Aerosol Delivery Device

JP2025500367AInactive Publication Date: 2025-01-09NICOVENTURES TRADING LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024537461
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-12-23
Filing Date
2022-12-19
Publication Date
2025-01-09
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

An aerosol-delivery device is described having a body, a heating assembly defining a heating chamber configured to receive at least a portion of an article with an aerosol-generating material, and an air passageway extending between the heating chamber and an air inlet, and a check valve positioned to selectively close the air passageway from the air inlet to the heating chamber.
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol delivery device having a check valve, and also to an outer cover of an aerosol delivery device having a check valve.

[0002] background

[0003] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes, cigars, etc., burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles that burn tobacco by producing products that release compounds without burning. An example of such a product is a heating device that releases compounds by heating a material, but without burning it. The material can be, for example, tobacco, or other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine.

[0004] overview

[0005] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery device comprising: a body, a heating assembly defining a heating chamber arranged to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, an air passage extending between the heating chamber and an air inlet, and a check valve arranged to selectively close the air passage from the air inlet to the heating chamber.

[0006] The check valve is operable to open in response to air flow along the air passage.

[0007] The check valve may be puff actuated.

[0008] The check valve may be a manual check valve.

[0009] The check valve may be proximal to the air inlet.

[0010] The body may include an opening and the check valve may be proximal to the opening.

[0011] A check valve may be present in the opening.

[0012] The check valve may be fluid impermeable in the closed state.

[0013] The aerosol delivery device can include an outer cover. The outer cover can cover the opening.

[0014] The check valve may be on the outer cover.

[0015] The outer cover may be fluid permeable. The outer cover may include at least one ventilation hole.

[0016] The outer cover may be separable from the main body.

[0017] The check valve may be positioned such that in an open condition it acts as a flow restrictor in the air passageway.

[0018] The heating assembly may include a heating element positioned to heat the heating chamber.

[0019] The body may comprise a tubular member defining at least a portion of the air passage.The body may comprise a housing.

[0020] The heating element may be a primary heating element. The tubular member may be a secondary heating element. The secondary heating element heats air in the air passage.

[0021] The secondary heating element may be arranged to be heated by the primary heating element.

[0022] The tubular member may extend between the heating chamber and the opening.

[0023] The tubular member may extend to a heating chamber.

[0024] The tubular member may extend to the opening.

[0025] The valve may be a duckbill valve.

[0026] The aerosol delivery device can include an actuator arranged to actuate the valve.

[0027] The aerosol delivery device can include a puff detector.

[0028] The aerosol delivery device can include a pressure sensor positioned to detect a change in pressure within the air passageway.

[0029] The valve may comprise a flexible material.

[0030] The valve may comprise a silica material.

[0031] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising: an aerosol delivery device as described above; and an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, the article being dimensioned to be at least partially received within a heating chamber.

[0032] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an outer cover for an aerosol delivery device, comprising: a check valve selectively closing an air passage from the air inlet to a heating chamber.

[0033] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising: an aerosol delivery device comprising the outer cover as described above.

[0034] The system can include an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, the article dimensioned to be at least partially received within the aerosol delivery device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of an aerosol delivery device. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective side view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generator of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a schematic side view of the distal end of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the distal end of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1 with a check valve on the outer cover and the outer cover in a disengaged position.

[0036] Detailed Description

[0037] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" refers to a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or energized in any other manner. Aerosol-generating materials can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel that may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. Aerosol-generating materials can include any plant-based material, such as tobacco-containing materials, and can include, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating materials can also include other products besides tobacco, and some products may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosol-generating materials can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, gel, wax, etc. Aerosol-generating materials can be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. Aerosol-generating materials are also known as "smokable materials."

[0038] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an active agent and / or a filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, may also be present, in which one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0039] The aerosol-generating material may include or be an "amorphous solid." The amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid." In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold a fluid, such as a liquid, therein. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include, for example, about 50%, 60%, or 70% amorphous solid, to about 90%, 95%, or 100% amorphous solid by weight.

[0040] The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, optionally chopped to form a chopped sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or chopped sheet may be substantially free of tobacco.

[0041] According to the present disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol delivery system is one in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials of the aerosol delivery system (or its component parts) are not combusted or combusted to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0042] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

[0043] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an e-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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which 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.

[0046] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol delivery system can include a non-flammable aerosol delivery device and a consumable for use with the non-flammable aerosol delivery device.

