Mouse components for aerosol delivery devices

Abstract

A mouth component (118) for an aerosol-delivery device (100) that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the mouth component (118) including a support (124) defining a mouth (119) arranged to receive at least a portion of an article (110) having an aerosol-generating material, and a retaining element (130) on the support (124), the retaining element (130) arranged to act on at least a portion of the article (110) received through the mouth (119), the retaining element (130) including a sealing portion (134) arranged to seal the support (124) with another component of the aerosol-delivery device (100).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mouth component for an aerosol delivery device.The present invention also relates to an aerosol delivery device and an aerosol delivery system comprising the aerosol delivery device, an article comprising an aerosol-generating material.

[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, a mouth component for an aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material comprises a support defining a mouth arranged to receive at least a portion of an article comprising the aerosol-generating material, and a retaining element on the support, the retaining element arranged to act on at least a portion of the article received through the mouth, the retaining element comprising a sealing portion arranged to seal the support with other components of the aerosol delivery device.

[0006] The support and the retaining element may be integrally formed.

[0007] For example, the retaining element may be overmolded with the support, which may be any suitable component of the aerosol generating device, such as an expansion chamber wall.

[0008] The retaining element may at least one of protrude into the mouse and overlap the mouse.

[0009] The retention element may include a retention provision arranged to at least one of deform and expand upon engagement with at least a portion of an article received through the opening.

[0010] The retention facility and the sealing portion may be an integral component.

[0011] The retaining arrangement may comprise at least one rib.

[0012] The at least one rib may be a circumferentially extending rib.The at least one rib may be an axially extending rib.

[0013] At least one rib may be tapered in a longitudinal direction.At least one rib may be tapered in a circumferential direction.

[0014] At least one rib may be tapered longitudinally to a point between two ends of the rib.

[0015] At least one rib may be circumferentially tapered to a point between two edges of the rib.

[0016] The retention arrangement may comprise a diaphragm.

[0017] The diaphragm may extend at least partially across the mouse.

[0018] The diaphragm may be segmented.

[0019] The segmented diaphragm may include a plurality of segments, each of which may extend from an edge toward a center of the hole.

[0020] The segments can be combined to cover the mouse.

[0021] The segments can be separated from one another such that a gap is formed between them that extends from the edge of the mouse to the center of the mouse.

[0022] The segments may cover at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the mouse in a relaxed state, i.e., when no object is inserted within the device.

[0023] The retaining element may be elastic.

[0024] The retaining element may be flexible.

[0025] The sealing portion may comprise at least one seal, the at least one seal protruding from the retaining element, such that the seal of the sealing portion may act on another component of the aerosol generating device to provide a seal between the other component and the support.

[0026] The seal may project radially from an exterior side of the support.

[0027] The mouth may define a longitudinal axis along which at least a portion of the article is received in use. A seal of at least one of the retaining elements may protrude from the support in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0028] The seal of the seal may extend into the annular channel on the outside of the support.

[0029] The sealing portion can comprise a plurality of seals, for example, the sealing portion can comprise a seal protruding radially from the exterior of the support and a seal protruding from the support in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0030] The retaining element may also extend from the inside of the support to act on a portion of the article in use.

[0031] The seal may protrude around the periphery of the support.

[0032] The sealing portion may comprise a radial seal, such as an O-ring.

[0033] The sealing portion may comprise an annular seal.

[0034] The sealing portion may include an O-ring extending longitudinally from the retaining portion and / or an O-ring extending radially from the retaining portion.

[0035] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of forming any of the above described mouse components, comprising overmolding a retaining element onto a support.

[0036] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol-delivery device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material comprising a mouth component.

[0037] The device can include a receptacle defining a heating zone. The receptacle can have a proximal end at which at least a portion of the article including the aerosol-generating material can be inserted into the heating zone, and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The support can be at the proximal end.

[0038] The support may be configured to support the receptacle at the proximal end.

[0039] The receptacle may include a heating element.

