Aerosol delivery device with alternative consumable loading and dispensing configurations

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device for use with a removable, replaceable cartridge that can be loaded into and ejected from the device through different access points in different orientations is disclosed. The device includes a holder forming a proximal end and a distal end, and a receiving chamber configured to accommodate the removable cartridge. The holder defines a first aerosol passageway extending through the holder. The device may include a mouthpiece coupled to the holder and defining a second aerosol passageway extending through the holder. The device may further include an access point (e.g., a door) movably coupled to the holder. In an open configuration, the access point provides access to the receiving chamber for loading the removable cartridge therein, and in a closed configuration, fluidly couples the receiving chamber to the first aerosol passageway.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices and systems such as smoking articles, and more particularly applies to aerosol delivery devices and systems that utilize a heat source, such as a combustible carbon-based ignition source, for the generation of an aerosol (e.g., smoking articles intended to obtain components of tobacco, tobacco extracts, nicotine, synthetic nicotine, non-nicotine flavors, and other materials in inhalable form, commonly referred to as non-combustion heating systems or e-cigarettes). Components of such articles may be manufactured or derived from tobacco, or the articles may otherwise be characterized as incorporating tobacco for human consumption, and may be capable of vaporizing components of tobacco and / or other tobacco-related materials to form an inhalable aerosol for human consumption. [Background technology]

[0002] Many smoking articles have been proposed over the years as improvements or replacements for smoking articles based on tobacco combustion. Exemplary alternatives include devices that burn solid or liquid fuels to transfer heat to the tobacco or use chemical reactions to provide such a heat source. Examples include the smoking articles described in U.S. Patent No. 9,078,473 to Worm et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] The focus of improvements or replacements for smoking articles has typically been to provide the sensations associated with cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking without delivering significant amounts of incomplete combustion and pyrolysis products. To this end, many smoking products, flavor generators, and medicinal inhalers have been proposed that utilize electrical energy to vaporize or heat volatile materials or attempt to provide the sensations of cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking without significantly burning tobacco. See, for example, the various alternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and heat sources described in the background art of U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 to Griffith, Jr. et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096781 to Sears et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference. See also, for example, the various types of smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and electrically-powered heating sources referenced by trade name and commercial source in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0220232 to Bless et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. Additional types of smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and electrically-powered heating sources referenced by trade name and commercial source are listed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0245659 to DePiano et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.Other representative cigarettes or smoking articles that have been described, and in some cases are commercially available, include U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al.; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,922,901, 4,947,874, and 4,947,875 to Brooks et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,671 to Counts et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,586 to Morgan et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,586 to Counts ... No. 5,388,594; U.S. Patent No. 5,666,977 to Higgins et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,053,176 to Adams et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,164,287 to White; U.S. Patent No. 6,196,218 to Voges; U.S. Patent No. 6,810,883 to Felter et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,854,461 to Nichols; U.S. Patent No. 7,832,476 to Hon; U.S. Patent No. 7,832,476 to Kobayashi; No. 7,896,006 to Hamano; U.S. Patent No. 6,772,756 to Shayan; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0095311 to Hon; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006 / 0196518, 2009 / 0126745, and 2009 / 0188490 to Hon; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2009 / 0188490 to Thorens et al. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0272379 to Monsees et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2009 / 0260641 and 2009 / 0260642 to Oglesby et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2008 / 0149118 and 2010 / 0024834 to Oglesby et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0307518 to Wang; and WO 2010 / 091593 to Hon.

[0004] Various methods and methods have been proposed for assembling smoking articles having a plurality of serially arranged segmented components. For example, various types of assembly techniques and methods are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,469,871 to Barnes et al. and U.S. Patent No. 7,647,932 to Crooks et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0186757 to Crooks et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0042885 to Stone et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 00673620 to Conner et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0005] Certain types of cigarettes using carbonaceous fuel elements are marketed by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company under the trade names "Premier," "Eclipse," and "Revo." See, for example, the types of cigarettes described in "Chemical and Biological Studies on New Cigarette Prototypes that Heat Instead of Burn Tobacco," RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company Monograph (1988) and Inhalation Toxicology, 12:5, pp. 1-58 (2000). Similar cigarettes are also sold in Japan by Japan Tobacco Inc. under the trade name "Steam Hot One."

[0006] In some cases, some smoking articles, particularly those using conventional paper wrappers, are also prone to scorching of the wrapper material covering the ignitable fuel source due to the high temperatures achieved by the fuel source in close proximity to the wrapper material. This can reduce the enjoyment of the smoking experience for some consumers and can mask or undesirably alter the flavor delivered to the consumer by the aerosol-delivery component of the smoking article. In a further example, conventional types of smoking articles can produce relatively significant levels of gases, such as carbon monoxide and / or carbon dioxide, during use (e.g., as products of carbon combustion). In yet another example, conventional types of smoking articles can suffer from poor performance with respect to aerosolizing aerosol-forming components.

[0007] It would thus be desirable to provide a smoking article that addresses one or more of the technical problems sometimes associated with conventional types of smoking articles, and in particular, it would be desirable to provide a smoking article that is easy to use and provides reusable and / or replaceable components. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 9,078,473 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 7,726,320 [Patent Document 3] US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 [Patent Document 4] US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096781 [Patent Document 5] US Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0220232 [Patent Document 6] US Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0245659 [Patent Document 7] U.S. Patent No. 4,735,217 [Patent Document 8] U.S. Patent No. 4,922,901 [Patent Document 9] U.S. Patent No. 4,947,874 [Patent Document 10] U.S. Patent No. 4,947,875 [Patent Document 11] U.S. Patent No. 5,060,671 [Patent Document 12] U.S. Patent No. 5,249,586 [Patent Document 13] U.S. Patent No. 5,388,594 [Patent Document 14] U.S. Patent No. 5,666,977 [Patent Document 15] U.S. Patent No. 6,053,176 [Patent Document 16] U.S. Patent No. 6,164,287 [Patent Document 17] U.S. Patent No. 6,196,218 [Patent Document 18] U.S. Patent No. 6,810,883 [Patent Document 19] U.S. Patent No. 6,854,461 [Patent Document 20] U.S. Patent No. 7,832,476 [Patent Document 21] U.S. Patent No. 7,513,253 [Patent Document 22] U.S. Patent No. 7,726,320 [Patent Document 23] U.S. Patent No. 7,896,006 [Patent Document 24] U.S. Patent No. 6,772,756 [Patent Document 25] US Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0095311 [Patent Document 26] US Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0196518 [Patent Document 27] US Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0126745 [Patent Document 28] US Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0188490 [Patent Document 29] US Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0272379 [Patent Document 30] US Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0260641 [Patent Document 31] US Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0260642 [Patent Document 32] US Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0149118 [Patent Document 33] US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0024834 [Patent Document 34] US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0307518 [Patent Document 35] International Publication No. 2010 / 091593 [Patent Document 36] U.S. Patent No. 5,469,871 [Patent Document 37] U.S. Patent No. 7,647,932 [Patent Document 38] US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0186757 [Patent Document 39] US Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0042885 [Patent Document 40] US Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 00673620 [Non-patent literature]

[0009] [Non-Patent Document 1] Chemical and Biological Studies on New Cigarette Prototypes that Heat Instead of Burn Tobacco, RJReynolds Tobacco Company Monograph(1988) [Non-patent document 2] Inhalation Toxicology, 12:5, pp. 1-58 (2000) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery device for use with a removable and replaceable cartridge that can be loaded into or ejected from the device in various orientations, such as, for example, an inverted configuration with an ignitable heat source initially loaded into the device. The present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following exemplary embodiments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] Embodiment 1: An aerosol delivery device comprising: a holder having a body forming a proximal end and a distal end, the body further defining a receiving chamber configured to receive a removable cartridge having an ignitable heat source therein and further defining a first aerosol passage extending through at least a portion of the body; a mouthpiece including a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end, the second aerosol passage extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end, the first end configured to engage with a user's mouth and the second end configured to engage with the proximal end of the holder; and an access door movably coupled to the distal end of the body and defining a third aerosol passage, the access door providing access to the receiving chamber for loading the removable cartridge therein in an open configuration and fluidly coupling the receiving chamber with the first aerosol passage via the third aerosol passage in a closed configuration.

[0012] Embodiment 2: An aerosol delivery device comprising: a holder having a body forming a proximal end and a distal end, the body further defining a receiving chamber configured to receive a removable cartridge having an ignitable heat source therein and further defining a first aerosol passageway extending through at least a portion of the body; a mouthpiece including a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end, the second aerosol passageway extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end, the first end configured to engage with a user's mouth and the second end configured to engage with the proximal end of the holder; an access door movably coupled to the distal end of the body and configured to provide access to the receiving chamber for loading the removable cartridge therein; and an opening defined in the body in fluid communication with the receiving chamber and oriented to be substantially aligned with the ignitable heat source when the removable cartridge is loaded into the receiving chamber.

[0013] Embodiment 3: An aerosol delivery device comprising: a holder having a body forming a proximal end and a distal end, the body further defining a receiving chamber configured to accommodate a removable cartridge having an ignitable heat source therein and further defining a first aerosol passage extending through at least a portion of the body; an access door movably coupled to the distal end of the body and defining a second aerosol passage, the access door providing access to the receiving chamber for loading the removable cartridge therein in an open configuration and fluidly coupling the receiving chamber with the first aerosol passage via the second aerosol passage in a closed configuration; and an actuator assembly coupled to the holder and configured to contact the removable cartridge when loaded into the receiving chamber and eject the cartridge from the distal end of the holder.

[0014] Embodiment 4: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the sidewall of the holder defines an opening therethrough, the opening being in fluid communication with the receiving chamber and positioned proximate to the ignitable heat source when the removable cartridge is loaded into the receiving chamber. The opening may provide visibility to the air intake and / or the ignitable heat source therethrough.

[0015] Embodiment 5: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 4, or any combination thereof, further comprising: a power source disposed within the body; and a pair of igniter contacts in electrical communication with the power source, disposed proximate the opening, and configured to engage an ignitable heat source when the removable cartridge is loaded into the receiving chamber.

[0016] Embodiment 6: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 5, or any combination thereof, further comprising an ignition switch in electrical communication with the power source and the igniter contacts and configured to provide power to the contacts when activated.

[0017] Embodiment 7: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 6, or any combination thereof, further comprising a printed circuit board disposed within the holder, in electrical communication with the power source, and comprising a controller.

[0018] Embodiment 8: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 7, or any combination thereof, wherein the printed circuit board further comprises a charging port, and the printed circuit board is oriented within the holder so that the charging port is located at one end of the holder.

[0019] Embodiment 9: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 8, or any combination thereof, further comprising a sliding mechanism configured to transition the access door from a closed configuration to an open configuration upon actuation. The sliding mechanism comprises a sliding button assembly disposed proximate the distal end of the body and configured to engage a lip of the access door to transition the door to the open configuration.

[0020] Embodiment 10: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 9, or any combination thereof, wherein the access door is coupled to the body via a detent hinge configured to maintain the access door in at least one of an open configuration or a closed configuration.

[0021] Embodiment 11: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 10, or any combination thereof, wherein the access door sealingly engages with the distal end of the body in the closed configuration, e.g., to substantially prevent aerosol leakage or air ingress.

[0022] Embodiment 12: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 11, or any combination thereof, wherein the third aerosol passage is configured to redirect the vapor path extending through the body by approximately 180 degrees.

[0023] Embodiment 13: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 12, or any combination thereof, further comprising an actuator assembly coupled to the holder and configured to eject the removable cartridge therefrom, for example, by contacting the removable cartridge when loaded into the receiving chamber and pushing the cartridge out of the distal end of the holder.

[0024] Embodiment 14: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 13, or any combination thereof, wherein the actuator assembly comprises: a slider body slidably disposed within the body of the holder and configured to slide in a first direction and a second direction along the length of the body; a slider button disposed on a surface of the slider body and configured to be accessible to a user, for example, via a first protrusion extending from the outer surface of the slider body and extending through an opening in the wall of the body to move the slider body in the first and second directions; and a stem extending beyond the distal end of the slider body and configured to engage an ignitable heat source of the removable cartridge to at least partially push the cartridge out of the receiving cavity.

[0025] Embodiment 15: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 14, or any combination thereof, further comprising a seal assembly disposed within the receiving chamber and configured to removably secure the removable cartridge therein.

[0026] Embodiment 16: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 15, or any combination thereof, further comprising a removable cartridge, the cartridge comprising a substrate material having an aerosol precursor composition configured to form an aerosol upon application of heat, the cartridge oriented such that an ignitable heat source is disposed between the igniter contacts.

[0027] Embodiment 17: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 16, or any combination thereof, wherein the opening comprises a guard disposed therein and configured to prevent contact with an ignitable heat source when the removable cartridge is loaded into the receiving chamber.

[0028] Embodiment 18: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 17, or any combination thereof, wherein the device defines a combined vapor path extending from the opening in the side wall of the holder through the removable cartridge, the third aerosol passage, the first aerosol passage, and the second aerosol passage to deliver the aerosol generated from the removable cartridge to a user.

[0029] Embodiment 19: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 18, or any combination thereof, wherein the access door defines a third aerosol passage, and in the open configuration, the access door provides access to the receiving chamber for loading a removable cartridge therein, and in the closed configuration, fluidly couples the receiving chamber with the first aerosol passage via the third aerosol passage.

[0030] Embodiment 20: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 19, or any combination thereof, wherein the opening is configured to provide a through air intake for mixing with the aerosol produced by the removable cartridge and deliverable to the user via the mouthpiece.

[0031] Embodiment 21: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 20, or any combination thereof, wherein the opening is configured to allow the ignitable heat source portion of the cartridge to be visible.

[0032] Embodiment 22: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 21, or any combination thereof, further comprising a mouthpiece including a first end and a longitudinally opposite second end, with a third aerosol passage extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end is configured to engage with a user's mouth and the second end is configured to engage with the proximal end of the holder.

[0033] Embodiment 23: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 22, or any combination thereof, wherein the actuator assembly comprises: a slider body slidably disposed within the body of the holder and configured to slide in a first direction and a second direction along the length of the body; a slider button disposed on a surface of the slider body and configured to extend through an opening in the wall of the holder to move the slider body in the first and second directions; and a stem extending beyond the distal end of the slider body and configured to engage an ignitable heat source in the removable cartridge to at least partially push the cartridge out of the receiving chamber.

[0034] Embodiment 24: An aerosol delivery device comprising: a holder having a body forming a proximal end and a distal end, the body further defining a receiving chamber configured to receive a removable cartridge comprising an ignitable heat source and further defining a first aerosol passage extending through at least a portion of the body; a mouthpiece including a first end and a longitudinally opposite second end, the second aerosol passage extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end, the first end configured to engage with a user's mouth and the second end configured to engage with the proximal end of the holder; an opening defined by the body in fluid communication with the receiving chamber and oriented to be substantially aligned with the ignitable heat source when the removable cartridge is loaded into the receiving chamber; and a third aerosol passage defined by the distal end of the body and configured to fluidly couple the receiving chamber and the first aerosol passage.

[0035] Embodiment 25: The aerosol delivery device of embodiment 24, wherein the first, second, and third aerosol passages define a vapor path extending through the aerosol delivery device, and the third aerosol passage is configured to redirect the vapor path through the body by approximately 180 degrees.

[0036] Embodiment 26: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 24 or 25, or any combination thereof, further comprising an access door movably coupled to the distal end of the body and configured to provide access to the receiving chamber for loading a removable cartridge therein.

[0037] Embodiment 27: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 24 to 26, or any combination thereof, wherein the access door at least partially defines a third aerosol passage, and in the open configuration, the access door provides access to the receiving chamber for loading a removable cartridge therein, and in the closed configuration, fluidly couples the receiving chamber with the first aerosol passage via the third aerosol passage.

[0038] Embodiment 28: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 24 to 27, or any combination thereof, wherein the opening is configured to provide a penetrating air intake for mixing with the aerosol produced by the removable cartridge and deliverable to the user via the mouthpiece.

[0039] Embodiment 29: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 24 to 28, or any combination thereof, wherein the opening is configured to allow the ignitable heat source portion of the cartridge to be visible.

[0040] Embodiment 30: An aerosol delivery device comprising: a holder having a body forming a proximal end and a distal end, the body further defining a receiving chamber configured to receive a removable cartridge comprising an ignitable heat source and further defining a first aerosol passage extending through at least a portion of the body; a second aerosol passage defined by the distal end of the body and configured to fluidly couple the receiving chamber and the first aerosol passage; an access door movably coupled to the distal end of the body, which, in an open configuration, provides access to the receiving chamber for loading the removable cartridge therein and, in a closed configuration, secures the cartridge within the receiving chamber; and an actuator assembly coupled to the holder and configured to contact the removable cartridge when loaded into the receiving chamber and eject the cartridge from the distal end of the holder.

[0041] Embodiment 31: An aerosol delivery device of embodiment 30, wherein the first and second aerosol passages define a vapor path extending through the aerosol delivery device, and the second aerosol passage is configured to redirect the vapor path through the body by approximately 180 degrees.

[0042] Embodiment 32: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 30 or 31, or any combination thereof, wherein the access door at least partially defines a second aerosol passage and, in the closed configuration, fluidly couples the receiving chamber with the first aerosol passage via the second aerosol passage.

[0043] Embodiment 33: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 30 to 32, or any combination thereof, further comprising a mouthpiece including a first end and a longitudinally opposite second end, with a third aerosol passage extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end is configured to engage with a user's mouth and the second end is configured to engage with the proximal end of the holder.

[0044] Embodiment 34: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 30 to 33, or any combination thereof, wherein the actuator assembly comprises: a slider body slidably disposed within the body of the holder and configured to slide in a first direction and a second direction along the length of the body; a slider button disposed on a surface of the slider body and configured to extend through an opening in the wall of the holder to move the slider body in the first and second directions; and a stem extending beyond the distal end of the slider body and configured to engage an ignitable heat source of the removable cartridge to at least partially push the cartridge out of the receiving chamber.

[0045] Embodiment 35: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 30 to 34, or any combination thereof, further comprising: a power source disposed within the body; and a pair of igniter contacts in electrical communication with the power source, disposed proximate the opening, and configured to engage an ignitable heat source when the removable cartridge is loaded into the receiving chamber.

[0046] Embodiment 36: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 30 to 35, or any combination thereof, further comprising an ignition switch in electrical communication with the power source and the igniter contacts and configured to supply power to the contacts when activated.

[0047] Embodiment 37: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 30 to 36, or any combination thereof, further comprising a printed circuit board disposed within the holder, in electrical communication with the power source, and comprising a controller.

[0048] Embodiment 38: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 30 to 37, or any combination thereof, wherein the printed circuit board further comprises a charging port, and the printed circuit board is oriented within the holder so that the charging port is located at one end of the holder.

[0049] Embodiment 39: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 30 to 38, or any combination thereof, wherein the opening comprises a guard disposed therein and configured to prevent contact with an ignitable heat source when the removable cartridge is loaded into the receiving chamber.

[0050] Embodiment 40: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 30 to 39, or any combination thereof, further comprising a sliding mechanism configured to transition the access door from a closed configuration to an open configuration upon actuation. The sliding mechanism comprises a sliding button assembly disposed proximate the distal end of the body and configured to engage a lip of the access door to transition the door to the open configuration.

[0051] Embodiment 41: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 30 to 40, or any combination thereof, wherein the access door is coupled to the body via a detent hinge configured to maintain the access door in at least one of an open configuration or a closed configuration.

[0052] Embodiment 42: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 30 to 41, or any combination thereof, wherein the access door sealingly engages with the distal end of the body in a closed configuration, for example, to substantially prevent aerosol leakage or air ingress.

[0053] Embodiment 43: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 30 to 42, or any combination thereof, further comprising a seal assembly disposed within the receiving chamber and configured to removably secure the removable cartridge therein.

[0054] Embodiment 44: An aerosol delivery device having distinct consumable loading and ejection paths, the device comprising: a holder comprising an upper body portion and a lower body portion, the upper body portion and the lower body portion forming a proximal end and a distal end, respectively, the lower body portion further defining a receiving chamber disposed at its proximal end and configured to receive a removable cartridge therein, the upper body portion comprising an actuator assembly slidably disposed within the upper body portion and configured to eject the removable cartridge from the lower body portion through its distal end, defining a first aerosol passageway, the upper body portion and the lower body portion being coupled together and configured to be rotatable relative to one another between an open configuration that exposes the receiving chamber for loading the removable cartridge and a closed configuration in which the cartridge can be ejected from the distal end of the lower body portion.

[0055]

[0045] Embodiment 45: An aerosol delivery device having distinct consumable filling and ejection paths, the device comprising: a holder including an upper body portion and a lower body portion rotatably coupled to the upper body portion and rotatable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, each body portion forming a proximal end and a distal end. The lower body portion further defines a receiving chamber disposed at its proximal end and configured to receive a removable cartridge in the open configuration, the upper body portion including a power source disposed therein and defining a first aerosol passageway therethrough. The device further comprises: an actuator assembly disposed within the upper body portion and configured to eject the removable cartridge from the lower body portion through its distal end in the closed configuration; and a mouthpiece including a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end, with the second aerosol passageway extending longitudinally between the first and second ends, the first end of the mouthpiece configured to engage with a user's mouth and the second end configured to engage with the proximal end of the upper body portion.

