Aerosol provision device and consumable therefor

Abstract

To provide a consumable configured to be completely inserted into an aerosol provision device.SOLUTION: A consumable 100 comprises: an aerosol generating material 110 for use in generating aerosol by an aerosol provision device; an insertion portion 120 configured for insertion into an aerosol generation zone of the aerosol provision device; and removal means 130 that extends away from or is located on a surface of the insertion portion and is configured to enhance gripping by a user of the consumable to assist in the removal of the insertion portion from the aerosol generation zone. Also provided is an aerosol provision device for use with such a consumable, and a method of removing such a consumable from an aerosol provision device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1a

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to consumables for an aerosol delivery device, an aerosol delivery device, an aerosol delivery system including an aerosol delivery device, and a method of deploying an aerosol delivery device.

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes, cigars, and the like, 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. Examples of such products are so-called "heat-and-burn" products, or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating rather than burning a material. The material may be, for example, a tobacco product or other non-tobacco product that may or may not contain nicotine. Overview

[0003] A first aspect of the present invention provides a consumable configured to be fully inserted into an aerosol delivery device. The consumable contains an aerosol-generating material for use in generating an aerosol with the aerosol delivery device. The consumable comprises an insertion portion configured for insertion into an aerosol-generation zone of the aerosol delivery device. The consumable comprises removal facilitating means extending away from or disposed on a surface of the insertion portion and configured to enhance a user's grip of the consumable to assist in removal of the insertion portion from the aerosol-generation zone.

[0004] In some embodiments, the consumable is elongated and has a longitudinal axis.

[0005] In some embodiments, the removal facilitating means is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis.

[0006] In some embodiments, the removal facilitating means is asymmetric about the longitudinal axis.

[0007] In some embodiments, the removal facilitator is configured to extend in a longitudinal direction of the consumable, the longitudinal direction being parallel to the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0008] In some embodiments, the removal facilitator is configured to extend in a radial direction of the consumable, the radial direction being perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0009] In some embodiments, the removal facilitating means is movable relative to the insertion portion.

[0010] In some embodiments, the removal facilitator is movable between a longitudinal position aligned with the longitudinal direction of the consumable and a radial position aligned with the radial direction of the consumable.

[0011] In some embodiments, the insertion portion comprises an exterior surface having a relatively low coefficient of friction and the removal facilitation means comprises an exterior surface with a relatively high coefficient of friction, hi some embodiments, the relatively high coefficient of friction of the exterior surface is consistent along the removal facilitation means.

[0012] In some embodiments, the removal facilitating means is freely movable relative to the insertion portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, the structure of the removal facilitator is freestanding.

[0014] In some embodiments, the consumable comprises a blocking portion configured to prevent the removal facilitation means from being inserted into the aerosol-generation zone. In some embodiments, the blocking portion is provided by a maximum dimension of the consumable. In some embodiments, the overall dimension is the length of the consumable. In some embodiments, the maximum dimension is the width of the consumable.

[0015] In some embodiments, the consumable comprises a blocking portion configured to prevent the removal facilitation means from being inserted into the aerosol generation zone, wherein the blocking portion is provided by a maximum dimension of the consumable, the maximum dimension being a width corresponding to the diameter of the consumable.

[0016] In some embodiments, the maximum dimension is provided by a step change in the width of the consumable. In some embodiments, the removal facilitating means is or comprises an open cavity.

[0017] In some embodiments, the removal facilitator is an adhesive area.

[0018] In some embodiments, the removal facilitator occupies a substantially flat portion of the consumable.

[0019] In some embodiments, the removal facilitating means extends away from or is located on the outer surface of the insert portion.

[0020] A second aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol delivery device. The aerosol delivery device includes an aerosol-generation zone for receiving an insert portion of a consumable containing an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol delivery device includes an aerosol generation apparatus for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material when the insert portion of the consumable is within the aerosol-generation zone. The aerosol delivery device includes a casing that houses the aerosol generation apparatus and the aerosol-generation zone. The casing includes a first part and a second part that are movable relative to each other between an open state and a closed state. The aerosol delivery device is configured such that when the consumable is fully inserted into the casing of the aerosol delivery device and the insert portion of the consumable is within the aerosol-generation zone, the removal facilitation means of the consumable remains outside the aerosol-generation zone, such that the removal facilitation means is exposed to a user for grasping when the aerosol delivery device is in the open state and is hidden from the user when the aerosol delivery device is in the closed state.

[0021] In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device includes a chamber formed by a first part and a second part to enclose the consumable product in a closed state. In some embodiments, the chamber includes a subchamber extending only a portion of the length of the chamber and a recess, the subchamber including the aerosol-generation zone, and the recess is exposed when the aerosol delivery device is disposed in an open state. In some embodiments, an end of the subchamber is defined by a blocking portion. In some embodiments, the subchamber is a blind hole.

[0022] A third aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol delivery system comprising a consumable product according to the first aspect and an aerosol delivery device according to the second aspect.

[0023] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method for removing a consumable from an aerosol delivery device. The method includes providing an aerosol delivery device and a consumable that is fully inserted into the aerosol delivery device such that an insertion portion of the consumable is located within an aerosol-generation zone of the aerosol delivery device. The method includes grasping a removal facilitation means of the consumable that extends away from or is located on a surface of the insertion portion to enhance gripping. The method includes utilizing the removal facilitation means to remove the insertion portion from the aerosol-generation zone.

[0024] In some embodiments, the providing step comprises providing a consumable product according to the first aspect.

[0025] In some embodiments, the providing step comprises providing an aerosol delivery device according to the second aspect.

[0026] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol delivery device. The aerosol delivery device includes an aerosol-generation zone. The aerosol delivery device includes an aerosol generating apparatus for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material when the aerosol-generating material is within the aerosol-generation zone. The aerosol delivery device includes a first opening at a first end of the aerosol delivery device, through which a consumable product including the aerosol-generating material can enter the aerosol-generation zone. The aerosol delivery device includes a second opening at a second end of the aerosol delivery device, through which the consumable product can exit the aerosol-generation zone. The aerosol delivery device includes a mechanism for moving the consumable product through the aerosol delivery device when the consumable product is passed through the first opening by a user, such that at least a portion of the consumable product is pushed out through the second opening and can be removed from the aerosol delivery device by a user.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first end is located at an opposite end of the aerosol delivery device relative to the second end.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first end is the mouth end of the aerosol delivery device.

[0029] In some embodiments, the mechanism is configured to move the consumable through the aerosol delivery device in a unidirectional manner.

[0030] In some embodiments, the mechanism includes a plurality of rollers that are rotatable to move the consumable through the aerosol delivery device. In some embodiments, the plurality of rollers are configured to provide a gripping force to be exerted on the consumable. In some embodiments, the plurality of rollers are configured to directly engage an outer surface of the consumable. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of rollers has an axis of rotation that is radially spaced from the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation zone. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of rollers is biased toward the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation zone such that the axis of rotation is movable toward and away from the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the plurality of rollers includes a first group of rollers and a second group of rollers, and the rollers of the first group are positioned closer to the first opening of the aerosol delivery device than the rollers of the second group.

[0031] In some embodiments, the mechanism comprises a sliding component configured to engage an outer surface of the consumable to pass the consumable through the aerosol delivery device.

[0032] In some embodiments, the mechanism includes a handle for a user to actuate the mechanism. In some embodiments, the handle is slidable relative to the first opening. In some embodiments, the handle is rotatable relative to the first opening.

