Charging device having an antenna

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device is described that includes a battery, an antenna for receiving radio frequency signals, and a charge controller configured to charge the battery with power extracted from the received radio frequency signals. The antenna is extendable to increase the exposed surface area of ​​the antenna. Also described is a case that includes means for electrically coupling the case to the aerosol delivery device, the antenna for receiving radio frequency signals, and a charge controller configured to charge the battery of the aerosol delivery device and / or the case with power extracted from the received radio frequency signals.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to charging batteries, for example, batteries in an aerosol delivery device or cases for an aerosol delivery device. [Background technology]

[0002] (background) Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. For example, tobacco heating devices heat an aerosol delivery substrate, such as tobacco, to form an aerosol by heating the substrate rather than burning it. The aerosol delivery device may be provided with a case, such as a carrying case, to hold the device when not in use. Further developments in this field are still needed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] (overview) In a first aspect, the present specification describes an aerosol delivery device comprising a battery, an antenna for receiving radio frequency signals, the antenna configured to be extendable to increase an exposed surface area of ​​the antenna, and a charge controller configured to charge the battery with power extracted from the received radio frequency signals. The antenna may be configured to transmit and / or receive data (e.g., using one of a variety of wireless protocols, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.).

[0004] The antenna may include a folding mechanism such that at least a portion of the antenna is extendable. Alternatively or additionally, the antenna may include a telescoping mechanism such that at least a portion of the antenna is telescopically extendable. Alternatively or additionally, the antenna may include a scrolled metal sheet (e.g., including a scrolled sheet having metal traces) and a means for releasing the scrolled metal sheet such that the scrolled metal sheet is extendable.

[0005] The antenna can be formed from at least a portion (eg, all) of the metal casing of the aerosol delivery device.

[0006] In a second aspect, the present specification describes an aerosol delivery device comprising a battery, a housing, antenna circuitry for receiving radio frequency signals, the antenna circuitry being coupled to the housing such that the housing functions as an antenna, and a charging controller configured to charge the battery with power extracted from the received radio frequency signals. This allows the antenna to have a larger exposed surface area than it would otherwise have. The antenna may be configured to transmit and / or receive data (e.g., using one of a variety of wireless protocols such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.).

[0007] In a third aspect, the present specification describes a case (e.g., a carrying case or a charging case) for an aerosol delivery device, the case comprising a means for electrically coupling the case to the aerosol delivery device, an antenna for receiving a radio frequency signal, and a charging controller configured to charge a battery of the aerosol delivery device and / or the case with power extracted from the received radio frequency signal. The antenna may be configured to transmit and / or receive data (e.g., using one of a variety of wireless protocols, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.). The antenna may be formed from at least a portion (e.g., all) of the metal casing of the case.

[0008] The antenna may be configured to be extensible to increase an exposed surface area of ​​the antenna. The antenna may include a folding mechanism such that at least a portion of the antenna is extensible. Alternatively or additionally, the antenna may include a telescoping mechanism such that at least a portion of the antenna is telescopically extensible. Alternatively or additionally, the antenna may include a scrolled metal sheet (e.g., including a scrolled sheet having metal traces) and a means for releasing the scrolled metal sheet such that the scrolled metal sheet is extensible.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, the charge controller directly charges the battery of the aerosol delivery device with power extracted from the received radio frequency signal.

[0010] The case may include a battery, where the charging controller is configured to charge the battery of the case with power extracted from the received radio frequency signal. The charging controller may be configured to charge the battery of the aerosol delivery device with power stored within the battery of the case.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, the means for electrically coupling the case to the aerosol delivery device includes a physical electrical connection.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the means for electrically coupling the case to the aerosol delivery device includes an inductive coupling.

[0013] Exemplary embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following schematic drawings: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a non-combustion aerosol delivery device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is an end view of a non-combustion aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is an illustration of a non-combustion aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1 is an illustration of a non-combustion aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an end view of a non-combustion aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a case for an aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. [Figure 9] 9 is a flowchart illustrating use of the system of FIG. 8 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a top view of a case for an aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is another view from above of a case for an aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is yet another view from above of a case for an aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a top view of the inside of a case for an aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is another view from above of the inside of a case for an aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] (Detailed Description) As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, including non-combustion aerosol delivery 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 that generate an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials.

