivery systems designed to deliver at least one substance to a user, such as to satisfy a particular “consumer moment.” The substance may include constituents that impart a physiological effect on the user, a sensorial effect on the user, or both.

[0030] Delivery systems may take many forms. Examples of suitable delivery systems include aerosol provision systems such as powered aerosol provision systems designed to release one or more substances or compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material. These aerosol provision systems may at times be referred to as non-combustible aerosol provision systems, aerosol delivery devices or the like, and the aerosol-generating material may be, for example, in the form of a solid, semi-solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine.

[0031] Examples of suitable aerosol provision systems include vapor products, heat-not-burn products, hybrid products and the like. Vapor products are commonly known as “electronic cigarettes,” “e-cigarettes” or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), although the aerosol-generating material need not include nicotine. Many vapor products are designed to heat a liquid material to generate an aerosol. Other vapor products are designed to break up an aerosol-generating material into an aerosol without heating, or with only secondary heating. Heat-not-bum products include tobacco heating products (THPs) and carbon-tipped tobacco heating products (CTHPs), and many are designed to heat a solid material to generate an aerosol without combusting the material.

[0032] Hybrid products use 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, semi-solid, liquid, or gel. Some hybrid products are similar to vapor products except that the aerosol generated from a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material passes through a second material (such as tobacco) to pick up additional constituents before reaching the user. In some example implementations, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material, and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosolgenerating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol provision system 100 according to some example implementations. In various examples, the aerosol provision system may be a vapor product, heat-not-bum product or hybrid product. The aerosol provision system includes one or more of each of a number of components including, for example, an aerosol provision device 102, and a consumable 104 (sometimes referred to as an article) for use with the aerosol provision device. The aerosol provision system also includes an aerosol generator 106. In various implementations, the aerosol generator may be part of the aerosol provision device or the consumable. In other implementations, the aerosol generator may be separate from the aerosol provision device and the consumable, and removably engaged with the aerosol provision device and / or the consumable.

[0034] In various examples, the aerosol provision system 100 and its components including the aerosol provision device 102 and the consumable 104 may be reusable or single-use. In some examples, the aerosol provision system including both the aerosol provision device and the consumable may be single use. In some examples, the aerosol provision device may be reusable, and the consumable may be reusable (e.g., refillable) or single use (e.g., replaceable). In yet further examples, the consumable may be both refillable and also replaceable. In examples in which the aerosol generator 106 is part of the aerosol provision device or the consumable, the aerosol generator may be reusable or single-use in the same manner as the aerosol provision device or the consumable.

[0035] In some example implementations, the aerosol provision device 102 may include a housing 108 with a power source 110 and circuitry 112. The power source is configured to provide a source of power to the aerosol provision device and thereby the aerosol provision system 100. The power source may be or include, for example, an electric power source such as a non-rechargeable battery or a rechargeable battery, solid-state battery (SSB), lithium-ion battery, supercapacitor, or the like.

[0036] The circuitry 112 may be configured to enable one or more functionalities (at times referred to as services) of the aerosol provision device 102 and thereby the aerosol provision system 100. The circuitry includes electronic components, and in some examples one or more of the electronic components may be formed as a circuit board such as a printed circuit board (PCB) that supports and electrically connects the electronic components. In some examples, the circuitry 112 includes at least one switch 114 that may be directly or indirectly manipulated by a user to activate the aerosol provision device 102 and thereby the aerosol provision system 100. The switch may be positioned on the circuit board with other of the electronic components. In some examples, the switch may comprise its own circuit board or other base element to which it can be attached. In some examples, a flexible circuit board may be utilized. A flexible circuit board may be configured into a variety of shapes.

[0037] The switch 112 may be or include a pushbutton, touch-sensitive surface or the like that may be operated manually by a user. Additionally or alternatively, the switch may be or include a sensor configured to sense one or more process variables that indicate use of the aerosol provision device 102 or aerosol provision system 100. One example is a flow sensor, pressure sensor, pressure switch or the like that is configured to detect airflow or a change in pressure caused by airflow when a user draws on the consumable 104.

[0038] The switch 114 may provide user interface functionality. In some examples, the circuitry 112 may include a user interface (UI) 116 that is separate from or that is or includes the switch. The UI may include one or more input devices and / or output devices to enable interaction between the user and the aerosol provision device 102. As described above with respect to the switch, examples of suitable input devices include pushbuttons, touch-sensitive surfaces and the like. The one or more output devices generally include devices configured to provide information in a human-perceptible form that may be visual, audible or tactile / haptic. Examples of suitable output devices include light sources such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), quantum dot-based LEDs and the like. Other examples of suitable output devices include display devices (e.g., electronic visual displays), touchscreens (integrated touch-sensitive surface and display device), loudspeakers, vibration motors and the like.

[0039] In some examples, the circuitry 112 includes processing circuitry 118 configured to perform data processing, application execution, or other processing, control or management services according to one or more example implementations. The processing circuitry may include a processor embodied in a variety of forms such as at least one processor core, microprocessor, coprocessor, controller, microcontroller or various other computing or processing devices including one or more integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), some combination thereof, or the like. In some examples, the processing circuitry may include memory coupled to or integrated with the processor, and which may store data, computer program instructions executable by the processor, some combination thereof, or the like.

[0040] As also shown, in some examples, the housing 108 and thereby the aerosol provision device 102 may also include a receptacle 120 such as a reservoir, tank, container, cavity, receiving chamber or the like that is structured to receive and contain the consumable 104 or at least a portion of the consumable, and thereby couple the aerosol provision device with the consumable.