[0056] Embodiment 46: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 44 or 45, or any combination thereof, wherein the actuator assembly comprises: a tubular body defining a portion of the first aerosol passage and configured to slide in a first direction and a second direction along a portion of the upper body portion; a first protrusion extending from an outer surface of the tubular body and configured to extend through an opening in the wall of the upper body portion to effect movement of the tubular body in the first and second directions; and a second protrusion extending from the distal end of the tubular body and configured to engage with a removable cartridge to advance the removable cartridge through the distal end of the lower body portion when the tubular body is moved in the first or second direction.

[0057] Embodiment 47: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 44 to 46, or any combination thereof, wherein the actuator further comprises a sealing arrangement for sealingly engaging with an inner surface of the upper body portion.

[0058] Embodiment 48: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 44 to 47, or any combination thereof, further comprising a pair of igniter contacts coupled to the lower body portion and positioned adjacent to a distal end thereof, the igniter contacts configured to engage with an ignitable heat source portion of the removable cartridge when the removable cartridge is secured within the receiving chamber.

[0059] Embodiment 49: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 44 to 48, or any combination thereof, wherein the igniter contact is in electrical communication with a power source.

[0060] Embodiment 50: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 44 to 49, or any combination thereof, further comprising a button assembly configured, upon activation, to communicate electrical energy to an ignitable heat source.

[0061] Embodiment 51: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 44 to 50, or any combination thereof, wherein the igniter contact is movably coupled to the lower body portion and is movable between a first position spaced apart from the ignitable heat source and a second position in contact with the ignitable heat source.

[0062] Embodiment 52: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 44 to 51, or any combination thereof, further comprising an igniter assembly coupled to the holder and configured to move the igniter contacts to a second position in contact with an ignitable heat source.

[0063] Embodiment 53: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 44 to 52, or any combination thereof, wherein the igniter contact is pivotally coupled to the lower body portion and configured to deflect when contacted by the ignitable heat source portion so as to removably secure the ignitable heat source portion therebetween when the removable cartridge is removably secured within the receiving cavity.

[0064] Embodiment 54: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 44 to 53, or any combination thereof, further comprising a locking mechanism, such as a detent, magnetic engagement, snap fit, etc., disposed on at least one of the lower body portion or the upper body portion and configured to maintain the device in a closed configuration.

[0065] Embodiment 55: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 44 to 54, or any combination thereof, further comprising a mouthpiece including a first end and a longitudinally opposite second end, with a second aerosol passage extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end is configured to engage with the user's mouth and the second end is configured to engage with the proximal end of the holder.

[0066] Embodiment 56: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 44 to 55, or any combination thereof, wherein the mouthpiece is removable.

[0067] Embodiment 57: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 44 to 56, or any combination thereof, wherein the lower body portion comprises a window disposed therein and configured to allow at least a portion of the removable cartridge to be viewed.

[0068] Embodiment 58: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 44 to 57, or any combination thereof, further comprising a removable cartridge, the cartridge comprising an ignitable heat source and a substrate portion having an aerosol precursor composition configured to form an aerosol upon application of heat.

[0069] Embodiment 59: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 44 to 58, or any combination thereof, further comprising a seal assembly disposed within the receiving chamber and configured to removably secure the removable cartridge therein.

[0070] Embodiment 60: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 44 to 59, or any combination thereof, wherein the lower body further comprises a printed circuit board disposed therein, electrically communicating with the power source, and having a charging port, the printed circuit board being oriented so that the charging port is located at the distal end of the lower body portion.

[0071] Embodiment 61: An aerosol delivery device having different consumable loading and ejection paths, comprising: a holder having a body forming a proximal end and a distal end, the body further defining a receiving chamber configured to receive a removable cartridge and a first aerosol passage extending through at least a portion of the body, a side wall of the holder defining an opening therethrough communicating with the receiving chamber; an access door sealingly coupled to the body and positioned proximate to the opening, the access door positioned so that in an open configuration it exposes the opening to provide access to the receiving chamber for loading the removable cartridge therein, and in a closed configuration it is positioned to cover the opening to secure the cartridge in fluid communication with the first aerosol passage; and an actuator assembly coupled to the body and configured to eject the removable cartridge through its distal end.

[0072] Embodiment 62: The aerosol delivery device of embodiment 61, further comprising a power source disposed within the body, and a pair of igniter contacts electrically communicating with the power source, disposed proximate the distal end of the body, and configured to engage with an ignitable heat source portion of the removable cartridge when the removable cartridge is secured within the receiving chamber.

[0073] Embodiment 63: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 61 or 62, or any combination thereof, wherein the igniter contact is pivotally coupled to the body and configured to deflect when contacted by the ignitable heat source portion so as to removably secure the ignitable heat source portion therebetween when the removable cartridge is removably secured within the receiving cavity.

[0074] Embodiment 64: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 61 to 63, or any combination thereof, wherein the actuator assembly is configured to eject the removable cartridge by biasing the igniter contacts open to release the removable cartridge therefrom. For example, the actuator assembly may include a beveled or wedge-shaped driver portion (e.g., body) oriented so that its leading edge is inserted between and contacts the igniter contacts, such that when the driver is advanced, its beveled surface pushes the igniter contacts outward and out of contact with the ignitable heat source portion of the cartridge. The cartridge then falls freely from the holder when the distal end is tilted downward.

[0075] Embodiment 65: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 61 to 64, or any combination thereof, further comprising a button assembly configured to communicate electrical energy to an ignitable heat source upon activation.

[0076] Embodiment 66: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 61 to 65, or any combination thereof, wherein the access door is slidably coupled to the body and configured to be slid distally to an open configuration. The door may be slidably and sealably coupled to the body via a track rail mechanism. The door may be coupled to the body via a hinge or screw mechanism, with or without a gasket.

[0077] Embodiment 67: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 61 to 66, or any combination thereof, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to secure the access door in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may include a magnetic engagement, a threaded interface, a snap fit, a detent, and / or may be spring-loaded into the closed configuration. The door may be flush with the outer surface of the holder when in the closed configuration and may include a raised edge or knurled (or other textured) surface formed thereon to assist in sliding the door into the open configuration.

[0078] Embodiment 68: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 61 to 67, or any combination thereof, wherein the holder further comprises a printed circuit board disposed therein, electrically connected to a power source, and having a charging port, the printed circuit board being oriented so that the charging port is located at the distal end of the body.

[0079] Embodiment 69: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 61 to 68, or any combination thereof, further comprising a mouthpiece including a first end and a longitudinally opposite second end, with a second aerosol passage extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end is configured to engage with the user's mouth and the second end is configured to engage with the proximal end of the holder.

[0080] Embodiment 70: An aerosol delivery device comprising: a holder having a body forming a proximal end and a distal end, the body further defining a receiving chamber configured to receive a removable cartridge having an ignitable heat source therein and a receptacle extending along at least a portion of the body; and a mouthpiece movably coupled to the body and including a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end, with a first aerosol passageway extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end, the first end configured to engage a user's mouth and the second end configured to engage the holder. The mouthpiece is configured to translate between an open configuration in which the receiving chamber is exposed for loading the removable cartridge, and a closed configuration in which the first aerosol passageway is generally aligned (e.g., in fluid communication) with the receiving chamber.

[0081] Embodiment 71: The aerosol delivery device of embodiment 70, further comprising a translation mechanism movably coupled to the body and at least partially disposed within the receptacle, the translation mechanism configured to couple the mouthpiece to the holder and bias the mouthpiece into the closed configuration. For example, the translation mechanism and / or the holder may include a spring, elastomeric member, or similar biasing mechanism configured to apply an outward force to the translation mechanism.

[0082] Embodiment 72: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 70 or 71, or any combination thereof, wherein the body receptacle is configured to at least partially receive the translation mechanism and the mouthpiece in the open configuration.

[0083] Embodiment 73: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 70 to 72, or any combination thereof, wherein the mouthpiece is translated into the receptacle upon application of a force to the translation mechanism. For example, the mouthpiece and translation mechanism are recessed into a cavity in the receptacle that includes a spring or other biasing mechanism.

[0084] Embodiment 74: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 70 to 73, or any combination thereof, wherein the distal end of the translation mechanism or the second end of the mouthpiece is configured to sealingly engage with the receiving chamber in a closed configuration.

[0085] Embodiment 75: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 70 to 74, or any combination thereof, wherein the mouthpiece is slidably disposed within the body (e.g., via a translation mechanism) and configured to eject a removable cartridge from the distal end of the body.

[0086] Embodiment 76: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 70 to 75, or any combination thereof, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a first enlarged portion disposed at a first end of the mouthpiece and a second elongated portion extending from the enlarged portion to a second end of the mouthpiece.

[0087] Embodiment 77: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 70 to 76, or any combination thereof, wherein the translation mechanism comprises a channel extending therethrough and configured to allow the elongated portion of the mouthpiece to slidably move therein in a first direction and a second direction, and a stopper disposed within the channel and configured to engage with the enlarged portion of the mouthpiece to limit movement of the mouthpiece in the first direction.

[0088] Embodiment 78: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 70 to 77, or any combination thereof, wherein the stopper is configured to prevent the mouthpiece from exiting the distal end of the body.

[0089] Embodiment 79: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 70 to 78, or any combination thereof, wherein the holder further comprises an upper body portion and a lower body portion rotatably coupled to the upper body portion and rotatable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, each body portion forming a proximal end and a distal end, the lower body portion further defining a receiving chamber at its proximal end and configured to receive a removable cartridge, and the upper body portion further defining a first aerosol passage extending therethrough.

[0090] Embodiment 80: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 70 to 79, or any combination thereof, wherein the mouthpiece is removable.

[0091] Embodiment 81: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 70 to 80, or any combination thereof, further comprising a seal assembly disposed within the receiving chamber and configured to removably secure the removable cartridge therein.

[0092] Embodiment 82: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 70 to 81, or any combination thereof, further comprising a power source and a printed circuit board disposed within the body, the printed circuit board being in electrical communication with the power source and comprising a controller.

[0093] Embodiment 83: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 70 to 82, or any combination thereof, further comprising a pair of actuatable igniter contacts coupled to the body and positioned proximate its distal end, the actuatable igniter contacts configured to engage with an ignitable heat source when the removable cartridge is secured within the receiving chamber.

[0094] Embodiment 84: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 70 to 83, or any combination thereof, wherein the actuatable igniter contact is in electrical communication with a power source.

[0095] Embodiment 85: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 70 to 84, or any combination thereof, further comprising an actuator (e.g., a button assembly) configured to be engageable with the electrical contacts so as to communicate current to the actuatable igniter contacts upon activation.

[0096] Embodiment 86: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 70 to 85, or any combination thereof, further comprising a biasing mechanism disposed within the holder and / or translation mechanism and configured to bias the mouthpiece in a second direction, for example to position the enlarged portion of the mouthpiece at least partially outside the holder.

[0097] Embodiment 87: An aerosol delivery device comprising: a holder having an upper body portion and a lower body portion rotatably coupled to the upper body portion and rotatable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, each body portion forming a proximal end and a distal end, the lower body portion further defining a receiving chamber disposed at its proximal end and configured to receive a removable cartridge comprising an ignitable heat source, the upper body portion further defining a first aerosol passage extending therethrough; and a mouthpiece including a first end and a longitudinally opposite second dark portion, the second aerosol passage extending longitudinally between the first and second ends, the first end configured to engage with a user's mouth and the second end coupled to the proximal end of the upper body portion, wherein in the open configuration, the receiving chamber is exposed for loading the removable cartridge, and in the closed configuration, the first aerosol passage is generally aligned (e.g., in fluid communication) with the receiving chamber.

[0098] Embodiment 88: An aerosol delivery device comprising a holder having an upper body portion and a lower body portion rotatably coupled to the upper body portion and rotatable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, each body portion forming a proximal end and a distal end, the lower body portion further defining a receiving chamber disposed at its proximal end, the receiving chamber configured to receive a removable cartridge comprising an ignitable heat source when in the open configuration, the upper body portion further defining a first aerosol passage extending therethrough and comprising a mouthpiece disposed at least partially therein, the first aerosol passage and the receiving chamber being aligned in the closed configuration to allow aerosol generated from the removable cartridge to pass to a user through the mouthpiece.

[0099] Embodiment 89: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 87 or 88, or any combination thereof, wherein the first and second aerosol passages are configured to establish a straight vapor path from the distal end of the lower body portion to the first end of the mouthpiece to pass aerosol generated from the removable cartridge to the user when in the closed configuration.

[0100] Embodiment 90: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 87 to 89, or any combination thereof, further comprising an actuator assembly slidably disposed within the upper body portion, the actuator configured to eject a removable cartridge from the lower body portion.

[0101] Embodiment 91: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 87 to 90, or any combination thereof, wherein the actuator assembly is slidably disposed within the first aerosol passage of the upper body portion.

[0102] Embodiment 92: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 87 to 91, or any combination thereof, further comprising a power source and a printed circuit board disposed within the upper body portion, the printed circuit board being in electrical communication with the power source and comprising a controller.

[0103] Embodiment 93: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 87 to 92, or any combination thereof, further comprising a pair of actuatable igniter contacts coupled to the lower body portion and positioned proximate its distal end, the actuatable igniter contacts configured to engage with an ignitable heat source when the removable cartridge is secured within the receiving chamber.

[0104] Embodiment 94: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 87 to 93, or any combination thereof, wherein the actuatable igniter contact is in electrical communication with a power source.

[0105] Embodiment 95: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 87 to 94, or any combination thereof, further comprising an actuator (e.g., a button) configured to engage the electrical contacts so as to communicate current to the actuatable igniter contacts upon activation.

[0106] Embodiment 96: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 87 to 95, or any combination thereof, further comprising a locking mechanism disposed on at least one of the lower body portion or the upper body portion and configured to maintain the device in a closed configuration. The locking mechanism may include, for example, a magnet, a hinge friction, a snap fit, a detent, etc.

[0107] Embodiment 97: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 87 to 96, or any combination thereof, wherein the lower body portion comprises a window disposed therein and configured to provide a view of at least a portion of the removable cartridge.

[0108] Embodiment 98: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 87 to 97, or any combination thereof, further comprising a seal assembly disposed within the receiving chamber and configured to removably secure the removable cartridge therein.

[0109] Embodiment 99: An aerosol delivery device comprising: a holder having a body forming a proximal end and a distal end, the body further defining a receiving chamber configured to receive a removable cartridge therein, the removable cartridge comprising an ignitable heat source; a mouthpiece movably coupled to the body and including a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end, with a first aerosol passage extending longitudinally between the first and second ends, the first end configured to engage with a user's mouth and the second end configured to engage with the holder to provide fluid communication between the receiving chamber and the first aerosol passage; and a biasing mechanism disposed within the body and operably coupled to the mouthpiece. The biasing mechanism is configured to maintain the mouthpiece in a neutral orientation (e.g., a position for use), and the mouthpiece is operable to eject the removable cartridge from the receiving chamber.

[0110] Embodiment 100: The aerosol delivery device of embodiment 99, wherein the mouthpiece is actuated by applying a force to the first end of the mouthpiece that is greater than the resistance of the biasing mechanism.

[0111] Embodiment 101: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 99 or 100, or any combination thereof, wherein the second end of the mouthpiece is configured to sealingly engage with a receiving chamber or a removable cartridge.

[0112] Embodiment 102: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 99 to 101, or any combination thereof, further comprising a receptacle defined by the holder and extending along at least a portion of the body, and a translation mechanism movably coupled to the body and at least partially disposed within the receptacle. The translation mechanism is configured to couple the mouthpiece to the holder and move the mouthpiece between an open configuration in which the receiving chamber is exposed for loading a removable cartridge, and a closed configuration in which the first aerosol passage is generally aligned with the receiving chamber.

[0113] Embodiment 103: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 99 to 102, or any combination thereof, wherein the mouthpiece is slidably disposed within the body (e.g., via a translation mechanism) and configured to eject a removable cartridge from the distal end of the body.

[0114] Embodiment 104: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 99 to 103, or any combination thereof, wherein the distal end of the translation mechanism or the second end of the mouthpiece is configured to sealingly engage with the receiving chamber in a closed configuration.

[0115] Embodiment 105: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 99 to 104, or any combination thereof, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a first enlarged portion disposed at a first end of the mouthpiece and a second elongated portion extending from the enlarged portion to a second end of the mouthpiece.

[0116] Embodiment 106: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 99 to 105, or any combination thereof, wherein the translation mechanism comprises a channel extending therethrough and configured to allow the elongated portion of the mouthpiece to slidably move therein in a first direction and a second direction, and a stopper disposed within the channel configured to engage with the enlarged portion of the mouthpiece to limit movement of the mouthpiece in the first direction.

[0117] Embodiment 107: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 99 to 106, or any combination thereof, wherein the stopper is configured to prevent the mouthpiece from exiting the distal end of the body.

[0118] Embodiment 108: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 99 to 107, or any combination thereof, wherein the mouthpiece is removable.

[0119] Embodiment 109: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 99 to 108, or any combination thereof, further comprising a seal assembly disposed within the receiving chamber and configured to removably secure the removable cartridge therein.

[0120] Embodiment 110: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 99 to 109, or any combination thereof, further comprising a power source and a printed circuit board disposed within the body, the printed circuit board being in electrical communication with the power source and comprising a controller.

[0121] Embodiment 111: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 99 to 110, or any combination thereof, further comprising a pair of actuatable igniter contacts coupled to the body and positioned proximate its distal end, the actuatable igniter contacts configured to engage with an ignitable heat source when the removable cartridge is secured within the receiving chamber.

[0122] Embodiment 112: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 99 to 111, or any combination thereof, wherein the actuatable igniter contact is in electrical communication with a power source.

[0123] Embodiment 113: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 99 to 112, or any combination thereof, further comprising an actuator (e.g., a button assembly) configured to be engageable with the electrical contacts so as to communicate current to the actuatable igniter contacts upon activation.

[0124] Embodiment 114: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 99 to 113, or any combination thereof, further comprising a biasing mechanism disposed within the holder and / or translation mechanism and configured to bias the mouthpiece in a second direction, for example to position the enlarged portion of the mouthpiece at least partially outside the holder.

[0125] Embodiment 115: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 99 to 114, or any combination thereof, further comprising a biasing mechanism disposed within the receptacle and configured to bias the translation mechanism toward the closed configuration.

[0126] Embodiment 116: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 99 to 115 or any combination thereof, wherein the first aerosol passage and the receiving chamber are configured to establish a straight vapor path from the distal end of the body to the first end of the mouthpiece to pass the aerosol generated from the removable cartridge to the user during use.

[0127] Embodiment 117: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 99 to 116, or any combination thereof, wherein the holder is provided with a window disposed therein and configured to allow a view of at least a portion of the removable cartridge.

[0128] Embodiment 118: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 99 to 117, or any combination thereof, wherein the distal end of the translation mechanism is configured to sealingly engage with the receiving chamber in a closed configuration.

[0129] Embodiment 119: An aerosol delivery device comprising: a holder having a body forming a proximal end and a distal end, the body further defining a receiving chamber configured to receive a removable cartridge therein comprising an ignitable heat source and further defining a first aerosol passageway extending through at least a portion of the body; a mouthpiece including a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end, with the second aerosol passageway extending longitudinally between the first and second ends, the first end configured to engage a user's mouth and the second end configured to engage the proximal end of the holder; and an access door pivotally coupled to the distal end of the body and defining an opening, the access door providing access to the receiving chamber for loading the removable cartridge therein in an open configuration and securing the removable cartridge in the receiving chamber for ignition thereof in a closed configuration. The access door essentially rotates relative to the holder body. Additionally, the access door opening may provide air ingress to supply air / oxygen to the ignited heat source.

[0130] Embodiment 120: The aerosol delivery device of embodiment 119, further comprising a power source disposed within the body and a pair of igniter contacts disposed within the access door and electrically communicating with the power source when the access door is in the closed configuration.

[0131] Embodiment 121: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 119 or 120, or any combination thereof, wherein the igniter contact is partially positioned within the opening of the access door and configured to engage with an ignitable heat source when a cartridge is positioned within the receiving chamber and the access door is in a closed configuration.

[0132] Embodiment 122: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 119 to 121, or any combination thereof, further comprising an ignition switch in electrical communication with the power source and the igniter contacts and configured to supply power to the contacts when activated.

[0133] Embodiment 123: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 119 to 122, or any combination thereof, further comprising a first printed circuit board disposed within the holder, electrically communicating with the power source, and comprising a controller.

[0134] Embodiment 124: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 119 to 123, or any combination thereof, wherein the distal end of the body and the access door each have electrically coupled mating halves.

[0135] Embodiment 125: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 119 to 124, or any combination thereof, wherein the distal end of the body has at least one electrical contact in electrical communication with the power source, and the access door has at least one mating electrical contact in electrical communication with the igniter contact, the electrical contact completing an electrical circuit when the access door is in the closed configuration.

