Aerosol Delivery Device

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device (100) is provided comprising a body (101), a chamber (105) for receiving at least a portion of an article (300) including an aerosol-generating material, an opening (103) in the body (101) communicating with the chamber (105), and at least a first cover member (402) and a second cover member (404) configured to move between a relatively closed position in which the first cover member (402) and the second cover member (404) are positioned such that they at least partially overlap the opening (103) and a relatively open position in which at least a portion of the article (400) can pass through the opening (103), and in which the first cover member (402) and the second cover member (404) are biased relative to one another.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol delivery device.The present invention also relates to an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device and an article including an aerosol-generating material. [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 articles that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning. An example of such a product is a heating device that releases compounds by heating but not burning a material. 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 including an aerosol-generating material, an opening in the body communicating with the chamber, and at least a first cover member and a second cover member configured to move between a relatively closed position in which the first cover member and the second cover member are positioned such that they at least partially overlap the opening, and a relatively open position in which at least a portion of the article can pass through the opening, wherein the first cover member and the second cover member are biased relative to each other.

[0004] It will be understood that, as used herein, the terms "relatively open" and "relatively closed," when applied to cover members, shall mean that the cover members are open or closed relative to one another. It will be further understood that this term encompasses the cover member being in a fully open position in which the opening in the body is fully exposed and a fully closed position in which the opening in the body is fully covered.

[0005] The first and second cover members may be biased toward a relatively open position, or alternatively, the first and second cover members may be biased toward a relatively closed position.

[0006] The first and second cover members may be arranged to move between a relatively open position and a relatively closed position.

[0007] The first cover member may have a first abutment surface and the second cover member may have a second abutment surface, which are arranged to abut against one another in the relatively closed position.

[0008] The first cover member and the second cover member may be connected by a hinge.

[0009] The first cover member may include a first arm and the second cover member may include a second arm.

[0010] The hinge may function between the first arm and the second arm.

[0011] The aerosol delivery device may include a biasing arrangement configured to act between the first cover member and the second cover member.

[0012] The biasing arrangement may comprise a living hinge.

[0013] The biasing arrangement may comprise a spring, hi an embodiment the spring may be a torsion spring.

[0014] The first and second cover members may be pivotally connected to the body and further arranged to pivot between a relatively open position and a relatively closed position.

[0015] The pivot axis of the first cover member and the pivot axis of the second cover member may be coaxial.

[0016] The first and second cover members may be configured to completely close the opening in a relatively closed position, wherein the first and second cover members may abut one another.

[0017] The aerosol delivery device may include an actuation member arranged to rotate on the body to actuate the first cover member and the second cover member.

[0018] The actuation member may be arranged to at least partially receive the first cover member and the second cover member.

[0019] The actuation member may be configured to receive at least a portion of the body.

[0020] The actuating member may include a cam surface arranged to act on the first cover member.

[0021] The first cover member may include a blade.

[0022] The cam surface may act on the blade. In an embodiment, the cam surface may act on an edge of the blade.

[0023] The cam surface may be arranged such that when the actuation member is rotated in the first direction, the cam surface urges the first cover member towards the relatively closed position.

[0024] The cam surface may be a first cam surface and the actuation member may include a second cam surface arranged to act on the second cover member.

[0025] The blade may be a first blade and the second cover member may include a second blade. The second cam surface may act on the second blade.

[0026] The actuating member may include a radial step adjacent the or each cam surface to provide space to accommodate the or each blade in a relatively open position.

[0027] 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 including an aerosol-generating material; an opening in the body communicating with the chamber; a cover member arranged to move between a relatively closed position, where the cover member is arranged to restrict passage of at least a portion of the article through the opening, and a relatively open position, where at least a portion of the article can pass through the opening; and an actuating member on the body, where the cover member is at least partially received within the actuating member, the actuating member comprising an inner surface arranged to act directly on the cover member to move the cover member from the relatively open position to the relatively closed position.

[0028] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a cover mechanism for an aerosol delivery device comprising a body, an opening in the body for receiving at least a portion of an article including an aerosol-generating material, and at least a first cover member and a second cover member configured to move between a relatively closed position in which the first cover member and the second cover member are positioned such that they at least partially overlap the opening and a relatively open position in which at least a portion of the article can pass through the opening, wherein the first cover member and the second cover member are biased relative to each other.