[0016] According to the present disclosure, a "combustion-based" aerosol delivery system is a system in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials (or components thereof) of the aerosol delivery system are combusted or burned during use to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0017] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustion" aerosol delivery system is one in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials (or components thereof) of the aerosol delivery system are not or are not combusted to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0018] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

[0019] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0020] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0021] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, where one or more of the aerosol-generating materials can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials can be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form 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 can include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0022] Typically, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and a consumable for use with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

[0023] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include aerosol generating materials and are configured for use with non-combustion aerosol delivery devices. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout this disclosure.

[0024] In some embodiments, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a non-combustion aerosol delivery device, can include a power source and a controller. The power source can be, for example, an electrical power source or a heat generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat generating power source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to deliver power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a heat transfer material in proximity to the heat generating power source.

[0025] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0026] In some embodiments, consumables for use with non-combustion aerosol delivery devices may include aerosol generating materials, aerosol generating material storage areas, aerosol generating material transfer components, aerosol generators, aerosol generating areas, housings, packaging materials, filters, mouthpieces, and / or aerosol modifiers.

[0027] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material not intended to be aerosolized. Optionally, either material may include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavors, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0028] In some embodiments, the substance delivered comprises an active substance. As used herein, an active substance can be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance can be selected from, for example, dietary supplements, nootropics, and psychoactive agents. The active substance can be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance can include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance can include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or another plant. In one embodiment, the active substance is a legally permissible recreational drug. In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12. In some embodiments, the active substance includes or is derived from one or more botanical substances or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the botanical substance is tobacco. In some embodiments, the substance delivered comprises a flavor.

[0029] An aerosol-generating material is a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or in any other way energized. The aerosol-generating material can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel that may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0030] The aerosol-generating material can be an "amorphous solid." In some embodiments, the amorphous solid is a "monolithic solid." The aerosol-generating material can be non-fibrous or fibrous. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material can be a dry gel. The aerosol-generating material can be a solid material that can retain some fluid therein, such as a liquid. In some embodiments, the retained fluid can be water (such as water absorbed from the surroundings of the aerosol-generating material) or the retained fluid can be a solvent (such as when the aerosol-generating material is formed from a slurry). In some embodiments, the solvent can be water.

[0031] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material can include, for example, from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% amorphous solids, up to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solids.

[0032] The aerosol-generating materials may include one or more active agents and / or flavors, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0033] The aerosol-forming material may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may include one or more of glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, mesoerythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0034] The material may be on or in a support to form a substrate. The support may be or include, for example, paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support includes a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded in the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or both sides of the material.

[0035] A consumable is an article that comprises or consists of an aerosol-generating material, some or all of which are intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transport component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater that generates heat upon use to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. The heater may comprise, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a non-combustion aerosol delivery device, generally designated 10, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] The aerosol delivery device 10 includes a battery 11, a control circuit 12, a heater 13, and a consumable 14 (e.g., a tobacco consumable, e.g., in the form of a tobacco stick). The device also includes an antenna 15. The exemplary antenna 15 is shown provided near the battery 11, but this is one of many exemplary locations. As discussed in detail below, the antenna may be used to receive radio frequency signals for use in charging the battery 11 (e.g., under the control of the control circuit 12). In addition, the antenna 15 may be used to transmit and / or receive data, e.g., using one of several protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.).

[0038] In use of device 10, heater 13 is inserted into consumable 14 so that the consumable may be heated to generate an aerosol (and, in the case of a tobacco consumable, tobacco flavor) for the user. When a user inhales on the end of the consumable, as shown by arrow 17, air is drawn into device 10 through the air inlet, as shown by arrow 16, and then passes through the consumable to deliver the aerosol (and, in the case of a tobacco consumable, tobacco flavor) to the user.

[0039] The aerosol delivery device 10 is described by way of example only. In exemplary implementations of the principles described herein, many alternative aerosol delivery devices may be used. For example, the device 10 may be substituted in a vaping device in which an aerosol-generating material (e.g., a liquid) is heated to generate an aerosol. The principles of the present disclosure are not limited to a particular type of aerosol delivery device 10 (i.e., the aerosol delivery device 10 may be configured to aerosolize a solid, liquid, or other aerosol-generating material via any suitable electrically powered or controlled aerosol generator, such as an electrically controlled pressurized canister that may include a heater, a vibrating mesh, an irradiation source, and an electrically actuated release valve).