[0040] The heating element may be formed from a material that is heatable by penetration of a changing magnetic field.

[0041] The holding element may not include a material that is heatable by penetration of a changing magnetic field.

[0042] The support need not include a material that can be heated by impregnation with a changing magnetic field.

[0043] The retention element can define a longitudinal axis along which the article is configured to be inserted into the receptacle.

[0044] The aerosol delivery device can include an inductor coil.

[0045] The inductor coil can surround at least a portion of the heating element.

[0046] In use, the inductor coil may be configured to heat the heating element to a temperature of about 200° C. to about 300° C., such as about 240° C. to about 300° C., or about 250° C. to about 280° C. When the outer cover is separated from the susceptor by at least this distance, the temperature of the outer cover is kept at a safe level, such as less than about 60° C., less than about 50° C., or less than about 48° C., or less than about 43° C. In use, the inductor coil may be configured to heat the heating element to a temperature of about 350° C.

[0047] The inductor coil may be substantially helical. The inductor coil may be a spiral coil. For example, the inductor coil may be formed from a wire, such as a Litz wire, wound helically around a coil support. The wire may be a solid wire. The aerosol generating device may be a thermal heating product.

[0048] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising: an aerosol delivery device as described in any of the above; and an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, the article being dimensioned to be at least partially received within a mouse.

[0049] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of forming any of the above aerosol generating devices, the method comprising the step of overmolding a retaining element onto a support.

[0050] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a retaining element for an aerosol-delivery device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the retaining element comprising a circumferentially extending body defining a mouth into which at least a portion of an article containing the aerosol-generating material can be received, the retaining element comprising a retaining feature arranged to act on a portion of the article received by the body, and a sealing feature arranged to act as a seal with other components.

[0051] The retention feature may extend radially inward from the circumferentially extending body.

[0052] The retention feature may comprise a retention provision arranged to at least one of deform and expand upon engagement with at least a portion of an article received through the circumferential body.

[0053] The retention feature may comprise at least one rib.

[0054] At least one rib may be tapered longitudinally and / or circumferentially.

[0055] At least one rib may be tapered longitudinally to a point between two ends of the rib.

[0056] At least one rib may be circumferentially tapered to a point between two edges of the rib.

[0057] The retaining feature may comprise a diaphragm.

[0058] The diaphragm may be a segmented diaphragm. A segmented diaphragm may comprise a plurality of segments, each segment extending from the circumferential body to the center of any openings formed thereby.

[0059] The segments may be attached to one another or separated from one another.

[0060] The segments may be separated from one another so that a gap is formed between them that extends from the edge of the mouse to the center of the mouse.

[0061] The retaining element may be elastic.

[0062] The retaining element may be flexible.

[0063] The sealing feature may extend radially outward from the circumferential body.

[0064] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery device comprising any of the holding elements described above.

[0065] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising: the aerosol delivery device described above; and an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, the article being dimensioned to be at least partially received within a mouse.

[0066] The sealing feature may comprise a protrusion that protrudes around the circumferential body.

[0067] The sealing feature may comprise a protrusion projecting axially from the circumferential body.

[0068] The sealing feature may be a first sealing feature and the retaining element may comprise a second sealing feature comprising a protrusion protruding axially from the circumferential body.

[0069] The retaining element may include one or more sealing features. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0070] 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 cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol generator of the aerosol-delivery device of FIG. 1, including the mouth component. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A shows the mouth component of the aerosol generator of FIG. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the mouse components of FIG. 3A. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C shows a top view of the mouse components of FIGS. 3A and 3B. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D shows a side view of the mouse components of FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the mouse components. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A shows another embodiment of the mouse components. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows a holding element of the mouse component of FIG. 5A. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol delivery device including the mouth component of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional side view of an aerosol delivery device including another embodiment of a mouth component. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a top view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional side view of an aerosol delivery device including another embodiment of a mouth component.

