Aerosol supply device

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device (200) is provided. The device comprises a body and a chamber for receiving at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material. The body has an opening in communication with the chamber. An actuating member (210) is arranged to rotate about the body and a cover member (212) is arranged to pivot about the body. Rotation of the actuating member relative to the body pivots the cover member between an open position, in which at least a portion of the article can pass through the opening, and a closed position, in which the opening is fully covered.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The present invention also relates to an aerosol delivery system. [Background technology]

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes, cigars, etc., burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these tobacco-burning articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. An example of such a product is a heating device that releases compounds by heating a material without burning it. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and may or may not contain nicotine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery device comprising a body, a chamber for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, the body having an opening communicating with the chamber, an actuating member arranged to rotate about the body, and a cover member arranged to pivot about the body, wherein rotation of the actuating member relative to the body pivots the cover member between an open position in which at least a portion of the article can pass through the opening and a closed position in which the opening is completely covered.

[0004] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery device comprising a body, a chamber for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, the body having an opening communicating with the chamber, an actuating member arranged to rotate about the body, and a single cover member arranged to selectively fully overlap the opening, the single cover member arranged to pivot the body, upon actuation of the actuating member, between a fully overlapped position and an open position through which at least a portion of the article can pass through the opening.

[0005] In any of the above embodiments, the cover member is a unitary cover member.

[0006] In any of the above embodiments, the surface area of ​​the cover member is greater than the surface area of ​​the opening.

[0007] In any of the above embodiments, the cover member is between the actuation member and the body.

[0008] In any of the above embodiments, the actuation member includes an aperture through which at least a portion of the article can pass.

[0009] In any of the above embodiments, the cover member is received between the aperture and the opening.

[0010] In any of the above embodiments, the cover member is positioned to completely overlap the aperture in the closed position.

[0011] In any of the above embodiments, the cover member is arranged to be retracted from the aperture in the open position.

[0012] In any of the above embodiments, the apparatus includes a cam arrangement configured to pivot the cover member upon rotation of the actuation member.

[0013] In one such embodiment, the cam arrangement comprises a guide element and an elongated guide surface arranged to guide the guide element.

[0014] In one embodiment described above, the guide element is a pin.

[0015] In any of the above embodiments, the elongate guide surface is arcuate.

[0016] In any of the above embodiments, the elongate guide surface is straight.

[0017] In any of the above embodiments, the cam mechanism includes a track that defines an elongated guide surface.

[0018] In any of the above embodiments, the actuation member defines an elongated guide surface.

[0019] In any of the above embodiments, the guide element is configured to move along a track.

[0020] In any of the above embodiments, the guide element has a flange positioned to prevent the guide element from being removed from the slot.

[0021] In any of the above embodiments, the pivot arrangement comprises a pivot pin on the body and a pivot hole on the cover member.

[0022] In any of the above embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a pivot formation about which the cover member is arranged to pivot.

[0023] In any of the above embodiments, the cover member includes a blade positioned to extend over the opening.

[0024] In any of the above embodiments, the cover member includes a guide portion extending from the blade.

[0025] In any of the above embodiments, the guide portion defines a portion of the pivot formation.

[0026] In any of the above embodiments, the guide portion defines a portion of the cam mechanism.

[0027] In any of the above embodiments, the guide portion comprises a guide element.

[0028] In any of the above embodiments, the guide element is offset from the pivot formation and the blade.

[0029] In any of the above embodiments, the guide element is between the pivot formation and the blade.

[0030] In any of the above embodiments, the guide element is configured to remain in the track throughout the range of motion.

[0031] In any of the above embodiments, the blade includes a generally circular portion.

[0032] In any of the above embodiments, the guide portion includes a protrusion projecting from the guide portion. In any of the above embodiments, the actuation member is configured to be manually rotated.

[0033] In any of the above embodiments, the actuation member includes a gripping mechanism to assist in rotation.

[0034] In any of the above embodiments, the body includes a base and the pivot point is defined on the base.

[0035] In any of the above embodiments, the base extends into a receptacle defined by the cover member.

[0036] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising any of the aerosol delivery devices described above and an article including an aerosol-generating material.

[0037] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery device including a body, a chamber within the body arranged to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, the body defining an opening in communication with the chamber, a cover member arranged to move between a relatively open position that allows at least a portion of the article to pass through the opening and a relatively closed position that prevents at least a portion of the article from passing through the opening, and an actuation member configured to rotate on the body to actuate the cover member, the actuation member including a gap configured to receive at least a portion of the cover member.

[0038] In one such embodiment, rotation of the actuation member relative to the body moves the cover member between a relatively open position and a relatively closed position.