[0136] Embodiment 126: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 119 to 125, or any combination thereof, wherein at least one of the electrical contacts comprises a pogo pin.

[0137] Embodiment 127: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 119 to 126, or any combination thereof, wherein the electrical circuit is interrupted when the access door is in the open configuration.

[0138] Embodiment 128: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 119 to 127, or any combination thereof, wherein the device further comprises a biasing mechanism disposed within the body and configured to bias the access door into an open configuration and / or a closed configuration.

[0139] Embodiment 129: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 119 to 128, or any combination thereof, wherein the access door is coupled to the body via a detent hinge configured to maintain the access door in at least one of an open configuration or a closed configuration. For example, the door can be "flipped" between the configurations and maintained in either configuration via a spring.

[0140] Embodiment 130: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 119 to 129, or any combination thereof, wherein the access door is in sealing engagement with the distal end of the body in the closed configuration.

[0141] Embodiment 131: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 119 to 130, or any combination thereof, further comprising a locking mechanism (e.g., magnetic engagement) configured to secure the access door in a closed configuration.

[0142] Embodiment 132: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 119 to 131, or any combination thereof, wherein the receiving chamber comprises a biasing mechanism disposed therein, the biasing member being configured to maintain the removable cartridge in contact with the igniter contacts in a closed configuration.

[0143] Embodiment 133: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 119 to 132, or any combination thereof, further comprising a seal assembly disposed within the receiving chamber and configured to removably secure the removable cartridge therein.

[0144] Embodiment 134: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 119 to 133, or any combination thereof, wherein the seal assembly comprises a biasing member.

[0145] Embodiment 135: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 119 to 134, or any combination thereof, further comprising an inner housing disposed within the body of the holder and configured to secure one or more components therein.

[0146] Embodiment 136: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 119 to 135, or any combination thereof, wherein the inner housing is configured to accommodate a power source and a first printed circuit board.

[0147] Embodiment 137: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 119 to 136, or any combination thereof, wherein the mouthpiece is removable.

[0148] Embodiment 138: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 119 to 137, or any combination thereof, wherein the aerosol delivery device further comprises a collar disposed between the holder and the mouthpiece. The collar has a first end configured for sealing engagement with a proximal end of the holder and a second end configured for sealing engagement with a second end of the mouthpiece, and defines a third aerosol passage therethrough configured to fluidly couple the first and second aerosol passages.

[0149] Embodiment 139: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 119 to 138, or any combination thereof, wherein the collar further comprises: a base portion defining an opening fluidly connected to the third aerosol passage and having a first sealing mechanism disposed around its outer surface, the base portion being sized and shaped to engage with an opening at the proximal end of the holder; and a body portion defining an opening fluidly connected to the third aerosol passage and having a second sealing mechanism disposed around its outer surface, the body portion being sized and shaped to engage with a recess disposed in the second end of the mouthpiece.

[0150] Embodiment 140: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 119 to 139, or any combination thereof, wherein the base portion is coupled to the holder via at least one fastener.

[0151] Embodiment 141: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 119 to 140, or any combination thereof, further comprising an inner housing disposed within the body of the holder and defining at least a portion of the first aerosol passage, wherein the base portion of the collar includes a stem extending distally therefrom and configured to engage with at least a portion of the first aerosol passage in the inner housing.

[0152] Embodiment 142: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 119 to 141, or any combination thereof, further comprising a second printed circuit board disposed within the holder and having a charging port, the second printed circuit board being oriented within the holder so that the charging port is disposed at one end of the holder.

[0153] Embodiment 143: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 119 to 142, or any combination thereof, wherein the opening is configured to supply air / oxygen to an ignited heat source. In some embodiments, the air / oxygen may travel through the heat source and / or the air / oxygen may be mixed with an aerosol generated by a removable cartridge and deliverable to a user via a mouthpiece.

[0154] Embodiment 144: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 119 to 143, or any combination thereof, wherein the opening is configured to allow the ignitable heat source portion of the cartridge to be visible.

[0155] Embodiment 145: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 119 to 144, or any combination thereof, wherein the opening is provided with a guard disposed therein and configured to prevent contact with an ignitable heat source when the removable cartridge is loaded into the receiving chamber.

[0156] Embodiment 146: An aerosol delivery device comprising: a holder having a body forming a proximal end and a distal end, the body further defining a receiving chamber configured to receive a removable cartridge therein having an ignitable heat source, and a first aerosol passage extending through at least a portion of the body; and a removable mouthpiece comprising a first portion defined by the first end and a longitudinally opposite second end, and a second portion extending from the longitudinally opposite second end, wherein the first and second portions define a second aerosol passage extending therethrough, the first end of the first portion configured to engage with a user's mouth, the second end of the first portion configured to engage with the proximal end of the holder, and the second portion configured to extend within the holder.

[0157] Embodiment 147: An aerosol delivery device of embodiment 146, wherein the second end of the first part is configured to engage with the opening at the proximal end of the holder via at least one of complementary threaded surfaces for threaded engagement, press-fit engagement, snap-fit ​​engagement, or magnetic engagement.

[0158] Embodiment 148: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 146 or 147, or any combination thereof, wherein the second portion of the mouthpiece is in sealing engagement with the first aerosol passage in the holder.

[0159] Embodiment 149: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 146 to 148, or any combination thereof, wherein the second portion of the mouthpiece includes a sealing mechanism disposed around its outer surface.

[0160] Embodiment 150: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 146 to 149, or any combination thereof, wherein the sealing mechanism comprises an O-ring disposed in a groove defined by the outer surface of the second part of the mouthpiece.

[0161] Embodiment 151: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 146 to 150, or any combination thereof, further comprising an actuator assembly at least partially disposed within the body of the holder and configured to eject the removable cartridge therefrom.

[0162] Embodiment 152: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 146 to 151, or any combination thereof, wherein the actuator assembly comprises a sliding body defining at least a portion of the first aerosol passage, and the second portion of the mouthpiece is slidably disposed within the sliding body and is in fluid communication with at least a portion of the first aerosol passage within the sliding body.

[0163] Embodiment 153: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 146 to 152, or any combination thereof, further comprising an inner housing disposed within the body of the holder and comprising a first retaining structure disposed at a proximal end thereof, wherein the second end of the first portion of the mouthpiece defines a mating retaining structure (e.g., a gap or groove disposed around an inner circumference of the second end) configured to engage with the retaining structure on the inner housing. In some embodiments, the inner housing may include a second retaining structure configured to mate with the holder to secure the inner housing therein, or the first retaining structure may be disposed at the proximal end of the holder.

[0164] Embodiment 154: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 146 to 153, or any combination thereof, wherein the central axis of the second part of the mouthpiece is offset from the central axis of the first part of the mouthpiece.

[0165] Embodiment 155: An aerosol delivery device comprising: a holder having a body forming a proximal end and a distal end, the body further defining a receiving chamber configured to receive a removable cartridge therein having an ignitable heat source, and a first aerosol passage extending through at least a portion of the body; and a removable mouthpiece having a hollow body including a first end and a second end longitudinally opposite, a stem disposed within the hollow body and extending from the first end to the second end, the stem defining a second aerosol passage extending therethrough, the first end configured to engage with a user's mouth and the second end configured to engage with the proximal end of the holder.

[0166] Embodiment 156: An aerosol delivery device of embodiment 155, wherein the second longitudinally opposite end is configured to engage with an opening at the proximal end of the holder via at least one of a threaded engagement, a press-fit engagement, a snap-fit ​​engagement, or a complementary thread surface for magnetic engagement.

[0167] Embodiment 157: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 155 or 156, or any combination thereof, wherein the stem is sealingly engaged with the first aerosol passage in the holder.

[0168] Embodiment 158: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 155 to 157, or any combination thereof, wherein the stem includes a sealing mechanism disposed around its outer surface.

[0169] Embodiment 159: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 155 to 158, or any combination thereof, further comprising an inner housing disposed within the body of the holder and defining at least a portion of a first aerosol passage, wherein the stem is partially disposed within the inner housing and is in fluid communication with at least a portion of the first aerosol passage within the inner housing.

[0170] Embodiment 160: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 155 to 159, or any combination thereof, wherein the sealing mechanism comprises an O-ring disposed in a groove defined by the outer surface of the stem, or a substantially airtight fit between the stem and the inner housing.

[0171] Embodiment 161: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 155 to 160, or any combination thereof, further comprising an inner housing disposed within the body of the holder and having a retaining structure disposed at its proximal end, wherein a second longitudinally opposite end of the mouthpiece forms a mating retaining structure configured to engage with the retaining structure on the inner housing.

[0172] Embodiment 162: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 155 to 161, or any combination thereof, wherein the mouthpiece further comprises an insert removably positioned within a recess formed in the first end of the mouthpiece.

[0173] Embodiment 163: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 155 to 162, or any combination thereof, wherein the insert is configured to reduce the aerosol outlet in the mouthpiece.

[0174] Embodiment 164: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 155 to 163, or any combination thereof, wherein the central axis of the stem is offset from the central axis of the mouthpiece.

[0175] Embodiment 165: An aerosol delivery device comprising: a holder having a body forming a proximal end and a distal end, the body further defining a receiving chamber configured to receive a removable cartridge therein comprising an ignitable heat source; and a removable mouthpiece, the removable mouthpiece comprising: an elongated body portion formed by a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end and defining an aerosol passage extending therethrough; a first retention mechanism disposed around an outer surface of the elongated body portion, the first retention mechanism configured to removably secure the second end of the mouthpiece within the holder; and a second retention mechanism disposed within a receptacle defined by the second end of the elongated body portion, the second retention mechanism configured to removably secure a portion of the cartridge therein, the second retention mechanism configured to engage a user's mouth. In some embodiments, the first retention mechanism is located proximate to the first end of the elongated body portion.

[0176] Embodiment 166: The aerosol delivery device of embodiment 165, further comprising an inner housing disposed within the body of the holder and defining a passage therethrough configured to receive a portion of the mouthpiece therein.

[0177] Embodiment 167: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 165 or 166, or any combination thereof, further comprising a pair of igniter contacts positioned within the holder adjacent to its distal end, the contacts being configured to receive an ignitable heat source portion of the cartridge between them.

[0178] Embodiment 168: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 165 to 167, or any combination thereof, wherein the inner housing has a stopper configured to limit insertion of the mouthpiece and operably engage the ignitable heat source with the igniter contacts.

[0179] Embodiment 169: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 165 to 168, or any combination thereof, wherein the first retention mechanism is configured to sealingly engage with a passage in the inner housing.

[0180] Embodiment 170: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 165 to 169, or any combination thereof, wherein the first retention mechanism includes an elastomeric seal disposed around its outer surface and configured to frictionally engage with the inner housing passage.

[0181] Embodiment 171: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 165 to 170, or any combination thereof, wherein the second retention mechanism is configured to sealingly engage with the base portion of the cartridge.

[0182] Embodiment 172: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 165 to 171, or any combination thereof, wherein the second retention mechanism includes an elastomeric seal disposed around its inner surface and configured to frictionally engage with the cartridge.

[0183] Embodiment 173: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 165 to 172, or any combination thereof, further comprising an igniter push button configured to ignite the heat source when pressed by a user by actuating an igniter contact.

[0184] Embodiment 174: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 165 to 173, or any combination thereof, wherein the igniter contacts are deactivated when the igniter push button is released.

[0185] Embodiment 175: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 165 to 174, or any combination thereof, wherein the igniter contacts are deactivated after either a set time (e.g., about 2 to 60 seconds, about 5 to 30 seconds, or about 20 seconds) after the igniter push button is activated or after it is released.

[0186] Embodiment 176: An aerosol delivery device comprising: a holder having a body forming a proximal end and a distal end, the body further defining a receiving chamber configured to receive a removable cartridge therein comprising an ignitable heat source; and a removable mouthpiece configured to engage with the proximal end of the holder. The mouthpiece comprises an elongate body formed by a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end and defining a passageway extending therethrough; a second portion formed by the first end and the longitudinally opposed second end and defining a first aerosol passageway therethrough, the first end of the second portion configured to engage a user's mouth and the second end being partially disposed within the passageway of the first portion of the mouthpiece assembly adjacent the first end of the first portion; and a slider body formed by the second end longitudinally opposed to the first end and defining a second aerosol passageway therethrough, the slider body being slidably disposed within the first portion of the mouthpiece, the first end of the slider body being coupled to the second end of the second portion of the mouthpiece, and the second end of the slider body being coupled to a removable cartridge. the slider body configured to engage a removable cartridge, an inner tubular body formed by a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end and defining a receptacle with a first biasing mechanism disposed therein, the receptacle configured to at least partially receive the slider body, the slider body slidably coupled to the inner tubular body, the second end of the inner tubular body configured to engage a first portion of the mouthpiece proximate the second end of the first portion, the biasing mechanism configured to maintain the slider body in a loaded configuration, and an outlet guide coupled to the second end of the first portion of the mouthpiece and partially received within the second end of the inner tubular body, the outlet guide defining a cavity configured to sealingly engage the removable cartridge to removably secure the removable cartridge therein. The slider body may be configured to slide in a first direction and a second direction along a length of the first portion of the mouthpiece.

[0187] Embodiment 177: The aerosol delivery device of embodiment 176, wherein the holder further comprises: an inner housing disposed within the body of the holder and defining one or more receptacles therein; an outer tubular body disposed within a first of the receptacles and defining an internal cavity configured to slidably receive a mouthpiece therein; a first end cap coupled to the proximal end of the holder and defining a first opening communicating with the internal cavity of the outer tubular body, the first end cap configured to fix at least one of the inner housing or the outer tubular body within the holder; and a second end cap coupled to the distal end of the holder and defining a second opening communicating with the internal cavity of the outer tubular body, the second end cap configured to fix at least one of the inner housing or the outer tubular body within the holder.

[0188] Embodiment 178: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 176 or 177, or any combination thereof, wherein the holder comprises a retaining mechanism configured to movably couple the mouthpiece to the holder, such as, for example, a magnetic engagement or a threaded interface.

[0189] Embodiment 179: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 176 to 178, or any combination thereof, wherein the holder further comprises a pair of igniter contacts positioned in the receiving chamber adjacent to the distal end of the holder, and a second biasing mechanism positioned in the body and configured to engage with the distal end of the mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece is slidably positioned within the body and the second biasing mechanism is configured to position the ignitable heat source portion of the cartridge away from the igniter contacts.

[0190] Embodiment 180: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 176 to 179, or any combination thereof, wherein the second biasing mechanism comprises a return spring and a collar slidably disposed within the outer tubular body, the distal end of the collar being configured to engage with the return spring.

[0191] Embodiment 181: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 176 to 180, or any combination thereof, wherein the first biasing mechanism comprises an ejection spring, the ejection spring having a spring force greater than the return spring. In some cases, this embodiment prevents accidental ejection of the cartridge because the second biasing mechanism is actuated before the first biasing mechanism due to the difference in spring forces.

[0192] Embodiment 182: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 176 to 181, or any combination thereof, wherein the second end cap further comprises a standoff extending into the inner housing to partially define the receiving chamber.

[0193] Embodiment 183: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 176 to 182, or any combination thereof, wherein the standoff has a pair of opposing slots configured to secure igniter contacts therein so as to be engageable with an ignitable heat source, for example, when the mouthpiece is pressed.

[0194] Embodiment 184: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 176 to 183, or any combination thereof, further comprising a power source disposed within the inner housing, a printed circuit board disposed within the inner housing and in electrical communication with the igniter contacts, and a switch in electrical communication with the power source and the printed circuit board and configured to electrically couple the power source to the igniter contacts.

[0195] Embodiment 185: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 176 to 184, or any combination thereof, wherein the ignitable heat source portion of the cartridge bridges the igniter contacts upon applying force to the mouthpiece to complete an electrical circuit.

[0196] Embodiment 186: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 176 to 185, or any combination thereof, wherein the printed circuit board further comprises a charging port, and the printed circuit board is oriented within the inner housing so that the charging port is located at the distal end of the holder.

[0197] Embodiment 187: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 176 to 186, or any combination thereof, wherein the second end of the slider body comprises a stem configured to engage with and eject the removable cartridge upon application of a force against the second portion of the mouthpiece. After removal of the force, the first biasing mechanism returns to its neutral position (e.g., in the loading direction).

[0198] Embodiment 188: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 176 to 187, or any combination thereof, wherein the second end of the second part of the mouthpiece is configured to engage with the first end of the slider body via at least one of complementary threaded surfaces for threaded engagement, press-fit engagement, snap-fit ​​engagement, or magnetic engagement.

[0199] Embodiment 189: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 176 to 188, or any combination thereof, wherein the second end of the inner tubular body is configured to engage with the inner surface of the first portion of the mouthpiece via at least one of complementary threaded surfaces for threaded engagement, press-fit engagement, snap-fit ​​engagement, or magnetic engagement.

[0200] Embodiment 190: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 176 to 189 or any combination thereof, wherein the outlet guide is configured to engage with the second end of the first part of the mouthpiece via at least one of complementary threaded surfaces for threaded engagement, press-fit engagement, snap-fit ​​engagement, or magnetic engagement.

[0201] Embodiment 191: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 190, or any combination thereof, further comprising a removable cartridge, the cartridge comprising a substrate material having an aerosol precursor composition configured to form an aerosol upon application of heat.

[0202] Embodiment 192: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 191, or any combination thereof, wherein the holder has a window disposed therein, the window being configured to allow at least a portion of the removable cartridge to be visible.

[0203] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The present invention includes any combination of two, three, four, or more of the foregoing embodiments, as well as combinations of any two, three, four, or more features or elements described in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are explicitly combined in the description of a particular embodiment herein. The present disclosure, in any of its various aspects and embodiments, is intended to be read as a whole such that any separable features or elements of the disclosed invention are intended to be combinable unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0204] Having thus described the present disclosure in general terms above, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0205] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol delivery device with a reverse consumable loading configuration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] 1 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of an aerosol delivery device with a reverse consumable loading configuration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1C] 1B shows an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of an alternative distal end of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2] 1B shows an exploded perspective view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] 1B shows cross-sectional side views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1A in various operating states, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] 1B shows cross-sectional side views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1A in various operating states, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] 1B shows cross-sectional side views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1A in various operating states, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] 1B shows perspective end views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1A in various loading states, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] 1B shows perspective end views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1A in various loading states, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4C] 1B shows perspective end views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1A in various loading states, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4D] 1B shows perspective end views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1A in various loading states, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4E] 1B shows perspective end views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1A in various loading states, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] 1B shows a perspective view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1A in a loaded configuration and a static igniter contact disposed therein, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] 5B shows an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 5A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]1B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1A in a loaded configuration with a vapor pathway established therethrough, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] 1B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1A during expulsion of the consumable product, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] 7B shows an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 7A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] 1A-1D show perspective views of an aerosol delivery device with different consumable loading and ejection paths according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] 1A-1D show cross-sectional perspective views of an aerosol delivery device with different consumable loading and ejection paths according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 8B shows an exploded perspective view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 8A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10A] 8B shows a perspective side view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 8A highlighting the loading of consumables, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] 8B shows a perspective side view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 8A highlighting the loading of consumables, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10C] 8B shows a perspective side view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 8A highlighting the loading of consumables, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10D] 8B shows a perspective side view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 8A highlighting the loading of consumables, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10E] 8B shows a perspective side view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 8A highlighting the loading of consumables, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11A] 8B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the device of FIG. 8A in an illuminated configuration, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B shows an enlarged perspective end view of the cartridge end of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 11A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11C] FIG. 11B shows an enlarged perspective end view of the cartridge end of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 11A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12A] 8B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the device of FIG. 8A highlighting the ejection of consumables, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12B] 8B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the device of FIG. 8A highlighting the ejection of consumables, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13A] 1 shows a perspective view of an alternative aerosol delivery device with a translating mouthpiece for loading consumables, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13B] 1 shows a perspective view of an alternative aerosol delivery device with a translating mouthpiece for loading consumables, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13C] 1 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of an alternative aerosol delivery device with a translating mouthpiece for loading consumables, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 14] 13B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 13A in use, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 6B shows an exploded perspective view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 6A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16A] 13B shows a perspective side view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 13A highlighting the loading of consumables, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16B] 13B shows a perspective side view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 13A highlighting the loading of consumables, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16C] 13B shows a perspective side view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 13A highlighting the loading of consumables, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16D] 13B shows a perspective side view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 13A highlighting the loading of consumables, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17A] 13B shows a cross-sectional perspective side view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 13A highlighting the ejection of consumables, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17B] 13B shows a cross-sectional perspective side view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 13A highlighting the ejection of consumables, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18A]FIG. 13B shows an enlarged perspective end view of the cartridge end of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 13A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18B] FIG. 13B shows an enlarged perspective end view of the cartridge end of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 13A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18C] FIG. 13B shows an enlarged perspective end view of the cartridge end of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 13A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19A] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of another alternative aerosol delivery device having a rotating bottom door for loading and securing a cartridge within the device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19B] 1 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of another alternative aerosol delivery device having a rotating bottom door for loading and securing a cartridge within the device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 20] 19B shows an exploded perspective view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 19A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21A] 19B shows cross-sectional side views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 19A in various operating states, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21B] 19B shows cross-sectional side views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 19A in various operating states, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21C] 19B shows cross-sectional side views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 19A in various operating states, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] FIG. 19B shows a perspective end view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 19A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23A] 1B shows a perspective end view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1A in a loaded configuration, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23B] 1B shows a perspective end view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1A in a loaded configuration, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24] 19B shows a perspective view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 19A in an ejection configuration, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 25A]1 shows a perspective view of another aerosol delivery device with a different consumable loading and ejection path according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 25B] 1 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of another aerosol delivery device with a different consumable loading and ejection path according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] 25B shows an exploded perspective view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 25A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 27A] 25B shows perspective views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 25A in various operating states according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 27B] 25B shows two perspective views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 25A in various operating states, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 28A] 1 shows a perspective view of an alternative aerosol delivery device with a removable mouthpiece configured to load and remove a removable cartridge from the device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 28B] 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of an alternative aerosol delivery device with a removable mouthpiece configured to load and remove a removable cartridge from the device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 29] 28B shows an exploded view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 28A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 30] 28B shows an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece end of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 28A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 31] 28B shows an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 28A engaged with a removable cartridge, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 32A] 28B shows perspective views of a removable mouthpiece for use with the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 28A in various operating states according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 32B] 28B shows perspective views of a removable mouthpiece for use with the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 28A in various operating states according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 32C]28B shows perspective views of a removable mouthpiece for use with the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 28A in various operating states according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 33] FIG. 1 shows a front view of an alternative aerosol delivery device with a removable mouthpiece and a removable cartridge according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 34] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an alternative aerosol delivery device with a removable mouthpiece and a removable cartridge according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 35A] FIG. 34 shows a partially exploded perspective view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 33 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 35B] FIG. 35B shows an enlarged, more detailed view of the distal end of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 35A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 36] FIG. 34 shows an exploded view of the mouthpiece portion of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 33 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 37A] 34A-34D show perspective views of the mouthpiece portion of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 33 in various operating states according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 37B] 34A-34D show perspective views of the mouthpiece portion of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 33 in various operating states according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 37C] 34A-34D show perspective views of the mouthpiece portion of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 33 in various operating states according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 38] FIG. 34 shows an exploded view of the holder portion of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 33 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 39A] 34A-34D show perspective views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 33 in various operating states according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 39B] 34A-34D show perspective views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 33 in various operating states according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 39C] 34A-34D show perspective views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 33 in various operating states according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 40]1 shows a perspective view of a removable cartridge according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 41] 1 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a removable cartridge according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0206] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Indeed, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0207] Unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, references to first, second, etc. should not be construed to imply a particular order. A feature described as being above another feature (unless otherwise specified or clear from the context) may instead be below, and vice versa; and similarly, a feature described as being to the left of another feature may instead be to the right, and vice versa. Also, while reference may be made herein to quantitative measures, values, geometric relationships, and the like, unless otherwise specified, any one or more, if not all, of these may be absolute or approximate to account for acceptable variations that may occur, such as those due to technical tolerances, etc.