[0047] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include an aerosol-generating material and are configured for use with a non-flammable aerosol delivery device. These consumables may also be referred to as articles throughout this disclosure.

[0048] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system, such as the non-combustible aerosol delivery device, can include a power source and a control device. The power source can be, for example, a 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 proximate to the heat generating power source.

[0049] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system can 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.

[0050] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-flammable aerosol delivery device may comprise an aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transport component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a packaging material, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0051] The aerosol generating device can accept an article with an aerosol-generating material for heating. An "article" in this context is a component that includes or contains an aerosol-generating material when in use, which is heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material, and optionally includes other components when in use. A user can insert the article into the aerosol generating device before the article is heated to generate an aerosol, and the user then inhales the aerosol. The article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size configured to be set within a heating chamber of a device sized to receive the article.

[0052] 1 shows an aerosol-delivery device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. Broadly speaking, device 100 can be used to heat a replaceable article 110 comprising an aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that is inhaled by a user of device 100.

[0053] The device 100 comprises a body 102. A housing facility 120 surrounds and houses the various components of the body 102. An article aperture 104 is formed at one end of the body 102, through which an article 110 can be inserted for heating by an aerosol generator 200 (see FIG. 3). In use, the article 110 can be fully or partially inserted into the aerosol generator 200 and heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator 200. The article 110 and the device 100 together form an aerosol delivery system 101.

[0054] Device 100 may also include a user-operable control element 150, such as a button or switch, that when pressed causes operation of device 100. For example, a user may turn device 100 on by operating switch 150.

[0055] The aerosol generator 200 defines a longitudinal axis (A).

[0056] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of device 100. Figure 3 shows a schematic view of device 100. Device 100 comprises a first body assembly 130 and a second body assembly 140. First body assembly 130 comprises an aerosol generator 200.

[0057] The first body assembly 130 includes a first housing 131. The second body assembly 140 includes a second housing 141. The first and second body assemblies 130, 140 are fixedly attached. The first and second body assemblies 130, 140 form the body 102.

[0058] The body 102 comprises the end face of the device 100. The end of the device 100 closest to the article aperture 104 is known as the proximal (or oral) end 106 of the device 100, as it is closest to the user's mouth during use. During use, a user inserts an article 110 into the aperture 104, activates the aerosol generator 200 to begin heating the aerosol-generating material, and inhales the aerosol that is generated within the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device 100 along a flow path toward the proximal end of the device 100.

[0059] The other end of the device furthest from the aperture 104 is known as the distal end 108 of the device 100, as it is the end furthest from a user's mouth in use. When a user inhales the aerosol generated in the device, the aerosol flows in a direction towards the proximal end of the device 100. The terms proximal and distal as applied to features of the device 100 are described with reference to the relative positions of such features with respect to one another in the proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0060] As used herein, a one-piece component refers to a component of a device that is not separable into two or more components after assembly of the device. "Integrally formed" refers to two or more features that are formed into a one-piece component during the manufacturing stage of the component.

[0061] An air flow path 180 extends through the body 102 as shown in FIG. 3. The air flow path is also referred to as an air passage. The air flow path 180 extends to an opening 190. The opening 190 acts as an air inlet. An outer cover 300 covers the opening 190. The outer cover 300 in an embodiment is vented to allow air flow into the air flow path 180. The outer cover is an end door of the device. The outer cover may be a cleanout door to aid in cleaning. The cleanout door in an embodiment is removable from the device.

[0062] 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator 200. In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 200 comprises an inductive heating system including a magnetic field generator 210. The magnetic field generator 210 comprises an inductor coil assembly 211. The aerosol generator 200 comprises a heating element 220. The heating element is also known as a susceptor.

[0063] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by permeating a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically conductive material, such that permeating the susceptor with a varying magnetic field results in inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, such that permeation thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically conductive and magnetic, such that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0064] The aerosol generator 200 is an induction heating assembly that includes various components for heating the aerosol-generating material of the article 110 by an induction heating process. Induction heating is the process of heating an electrically conductive object (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction.

[0065] The inductor coil assembly 211 includes a first inductor coil 212 and a second inductor coil 213. In an embodiment, the number of inductor coils 212, 213 is different. In an embodiment, a single inductor coil is used. The inductor coil assembly 211 also includes a coil support 214. The coil support 214 is tubular. The coil support 214 includes a guide 215 for the coils 212, 213. The guide 215 includes a channel on the outside of the coil support 214.