[0041] The consumable 104 is an article including aerosol-generating material 122 (also referred to as an aerosol precursor composition), part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. The aerosol provision system 100 may include one or more consumables, and each consumable may include one or more aerosol-generating materials. In some examples in which the aerosol provision system is a hybrid product, the aerosol provision system may include a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol, which may then pass through a second, solid aerosol-generating material to pick up additional constituents before reaching the user. These aerosol-generating materials may be within a single consumable or respective consumables that may be separately removable.

[0042] The aerosol-generating material 122 is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. The aerosol-generating material may be, for example, in the form of a solid, semi-solid, liquid or gel. The aerosol-generating material may include an “amorphous solid,” which may be alternatively referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e., non-fibrous). In some examples, 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 examples, the aerosol-generating material may include from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.

[0043] The aerosol-generating material 122 may include one or more of each of a number of constituents such as an active substance 124, flavorant 126, aerosol-former material 128 or other functional material 130.

[0044] The active substance 124 may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response such as improved alertness, improved focus, increased energy, increased stamina, increased calm or improved sleep. 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 include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, GABA (y-aminobutyric acid), L- theanine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 (cobalamin) or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, terpenes, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may include one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

[0045] In some examples in which the active substance 124 includes derivatives or extracts, the active substance may be or include one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0046] As noted herein, the active substance 124 may include 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, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may include 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, magoram, 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, Mentha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens.

[0047] In yet other examples, the active substance 124 may be or include one or more of 5- hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) / oxitriptan / Griffbnia simplicifolia, acetylcholine, arachidonic acid (AA, omega-6), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Bacopa monniera, beta alanine, beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), Centella asiatica, chai-hu, cinnamon, citicoline, cotinine, creatine, curcumin, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, omega-3), dopamine, Dorstenia arifolia, Dorstenia Odorata, essential oils, GABA, Galphimia glauca, glutamic acid, hops, kaempferia parviflora (Thai ginseng), kava, L-camitine, L-arginine, lavender oil, L-choline, liquorice, L-lysine, L-theanine, L-tryptophan, lutein, magnesium, magnesium L-threonate, myo-inositol, nardostachys chinensis, nitrate, oil-based extract of Viola odorata, oxygen, phenylalanine, phosphatidylserine, quercetin, resveratrol, Rhizoma gastrodiae, Rhodiola, Rhodiola rosea, rose essential oil, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), sceletium tortuosum, schisandra, selenium, serotonin, skullcap, spearmint extract, spikenard, theobromine, tumaric, Tumera aphrodisiaca, tyrosine, vitamin A, vitamin B3, or yerba mate.

[0048] In some example implementations, the aerosol-generating material 122 includes a flavorant 126. As used herein, the terms “flavorant” and “flavor” 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. Flavorants may include naturally occurring flavor 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, redberry, 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), flavor 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. Flavorants may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. Flavorants may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas. In some example implementations, the flavorant 126 may include 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.

[0049] The aerosol-former material 128 may include one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some example implementations, the aerosol-former material may include one or more of glycerine, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0050] The one or more other functional materials 130 may include one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants. Suitable binders include, for example, pectin, guar gum, fruit pectin, citrus pectin, tobacco pectin, hydroxyethyl guar gum, hydroxypropyl guar gum, hydroxyethyl locust bean gum, hydroxypropyl locust bean gum, alginate, starch, modified starch, derivatized starch, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, ethylhydroxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, tamarind gum, dextran, pullalon, konjac flour or xanthan gum.

[0051] In some example implementations, the aerosol-generating material 122 may be present on or in a support to form a substrate 132. The support may be or include, for example, paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material (e.g., a material formed from reconstituted plant material, such as reconstituted tobacco, reconstituted hemp, etc.), a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some examples, the support includes a susceptor, which may be embedded within the aerosolgenerating material, or on one or either side of the aerosol-generating material.

[0052] In some example implementations, the consumable 104 may further include a housing 134 structured to contain the aerosol-generating material 122, or substrate 132 with the aerosol-generating material. The housing may be or include a reservoir, tank, container, cavity, receiving chamber or the like that is structured to receive and contain the aerosolgenerating material or the substrate. In some examples in which the consumable includes a reservoir, the reservoir may be a container for storing the aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the reservoir may be or include a fibrous reservoir with a substrate with the aerosol-generating material present on or in a support. For example, the reservoir can comprise one or more layers of nonwoven fibers substantially formed into the shape of a tube encircling the interior of a housing of the consumable. The aerosol-generating material may be retained in the reservoir. Liquid components, for example, may be sorptively retained by the reservoir.

[0053] The consumable 104 may include an aerosol-generating material transfer component (also referred to as a liquid transport element) configured to transport aerosol-generating material 122 to the aerosol generator 106. In examples in which the consumable includes a reservoir, the reservoir may be in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating material transfer component . The aerosol-generating material transfer component may be adapted to wick or otherwise transport aerosol-generating material to the aerosol generator via capillary action. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material transfer component may include a microfluidic chip, a micro pump or other suitable component to transport aerosol-generating material. In some examples in which the consumable includes the aerosol generator, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material transfer component may be positioned proximate (e.g., directly adjacent, adjacent, in close proximity to, or in relatively close proximity to) the aerosol generator. The aerosol-generating material transfer component may extend between the aerosol generator and the aerosol-generating material stored in the reservoir, and at least a portion of the aerosol generator may be located above a proximal end the reservoir.