[0039] In any of the above embodiments, rotation of the actuation member relative to the body translates the cover member between the relatively open and relatively closed positions.

[0040] In one embodiment of the above, the translation is a linear translation.

[0041] In any of the above embodiments, rotation of the actuation member relative to the body pivots the cover member between a relatively open position and a relatively closed position.

[0042] In any of the above embodiments, the device comprises a cam arrangement arranged to move the cover member upon rotation of the actuating member.

[0043] In any of the above embodiments, the cam arrangement includes a guide element and an elongated guide surface arranged to guide the guide element.

[0044] In one embodiment above, the guide element is a pin.

[0045] In any of the above embodiments, the elongated guide surface is a track.

[0046] In any of the above embodiments, the apparatus comprises a gear arrangement arranged to move the cover member upon rotation of the actuating member.

[0047] In any of the above embodiments, at least a portion of the cover member protrudes from the actuation member when in the relatively open position.

[0048] In any of the above embodiments, the actuating member comprises a peripheral wall and the gap is in the peripheral wall.

[0049] In one embodiment of the above, the peripheral wall is a peripheral skirt; In any of the above embodiments, the gap is a slot.

[0050] In any of the above embodiments, the gap is an elongated gap.

[0051] In any of the above embodiments, the elongated gap extends circumferentially.

[0052] In any of the above embodiments, the cover member is arranged to be recessed from the gap in the relatively closed position.

[0053] In any of the above embodiments, the cover member is arranged to extend into the gap in a relatively open position.

[0054] In any of the above embodiments, the cover member is positioned to completely cover the opening in the relatively closed position.

[0055] In any of the above embodiments, the cover member is arranged to be fully retracted from the opening in the relatively open position.

[0056] In any of the above embodiments, the body comprises a housing.

[0057] In any of the above embodiments, the housing is configured to at least partially receive the cover member in a relatively open position.

[0058] In any of the above embodiments, the housing includes an aperture positioned to at least partially receive the cover member.

[0059] In any of the above embodiments, the cover member is arranged to be retracted from the housing in the closed position.

[0060] In any of the above embodiments, the cover member is arranged to align with the aperture in the relatively closed position.

[0061] In any of the above embodiments, the gap is offset from the aperture in a relatively open position.

[0062] In any of the above embodiments, the apparatus includes a cover actuation mechanism.

[0063] In any of the above embodiments, the actuating member surrounds the cover actuating mechanism.

[0064] In any of the above embodiments, the actuating member includes a housing portion that houses at least a portion of the cover actuating mechanism.

[0065] In any of the above embodiments, the body has a pocket for receiving at least a portion of the cover member.

[0066] In any of the above embodiments, the pocket is defined in an adjacent portion of the body adjacent the actuation member.

[0067] In a further embodiment of any of the above, the slot is hidden by the body of the device throughout the range of movement of the actuation member.

[0068] In any of the above embodiments, the device includes a seal for sealing the actuating member to the housing.

[0069] In any of the above embodiments, the slot is shaped to correspond to the cross-section of the cover member when the cover member is in the open position.

[0070] In any of the above embodiments, the cover member comprises a blade.

[0071] In any of the above embodiments, the cover member is a first cover member and the apparatus comprises a second cover member arranged to move between a relatively open position in which at least a portion of the article can pass through the opening and a relatively closed position in which at least a portion of the article is prevented from passing through the opening.

[0072] In any of the above embodiments, the gap is a first gap and the actuation member comprises a second gap disposed to receive at least a portion of the second cover member.

[0073] In any of the above embodiments, the actuation member is arranged to actuate the first and second cover members.

[0074] In any of the above embodiments, the first and second cover members are arranged to abut one another in the relatively closed position.

[0075] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising any of the aerosol delivery devices described above and an article including an aerosol-generating material.

[0076] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol delivery device includes a body, a chamber within the body arranged to receive at least a portion of an article including an aerosol-generating material, and a cover mechanism including a cover member defining a plane and an actuating member arranged to move perpendicular to the plane of the cover member, wherein movement of the actuating member is arranged to move the cover member between a relatively open position in which at least a portion of the article can advance into the chamber and a relatively closed position in which advancement of at least a portion of the article is restricted from occurring into the chamber.

[0077] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol delivery device comprises a body, a chamber within the body arranged to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, the chamber defining an axis along which at least a portion of the article is inserted into the chamber, and a cover mechanism comprising a cover member and an actuating member arranged to be user-actuated, wherein movement of the actuating member in the direction of the axis of the chamber moves the cover member between a relatively open position in which at least a portion of the article can advance into the chamber and a relatively closed position in which at least a portion of the article is restricted from advancing into the chamber.

[0078] The cover member may be arranged to move along a plane.The cover member may be arranged to rotate within the plane between a relatively open position and a relatively closed position.