[0066] Heating element 220 is part of a heating assembly 221. Heating element 220 in this example is hollow and thus defines at least a portion of a receptacle 222 in which aerosol-generating material is received. For example, item 110 can be inserted into heating element 220. Heating element 220 is tubular with a circular cross-section. Heating element 220 has a generally constant diameter along its axial length.

[0067] The heating element 220 is formed from an electrically conductive material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. The susceptor in this embodiment is formed from carbon steel. It will be appreciated that other suitable materials may be used, for example ferromagnetic materials such as iron, nickel or cobalt.

[0068] In other embodiments, the features acting as the heating element 220 are not limited to being inductively heated. Thus, the features acting as the heating element can be heated by electrical resistance. Thus, the aerosol generator 200 can include electrical contacts for electrical connection with a device for electrically activating the heating element by passing a flow of electrical energy through the heating element.

[0069] The receptacle 222 and the article 110 are sized so that the article 110 can be received by the heating element 220 such that heating is most efficient. The article in this example comprises an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material is positioned within the receptacle 222. The article 110 may also comprise other components such as a filter, packaging material, and / or cooling structure.

[0070] The first end support 230 supports the heating element 220. The first end support 230 supports the heating element 220 at a first distal end. The second end support 231 supports the heating element 220. The second end support 231 supports the heating element 220 at a second proximal end. The first and second end supports 230, 231 act as receptacle supports.

[0071] An air flow path 180 extends from the heating element 220. The air flow path 180 is at a first distal end. The air flow path 180 protrudes from the heating element 220. The air flow path 180 extends from the heating element 220 and is defined by a flow path member 182. The heating element 220 and the flow path member 182 form part of an air flow path arrangement 181.

[0072] The flow path member 182 extends between the heating element 220 and the opening 190. The flow path member 182 is tubular. The flow path member 182 defines a bore. The flow path member extends axially along its length.

[0073] The flow path member 182 and the heating element 220 intersect at a junction 183. The flow path member 182 overlaps the heating element 220. The flow path member 182 comprises a first section 184 having a first diameter and a second section 185 having a second diameter. The diameter of the first section 184 is larger than the diameter of the second section 185. A middle section 186 extends between the first section 184 and the second section 185. The middle section 186 forms a shoulder. The shoulder acts as a stop to limit insertion of the article 110.

[0074] The flow path member 182 overlaps the heating element 220 by between about 1 mm and about 3 mm. In this particular embodiment, the overlap is 2 mm. In an embodiment, there is no overlap. The joint 183 assists in forming a thermal conduction path.

[0075] The fluid seal at joint 183, in embodiments, is formed by a mechanically fabricated joint, e.g., welding. The fluid seal at joint 183 is formed by a laser welding process, although it will be appreciated that other methods, such as brazing and adhesives, may be used. The flow path member 182 is formed from a thermally conductive material. In some embodiments, the flow path member 182 is formed from carbon steel. In embodiments, the flow path member 182 is formed from the same material as the heating element 220. By such a process, the heating element 220 and the flow path member 182 are fabricated as an integral component.

[0076] The flow path member 182 includes a housing 187. In an embodiment, the heating element 220 may be a primary heating element. The flow path member 182 may be a secondary heating element. The secondary heating element may heat the air in the air flow path 180. The flow path member 182 in an embodiment is heated by the primary heating element. The abutment between the heating element 220 and the flow path member 182 provides heat transfer by conduction. In this manner, passive heating of the flow path member 182 may be assisted. Such provision may help reduce condensation formation. The flow path member 182 may extend between the heating chamber and the opening. The flow path member may extend to the heating chamber. The flow path member may extend to the opening 190. The second end support 231 defines an insertion chamber 234. The insertion chamber 234 is configured to receive the article 110 therethrough.

[0077] The heating element 220 extends between a first end support 230 and a second end support 231. The barrier member 233 extends between the first end support 231 and the second end support 232.