[0054] Also in some examples in which the consumable 104 includes the aerosol generator 106, the aerosol generator and the aerosol-generating material transfer component may be configured as separate elements that are fluidly connected, or configured as a combined element. For example, in some implementations, the aerosol generator may be integrated into the aerosol-generating material transfer component. Moreover, the aerosol generator and the aerosol-generating material transfer component may be formed of any construction as otherwise described herein. In some examples in which the consumable includes a reservoir to contain the aerosol-generating material 122 or the substrate 132, a valve may be positioned between the reservoir and the aerosol generator, and configured to control an amount of the aerosol-generating material passed or delivered from the reservoir to the aerosol generator.

[0055] The aerosol generator 106 (also referred to as an atomizer, aerosolizer or aerosol production component) is configured to energize the aerosol-generating material 122 to generate an aerosol, or otherwise cause generation of an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. More particularly, in some examples, the aerosol generator may be powered by the power source 110 under control of the circuitry 112 to energize the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol.

[0056] In some example implementations, the aerosol generator 106 is an electric heater configured to perform electric heating in which electrical energy from the power source is converted to heat energy, which the aerosol-generating material is subject to so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. Examples of suitable forms of electric heating include resistance (Joule) heating, induction heating, dielectric and microwave heating, radiant heating, arc heating and the like. More particular examples of suitable electric heaters include resistive heating elements such as wire coils, flat plates, prongs, micro heaters or the like.

[0057] In some example implementations, the aerosol generator 106 is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating, or with only secondary heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of increased pressure, vibration, or electrostatic energy. More particular examples of these aerosol generators include jet nebulizers, ultrasonic wave nebulizers, vibrating mesh technology (VMT) nebulizers, surface acoustic wave (SAW) nebulizers, and the like.

[0058] A jet nebulizer is configured to use compressed gas (e.g., air, oxygen) to break up aerosol-generating material 122 into an aerosol, and an ultrasonic wave nebulizer is configured to use ultrasonic waves to break up aerosol-generating material into an aerosol. A VMT nebulizer includes a mesh, and a piezo material (e.g., piezoelectric material, piezomagnetic material) that may be driven to vibrate and cause the mesh to break up aerosol-generating material into an aerosol. A SAW nebulizer is configured to use surface acoustic waves or Rayleigh waves to break up aerosol-generating material into an aerosol.

[0059] In some examples, the aerosol generator 106 may include a susceptor, or the susceptor may be part of the substrate 132. The susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field generated by a magnetic field generator that may be separate from or part of the aerosol generator. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor in some examples may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor of these examples is heatable by both heating mechanisms.

[0060] Although not separately shown, either or both the aerosol provision device 102 or the consumable 104 may include an aerosol-modifying agent. The aerosol-modifying agent is a substance configured to modify the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material 122, such as by changing the taste, flavor, acidify or another characteristic of the aerosol. In various examples, the aerosol-modifying agent may be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosolmodifying agent may include, for example, one or more of a flavorant, colorant, water or carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may be a solid, semi-solid, liquid or gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material. In some examples, the aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent.

[0061] The aerosol provision system 100 and its components including the aerosol provision device 102, consumable 104, and aerosol generator 106 may be manufactured with any of a number of different form factors, and with additional or alternative components relative to those described above.

[0062] In some example implementations in which the consumable 104 includes the aerosol generator 106, the housing 134 of the consumable may also contain the aerosol generator. As also shown, in some of these examples, the aerosol provision device 102 may include electrical connectors 136 positioned in the receptacle 120 configured to electrically connect with corresponding electrical contacts 138 of the consumable when the consumable is inserted to a mating depth into the receptacle. In this regard, the mating depth is the depth the consumable needs to be inserted into the receptacle to establish a reliable electrical connection between the aerosol provision device (electrical connectors) and the consumable (electrical contacts). The electrical connectors and corresponding electrical contacts may electrically couple the power source 110 and / or circuitry 112 of the aerosol provision device, with the aerosol generator 106 of the consumable 204. In this regard, the electrical connectors and electrical contacts may form a connection interface of the aerosol provision device and consumable.

[0063] According to some example implementations, as explained in greater detail below, the structure of the aerosol provision device 102 and consumable 104 may enable insertion of compatible consumables to the mating depth into the receptacle 120 of the aerosol provision device. The structure of either or both may provide an interference that prevents incompatible consumables from being inserted to the mating depth (and thereby prevents an electrical connection between the aerosol provision device and the incompatible consumable).

[0064] As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the aerosol provision device 102 may include an interlocking feature 140 configured to engage a matching interlocking feature 142 of the consumable 104 when the consumable is inserted to the mating depth into the receptacle 120 of the aerosol provision device. The matching interlocking feature may at least in part render the consumable compatible with the aerosol provision device. Likewise, in some examples, the matching interlocking feature may also provide an interference (e.g., mechanical interference) that renders the consumable incompatible with another aerosol provision device. Examples of suitable interlocking and matching interlocking features include keys and keyways, mating grooves, snaps, hooks, latches, threaded connections, pins and holes, magnetic connections, snap-fit joints, or the like.

[0065] FIGS. 2A-E and 3A-3E illustrate respectively a first aerosol provision system 200 and a second aerosol provision system 300, which in various example implementations may correspond to the aerosol provision system 100. The first and second aerosol provision systems may be structurally and functionally similar to one another, but include structural and / or functional differences. In some examples, the first and second aerosol provision systems may be viewed as respective versions of a particular model of aerosol provision system, or different models of aerosol provision system. In this regard, the first aerosol provision system may include one or more features, such as one or more YAP features, that are absent in the second aerosol provision system. As described below, the first aerosol provision system and the second aerosol provision system may at times be more generally referenced individually or collectively as the aerosol provision system 200, 300.