[0079] The cover member may be arranged to translate in a plane between a relatively open position and a relatively closed position.

[0080] The cover member may be arranged to move in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the cover member.

[0081] The actuating member may be movable along an axis.

[0082] The actuating member may be arranged to move between an actuated position and a non-actuated position.

[0083] The actuating member may be biased to the actuated position. A releasable latch mechanism may be arranged to retain the actuating member in the unactuated position.

[0084] The actuating member may be biased to the unactuated position. A releasable latch mechanism may be arranged to retain the actuating member in the actuated position.

[0085] The cover member may be in a relatively open position in the operative position. The cover member may be in a relatively closed position in the operative position.

[0086] The actuating member may be arranged to have a linear motion.

[0087] The cover member may be arranged for axial movement with the actuation member.

[0088] The actuating member may be push actuated.The cover mechanism may comprise a drive element between the actuating member and the cover member.

[0089] The actuating member may act on the cover member. The chamber may define an axis along which at least a portion of the article is inserted into the chamber, and the actuating member may be configured to move in the direction of the linear axis.

[0090] The actuation member may comprise a housing portion covering at least a portion of the body.

[0091] At least a portion of the body may extend within the housing portion. The body may define a housing.

[0092] The actuating member may be within the housing.

[0093] The cover mechanism may comprise a gear arrangement.

[0094] The cover mechanism may comprise a cam arrangement. The cam arrangement may comprise an elongated guide surface and a guide element engaged by the elongated guide surface. The elongated guide surface may be linear. The elongated guide surface may be arcuate.

[0095] The cam arrangement may include a guide slot defining an elongated guide surface.

[0096] The elongated guide surface may extend in a circumferential direction.

[0097] The elongated guide slot may extend in an axial direction.

[0098] The cover member may be a first cover member and the cover mechanism may include a second cover member arranged to partially close the opening, and by moving the actuating member axially relative to the body, the second cover member may be moved between a relatively open position in which at least a portion of the article can advance into the chamber and a relatively closed position in which advancement of at least a portion of the article is restricted from occurring into the chamber.

[0099] The cover member may be a blade.

[0100] In the relatively closed position, the cover member is capable of completely closing the opening.

[0101] The cover member is capable of rotating relative to the actuating member in a plane upon actuation of the actuating member.

[0102] The cover member may rotate about a pivot.

[0103] The cover member may translate in a plane relative to the body upon actuation of the actuation member.The cover member may translate along a track.

[0104] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising the aerosol delivery device described above, and an article including an aerosol-generating material.

[0105] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0106] [Figure 1] 1 shows a perspective view of the exterior of an aerosol generating device and an article containing an aerosol-generating material. [Diagram 2] 2 shows a top view of the base and cover member of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 1 with the actuating member omitted and the cover member shown in a closed position. [Diagram 3] 3 shows a perspective view of the base and cover member shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the base and cover member of the aerosol generating device shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, with the cover member shown in an open position. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the base and actuation members of the device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 shows a top view of the actuating member and cover member of the device shown in FIG. 1, with the cover member in an open position. [Figure 7] 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an actuating member of the device shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 8] A top view of the aerosol generating device is shown with the cover member in the open position and the actuation member shown in phantom. [Figure 9] 9 shows a top view of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 8 with the cover member in a closed position. [Figure 10] FIG. 8 shows a top view of the device shown in FIGS. 2 to 7 with the cover member in the closed position and the actuating member shown in phantom. [Figure 11] 11 shows a top view of the device shown in FIG. 10 with the cover member in an open position. [Figure 12] 1 shows a perspective view of the base and cover member of another aerosol generating device, with the cover member in a closed position. [Figure 13] 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the base and cover member of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 12, with the cover member in an open position. [Figure 14] 1 shows a perspective view of the base and cover member of another aerosol generating device, with the cover member in a closed position. [Figure 15] 15 shows a perspective view of the base and cover member of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 14, with the cover member in an open position. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the base, actuation member and cover member of the aerosol generating device shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, with the cover member in an open position. [Figure 17] 1 shows a perspective view of a portion of another aerosol delivery device with a cover member in a closed position. [Figure 18] 18 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the aerosol delivery device shown in FIG. 17 with the cover member in a closed position. [Figure 19] FIG. 18 shows a cutaway side view of a portion of the aerosol delivery device shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0107] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" is a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or energized in any other manner. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel that may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. The aerosol-generating material may include any plant-based material, such as a tobacco-containing material, and may include, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol-generating material may also include other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine depending on the product. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, wax, etc. The aerosol-generating material may also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. The aerosol-generating material may also be known as a "smokable material."