[0033] In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device comprises a controller configured to output a signal and a motor configured to drive a mechanism based on receipt of the signal.

[0034] In some embodiments, the mechanism is configured to move the consumable at discrete intervals.

[0035] In some embodiments, the mechanism is configured to move the consumable between the first opening and the second opening in a continuous manner.

[0036] In some embodiments, the mechanism is configured to automatically expel the consumable once at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material of the consumable has been passed through the aerosol-generation zone.

[0037] In some embodiments, the mechanism is configured to move the consumable through the aerosol-generation zone.

[0038] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device according to the fifth aspect and a consumable containing an aerosol-generating material.

[0039] A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a method of operating the aerosol delivery system according to the sixth aspect, comprising inserting a consumable item through a first opening, and moving the consumable item through the aerosol delivery device towards the second opening using a mechanism of the aerosol delivery device for ejection of the consumable item through the second opening and removal from the aerosol delivery device by a user.

[0040] In some embodiments, the method includes expelling the consumable once at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material of the consumable has passed through the aerosol-generation zone.

[0041] In some embodiments, the moving step includes conveying the consumable by rotation of a plurality of rollers.

[0042] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, which description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1a]1 shows a perspective view of a consumable according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1b] FIG. 1b is a perspective view of an aerosol delivery system including the consumable of FIG. 1a, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1c] FIG. 1c is a front view of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1b. [Figure 2] 1A-1C are perspective views of consumables according to different embodiments of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1A-1C are perspective views of consumables according to different embodiments of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1A-1C are perspective views of consumables according to different embodiments of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1A-1C are perspective views of consumables according to different embodiments of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1A-1C are perspective views of consumables according to different embodiments of the present invention; [Figure 7] 1A-1C are perspective views of consumables according to different embodiments of the present invention; [Figure 8] 1A-1C are perspective views of consumables according to different embodiments of the present invention; [Figure 9] 1A-1C are perspective views of consumables according to different embodiments of the present invention; [Figure 10] 10A-10C illustrate a method of removing a consumable from an aerosol delivery device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11a] 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol delivery device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11b] 11a is a perspective view of an aerosol delivery system including the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 11a, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol delivery system according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 13a] 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol delivery system including an aerosol delivery device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13b] FIG. 13b is a perspective view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 13a. [Figure 14]FIG. 1 illustrates a method of operating an aerosol delivery system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0045] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, such as non-combustible aerosol delivery devices, and aerosol delivery systems, such as non-combustible aerosol delivery systems. According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol delivery device is an aerosol delivery device in which a constituent aerosol-generating material contained by a consumable for receipt by a chamber of the aerosol delivery device (or a component of the aerosol delivery device) is not combusted or burned to facilitate delivery of the aerosol-generating material to a user. In some embodiments, an aerosol delivery system, such as a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, comprises an aerosol delivery device, such as a non-combustible aerosol delivery device, and a consumable for use with the aerosol delivery device, wherein the consumable includes an aerosol-generating material.

[0046] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a powered non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

[0047] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery 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.

[0048] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0049] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-forming materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-forming materials may be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-forming material and a solid aerosol-forming material. The solid aerosol-forming material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0050] An aerosol-generating material is a material capable of generating an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or otherwise excited. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain an active agent and / or flavoring. The aerosol-generating material may comprise an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., a non-fibrous solid). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material capable of retaining some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material comprises from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solid. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material is composed of an amorphous solid.

[0051] The aerosol-forming materials may include one or more active agents and / or flavoring agents, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more functional materials.

[0052] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered by the aerosol delivery device can be an aerosol-generating material that can include an active ingredient, a carrier component, and optionally one or more other functional ingredients.

[0053] A consumable is an item containing or consisting of an aerosol-generating material, some or all of which is intended to be consumed by a user during use. A consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may further include an aerosol-generating device, such as a heater, that generates heat upon use to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. The heater may include, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0054] In some embodiments, a consumable for use with an aerosol delivery device may include an aerosol-generating material or a region for receiving the aerosol-generating material. The region for receiving the aerosol-generating material may be a storage region for storing the aerosol-generating material. For example, the storage region may be a reservoir. In some embodiments, the region for receiving the aerosol-generating material may be separate from or combined with the aerosol-generation region.

[0055] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by penetration by a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material such that penetration by the varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material such that penetration by the varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic such that it can be heated by either heating mechanism. A device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generating apparatus.

[0056] In some embodiments, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as the non-combustion aerosol delivery device, can include a power source and a controller. The power source can be, for example, an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source includes a carbon substrate that can be excited to deliver power in the form of heat to the aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

[0057] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery device may include an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generating device, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifying agent.

[0058] A user can insert a consumable into the aerosol delivery device before producing an aerosol that the user subsequently inhales. The consumable can be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be placed within a chamber, such as a heating chamber, of the device sized to receive the consumable.

[0059] Aerosol modifiers are substances configured to modify the generated aerosol, for example, by changing the taste, aroma, acidity, or another characteristic of the aerosol, and are typically located downstream of the aerosol-generation region. The aerosol modifier may be provided within an aerosol modifier-releasing component operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

[0060] The aerosol modifier may be, for example, an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may include, for example, one or more of a flavoring, a coloring, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may be, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol modifier may be in the form of a powder, a string, or granules. The aerosol modifier may not include a filtration material. In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and / or one or more other functional materials, which may include one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a filler, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0061] The aerosol generating device is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device is a heater configured to expose the aerosol-generating material to thermal energy to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material and form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generating device may be configured to expose the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy. The aerosol generating device may also be provided as a permanent component of the aerosol delivery device.

[0062] Devices are known that heat aerosol-generating materials to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material without burning or combusting the aerosol-generating material, typically to form an inhalable aerosol. Such devices may be described as "aerosol-generating devices," "aerosol-delivery devices," "non-combustion heating devices," "tobacco heating product devices," or "tobacco heating devices." Similarly, so-called e-cigarette devices exist, which typically vaporize aerosol-generating materials in liquid form, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-generating material may be provided in the form of, or as part of, a wand, cartridge, cassette, or the like that can be inserted into the device.

[0063] Users may remove consumables from aerosol delivery devices for a variety of reasons. The present invention provides consumables and aerosol delivery devices that allow for improved removal of consumables from the aerosol delivery device.

[0064] Referring to Figure 1a, a consumable 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown for use with an aerosol delivery device 150 to form an aerosol delivery system 100S according to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 1b and 1c.

[0065] Aerosol delivery device 150 includes an opening 154 and a chamber 156. Chamber 156 is for receiving consumable item 100 by insertion through opening 154. Consumable item 100 is shown in FIG. 1c with a dotted boundary to generally indicate where it will be located when within chamber 156. Consumable item 100 includes aerosol-generating material 110 for use in generating an aerosol by aerosol-generating apparatus 162 of aerosol delivery device 150. Aerosol delivery device 150 includes an aerosol-generation zone 160 into which aerosol-generating material 110 is inserted so that an aerosol may be generated.