[0208] As used herein, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, an "or" of a set of operands is an "inclusive or," whereby it is true if and only if one or more of the operands are true, as opposed to an "exclusive or," which is false if all of the operands are true. Thus, for example, "[A] or [B]" is true if [A] is true, or if [B] is true, or if both [A] and [B] are true. Furthermore, the articles "a" and "an" mean "one or more" unless otherwise specified or unless it is clear from the context that the singular form is intended. Furthermore, it should be understood that "data," "content," "digital content," "information," and similar terms may sometimes be used interchangeably unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, when multiple of the same component are listed, the multiple may be referred to individually (e.g., ##a, ##b, ##c, etc.) or collectively (##).

[0209] The present disclosure provides a description of articles (and their assembly and / or manufacture) in which materials are heated (preferably without burning the materials to any significant extent) to form an aerosol and / or inhalable substance, and such articles are most preferably compact enough to be considered "handheld" devices. In some aspects, the articles are characterized as smoking articles. As used herein, the term "smoking article" is intended to mean an article and / or device that provides many of the sensations of smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe (e.g., the type of inhalation and exhalation, the type of taste or flavor, the organoleptic effect, the physical feel, the type of use, visual cues such as those provided by a visible aerosol, etc.) without substantially burning any components of the article and / or device. As used herein, the term "smoking article" does not necessarily mean that, during operation, the article or device produces smoke in the sense of an aerosol resulting from the by-products of tobacco combustion or pyrolysis, but rather that the article or device produces vapor resulting from the volatilization or vaporization of certain components, elements, etc. of the article and / or device (including vapor within an aerosol that is considered to be a visible aerosol that is considered to be described as smoky). In some aspects, articles or devices characterized as smoking articles incorporate tobacco and / or tobacco-derived components.

[0210] As previously mentioned, the aerosol delivery device may provide many of the sensations of smoking a used cigarette, cigar, or pipe (e.g., the type of inhalation and exhalation, the type of taste or flavor, the sensory stimulating effect, the physical feel, the type of use, visual cues such as those provided by a visible aerosol, etc.) by lighting and burning tobacco (and thus inhaling tobacco smoke) without substantially burning any of its components. For example, a user of an aerosol delivery device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may hold and use the device as a smoker would use a traditional type of smoking article, drawing on one end of the component for inhalation of the aerosol generated by the component, taking puffs at selected time intervals, etc.

[0211] The article or device of the present disclosure may also be characterized as a vapor product, an aerosol delivery article, or a drug delivery article. Thus, such an article or device may be adapted to provide one or more substances in an inhalable form or state. For example, the inhalable substance may be substantially in vapor form (e.g., a substance in the gas phase at a temperature below its critical point). Alternatively, the inhalable substance may be in aerosol form (e.g., a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas). For simplicity, the term "aerosol" as used herein is meant to include vapors, gases, and aerosols in any form or type suitable for human inhalation, regardless of whether they are visible and whether they are in a form that can be considered smoke-like. In some embodiments, the terms "vapor" and "aerosol" may be interchangeable. Therefore, for simplicity, the terms "vapor" and "aerosol" used to describe the present disclosure are understood to be interchangeable unless otherwise specified.

[0212] Examples of suitable vapor-producing, aerosol-delivery, or drug-delivery articles include vapor products, non-combustion heating products, hybrid products, and the like. Vapor products are commonly known as "electronic cigarettes," "e-cigarettes," or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), although the aerosol-forming material need not contain nicotine. Many vapor products are designed to heat a liquid material to generate an aerosol. Other vapor products are designed to break down an aerosol-forming material into an aerosol without heating or with only secondary heating. Non-combustion heating products include tobacco heating products and carbon-tipped tobacco heating products, and many are designed to heat a solid material to generate an aerosol without burning the solid material.

[0213] Hybrid products may use 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, semi-solid, liquid, or gel. Some hybrid products are similar to vapor products, except that the aerosol generated from the liquid or gel aerosol-generating material passes through a second material (such as tobacco) to capture additional components before reaching the user. In some exemplary 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.

[0214] During use, smoking articles of the present disclosure are subjected to many of the physical actions of an individual when using a traditional type of smoking article (e.g., a cigarette, cigar, or pipe that is used by lighting it with a flame and then burning and / or inhaling the burned tobacco). For example, a user of a smoking article of the present disclosure holds the article in a manner similar to a traditional type of smoking article, draws on one end of the article to inhale the aerosol produced by the article, and takes puffs for selected time intervals.

[0215] Although the systems are generally described herein with respect to embodiments relating to smoking articles, such as so-called "tobacco heating products," it should be understood that the features, components, features, and methods can be embodied in many different forms and associated with a variety of items. For example, the description provided herein can be used in conjunction with traditional smoking articles (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc.), non-combustion heated cigarettes, and related packaging embodiments for any of the products disclosed herein. Accordingly, it should be understood that the description of the features, components, features, and methods disclosed herein are described with respect to embodiments relating to aerosol delivery devices by way of example only, and may be embodied and used in a variety of other products and methods.

[0216] The aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure generally includes several components disposed within an outer body or shell, which may be referred to as a housing or holder. The overall design of the outer body or shell can vary, and the type or configuration of the outer body can vary, which can define the overall size and shape of the aerosol delivery device. In some exemplary embodiments, an elongated body resembling the shape of a cigarette or cigar can be formed from a single, integral housing, or the elongated housing can be formed from two or more separable bodies. For example, the aerosol delivery device can include an elongated shell or body that can be substantially tubular in shape and thus resemble the shape of a traditional cigarette or cigar. In another example, the aerosol delivery device can be substantially rectangular or have a substantially rectangular cuboid shape. In one example, all of the components of the aerosol delivery device are housed within a single housing. Alternatively, the aerosol delivery device can include two or more joined and separable housings. For example, the aerosol delivery device can have one portion with a housing that houses and is removably connectable to one or more reusable components (e.g., an accumulator such as a rechargeable battery and / or a rechargeable supercapacitor, and various electronics for controlling the operation of the item), a separate second portion (e.g., a mouthpiece), and / or a disposable component (e.g., a disposable flavor-containing cartridge containing aerosol precursor materials, flavorants, etc.). More specific formats, configurations, and arrangements of components within a single-housing type unit or a multi-piece separable-housing type unit will become apparent in light of the further disclosure provided herein. Furthermore, various aerosol delivery device designs and component arrangements can be appreciated by considering commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices.

[0217] As described in more detail below, the holder of the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure may include some combination of a power source (e.g., a power supply), at least one control component (e.g., a means for converting, controlling, regulating, and terminating electrical power, such as by controlling the flow of current from the power source to other components of the article, such as a microprocessor, either individually or as part of a microcontroller, a printed circuit board (PCB) including the microprocessor and / or microcontroller, etc.), a lighter portion configured to ignite the heat source and / or substrate material of the cartridge, and a receiving chamber. Such a holder may be configured to accommodate one or more substrate cartridges containing a substrate material capable of generating an aerosol upon application of sufficient heat. In some embodiments, the holder may include a mouthpiece portion configured to allow drawing on the holder for aerosol inhalation (e.g., a predetermined airflow path through the holder so that the generated aerosol can be drawn therefrom upon inhalation).

[0218] In various aspects, the cartridge's heat source may be capable of generating heat to aerosolize the cartridge's substrate material, including, for example, an extruded structure and / or substrate, a substrate material associated with the aerosol precursor composition, tobacco and / or tobacco-related materials, such as materials naturally found in tobacco, isolated directly from tobacco or synthetically prepared, in solid or liquid form (e.g., beads, sheets, strips, wraps), etc. As described in more detail below, in some embodiments, the extruded structure may comprise a tobacco product or a composite of tobacco with other materials, such as ceramic powder. In other embodiments, a tobacco extract / slurry may be loaded into porous ceramic beads. Other embodiments may use non-tobacco products. In some embodiments, aerosol precursor composition-loaded porous beads / powder (ceramic) may be used. In other embodiments, a rod / cylinder made of an extruded slurry of ceramic powder and aerosol precursor composition may be used.

[0219] In some embodiments, the substrate material may comprise a liquid comprising an aerosol precursor composition and / or a gel comprising an aerosol precursor composition. Some examples of liquid compositions can be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0113239 to Aller et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As previously mentioned, in various embodiments, one or more of the substrate materials may have an aerosol precursor composition associated therewith. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol precursor composition may include one or more different components, such as a polyhydric alcohol (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, or mixtures thereof). Further representative types of aerosol precursor compositions are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,365 to Sensabaugh, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,839 to Jakob et al.; International Publication No. WO 98 / 57556 to Biggs et al., and "Chemical and Biological Studies on New Cigarette Prototypes that Heat Instead of Burn Tobacco," R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Monograph (1988), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the substrate material may generate a visible aerosol upon application of sufficient heat (optionally cooled with air), and the substrate material may generate a "smoky" aerosol. In other embodiments, the substrate material may generate an aerosol that is substantially invisible but whose presence is recognized by other characteristics, such as flavor or texture. Thus, the nature of the aerosol generated may vary depending on the specific components of the aerosol delivery components. The substrate material may be chemically simple compared to the chemistry of smoke generated by burning tobacco.

[0220] In some embodiments, the aerosol precursor composition may incorporate nicotine, which may be present in various concentrations. The source of nicotine may be varied, and the nicotine incorporated in the aerosol precursor composition may be derived from a single source or a combination of two or more sources. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol precursor composition may contain nicotine derived from tobacco. In other embodiments, the aerosol precursor composition may contain nicotine derived from other organic plant sources, such as non-tobacco plant sources, including plants of the Solanaceae family. In other embodiments, the aerosol precursor composition may contain synthetic nicotine. In some embodiments, the nicotine incorporated in the aerosol precursor composition may be derived from non-tobacco plant sources, such as other members of the Solanaceae family. The aerosol precursor composition may additionally or alternatively include other active ingredients, including, but not limited to, botanicals (e.g., lavender, peppermint, chamomile, basil, rosemary, thyme, eucalyptus, ginger, cannabis, ginseng, maca, and tisanes), stimulants (e.g., caffeine and guarana), amino acids (e.g., taurine, theanine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan), and / or pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and medicinal ingredients (e.g., vitamins such as B6, B12, and C, and cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)). It is noted that the aerosol precursor composition may include any component, derivative, or combination of any of the above.

[0221] As described herein, the aerosol precursor composition may comprise or be derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from a plant, including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fiber, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husks, shells, etc. Alternatively, the material may comprise active compounds naturally occurring in the plant that are synthetically obtained. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, chips, strips, sheets, etc. Examples of plants include tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibo, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice, matcha, mato, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, anise, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, and lavender. , lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damiento, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, short rib, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, ciacristine, maca, schwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof.The mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: Mentha arventis, grapefruit mint (Mentha cv), Egyptian mint (Mentha niliaca), peppermint (Mentha piperita), lime mint (Mentha piperita citrate cv), chocolate mint (Mentha piperita cv), curly mint (Mentha spicata crispa), wild mint (Mentha cardifolia), horse mint (Mentha longifolia), pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens variegata), pennyroyal mint (Mentha pulegium), English spearmint (Mentha spicata cv), and apple mint (Mentha suaveolens).

[0222] A wide variety of flavoring agents or materials that alter the sensory or organoleptic characteristics or properties of the mainstream aerosol of a smoking article may be suitable for use. In some embodiments, such flavoring agents may be provided from sources other than tobacco and may be natural or artificial in nature. For example, some flavoring agents may be applied to or incorporated within the substrate material and / or the region of the smoking article where the aerosol is generated. In some embodiments, such agents may be provided directly to the heating cavity or region proximate the heat source or substrate material provided. Examples of flavoring agents include, for example, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, cream, tea, coffee, fruit (e.g., apple, cherry, strawberry, peach, and citrus flavors including lime and lemon), maple, menthol, mint, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, nutmeg, clove, lavender, cardamom, ginger, honey, anise, sage, cinnamon, sandalwood, jasmine, cascarilla, cocoa, licorice, and flavoring agents and flavor packages of the type and characteristics conventionally used in cigarette, cigar, and pipe tobacco flavorings. Syrups, such as high fructose corn syrup, may also be suitable for use.

[0223] As used herein, the terms "flavor," "flavoring," "flavoring agent," and the like refer to materials that may be used, where local regulations permit, to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatosensory sensation in products intended for adult consumers.They may be any naturally occurring flavoring material, botanical substance, extract of botanical substance, synthetically derived material, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, osmanthus leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, macha, menthol, mint, anise, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, heat, Belt fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragonfly, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascara, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, hut, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cinnamon bark, cassou, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang g), sage, fennel, wasabi, pimento, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, mint oil of all species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, teas such as green and black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, turmeric, coriander, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimen The present invention may include other additives such as citric acid, citric acid, citric acid, citric acid derivatives (e.g., citric acid, citric acid derivatives), ...They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example a liquid such as an oil, a solid such as a powder, or a gas.

[0224] In some embodiments, the flavor comprises menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and / or red berry flavor components. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from cannabis.

[0225] In some embodiments, flavors can include sensations intended to achieve somatic sensations, usually chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or instead of aroma or taste sensations, and these can include agents that provide heating, cooling, tingling, and numbing effects. Suitable heating agents can be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and suitable cooling agents can be, but are not limited to, eucolyptol, WS-3.

[0226] Flavoring agents may also include acidic or basic characteristics (e.g., organic acids such as levulinic acid, succinic acid, pyruvic acid, and benzoic acid). In some embodiments, flavoring agents can be combined with components of the substrate material as needed. Exemplary plant-derived compositions that may be suitable are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,107,453 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0152265, both to Dube et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Any flavoring, casing, or other material that may be useful in combination with the tobacco material to affect its sensory properties, including organoleptic properties as described herein, may be combined with the substrate material. Organic acids may be incorporated into the substrate material, particularly to affect the flavor, sensory, or organoleptic properties of pharmaceuticals, such as nicotine, that may be combined with the substrate material. For example, organic acids such as levulinic acid, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, and benzoic acid may be included in the substrate material along with nicotine in amounts up to equimolar with nicotine (based on total organic acid content). Any combination of organic acids may be suitable. For example, in some embodiments, the matrix material may include about 0.1 to about 0.5 moles of levulinic acid per mole of nicotine, about 0.1 to about 0.5 moles of pyruvic acid per mole of nicotine, about 0.1 to about 0.5 moles of lactic acid per mole of nicotine, or combinations thereof, up to a concentration where the total amount of organic acid present is equimolar to the total amount of nicotine present in the matrix material. Various additional examples of organic acids used to prepare the substrate material are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0344456 by Dull et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0227] The selection of such additional ingredients can vary based on factors such as the sensory characteristics desired in the smoking article, and the present disclosure is intended to encompass any such additional ingredients readily apparent to those skilled in the art of tobacco and tobacco-related or tobacco-derived products. See Gutcho, Tobacco Flavoring Substances and Methods, Noyes Data Corp. (1972) and Leffingwell et al., Tobacco Flavoring for Smoking Products (1972), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0228] In other embodiments, the substrate material can include other materials with various inherent properties or characteristics. For example, the substrate material can include regenerated cellulose in the form of a plasticized material or rayon. As another example, viscose (commercially available as VISIL®), a regenerated cellulose product incorporating silica, can be suitable. Some carbon fibers may contain at least 95% carbon or more. Similarly, natural cellulose fibers such as cotton can be suitable and can be infused or otherwise treated with silica, carbon, or metal particles to enhance flame retardancy and minimize the generation of any undesirable off-gassing components that can adversely affect off-gassing, particularly flavor (particularly minimizing the potential for any toxic off-gassing products). Cotton can be treated, for example, with boric acid or various organophosphate compounds to provide the desired flame retardancy by dipping, spraying, or other techniques known in the art. These fibers can also be treated (e.g., coated, infused, or both by dipping, spraying, or vapor deposition) with organic or metallic nanoparticles to impart the desired properties of flame retardancy without undesirable off-gassing or melt-type behavior.

[0229] More specific forms, configurations, and arrangements of components within the non-flammable aerosol delivery systems of the present disclosure will become apparent in light of the further disclosure provided below. Additionally, the selection and arrangement of various non-flammable aerosol delivery system components can be understood in light of commercially available electronic non-flammable aerosol delivery systems, such as the representative products referenced in the Background section of this disclosure.

[0230] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, it may be advantageous to provide an aerosol delivery device that is easy to use and offers reusable and / or replaceable components. Figures 1A, 1B, and 2 illustrate an example embodiment of such a device. In particular, Figures 1A and 1B illustrate a perspective view and a cross-sectional perspective view, respectively, of an aerosol delivery device 100 including a removable cartridge 106, an actuator assembly 108, and a bottom access door 188 for loading and unloading the cartridge 106. Figure 2 provides an exploded view of the aerosol delivery device 100. The aerosol delivery device 100 includes a holder 102 including a body defining a proximal end 102a and a distal end 102b, the body further defining a receiving chamber 110 configured to receive the removable cartridge 106 therein and a first aerosol passageway 150 extending through at least a portion of the body. Cartridge 106 includes an ignitable heat source 120 and a substrate portion 122 that includes an aerosol precursor composition configured to form an aerosol upon application of heat.

[0231] The device 100 further includes a mouthpiece 104 having a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end, with a second aerosol passageway 154 extending longitudinally between the first and second ends. The first end is configured to engage a user's mouth, and the second end is configured to engage a proximal end of the holder 102. The mouthpiece 104 is configured to sealingly engage the proximal end 102a of the holder so that the first and second aerosol passageways 150, 154 are in fluid communication with each other to deliver aerosol generated in the receiving chamber to the user. The mouthpiece 104 may be removably coupled to the holder 102, for example, to allow cleaning or customization of the device 100. However, in other embodiments, the mouthpiece 104 may be integrally formed with the holder 102.