[0066] The aerosol provision system 200, 300 may include an aerosol provision device (also referred to as a control body or power unit) and a consumable (also referred to as a cartridge, tank or pod), which may correspond to respectively the aerosol provision device 102 and the consumable 104. More specifically, the first aerosol provision system may include a first aerosol provision device 202 and a first consumable 204, and the second aerosol provision system may include a second aerosol provision device 302 and a second consumable 304. The aerosol provision system and in particular the consumable may also include an aerosol generator corresponding to the aerosol generator 106, and in the form of an electric heater such as a heating element like a metal wire coil configured to convert electrical energy to heat energy through resistance (Joule) heating.

[0067] The first and second aerosol provision devices 202, 302 can be detachably aligned with their respective first and second consumables 204, 304 in a functioning relationship. FIGS. 2 A and 3 A illustrate a perspective views of respective ones of the first and second aerosol provision systems 200, 300 in a coupled configuration. FIGS. 2B and 3B illustrate front, top and right perspective views of respective ones of the first and second aerosol provision devices, and FIGS. 2C and 3C illustrate front, top and right perspective views of respective ones of the first and second consumables, in an uncoupled configuration, according to some example implementations.

[0068] FIGS. 2D and 3D are perspective cross-sections of respective ones of the first and second aerosol provision devices 202, 302 in a plane A (shown in FIGS. 2B and 3B), according to some example implementations. And FIGS. 2E and 3E are front, bottom and right perspective views of respective ones of the first and second consumables 204, 304, according to some example implementations. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A in particular, the first and second aerosol provision devices and their respective first and second consumables may be separately defined in relation to a longitudinal axis (L), a first transverse axis (Tl) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a second transverse axis (T2) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is perpendicular to the first transverse axis.

[0069] As illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2E and 3A-3E, each of the aerosol provision device 202, 302 and consumable 204, 304 of the aerosol provision system 200, 300 includes a number of respective components. The components that are illustrated are representative of the components that may be present in an aerosol provision device and consumable and are not intended to limit the scope of components that are encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0070] As shown, the aerosol provision device 202, 302 may include a housing 208, 308 (sometimes referred to as an aerosol provision device shell) that may include a power source, which is not separately shown but may correspond to power source 110. Likewise, the housing may also include circuitry with a switch in the form of a sensor, a user interface including an opening 216 in the housing (not shown in FIG. 3) through which a light source that may be illuminated with use of the aerosol provision system 200, 300, and processing circuitry (also referred to as a control component). The switch, light source and processing circuitry may correspond to respective ones of circuitry 112, switch 114, user interface 116 and processing circuitry 118. The housing may also include a receptacle 220, 320 (in some examples referred to as a consumable receiving chamber) structured to engage and hold the consumable 204, 304.

[0071] In addition to the electric heater that corresponds to the aerosol generator 106, the consumable 204, 304 may include an aerosol-generating material that corresponds to the aerosol-generating material 122. The aerosol-generating material may include one or more of each of a number of constituents such as an active substance, flavorant, aerosol-former material or other functional material.

[0072] In various examples, the consumable 204, 304 includes a tank portion and a mouthpiece portion. The tank portion and the mouthpiece portion may be integrated or permanently fixed together, or the tank portion may itself define the mouthpiece portion (or vice versa). In other examples, the tank portion and the mouthpiece portion may be separate and removably engaged with one another. The consumable 202 can be formed of a housing 234, 334 (sometimes referred to as the consumable shell) enclosing a reservoir (in the tank portion) configured to retain the aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the electric heater (aerosol generator) may be located in the housing.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 2D, 2E, 3D and 3E, in some examples, the aerosol provision device 202, 302 may include electrical connectors 236, 336 positioned in the receptacle 220, 320 configured to electrically connect with corresponding electrical contacts 238, 338 of the consumable 204, 304 when the consumable is inserted to a mating depth into the receptacle. As explained above, the electrical connectors and corresponding electrical contacts may form a connection interface and electrically couple the power source and / or circuitry of the aerosol provision device, with the electric heater of the consumable.

[0074] As indicated above, according to some example implementations, the aerosol provision device 202, 302 may include an interlocking feature configured to engage a matching interlocking feature of the consumable 204, 304 when the consumable is inserted to the mating depth into the receptacle 220, 320 of the aerosol provision device. In some more particular examples, the matching interlocking feature of the consumable includes one or more matching keys 242, 342 and the interlocking feature of the aerosol provision device includes one or more keyways 240, 340 defined by the housing 208, 308 at an open end 244, 344 of the receptacle.

[0075] In some examples, the matching key(s) 242, 342 of the consumable 204, 304 may include one or more protrusions, and the keyway(s) 240, 340 of the aerosol provision device 202, 302 may include one or more scoops configured to engage the protrusion(s). In some of these examples, as shown in FIGS. 2 A and 3 A, the protrusion(s) of the consumable may be visible from an exterior of the housing 208, 308 of the aerosol provision device when the consumable is inserted to the mating depth into the receptacle 220, 320. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the housing 208, 308 of the aerosol provision device 202, 302 may have a cross section that defines a major axis (e.g., Tl) and a minor axis (e.g., T2). And in some of these examples, as shown in FIG. 2B, the keyway(s) 240, 340 may include a pair of keyways defined by the housing opposite one another and symmetric about the major axis.