[0040] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system, generally designated 20, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] System 20 includes the battery 11, control circuitry 12, heater 13 (or more generally, an aerosol generator), and antenna 15 of the aerosol delivery device 10 described above. The control circuitry 12 of system 20 includes a charge controller 22 and a control module 24.

[0042] Antenna 15 may be used (e.g., under the control of control circuitry 12) to receive radio frequency signals for use in charging battery 11. Further, charge controller 22 may be configured (e.g., under the control of control module 24) to charge battery 11 with power extracted from the received radio frequency signals.

[0043] The antenna 15 may be used to extract power from a radio frequency (RF) signal. This may be implemented in several ways. For example, reception of an RF signal by the antenna 15 may create a potential difference across the length of the antenna. Thus, an AC (typically sinusoidal) RF signal may be obtained at the antenna. This AC signal is typically converted to a DC signal using, for example, a rectifier circuit (such as a full-bridge or half-bridge rectifier circuit). In some exemplary embodiments, an impedance matching circuit is provided between the antenna and the rectifier circuit, which seeks to maximize the power transfer from the antenna to the rectifier. The DC power output by the rectifier may be stored, for example, using a battery 11.

[0044] It should be noted that in some exemplary embodiments, the functionality of control module 24 is implemented by charge controller 22. In fact, control module 24 may be omitted from some exemplary embodiments.

[0045] 3 is an end view of a non-combustion aerosol delivery device, generally designated 30, according to an exemplary embodiment. Device 30 is shown with a cap removed to reveal battery 11. Also shown is antenna 15, and a printed circuit board 31 on which control circuitry 12 is disposed. An electrical connection 33 between control circuitry 12 and antenna 15 is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3.

[0046] 3, the printed circuit board 31 and the battery 11 are mounted within a housing 32 of the device 30. Although the battery 11 is shown below the printed circuit board 31, it should be noted that this is just one exemplary implementation. The printed circuit board and the battery may be provided side-by-side, for example.

[0047] As discussed further below, antenna 15 may be extensible to increase the exposed surface area of ​​the antenna, which typically includes any surface area of ​​the antenna that is firstly configured to interact with radio frequency radiation and secondly not overlapped in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the antenna by a material (including any other surface / surface area of ​​the antenna) that can interact with radio frequency radiation.

[0048] Many configurations of extendable antennas are possible, some of which are described below as examples.

[0049] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a non-combustion aerosol delivery device, generally designated 40, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0050] The aerosol delivery device 40 includes the battery 11, the control circuit 12, and the heater 13 of the aerosol delivery device 10 described above. The consumables 14 are omitted. The device 40 also includes an antenna 42. The antenna 42 is extendable so that the exposed surface area of ​​the antenna can be increased. In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the antenna 42 is deployed such that both the first portion 44a and the second portion 44b of the antenna are visible and available to receive radio frequency signals. Thus, in the device 40, the deployed antenna has a larger surface area in a given plane than when the antenna is folded (i.e., the deployed antenna is extended in said plane compared to the folded antenna). It should be noted that, like the antenna 15, the antenna 42 can be used to transmit and / or receive data, for example, using one of several protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.).

[0051] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a non-combustion aerosol delivery device, generally designated 50, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0052] Aerosol delivery device 50 includes the battery 11 and control circuitry 12 and heater 13 of aerosol delivery devices 10 and 40 described above (however, battery 11 is not visible in FIG. 5). Consumables 14 are omitted. Device 50 also includes an antenna 52. Antenna 52 is extendable so that the exposed surface area of ​​the antenna can be increased. In the configuration shown in FIG. 5, antenna 52 is shown in an extended position.

[0053] The antenna 52 may be telescopically extendable, or alternatively, the antenna 52 may comprise a scrolled metal sheet (e.g., a scrolled sheet having metal traces) and means for releasing the scrolled metal sheet such that the scrolled metal sheet is extendable.

[0054] As discussed above, the exposed surface area of ​​antennas 42 and 52 typically includes any surface area of ​​the antenna that is, first, configured to interact with radio frequency radiation and, second, not overlapped in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the antenna by a material (including any other surface / surface area of ​​the antenna) that can interact with radio frequency radiation.

[0055] 6 is an end view of an exemplary embodiment of a non-combustion aerosol delivery device, generally designated 60. Device 60 is similar to device 30 described above.