[0066] In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device 162 is configured to supply heat to the aerosol-generating material of the consumable 100 to generate an aerosol as the inhalable medium. The aerosol generating device 162 comprises an electric resistance heater. In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device 162 may comprise an induction heater, or one or more of an electric resistance heater and an induction heater. In still other embodiments, pressure may be used to generate the inhalable medium from the consumable 100. In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device 162 extends only partially around and along the chamber 156. In this embodiment, the length of the aerosol generating device 162 is equal to the length of the aerosol-generation zone 160. In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device 162 may be positioned elsewhere relative to the chamber 156. For example, the aerosol generating device 162 may be positioned within the chamber 156. In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device 162 may substantially surround the chamber 156 along its length.

[0067] Power to the electrical resistance heater is provided by a power source (not shown). In this embodiment, the power source is a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery is integral to aerosol delivery device 150. In other embodiments, the power source may be replaceable, such as a replaceable battery. In other embodiments, the power source may be a non-rechargeable battery. The power source is configured to provide power to the electronic components of aerosol delivery device 150.

[0068] Aerosol delivery device 150 includes a casing 155 and a mouthpiece 153. Casing 155 includes a first part 151 and a second part 152. Mouthpiece 153 is disposed at the oral end of aerosol delivery device 150. The oral end may also be referred to as the buccal end. Mouthpiece 153 includes an opening 153a through which aerosol can be drawn from mouthpiece 153 by a user of aerosol delivery device 150. A user can draw aerosol from mouthpiece 153 when consumable 100 is hidden by casing 155, as shown in FIG. 1c. In this embodiment, chamber 156 is offset from the longitudinal axis of aerosol delivery device 150, such that consumable 100 is offset from the longitudinal axis. In other embodiments, consumable 100 may be aligned with the longitudinal axis.

[0069] The second part 152 of the casing 155 is movable relative to the first part 151 and the mouthpiece 153. A hinge 180 ensures that the second part 152 is held relative to the first part 151, yet movable relative to the first part 151. The first part 151 is configured to seal an opening 154 to the chamber 156, as shown in FIG. 1c. This means that in the closed state of the aerosol delivery device 150 (discussed below), the first part 151 and the second part 152 together enclose the consumable 100, so that the chamber 156 is formed by the first part 151 and the second part 152. Movement of the first part 151 and the second part 152 is therefore configured to open and close the opening 154 of the chamber 156.

[0070] Second part 152 is movable between a first position (as shown in FIG. 1b) and a second position (as shown in FIG. 1c). In this embodiment, second part 152 is manually movable by a user between the first and second positions. In other embodiments, movement of second part 152 may be motorized and electronically controlled by a controller. In the first position, chamber 156 is visually exposed to a user. The first position may be considered an open position of second part 152, in which aerosol delivery device 150 is in an open state. The second position may be considered a closed position of second part 152, in which aerosol delivery device 150 is in a closed state. In the second position, first part 151 blocks opening 154, thereby preventing consumable 100 from entering or exiting chamber 156. In the first position, the first component 151 allows the consumable 100 to enter and exit the chamber 156. Advantageously, the aerosol delivery system 100S is more compact when the aerosol delivery device 150 is in a closed state and the consumable 100 is within the chamber 156.

[0071] When the consumable 100 is in the chamber 156 and the second part 152 is in the second position, an aerosol can be generated from the aerosol-generating material 110 and drawn from the consumable 100. Thus, a user can inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol delivery device 150 using the mouthpiece 153 when the second part 152 is in the second, closed position. In the second position, the chamber 156 is covered by the first part 151 and is therefore blocked by the first part 151. That is, the first part 151 is configured such that in the second position, the first part 151 covers the opening 154 to the chamber 156 through which the consumable 100 can be inserted. In this embodiment, a user cannot use the mouthpiece 153 when the second part 152 is in the second position. The aerosol delivery device 150 may include a detector for detecting the second position of the second part 152. The first part 151 may be of any shape suitable for covering the chamber 156 when the second part 152 is in the second position.

[0072] Chamber 156 is formed in second part 152 of aerosol delivery device 100. In this embodiment, chamber 156 is configured so that consumable 100 abuts against the walls of chamber 156 to secure consumable 100 in place by friction. In other embodiments, aerosol delivery device 150 may include a retaining member to hold consumable 100 in place within chamber 156. The retaining member can help prevent unintentional movement of consumable 100 relative to chamber 156. One example of a retaining member is a protrusion on second part 152 that can engage with a recess on consumable 100. Cooperation between the protrusion and the recess can increase the force required to remove consumable 100 from chamber 156. This can help prevent unintentional movement of consumable 100. In some embodiments, the retaining member can be provided on consumable 100 when second part 152 includes a recess. The retaining member may also take the form of a magnetic attachment or alternative mechanical fastening means such as a screw thread and a threaded barrel. Any consumable or aerosol delivery device described herein may include a retaining member or recess to hold the consumable in place within its respective chamber.

[0073] Consumable 100 is fully insertable into aerosol delivery device 150, as shown in Figures 1b and 1c, such that consumable 100 is hidden from the user by aerosol delivery device 150 when consumable 100 is within aerosol delivery device 150 and aerosol is generated from aerosol-generating material 110 by aerosol delivery device 150.

[0074] As shown in Figure 1a, consumable 100 includes an insert portion 120. Insert portion 120 is for insertion into aerosol-generation zone 160 of aerosol delivery device 150, as shown in Figure 1c. In this embodiment, consumable 100 is a rod, and insert portion 120 extends along the length of the rod in longitudinal direction Y of consumable 100. In other embodiments, consumable 100 may be flat and / or disk-shaped. The rod is elongated and includes a longitudinal axis A.

[0075] The consumable product 100 includes a removal facilitator 130. The removal facilitator 130 extends away from the outer surface 140 of the insert portion 120. The removal facilitator 130 is configured to enhance a user's grip of the consumable product 100. Advantageously, the removal facilitator 130 aids in the removal of the insert portion 140 from the aerosol-generation zone 160 of the aerosol delivery device 150. In this embodiment, the removal facilitator 130 extends radially from the longitudinal axis A. The radial direction corresponds to the width direction X of the consumable product 100. The removal facilitator 130 includes a tab portion 135 that forms a protrusion on the consumable product 100. The tab portion 135 increases the surface area of ​​the end of the consumable product 100, which makes it easier for a user to hold the consumable product 100. Therefore, the removal facilitator 130 has a width greater than the width of the insert portion 120 due to the presence of the tab portion 135. Tab portion 135 thus increases the surface area of ​​the end of consumable 100, which makes it easier for a user to hold consumable 100. Advantageously, removal facilitation means 130 improves the ability to withdraw consumable 100 from aerosol delivery device 150 when consumable 100 is fully inserted into chamber 156 of aerosol delivery device 150.

[0076] In this embodiment, the insert portion 120 is cylindrical with a cross-section that is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A, but the removal facilitator 130 is asymmetrical about the longitudinal axis A. The asymmetry of the removal facilitator 130 about the longitudinal axis A is due to the presence of the tab portion 135.

[0077] Tab portion 135 has a dimension in depth direction Z that is smaller than a corresponding dimension of insert portion 120 in depth direction Z. This allows tab portion 135 to be discrete and to minimize material use. Tab portion 135 extends in radial direction X a distance equal to the diameter of insert portion 120. In other embodiments, tab portion 135 may extend in radial direction X a distance less than or greater than the diameter of insert portion 120.