[0108] 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, is also present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. 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.

[0109] An aerosol-generating material may include or be an "amorphous solid." An amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid." In some embodiments, an amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, an aerosol-generating material may include, for example, about 50%, 60%, or 70% amorphous solid by weight, up to about 90%, 95%, or 100% amorphous solid by weight.

[0110] The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may include or be a sheet that may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may be substantially free of tobacco.

[0111] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustion" aerosol delivery system is one in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials (or components thereof) of the aerosol delivery system are not or are not combusted to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0112] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

[0113] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0114] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0115] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system configured to generate an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, 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 may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0116] Typically, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and a consumable item for use with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

[0117] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include aerosol-generating materials and are configured for use with non-combustion aerosol delivery devices. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout this disclosure.

[0118] In some embodiments, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a non-combustion aerosol delivery device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electrical power source or a heat generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat generating power source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to deliver power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a heat transfer material proximate to the heat generating power source.

[0119] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system may 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.

[0120] In some embodiments, consumables for use with non-combustion aerosol delivery devices may include aerosol generating materials, aerosol generating material storage areas, aerosol generating material transfer components, aerosol generators, aerosol generating areas, housings, packaging materials, filters, mouthpieces, and / or aerosol modifiers.

[0121] The aerosol delivery device can receive 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 used that is heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material, and optionally other components when used. A user can insert the article into the aerosol delivery device before it is heated to generate an aerosol, which the user then inhales. The article can be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be placed in a heating chamber of the device sized to receive the article.

[0122] FIG. 1 shows an aerosol delivery device 100 and an article 101 including an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol delivery device 100 is configured to generate an aerosol from an article including an aerosol-generating material. The device 100 is a non-combustion aerosol generating device 100. The device 100 can be used to heat the article including an aerosol-generating material 101 to generate an aerosol or other inhalable material that can be inhaled by a user of the device 100. The device 100 can include an aerosol generator to heat the article including the aerosol-generating material. It will be appreciated that the device 100 can include other components not shown in FIG. 1.

[0123] Device 100 provides a chamber (not shown) for receiving at least a portion of an article 101 that includes an aerosol-generating material. The chamber may be generally cylindrically shaped to receive the article, or may be shaped differently. Device 100 is configured to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user when the article is placed within the chamber.

[0124] The device 100 has a body 102 that provides a housing or casing for the other components. In this embodiment, the body 102 comprises a first portion 104 that contains a chamber, a second portion 106 that can house a battery and a control system, and a base 116 (described below). The first portion, second portion, and base are attached to one another. In other embodiments, the body 102 includes more or fewer portions than shown, or is formed from a unitary body 102. For example, the first portion 104 and the base 106 may be formed together.

[0125] The body 102 includes an opening 108 that provides access to the chamber. The opening 108 provides access to the chamber so that a user can insert an item into the chamber.

[0126] The device 100 comprises an actuating member 110 and a cover member 112. The cover member 112 acts to selectively cover the opening 108 of the body 102. The actuating member 110 can be moved by a user to actuate the movement of the cover member 112 into and out of alignment with the opening 108 of the body 102. The actuating member forms part of a cover actuation mechanism. When the cover member 112 is aligned with the opening 108 of the body 102 or in a closed position (as shown in FIG. 1 ), the cover prevents access to the chamber. In this position, the cover member 112 acts to protect the chamber when the device 100 is not in use and to prevent objects from entering the chamber. When the cover member 112 is misaligned with the opening 108 of the body 102 or in an open position, a user can insert an article into the opening 108. The cover member 112 is shaped to completely cover the opening 108 when in the closed position. In this embodiment, the cover member 112 has a generally circular cross-section to complement the circular cross-sectional shape of the opening 108 in the body 102. The cover member 112 is shaped to overlap the entire opening 108 in the body 102 when in the closed position. In other embodiments, the cover member 112 may have a different shape than the opening 108 in the body 102. Shapes of the opening 108 and cover member 112 other than those shown can be provided.

[0127] The actuating member 110 has a cylindrically shaped peripheral wall 132. The peripheral wall 132 forms a skirt. The peripheral wall is flush with the first portion 104 of the body, which in this embodiment is also generally cylindrical. As described below, the actuating member 110 also has a top wall 140 having a central cylindrically shaped aperture 114 or hole therethrough. The aperture 114 of the actuating member 110 is aligned with the opening 108 of the body 102. This allows a user to insert an item through the aperture 114 and opening 108 of the body 102 to insert the item into the chamber. As described below, the actuating member 110 is movable by a user to cause movement of the cover between an open position and a closed position.