[0078] FIG. 4 shows a schematic side view of the distal end 108 of the aerosol delivery device 100. The first housing 131 of the first body assembly 130 surrounds the flow path member 182. The flow path member 182 is a tubular member. A distal end member 240 is provided near the distal end 108 of the flow path member 182. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end member 240 is integral with the flow path member 182. The distal end member 240 defines an opening 190 at the distal end 108 of the first body assembly 130. The opening 190 is an inlet of the device 100. The distal end member 240 forms a fluid seal 242 with the inner surface 132 of the first housing 131. The distal end member 240 is provided at a depth D within the first body assembly 130 to define a cavity 250 at the distal end 108 of the first body assembly 130. In embodiments, the distal end member 240 is not integral with the flow path member 182. In embodiments, the opening 190 in the distal end member 240 may place the flow path arrangement 181 in fluid communication with an environment external to the first body assembly 130.

[0079] The check valve 260 is provided in the flow path arrangement 181. The check valve 260 acts as a restrictor in the air flow path 180. The check valve 260 is operable by the user inhaling the device 100. When the user inhales the device 100, it can be known as the user taking a puff. When the user breathes into the device 100, the pressure in the flow path member 182 drops relative to the air pressure of the environment as a result of air being drawn from the proximal end 106 of the device 100. The relative pressure change means that the check valve 260 is subjected to a force. The check valve 260 transitions from a closed state to an open state. Air can then enter the device 100 from the distal end 108. When the user finishes inhaling the device 100, the check valve 260 returns to a closed state. The check valve can open in response to the flow of air along the air flow path 180. The check valve 260 operates automatically when the user breathes into the device 100 .

[0080] The check valve 260 is puff-activated. The check valve 260 opens in response to a user puffing the device 100. The check valve 260 is also known as a one-way valve. The check valve 260 allows fluid flow when the fluid flows in a direction toward the proximal end 106 of the device 100, but restricts fluid flow in a direction toward the distal end 108 of the device 100. The fluids include gases, such as air, and liquids, such as condensate. The check valve 260 allows fluid to flow into the device 100, but prevents fluid from flowing out of the device 100. The check valve 260 allows air to flow into the device 100, but prevents air and condensate from flowing out of the device 100. The check valve 260 provides a one-way air inlet.

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, the check valve is provided at the distal end of the flow path member. The check valve 260 includes a base portion 262 and a lip portion 264. The base portion 262 is connected to the inner surface 188 of the flow path member 182. The base portion 262 is rigid. The base portion 262 is annular and extends around the inner surface 188 of the flow path member 182. The base portion 262 is a ring. The lip portion 264 defines a seal 266. The seal 266 is selectively openable. The lip portion 264 is operable between an open state (not shown) and a closed state (FIG. 4). The check valve 260 is biased to a closed state. The lip portion 264 of the check valve flexes in response to a force applied when a user breathes on the device 100. The seal 266 is released when the lip portion 264 is in an open state and is fluid impermeable when the lip portion 264 is in a closed state. The lip portion 264 is a flexible portion. The lip portion 264 flexes to transition between the open and closed states. The lip portion 264 extends generally axially from the base portion 262 at an angle relative to the axis (A).

[0082] The seal 266 rests at the apex of the cone when in the closed configuration. The seal 266 is substantially aligned with the axis (A) when in the closed state. The check valve 260 is a duckbill valve.

[0083] The valve comprises a flexible material. The valve comprises a silica material. It should be understood that any selectively openable valve may be used in embodiments. Any suitable material for the valve may be used, for example, an elastomeric material.

[0084] The check valve 260 is configured to move from a closed state to an open state. In an embodiment, the check valve is configured to act as a flow restrictor in the open state. In this embodiment, the degree to which the flexible portion bends may vary. The amount of air that can enter the device may vary. The speed at which the air that enters the device travels may vary. The degree to which the valve opens may vary depending on the force applied by the user when taking a puff on the device. The degree to which the check valve opens may be manually adjusted.

[0085] In an embodiment, the check valve may be a manual valve. A user may open the valve via a user operable element, such as a button or switch. In an embodiment, the check valve may be an automatically actuated valve. In this embodiment, the sensor assembly may detect when a user takes a puff on the device. The sensor assembly may include a puff detector. The sensor assembly may include a pressure sensor arranged to detect a change in pressure in the air flow path 180. The aerosol delivery device may include an actuator arranged to actuate the valve.

[0086] The airflow to the first body assembly may be adjusted by the user. The user can set the airflow restriction to a preferred amount using the check valve before inhaling the device. In embodiments, the user can dynamically adjust the airflow restriction by changing the way the user inhales the device. The user can adjust the experience by adjusting the air that is mixed with the aerosol generated by the device.