[0071] Detailed Description

[0072] 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."

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] The aerosol-generating material may comprise 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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 includes 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system can include an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0085] In some embodiments, consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol-delivery device can include 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.

[0086] The aerosol generating device can accept an article that includes 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, which the user then inhales. The article may be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be set within a heating chamber of a device sized to receive the article.

[0087] 1 shows an embodiment of an aerosol-delivery device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating medium / material. Broadly speaking, device 100 can be used to heat a replaceable article 110 that contains an aerosol-generating medium to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that is inhaled by a user of device 100.

[0088] The device 100 includes a body 102. The housing encloses and contains the various components of the device 100. The device 100 has a device opening 104 at one end into which an article 110 can be inserted for heating by an aerosol generator 114 (see FIG. 2). In use, the article 110 can be fully or partially inserted into the aerosol generator 114 in the device 100 through the device opening 104, where it can be heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator 114. The article 110 and the device 100 together form an aerosol delivery system 101.

[0089] Device 100 may also include user-operable controls 112, such as buttons or switches, that when pressed cause operation of device 100. For example, a user may turn device 100 on by operating switch 112.

[0090] The aerosol generator 114 defines a longitudinal axis 101 .

[0091] 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 end (or mouth 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 and operates the aerosol generator 114 to begin heating the aerosol-generating material and inhale the aerosol that is generated within the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device 100 along a flow path towards the proximal end of the device 100.

[0092] 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 the 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.

[0093] As used herein, a one-piece component refers to a component of device 100 that is not separable into two or more components after assembly of device 100. "Integrally formed" refers to two or more features that are formed into a one-piece component during the manufacturing stage of the component.

[0094] 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol generator 114 of the aerosol delivery device 100. The aerosol generator 114 comprises a heating chamber 116 into which the article 110 can be inserted during use. In the illustrated embodiment, the aerosol generator 114 includes a receptacle 120 that partially defines the heating chamber 116.

[0095] In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 114 comprises an inductive heating system including a magnetic field generator. The magnetic field generator comprises an inductor coil assembly 122. The aerosol generator 114 comprises a heating element that defines a receptacle 120. The heating element is also known as a susceptor.

[0096] 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.

[0097] The aerosol generator 114 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 a process of heating an electrically conductive object (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly can include an induction element, for example, one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a varying current, such as an alternating current, through the induction element. The changing current in the induction element generates a changing magnetic field. The changing magnetic field penetrates a susceptor appropriately positioned relative to the induction element and generates eddy currents inside the susceptor. The susceptor has an electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and the eddy currents flow against this resistance, causing the susceptor to heat up by Joule heating. If the susceptor includes a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat can also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e., the changing orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material as a result of alignment with the changing magnetic field. Induction heating generates heat inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating, as compared to, for example, heating by conduction, and does not require any physical contact between the induction heater and the susceptor, allowing greater flexibility in design and application.

[0098] The inductor coil assembly 122 includes an inductor coil. In an embodiment, the number of inductor coils 122 varies. In an embodiment, a single inductor coil or at least two inductor coils are used.

[0099] The heating element in this example is hollow and thus defines at least a portion of a receptacle 120 in which the aerosol-generating material is received. For example, an item 110 can be inserted into the heating element. The heating element is tubular with a circular cross-section. In an embodiment, an item inserted into the heating chamber can be heated internally, such as with a resistive or induction pin or blade heater. The heating element may protrude into the receptacle 120.

[0100] The heating element 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.

[0101] In other embodiments, the features acting as heating elements may not be limited to being inductively heated. Thus, the features acting as heating elements may be heated by electrical resistance. Microwave or infrared heating may also be used. Thus, the aerosol generator may include electrical contacts for electrically connecting with a device for electrically activating the heating element by passing a flow of electrical energy through the heating element.