[0029] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a cover mechanism for an aerosol delivery device comprising: a body; an opening in the body for receiving at least a portion of an article including an aerosol-generating material; a cover member arranged to move between a relatively closed position, where the cover member is arranged to restrict passage of at least a portion of the article through the opening, and a relatively open position, where at least a portion of the article can pass through the opening; and an actuating member on the body, where the cover member is at least partially received within the actuating member, the actuating member comprising an inner surface arranged to act directly on the cover member to move the cover member from the relatively open position to the relatively closed position.

[0030] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device as described above, or a cover mechanism as described above, and an article including an aerosol-generating material.

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view of the aerosol delivery device. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1, focusing on the cover mechanism. [Figure 4] 4 is a plan view of a portion of the aerosol delivery device and cover mechanism of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] 4 is a schematic profile view of the first and second cover members of the cover mechanism shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cutaway plan view of the cover mechanism of FIG. 3 in a closed position. [Figure 7]FIG. 4 is a cutaway plan view of the cover mechanism of FIG. 3 in an open position. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional profile view of the cover mechanism of FIG. 3 in a closed position. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an actuating member of the cover mechanism of FIG. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] 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 material, such as a tobacco-containing material, 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 mixture of materials. The aerosol-generating material may also be known as a "smokable material."

[0034] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an active and / or bulking agent 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system for generating 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, for example, in the form of 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, for example, include tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0042] Typically, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and a consumable for use with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

[0043] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include an aerosol generating material and are configured for use with a non-combustion aerosol delivery device. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout this disclosure.

[0044] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system, e.g., the non-combustion aerosol delivery device, can include a power source and a controller. The power source can be, for example, an electrical power source or a heat generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat generating power source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to deliver power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a heat transfer material proximate to the heat generating power source.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 transport components, aerosol generators, aerosol generating areas, housings, packaging materials, filters, mouthpieces, and / or aerosol modifiers.

[0047] The aerosol generating device can accept an article that includes the aerosol-generating material for heating. An "article" in this context is a component that includes or contains the aerosol-generating material when heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material, and optionally other components when used. A user may insert the article into the aerosol generating device before the article is heated to generate an aerosol, and the user then inhales the aerosol. The article may be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be placed in a heating chamber of the device sized to accept the article.

[0048] 1 shows an aerosol delivery device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. Generally, device 100 can be used to heat a replaceable article 300 that includes an aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that is inhaled by a user of device 100. Article 300 and device 100 together form an aerosol delivery system.

[0049] The device 100 comprises a body 101. A housing 102 surrounds and contains the various components of the body 101. One end of the body 101 is formed with an opening 103 into which an article 300 can be inserted for heating by an aerosol generator 150 (see FIG. 2 ). In use, the article 300 may be fully or partially inserted into the aerosol generator 150 and heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator 150.

[0050] Device 100 also includes a button assembly 200 that, when pressed, operates device 100. For example, a user can turn device 100 on by operating button assembly 200.

[0051] The aerosol generator 150 defines a longitudinal axis X.

[0052] 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of device 100. Device 100 includes an electrical component, such as a connector / port 160, that can accept a cable for charging a battery of device 100. For example, connector 160 may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port. In some examples, connector 160 may additionally or alternatively be used to transfer data between device 100 and another device, such as a computing device.

[0053] The device 100 includes a power source 170, e.g., a battery, such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries. The battery is electrically coupled to the aerosol generator 150 to provide power to heat the aerosol-generating material as needed under the control of the controller.

[0054] The device 100 includes an electronics module 112. The electronics module 112 may include, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB can support at least one controller, such as a processor, and a memory. The PCB can also include one or more electrical tracks for electrically connecting various electronic components of the device 100 together. For example, battery terminals can be electrically connected to the PCB so that power can be distributed throughout the device 100.

[0055] The body 101 comprises the end face of the device 100. The end of the device 100 closest to the opening 103 may be known as the proximal end (or mouth end) 104 of the device 100, as it is closest to the user's mouth during use. In use, the user inserts the article 300 into the opening 103, operates the aerosol generator 150 to begin heating the aerosol-generating material, and inhales the aerosol generated within the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device 100 along a flow path toward the proximal end of the device 100.