[0087] In an embodiment, the check valve 260 may be separable from the flow path member 182. The check valve 260 may be removable from the first body assembly 130. The check valve 260 may be a first check valve of a plurality of replaceable check valves including at least a first check valve and a second check valve. The first check valve may be configured to restrict air flow into the first body assembly 130. The second check valve may be substantially similar to the first check valve described above, but the second check valve may additionally be configured to provide a different restriction to the air flow entering the apparatus 100. The second check valve may provide a different restriction to the air flow into the first body assembly 130. A user may replace the plurality of check valves to select a restriction to the air flow entering the device 100. A user may adjust the amount of air flowing through the air flow path 180. A user can adjust the taste delivered by device 100 by increasing or decreasing the amount of air mixed with the aerosol generated by device 100. The different restrictions of the first and second check valves can be achieved by any suitable means. For example, the maximum flexure of lip portion 264 can be varied. In another embodiment, the force required to flex lip portion 264 can be varied.

[0088] 5 shows a schematic side view of the distal end 108 of the device 100. An outer cover 300 is shown. The outer cover 300 can be inserted into the cavity 250 of the distal end 108 of the first body assembly 130. The outer cover 300 is separable from the first body assembly 130. The outer cover 300 is fluid permeable. The outer cover 300 has an air flow passage 302. The air flow passage 302 of the outer cover extends from a first side 304 to a second side (305) of the outer cover 300. A slot 306 in the first side 304 defines an end of the air flow passage 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer cover 300 has a second air flow passage 307 and the air flow passage 302 is the first air flow passage. The outer cover 300 has a second slot 308 in the first side 304 that defines an end of a second air flow passage 307. It is understood that the number of air flow passages through the outer cover 300 may vary depending on the embodiment, for example, there may be only one air flow passage. In an embodiment, a check valve 260 may be provided on the outer cover 300. The check valve 260 is separable from the first body assembly 130 along with the outer cover 300.

[0089] In embodiments, the flow path member 182 is a secondary heating element that heats the air in the air flow path 180. A check valve 260 located proximal to the distal end 108 of the flow path member 182 prevents the warm air from exiting the distal end 108 of the air flow path 180. The check valve 260 retains the warm air within the air flow path 180. This helps to minimize the formation of condensation within the air flow path 180. This improves the performance of the device 100 and the user's experience by minimizing the need for cleaning and maintenance of the device. In embodiments, the flow path member 182 may be actively heated. Actively warming the flow path member 182 along with the check valve 260 helps to further minimize condensation.

[0090] 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 exhaustive and / or exclusive.

[0091] The advantages, embodiments, examples, 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 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 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. Moreover, this disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: The main body, a heating assembly defining a heating chamber configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material; an air passage extending between the heating chamber and an air inlet; a check valve configured to selectively close an air passage from the air inlet to the heating chamber; An aerosol delivery device comprising:

2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the check valve is openable in response to air flow along the air passage.

3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the check valve is a manual check valve.

4. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the check valve is proximal to the air inlet.

5. The aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the check valve is fluid impermeable in a closed state.

6. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the body includes an opening and the check valve is proximal to the opening.

7. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the check valve is located at the opening.

8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 6 or 7, further comprising an outer cover, the outer cover covering the opening.

9. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8 , wherein the check valve is on the outer cover.

10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8 or 9, wherein the outer cover is separable from the main body.

11. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the check valve is configured to act as a flow restrictor in the air passage when open.

12. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the heating assembly comprises a heating element arranged to heat the heating chamber.

13. The aerosol delivery device of claim 12 , wherein the body comprises a tubular member that defines at least a portion of the air passageway.

14. 14. The aerosol delivery device of claim 13, wherein the heating element is a primary heating element and the tubular member is a secondary heating element for heating air in the air passage.

15. The aerosol delivery device of claim 14 , wherein the second heating element is configured to be heated by the first heating element.

16. The aerosol delivery device of claim 15 , wherein the tubular member extends between the heating chamber and the opening.

17. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the check valve is a duckbill valve.

18. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , comprising an actuator configured to actuate the check valve.

19. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 18; an article including an aerosol-generating material configured to be at least partially received within the aerosol delivery device; An aerosol delivery system comprising:

20. 1. An outer cover for an aerosol delivery device, comprising: An outer cover including a check valve positioned to selectively close an air passage from the air inlet to the heating chamber.

Citation Information

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