[0232] The device 100 further includes an access door 188 movably coupled to the distal end 102b of the body, which defines a third aerosol passageway 147. In the open configuration, the access door 188 provides access to the receiving chamber 110 for loading the removable cartridge 106 therein, and in the closed configuration, fluidly couples the receiving chamber 110 with the first aerosol passageway 150 via the third aerosol passageway 147. The device 100 includes a sliding mechanism 185 or similar structure for moving the door 188 to the open configuration. In some embodiments, the door 188 is coupled to the holder 102 via a detent hinge configured to maintain the access door 188 in at least one of the open or closed configuration.

[0233] 1C shows an alternative embodiment in which a third aerosol passage 147' is defined in the distal end 102b' of the body and fluidly couples the receiving chamber 110' with the first aerosol passage 150'. The access door 188' may be solid or may include a recess 147a' that partially forms the third aerosol passage, as shown in FIG. 1C. In some embodiments, the third aerosol passage 147', 147a' is configured to redirect the vapor path 143' by approximately 180 degrees.

[0234] The body defines an opening 182 in fluid communication with the receiving chamber 110 and oriented to be substantially aligned with the ignitable heat source 120 when the removable cartridge 106 is loaded into the receiving chamber. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the opening 182 is disposed in a sidewall of the body 102 and may be configured to allow viewing of the air intake and / or ignitable heat source therethrough. The holder 102 also houses a power source 112, a printed circuit board 118 having associated electronics including a controller, and a pair of igniter contacts 128 in electrical communication with the power source 112, positioned proximate the opening 182 and configured to engage the ignitable heat source when the removable cartridge is loaded into the receiving chamber. The device 100 further includes an ignition switch 140 in electrical communication with the power source 112 and the igniter contacts 128, configured to provide power to the contacts when activated. In some embodiments, printed circuit board 118 can include charging port 119 disposed thereon and oriented such that the charging port is located at the distal end of holder 102 (e.g., below access door 188, as shown in FIG. 4B ). In the illustrated embodiment, opening 182 includes guard 111 configured to prevent a user from inadvertently contacting igniter contacts 128 and / or ignitable heat source 120. In some embodiments, holder 102 further defines enlarged cavity 138, which in some embodiments is part of receiving chamber 110 and is configured to provide an area around the ignitable heat source for ignition components, such as contacts 128, and / or to provide spacing between heat source 120 and holder 102 to minimize or eliminate heat transfer between heat source 120 and holder 102. Igniter contacts 128 are static and configured to deflect slightly upon contact with cartridge 106 to allow ignitable heat source 120 to be placed in contact between igniter contacts 128.

[0235] The actuator assembly 108 is slidably disposed within the holder 102 and configured to contact the removable cartridge 106 once it has been loaded into the receiving chamber and eject the cartridge from the distal end 102b of the holder. As further shown in FIGS. 2, 7A, and 7B, the actuator assembly 108 comprises a generally elongate slider body 130 positionable within the body for sliding movement in first and second directions along its length. The slider body 130 includes a first protrusion 131 (e.g., a slider button) extending from its outer surface and extending through an opening 116 in the wall of the holder 102 configured to move the slider body 130 between a loaded position (see FIG. 3A) and an ejected position (see FIGS. 3C and 7A). The slider body 130 further includes a second protrusion or stem 133 extending from its distal end. Stem 133 is configured to engage removable cartridge 106 to advance the removable cartridge through the distal end of holder 102 when actuator assembly 108 is moved to the ejection position. Actuator assembly 108 is disposed within a cavity in the holder and outside of any aerosol passageway.

[0236] The overall operation of device 100, and the specific operation of actuator assembly 108, will be described with reference to Figures 3A-3C, which show a series of views of aerosol delivery device 100 in various states of operation. Specifically, Figure 3A depicts cartridge 106 being loaded into device 100 (i.e., actuator assembly 108 in the loaded position), Figure 3B depicts device 100 during ignition and use, and Figure 3C depicts cartridge 106 being ejected from device 100 (i.e., actuator assembly in the discharge position).

[0237] 3A and 4A-4E, to load a cartridge into receiving chamber 110, sliding mechanism 185 moves toward distal end 102b of holder to deflect or move access door 188 to an open configuration (see FIG. 4B) and expose receiving chamber 110 through opening 115 and first and third aerosol passageways 150, 147 (see FIG. 4E). To prevent a cartridge from being inserted into aerosol passageway 150, the cross-sectional area of ​​first aerosol passageway 150 is preferably smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​opening 115. Actuator assembly 108 is fully retracted toward mouthpiece 104. The cartridge 106 is manually inserted into the receiving chamber 110 of the holder 102 to place the cartridge 106 in a lighting and / or use position, where the cartridge is sealingly secured within the chamber 110 via a retention mechanism 176 (see FIGS. 1B and 3B ), such that the ignitable heat source 120 is operatively aligned with the igniter contacts 128 (see FIG. 4C ). After loading, the access door 188 is moved to a closed configuration (see FIG. 4D ) to sealingly engage the access door 188 with the distal end of the holder 102 via a gasket 117 or other sealing mechanism, preventing aerosol leakage or air ingress therebetween. The receiving chamber 110, the third aerosol passage 147, and the first aerosol passage 150 are in fluid communication. In the closed configuration, the cartridge 106 is secured within the holder so as to be in fluid communication with the aerosol passages. Ignitable heat source 120 is in contact with igniter contacts 128 and can be ignited so that the cartridge can be consumed (i.e., so that aerosol is generated and delivered to a user via an aerosol passageway), after which cartridge 106 can be ejected from device 100, as described below.

[0238] 3B, 5A, and 5B, in the lighting / use position, the cartridge 106 is disposed within the receiving chamber 110, and the ignitable heat source 120 is disposed within the cavity 138 and contacts the igniter contacts 128. The opening 182 includes two separate openings 182a, 182b, as shown in FIG. 5B, where a portion of the holder sidewall forms the guard 111. In the illustrated embodiment, the igniter push button 140, when pressed by a user, activates the igniter contacts 128, thereby igniting the heat source 120 of the cartridge 106. Specifically, when the push button 140 is activated, an electrical circuit is completed, connecting electricity to the igniter contacts 128. In some embodiments, the igniter contacts 128 remain activated only while the igniter push button 140 is pressed. Thus, in some embodiments, the igniter contacts 128 are deactivated when the igniter push button 140 is released. In some embodiments, igniter push button 140 may be configured to activate igniter contacts 128 for a set amount of time after release. In one embodiment, push button 140 is located on a side of aerosol delivery device 100. Button 140 is movably coupled to a holder, with or without a sealing arrangement. Button 140 may be spring-loaded to return to an off position after igniting heat source 120. Device 100 may include an LED that can illuminate during ignition and / or change color to indicate the status of device 100. Additionally, a user may observe ignition through opening 182.

[0239] 6 illustrates vapor path 143 through device 100 as, in use, for example, a user draws on holder 102 (e.g., via mouthpiece 104), ambient air is drawn into cavity 138 via opening 182, moves through cartridge 106, mixes with aerosol generated by cartridge 106, and may then move through various aerosol passages for inhalation by the user. Specifically, the aerosol mixture exiting cartridge 106 enters third aerosol passage 147, which is configured to redirect the mixture (i.e., the vapor path) approximately 180° into first aerosol passage 150, which extends substantially the entire length of the body. First aerosol passage 150 is in fluid communication with second aerosol passage 154 in mouthpiece 104, such that vapor is delivered to the user via opening 158 in mouthpiece portion 104. One advantage of the long vapor path 143 is that it may be configured to reduce or otherwise optimize the vapor temperature exiting the device 100 .

[0240] Ejection of cartridge 106 is described with reference to Figures 3C, 7A, and 7B. Generally, the ejection mechanism (i.e., actuator assembly 108) is configured to eject cartridge 106 from holder distal end 102b through opening 115 when access door 188 is in the open configuration. Prior to ejection, one end of cartridge 106 engages with retention mechanism 176 configured to retain the cartridge within the receiving chamber. In some embodiments, mechanism 176 is a silicone seal configured to frictionally and / or sealingly engage cartridge 106 such that cartridge 106 is temporarily "locked" in place when cartridge 106 is pressed fully into receiving chamber 110.

[0241] As shown in FIG. 7B , the actuator assembly 108 is moved forward (i.e., away from the mouthpiece) by the user, using, for example, the thumb and protrusion 131, to move the actuator assembly 108 in first and second directions as needed. The slider protrusion 131 (and actuator assembly 108) moves forward until the inner stem 133 of the slider body 130 engages the cartridge 106, pushing it forward to disengage it from the retention mechanism 176 (see FIG. 7A ). As seen in FIG. 7B , the inner stem 133 enters the cavity 138 before engaging the cartridge's ignitable heat source 120. Once engaged, the cartridge 106 is pushed out of the receiving chamber 110 and out of the aerosol delivery device 100. The cartridge 106 can then be withdrawn from the device 100 or dropped from the device.

[0242] After ejection, the user can insert a new cartridge or simply close the access door 188 and store the device 100 for later use. In some embodiments, the device 100 may include a locking mechanism (not shown) configured to further secure the access door 188 in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may include a magnetic engagement, a snap fit, a detent, and / or may be spring-biased into the closed configuration.

[0243] In some alternative embodiments, the aerosol is generated by an electric heater configured to perform electric heating, in which electrical energy from a power source is delivered to the heater when the actuator assembly is moved to the lit / use position. Heating the aerosol-generating material (substrate 122) releases one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material to form the aerosol. Examples of suitable forms of electric heating include resistive (Joule) heating, induction heating, dielectric and microwave heating, radiant heating, arc heating, and the like. More specific examples of suitable electric heaters include resistive heating elements such as wire coils, flat plates, prongs, conductive meshes, radiant heaters, conductive inks, and microheaters.

[0244] In some examples, the cartridge 106 may include a susceptor (e.g., the susceptor may be part of the substrate 122). The susceptor is a material that can be heated by penetration with a changing magnetic field generated by a magnetic field generator, which may be separate from or part of the aerosol generator. The susceptor may be a conductive material, such that penetration by the changing magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, such that penetration by the changing magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor in some examples may be both conductive and magnetic, such that the susceptor in these examples is heatable by both heating mechanisms.

[0245] 8A, 8B, and 9 show another exemplary embodiment of an aerosol delivery device 200. In particular, FIGS. 8A and 8B show a perspective view and a cross-sectional perspective view, respectively, of an aerosol delivery device 200 including a removable cartridge 206, a slider assembly 208, and a separate ignition actuator 240. The aerosol delivery device 200 includes a two-part holder with an upper body portion 201 and a lower body portion 203, which form the proximal and distal ends, respectively. However, in alternative embodiments, the holder 202 may be comprised of a single body with an alternative loading mechanism.

[0246] Lower body portion 203 defines a receiving chamber 210 disposed therein and configured to receive a removable cartridge 206 having an ignitable heat source 220 and a substrate portion including a substrate material having an aerosol precursor composition configured to form an aerosol upon application of heat. Lower body portion 203 includes a pair of actuatable igniter contacts 228 disposed proximate a distal end thereof and coupled thereto via a pair of elongated bodies or arms 226. Actuatable igniter contacts 228 are configured to be engageable with ignitable heat source 220 when removable cartridge 206 is secured within receiving chamber 210. Specifically, igniter contacts 228 are configured to be movable between a first position spaced apart from ignitable heat source 220 and a second position in contact with ignitable heat source 220.

[0247] In the illustrated embodiment, each contact 228 and elongated body 226 is formed from a single flat strip of metal (e.g., copper, silver, gold, or other conductive material) with one end curled or otherwise shaped to form the igniter contact 228 and the other end remaining substantially flat to form the contact arm 226. Alternatively, the contacts 228 and elongated body 226 may be formed from a single strip of material, with each end curled or otherwise shaped to form the first and second igniter contacts 228 and an intermediate portion bent or otherwise shaped to at least partially surround the receiving chamber 210. The intermediate portion forms the single elongated body 226 extending on either side of the receiving chamber 210 so that the igniter contacts 228 can be deflected toward each other to contact the ignitable heat source 220. The bent portions of the single elongated body 226 provide a spring force that biases the igniter contacts to their first position.

[0248] Additionally, lower body portion 203 includes a window 282 disposed therein and configured to allow a user to view at least a portion of receiving chamber 210 so that cartridge 208 and / or electrical contacts 228 can be observed by a user. All or a portion of the window may comprise a transparent or translucent material (e.g., glass material, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, acrylic, etc.). In some embodiments, a portion of lower body portion 203 may be made from a transparent or translucent material.

[0249] Upper body portion 201 houses power supply 212, printed circuit board 218 with associated electronics, and sliding actuator assembly 208. Sliding actuator assembly 208 is slidably disposed within upper body portion 201 and configured to eject a removable cartridge from lower body portion 203. Upper body portion 201 further defines a first aerosol passageway 250. Upper body portion 201 and lower body portion 203 are movably coupled together via mechanism 284 (e.g., a swivel joint) to allow lower body portion 203 to rotate relative to upper body portion 201 to expose receiving chamber 210 and provide access for loading a removable cartridge therein. In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 200 further comprises a locking mechanism 285 disposed on at least one of the lower body portion 203 or the upper body portion 201, the locking mechanism 285 configured to maintain the device in a closed orientation (i.e., the upper and lower body portions are aligned and in fluid and / or electrical communication). The locking mechanism 285 may include, for example, one or more of a magnet, friction, a snap fit, or a detent. However, in some other embodiments, the upper body portion 201 and the lower body portion 203 may be integrally formed together or fixedly coupled to one another. Other methods of movably coupling the upper body portion 201 and the lower body portion 203 include a hinge joint, a sliding track, or the like.

[0250] The device 200 further comprises a mouthpiece 204 having a first end 204a and a longitudinally opposed second end 204b, with a second aerosol passageway 254 extending longitudinally therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the mouthpiece 204 is disposed at the proximal end of the upper body portion 201, with the first end configured to engage with a user's mouth and the second end configured to engage with the proximal end of the upper body portion 203. The mouthpiece 204 is configured for sealing engagement with the upper body portion 201 such that the first and second aerosol passageways 250, 254 are in fluid communication to deliver aerosol generated in the receiving chamber to the user. The mouthpiece 204 may be removably coupled to the upper body portion 201, for example, to provide for cleaning or customization of the device 200. However, in other embodiments, the mouthpiece 204 may be integrally formed with the upper body portion 201.

[0251] As further illustrated by the exploded view of FIG. 9 , slider actuator assembly 208 comprises a generally tubular slider body 230 positionable within upper body portion 201 for sliding movement in first and second directions along the length of upper body portion 201. Slider body 230 defines a recess 238 (see, e.g., FIG. 11A ) extending therethrough that forms a portion of first aerosol passageway 250 through upper body portion 201. Slider body 230 includes a first protrusion 231 extending from its outer surface and extending through opening 216 in the wall of upper body portion 201 that is configured to move slider body 230 between a loading position (see FIGS. 10A-10E ) and an ejection position (see FIGS. 12A and 12B ). Slider body 230 further includes a second protrusion or stem 233 extending from a distal end thereof. The stem 233 is configured to engage the removable cartridge 206 to advance the removable cartridge through the distal end of the lower body portion 203 when the actuator assembly 208 is moved to the ejection position. Portions of the protrusions 231, 233 extend into the receptacle 238 such that the vapor / air path is divided around those portions. Specifically, one or more portions of the first protrusion, the second protrusion, or both may extend into a portion of the second aerosol passage defined by the receptacle 238 in the slider body 230, such that the aerosol generated by the cartridge 206 and drawn into the mouthpiece 204 is divided into one or more portions as it travels through the tubular body. In some embodiments, the slider body 230 includes a longitudinally oriented baffle 239 extending inwardly from its inner wall, the baffle dividing the aerosol passage 250 extending through the slider body.

[0252] Upper body portion 201 further defines two cavities 207, 209, with the first cavity 207 configured to accommodate slider body 230 and the second cavity configured to accommodate power supply 212 and printed circuit board 218. Additionally, actuator assembly 208, and specifically slider body 230, includes a seal arrangement for sealingly engaging an inner surface of first cavity 207 (e.g., to prevent aerosol leakage or unwanted air ingress). In the illustrated embodiment, the seal arrangement comprises a pair of O-rings 260 disposed in grooves 261 located proximate the distal and proximal ends of slider body 230. However, other configurations of the seal arrangement are contemplated and considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0253] Lower body portion 203 also defines two cavities 209′ (including receiving chamber 210), 207, 209′ that (in the closed configuration) are generally aligned with cavity 207 in upper body portion 201. Specifically, first cavity 207′ is defined by receiving chamber 210 and opposing openings 215, 215′, and in some embodiments includes a bar 211 or other structure for supporting window 282 and / or guiding cartridge 206 during insertion. In the illustrated embodiment, lower body portion 203 defines a notch or other opening that exposes receiving chamber 210 and is configured to receive window 282 therein. Window 282 may be mounted or coupled to lower body portion 203 via adhesive, a snap fit, or other means known in the art. The cavity 207' / receiving chamber 210 includes a groove or other structure for securing therein a retention mechanism 276 that frictionally and / or sealingly engages the outer surface of the cartridge 206, as described below. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention mechanism 276 is an O-ring.

[0254] Second cavity 209' is generally configured to house various electronics and other mechanisms necessary to provide power to igniter contact 228 and activate igniter contact 228 to ignite heat source 220 of cartridge 206. For example, contact arm 226 is electrically coupled to a power source within second cavity 209' and extends through a wall of second cavity 209', thereby positioning igniter contact 228 within receiving chamber 210. Lower body portion 203 further defines a pair of openings 263 therethrough, located on opposite sides of lower body portion 203, and configured to engage actuator button 240 and light-emitting diode (LED) 241, described below.

[0255] The overall operation of device 200, and the specific operation of slider actuator assembly 208, will be further explained with reference to Figures 10A-12B, which show a series of views of aerosol delivery device 200 in various states of operation. Specifically, Figures 10A-10E depict cartridge 206 being loaded into device 200 (i.e., actuator assembly in the loaded position), Figures 11A-11C depict device 200 during ignition, and Figures 12A and 12B depict cartridge 206 being ejected from device 200 (i.e., actuator assembly in the discharge position).

[0256] 10A and 10B, to load a cartridge into receiving chamber 210, lower body portion 203 is rotated or otherwise offset (e.g., twisted) from upper body portion 201 to expose receiving chamber 210 through opening 215′. Prior to rotating the body portions, actuator assembly 208 is moved to a loading position (i.e., fully retracted toward mouthpiece 204) such that sliding body 230 is fully disposed within first cavity 207 of upper body portion 201. Cartridge 206 is manually inserted into receiving chamber 210 of lower body portion 203 (see FIG. 10C) to place cartridge 206 in a lighting and / or use position, and the cartridge is sealingly secured within chamber 210 via retention mechanism 276, whereby ignitable heat source 220 is operatively aligned with igniter contacts 228 (see FIG. 10D). After loading, the upper and lower body portions are brought back into alignment so that the sealed end of cartridge 206 is in fluid communication with first aerosol passageway 250 (see FIGS. 10E and 11A). The fit between the upper and lower body portions is such that there is no aerosol leakage or air ingress between them, with or without the use of additional sealing configurations.

[0257] 11A-11C, in the lighting / use position, the distal end of cartridge 206 is positioned proximate the distal end of lower body portion 203 such that cartridge 206 is disposed inside receiving chamber 210. Notably, in the lighting / use position of the illustrated embodiment, heat source 220 portion of cartridge 206 is also positioned proximate the distal end of lower body portion 203 and is aligned with igniter contact 228 in the lighting position (see FIG. 11A). Heat source 220 is ignited via aligned push buttons 240 located on either side of lower body portion 203 of aerosol delivery device 200. Buttons 240 are movably coupled to lower body portion 203, with or without a sealing arrangement, so that a user can press both buttons simultaneously (e.g., via a pinching action) to engage and deflect contact arm 226, thus moving igniter contact 228 into contact with ignitable heat source 220. When released, button 240 returns to its original position at least in part via spring action from the deflected contact arm 226 and / or return bias element. Device 200 includes a pair of LEDs 241 that may illuminate and / or change color during ignition to indicate the status of device 200. Additionally, a user may observe ignition through window 282.

[0258] 11B and 11C show views of the distal end of the aerosol delivery device 200 further illustrating the actuation of the igniter contact 228. Specifically, FIG. 11B shows the igniter contact 228 in a first, inactivated position, in which the igniter contact 228 is positioned near, but not in contact with, the ignitable heat source 220. As can be seen through the opening 215 at the distal end of the lower body portion 203 (generally the holder), there are two openings 221 (only one of which is shown) disposed between cavities 207′, 209′ (see FIG. 9 ) through which the elongated body 226 extends. Two spring-loaded buttons 240 are disposed on either side of the holder 203, each extending slightly above the outer surface of the holder. The buttons 240 are positioned proximate to the elongated body 226 and configured to contact the elongated body 226 when pressed. A charging port 219 is also shown.