[0078] In this embodiment, the tab portion 135 of the removal facilitation means 130 is movable relative to the insert portion 120, and thus relative to the longitudinal axis A of the consumable product 10. The tab portion 135 is pivotable to allow the tab portion 135 to pivot between a radial position 130a, as shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, and an inclined position 130b, as shown in FIGS. 1b and 1c. In the inclined position 130b, the tab portion 135 is a blocking portion that defines the insertion range of the insert portion 120 into the chamber 156. In other embodiments, the tab portion 135 does not function as a blocking portion. That is, the insertion range of the insert portion 120 into the chamber 156 may be independent of the tab portion 135. The blocking portion is configured to prevent the removal facilitation means 130 from being inserted into the aerosol-generation zone 160 of the aerosol delivery device 150. The axis of rotation of the tab portion 135 is shown in the depth direction Z. The removal facilitation means 130 is freestanding, although it is a movable structure of the removal facilitation means 130. This allows the tab portion 135 to remain flat in the illustrated embodiment. In some embodiments, the removal facilitation means 130 may be curved to provide tactility to the user. In some, the removal facilitation means 130 may include a surface roughness to enhance gripping. That is, the surface roughness of the tab portion 135 may exceed the surface roughness of the insert portion 120, for example.

[0079] In some embodiments, tab portion 135 can be biased toward one of radial position 130a or inclined position 130b. In some embodiments, tab portion 135 can have only two positions, for example, a radial position and an inclined position. When tab portion 135 is biased toward radial position 130a, removal facilitation means 130 is advantageously provided in a rest state that is most convenient for a user to grasp removal facilitation means 130.

[0080] Referring to Figure 2, a consumable 200 is shown according to one embodiment of the present invention. Similar features of consumable 200 have the same reference numbers as the features of Figure 1a, but those reference numbers have been increased by 100. Common characteristics will not be discussed again. The following discussion of consumable 200 will be limited to the differences.

[0081] The consumable product 200 includes a removal facilitator 230 having a tab portion 235 parallel to a longitudinal axis A of the consumable product 200. The tab portion 235 is offset from the longitudinal axis A, but the longitudinal axis A and the tab portion 235 both extend in the longitudinal direction Y. The removal facilitator 230 is movable between a longitudinal position and a radial position, as shown in FIG. 2 . In the longitudinal position, the tab portion 235 is aligned with the longitudinal direction Y of the consumable product 200. In the radial position, the tab portion 235 is aligned with the radial direction X of the consumable product 200. In this embodiment, the removal facilitator 230 includes a resilient member to bias the tab portion 235 toward the longitudinal position. This ensures that the tab portion 235 has a rest position that corresponds to the greatest possible extent from the insert portion 220.

[0082] In contrast to consumable 100, end 205 of consumable 200 is configured to provide a blocking portion such that when insertion portion 220 of consumable 200 is inserted into a chamber of an aerosol delivery device, such as aerosol delivery device 150, tab portion 235 extends from the chamber. End 205 is the end opposite the end from which tab portion 235 extends.

[0083] 3-9, consumables 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900 are shown in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Similar features of consumables 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900 have the same reference numbers as features in the preceding figures, but those reference numbers have been increased by multiples of 100. Common characteristics will not be discussed again. The following discussion of consumables 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900 is limited to the differences.

[0084] Consumables 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 are substantially rod-shaped, while consumables 800 and 900 are substantially planar. That is, insert portions 320, 420, 520, 620, and 720 of consumables 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 have a rod-like shape, while insert portions 820 and 920 of consumables 800 and 900 have a planar shape. Each consumable 800 and 900 may be referred to as a flat consumable 800 and 900 because the insert portion 820 and 920 are flat. Consumable 900 may be referred to as a disc consumable 900 because the insert portion 920 is disc-shaped. The disc shape of insert portion 920 of consumable 900 is elliptical. In other embodiments, the disc shape of insert portion 920 may be circular. In other embodiments, the disc shape of the insert portion 920 can have any shape, for example, a regular or irregular polygon. The consumables 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900 are elongated. The insert portion 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, and 920 of each consumable 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900 has a constant cross-section in at least one direction. While the consumables 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800 have a constant cross-section in three directions (length direction Y, width direction X, and depth direction Z), the consumable 900 has a constant cross-section in two directions (width direction X and depth direction Z). In other embodiments, the consumable may have a constant cross-section in only one direction.

[0085] Similar to consumables 100 and 200, consumables 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900 of Figures 3 through 9 each include removal facilitating means 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830, and 930 located at one end of the respective consumable 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900. In these embodiments, the end is a longitudinal end. In some embodiments, for example, where the insert portion is a disc in the form of a circle, the removal facilitating means may be located at only one point around the periphery of the disc.

[0086] 3, removal facilitation means 330 of consumable product 300 is disposed on an exterior surface 340 of insert portion 320. Removal facilitation means 330 is configured to enhance a user's grip on consumable product 300 to assist in removal of insert portion 340 from an aerosol-generation zone of an aerosol delivery device, such as aerosol delivery device 150 shown in FIGS.

[0087] The removal facilitation means 330 is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A. The removal facilitation means 330 is within the circumferential limits formed by the insert portion 320. That is, the removal facilitation means 330 does not protrude from the insert portion 320. In this embodiment, the removal facilitation means 330 is an adhesive region 331. In any of the other consumable products described herein, the removal facilitation means 330 may additionally include an adhesive region 331. The adhesive region 331 provides adhesiveness that enhances gripping. In this embodiment, the adhesive region 331 is provided at an end of the consumable product 300. That is, the adhesive region 331 has a negligible dimension in the length direction Y. However, in other embodiments, the adhesive region 331 may be at least partially provided on a portion of the removal facilitation means of any of the other consumable products described herein.

[0088] 4, removal facilitation means 430 of consumable product 400 extends away from exterior surface 440 of insert portion 420. Removal facilitation means 430 is configured to enhance a user's grip on consumable product 400 to aid in removal of insert portion 420 from an aerosol-generation zone of an aerosol delivery device, such as aerosol delivery device 150 shown in Figures 1b and 1c. In this embodiment, removal facilitation means 430 is stationary relative to insert portion 420.

[0089] In this embodiment, removal facilitator 430 is cylindrical and has a diameter greater than the diameter of insertion portion 420. This allows removal facilitator 430 to block entry into the chamber of the aerosol delivery device and define the insertion range of insertion portion 420 into the chamber. That is, removal facilitator 430 comprises a blocking portion configured to prevent removal facilitator 430 from being inserted into the aerosol generation zone of the aerosol delivery device. In this embodiment, the diameter of removal facilitator 430 is the maximum overall diameter of consumable product 400. That is, the diameter of removal facilitator 430 is the maximum dimension of consumable product 400 in width direction X and depth direction Z. In this embodiment, removal facilitator 430 occupies approximately one-third of the total length of consumable product 400. In other embodiments, removal facilitator 430 may occupy less than one-third or more than one-third of the total length of consumable product 400. Removal facilitator 430 of consumable product 400 is also symmetrical about longitudinal axis A. In other embodiments, removal facilitator 430 may be asymmetric about longitudinal axis A.