[0076] As also shown, an opening 246, 346 may also be present in the housing 234, 334 of the consumable 204, 304 (e.g., at a mouth end of the mouthpiece portion) to allow for egress of formed aerosol from the consumable. In this regard, in use, when a user draws on the aerosol provision system 200, 300 airflow may be detected by the sensor, and the electric heater may be activated to energize the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. Drawing upon the mouth end of the aerosol provision system causes ambient air to enter and pass through the aerosol provision system. In the consumable, the drawn air may combine with the aerosol that is whisked, aspirated or otherwise drawn away from the electric heater and out the opening in the mouth end of the aerosol provision system.

[0077] As indicated above, the first aerosol provision system 200 may in some examples include one or more features that are absent in the second aerosol provision system 300. These features may include one or more YAP features, which may be incorporated into the first aerosol provision device 202. In some of these and other, similar examples, it may be beneficial to steer users to the first aerosol provision device 202 relative to the second aerosol provision device 302. In addition to the first consumable 204, it may be acceptable to use the second consumable 304 with the first aerosol provision device 202 that includes feature(s) absent in the second aerosol provision device. But it may also be desirable to inhibit if not prohibit use of the first consumable 204 with the second aerosol provision device 302.

[0078] According to example implementations of the present disclosure, compatible consumables of the first aerosol provision device 202 may include both the first consumable 204 and the second consumable 304, which may be (alternately) inserted to the mating depth into the receptacle 220 of the first aerosol provision device. The matching key(s) 242 or other matching interlocking feature of the first consumable, however, may provide an interference that renders the first consumable incompatible with the second aerosol provision device 302. The second consumable without the same matching key(s) 242, on the other hand, may be compatible with the first aerosol provision device and the second aerosol provision device.

[0079] Relative to the keyway(s) 240 of the first aerosol provision device 202, the matching key(s) 342 of the second consumable 304 may be viewed as non-matching key(s). As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the keyway(s) 240 of the first aerosol provision device may have a size and shape that match the matching key(s) 242 of the first consumable 204, and that fit (but not match) the non-matching key(s) of the second consumable. Likewise, as shown in FIG. 6, the non-matching key(s) of the second consumable may match the (second) keyway(s) 340 of the second aerosol provision device 302.

[0080] But as shown in FIG. 7, the matching key(s) 242 of the first consumable 204 may provide interference at the (second) keyways 340, which renders the first consumable incompatible with the second aerosol provision device 302. As shown, the interference may limit the first consumable to a depth less than the mating depth into the receptacle 320 of the second consumable. This may in turn prevent the corresponding electrical contacts 238 of the first consumable 204 from electrically connecting with the electrical connectors 336 positioned in the receptacle 320 of the second aerosol provision device 302, and thereby prevent the second aerosol provision device from providing power to the first consumable.

[0081] In some examples, as shown in FIG. 4, the keyway(s) 240 of the first aerosol provision device 202 have a transverse dimension (shown for example as a width w) and a longitudinal dimension (shown for example as a depth d1) that match the matching key(s) 242 of the first consumable 204. The matching key(s) 242 of the first consumable may therefore have transverse and longitudinal dimensions that are the same or substantially the same as w, d1. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 4, the keyway(s) 340 of the second aerosol provision device 302 may have the same transverse dimension (w), but a smaller longitudinal dimension (shown for example as a depth d2), that match the matching key(s) 342 of the second consumable 304. The matching key(s) 342 of the second consumable may therefore have transverse and longitudinal dimensions that are the same or substantially the same as w, d2.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 5, then, the transverse dimension (w) of the keyway(s) 240 of the first consumable 204 may also match the non-matching key(s) (matching key(s) 342) of the second consumable 304, and the longitudinal dimension (d1) of the keyway(s) 240 may be greater than the corresponding longitudinal dimension (d2) of the non-matching key(s). This greater longitudinal dimension of the keyway(s) 240 of the first consumable 204 may allow the keyway(s) to fit (but not match) the non-matching key(s) (matching key(s) 342) of the second consumable 304.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 7, the transverse dimension (w) of the keyway(s) 340 of the second consumable 304 may also match the matching key(s) 242 of the first consumable 204. But the longitudinal dimension (d2) of the matching key(s) 242 may be greater than the corresponding longitudinal dimension (d1) of the keyway(s) 340 of the second consumable 304. This greater longitudinal dimension of the key(s) 242 of the first consumable 204 may provide an interference with the keyway(s) 340 of the second consumable 304 that limits the first consumable 204 to a depth less than the mating depth into the receptacle 320 of the second consumable. In some examples, the first consumable may be limited to a depth less than the mating depth by approximately the difference in longitudinal dimensions (d1 - d2). And again, this may prevent the corresponding electrical contacts 238 of the first consumable 204 from electrically connecting with the electrical connectors 336 positioned in the receptacle 320 of the second aerosol provision device 302, and thereby prevent the second aerosol provision device from providing power to the first consumable.

[0084] In some examples, at least the first aerosol provision device 202 and the first consumable 204 may have multiple interlocking and matching interlocking features, one or more but not all of which may be common to the first and second aerosol provision devices 202, 302 and the first and second consumables 204, 304. In some of these examples, the first aerosol provision device 202 may include a first interlocking feature configured to engage a first matching interlocking feature that is common to the compatible consumables including the first consumable 204 and the second consumable 304. The aerosol provision device may also include a second interlocking feature configured to engage a second matching interlocking feature of the first consumable. The second matching interlocking feature, then, may be configured to provide the interference that renders the first consumable 204 incompatible with the second aerosol provision device 302 with which the second consumable 304 without the second matching interlocking feature is compatible.