[0259] 11C shows igniter contacts 228 in a second, actuated position, with contacts 228 in contact with ignitable heat source 220. As shown, spring-loaded push button 240 is simultaneously pressed to activate ignition. Specifically, when button 240 is pressed, power is activated and igniter contacts 228 are pressed into contact with ignitable heat source 220. Releasing button 240 terminates power and automatically causes igniter contacts to move away from the tip (e.g., return to their first position). In various embodiments, device 200 can be programmed to de-energize igniter contacts after push button 240 is released and / or after a set period of time (e.g., 30 seconds). Similarly, contacts 228 may be energized for as long as button 240 is pressed, or for a set period of time, e.g., sufficient time for ignition to be achieved. When button 240 is pressed, LEDs 241 on either side illuminate, although in other embodiments the LEDs may illuminate and / or change color to indicate the status of the device. Additionally, the user may view the tip of cartridge 206 (ignitable heat source 220) as it ignites through optional window 282.

[0260] In some embodiments, device 200 may include an ejection mechanism as shown in Figures 12A and 12B. Generally, the ejection mechanism is configured to eject cartridge 206 from the distal end of lower body portion 203 through opening 215, as opposed to the proximal end where the cartridge is loaded. Between loading and ejection, cartridge 206 passes through first cavity 207'. In one embodiment, the ejection mechanism is incorporated into actuator assembly 208, such that when slider protrusion 231 (and actuator assembly 208) is moved forward, stem 233 engages one end of cartridge 206 and pushes the cartridge out of receiving chamber 210 and out of aerosol delivery device 200 through opening 215 in lower body portion 203. Specifically, a user can slide the actuator assembly 208 forward (i.e., away from the mouthpiece) using, for example, their thumb and protrusion 231 so that the inner stem 233 of the slider body 230 engages and pushes the cartridge 206 forward, disengaging it from the retention mechanism 276. The cartridge 206 can then be withdrawn from the device 200 or dropped from the device.

[0261] 12A shows device 200 prior to ejection, with actuator assembly 206 fully retracted and slider body 230 fully positioned within cavity 209. As shown, the proximal end of cartridge 206 engages retention feature 276 configured to retain the cartridge within the receiving chamber. In some embodiments, feature 276 is a silicone seal configured to frictionally and / or sealingly engage cartridge 206 such that cartridge 206 is temporarily "locked" in place once cartridge 206 is fully seated within receiving chamber 210.

[0262] 12B, the actuator assembly 208 moves forward of the ejection position (i.e., away from the mouthpiece) such that a portion of the stem 233 enters the cavity 207′ of the lower body portion 203 and engages the cartridge 206. As the actuator assembly moves forward, the stem 233 pushes the cartridge 206 forward such that it disengages from the cartridge retention mechanism 276.

[0263] 13A-13C, 14, and 15 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of an aerosol delivery device 300. In particular, Figures 13A-13C illustrate perspective and side cross-sectional views of the aerosol delivery device 300, including a translating mouthpiece 304 and a removable cartridge 306. Specifically, the aerosol delivery device 300 includes a holder 302 including a body defining a proximal end 302a and a distal end 302b, the body further defining a receiving chamber 310 configured to house the removable cartridge 306 therein, the cartridge 306 including an ignitable heat source, and a receptacle 338 extending along at least a portion of the body. The mouthpiece 304 is movably coupled to the body and includes a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end, with a first aerosol passageway 350 extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end, the first end configured to engage with a user's mouth, and the second end configured to engage with a holder. The mouthpiece 304 is configured to translate between an open configuration (see FIG. 13C ) in which the receiving chamber 310 is exposed for loading of the removable cartridge 306, and a closed configuration (see FIGS. 13A and 14 ) in which the first aerosol passageway 350 is generally aligned with (e.g., in fluid communication with) the receiving chamber 310.

[0264] The aerosol delivery device 300 further includes a translation mechanism 387 movably coupled to the body and at least partially disposed within the receptacle 338. The translation mechanism 387 is configured to couple the mouthpiece 304 to the holder 302 and bias the mouthpiece into a closed configuration. As further shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , the device 300 may include a retention mechanism 369 that couples the translation mechanism 387 to the holder 302 and retains a portion of the translation mechanism 387 within a recess. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle 338 is defined by an open slot or similar structure, and the body is "removed" to expose the cavity (i.e., the receptacle 338). The receptacle 338, or a portion of its periphery, includes a first portion of a retention structure 369a disposed thereon or therein and configured to engage a mating portion of a retention structure 369b disposed on the translation mechanism 387. Retaining structure 369 may be a snap fit mechanism or other type of reversible coupling mechanism that movably couples mechanism 387 to holder 302. In some embodiments, retaining structure 369 may permanently, but movably, secure mechanism 387 to the holder.

[0265] The translation mechanism 387 includes a body portion 387a defining a passageway 383 configured to slidably receive at least a portion of the mouthpiece 304, and a tab 387b extending from a proximal end thereof and configured to engage the holder 302 and at least partially surround the receptacle 338. As seen in FIG. 14 , the mouthpiece 304 includes a first enlarged portion 307 disposed at a first end of the mouthpiece 304 and a second elongated portion 305 extending from the enlarged portion 307 to a second end of the mouthpiece 304. The mouthpiece elongated portion 305 slides freely within the passageway 383 and can be slid in a first direction to at least partially orient the elongated portion within the receiving chamber 310 to eject the removable cartridge from the distal end of the body, and in a second direction to orient the elongated portion within the passageway 383 and, as described in more detail below, to optionally remove the mouthpiece from the translation mechanism 387. Translation mechanism 387 further defines a cavity 389 disposed at its proximal end that is configured to receive mouthpiece 304. Cavity 389 is coextensive with passageway 383, has a larger cross-sectional shape than the passageway, and is configured to engage enlarged portion 307 of the mouthpiece to limit movement of the mouthpiece in the second direction. Specifically, elongated portion 305 may be inserted into translation mechanism 387 via cavity 389 and passageway 383, with the distal end of cavity 389 forming a stop that prevents enlarged portion 307 from entering passageway 383 and prevents mouthpiece 304 from exiting distal end 302b of the body.

[0266] The translation mechanism 387, the holder 302, or both may include one or more biasing elements 339, 342 for positioning the translation mechanism 387 and / or the mouthpiece 304 relative to the holder 302, and the translation mechanism 387 and / or the mouthpiece 304 may include a sealing mechanism 360 configured to seal the first aerosol passageway 350 with the receiving chamber 310, as described below. For example, the mouthpiece 304 may translate within the receptacle 338 upon application of force to the translation mechanism 387 (e.g., when a user presses the translation mechanism with their thumb), and a spring or similar biasing mechanism 339 disposed between the receptacle 338 and the translation mechanism 387 is configured to apply an outward force to the translation mechanism.

[0267] The holder 302 further houses a power source 312 and a printed circuit board 318, along with associated electrical components. Similar to the device 100, a pair of actuatable igniter contacts 328 are disposed proximate its distal end and coupled thereto via a pair of elongated bodies or arms 326. The actuatable igniter contacts 328 are configured to be engageable with the ignitable heat source 320 when the removable cartridge 306 is secured within the receiving chamber 310. The holder 302 further includes various electronics and other mechanisms necessary to provide power to the igniter contacts 328 and activate the igniter contacts to ignite the heat source 320 of the cartridge 306. The pair of contact arms 326 are electrically coupled to the power source 312 using two spring-loaded push buttons 340 disposed on opposite sides of the holder 302 and configured to contact the elongated bodies 126 when depressed to move the igniter contacts 328 into contact with the ignitable heat source 320. The distal end of the holder 302 further defines a pair of openings 363 configured to engage with an actuator button 340 and a light emitting diode (LED) 341 located on either side of the holder 302. A charging port 319 is also shown.

[0268] Operation of device 300 generally, and translation of mouthpiece 304 specifically, is further described with respect to Figures 16 and 17, which show a series of views of aerosol delivery device 300 in various states of operation. Specifically, Figures 16A-16D depict cartridge 306 being loaded into device 300 (i.e., mouthpiece in an open configuration), while Figures 17A and 17B depict mouthpiece 304 being actuated to eject cartridge 306 from device 300, with translation mechanism 387 and mouthpiece in a closed configuration. Operation of device 300 with respect to ignition is described below with respect to Figures 18A-18C.

[0269] 16A, to load a cartridge into receiving chamber 310, a lateral force (A) sufficient to overcome the resistance of biasing element 339 is applied to translation mechanism 387 such that translation mechanism 387 and a portion of mouthpiece 304 are recessed into the cavity of receptacle 338, as shown in FIGS. 16B and 16C. When device 300 is in the open configuration (i.e., the mouthpiece is translated into the receptacle), receiving chamber 310 is exposed, and cartridge 306 may be manually inserted into receiving chamber 310, heating section 320, first (see FIG. 16B). In some embodiments, receiving chamber 310 includes a bar 311 or other structure (see FIG. 14) to support and / or guide cartridge 306 during insertion.

[0270] As shown in FIG. 16C , cartridge 306 is fully inserted into chamber 310 to place cartridge 306 in a lighting and / or use position, where the cartridge is sealingly secured within chamber 310 via retention mechanism 376, thereby operatively aligning igniter heat source 320 with igniter contact 328, while simultaneously maintaining translation mechanism 387 in the open configuration, either manually or via some type of locking or retention mechanism (not shown). After loading, mouthpiece 304 and translation mechanism 387 are returned to the closed configuration such that the sealed end of cartridge 306 is in fluid communication with first aerosol passageway 350 (see FIGS. 14 and 16D ). The fit between the translation mechanism and holder 302 is such that there is little or no aerosol leakage or air ingress between them, with or without the use of additional sealing arrangements. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, an O-ring or similar sealing mechanism 360 can be disposed at the distal end of the mouthpiece 304 or translation mechanism 387 to further seal the first aerosol passageway 350 with the receiving chamber 310.

[0271] In some embodiments, the translating mouthpiece 304 of the device 300 is also configured as an ejection mechanism, as shown in Figures 17A and 17B. Generally, the mouthpiece 304 is configured to eject the cartridge 306 from the distal end of the device 300 via the opening 315. Specifically, a user can slide the mouthpiece 304 forward (i.e., toward the distal end of the device 300) so that the second end 304b of the mouthpiece 304 engages the cartridge 306 and pushes it forward, disengaging the cartridge from the retention mechanism 376. The cartridge 306 can then be withdrawn from the device 300 or dropped from the device.

[0272] 17A shows device 300 prior to ejection, with mouthpiece 304 and translation mechanism 387 biased outward from receptacle 338 to a closed configuration via biasing mechanism 339. As shown, the proximal end of cartridge 306 engages with retention mechanism 376 configured to retain the cartridge within receiving chamber 310. In some embodiments, mechanism 376 is a silicone seal configured to frictionally and / or sealingly engage cartridge 306 such that cartridge 306 is temporarily "locked" in place when cartridge 306 is pressed fully into receiving chamber 310.

[0273] As shown in FIG. 17B , mouthpiece 304 is actuated (i.e., moved forward to an ejection position) such that elongated portion 305 of mouthpiece 304 enters receiving chamber 310 and engages cartridge 306. In some embodiments, a user applies force B with their thumb to enlarged portion 307 of the mouthpiece, compressing biasing mechanism 342 and ejecting cartridge 306. As mouthpiece 304 moves forward, its elongated portion 305 pushes the cartridge forward, thereby disengaging cartridge 306 from cartridge retention mechanism 376. Movement in the forward, or second, direction is limited by cavity 389 located within translation mechanism 387 because enlarged portion 307 is too large to pass through passageway 383. In the illustrated embodiment, a biasing mechanism 342 disposed within the cavity 389 is configured to apply an outward force to the enlarged portion 307 of the mouthpiece 304 to return the mouthpiece 304 to its neutral position (i.e., the enlarged portion 307 disposed outside the cavity 389) after the cartridge is ejected and the mouthpiece is released. Alternatively, the mouthpiece 304 may be manually returned to its neutral position.

[0274] 18A-18C, in the lighting / use position, the distal end of cartridge 306 is positioned proximate the distal end of holder 302 such that cartridge 306 is disposed inside receiving chamber 310. Notably, in the lighting / use position of the illustrated embodiment, a portion of heat source 320 of cartridge 306 is also positioned proximate the distal end of holder 302 and is aligned with igniter contact 328 in the lighting position (see FIG. 14 ). Heat source 320 is ignited via aligned push buttons 340 located on either side of holder 302 of aerosol delivery device 300. Because buttons 340 are movably coupled to holder 302, with or without a sealing arrangement, a user may simultaneously press both buttons (e.g., via a pinching action) to engage and deflect contact arm 326, thus moving igniter contact 328 into contact with ignitable heat source 320. When released, button 340 returns to its original position at least in part via spring action from the deflected contact arm 326 and / or return biasing element. Device 300 includes a pair of LEDs 341 (see FIG. 18C) that can illuminate during ignition and / or change color to indicate the status of device 300.

[0275] 18A and 18B show distal end views of the aerosol delivery device 300 further illustrating the actuation of the igniter contact 328. Specifically, FIG. 18A shows the igniter contact 328 in a first, inactivated position, in which the igniter contact 328 is positioned near, but not in contact with, the ignitable heat source 320. As can be seen through the opening 315 at the distal end of the holder 302, there are two openings 321 (only one shown) through which the elongated body 326 extends. Two spring-loaded buttons 340 are positioned on either side of the holder 302, each extending slightly above the outer surface of the holder. The buttons 340 are oriented proximate to the elongated body 326 and configured to contact the elongated body 326 when pressed. A charging port 319 is also shown.

[0276] FIG. 18B shows the igniter contacts 328 in a second, actuated position, with the contacts 328 in contact with the ignitable heat source 320. As shown, a spring-loaded push button 340 is simultaneously pressed to activate ignition. Specifically, when the button 340 is pressed, a power source is activated, and the igniter contacts 328 are pressed into contact with the ignitable heat source 320, igniting the heat source 320. Releasing the button 340 terminates the power and causes the igniter contacts to automatically pull away from the tip (e.g., return to their first position). In various embodiments, the device 300 can be programmed to de-energize the igniter contacts after the push button 340 is released and / or after a set period of time (e.g., 30 seconds). Similarly, the contacts 328 may be energized for as long as the button 340 is pressed, or for a set period of time, e.g., a time sufficient for ignition to be achieved. When button 340 is pressed, LEDs 341 on either side light up, although in other embodiments the LEDs may light up and / or change color to indicate the state of the device.

[0277] 19A, 19B, and 20 illustrate yet another exemplary embodiment of an aerosol delivery device 400. In particular, FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate a perspective view and a cross-sectional perspective view, respectively, of the aerosol delivery device 400, including a removable cartridge 406 and a rotating bottom access door 488 for loading and removing the cartridge 406. FIG. 20 provides an exploded view of the aerosol delivery device 400. The aerosol delivery device 400 includes a holder 402 including a body defining a proximal end 402a and a distal end 402b, the body further defining a receiving chamber 410 configured to accommodate the removable cartridge 406 therein and a first aerosol passageway 450 extending through at least a portion of the body. The cartridge 406 includes an ignitable heat source 420 and a substrate portion 422 including an aerosol precursor composition configured to form an aerosol upon application of heat.

[0278] The device 400 further includes a mouthpiece 404 having a first end 404a and a longitudinally opposed second end 404b, with a second aerosol passageway 454 extending longitudinally between the first end 404a and the second end 404b. The first end is configured to engage with a user's mouth, and the second end is configured to engage with a proximal end of the holder 402. The mouthpiece 404 is configured to sealingly engage the proximal end 402a of the holder such that the first and second aerosol passageways 450, 454 are in fluid communication to deliver aerosol generated in the receiving chamber to the user. The mouthpiece 404 may be removably coupled to the holder 402, for example, to facilitate cleaning or customization of the device 400. However, in other embodiments, the mouthpiece 404 may be integrally formed with the holder 402.

[0279] The device 400 further includes an access door 488 pivotally coupled to the distal end 402b of the body via a hinge mechanism 485. The hinge mechanism 485 may include a pivot arm 484 extending from the door 488 and coupled to the holder 402 via a pivot pin 480. In an open configuration, the door 488 provides access to the receiving chamber 410 for loading the removable cartridge 406 therein, and in a closed configuration, secures the removable cartridge to the receiving chamber for ignition thereof. The access door 488 can be moved between the open and closed configurations, for example, by “flipping” the door with a user's thumb. In some embodiments, the door 488 is coupled to the holder 402 via a detent hinge configured to maintain the access door 488 in at least one of the open or closed configurations. The device 400 may further include a biasing mechanism 442 disposed within the body 402 and configured to interact with the door 488 or hinge assembly 485 to bias the access door into an open and / or closed configuration.

[0280] The access door 488 defines an opening 415a therein to provide access to air / oxygen for the ignited heat source 420. In some embodiments, the opening 415a is configured to allow viewing of the ignitable heat source portion 420 of the cartridge. In some embodiments, a portion of the door 488 may be transparent or translucent to allow viewing of the ignition of the heat source portion 420 during use. For example, the door 488 may include a transparent end cap 414. Additionally, the door may sealingly engage the distal end of the body in the closed configuration and / or may include a locking mechanism (not shown) configured to secure the access door 488 in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism 442 comprises a spring assembly including a cam 489 that transmits a retaining force to the hinge 485 via the pivot arm 484 to maintain the door 488 in the closed and / or open configurations.

[0281] The holder 402 also houses a power source 412, first and second PCBs 418a, 418b having associated electronics including a controller, and a pair of igniter contacts 428 in electrical communication with the power source 412. The contacts 428 may be bar-type contacts and are positioned adjacent to or at least partially within the opening 415a of the access door 488 and are configured to engage an ignitable heat source when the removable cartridge 406 is loaded into the receiving chamber 488 and the door is in a closed configuration, as described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 21A-21C. The device 400 further includes an ignition switch 440 in electrical communication with the power source 412 and the igniter contacts 428 and configured to provide power to the contacts when activated. In some embodiments, the ignition switch 440 includes an associated LED indicator 441, e.g., a ring surrounding the button 440. In some embodiments, second PCB 418b may include a charging port 419 disposed thereon and oriented such that the charging port is located at the distal end of holder 402 (e.g., below access door 488 as shown in FIG. 22 ). In some embodiments, opening 415a may include a guard configured to prevent a user from unintentionally contacting igniter contacts 428 and / or ignitable heat source 420.

[0282] In the illustrated embodiment, device 400 includes an inner housing 424 configured to be disposed within holder 402 and to house or secure various components therein. For example, inner housing 424 may include a plurality of cavities 423 sized and shaped to house power supply 412, first PCB 418a, second PCB 418b, biasing mechanism 442, and / or at least a portion of hinge mechanism 485. Additionally, inner housing defines at least a portion of first aerosol passageway 450 and a receptacle 438 that at least partially defines receiving chamber 410, which is accessible via access door 488 and second opening 415b aligned with opening 415a in end cap 414 (see also FIGS. 21A-21C).

[0283] FIG. 22 further illustrates the structure and connection of the holder 402 and the access door 488, with the access door in the open configuration. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the distal end of the body 402 and the access door 488 each include mating halves of electrical couplings 425, 429. Specifically, the distal end of the body includes at least one electrical contact (e.g., a pogo pin) 429 in electrical communication with the power source 412, and the access door 488 includes at least one mating electrical contact (e.g., an insert-molded pin) 425 in electrical communication with the igniter contact 428, with the electrical contacts 425, 429 completing an electrical circuit when the access door is in the closed configuration. The electrical circuit is interrupted when the access door is in the open configuration. Also shown in FIG. 22 is a charging port or connection 419 (e.g., a micro-USB port) extending through the inner housing 424 and accessible for charging when the door is in the open configuration.

[0284] The operation of device 400 will generally be described with reference to Figures 21A-21C, 23A-23B, and 24, which show a series of views of aerosol delivery device 400 in various states of operation. Specifically, Figure 21A depicts cartridge 406 being loaded into device 400 (i.e., access door 488 in an open configuration), Figure 21B depicts device 400 in ignition and use (i.e., access door 488 in a closed configuration), and Figure 21C depicts cartridge 406 being ejected from device 400 (i.e., access door 488 in an open configuration).

[0285] 21A, 23A, and 23B, to load a cartridge into the receiving chamber 410, the bottom access door 488 is flipped or otherwise actuated to an open configuration to expose the receiving chamber 410 (see FIG. 23A). The cartridge 406 is first manually inserted into the receiving chamber 410, the base portion 422 of the holder 402, and guided within the chamber 410 via a guide mechanism 476, which positions the cartridge 406 for lighting and / or use. Generally, the guide mechanism 476 is a polymer element having a tapered interior space that guides the cartridge 406 into position. In some embodiments, the guide mechanism 476 can also provide a slight frictional engagement to loosely maintain the cartridge within the receiving chamber 410. The guide mechanism 476 is disposed within a receptacle 438 of the inner housing 424. 21B , inner housing 424 is divided into a receptacle 438 that defines at least a portion of the receiving chamber and a cavity that defines at least a portion of first aerosol passage 450, with wall 413 disposed therebetween. Wall 413 includes a hollow stem 417, or nozzle disposed therein, that fluidly couples receiving chamber 410 with first aerosol passage 450. A seal 439 is disposed between guide mechanism 476 and wall 413, which, in the illustrated embodiment, also includes another biasing mechanism configured to maintain removable cartridge 406 in contact with igniter contact 428 when door 488 is in the closed configuration, as described below.