[0128] 2 shows a top view of the base 116 of the body 102 and the cover member 112 according to the embodiment of the device 100 shown in FIG. In this view, the actuating member 110 has been omitted. The cover member 112 has a blade 118, which in this embodiment is generally circular in cross section. The blade 118 extends over the opening 108 when the cover is in the closed position. The blade 118 has a larger cross-sectional area than the opening 108 such that the opening 108 is completely covered when the cover member 112 is in the closed position. The cover member 112 also has a guide portion 120 that protrudes from the blade 118, as will be described below.

[0129] The base 116 serves as a base to which the cover member 112 is attached. The cover member 112 is rotatable relative to the base 116 about a pivot point 122 on the base 116, which allows the cover member 112 to rotate into and out of alignment with the opening 108. In this embodiment, the pivot point 122 is provided on the base 116 by a pin 122 that acts as a pivot element. The guide portion 120 of the cover member 112 has a corresponding aperture 124 that acts as a pivot hole to receive the pin 122, which allows the cover member 112 to rotate about the pin 122 on the base 116.

[0130] The base 116 has a raised portion 126 that provides a stop or guide for the cover member 112 when the cover member 112 is in the closed position (as shown in FIG. 2). In other embodiments, the base 116 can provide a flange or other means to limit the movement of the cover member 112 when it reaches the closed position. In this embodiment, the base 116 can be attached to another portion of the body 102. However, in other embodiments, the base 116 can be integrally formed with the remainder of the body 102.

[0131] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the base 116 and actuating member 110 shown in FIG. 2. As shown, the guide portion 120 of the cover member 112 includes a guide element 128. In this embodiment, the guide element 128 is in the form of a pin. As described below, the guide element 128 forms part of a cam arrangement 129 for actuating movement of the cover member 112. In this embodiment, the guide element 128 is spaced from the pivot hole and is closer to the blade 118 than the pivot hole. As described below, the spacing of the guide element 128 from the pivot hole allows the guide element to rotate the cover member 112 relative to the base 116 as the guide element 128 moves along an elongated guide surface 130 (shown in FIG. 7 and described below) of the cam arrangement 129. In other embodiments, the guide element 128 may be provided in locations other than those shown.

[0132] Figure 4 shows the base 116 and actuation member 110 of Figures 2 and 3 with the cover member 112 in an open position such that the opening 108 in the base 116 is exposed. As shown, the cover member 112 has pivoted about a pivot point.

[0133] 5 shows a perspective view of the base 116 of FIGS. 2-4 including the actuating member 110. As shown, the base 116 and the cover member 112 are received by the actuating member 110. A peripheral wall 132 of the actuating member 110 surrounds the base 116 and the cover member 112 such that the actuating member 110 acts to limit and protect access to the cover member 112 and the base 116 other than through the aperture 114.

[0134] As shown, the actuating member 110 includes a gap 134 through the peripheral wall 132. In this embodiment, the gap 134 is in the form of an elongated slot 134 that extends circumferentially around a portion of the actuating member 110. As shown in FIG. 6, the gap allows at least a portion of the cover member 112 to penetrate or protrude from the peripheral wall of the actuating member 110 when the cover member 112 is in the open position. The slot 134 is shaped to correspond to the cross-section of the cover member 112 such that at least a portion of the cover member 112 can penetrate the slot. The slot 134 allows a sufficient range of motion of the cover member 112 such that the cover member can move to a position where the opening 108 in the base 116 is fully exposed. That is, the cover member 112 does not overlap the opening 108. The slot 134 can be adapted to minimize the size of the actuating member 110 because the actuating member 110 does not need to be large enough to accommodate the entire cover member 112 when the cover member 112 is in the open position. Thus, a more compact device 100 can be provided.

[0135] FIG. 7 shows a cross section of the actuating member 110 and the guide member 128. The actuating member 110 provides an elongated guide surface 130 that receives the guide element 128. The elongated guide surface 130 in this embodiment is in the form of an arcuate track formed on or recessed into the inner surface of the top wall 140 of the actuating member 110. The track may have any suitable shape for guiding the guide element 128, and may be linear, for example. The arcuate track shape may help to at least one of provide smooth movement of the cover member 112 and reduce the length of the track required to provide a compact device. The guide member 128 and the elongated guide surface 130 provide a cam arrangement 129, which will be described in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 10-11.