[0090] In contrast to the removal facilitator 330 of the consumable product 300, the removal facilitator 430 of this embodiment comprises areas of increased friction to improve a user's grip on the consumable product 400. That is, the removal facilitator 430 comprises an exterior surface 431 with a relatively high coefficient of friction compared to the exterior surface 440 of the insert portion 420, which has a relatively low coefficient of friction. The relatively high coefficient of friction of the exterior surface 431 is consistent along the length of the removal facilitator 430. In some embodiments, only a portion of the length of the removal facilitator 430 may comprise the friction-enhanced exterior surface 431. In some embodiments, the exterior surface 431 may have a high surface roughness compared to the exterior surface 440 of the insert portion 420. The exterior surface 431 may be etched or knurled to create the high surface roughness. That is, the exterior surface 431 may comprise etchings or knurling. In this embodiment, the exterior surface 431 is arcuate.

[0091] 5, 8, and 9, the removal facilitators 530, 800, 900 of the consumables 500, 800, 900 are identical. The removal facilitators 530, 800, 900 are freely movable relative to the insert portion 520, 820, 920. The removal facilitators 530, 800, 900 extend away from the outer surface 540, 840, 940 of the insert portion 520, 820, 920. The removal facilitators 530, 800, 900 enhance a user's grip on the consumables 500, 800, 900 to aid in removal of the insert portion 520, 820, 920 from an aerosol-generation zone of an aerosol delivery device, such as the aerosol delivery device 150 shown in FIGS. 1b and 1c.

[0092] In the consumable product 500, 800, 900, the removal facilitator 530, 800, 900 is connected to a longitudinal end of the insertion portion 520, 820, 920 and is extendable away from the longitudinal end. The removal facilitator 530, 800, 900 has a flexible structure. That is, the structure of the removal facilitator 530, 800, 900 is not freestanding. This allows the removal facilitator 530, 800, 900 to assume any shape or position. Advantageously, the removal facilitator 530, 800, 900 is compact when not being grasped by a user. A user can withdraw the consumable product 500, 800, 900 from the chamber of the aerosol delivery device by, for example, holding the removal facilitator 530, 800, 900 between the fingers and thumb of the user's hand.

[0093] In the consumable product 500, 800, 900, the respective removal facilitator 530, 840, 940 extends from the center of the respective insert portion 540, 840, 940 in the width direction X and depth direction Z of the respective insert portion 540, 840, 940. However, in other embodiments, the removal facilitator may extend at a different location, such as an off-center location.

[0094] In the consumables 500, 800, 900, the respective removal facilitation means 530, 840, 940 may be referred to as a thread, string, or cord. The removal facilitation means 530, 840, 940 may have an increased surface roughness or increased coefficient of friction, where the outer surface of the removal facilitation means 530, 840, 940 has a surface roughness or coefficient of friction that exceeds the surface roughness or coefficient of friction of the outer surface of the insert portion 520, 820, 920.

[0095] 6, removal facilitator 630 of consumable product 600 tapers toward longitudinal axis A. That is, removal facilitator 630 is thinner than outer surface 640 of insert portion 620. Removal facilitator 630 is configured to enhance a user's grip on consumable product 600 to aid in removal of insert portion 620 from an aerosol-generation zone of an aerosol delivery device, such as aerosol delivery device 150 shown in FIGS. 1b and 1c. In this embodiment, removal facilitator 630 is stationary relative to insert portion 620.

[0096] In this embodiment, removal facilitator 630 is cylindrical and has a diameter smaller than the diameter of insertion portion 620. This allows removal facilitator 630 to reside in the chamber of the aerosol delivery device during use. Advantageously, the overall length of consumable 600 can be shorter than the overall length of a consumable having removal facilitator that is also a blocking portion, such as shown by consumable 400 in FIG. 4. Even though removal facilitator 630 can enter the chamber of the aerosol delivery device during use, removal facilitator 630 can still be grasped by a user due to the gap provided between removal facilitator 630 and the chamber wall.

[0097] Unlike removal facilitation means 430 shown in FIG. 4 , removal facilitation means 630 is not configured to block entry of the aerosol delivery device into the chamber to define the insertion range of insertion portion 620 into the chamber. Instead, the overall length or width of consumable 600 is configured to define the insertion range of consumable 600 into the chamber. In this embodiment, removal facilitation means 630 occupies approximately one-third of the overall length of consumable 600. In other embodiments, removal facilitation means 630 may occupy less than or more than one-third of the overall length of consumable 600. Removal facilitation means 630 of consumable 600 is also symmetrical about longitudinal axis A. In other embodiments, removal facilitation means 630 may be asymmetrical about longitudinal axis A.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 7 , removal facilitation means 730 of consumable 700 is disposed on inner surface 741 of insert portion 720 opposite outer surface 740. This allows removal facilitation means 730 to reside in the chamber of the aerosol delivery device during use. Advantageously, the overall length of consumable 700 can be shorter than the overall length of a consumable having removal facilitation means that is also a blocking portion, such as shown by consumable 400 in FIG. 4 . Even though removal facilitation means 730 can enter the chamber of the aerosol delivery device during use, removal facilitation means 730 can still be grasped by a user due to open cavity 733 (or blind hole) through which the user's finger can be inserted and pressed against wall surface 731 of removal facilitation means 730. In some embodiments, surface 731 can include an adhesive or have an increased roughness or coefficient of friction compared to the roughness or coefficient of friction of outer surface 740 of insert portion 720.

[0099] Like removal facilitator 630 of consumable 600, removal facilitator 730, unlike removal facilitator 430 shown in Figure 4, is not configured to block entry of the aerosol delivery device into the chamber to define the insertion range of insertion portion 720 into the chamber. Instead, the overall length or width of consumable 700 is configured to define the insertion range of consumable 700 into the chamber.

[0100] Like other removal facilitators described herein, removal 730 is configured to enhance a user's grip on consumable 700 to aid in removal of insert portion 720 from an aerosol-generation zone of an aerosol delivery device, such as aerosol delivery device 150 shown in Figures 1b and 1b. In this embodiment, removal facilitator 730 is stationary relative to insert portion 720.

[0101] 10 shows a diagram of a method 1000 for removing a consumable from an aerosol delivery device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Method 1000 includes step 1001 of providing an aerosol delivery device and a consumable that is fully inserted into the aerosol delivery device such that an insertion portion of the consumable is within an aerosol-generation zone of the aerosol delivery device. Method 1000 includes step 1002 of grasping a removal facilitation feature of the consumable that extends away from or is disposed on a surface of the insertion portion to enhance gripping. Method 1000 includes step 1003 of utilizing the removal facilitation feature to remove the insertion portion from the aerosol-generation zone.

[0102] Consumables as described herein, where discussed, may be used in the practice of method 1000. Aerosol delivery devices as described herein, where discussed, may be used in the practice of method 1000.

[0103] Referring to Figure 11a, an aerosol delivery device 1150 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Aerosol delivery device 1150, together with consumable 1100, forms an aerosol delivery system 1100S according to one embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figure 11b. Similar features of aerosol delivery device 1150, consumable 1100, and aerosol delivery system 1100S have the same reference numbers as features in the preceding figures, but increased by multiples of 100. Common characteristics will not be discussed again. The following discussion of aerosol delivery device 1150, consumable 1100, and aerosol delivery system 1100S will be limited to the differences.

[0104] Aerosol delivery device 1150 includes a casing 1155 and a mouthpiece 1153. Casing 1155 includes a first part 1151 and a second part 1152. Mouthpiece 1153 is disposed at the oral end of aerosol delivery device 1150. Mouthpiece 1153 includes an opening 1153a through which aerosol can be drawn from mouthpiece 1153 by a user of aerosol delivery device 1150. A user can draw aerosol from mouthpiece 1153 when consumable 1100 is concealed by casing 1155.