[0102] The receptacle 120 and the article 110 are sized so that the article 110 can be received by the heating element, thereby providing the most efficient heating. The article in this example includes an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material is positioned within the receptacle 120. The article 110 may also include other components, such as filters, packaging materials, and / or cooling structures. The receptacle 120 is configured to restrain the article 110 within the device.

[0103] The mouse facility 117 defines a passageway through which the item 110 is inserted into the receptacle 120. The mouse facility 117 comprises a mouse component 118. The mouse component 118 defines the mouse of the receptacle. The mouse component 118 is a collar. The mouse component 118 comprises a mouth 119 arranged to receive at least a portion of the item 110. The mouse 119 acts as an expansion chamber. The item protrudes from the mouse component 118. The mouth of a user is received on the item 110. The user's mouth may be spaced from the mouse facility 117 during use.

[0104] The mouse component 118 supports a receptacle 120 at a proximal end. The mouse component 118 acts as a receptacle support. The peripheral component 121 extends from the mouse component 118. The peripheral component 121 at least partially receives the mouse component 118. The peripheral component 121 and the mouse component 118 overlap. In an embodiment, the peripheral component 121 and the mouse component 118 overlap along the periphery of the mouse component 118. The peripheral component 121 extends from the opening 104. The mouse component 118 comprises an annular member. The annular member acts as a support 124. The support 124 defines the mouse 119. The support forms a peripheral wall. The support 124 is aligned on the longitudinal axis.

[0105] The mouth component 118 includes a retaining element 130. The retaining element 130 is configured to act on at least a portion of an article received through the device opening 104 to retain the article within the aerosol generator 114 during use. The retaining element 130 provides a seal between the support 124 and the peripheral component 121. In an embodiment, the retaining element 130 forms a seal with another component of the device 100, such as a housing or tubular member, to prevent the ingress of fluids. The retaining element 130 is described in more detail with respect to the following figures.

[0106] 2, the retaining element 130 may be attached to the support 124 at an end that is proximal to a user during use. The retaining element may be attached in any suitable location, such as within or at the distal end of the support 124, on the proximal end of the heating chamber 116, or at a location between the distal and proximal ends of the support 124. The retaining device 130 may be formed from any suitable material, such as rubber, a plastic such as injection molded PEEK, or an elastomer such as silicone.

[0107] FIG. 3A shows the mouse component 118 of FIG. 2, including a retaining element 130 and a support 124. The retaining element 130 can be injection molded with the support 124. As seen in FIGS. 3A and 3C, the retaining element 130 can be embedded with the support 124 so as to be integrally formed. This can be achieved, for example, by injection molding or compression molding. The retaining element 130 in an embodiment is formed separately from the support 124 and is attached to the support by an interference fit or the like. Thus, the support 124 can act as a support for the retaining element. Alternatively, any suitable component of the device can act as a support. It will be understood that the retaining element can retain its shape without a support.

[0108] FIG. 3B shows an exploded view of the support 124 and the holding element 130 shown in FIG. 3A, which together can be referred to as the mouse component 118. The mouse component 118 comprises a support 124, which defines a mouse 119. The mouse component 118 also comprises a holding element 130 on the support 124. The holding element 130 is arranged to receive at least a portion of an article and act on the article (i.e., to hold the article) in use. The holding element also comprises a sealing portion 134 for sealing the support 124 with another component of the aerosol generating device. The other component can be any suitable component, such as a housing or a heating chamber. For example, the component shown as peripheral component 121 in FIG. 2.

[0109] The sealing portion 134 of the retaining element in the embodiment of Figure 3B comprises a seal 135. The seal 135 comprises an annular portion. The seal 134 protrudes from an outer surface of the support 124. The seal 135 acts as an O-ring seal.