[0136] Figures 8 and 9 show another embodiment of the device 200. Reference numbers having the same last two digits as previously used are used to denote equivalent features. Figures 8 and 9 show the cover member 212 being moved from an open position to a closed position. Figures 8 and 9 show a top view of the device 200 having an actuating member 210. The device 200 shown in Figures 8 and 9 is substantially the same as that described above with reference to Figures 1 to 7, except that the guide part 220 comprises two protrusions, a first protrusion 220a containing a pivot hole 224 and a second protrusion 220b containing a guide element 228, which in this embodiment is a pin. The protrusion 220 containing the pivot hole 225 is on the opposite side of the cover part 212 to the protrusion 220 containing the guide element 228. The device 200 provides a cam arrangement 229 that functions similarly to the cam arrangement 229 described below in connection with Figures 10 and 11. Advantageously, the cam arrangement 229 of this embodiment having two protrusions 220a, 220b allows for a longer track, thereby providing a gradual and smoother movement of the cover member 212 between the open and closed positions.

[0137] Figure 10 shows a top view of the embodiment of device 100 shown in Figures 1-7. This view shows base 116, cover member 112 and actuating member 110 (shown in phantom lines) with cover member 112 in a closed position, while Figure 11 shows the same with cover member 112 in an open position. In this embodiment, pivot hole 122 and guide element 128 in cover member 112 are located on the same side of cover member 112.

[0138] As shown, a user can move the cover member 112 between a closed position and an open position by manually (or otherwise) rotating the actuating member 110 (in this example, counterclockwise to open the cover member 112). As the actuating member 110 rotates, the elongated guide surface 130 also rotates. As the actuating member 110 rotates, the guide element 128 is urged to move along the elongated guide surface 130, which in this embodiment is in the form of an actuating track. This causes the cover member 112 to rotate about the pivot point 122 on the base 116, thereby moving the cover member 112 out of alignment with the opening 108 and into an open position. The elongated guide surface 130 is shaped to receive the guide element 128 and allow the guide element 128 to move along the guide surface as the actuating member 110 rotates. The track can have generally perpendicular sides on an inner surface of the actuating member 110, which abut the guide element 128 to move along the track as the actuating member 110 is rotated. The particular shape of the elongated guide surface 130 may be selected depending on the shape of the cover member 112 and the actuation member 110 .

[0139] 11, when the cover member 112 is in the open position, at least a portion of the cover member 112 penetrates the peripheral wall of the actuating member 110. As described above, the cover member 112 is able to move through the peripheral wall due to an elongated gap disposed through the peripheral wall. The elongated gap is disposed on the peripheral wall such that when the cover member 112 reaches the peripheral wall during rotation, the cover member 112 is able to align with and penetrate the elongated gap. The cover member 112 is configured to penetrate the actuating member 110 and be received within the body 102.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 1 , the actuating member 110 is adjacent to the second portion 106 of the body 102. The second portion 109 extends alongside the actuating member 110 and provides an upright portion adjacent the actuating member. The upright portion provides a pocket that can receive the cover member 112 when the cover member 112 is in the open position. The pocket is formed on a side of the second portion 109 adjacent the actuating member 110 such that it is closed by the actuating member 110 and cannot be accessed. Such a configuration can protect the cover member 112 when in the open position. The elongated slot 134 may be hidden by the second portion 109 throughout the range of movement of the actuating member 110. In other embodiments, the cover member 112 may extend from a side of the actuating member 110 that does not coincide with a portion of the body 102.

[0141] In an embodiment, a seal is provided between the actuating member 110 and the body 102. The seal may be provided at the junction of the actuating member 110 and the second portion 109. That is, the seal may be provided to seal the overlap between the actuating member 110 and the second portion 109. The seal may be at least one of a dust seal, e.g., a brush, and a fluid seal, e.g., a resilient member formed from rubber or another suitable material. The seal in an embodiment surrounds the pocket opening. Such a configuration may help prevent the passage of debris between the actuating member 110 and the housing.

[0142] The arrangement of the cover member disposed to pass through the actuation member 110 is applicable to other actuation mechanisms. FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a cover member 312 and a base 316 according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the cover member 312 is configured to slide linearly along a track in the base 316 to move between an open position and a closed position. The cover member 312 is similar to the above, except that it does not have a pivot hole and is configured to slide linearly relative to the base 316. The cover has a guide member 328, and an elongated guide surface 330 in this embodiment is linear such that linear movement of the guide member along the guide surface causes linear movement of the cover member 312. Movement of the guide member 328 can be achieved, for example, in any suitable manner and will not be described in detail.

[0143] Figure 13 shows a cross section through the actuating member 310 of the device 300 shown in Figure 12 with the cover member 312 in the open position. As shown, the actuating member 310 has an elongated slot similar to that described above. The elongated slot coincides with the cover member 312 and allows the cover member 312 to protrude from the protruding wall of the actuating member 310.