[0105] The second part 1152 of the casing 1155 is movable relative to the first part 1151 and the mouthpiece 1153. A pair of coaxially arranged hinges 1181, 1182 ensure that the second part 1152 is held relative to the first part 1152 but is still movable relative to the first part 1151. The hinges 1181, 1182 are coaxial about the axis of rotation B. In this embodiment, the hinges 1181, 1182 are parallel to the longitudinal direction Y of the aerosol delivery device 1150. In other embodiments, the hinges 1181, 1182 may be perpendicular or oblique to the longitudinal direction Y of the aerosol delivery device 1150. In this embodiment, the hinges 1181, 1182 are offset from the center of the aerosol delivery device 1150 and are located on one side of the aerosol delivery device 1150. In other embodiments, the hinges 1181 , 1182 may be located at the center of the aerosol delivery device 1150 .

[0106] The first part 1151 of the casing 1155 is configured to conceal the first opening 1154a into the recess 1156a, as shown in Figure 11b. The recess 1156a is formed by the first part 1151. When the first part 1151 and the second part 1152 are closed, a chamber is formed. The chamber includes the recess 1156a.

[0107] The first part 1151 and the second part 1152 are configured to enclose one bottle of consumable product 1100 in a closed state (discussed below) of the aerosol delivery device 1150. Movement of the first part 1151 and the second part 1152 is therefore configured to open and close a first opening 1154a of the recess 1156a. The first part 1151 comprises a subchamber 1156b. The subchamber 1156b extends only a portion of the length of the chamber. A second opening 1154b provides access to the subchamber 1156b. An aerosol-generation zone 1160 is provided in the subchamber 1156b.

[0108] The aerosol-delivery device 1150 includes an aerosol-generating apparatus 1162. When the insert portion 1120 containing the aerosol-generating material 1110 of the consumable product 1100 is inserted into the subchamber 1156b through the second opening 1154b, the aerosol-generating apparatus 1162 can generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 1110. In this embodiment, the subchamber 1156b is a blind hole formed by the first part 1151.

[0109] Second part 1152 is movable between a first position (as shown in FIG. 11b) and a second position (as shown in FIG. 11a). In this embodiment, second part 1152 is manually movable by a user between the first and second positions. In other embodiments, movement of second part 1152 may be motorized and electronically controlled by a controller. In the first position, recess 1156a is visually exposed to the user. The first position may be considered an open position of second part 1151, in which aerosol delivery device 1150 is in an open state. The second position may be considered a closed position of second part 1152, in which aerosol delivery device 1150 is in a closed state. In the second position, engagement between the first part 1151 and the second part 1152 is caused to prevent the consumable 1100 from entering or exiting the chamber (recess 1156a and sub-chamber 1156b) due to the diameter of the chamber being smaller than the diameter of the removal facilitating means 1130 of the consumable 1100. That is, closure of the first part 1151 and the second part 1152 compresses the removal facilitating means 1130 of the consumable 1100, holding the consumable 1100 in place. In some embodiments, the diameter of the first opening 1154a may exceed the diameter of the removal facilitating means 1130 of the consumable 1100, and the consumable 1100 may be held in place by a retention means, which may include a friction fit between the insert portion 1120 and the sub-chamber 1156b. In the first position, the first part 1151 allows the consumable 1100 to enter and exit the chamber. Advantageously, the aerosol delivery system 1100S is compact when the aerosol delivery device 1150 is closed and the consumable 1100 is in the chamber.

[0110] In this embodiment, the removal facilitation means 1130 of the consumable product 1100 is configured to abut against the end wall 1156c of the subchamber 1156b. The end wall 1156c therefore defines a blocking portion. That is, the removal facilitation means 1130 of the consumable product 1100 has a function similar to that of the removal facilitation means 430 of the consumable product 400 shown in FIG. 4. This means that the removal facilitation means 1130 comprises a blocking portion that prevents the removal facilitation means 1130 from being inserted into the aerosol-generation zone 1160.

[0111] When the insert portion 1120 of the consumable 1100 is in the subchamber 1156b and the second part 1152 is in the second position (shown in FIG. 11a), an aerosol can be generated from the aerosol-generating material 1110 and drawn from the consumable 1100. Thus, a user can inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol-delivery device 1150 using the mouthpiece 1153 when the second part 1152 is in the second closed position. In the second position, the recess 1156a communicating with the subchamber 1156b is covered by the second part 1152, and therefore access to the subchamber 1156b is blocked by the second part 1152. That is, the second part 1152 is configured such that, in the second position, the second part 1152 covers the second opening 1154b to the subchamber 1156b, through which the insert portion 1120 of the consumable 1100 can be inserted. In this embodiment, a user cannot access mouthpiece 1153 when first part 1151 is in the second position. Aerosol delivery device 1150 may include a detector for detecting the second position of second part 1152. Second part 1152 may be of any shape suitable for covering recess 1156a when in the second position.

[0112] Subchamber 1156b is formed in first part 1151 of aerosol delivery device 1100. In this embodiment, subchamber 1156b is configured so that consumable 1100 can freely contact the walls of subchamber 1156b without abutting to secure consumable 1100 in place. This is because closing of first part 1151 and second part 1152 secures consumable 1100 in place. In this embodiment, only one hinge 1181 is biased toward the closed position to press first part 1151 and second part 1152 together and hold consumable 1100. In other embodiments, both hinges 1181, 1182 can be biased toward the closed position. In other embodiments, a latch (not shown) can be used to hold first part 1151 and second part 1152 together to secure consumable 1100.

[0113] In other embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 1150 may include a retaining member to hold the consumable 1100 in place within the chamber (recess 1156a and sub-chamber 1156b). The retaining member can help prevent unintentional movement of the consumable 1100 relative to the chamber. One example of a retaining member is a protrusion on the second part 1152 that can engage with a groove on the consumable 1100. Cooperation of the protrusion and groove can increase the force required to remove the consumable 1100 from the chamber. This can help prevent unintentional movement of the consumable 1100. In some embodiments, the retaining member can be provided on the consumable 1100 when the second part 1152 is provided with a groove. The retaining member can also take the form of a magnetic attachment or alternative mechanical fastening means, such as a screw thread and a threaded barrel.

[0114] Consumable item 1100 is fully insertable into aerosol delivery device 1150. That is, consumable item 1100 is hidden from a user by aerosol delivery device 1150 when consumable item 1100 is within aerosol delivery device 1150 and aerosol is generated from aerosol-generating material 1110 by aerosol delivery device 1150.

[0115] 12, there is shown an aerosol delivery system 1200S comprising an aerosol delivery device 1250 and a consumable 1200, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Similar features of aerosol delivery device 1250, consumable 1200, and aerosol delivery system 1200S have the same reference numbers as features in the preceding figures, but those reference numbers have been increased by multiples of 100. Common characteristics will not be discussed again. The following discussion of aerosol delivery device 1250, consumable 1200, and aerosol delivery system 1200S will be limited to the differences.

[0116] Consumable product 1200 includes removal facilitation means 1230 extending from an outer surface 1240 of consumable product 1200 at each longitudinal end (in length direction Y) of consumable product 1200. Each removal facilitation means 1230 is optional, as aerosol delivery device 1250 includes mechanism 1270 for moving consumable product 1200 through aerosol delivery device 1250. Removal facilitation means 1230 correspond to removal facilitation means 500, 800, 900 discussed in connection with Figures 5, 8, and 9, respectively.