[0085] FIGS. 8, 9, 10A, 10B, 11A and 11B illustrate a first aerosol provision system 800, 900, 1000 and 1100 according to other example implementations of the present disclosure. As shown, the first aerosol provision system 800, 900, 1000 and 1100 is similar to the first aerosol provision system 200 described above, but the first aerosol provision system includes a first interlocking feature and a first matching interlocking feature that are common to the second aerosol provision system 300. In particular, the first aerosol provision system 800, 900, 1000 and 1100 includes a first aerosol provision device 802, 902, 1002, 1102 and a first consumable 804, 904, 1004, 1104.

[0086] FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views of the aerosol provision system 800, 900, illustrating the first matching interlocking feature, which may be the same or similar across the other example implementations. As shown, the first matching interlocking feature of the first consumable 804, 904, 1004, 1104 includes one or more matching keys 842 and the first interlocking feature of the first aerosol provision device includes one or more keyways 840 defined by the housing 808, 908, 1008, 1108 of the first aerosol provision device 802, 902, 1002, 1102 at an open end 844, 944 of the receptacle. The keyway(s) (and open end of the receptacle) are not separately shown for aerosol provision device 1002, 1102. The matching key(s) 842 and keyway(s) 840 may have a size and shape that match the matching key(s) 342 and keyway(s) 340 of the second consumable 304. The first interlocking feature and first matching interlocking feature may therefore be common to both the first aerosol provision device 802, 902, 1002, 1102 and the second aerosol provision device 302.

[0087] As also shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the second matching interlocking feature of the first consumable 804, 904 includes one or more matching keys 848, 948, and the second interlocking feature of the aerosol provision device includes one or more keyways 846, 946 defined by the housing at the open end of the receptacle. In some examples in which the housing 808, 908 of the first aerosol provision device 802, 902 has a cross section that defines a major axis (e.g., Tl) and a minor axis (e.g., T2), the keyway(s) 846, 946 may include a pair of keyways defined by the housing opposite one another and symmetric about the minor axis. As also shown, the matching key(s) 848, 948 of the implementations of the first consumable 804, 904 may have a similar shape but differ in size. Similarly, the keyway(s) 846, 946 of the implementations of the first consumable 804, 904 may have a similar shape but differ in size.

[0088] As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the second matching interlocking feature of the first consumable 1004 includes at least one pin 1048, which may extend a bottom surface 1050 from the housing 1034 of the first consumable. The second interlocking feature of the first aerosol provision device 1002 may in turn include at least one opening 1046 defined in a closed end 1052 of the receptacle 1020. And as explained above, the opening(s) may be configured to engage the pin(s) of the first consumable when the first consumable is inserted inserted to the mating depth into the receptacle 1020. The pin(s) may also provide an interference with the closed end of the second aerosol provision device 300 (without a corresponding opening), and thereby render the first consumable 1004 incompatible with the second aerosol provision device 302.

[0089] In FIGS. 11 A and 1 IB, the second matching interlocking feature of the first consumable 1104 includes one or more first magnets 1148, which may be integrated in or disposed on the bottom surface 1150 from the housing 1134 of the first consumable. The second interlocking feature of the first aerosol provision device 1102 may in turn include one or more second magnets 1146 defined in the closed end 1152 of the receptacle 1120. The second magnet(s) 1146 may be oriented to attract the first magnet(s) 1146 (and vice versa) when the first consumable 1104 is inserted to the mating depth into the receptacle 1120. The second magnet(s) 1146 may also be oriented to repel one or more third magnets 348 of the second aerosol provision device, and thereby provide (magnetic) interference that renders the first consumable 1104 incompatible with the second aerosol provision device 302.

[0090] As explained above and reiterated below, the present disclosure includes, without limitation, the following example implementations.

[0091] Clause 1. An aerosol provision device comprising: a housing containing a power source and defining a receptacle, the power source configured to power compatible consumables to generate aerosol for delivery to a user, when respective ones of the compatible consumables are inserted to a mating depth into the receptacle, the compatible consumables including a first consumable and a second consumable; and an interlocking feature configured to engage a matching interlocking feature of the first consumable, the matching interlocking feature configured to provide an interference that renders the first consumable incompatible with a second aerosol provision device with which the second consumable without the matching interlocking feature is compatible.

[0092] Clause 2. The aerosol provision device of clause 1, wherein the aerosol provision device further comprises electrical connectors located in the receptacle, the electrical connectors configured to electrically connect with corresponding electrical contacts of the compatible consumables when the respective ones of the compatible consumables are inserted to the mating depth into the receptacle.

[0093] Clause 3. The aerosol provision device of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the matching interlocking feature of the first consumable includes one or more matching keys, and the interlocking feature of the aerosol provision device includes one or more key ways defined by the housing at an open end of the receptacle. Clause 4. The aerosol provision device of clause 3, wherein the one or more matching keys of the first consumable include one or more protrusions, and the one or more keyways include one or more scoops configured to engage the one or more protrusions that are visible from an exterior of the housing when the first consumable is inserted to the mating depth into the receptacle.

[0094] Clause 5. The aerosol provision device of clause 3 or clause 4, wherein the second consumable includes one or more non-matching keys that match one or more second keyways of the second aerosol provision device at which the interference is provided by the one or more matching keys, and the one or more key ways of the aerosol provision device have a size and shape that match the one or more matching keys and fit the one or more nonmatching keys.

[0095] Clause 6. The aerosol provision device of clause 5, wherein the one or more keyways of the aerosol provision device have a transverse dimension and a longitudinal dimension that match the one or more matching keys of the first consumable, and wherein the transverse dimension of the one or more key ways also matches the one or more non-matching keys of the second consumable, and the longitudinal dimension of the one or more key ways is greater than a corresponding longitudinal dimension of the one or more non-matching keys.