[0286] Referring to FIG. 21B , after loading the cartridge into the lighting / use position and closing the door 488, the cartridge 406 is positioned within the receiving chamber 410 and contacts the seal 439, with the ignitable heat source portion contacting the igniter contact 428. The seal in the illustrated embodiment is a silicone disk seal 439, which acts as a spring insofar as the seal is resiliently compressible. Specifically, when the door is closed, the cartridge engages and compresses the seal 439, sealing the cartridge 406 with the aerosol passageway 450 to prevent aerosol leakage or air ingress therebetween, while also applying a force to “push” the ignitable heat source 420 into contact with the igniter contact 428. In some embodiments, the seal 439 comprises a spring washer covered with a polymeric material. When the ignitable heat source 420 is in contact with the igniter contact 428, the cartridge's heat source 420 can be ignited. Heat from the heat source 420 can then heat the substrate material to generate an aerosol that is delivered to a user via the aerosol passageway. After the cartridge 406 is consumed, the cartridge 406 may be ejected from the device 400 as described below.

[0287] In the illustrated embodiment, the igniter push button 440, when pressed by a user, activates the igniter contacts 428, thereby igniting the heat source 420 in the cartridge 406. Specifically, when the push button 440 is activated, an electrical circuit is completed and electricity is supplied to the igniter contacts 428. In some embodiments, the igniter contacts 428 remain activated only while the igniter push button 440 is pressed. Thus, in some embodiments, the igniter contacts 428 are deactivated when the igniter push button 440 is released. In some embodiments, the igniter push button 440 may be configured to activate the igniter contacts 428 for a set period of time after release. In one embodiment, the push button 440 is located on a side of the aerosol delivery device 400. In some embodiments, the button 440 may be spring-biased to return to an off position after igniting the heat source 420. In other embodiments, button 440 is a "touch" or "soft" button that does not require physical actuation. Device 400 may include an LED 441 that may light up and / or change color during ignition to indicate the status of device 400. Additionally, a user may observe ignition through opening 415a.

[0288] In use, for example, when a user draws on holder 402 (e.g., through mouthpiece 404), ambient air is drawn into cavity 438 through opening 415a, travels through cartridge 406 (e.g., through heat source 420), where it mixes with aerosol generated by the cartridge, and then travels through first and second aerosol passageways 450, 454 for inhalation by the user (i.e., vapor path 443). Specifically, the aerosol mixture exiting cartridge 406 enters first aerosol passageway 450, which extends a substantial length of body 402. First aerosol passageway 450 is in fluid communication with second aerosol passageway 454 in mouthpiece 404, such that vapor is delivered to the user through opening 458 in mouthpiece portion 404. In some embodiments, door 488 engages holder 402 via a gasket or other sealing mechanism, thereby preventing aerosol leakage or air ingress therebetween other than through opening 415a.

[0289] Ejection of the cartridge 406 is illustrated in FIGS. 21C and 24. Generally, the device 400 is configured to eject the cartridge 406 from the holder's distal end 402b through the opening 415b in the inner housing 424 when the access door 488 is in the open configuration. When the door 488 is rotated to the open configuration, the electrical connectors 425, 429 are separated, interrupting the electrical circuit and thereby preventing inadvertent energization of the igniter contacts 428. Additionally, as previously mentioned, one end of the cartridge 406 loosely engages the guide mechanism 476 and is otherwise held in place by the door 488 in the closed configuration, so that when the door is opened, the cartridge should just drop out when the device 400 is pointed downward. In some embodiments, the biasing force of the seal 439 can aid in ejecting the cartridge 406 (e.g., the force can be sufficient to overcome the frictional engagement between the cartridge and the guide mechanism 476). After ejection, the user can insert a new cartridge or simply close the access door 488 and store the device 400 for later use. In some embodiments, the device 400 may include a locking mechanism (not shown) configured to further secure the access door 488 in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may include a magnetic engagement, a snap fit, a detent, and / or may be spring-biased into the closed configuration.

[0290] 25A, 25B, and 26 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of an aerosol delivery device 500. In particular, FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view, respectively, of an aerosol delivery device 500 including a removable mouthpiece 504. Specifically, the aerosol delivery device 500 comprises a holder 502 having a body forming a proximal end 502a and a distal end 502b, the holder 502 further defining a receiving chamber 510 configured to accommodate a removable cartridge (506 in FIG. 26) and a first aerosol passageway 550 extending through at least a portion of the body. In some embodiments, the removable cartridge 506 comprises an ignitable heat source 520 and a substrate portion 522 including a substrate material having an aerosol precursor composition configured to form an aerosol upon application of heat (see FIG. 26). Holder 502 further comprises an access door 588, which may be slidably or hingedly coupled to holder 502 and is configured to open to load cartridge 506 into receiving chamber 510 via opening or receptacle 538 in inner housing 524 (see FIG. 27A). The device further includes an actuator assembly 508 configured to eject a cartridge from the device, as described below.

[0291] 26 , the device 500 includes an inner housing 524 disposed within the holder 502 and further defining a receiving chamber 510, and an opening 538 for accommodating the cartridge 506. The proximal end of the inner housing 524 includes a retention feature 569 configured to engage with the mouthpiece 504, as described below. The inner housing 524 includes a tubular structure 525 disposed therein and extending along the length of the housing 524. The tubular structure 525 defines a first aerosol passageway 550, extends partially beyond the proximal end of the inner housing 524, and is configured to engage at least a portion of the mouthpiece 504 to provide fluid communication between the first and second aerosol passageways 550, 554 and deliver the aerosol to a user via an opening 558 in the mouthpiece 504. The receiving chamber 510 of the device 500 is further defined by an end cap 514 that defines an opening 515 configured to engage the distal end 502b of the holder 502 and to pass the removable cartridge 506 when ejected, as opposed to removing the cartridge via the loading opening 538. An actuator assembly 508 is slidably disposed within the body of the holder 502 and configured to eject the cartridge 506 when slid forward toward the distal end of the holder 502. In some embodiments, the actuator assembly 508 is spring loaded to return the actuator assembly 508 to a neutral position. The cartridge 506 is removably secured within the receiving chamber 510 and may be sealed (e.g., frictionally engaged via an elastomeric seal) against the first aerosol passageway 550 via any of the mechanisms or methods disclosed herein.

[0292] The device 500 further includes a power source 512 and a printed circuit board 518 disposed within the inner housing 524. The power source 512 is in electrical communication with the printed circuit board 518, and a pair of static igniter contacts 528 disposed thereon can be energized via a push button 540 disposed on a sidewall of the holder 502. Specifically, when the push button 540 is actuated, an electrical circuit is completed, and electricity is communicated to the igniter contacts 528. In various embodiments, the device 500 can be programmed to de-energize the igniter contacts 528 after the push button 540 is released and / or after a set period of time (e.g., 50 seconds). Similarly, the contacts 528 may be energized for as long as the button 540 is pressed or for a set period of time, such as a time sufficient to achieve ignition. The igniter contacts 528 can be coupled to the printed circuit board via one or more flexible arms 526 that allow the contacts 528 to flex outward when a cartridge is inserted therebetween. Specifically, igniter contacts 528 are configured to deflect when contacted by ignitable heat source portion 520 to removably secure the ignitable heat source portion therebetween when the removable cartridge is removably secured within receiving cavity 510 via opening 538. Printed circuit board 518 may further include a charging port 519 oriented on the printed circuit board to be disposed at one end of holder 502.

[0293] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator assembly 508 has a sloped or wedge-shaped body 589 with a leading edge 589a oriented so that the leading edge 589a can be inserted between the contact arm 526 and / or the igniter contact 528. As the actuator assembly 508 advances, the leading edge 589a pushes the contact arm 526 or the igniter contact 528 outward, moving them out of contact with the ignitable heat source 520 of the cartridge 506, thereby releasing the cartridge. In some embodiments, the cartridge falls freely from the device 500 when its distal end is tilted downward. Additionally or alternatively, a portion of the actuator assembly 508 may also contact the cartridge 506 to at least partially push the cartridge out of the opening 515 in the end cap 514.

[0294] In the illustrated embodiment, the mouthpiece 504 has a first end 504a and a longitudinally opposed second end 504b, with a second aerosol passageway 554 extending longitudinally between the first end 504a and the second end 504b. In the illustrated embodiment, the mouthpiece 504 is positioned at the proximal end of the holder 502, with the first end 504a configured to engage with a user's mouth and the second end 504b configured to engage with the proximal end of the holder 502. The mouthpiece 504 is configured to sealingly engage with the holder 502 such that the first and second aerosol passageways 550, 554 are in fluid communication for delivering aerosol generated in the receiving chamber to the user. The removable mouthpiece 504 comprises a hollow body 556 (i.e., a recess) and a stem 505 (or similar tubular structure) disposed within the hollow body 556 and extending from a first end 504a to a second end 504b. The stem 505 defines a second aerosol passageway 554 extending therethrough and engages with the inner housing 524 to be fluidly coupled with the aerosol passageway 550 of the inner housing 524. The stem 505 may be coupled to the inner housing 524, for example, via a press-fit or snap-fit ​​engagement with the tubular structure 525 within the inner housing 524. In some embodiments, the stem 505 is sealingly engaged with the first aerosol passageway 550 in the holder 502. For example, the stem 505 may include a sealing mechanism 559 similar to any of those disclosed herein.

[0295] In some embodiments, the stem 505 of the mouthpiece 504 is offset from the central axis of the device 500. Specifically, the stem 505 comprises a generally parallel, centrally located longitudinal axis 597b that is offset from the centrally located longitudinal axis 597a of the device 500 such that the stem 505 of the mouthpiece and the second aerosol passageway 554 are aligned with the first aerosol passageway 550 in the inner housing 524 to define a direct vapor path from the cartridge 506 to the mouthpiece 504. As shown in FIG. 25B , the second aerosol passageway 554 opens into a recess or receptacle 567 located in the proximal end of the mouthpiece 504 for delivering the aerosol to the user. The offset configuration simplifies the vapor path to minimize and / or eliminate vapor loss (e.g., fewer joints or interfaces means fewer leak points).

[0296] In some embodiments, the opposing second longitudinal end 504b of the mouthpiece 504 is configured to engage an opening in the proximal end 502a of the holder via at least one of threaded engagement, press-fit engagement, snap-fit ​​engagement, or complementary threaded surfaces for magnetic engagement. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece 504 is removably secured to the holder 502 via a sealing mechanism that provides frictional resistance between the mouthpiece 504 and the holder 502 or other components therein. In some embodiments, the inner housing 524 includes a retaining structure 569a disposed at its proximal end, and the second end 504b of the mouthpiece 504 forms a mating retaining structure 569b configured to engage with the retaining structure 569a on the inner housing 524. The retaining structure 569 may be a snap-fit ​​mechanism or other type of reversible coupling mechanism. The retaining structure 569 may further removably secure the mouthpiece 504 to the holder 502. The mouthpiece 504 can be removed from the holder 502, for example, by applying a pulling or twisting action to the mouthpiece 504 or by actuating a release, for example, for cleaning or customizing the device 500 (e.g., using a replaceable mouthpiece).

[0297] 27A and 27B illustrate the loading and unloading of a cartridge (i.e., consumable) 506 into the device 500. Specifically, FIG. 27A shows the loading path of the cartridge 506, in which an access door 588 slides forward or distally to expose an opening 538 in the sidewall of the holder 502 and inner housing 524. The opening 538 provides access to the receiving chamber 510. The access door 588 may be sealingly coupled to the holder 502 via a track and rail mechanism. However, the door 508 may also be coupled to the holder 502 via a hinge or screw mechanism, with or without a gasket 516. With the receiving chamber 510 exposed, the cartridge 506 is inserted through the opening 538 and secured therein via the igniter contacts 528 as previously described. Once loaded, the access door 588 slides back to the closed configuration (FIG. 27B).

[0298] In some embodiments, the apparatus 500 can include a locking mechanism (not shown) configured to secure the access door 508 in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism can include a magnetic engagement, a threaded interface, a snap fit, a detent, and / or can be spring-loaded into the closed configuration. The door 588 can be flush with the outer surface of the holder 502 when in the closed configuration and can include a raised edge or a knurled (or otherwise textured) surface formed thereon to aid in sliding the door between the open and closed configurations.

[0299] FIG. 27B shows the device 500 in a closed configuration with the access door 588 covering the opening to secure the cartridge 506 in fluid communication with the first aerosol passageway 550 (see FIG. 25B). In the closed configuration, the ignitable heat source 520 is in contact with the igniter contacts 528 and can be ignited so that the cartridge can be consumed. The cartridge 506 may then be ejected from the device 500 as shown. Specifically, the actuator assembly 508 is slid forward or distally to release the cartridge 506 as described above. Once released, the cartridge falls freely from the device 500 through the opening 515 when the distal end is tilted downward. The access door 588 remains closed during ejection. When the user is ready to enjoy another cartridge, the door 588 can be slid open again and the process can be repeated.

[0300] 28A, 28B, and 29-32 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of an aerosol delivery device 600. In particular, FIGS. 28A and 28B illustrate a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view, respectively, of an aerosol delivery device 600 including a removable mouthpiece 604. In the illustrated embodiment, the aerosol delivery device 600 includes a holder 602 including a body defining a proximal end 602a and a distal end 602b and further defining a receiving chamber 610 configured to receive a removable cartridge 606. In some embodiments, the removable cartridge 606 comprises an ignitable heat source 620 and a substrate portion 622 including a substrate material having an aerosol precursor composition configured to form an aerosol upon the application of heat.

[0301] The device 600 also includes a mouthpiece 604 removably secured to the holder 602. The removable mouthpiece 604 comprises an elongate body portion defined by a first end 604a and a longitudinally opposed second end 604b, with an aerosol passageway 654 extending therethrough. The mouthpiece 604 further includes a first retention feature 670 disposed about an exterior surface of the elongate body portion and positioned proximate the first end 604a of the elongate body portion, and a second retention feature 676 disposed within a receptacle 667 defined by the second end 604b of the elongate body portion. The first retention feature 670 is configured to removably secure the second end of the mouthpiece 604 within the holder 602, and the second retention feature 676 is configured to removably secure a portion of the cartridge 606 therein. The retention features 670, 676 are described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 30 and 31 . A first end 604a of the mouthpiece 604 is configured to engage with a user's mouth.

[0302] As further shown by the exploded view of FIG. 29 , device 600 includes an inner housing 624 disposed within holder 602 and further defining a passageway 613 configured to receive mouthpiece 604. A proximal end of inner housing 624 includes a retention feature 669 configured to engage proximal end 602a of holder 602. Inner housing 624 includes one or more receptacles 638 disposed therein and configured to hold power source 612 and / or one or more printed circuit boards 618. Power source 612 is in electrical communication with printed circuit board 618, and a pair of static igniter contacts 628 disposed thereon can be energized via a push button 640 disposed on a sidewall of holder 602. Specifically, when push button 640 is actuated, an electrical circuit is completed and electricity is supplied to igniter contacts 628. In some embodiments, igniter push button 640 may be configured to activate igniter contacts 628 for a set amount of time after release, or the igniter contacts deactivate when the igniter push button is released. Printed circuit board 618 may further include a charging port 619 oriented on the printed circuit board to be located at one end of holder 602. Receiving chamber 610 of device 600 is further defined by an end cap 614 that defines a plurality of openings 615 (e.g., small perforations) configured to engage distal end 602b of holder 602 and allow air to enter device 600 and flow through receiving chamber 610.

[0303] 30 and 31 show retention features 670, 676 in more detail. Generally, mouthpiece 604 is slidably positioned with holder 602 through passageway 613 until its distal end 604b engages a stopper 674 formed in inner housing 624. In some embodiments, stopper 674 is part of the distal end of inner housing 624, e.g., opening 613' in the distal end of inner housing 624 is of a smaller diameter than passageway 613 itself, such that cartridge 606 can pass through but mouthpiece 604 cannot. Mouthpiece 604 is retained within passageway 613 via retention feature 670, which sealingly and frictionally engages the inner surface of passageway 613 to prevent generated aerosol from leaking around the mouthpiece and to prevent mouthpiece 604 from being inadvertently removed from holder 602 (i.e., mouthpiece 604 will not fall out of holder 602 regardless of the orientation of device 600). In some embodiments, first retention feature 670 comprises an elastomeric seal disposed around the exterior surface of mouthpiece 604 (e.g., an insert molded thereto). See FIG. 29.

[0304] The second end 604b of the mouthpiece 604 is shown in FIG. 30 . As shown, the second end 604b defines a receptacle 667 with a second retention feature 676 disposed therein. Similar to the first retention feature 670, the second retention feature 676 is configured to sealingly and frictionally engage a base portion of the cartridge 606, allowing generated aerosol to pass therethrough to the aerosol passage 654. A proximal end wall of the receptacle 667 defines an opening 650 that allows the aerosol to pass therethrough, but not the cartridge 606. The second retention feature 676 may also include an elastomeric seal disposed about an interior surface of the receptacle 667 and configured to engage the cartridge 606. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 604b of the mouthpiece abuts the stopper 674 when fully inserted, positioning the cartridge 606 within the receiving chamber 610, which causes the ignitable heat source 620 to deflect open the igniter contacts 628, holding the ignitable heat source 620 therebetween (see FIG. 28B).

[0305] 32A-32C illustrate how an in-use mouthpiece 604, specifically a cartridge 606, is loaded into and removed (i.e., ejected) from the holder 602. As shown in FIG. 32A, the mouthpiece 604 is removed from the holder and contacts the cartridge 606 secured within a package 699 configured to hold multiple cartridges 606. Once the cartridge 606 is loaded into the recess 667 (see FIG. 31) of the mouthpiece 604, it is retained therein via a second retention mechanism 676, and the mouthpiece 604 and cartridge are withdrawn from the packaging. The user can then insert the loaded mouthpiece 604 into the holder 602 through the passageway 613, as shown in FIG. 32B. Once fully inserted, the user can press the igniter push button 640 to ignite the ignitable heat source 620 of the cartridge 606. Mouthpiece 604 is retained in holder 602 via first retention mechanism 670 until a user decides to remove / replace the cartridge (e.g., after the cartridge is completely consumed). Mouthpiece 604 may be removed by applying a pulling and / or twisting action to the mouthpiece to overcome the frictional engagement between the mouthpiece and passageway 613. After removing mouthpiece 604 from holder 602, the cartridge may be removed from the mouthpiece by applying a pulling and / or twisting action to the mouthpiece to overcome the frictional engagement between cartridge 606 and mouthpiece receptacle 667, as shown in FIG. 32C.

[0306] 33-39C illustrate another exemplary embodiment of an aerosol delivery device 700. In particular, FIGS. 33 and 34 illustrate front and side views, respectively, of an aerosol delivery device 700 including a removable mouthpiece 704. In the illustrated embodiment, the aerosol delivery device 700 includes a holder 702 including a body defining a proximal end 702a and a distal end 702b and further defining a receiving chamber 710 configured to accommodate a removable cartridge 706 (see FIG. 35B). In some embodiments, the removable cartridge 706 comprises an ignitable heat source 720 and a substrate portion 722 including a substrate material having an aerosol precursor composition configured to form an aerosol upon the application of heat.

[0307] The device 700 also includes a mouthpiece (also referred to herein as a mouthpiece assembly) 704 removably secured to the holder 702. The removable mouthpiece 704 is configured to engage the proximal end of the holder 702 and may be retained therein via a retention mechanism, such as a magnet 727 (see FIG. 38). The mouthpiece 704 is described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 36-37C. The mouthpiece 704 includes a first portion 707 comprising an elongated body formed by a first end 707a and an opposed second longitudinal end 707b, with a passageway 713 extending therethrough, and a second portion 805 formed by a first end 705a and an opposed second longitudinal end 705b, with a first aerosol passageway 754 extending therethrough. The first end of the second portion 705 is configured to engage with the user's mouth, and the second end 705b is partially positioned within the passage 713 of the first portion 707 of the mouthpiece 704, adjacent to the first end 707a of the first portion of the mouthpiece 704.

[0308] The mouthpiece assembly 704 further includes a slider body 730 formed by a first end 730a and a longitudinally opposed second end 730b, with a second aerosol passageway 750 extending therethrough. The slider body 730 is slidably disposed within a first portion of the mouthpiece 707, with the first end 730a of the slider body 730 coupled to a second end 705b of a second portion 705 of the mouthpiece 704 (e.g., via a retention mechanism 769 similar to any of those disclosed herein), and the second end 730b of the slider body 730 configured to engage with a removable cartridge 706. The second portion 705 of the mouthpiece 704 is configured to sealingly engage with the slider body 730 such that the first and second aerosol passageways 750, 754 are in fluid communication to deliver aerosol generated in the receiving chamber to a user via an outlet 758. In the illustrated embodiment, the slider body second end 730b includes a stem 733 configured to engage and eject the removable cartridge 706 upon application of a force to the mouthpiece second portion 705. The slider body 730 is also configured to slidably engage with the inner tubular body 703, for example, via one or more protrusions 779a disposed about the outer surface of the slider body 730 and mating with one or more slots 779b disposed in the wall of the inner tubular body 703. The slider body 730 may be configured to slide in a first direction and a second direction along the length of the first portion 707 of the mouthpiece 704.