[0117] All of consumables 200, 300, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 are compatible with aerosol delivery device 1250, and therefore any of them can be substituted for consumable 1200 in the following discussion.

[0118] The aerosol supply device 1250 includes an aerosol-generation zone 1260 and an aerosol generator 1262 for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 1210 when the aerosol-generating material 1210 is within the aerosol-generation zone 1260. The aerosol supply device 1250 includes a first opening 1254 at a first end 1258 of the aerosol supply device 1250. The first opening 1254 is an opening through which the consumable 1200 can enter a chamber 1256 of the aerosol-generation zone 1260 and thus pass through the aerosol-generation zone 1260. The aerosol supply device 1250 includes a second opening 1257 at a second end 1259 of the aerosol supply device 1250. The second opening 1257 is an opening through which the consumable 1200 can exit the aerosol-generation zone 1260.

[0119] Aerosol delivery device 1250 includes mechanism 1270 for moving consumable 1200 through chamber 1256 of aerosol delivery device 1250 when consumable 1200 is passed by a user through first opening 1254. Thus, at least a portion of consumable 1200 can be pushed out through second opening 1257 and removed from aerosol delivery device 1250 by a user.

[0120] In this embodiment, first opening 1254 and second opening 1257 are located at opposite ends of aerosol delivery device 1250 in length direction Y. In this embodiment, first end 1258 is the oral end of aerosol delivery device 1250.

[0121] In this embodiment, mechanism 1270 is configured to move consumable 1200 through aerosol delivery device 1250 in a unidirectional manner. In other embodiments, mechanism 1270 may be configured to move consumable 1200 through aerosol delivery device 1250 in a first direction and return consumable 1200 in a second direction. In some embodiments, the second direction is opposite to the first direction. In other embodiments, the second direction may be perpendicular to the first direction. In other embodiments, the second direction may be oblique to the first direction.

[0122] In this embodiment, mechanism 1270 includes four rollers 1271, 1272, 1273, and 1274 that can rotate to move consumable 1200 through aerosol delivery device 1250. The four rollers 1271, 1272, 1273, and 1274 are referred to as a set of rollers. In other embodiments, only one or more rollers may be provided to move consumable 1200 through aerosol delivery device 1250. In this embodiment, the four rollers 1271, 1272, 1273, and 1274 are configured to exert a gripping force on consumable 1200. This allows the position of consumable 1200 to be precisely controllable. In this embodiment, the four rollers 1271, 1272, 1273, and 1274 are cylindrical with a longitudinal axis of rotation 1275. In other embodiments, the or each roller may be spherical, e.g., a ball. In this embodiment, the longitudinal axis of rotation 1275 is in a depth direction Z, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the consumable 1200 when inserted and to the longitudinal axis C of the aerosol-generation zone 1260. In other embodiments, a belt may be used to convey the consumable 1200 through the aerosol delivery device 1250. Thus, a conveyor (e.g., rollers, balls, belt) may be used to move the consumable 1200 through the aerosol delivery device 1250.

[0123] In this embodiment, the set of rollers is configured to directly engage the outer surface 1240 of the consumable 1200. However, only two of the rollers, 1271, 1274, are configured to be biased toward the chamber through which the consumable 1200 passes. A first bias 1271a and a second bias 1274a are configured to press the first roller 1271 and the second roller 1274, respectively, in the width direction X. In other embodiments, only one roller may be biased toward the chamber through which the consumable 1200 passes. In other embodiments, all of the rollers may be biased toward the chamber through which the consumable 1200 passes.

[0124] One pair of rollers 1271, 1273 is spaced apart from the other pair of rollers 1272, 1274 in the width direction X. The rotation axes 1275 of each of the four rollers 1271, 1272, 1273, 1274 are spaced apart in the radial direction (width direction X) from the longitudinal axis C of the aerosol-generation zone 1260. However, two of the four rollers 1271, 1274 are biased towards the longitudinal axis C of the aerosol-generation zone 1260 such that the rotation axes 1275 of each of the two rollers 1271, 1274 are movable towards and away from the longitudinal axis C.

[0125] In this embodiment, the first group of rollers 1271, 1272 and the second group of rollers 1273, 1274 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction Y. Two rollers 1271, 1272 in the first group of rollers are positioned closer to the first opening 1254 of the aerosol delivery device 1250 than the other two rollers 1273, 1274 in the second group of rollers.

[0126] In this embodiment, aerosol delivery device 1250 includes a controller 1264 and a motor 1266. Controller 1264 is configured to output a signal. Based on motor 1266 receiving the signal, motor 1266 drives mechanism 1270 to move consumable 1200 between first opening 1254 and second opening 1257. In this embodiment, mechanism 1270 is configured to move consumable 1200 between first opening 1254 and second opening 1257 in a continuous manner. In other embodiments, the movement can be in discrete steps.

[0127] In this embodiment, controller 1264 is configured to automatically push consumable 1200 once at least a portion of aerosol-generating material 1210 of consumable 1200 has passed through aerosol-generation zone 1260. In some embodiments, a detector may be provided to provide feedback on the position of consumable 1200 within chamber 1256. In this embodiment, a detector is not used. Thus, controller 1264 controls mechanism 1270 to move consumable 1200 through aerosol-generation zone 1260. Thus, controller 1264 ensures that consumable 1200 is carefully drawn through aerosol delivery device 1250 to manage the position of consumable 1200 relative to aerosol-generation zone 1260. Advantageously, this allows aerosol-generation zone 1260 to be smaller and / or require less power. Furthermore, aerosol generation is better controlled.

[0128] In this embodiment, aerosol delivery device 1200 also includes knob 1277 that can be rotated about the housing of aerosol delivery device 1200 to manually move consumable 1200 through aerosol-generation zone 1260. Knob 1277 thus provides a manually operable mechanism 1270 that can be used, for example, when power is exhausted. In some embodiments, knob 1277 is omitted from aerosol delivery device 1200. In some embodiments, motor 1266 is omitted from aerosol delivery device 1200.

[0129] Referring to Figure 13a, an aerosol delivery system 1300S is shown that includes an aerosol delivery device 1350 and a consumable 1300, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13b shows the aerosol delivery device 1350 without the consumable 1300. Similar features of the aerosol delivery system 1300S, the aerosol delivery device 1350, and the consumable 1300 have the same reference numbers as the features in Figure 12, but the reference numbers have been increased by 100. Common features will not be discussed again; the following discussion is limited to the differences.

[0130] Aerosol delivery system 1300S includes a mechanism 1370 for moving consumable 1300 through chamber 1356 of aerosol delivery device 1350 when a user of aerosol delivery device 1350 passes consumable 1300 through first opening 1354. This results in extrusion of at least a portion of consumable 1300 through second opening 1357 of aerosol delivery device 1350. Once the portion is extruded through second opening 1357, a user can remove consumable 1300 from aerosol delivery device 1350.

[0131] The aerosol delivery device 1350 includes a sliding element 1377 configured to engage the outer surface 1340 of the consumable 1300 to move the consumable 1300 through the aerosol delivery device 1350. The mechanism 1370 is configured to move the consumable 1300 in a unidirectional manner. The movement of the consumable 1300 is along the longitudinal direction Y of the aerosol delivery device 1350.