[0096] Clause 7. The aerosol provision device of any of clauses 3 to 6, wherein the housing has a cross section that defines a major axis and a minor axis, and the one or more keyways include a pair of keyways defined by the housing opposite one another and symmetric about the major axis.

[0097] Clause 8. The aerosol provision device of any of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the interlocking feature is a second interlocking feature configured to engage a second matching interlocking feature of the first consumable, and wherein the aerosol provision device further comprises a first interlocking feature configured to engage a first matching interlocking feature that is common to the compatible consumables including the first consumable and the second consumable.

[0098] Clause 9. The aerosol provision device of clause 8, wherein the second matching interlocking feature of the first consumable includes one or more matching keys, and the second interlocking feature of the aerosol provision device includes one or more key ways defined by the housing at an open end of the receptacle.

[0099] Clause 10. The aerosol provision device of clause 8 or clause 9, wherein the second matching interlocking feature of the first consumable includes at least one pin, and the second interlocking feature of the aerosol provision device includes at least one opening defined in a closed end of the receptacle.

[0100] Clause 11. The aerosol provision device of any of clauses 8 to 10, wherein the second matching interlocking feature of the first consumable includes one or more first magnets, and the second interlocking feature of the aerosol provision device includes one or more second magnets located in the receptacle and oriented to attract the one or more first magnets that are oriented to repel one or more third magnets of the second aerosol provision device.

[0101] Clause 12. A consumable comprising: a housing containing an aerosol generator configured to generate aerosol for delivery to a user, when the consumable is inserted to a mating depth into a receptacle of an aerosol provision device with which the consumable and a second consumable are compatible; and a matching interlocking feature configured to engage an interlocking feature of the aerosol provision device, the matching interlocking feature configured to provide an interference that renders the consumable incompatible with a second aerosol provision device with which the second consumable without the matching interlocking feature is compatible.

[0102] Clause 13. The consumable of clause 12, wherein the consumable further comprises electrical contacts located on the housing, the electrical contacts configured to electrically connect with corresponding electrical connectors of the aerosol provision device -when the consumable is inserted to the mating depth into the receptacle.

[0103] Clause 14. The consumable of clause 12 or clause 13, wherein die matching interlocking feature of the consumable includes one or more matching keys disposed on the housing, and the interlocking feature of the aerosol provision device includes one or more keyways defined by the aerosol provision device at an open end of the receptacle.

[0104] Clause 15. The consumable of clause 14, wherein the one or more matching keys of the consumable include one or more protrusions, and the one or more keyways include one or more scoops configured to engage the one or more protrusions that are visible from an exterior of the aerosol provision device when the consumable is inserted to the mating depth into the receptacle.

[0105] Clause 16. The consumable of clause 14 or clause 15, wherein the second consumable includes one or more non-matching keys that match one or more second key ways of the second aerosol provision device at which the interference is provided by the one or more matching keys, and the one or more key ways of the aerosol provision device have a size and shape that match the one or more matching keys and fit the one or more non-matching keys. Clause 17. The consumable of clause 16, wherein the one or more matching keys of the consumable have a transverse dimension and a longitudinal dimension that match the one or more keyways of the aerosol provision device, and wherein the transverse dimension of the one or more matching keys also matches the one or more non-matching keys of the second consumable, and the longitudinal dimension of the one or more first matching is greater than a corresponding longitudinal dimension of the one or more non-matching keys.

[0106] Clause 18. The consumable of any of clauses 14 to 17, wherein the housing has a cross section that defines a major axis and a minor axis, and the one or more matching keys include a pair of matching keys disposed on the housing opposite one another and symmetric about the major axis.

[0107] Clause 19. The consumable of any of clauses 12 to 18, wherein the matching interlocking feature is a second matching interlocking feature configured to engage a second interlocking feature of the aerosol provision device, and wherein the consumable further comprises a first matching interlocking feature that is common to the consumable and the second consumable, the first matching interlocking feature configured to engage a first interlocking feature of the aerosol provision device.

[0108] Clause 20. The consumable of clause 19, wherein the second matching interlocking feature of the consumable includes one or more matching keys disposed on the housing, and tlie second interlocking feature of the aerosol provision device includes one or more key ways defined by the aerosol provision device at an open end of the receptacle.

[0109] Clause 21. The consumable of clause 19 or clause 20, wherein the second matching interlocking feature of the consumable includes at least one pin, and the second interlocking feature of the aerosol provision device includes at least one opening defined in a closed end of the receptacle.

[0110] Clause 22. The consumable of any of clauses 19 to 21, wherein the second matching interlocking feature of the consumable includes one or more first magnets, and the second interlocking feature of the aerosol provision device includes one or more second magnets located in the receptacle and oriented to attract the one or more first magnets that are oriented to repel one or more th ird magnets of the second aerosol provision device.

[0111] Many modifications and other implementations of file disclosure will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated figures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific implementations disclosed herein and that modifications and other implementations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An aerosol provision device comprising: a housing containing a power source and defining a receptacle, the power source configured to power compatible consumables to generate aerosol for delivery to a user, when respective ones of the compatible consumables are inserted to a mating depth into the receptacle, the compatible consumables including a first consumable and a second consumable; and an interlocking feature configured to engage a matching interlocking feature of the first consumable, the matching interlocking feature configured to provide an interference that renders the first consumable incompatible with a second aerosol provision device with which the second consumable without the matching interlocking feature is compatible.

2. The aerosol provision device of claim 1, wherein the aerosol provision device further comprises electrical connectors located in the receptacle, the electrical connectors configured to electrically connect with corresponding electrical contacts of the compatible consumables when the respective ones of the compatible consumables are inserted to the mating depth into the receptacle.