[0056] The other end of the device, furthest from opening 103, may be known as the distal end 106 of device 100, because in use, it is the end furthest from a user's mouth. When a user inhales the aerosol generated within the device, the aerosol flows in a direction toward the proximal end of device 100. The terms proximal and distal as applied to features of device 100 are described by reference to the relative positioning of such features with respect to one another in the proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0057] As used herein, one-piece component refers to a component of device 100 that cannot be separated into two or more components after assembly of device 100. Integrally formed refers to two or more features that are formed into the one-piece component during the manufacturing stage of the component.

[0058] The air passage 180 extends through the body 101. The air passage 180 extends to an air intake 190.

[0059] In one example, the aerosol generator 150 comprises an induction heating system including a magnetic field generator. The magnetic field generator comprises an inductor coil assembly. The aerosol generator 150 comprises a heating element. The heating element is also known as a susceptor.

[0060] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by penetration by a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, such that penetration of the conductive material by the varying magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, such that penetration of the magnetic material by the varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both 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.

[0061] The aerosol generator 150 is an induction heating assembly, comprising various components for heating the aerosol-generating material of the article 300 via 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 may comprise an induction element, for example one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a fluctuating current, such as an alternating current, through the induction element. The fluctuating current in the induction element generates a fluctuating magnetic field. The fluctuating 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 thus the flow of eddy currents against this resistance causes the susceptor to heat by Joule heating. If the susceptor comprises a ferromagnetic material, such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e., by the change in orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material as a result of alignment with the fluctuating magnetic field. Induction heating generates heat inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating compared to, for example, heating by conduction, and does not require any physical contact between the induction heater and the susceptor, allowing for greater flexibility in design and application.

[0062] The inductor coil assembly includes an inductor coil. In an embodiment, the number of inductor coils varies. In an embodiment, two or more inductor coils are used. The inductor coil assembly also includes a coil support. The coil support is tubular.

[0063] The heating element is part of a heating assembly. The heating element in this example is hollow and thus defines at least a portion of a receptacle in which the aerosol-generating material is received. For example, the article 300 can be inserted into the heating element. The heating element is tubular with a circular cross section. The heating element has a generally constant diameter along its axial length.

[0064] In an embodiment, the heating assembly defines a receptacle, with the heating element upstanding within the receptacle.

[0065] The heating element is made of an electrically conductive material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. The susceptor in this example is made of carbon steel. It will be appreciated that other suitable materials may be used, for example ferromagnetic materials such as iron, nickel or cobalt.

[0066] In other embodiments, the features functioning as heating elements may not be limited to being inductively heated. Thus, the features functioning as heating elements may be heatable by electrical resistance. Thus, the aerosol generator 150 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.

[0067] The receptacle and article 300 are sized so that the article 300 can be received by the heating element. This helps ensure that heating is most efficient. The article 300 in this example includes an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material is disposed within the receptacle. The article 300 may also include other components, such as a filter, a packaging material, and / or a cooling structure.

[0068] An air flow passage 180 extends from the receptacle. The air flow passage 180 is at a distal end. The air flow passage 180 protrudes from the heating element. The air flow passage 180 extending from the heating element is defined by a flow passage member 182. The heating element 220 and the flow passage member 182 form part of an air flow passage configuration 181.

[0069] The flow path member 182 extends between the heating element and the opening 190. The flow path member 182 is tubular. The flow path member 182 defines a bore. The flow path member extends axially along its length.

[0070] 3 and 4 show perspective and plan views, respectively, of the proximal end 104 of the aerosol delivery device. The views in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 focus on a cover mechanism 400 provided at the proximal end of the body, which is positioned to cover the opening 103 when the cover mechanism 400 is in its closed configuration. The cover mechanism 400 comprises an actuating member 402 rotatably mounted on the body 101 such that a user can rotate the actuating member 402 as shown by arrow A in FIG. 3. The actuating member 402 is movable in one direction to move the cover mechanism 400 to a relatively open configuration and is movable in the opposite direction to move the cover mechanism 400 to a relatively closed configuration. The actuating member 402 has a cylindrical shape with a central opening 403 that aligns with the opening 103 provided in the body 101.