[0110] The retaining element 130 includes five legs 136 configured to retain an article in use, although any suitable number of legs may be used, such as two, three, four, five, six, or more than six legs. The legs 136 act as retaining elements of the retaining arrangement. In an embodiment, there is a single retaining element, e.g., a single leg is used. Each leg extends longitudinally from the sealing portion 134. Each retaining element extends radially inward. Each leg 136 may taper longitudinally toward a midpoint between the opposing ends of the leg. In an embodiment, each leg may taper longitudinally toward a free end of the leg. The legs 136 extending radially inward from the sealing portion 134 allow the retaining element 130 to contact a portion of the article in use to retain the article thereon. The retaining elements 130 may be formed from a resilient material such that when an article is inserted, they deform and provide a force to hold the article in place. The material and geometry of the retaining element 130 may also allow a user to more easily remove a portion of the article 110 from the device if the article 110 becomes damaged within the device.

[0111] 3C shows a top view of the mouse component 118 of FIG. 3A, showing a cross section of the legs 136 of the retaining element 130. As can be seen, the width of the legs 136 is also tapered (i.e., the legs are circumferentially tapered). However, the legs 136 may have any suitable shape. The retaining element 130 may have rotational symmetry to the order of the number of legs. A seal 135 is shown protruding from the annular outer surface of the support 124. The seal 135 readily makes sealing contact with a peripheral component that extends around the periphery of the mouse component 118.

[0112] Figure 3D shows a side view of the mouth component 118 of Figures 3A-3C showing the sealing portion of the retaining element 130 extending from the support 124. The seal 135 includes a convex sealing surface that protrudes from an annular groove 137 (see Figure 3B) on the outside of the support 124.

[0113] 4 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a mouse component 118 including a mouse 119 and a retaining element 130. The mouse component 118 of FIG. 4 is substantially identical to that of FIG. 3 and will not be described in detail. The sealing portion 134 includes an annular extending protrusion 135a. The protrusion 135a defines a seal 135. The protrusion 135a protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the retaining element 130.

[0114] FIG. 5A shows another embodiment of the mouse component 118. FIG. 5B shows a retaining element 130 of the mouse component 118 of FIG. 5A. The retaining element 130 rests on the support 124. The mouse component 118 of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B is substantially identical to that of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, and therefore will not be described in detail. The retaining element 130 includes four legs extending radially inward from a sealing portion 134. The number of legs may vary. The sealing portion 134 includes a seal 135. FIG. 5C shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a device including the mouse component of FIG. 5A. The sealing portion 134 acts to seal the support 124 to a cover or lid portion 140 of the housing. As can be seen in FIG. 5C, the retaining element 130 and the support 124 are formed separately and have an interference fit. As can also be seen in FIG. 5C, the insertion of the item 110 deforms the legs 136 of the retaining element 130. The legs 136 act as holding elements of the holding arrangement. Such holding elements have a height that substantially corresponds to the height of the holding element 130.

[0115] FIG. 6A shows a cross-sectional side view of an aerosol delivery device including another embodiment of the mouth component 118. The retaining element 130 comprises a diaphragm 150. The diaphragm 150 is segmented. The segmented diaphragm includes four segments 152, although any suitable number of segments may be used, such as three, four, five, six, or more than six segments. Each segment extends from a portion of the circumference of the edge of the segmented diaphragm toward the center of the opening. The segments may be spaced apart from one another or may contact one another to cover the mouth. As seen in FIG. 5A, the segments may extend longitudinally to form a segmented "bowl." That is, a portion of the proximal side of the diaphragm 150 is concave. In use, an article inserted through the opening displaces the segments, which then exert a retaining force on the article. An annular sealing portion 134 extends around the segmented sections. The sealing portion 134 provides a seal between the mouth component 118 and the lid or cap of the vice. The retaining element 130 is resilient. The retaining element 130 is configured to bias the segments 152 in a closed state. The sealing portion 134 includes an area of ​​increased thickness to act as a seal. The area of ​​increased thickness extends annularly.

[0116] 6B shows a top view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 6A. As previously described, in this embodiment, the segments 152 of the segmented diaphragm are separated from one another; however, they may be in contact with one another in the closed state. The segmented diaphragm may cover 100% of the mouse when no article is inserted. Alternatively, the segmented diaphragm may cover less than 100%, such as less than 90%, less than 80%, less than 70%, or less than 60%.