3. The aerosol provision device of claim 1, wherein the matching interlocking feature of the first consumable includes one or more matching keys, and the interlocking feature of the aerosol provision device includes one or more keyways defined by the housing at an open end of the receptacle.

4. The aerosol provision device of claim 3, wherein the one or more matching keys of the first consumable include one or more protrusions, and the one or more keyways include one or more scoops configured to engage the one or more protrusions that are visible from an exterior of the housing when the first consumable is inserted to the mating depth into the receptacle.

5. The aerosol provision device of claim 3, wherein the second consumable includes one or more non-matching keys that match one or more second key ways of the second aerosol provision device at which the interference is provided by the one or morematching keys, and the one or more key ways of the aerosol provision device have a size and shape that match the one or more matching keys and fit the one or more non-matching keys.

6. The aerosol provision device of claim 5, wherein the one or more keyways of the aerosol provision device have a transverse dimension and a longitudinal dimension that match the one or more matching keys of the first consumable, and wherein the transverse dimension of the one or more keyways also matches the one or more non-matching keys of the second consumable, and the longitudinal dimension of the one or more keyways is greater than a corresponding longitudinal dimension of the one or more non-matching keys.

7. The aerosol provision device of claim 3, wherein the housing has a cross section that defines a major axis and a minor axis, and the one or more keyways include a pair of keyways defined by the housing opposite one another and symmetric about the major axis.

8. The aerosol provision device of claim 1, wherein the interlocking feature is a second interlocking feature configured to engage a second matching interlocking feature of the first consumable, and wherein the aerosol provision device further comprises a first interlocking feature configured to engage a first matching interlocking feature that is common to the compatible consumables including the first consumable and the second consumable.

9. The aerosol provision device of claim 8, wherein the second matching interlocking feature of the first consumable includes one or more matching keys, and the second interlocking feature of the aerosol provision device includes one or more keyways defined by the housing at an open end of the receptacle.

10. The aerosol provision device of claim 8, wherein the second matching interlocking feature of the first consumable includes at least one pin, and the second interlocking feature of the aerosol provision device includes at least one opening defined in a closed end of the receptacle.

11. The aerosol provision device of claim 8, wherein the second matching interlocking feature of the first consumable includes one or more first magnets, and the second interlocking feature of the aerosol provision device includes one or more second magnets located in the receptacle and oriented to attract the one or more first magnets that are oriented to repel one or more third magnets of the second aerosol provision device.

12. A consumable comprising: a housing containing an aerosol generator configured to generate aerosol for delivery to a user, when the consumable is inserted to a mating depth into a receptacle of an aerosol provision device with which the consumable and a second consumable are compatible; and a matching interlocking feature configured to engage an interlocking feature of the aerosol provision device, the matching interlocking feature configured to provide an interference that renders the consumable incompatible with a second aerosol provision device with which the second consumable without the matching interlocking feature is compatible.

13. The consumable of claim 12, wherein the consumable further comprises electrical contacts located on the housing, the electrical contacts configured to electrically connect with corresponding electrical connectors of the aerosol provision device when the consumable is inserted to the mating depth into the receptacle.

14. The consumable of claim 12, wherein the matching interlocking feature of the consumable includes one or more matching keys disposed on the housing, and the interlocking feature of the aerosol provision device includes one or more key ways defined by the aerosol provision device at an open end of the receptacle.

15. The consumable of claim 14, wherein the one or more matching keys of the consumable include one or more protrusions, and the one or more keyways include one or more scoops configured to engage the one or more protrusions that are visible from an exterior of the aerosol provision device when the consumable is inserted to the mating depth into the receptacle.

16. The consumable of claim 14, wherein the second consumable includes one or more non-matching keys that match one or more second keyways of the second aerosolprovision device at which the interference is provided by the one or more matching keys, and the one or more key ways of the aerosol provision device have a size and shape that match the one or more matching keys and fit the one or more non-matching keys.

17. The consumable of claim 16, wherein the one or more matching keys of the consumable have a transverse dimension and a longitudinal dimension that match the one or more keyways of the aerosol provision device, and wherein the transverse dimension of the one or more matching keys also matches the one or more non-matching keys of the second consumable, and the longitudinal dimension of the one or more first matching is greater than a corresponding longitudinal dimension of the one or more non-matching keys.

18. The consumable of claim 14, wherein the housing has a cross section that defines a major axis and a minor axis, and the one or more matching keys include a pair of matching keys disposed on the housing opposite one another and symmetric about the major axis.

19. The consumable of claim 12, wherein the matching interlocking feature is a second matching interlocking feature configured to engage a second interlocking feature of the aerosol provision device, and wherein the consumable further comprises a first matching interlocking feature that is common to the consumable and the second consumable, the first matching interlocking feature configured to engage a first interlocking feature of the aerosol provision device.

20. The consumable of claim 19, wherein the second matching interlocking feature of the consumable includes one or more matching keys disposed on the housing, and the second interlocking feature of the aerosol provision device includes one or more key ways defined by the aerosol provision device at an open end of the receptacle.

21. The consumable of claim 19, wherein the second matching interlocking feature of the consumable includes at least one pin, and the second interlocking feature of the aerosol provision device includes at least one opening defined in a closed end of the receptacle.

22. The consumable of claim 19, wherein the second matching interlocking feature of the consumable includes one or more first magnets, and the second interlocking feature of the aerosol provision device includes one or more second magnets located in the receptacle and oriented to attract the one or more first magnets that are oriented to repel one or more third magnets of the second aerosol provision device.

Images