[0071] 5 shows a schematic profile view of a first cover member 404 and a second cover member 406. The cover mechanism 400 includes a first cover member 404 and a second cover member 406. The first cover member 404 includes a first blade 405. A first arm 408 extends from the first blade 405. The second cover member 406 includes a second blade 407. A second arm 410 extends from the second blade 407. The first arm 408 and the second arm 410 are connected by a pivot 412. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the first arm 408 and the second arm 410 are vertically offset from each other to allow the arms to overlap at the location of the pivot 412 while maintaining the first blade 405 and the second blade 407 at the same height. A torsion spring 414 is provided for biasing the first cover member 404 and the second cover member 406 apart at the pivot.

[0072] 6 and 7 show cutaway plan views of the cover mechanism 400 in closed and open configurations, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the blades 405, 407 are approximately semicircular in shape and sized to completely cover the opening 403 when abutting one another. The first and second cover members are pivotally attached to the body 101 via a first arm 408 and a second arm 410. The first and second arms 408, 410 are each attached to the body 101 by a pivot 412 such that the pivot axis of the first cover member 404 and the pivot axis of the second cover member 406 are coaxial. The first and second cover members 404, 406 are connected to one another by a hinge provided by the pivot 412 or by other hinge means such that the cover members 404 and 406 can pivot toward and away from one another. A biasing arrangement is provided between the first arm 408 and the second arm 410 such that the first and second cover members are biased away from each other. As can be seen from Figures 6 and 7, when the first and second cover members 404 and 406 are pressed together, as shown in Figure 5, the first and second blades 405 and 407 are positioned to overlap and thus close the opening 103. Thus, debris is restricted from entering the opening 103. On the other hand, when the first and second cover members 404 and 406 are distal to each other, as shown in Figure 6, they are positioned not to overlap the opening 103 so that the opening 103 can open and receive the article 300. In embodiments, the first cover member 404 and the second cover member 406 may partially overlap the opening 103 in the open position, but this overlap should be small enough to allow the article 300 to be inserted into the opening 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cover member 404 and the second cover member 406 abut in the closed position, but in some embodiments, the first cover member 404 and the second cover member 406 may be positioned to partially overlap one another in the closed position.In such an embodiment, the first cover member 404 and the second cover member 406 may be vertically offset to allow them to overlap one another.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing arrangement is provided by a torsion spring 414 disposed at the pivot 412. The torsion spring 414 is connected to both the first arm 408 and the second arm 410. The torsion spring 414 is configured to bias the first cover member 404 and the second cover member 406 away from each other and into the open position.

[0074] In an embodiment, the biasing arrangement is provided by a living hinge connecting the first arm 408 and the second arm 410. It will be understood that a living hinge includes a hinge formed from an extension of a base material. In this case, the first arm and the second arm may be integrally formed, and the point where the first arm and the second arm meet may be machined and / or formed, for example by being thinned or cut, to provide the necessary flexibility to allow the first cover member 404 and the second cover member 406 to move relative to one another. Although the illustrated embodiment shows a pivot 412, it will be understood that when a living hinge is provided, the first arm 408 and the second arm 410 may not need to be pivotally attached to the body to allow the first cover member 404 and the second cover member 406 to move relative to one another. In an embodiment, each of the first arm 408 and second arm 410 are fixedly attached to the body 101 at the location of the living hinge, as the flexibility of the living hinge itself allows for movement without the pivot 412 .

[0075] 6 and 7 show the first cam surface 416 and the second cam surface 418 provided by the actuating member 402. The first cam surface 416 and the second cam surface 418 are provided on the inner surface 401 of the actuating member 402 and are formed by arcuate projections 420, 422. In an embodiment, the cam surfaces are linear. The projections 420, 422 have a gradually increasing thickness such that as the actuating member is rotated, for example in a clockwise direction, relative to the body and thus the first cover member 404 and the second cover member 406, the first cover member 404 contacts a portion of the first cam surface 416 that is progressively closer to the central opening 103. The second cover member 404 and the second cam surface 418 have a corresponding configuration. Thus, the protrusions 420, 422, and thus the first cam surface 416 and the second cam surface 418 formed by the protrusions 420, 422, are shaped to act on the edges of the first blade 405 and the second blade 407 to urge the first cover member 404 and the second cover member 406 towards each other to a closed position when the actuating member 402 is rotated clockwise by a user. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the protrusions 420, 422 and the cam surfaces 416, 418 may be shaped to urge the first cover member 404 and the second cover member 406 to a closed position when the actuating member 402 is rotated counterclockwise. A stop (not shown) may limit the rotation of the actuating member. In an embodiment, one or both of the cam surfaces 416, 418 and the interacting surfaces of the cover members 404, 406 may function as a stop.