[0144] Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the actuating member 312 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 has an elongated gap 334 formed in its peripheral wall 332, and when the cover member 312 is in the open position, at least a portion of the cover member 312 penetrates the elongated gap 334. The cover member 312 is able to move through the peripheral wall 332 due to the elongated gap 334 provided. The elongated gap 334 is located on the peripheral wall such that when the cover member 312 reaches the peripheral wall during linear movement, the cover member 312 is aligned with the elongated gap and is able to penetrate through the elongated gap. Similar to the embodiment described above and shown in FIG. 1, the actuating member 310 of this embodiment may also be adjacent to a second portion of the body. As explained above, the second portion provides an upright portion extending along the actuating member 312 and adjacent to the actuating member. The upright portion provides a pocket that can receive the cover member 312 when the cover member 312 is in the open position. A pocket is formed in a side of the second portion 109 adjacent the actuating member 310 such that it is closed by the actuating member 310 and cannot be accessed.

[0145] Figures 14, 15, and 16 show perspective views of yet another embodiment of device 400. Figure 14 shows the cover member 412 and base 416 of device 400 when the cover member 412 is in a closed position, Figure 15 shows the cover member 412 and base 416 of device 400 when the cover member 412 is in an open position, and Figure 16 shows device 400 including an actuating member 410 with the cover member 412 in an open position. This device 400 is similar to the device described above in connection with Figures 12 and 13, except that in this device 400, the cover member 412 has gear teeth and is actuated between the open and closed positions using a gear 415 attached to the base 416. As the gear rotates, the cover member 412 moves linearly between positions. 16, similar to the previous embodiment, the actuating member 410 has an elongated slot that allows the cover member 412 to extend to a position outside the actuating member 410 when the cover member 412 is in the open position. As with the previous embodiment, the second portion of the body provides a pocket that receives the cover member when in the open position.

[0146] While the above-described embodiments have a single cover member, in other embodiments, more than one cover member may be provided, for example two cover members. In such an arrangement, the device may comprise a first cover member and a second cover member each arranged to move between a relatively open position in which at least a portion of the article may pass through the opening, and a relatively closed position in which at least a portion of the article is prevented from passing through the opening. In such an embodiment, there may be a first elongated gap provided in the peripheral wall of the actuation member to allow passage of the first cover member in the open position, and a second elongated gap provided in the peripheral wall of the actuation member to allow passage of the first cover member in the open position.

[0147] 17, 18, and 19 show perspective views of another embodiment of the device 500. In this embodiment, the cover member 512 is configured to be actuated by a longitudinally acting motion. The actuating member 510 is movable in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the cover member 512. The actuating member 510 defines an upper wall 540 of the device 500. In such an embodiment, the upper wall 540 is axially movable. The upper wall 540 is at the proximal end 501 of the aerosol delivery device 500. An aperture 514 is defined in the upper wall 540. The upper wall 540 acts as an actuating surface.

[0148] Movement of the actuating member 510 is configured to move the cover member 512 between a relatively open position, in which at least a portion of the article can advance into the chamber, and a relatively closed position, in which at least a portion of the article is restricted from advancing into the chamber. In the illustrated embodiment, when the actuating member 510 is in the actuated position, the cover member 512 is in the open position. When the actuating member 510 is in the non-actuated position, the cover member 512 may be in the open position.

[0149] In the relatively open position, the opening 508 is at least partially uncovered. In the relatively closed position, the opening 508 is at least partially covered. A greater portion of the opening 508 is covered in the relatively closed position than in the relatively open position. In the relatively open position, an item may be inserted through the opening 508. In the relatively closed position, an item is prevented from being inserted through the opening 508. In an embodiment, the opening 508 may not be completely covered in the relatively open position. In an embodiment, the opening 508 may be completely covered in the relatively closed position. The terms open and closed as applied to features of the covering mechanism 300 are described herein in conjunction with one another.

[0150] The top wall 540 is attached to the cover mechanism 520. The cover mechanism 520 comprises a cam arrangement. The cam arrangement comprises an elongated guide surface 521 and a guide element 522 engaged by the elongated guide surface 521. The elongated guide surface 521 is arcuate. The cam arrangement comprises a guide slot 523 defining the elongated guide surface 521. The elongated guide surface 521 extends in a circumferential direction. The guide element 522 is configured to move along the guide surface 521. The elongated guide surface 521 extends in an axial direction. The guide element 522 is configured to move within the guide slot 523. The cover mechanism 520 comprises a rotatable element 524 and a fixed element 525. The rotatable element 524 is attached to the cover member 512.

[0151] The rotatable element 524 is attached to the top wall 540. The rotatable element 524 rotates relative to the top wall 540 and the device body 502. The rotatable element 524 comprises a guide slot. The fixed element 525 comprises a guide element 522. The rotatable element 524 moves axially with the top wall 540. The fixed element 525 is fixed from rotation or axial movement relative to the device body 502. The guide element 514 may be a protrusion.