[0117] FIG. 7 shows a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the mouse component 118, whose retaining element 130 has an interference fit with the support 124. In an embodiment, the retaining element 130 and the support 124 may be integrally formed in a manner similar to the previous embodiment. The sealing portion 134 of the retaining element of FIG. 7 includes a plurality of seals. In FIG. 7, the sealing portion 134 includes a radially extending seal 134a and two longitudinally extending O-ring seals 134b, 134c (as seen in FIG. 1, the mouse 119 defines a longitudinal axis along which at least a portion of an article is received in use), although it will be understood that any number of seals extending in any direction may be used. Such provisions of the mouse component 118 provide a radial sealing provision and an axial sealing provision. In some embodiments, one of the axial or radial sealing provisions may be omitted. As previously described, the seals provide a seal between the support 124 and another component of the device, such as a housing or a lid. Each of the radial and axial sealing arrangements may seal against a different component. The seals may provide some tolerance and / or aid in aligning the components of the device during the manufacturing process.

[0118] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to aid in the understanding and teaching of the features described in the claims. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or equivalents of the claims, and it is understood that other embodiments can be utilized and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention can 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 can include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. 1. A mouth component for an aerosol-delivery device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: a support defining a mouth arranged to receive at least a portion of an article including an aerosol-generating material; a retaining element on the support; Equipped with the retaining element is positioned to act on at least a portion of an item received through the mouse; A mouth component, wherein the holding element comprises a sealing portion arranged to seal the support with other components of the aerosol delivery device.

2. The mouse component of claim 1 , wherein the support and the retaining element are integrally formed.

3. The mouse component of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the retaining elements protrudes into or overlaps the mouse.

4. 4. The mouse component of claim 1, wherein the retaining element comprises a retaining provision arranged to at least one of deform and expand upon engagement with at least a portion of an article received through the opening.

5. The mouse component of claim 4 , wherein the retention feature and the sealing portion are an integral component.

6. The mouse component of claim 4 or 5, wherein the retention feature comprises at least one rib.

7. The mouse component of claim 4 , wherein the retention feature comprises a diaphragm.

8. The mouse component of claim 7 , wherein the diaphragm extends at least partially across the mouse.

9. The mouse component of claim 7 or 8, wherein the diaphragm is segmented.

10. The mouse component of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sealing portion comprises at least one seal, the at least one seal protruding from the retaining element.

11. The mouse component of claim 10 , wherein the seal projects radially from an exterior side of the support.

12. The mouse component of claim 10 or 11, wherein the seal protrudes around the periphery of the support.

13. A method of forming a mouse component according to any preceding claim, comprising the step of overmolding the retention element onto the support.

14. An aerosol delivery device comprising a mouth component according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. 1. An aerosol delivery system comprising: The aerosol delivery device of claim 14 ; An aerosol delivery system comprising an article including an aerosol-generating material, the article being dimensioned to be at least partially received within the mouse.

16. 16. A method for forming an aerosol generating device according to claim 15, comprising the step of overmolding the retaining element onto the support.

17. 1. A retaining element for an aerosol delivery device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: a circumferentially extending body defining a mouth into which at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material can be received; a retention feature arranged to act on a portion of an article received by the body; a sealing feature positioned to act as a seal with another component; A retaining element comprising:

18. The retaining element of claim 17 , wherein the retaining feature extends radially inward from the circumferentially extending body.

19. The retaining element of claim 17 or 18, wherein the sealing feature extends radially outwardly from the circumferential body.

20. An aerosol delivery device comprising a holding element according to any one of claims 17 to 19.

21. 1. An aerosol delivery system comprising:

21. The aerosol delivery device of claim 20; an article including an aerosol-generating material, the article being dimensioned to be at least partially received within the mouse; and An aerosol delivery system comprising:

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