[0056] The device 60 is shown with the cap removed to reveal the battery 11. Also shown is a printed circuit board 61 on which the control circuit 12 is mounted.

[0057] The device 60 further comprises a metal casing 62. The metal case is used as an antenna (e.g., to provide the functionality of antenna 15 described above). An electrical connection 64 between the control circuit 12 and the metal casing 62 is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 6. As such, it should be noted that the entire metal casing may be used as an antenna, and in some exemplary embodiments, a portion (i.e., not all) of the casing 62 is provided for use as an antenna.

[0058] 6, the printed circuit board 31 and the battery 11 are mounted within a housing 32. Although the battery 11 is shown below the printed circuit board 31, it should be noted that this is just one exemplary implementation. The printed circuit board and the battery may be provided side-by-side, for example.

[0059] FIG. 7 illustrates a case for an aerosol delivery device, generally designated by reference number 70, according to an exemplary embodiment. Case 70 includes a lid 72 and a body 74. Body 74 includes a storage area 76 for storing an aerosol delivery device (not shown in FIG. 7). The aerosol delivery device can be a non-combustion aerosol generating device, although this is not required for all exemplary embodiments. For example, case 70 can be configured to receive any of the aerosol delivery devices 10, 30, 40, 50, and 60 described above. It should also be understood that lid 72 is optional and that the aerosol delivery device can be held within case 70 using mechanisms other than lid 72.

[0060] The case 70 may be a carrying case such that the aerosol generating device may be stored within the case The case 70 may be a charging case such that the stored aerosol generating device may be charged.

[0061] 8 is a block diagram of a system, generally designated by reference numeral 80, according to an exemplary embodiment. System 80 may form part of case 70 described above.

[0062] System 80 includes an area 82 for receiving an aerosol delivery device, a charging controller 86, and an antenna 88 for receiving radio frequency signals (optionally, for example, for transmitting and / or receiving data using one of several protocols). System 80 may optionally include a battery 84. Area 82 may be storage area 76 of case 70 described above. As discussed further below, charging controller 86 may be configured to charge the aerosol delivery device's battery and / or the case's battery 84 (if provided) with power extracted from the received radio frequency signals.

[0063] The area 82 for receiving an aerosol delivery device may include means for electrically coupling to the received aerosol delivery device, which may take many forms, such as a physical electrical connection and / or an inductive coupling.

[0064] Antenna 88 may be provided on the outside of the case (as shown in system 80), although in some exemplary embodiments system 80 may include a metal casing that may be at least partially used as the antenna. The antenna may be formed from some or all of the metal casing of the case.

[0065] FIG. 9 is a high level schematic flow chart illustrating use of the system of FIG. 8, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0066] The algorithm 90 begins with operation 91 where power is extracted from a radio frequency signal received by the antenna 88 .

[0067] Operation 92 then involves the charging controller 86 controlling the charging of the case's battery 84. Note that operation 92 may be omitted (e.g., if the case does not include a battery 84).

[0068] In operation 93, charging controller 86 controls the charging of a battery of an aerosol delivery device received within region 82 with power extracted from a received radio frequency signal received by antenna 88. For example, the battery of the aerosol delivery device may be charged with power stored in battery 84, or may be charged (under the control of charging controller 86) directly with power extracted from the received radio frequency signal (without the intervening step of using that power to charge battery 84).

[0069] Figures 10 to 12 are top views of cases, generally designated by reference numerals 100, 100', and 100", respectively, for an aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment. Any of cases 100, 100', and 100" may be case 70 described above.

[0070] The cases 100, 100', 100" include an antenna 102 on an outer casing. The antenna 102 is extendable so that the exposed surface area of ​​the antenna can be increased. In the configuration shown in FIG. 10, the antenna 102 is folded. In the configuration shown in FIG. 11, the antenna 102 is deployed such that both the first portion 102a and the second portion 102b of the antenna 102 are visible and available to receive radio frequency signals. Thus, in the case 100', the deployed antenna 102 has a larger surface area in a given plane than when the antenna is folded (i.e., the deployed antenna is extended in said plane compared to the folded antenna).