[0152] The actuating member 510 is biased to the inoperative position. The top wall 540 is biased to the inoperative position. The inoperative position of the top wall 540 is flush with the device body 502. In use, a force applied axially to the top wall 540 moves the top wall 540 from the inoperative position seen in FIG. 17 to the actuated position seen in FIG. 18. The actuated position has the top wall 540 positioned at a predetermined axial distance D within the device body 502. The retaining part 515 retains the top wall 540 in the actuated position. The retaining part is a releasable latch mechanism 518. The releasable latch mechanism 518 is arranged to retain the actuating member 510 in the actuated position. As the top wall 540 moves from the inoperative position to the actuated position, the rotatable element 524 of the cover mechanism 520 moves axially.

[0153] The guide element 522 is moved along the guide surface 521. Interaction between the guide element 522 and the guide surface 521 causes the rotatable element 524 to rotate relative to the device body 502 and the top wall 540. The rotation of the rotatable element 524 actuates the cover member 512. When the top wall 540 is in the non-actuated position, the cover member 512 covers the opening 508. When the top wall 540 is in the actuated position, the cover member 512 does not cover the opening 508. In an embodiment, the rotatable element 524 may include the guide element 522 and the fixed element 525 may include the guide surface 522. In an embodiment, the cover member 512 may be a blade. The cover member 512 may comprise two or more blades 516. Alternatively, the actuation mechanism 510 may be located on the inside 517 of the device body 502. The top wall 540 may be biased to the non-actuated position by any biasing means, such as a spring or a repelling magnet (not shown). The retention feature 515 may be a latch or a hook.

[0154] Some advantages of such an embodiment include that a user may easily actuate the cover member with one hand. The actuation motion is also a familiar motion. As a result, such an actuation motion does not require fine motor skills and may be easy to perform, especially for persons with limited mobility.

[0155] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, the present disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. The main body, a chamber for receiving at least a portion of an article including an aerosol-forming material, a chamber, the body having an opening in communication with the chamber; an actuating member arranged to rotate about said body; a cover member arranged to pivot about the body; Equipped with Rotation of the actuating member relative to the body pivots the cover member between an open position, in which the at least a portion of an article can pass through the opening, and a closed position, in which the opening is completely covered. Aerosol delivery device.

2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the cover member is a unitary cover member.

3. The aerosol dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface area of ​​the cover member is greater than the surface area of ​​the opening.

4. The aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cover member is between the actuation member and the main body.

5. 5. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the actuation member comprises an aperture through which the at least a portion of the article can pass, and the cover member is received between the aperture and the opening.

6. An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover member is arranged to completely overlap the aperture in the closed position.

7. An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding claim, comprising a cam arrangement arranged to pivot the cover member upon rotation of the actuation member.

8. 8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 7, wherein the cam arrangement comprises a guide element and an elongated guide surface arranged to guide the guide element.

9. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the actuation member is configured to be manually rotated.

10. The main body, a chamber for receiving at least a portion of an article including an aerosol-forming material, a chamber, the body having an opening in communication with the chamber; an actuating member arranged to rotate about said body; a single cover member disposed to selectively fully overlap said opening, the single cover member being disposed to pivot on said body upon actuation of said actuation member between a fully overlapped position and an open position allowing said at least a portion of an article to pass through said opening; An aerosol supply device comprising:

11. The main body, a chamber within the body arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-forming material, a chamber, the body defining an opening in communication with the chamber; a cover member arranged to move between a relatively open position that allows the at least a portion of the article to pass through the opening and a relatively closed position that prevents the at least a portion of the article from passing through the opening; an actuation member configured to rotate on the body to actuate the cover member; Equipped with the actuation member includes a gap disposed to receive at least a portion of the cover member; Aerosol delivery device.

12. 12. The aerosol delivery device of claim 11, wherein rotation of the actuation member relative to the body moves the cover member between the relatively open and relatively closed positions.

13. 13. The aerosol delivery device of claim 12, wherein rotation of the actuating member relative to the body translates the cover member between the relatively open and relatively closed positions, optionally the translation being a linear translation.

14. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein rotation of the actuation member relative to the body causes the cover member to pivot between the relatively open and relatively closed positions.

15. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein at least a portion of the cover member protrudes from the actuating member when in the relatively open position and the cover member is arranged to retract from the gap when in the relatively closed position.

16. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the actuating member comprises a peripheral wall, and the gap is within the peripheral wall.

17. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the gap is an elongated gap extending in a circumferential direction.

18. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the body comprises a housing configured to at least partially receive the cover member in the relatively open position.

19. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the slot is concealed by the body of the device throughout the range of movement of the actuation member.

20. An aerosol delivery system comprising the aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 19 and an article containing an aerosol-generating material.

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