Aerosol delivery device

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device is disclosed. The device comprises a housing defining a passage for aerosolised flow out of the housing when the device is used, and a sealing member within the passage to prevent aerosolised flow prior to use of the device. An aerosol delivery device and package is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] Aerosol Delivery Device

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery device. An aerosol delivery device and a package are also disclosed.

[0004] Background

[0005] Certain tobacco industry products produce an aerosol which is inhaled by a user during use. For example, tobacco heating devices heat an aerosol generating substrate such as tobacco to form an aerosol by heating, but not burning, the substrate. Such tobacco industry products commonly include mouthpieces through which the aerosol passes to reach the user’s mouth.

[0006] Summary According to an aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol delivery device comprising a housing defining a passage for aerosolised flow out of the housing when the device is used, and a sealing member within the passage to prevent aerosolised flow prior to use of the device. The housing may comprise a body and a mouthpiece and the passage for aerosolised flow may extend from the body and through the mouthpiece.

[0007] The sealing member maybe located within the passage between the body and the mouthpiece.

[0008] The sealing member maybe located within the passage in the body.

[0009] The sealing member maybe located within the passage in the mouthpiece. The sealing member may be attached to the body or the mouthpiece and extends across the passage.

[0010] The sealing member maybe peelably adhered to the body or the mouthpiece. The body and the mouthpiece may be movable relative to each other to peel the sealing member to open the passage. The body and the mouthpiece may be movable relative to each other to puncture the sealing member to open the passage. The body and the mouthpiece may be rotatable relative to each other to open the passage.

[0011] The body and the mouthpiece may be translatable towards each other to open the passage.

[0012] A piercing element may extend from one of said mouthpiece or the body so that the sealing member is punctured by the piercing element to open the passage.

[0013] The body and the mouthpiece may be movable relative to each other to re-seal the passage after relative movement of the body and the mouthpiece to open the passage.

[0014] The device may be configured such that relative movement of the body and the mouthpiece is configured to activate the device in addition to opening the passage. The sealing member may be displaceable and may comprise a sealing portion that blocks the passage and a tab may extend from the sealing portion out of the housing configured such that manipulation of the tab displaces the sealing member to open the passage. The device may comprise a slot in the housing formed between the body and the mouthpiece. The tab may extend along the slot and out of the housing.

[0015] The device may comprise a slot in the mouthpiece. The tab may extend along the slot and out of the mouthpiece.

[0016] The device may comprise a slot in the body. The tab may extend along the slot and out of the body.

[0017] The sealing portion may be displaceable to open the passage by grasping and pulling on the tab. The sealing portion may be repositionable to block the passage after being displaced to open the passage.

[0018] The sealing member maybe at least partially made of paper.

[0019] The sealing member may comprise a paper plug.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol delivery device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, and a package extending about the aerosol delivery device at least part of which is removable or displaceable to enable use of the aerosol delivery device for the first time, wherein the sealing member is attached to, or is integral with, the package so that removal or displacement thereof also removes or displaces the sealing member to open the passage.

[0021] At least part of the package maybe made from paper.

[0022] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an aerosol delivery device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic view of an aerosol delivery device according to another embodiment of the invention; and

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic view of an aerosol delivery device and packaging according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] Detailed Description As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes: non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating 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. 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.

[0028] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0032] 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. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosolgenerating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non- combustible aerosol provision device thp 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour.

[0036] 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, marjoram, 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 maybe 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.

[0037] In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0040] Figure 1 depicts a schematic view of an aerosol delivery device according to an embodiment of the invention. The device 1 comprises a housing 2 including a body 3, a mouthpiece 4 and a passage 5 for aerosolised flow out of the housing 2 when the device 1 is in use. Additionally, the device 1 comprises a sealing member 6 within the passage

[0041] 5. The sealing member 6 prevents aerosolised flow though the passage 5 prior to use of the device 1.