[0071] The extendable antenna of the case 100 is one exemplary embodiment of an antenna, which is configured to be extendable to increase the exposed surface area of ​​the antenna. Other configurations are possible. In the configuration shown in FIG. 12, the antenna 102 is shown in an extended position. The antenna 102 may include a telescopic mechanism such that at least a portion of the antenna is telescopically extendable. Alternatively, the antenna 102 may include a scrolled metal sheet (e.g., a scrolled sheet having metal traces) as well as a means for releasing the scrolled metal sheet such that the scrolled metal sheet is extendable. Those skilled in the art will recognize other extendable configurations that may be used.

[0072] 13 is a top view of the inside of a case for an aerosol delivery device, generally designated 130, according to an exemplary embodiment. Case 130 may be case 70 described above.

[0073] Case 130 may include aperture 132 configured to fit securely with the aerosol delivery device. Alternatively, aperture 132 may be configured such that the aerosol delivery device is placed within the aperture. Case 130 further includes a physical electrical connector 133 that can be used to form an electrical connection between the aerosol delivery device and case 130. Aperture 132 may be positioned such that the aerosol delivery device fits within the aperture in one direction to ensure a reliable establishment of an electrical connection.

[0074] 14 is a top view of the inside of a case for an aerosol delivery device, generally designated 140, according to an exemplary embodiment. Case 140 may be case 70 described above.

[0075] Case 140 may include aperture 142 configured to fit securely with the aerosol delivery device. Alternatively, aperture 142 may be configured such that the aerosol delivery device is placed within the aperture. Case 140 further comprises an induction module 143 for forming an electromagnetic coupling between the aerosol delivery device and case 100. Aperture 142 may be positioned such that the aerosol delivery device fits within the aperture such that induction module 143 aligns with an induction unit of the aerosol delivery device.

[0076] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. Battery and an antenna for receiving radio frequency signals, the antenna being configured to be extendable to increase an exposed surface area of ​​the antenna; a charge controller configured to charge the battery with power extracted from the received radio frequency signal; An aerosol delivery device comprising:

2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the antenna comprises a folding mechanism such that at least a portion of the antenna is extendable.

3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the antenna comprises a telescopic mechanism such that at least a portion of the antenna is telescopically extendable.

4. The antenna, A scrolled metal sheet; means for releasing the scroll metal sheet so that the scroll metal sheet is stretchable; 3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 or 2, comprising:

5. 5. The aerosol delivery device of claim 4, wherein the scrolled metal sheet comprises a scrolled sheet having metal traces.

6. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the antenna is formed from at least a portion of a metal casing of the aerosol delivery device.

7. Battery and Housing and an antenna circuitry for receiving radio frequency signals, the antenna circuitry being coupled to the housing such that the housing functions as an antenna; and a charge controller configured to charge the battery with power extracted from the received radio frequency signal; An aerosol delivery device comprising:

8. 1. A case for an aerosol delivery device, comprising: means for electrically coupling the case to the aerosol delivery device; an antenna for receiving radio frequency signals; a charge controller configured to charge a battery of the aerosol delivery device and / or the case with power extracted from the received radio frequency signal; and A case equipped with:

9. The case of claim 8 , wherein the antenna is configured to be extendable to increase an exposed surface area of ​​the antenna.

10. The case of claim 9 , wherein the antenna comprises a folding mechanism such that at least a portion of the antenna is extendable.

11. 11. The case of claim 9 or 10, wherein the antenna comprises a telescopic mechanism such that at least a portion of the antenna is telescopically extendable.

12. The antenna, A scrolled metal sheet; means for releasing the scroll metal sheet so that the scroll metal sheet is stretchable; The case according to claim 9 or 10, comprising:

13. A case as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the antenna is formed from at least a part of a metal casing of the case.

14. The case described in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the charging controller directly charges the battery of the aerosol delivery device with power extracted from the received radio frequency signal.

15. The case, Equipped with a battery, the charge controller is configured to charge the battery in the case with power extracted from the received radio frequency signal; A case according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

16. The case of claim 15 , wherein the charging controller is configured to charge the battery of the aerosol delivery device with power stored within the battery of the case.

17. The case of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the means for electrically coupling the case to the aerosol delivery device comprises a physical electrical connection.

18. The case of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the means for electrically coupling the case to the aerosol delivery device comprises an inductive coupling.

19. The case according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the case is a mobile phone case.

20. An aerosol delivery device as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2 or 7 or a case as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the antenna is configured to transmit and / or receive data.

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