[0076] 7, the curved protrusions 420, 422 of the actuating member 402 include a first radial step 424 and a second radial step 426 adjacent the first cam surface 416 and the second cam surface 418, respectively. A space is formed between the first radial step 424 and the second cam surface 418 to receive the blade 407. A space is formed between the second radial step 426 and the first cam surface 418 to receive the first blade 405.

[0077] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional profile view of the cover mechanism 400 mounted on the body 101. The actuating member 402 is shaped as a cylinder open at one end. At the open end, the actuating member 402 receives a portion of the body 101 such that the actuating member is rotatably mounted on the body 101. The actuating member 402 may be retained on the body in any known manner, such as by cooperating protrusions and slots, clips, or ball bearings (not shown). The first curved protrusion 420 and the second curved protrusion 422 are formed as steps that protrude from the inner circumferential surface 401 of the actuating member 402. FIG. 8 shows the cover mechanism 400 in a closed configuration. It can be seen that the first curved protrusion 420 and the second curved protrusion 422 are in contact with the edges of the first blade 405 and the second blade 407, forcing them into contact with each other and thus into the closed position. The first blade 405 and the second blade 407 completely cover the opening 103 in the body 101 .

[0078] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the actuation member 402. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the actuation member 402 includes a vertical ridge 430 on its outer circumferential surface 429. The ridge 430 may aid a user in gripping the actuation member 402 in order to rotate it.

[0079] 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. Furthermore, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but 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; an opening in the body communicating with the chamber; at least a first cover member and a second cover member configured to move between a relatively closed position in which the first cover member and the second cover member are disposed to at least partially overlap the opening and a relatively open position in which the at least a portion of an article can pass through the opening; The aerosol delivery device, wherein the first cover member and the second cover member are biased toward one another.

2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the first and second cover members are biased toward the relatively open position.

3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first cover member and the second cover member are connected by a hinge.

4. The aerosol delivery device of claim 3 , wherein the first cover member comprises a first arm and the second cover member comprises a second arm.

5. The aerosol delivery device of claim 4 , wherein the hinge acts between the first arm and the second arm.

6. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a biasing arrangement configured to act between the first cover member and the second cover member.

7. The aerosol delivery device of claim 6 , wherein the biasing arrangement comprises a living hinge.

8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 6 , wherein the biasing arrangement comprises a spring.

9. 9. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the first cover member and the second cover member are pivotally connected to the body and arranged to pivot between the relatively open position and the relatively closed position.

10. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 9, wherein the pivot axis of the first cover member and the pivot axis of the second cover member are coaxial.

11. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first and second cover members are configured to completely close the opening in the relatively closed position.

12. 12. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, further comprising an actuation member arranged to rotate on the body to actuate the first cover member and the second cover member.

13. The aerosol delivery device of claim 12 , wherein the actuation member is positioned to at least partially receive the first cover member and the second cover member.

14. The aerosol delivery device of claim 12 or 13, wherein the actuation member is configured to receive at least a portion of the body.

15. An aerosol delivery device according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuation member comprises a cam surface arranged to act on the first cover member.

16. 16. The aerosol delivery device of claim 15, wherein the cam surface is positioned such that when the actuating member rotates in a first direction, the cam surface urges the first cover member towards the relatively closed position.

17. 17. The aerosol delivery device of claim 15 or 16, wherein the cam surface is a first cam surface and the actuating member comprises a second cam surface arranged to act on the second cover member.

18. 18. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the actuating member comprises a radial step adjacent the or each cam surface to provide space to accommodate the or each blade in the relatively open position.

19. The main body, a chamber for receiving at least a portion of an article including an aerosol-forming material; an opening in the body communicating with the chamber; a cover member arranged to move between a relatively closed position, the cover member arranged to restrict passage of the at least a portion of an article through the opening, and a relatively open position, the cover member allowing passage of the at least a portion of an article through the opening; an actuation member on the body, the cover member being at least partially received within the actuation member; An aerosol delivery device, wherein the actuating member comprises an inner surface arranged to act directly on the cover member to move the cover member from the relatively open position to the relatively closed position.

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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