[0042] As shown, the passage 5 for aerosolised flow extends from the body 3 and through the mouthpiece 4, and the sealing member 6 is located within the passage 5 between the body 3 and the mouthpiece 4. However, in alternative embodiments, the sealing member 6 maybe located in another location within the passage 5, such as in the body 3 or in the mouthpiece 4. The sealing member 6 may be attached to the body 3 or the mouthpiece 4 and extends across the passage 5, thus preventing the flow of aerosol through the passage 5 prior to use of the device 1. In particular, the sealing member 6 may be peelably adhered to the body 3 or the mouthpiece 4 such that the sealing member 6 can be easily removed prior to use of the device 1.

[0043] In some embodiments, the body 3 and the mouthpiece 4 may be movable relative to each other to peel the sealing member 6 and open the passage 5. For example, the body 3 and the mouthpiece 4 may be arranged such that they are rotatable relative to each other or translatable towards each other. The device 1 may be configured such that relative movement of the body 3 and mouthpiece 4 results in peeling of the sealing member 6 to open the passage 5 and allow the device 1 to be used. Alternatively, the relative movement of the body 3 and the mouthpiece 4 may be configured to puncture the sealing member 6 and open the passage 5. In embodiments where the body 3 and the mouthpiece 4 are translatable relative to each other to puncture the sealing member 6, a piercing element may extend from either one of the body 3 or the mouthpiece 4 so that when the body 3 and the mouthpiece 4 are moved relative to each other, the piercing member punctures the sealing member 6 to open the passage 5.

[0044] Additionally, the device 1 may be configured such that the relative movement of the body 3 and mouthpiece 4 activates the device 1 in addition to opening the passage 5. This allows the user to operate the device for the first time in a simple manner. Furthermore, the body 3 and the mouthpiece 4 maybe movable relative to each other to re-seal the passage 5 after relative movement between the two has opened the passage 5. In other words, the body 3 and the mouthpiece 4 maybe rotated or translated relative to each other to open the passage 5, and then moved relative to each other in the opposite direction to re-seal the passage 5. Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of an aerosol delivery device according to another embodiment of the invention. The sealing member 6 comprises a sealing portion 7 that blocks the passage 5 and a tab 8 extending from the sealing portion 7 out of the housing 2 of the device 1. The sealing member 6 is displaceable between a position where the sealing member 6 blocks the passage 5 and a position where the passage 5 is open. In this arrangement, manipulation of the tab 8 by a user displaces the sealing member 6 to open the passage 5. In other words, a user is able to displace the sealing portion 7 that blocks the passage 5 by grasping and pulling on the tab 8. As shown, the device 1 comprises a slot 9 in the housing 2 formed between the body 3 and the mouthpiece 4. The tab 8 is arranged such that it extends along the slot 9 and out of the housing 2. Alternatively, the slot 9 may be located in another location, for example, the body 3 or mouthpiece 4 comprises the slot 9, the tab 8 extending along the slot 9 and out of the body 3 or mouthpiece 4. Furthermore, in some embodiments, once displaced, the sealing portion 7 is repositionable to block the passage 5. This maybe achieved by actuation of the tab 9 in the opposite direction. In all of the disclosed embodiments, the sealing member 6 may be formed from a recyclable material. For example, the sealing member 6 maybe formed at least partially from paper. In some embodiments the sealing member 6 comprises a paper plug. Providing the sealing member 6 as a recyclable element as opposed to traditional silicone seals improves the ease of recycling the device. Additionally, in embodiments where the sealing member 6 comprises a tab 8, the tab 8 may also be formed from recyclable material.