[0132] Mechanism 1370 further comprises handle 1377. Handle 1377 is for user engagement to actuate mechanism 1370. That is, mechanism 1370 is manually operable. Handle 1377 is slidable relative to first opening 1354 along slot 1378 of aerosol delivery device 1350. In other embodiments, handle 1377 may be rotatable relative to first opening 1354. Mechanism 1370 is configured to move consumable 1300 at discrete intervals. That is, mechanism 1370 can be positioned between a number of predetermined positions to move consumable 1300 between the number of predetermined positions.

[0133] 14 shows a diagram of a method 1400 of operating an aerosol delivery system 1200S according to one embodiment of the present invention. Method 1400 includes step 1410 of inserting consumable 1200 through first opening 1254. Method 1400 includes step 1420 of moving consumable 1200 through aerosol delivery device 1250 toward second opening 1257 via a mechanism of aerosol delivery device 1250 for ejection of consumable 1200 through second opening 1257 and removal from aerosol delivery device 1250 by a user. In this embodiment, moving step 1420 includes step 1421 of conveying consumable 1200 by rotation of a plurality of rollers 1271, 1272, 1273, 1274. The method 1400 includes a step 1430 of extruding the consumable 1200 once at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material 1210 of the consumable 1200 has passed through the aerosol-generation zone 1260 .

[0134] In some embodiments, the moving step 1420 and / or the pushing step 1430 may be performed electronically or electromechanically by a controller.

[0135] Embodiments of the present invention include consumables 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1100, 1200, 1300, aerosol delivery systems 100S, 1100S, 1200S, 1300S including an aerosol delivery device 150, 1150, 1250, 1350 and the consumables 100, 1100, 1200, 1300 including an aerosol-generating material, a method 1000 of removing a consumable from the aerosol delivery device, and a method 1400 of operating the aerosol delivery system. Consumables 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1100, 1200, 1300 are for use in generating aerosols with aerosol delivery devices 150, 1150, 1250, 1350. Advantageously, the consumables and aerosol delivery devices described herein allow for improved removal of the consumables from the aerosol delivery device.

[0136] For the avoidance of doubt, where the term "comprises" is used herein in defining the invention or features of the invention, embodiments are also disclosed in which the invention or features may be defined using the terms "consists essentially of" or "consists of" instead of "comprises." Reference to a material "comprising" certain features means that those features are included in, contained within, or retained within the material.

[0137] The above-described embodiments should be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. It should be understood that any feature described in connection with any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or in any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is defined in the appended claims.

[0138] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided merely as representative examples of embodiments and are not intended to be comprehensive and / or exclusive. It is to be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims or equivalents thereof, and 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. Furthermore, the present disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but that may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. 1. A consumable configured to be fully inserted into an aerosol delivery device, comprising: an aerosol-generating material for use in generating an aerosol with an aerosol delivery device; an insertion portion configured for insertion into an aerosol-generation zone of the aerosol delivery device; removal facilitation means extending away from or disposed on a surface of the insert portion and configured to enhance a user's grip on the consumable to assist in removal of the insert portion from the aerosol-generation zone; Consumables.

2. The consumable of claim 1 , wherein the consumable is elongated and has a longitudinal axis.

3. 3. The consumable product of claim 2, wherein said removal facilitating means is symmetrical about said longitudinal axis.

4. 3. The consumable product of claim 2, wherein the removal facilitating means is asymmetric about the longitudinal axis.

5. The consumable product according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the removal facilitating means is configured to extend in a longitudinal direction of the consumable product, the longitudinal direction being parallel to the direction of the longitudinal axis.

6. 6. A consumable product according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the removal facilitating means is configured to extend in a radial direction of the consumable product, the radial direction being perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal axis.

7. A consumable product according to any preceding claim, wherein the removal facilitating means is movable relative to the insertion portion.

8. A consumable product according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the removal facilitating means is movable between a longitudinal position aligned in the longitudinal direction of the consumable product and a radial position aligned in the radial direction of the consumable product.

9. A consumable product according to any preceding claim, wherein the insertion portion comprises an exterior surface having a relatively low coefficient of friction and the removal facilitating means comprises an exterior surface with a relatively high coefficient of friction.

10. 10. The consumable product of claim 9, wherein the relatively high coefficient of friction of the exterior surface is consistent along the removal facilitating means.

11. A consumable product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the removal facilitating means is freely movable relative to the insertion portion.

12. The consumable product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the structure of the removal facilitating means is self-supporting.

13. The consumable product according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least the insert portion is flat.

14. The consumable of claim 13 , wherein at least the insert portion is planar.

15. The consumable product according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein at least the insert portion is a disk.

16. A consumable product according to any preceding claim, comprising a blocking portion configured to prevent the removal facilitating means from being inserted into the aerosol-generation zone.

17. The consumable of claim 16 , wherein the blocking portion is provided by a maximum dimension of the consumable.

18. 18. The consumable of claim 17, wherein the maximum dimension is the length of the consumable.

19. 18. The consumable of claim 17, wherein the largest dimension is the width of the consumable.

20. A consumable product according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a blocking portion configured to prevent the removal promotion means from being inserted into the aerosol generation zone, the blocking portion being provided by a maximum dimension of the consumable product, the maximum dimension being a diameter of the consumable product.

21. 21. A consumable product according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the maximum dimension is provided by a step change in the width of the consumable product.

22. A consumable product according to any preceding claim, wherein the removal facilitating means is or comprises an open cavity.

23. A consumable product according to any preceding claim, wherein the removal facilitating means comprises an adhesive area.

24. A consumable product according to any preceding claim, wherein the removal facilitating means occupies a substantially flat portion of the consumable product.

25. an aerosol-generating thorn for receiving an insert portion of a consumable containing an aerosol-generating material; an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material when the inserted portion of the consumable is within the aerosol-generation zone; a casing containing the aerosol generation device and the aerosol-generation zone, the casing comprising a first part and a second part movable relative to one another between an open state and a closed state; The aerosol supply device is configured such that when a consumable is fully inserted into the casing of the aerosol supply device and the inserted portion of the consumable is within the aerosol generation zone, the removal promotion means of the consumable remains outside the aerosol generation zone, such that the removal promotion means is exposed to a user for grasping when the aerosol supply device is in the open state and is hidden from the user when the aerosol supply device is in the closed state.

26. 26. The aerosol delivery device of claim 25, comprising a chamber formed by the first part and the second part to enclose the consumable product in the closed state.

27. 27. The aerosol delivery device of claim 26, wherein the chamber comprises a subchamber extending over only a portion of the length of the chamber and a recess, the subchamber comprising the aerosol generation zone, and the recess being exposed when the aerosol delivery device is disposed in the open state.

28. 28. The aerosol delivery device of claim 27, wherein an end of the subchamber is defined by a blocking portion.

29. 29. The aerosol delivery device of claim 27 or 28, wherein the subchamber is a blind hole.

30. An aerosol delivery system comprising the consumable product of any one of claims 1 to 24 and the aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 25 to 29.

31. 1. A method of removing a consumable from an aerosol delivery device, comprising: providing the aerosol delivery device and the consumable item fully inserted into the aerosol delivery device such that an inserted portion of the consumable item is within an aerosol-generation zone of the aerosol delivery device; grasping the consumable removal facilitation means, the facilitation means extending away from or disposed on the surface of the insert portion to enhance grasping; and removing the insert portion from the aerosol-generation zone utilizing the removal facilitating means.

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