[0045] Figure 3 illustrates an aerosol delivery device and package according to an embodiment of the invention. At least a part of the package 10 is configured to be removable or displaceable to enable use of the aerosol delivery device 1 for the first time. In some embodiments, the entirety of the package 10 is configured to be removable or displaceable. The sealing member 6 may be attached to, or integral with, the package 10. In this arrangement, removal or displacement of the package 10 from the device 1 will also remove or displace the sealing member 6 to open the passage 5. Thus, when a user removes or displaces the package 10 when using the aerosol delivery device 1 for the first time, the device 1 is ready to be used as the passage 5 is automatically unblocked. In some embodiments, the part of the package 10 that is removable is made from a recyclable material. For example, the part of the package or the whole package 10 maybe made from paper. Additionally, the package 10 maybe formed form the same material as the sealing member 6. When formed from a recyclable material, the packaging 10 and sealing member can be easily recycled together.

[0046] 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.

[0047] It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

Claims1. An aerosol delivery device comprising a housing defining a passage for aerosolised flow out of the housing when the device is used, and a sealing member within the passage to prevent aerosolised flow prior to use of the device.

2. An aerosol delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a body and a mouthpiece and the passage for aerosolised flow extends from the body and through the mouthpiece.

3. An aerosol delivery device according to claim 2, wherein the sealing member is located within the passage between the body and the mouthpiece.

4. An aerosol delivery device according to claim 2, wherein the sealing member is located within the passage in the body.

5. An aerosol delivery device according to claim 3, wherein the sealing member is located within the passage in the mouthpiece.

6. An aerosol delivery device according to claim 3, wherein the sealing member is attached to the body or the mouthpiece and extends across the passage.

7. An aerosol delivery device according to claim 6, wherein the sealing member is peelably adhered to the body or the mouthpiece.

8. An aerosol delivery device according to claim 7, wherein the body and the mouthpiece are movable relative to each other to peel the sealing member to open the passage.

9. An aerosol delivery device according to claim 7, wherein the body and the mouthpiece are movable relative to each other to puncture the sealing member to open the passage.

10. An aerosol delivery device according to claims 8 or 9, wherein the body and the mouthpiece are rotatable relative to each other to open the passage.

11. An aerosol delivery device according to claims 8 or 9, wherein the body and the mouthpiece are translatable towards each other to open the passage.

12. An aerosol delivery device according to claim 11, wherein a piercing element extends from one of said mouthpiece or the body so that the sealing member is punctured by the piercing element to open the passage.

13. An aerosol delivery device according to claims 6 or 7, wherein the body and the mouthpiece are movable relative to each other to re-seal the passage after relative movement of the body and the mouthpiece to open the passage.

14. An aerosol delivery device according to any of claims 8 to 13, wherein the device is configured such that relative movement of the body and the mouthpiece is configured to activate the device in addition to opening the passage.

15. An aerosol delivery device according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the sealing member is displaceable and comprises a sealing portion that blocks the passage and a tab extending from the sealing portion out of the housing configured such that manipulation of the tab displaces the sealing member to open the passage.

16. An aerosol delivery device according to claim 15, comprising a slot in the housing formed between the body and the mouthpiece, wherein the tab extends along the slot and out of the housing.

17. An aerosol delivery device according to claim 15, comprising a slot in the mouthpiece, wherein the tab extends along the slot and out of the mouthpiece.

18. An aerosol delivery device according to claim 15, comprising a slot in the body, wherein the tab extends along the slot and out of the body.

19. An aerosol delivery according to any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the sealing portion is displaceable to open the passage by grasping and pulling on the tab.

20. An aerosol delivery device according to any of claims 15 to 19, wherein the sealing portion is repositionable to block the passage after being displaced to open the passage.

21. An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding claim, wherein the sealing member is at least partially made of paper.

22. An aerosol delivery device according to claim 21, wherein the sealing member comprises a paper plug.

23. An aerosol delivery device according to any of claims 2 to 21, and a package extending about the aerosol delivery device at least part of which is removable or displaceable to enable use of the aerosol delivery device for the first time, wherein the sealing member is attached to, or is integral with, the package so that removal or displacement thereof also removes or displaces the sealing member to open the passage.

24. An aerosol delivery device and package according to claim 23, wherein at least part of the package is made from paper.

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