[0309] The inner tubular body 703 is formed by a first end 703a and a longitudinally opposed second end 703b and is configured to slidably receive the slider body 730 therein. The inner tubular body 703 further defines a receptacle 738 sized and shaped to retain a first biasing mechanism 739 therein. The second end 703b of the inner tubular body 703 is configured to engage with the mouthpiece first portion 707 proximate its second end 703b. For example, the inner tubular body 703 may be configured to engage with the inner surface of the mouthpiece first portion 707 via at least one of threaded engagement, press-fit engagement, snap-fit ​​engagement, or complementary threaded surfaces for magnetic engagement. The receiving chamber 710 of the device 700 is coupled to the second end 707b of the first portion of the mouthpiece 704 and is at least partially defined by an outlet guide 746 partially housed within the second end 703b of the inner tubular body 703. The outlet guide 746 defines a cavity 710′ configured to sealingly engage and removably secure the removable cartridge 706 via a retention feature 776 (e.g., O-ring 860) disposed therein.

[0310] The first biasing mechanism 739 is configured to maintain the mouthpiece assembly 704 in the loaded configuration. Specifically, the slider body 730 is biased toward the first end 707a of the first portion 707 of the mouthpiece 704, so that the cartridge may be loaded and secured within the outlet guide 746 (see FIGS. 37A and 37B). To eject the cartridge 706 from the mouthpiece assembly 704, a user applies force (i.e., pushes down) on the second portion 705 of the mouthpiece assembly to press the slider body 730 against the first biasing mechanism 739. The first biasing mechanism 739 is compressed within the inner tubular body 703, causing the stem 733 to engage the cartridge 706 and push it out and beyond the retention mechanism 776 (see FIG. 37C). Once the cartridge 706 is disengaged from the retention mechanism 776, the cartridge can slide freely from the mouthpiece 704.

[0311] The holder 702 (also referred to herein as a holder assembly) is shown in more detail in FIGS. 35A, 35B, and 38. As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 38, the device 700 includes an inner housing 724 disposed within the holder 702 and defining one or more receptacles or cavities 767 defined therein and configured to hold the power source 712 and / or one or more printed circuit boards 718. In some embodiments, the inner housing 724 comprises two parts 724a, 724b coupled to one another (e.g., via a snap fit). The holder 702 further includes an outer tubular body 703′ disposed within a first one of the receptacles 767 and defining an internal cavity configured to slidably receive the mouthpiece assembly 704 therein. The mouthpiece 704 may be retained therein by magnetic engagement. The holder includes two end caps 714, 714′ disposed at opposite ends thereof. Specifically, a first end cap 714' is coupled to the proximal end 702a of the holder and defines a first opening 715' that communicates with the interior cavity of the outer tubular body 703', and a second end cap 714 is coupled to the distal end 702b of the holder and defines a second opening 715' that communicates with the interior cavity of the outer tubular body 703'. One or both of the end caps 714, 714' may be configured to secure at least one of the inner housing 724 or the outer tubular body 703' within the holder. In some embodiments, the end of the inner housing 724 may include a retention feature 769 configured to engage with the end of the holder 702 and / or the end cap 714, 714'. In one exemplary embodiment, the end caps 714, 714' are secured to the holder 702 via a set screw 762.

[0312] The receiving chamber 710 of the device 700 is further defined by a second end cap 714, with an opening 715 configured to allow air to enter the device 700 and flow through the receiving chamber 710 / cartridge 706. The holder 702 is disposed within the receiving chamber 710 proximate the distal end of the holder and further comprises a pair of igniter contacts 728 that extend across the opening 715 in the second end cap 714. A second biasing mechanism 742 is disposed within the body of the holder 702 and configured to engage the distal end of the mouthpiece 704 when the mouthpiece is inserted into the holder to position the ignitable heat source 720 of the cartridge 706 away from the igniter contacts 728. In the illustrated embodiment, the second biasing mechanism 742 comprises a return spring that is engageable with the collar 752, slidably disposed within the outer tubular body 703′, for example, via one or more protrusions 779a disposed about the outer surface of the collar 752 and mating with one or more slots 779b disposed in the wall of the outer tubular body 703′. A distal end of the collar 752 is configured to engage the return spring. In some embodiments, the second end cap 714 further comprises a standoff 789 that extends into the inner housing 724 and partially defines the receiving chamber 710. The standoff 789 defines a pair of opposing slots configured to secure the igniter contact 728 therein for engagement with the ignitable heat source 720, as described below.

[0313] The power source 712 is in electrical communication with the printed circuit board 718 and the static igniter contacts 728, which may be energized via a push button 740 located on a sidewall of the holder 702. Specifically, when the push button 740 is actuated, an electrical circuit is completed and electricity is supplied to the igniter contacts 728. In some embodiments, the igniter push button 740 may be configured to activate the igniter contacts 728 for a set period of time after release, or the igniter contacts deactivate when the igniter push button is released. The printed circuit board 718 may further include a charging port 719 oriented on the printed circuit board to be located at one end of the holder 702.

[0314] The operation of the aerosol delivery device 700 is further described with reference to Figures 39A-39C. Generally, the mouthpiece assembly 704 may have a cartridge 706 loaded therein in a manner similar to the aerosol delivery device 600 shown in Figure 32A. As shown in Figure 39A, a user can insert the loaded mouthpiece 704 into the holder 702 through opening 715' (see Figure 38). Once fully inserted, the user can press the igniter push button 740 to activate or actuate the igniter contacts 728, as shown in Figure 39B. In this neutral configuration, the second biasing mechanism 742 biases the mouthpiece 704 away from the distal end of the holder 702 so that the ignitable heat source 720 of the cartridge 706 does not contact the igniter contacts 728. The user then pushes the mouthpiece 704 into the holder 702 to overcome the resistance of the second biasing mechanism 742 and move the ignitable heat source 720 into contact with the energized igniter contacts 728, as shown in Figures 39C and 35B. If the mouthpiece 704 is pushed in before the contacts 728 are primed, the heat source 720 will not ignite.

[0315] In some embodiments, an LED 741 associated with the push button 740 illuminates when the igniter contacts 728 are energized and can change state (e.g., solid, flashing a different color or intensity, etc.) when the igniter contacts 728 make contact with the cartridge 706. In various embodiments, the device 700 can be programmed to de-energize the igniter contacts after a set period of time (e.g., 30 seconds) after the push button 740 is released and / or after a set period of time (e.g., 10 seconds) if the contacts 728 are not bridged by a portion of the ignitable heat source 720 of the cartridge 706. The LED 741 can also be configured to indicate various other operating states (e.g., low power, charging, etc.), for example, by changing color, flashing, etc.

[0316] The mouthpiece 704 is held in the holder 702 via the magnet 727 until the user decides to remove / replace the cartridge (e.g., after the cartridge is completely consumed). The mouthpiece 704 may be removed by applying a pulling action to the mouthpiece 704 to overcome the magnetic engagement between the mouthpiece 704 and the holder 702. After removing the mouthpiece 704 from the holder 702, the cartridge may be ejected by pressing down on the second portion 705 of the mouthpiece (see FIG. 37C ), which moves the slider body 730 distally until the stem 733 engages the cartridge 706, pushing it distally out of the outlet guide 746. After the cartridge is ejected and the force is removed from the second portion 705 of the mouthpiece, the first biasing mechanism 739 returns the slider body 730 to the loaded configuration. The first biasing mechanism 739 includes an ejection spring having a greater spring force than the return spring of the second biasing mechanism 742 so as to prevent accidental ejection of the cartridge 706 when firing the cartridge 706, since the second biasing mechanism 742 is actuated before the first biasing mechanism 739 due to the difference in spring forces.

[0317] In some embodiments, mouthpiece assembly 704 may be removed from holder 702 after it is ignited, so that the user need only hold mouthpiece assembly 704. Alternatively or additionally, cartridge 706 may be lit manually to eliminate the need for holder 702 in certain situations.

[0318] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer housing or holder may comprise a rigid material. For example, holders 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602, and 702 in the illustrated embodiment may be constructed of an aluminum material. However, in other embodiments, the holder may be constructed of other materials, including other metallic materials (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, silver, gold, bronze, titanium, various alloys, etc.), graphite materials, ceramic materials, plastic materials, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the heat source and / or at least a portion of the substrate material may be circumscribed by a paper-foil laminate. In some embodiments, the cartridge may comprise a housing comprising a laminate including the heat source and the bead substrate material. Some examples of laminates and / or housings that may be applicable to the present disclosure may be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0128880 to Gage et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Other examples of cartridges are described herein below with respect to FIGS. 40 and 41.

[0319] In some embodiments, the holder (or any component thereof) can be made of a moldable plastic material, such as polycarbonate, polyethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyamide (nylon), or polypropylene. In other embodiments, the holder can be made of a different material, such as a different plastic material, a metal material (e.g., but not limited to, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, silver, gold, bronze, titanium, various alloys, etc.), a graphite material, a glass material, a ceramic material, a natural material (e.g., but not limited to, wood), a composite material, or any combination thereof. The holder can be formed by extrusion molding. As mentioned above, the mouthpiece portion in some embodiments is separable from the main body, while in other embodiments, the mouthpiece portion can be integral with the main body. In any case, the mouthpiece portion and the main body can be made of the same material or different materials. In various embodiments with a detachable mouthpiece portion, the mouthpiece portion may be coupled to the body in various ways, including, for example, one or more of a snap fit, an interference fit, a threaded, magnetic, and / or a bayonet connection. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece portion may be integral with the body and therefore not detachable.

[0320] In the illustrated embodiment, the holder includes substantially solid, non-porous walls. However, in other embodiments, one or more of the holder's walls can have other configurations. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of the holder's walls can be non-solid and / or substantially porous, or can include one or more non-solid and / or substantially porous portions. In some embodiments, for example, the holder can include one or more openings that can facilitate oxygen access to the heat source. Alternatively or additionally, other embodiments can include one or more openings that can mix with the aerosol generated during inhalation. In this manner, in the use position, one or more openings can be positioned proximate to the heat source, thereby providing the heat source with additional access to oxygen during combustion. In some embodiments, the holder can include one or more openings downstream of the heat source. For example, in some embodiments, the holder can include an opening extending into the holder's aerosol passageway that can mix with the aerosol generated by the cartridge's substrate material.

[0321] As previously described, the holders of various embodiments of the present disclosure include a lighting / use position. In some embodiments, the holder may also have an extinguished position. In this manner, the extinguished position may be configured so that the heat source of the cartridge is deprived of sufficient oxygen to sustain combustion. In some embodiments, the extinguished position may be attained by further movement of the holder. In other embodiments, one or more additional features may be included such that the extinguished position can be attained by translating the one or more additional features. In particular, the holder of one embodiment may include an air-impermeable cover feature disposed proximate the distal end of the holder, which may be mechanically or manually actuable (e.g., by rotating the cover feature over the end of the body and / or by sliding the cover feature across the end of the body) so that, in the extinguished position, the cover feature substantially covers the open end of the holder and the heat source of the cartridge is deprived of sufficient oxygen to sustain combustion. In another embodiment, the holder may include a removable feature, such as an end cap, that may be used to achieve the extinguished position. For example, in some embodiments, a separate end cap may be attachable to the distal end of the holder, such that the heat source of the cartridge is deprived of sufficient oxygen to sustain combustion. Such an end cap may also be used to cover the end of the second body portion when not in use, e.g., to prevent dirt and / or foreign matter from entering the device. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the holder of the present disclosure may include a breathable cover feature (e.g., a cover feature including multiple openings or a cover feature comprising a mesh) that protects the heat source of the cartridge in the lighting / use position. For example, the holder of one embodiment may include a breathable cover feature disposed proximate the distal end of the holder that may be mechanically or manually actuable (e.g., by rotating the cover feature over the end of the holder and / or by sliding the cover feature across the end of the holder), such that once ignited, the cover feature can be actuated to substantially cover the open end of the holder while maintaining sufficient oxygen access to the heat source.

[0322] In various embodiments, the removable cartridge may have other configurations for use with the holders of the present disclosure. For example, FIG. 40 shows a perspective view of a removable cartridge 806 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge 806 defines a proximal end 890 and a distal end 892. The cartridge 806 of the illustrated embodiment further includes an ignitable heat source 820 comprising a fuel element 894, a substrate portion 822 comprising a substrate material 896 (see FIG. 41 ), and an outer housing 898 configured to enclose at least a portion of the ignitable heat source 820 and the substrate material 822. It should be noted that, while in the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge 806 has a substantially cylindrical overall shape, in various other embodiments, the cartridge or any of its components may have different shapes. For example, in some embodiments, the cartridge (and / or any of its components) may have a substantially rectangular shape, such as a substantially rectangular cuboid shape. In other embodiments, the cartridge (and / or any of its components) may have other handheld shapes. Some examples of cartridge configurations that may be applicable to the present disclosure may be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0015173 to Cox et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0323] In some embodiments, a barrier may be present between the heat source and the substrate material. In some embodiments, such a barrier may comprise a disk that may include one or more openings. In some embodiments, the barrier may be composed of a metallic material (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, silver, gold, bronze, titanium, various alloys, etc.), a graphite material, a ceramic material, a plastic material, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, a heat transfer component, which may or may not comprise a barrier, may be present between the heat source and the substrate material. Some examples of heat transfer components are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0281891 to Hejazi et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the barrier and / or heat transfer component may prevent or inhibit combustion gases from being drawn through the substrate material (and / or through the air passages through which aerosols are drawn).

[0324] In various embodiments, the heat source may be configured to generate heat upon ignition. In the illustrated embodiment, the ignitable heat source 820 has a generally cylindrical shape and includes a combustible fuel element 894 incorporating a combustible carbonaceous material. In other embodiments, the heat source may have a different shape, for example, a prismatic shape with a cubic or hexagonal cross section. Carbonaceous materials generally have a high carbon content. Some carbonaceous materials may be composed primarily of carbon and / or may have a carbon content, on a dry weight basis, typically greater than about 60%, generally greater than about 70%, often greater than about 80%, and often greater than about 90%.

[0325] In some cases, the heat source may incorporate elements other than combustible carbonaceous materials (e.g., tobacco components such as powdered tobacco or tobacco extract; flavoring agents; salts such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium carbonate; thermostable graphite hollow cylindrical (e.g., tubing) fibers; iron oxide powder; glass filaments; powdered calcium carbonate; alumina granules; an ammonia source such as an ammonia salt; and / or binders such as guar gum, ammonium alginate, and sodium alginate). In other embodiments, the heat source may comprise a plurality of ignitable objects, such as a plurality of ignitable beads. Note that in other embodiments, the heat source may differ in composition or relative content from those described above. For example, in some embodiments, different forms of carbon, such as graphite or graphene, may be used as the heat source. In other embodiments, the heat source may have increased levels of activated carbon, different carbon porosities, different amounts of carbon, blends of any of the aforementioned components, etc. In still other embodiments, the heat source may comprise a non-carbon heat source, such as a flammable liquefied gas configured to generate heat upon ignition. For example, in some embodiments, the liquefied gas may include one or more of petroleum gas (LPG or LPG), propane, propylene, butylene, butane, isobutene, methylpropane, or n-butane. In yet other embodiments, the heat source may comprise a chemical reaction-based heat source, where ignition of the heat source involves the interaction of two or more individual components. For example, a chemical reaction-based heat source may include a metal agent and an activating solution, where contact between the metal agent and the activating solution activates the heat source. Some examples of chemical-based heat sources may be found in U.S. Patent No. 7,290,549 to Banerjee et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Combinations of heat sources are also possible. While the specific dimensions of applicable heat sources may vary, in the illustrated embodiment, ignitable heat source 820 has a length in the inclusive range of about 1 mm to about 20 mm, and in some embodiments may be about 12 mm, and an overall diameter in the inclusive range of about 3 mm to about 8 mm, and in some embodiments may be about 4.8 mm (in some embodiments, about 7 mm).

[0326] In other embodiments, the heat source may be configured in a variety of ways, but in the illustrated embodiment, the ignitable heat source 820 is extruded or composited using crushed or powdered carbonaceous material, with a dry weight of approximately 0.5 g / cm 3 often exceeding about 0.7 g / cm 3 often exceeding about 1 g / cm 3 See, for example, fuel source components, formulations and designs of the type described in U.S. Patent No. 1,551,451 to Riggs et al. and U.S. Patent No. 7,836,897 to Borschke et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0327] In various embodiments, the heat source can have a variety of configurations, including, for example, a substantially solid cylinder or a hollow cylinder (e.g., a tube). In other embodiments, the heat source may comprise a plurality of hollow or substantially solid spheres, which in some embodiments can comprise substantially the same size and in other embodiments can comprise two or more sizes. In various embodiments, the heat source can be fabricated by a variety of methods, including, but not limited to, extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, etc. The ignitable heat source 820 of the illustrated embodiment comprises an extruded monolithic carbonaceous material having a generally cylindrical shape including a plurality of internal passages 891 extending longitudinally from a first end of the ignitable heat source 820 to an opposing second end of the ignitable heat source 820. In the illustrated embodiment, there are approximately thirteen internal passages 891, including a single central internal passage 891a, six peripheral internal passages 880b spaced apart from the central internal passage 891a and having a size (e.g., diameter) similar to that of the central internal passage 891a, and six peripheral internal passages 891c spaced apart from the outer surface of the ignitable heat source 820 and having a diameter smaller than that of the central internal passage 891a. Note that in other embodiments, there need not be multiple internal passages, and / or the multiple internal passages can take other forms and / or sizes. For example, in some embodiments, there may be as few as two internal passages, and still other embodiments may include as few as one internal passage. Still other embodiments may not include any internal passages at all. Additional embodiments may include multiple internal passages that may be of unequal diameters and / or shapes, may be unevenly spaced apart, and / or may be disposed within the heat source.

[0328] Alternatively or additionally, some embodiments may include one or more peripheral grooves extending longitudinally from a first end of the heat source to an opposite second end, while in other embodiments, the grooves need not extend the entire length of the heat source. In some embodiments, such grooves may be substantially equal in width and depth and may be substantially evenly distributed around the circumference of the heat source. In such embodiments, there may be as few as two grooves, and still other embodiments may include as few as one groove. Still other embodiments may not include any grooves at all. Additional embodiments may include multiple grooves that may be of unequal width and / or depth and may be unevenly spaced around the circumference of the heat source. In still other embodiments, the heat source may include grooves and / or slits extending longitudinally from a first end of the extruded monolithic carbonaceous material to its opposite second end. In some embodiments, the heat source may include an expanded carbon monolith formed by an expansion process of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,615,184 to Lobovsky, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Thus, some embodiments can provide advantages in terms of reducing the time it takes to ignite the heat source. In some other embodiments, the heat source can be co-extruded with an insulating layer (not shown), thereby reducing manufacturing time and costs. Other fuel element embodiments include carbon fiber of the type described in U.S. Patent No. 4,922,901 to Brooks et al., or other heat source embodiments such as those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0044818 to Takeuchi et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Further examples of heat sources, including debossed heat source systems, methods, and smoking articles containing such heat sources, are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0254335 to Spicer et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0329] Generally, the heat source is positioned sufficiently close to the aerosol delivery component having one or more aerosolizable components (as well as any flavorings, medications, etc. similarly provided for delivery to a user) such that the aerosol formed / volatilized by the application of heat from the heat source to the aerosolizable component (e.g., substrate portion) is deliverable to a user via the mouthpiece. That is, when the heat source heats the substrate component, an aerosol is formed, released, or generated in a physical form suitable for inhalation by a consumer. Note that the foregoing terms mean that references to release, releasing, releases, or released are interchangeable to include forming or generating, forming or generating, forming or generating, and forming or generating. Specifically, the inhalable substance is released in the form of a vapor or an aerosol, or a mixture thereof. Furthermore, the selection of various smoking article components is understood in light of commercially available electronic smoking articles, such as the representative products listed in the Background section of this disclosure.

[0330] FIG. 41 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cartridge 806 of FIG. 40. As shown, the substrate material 822 of the illustrated embodiment has opposing first and second ends, and the ignitable heat source 820 is disposed adjacent the first end of the substrate material 822. While the dimensions and cross-sectional shape of the various components of the cartridge can vary depending on the needs of a particular application, in the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge 806 can have an overall length in the inclusive range of about 10 mm to about 10 mm and a diameter in the inclusive range of about 2 mm to about 20 mm. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer housing 898 can have a thickness in the inclusive range of about 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the substrate portion 822 can have a length in the inclusive range of about 1 mm to 30 mm and a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the overall cartridge, for example, a diameter in the inclusive range of about 2.9 mm to about 9.9 mm, to accommodate the thickness of the housing 898. In the illustrated embodiment, substrate material 822 comprises tobacco beads, which may have a diameter size ranging from approximately 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm, although other embodiments may vary in size. In other embodiments, substrate material may be granular tobacco material or cut filler tobacco. Although other embodiments may vary, in the illustrated embodiment, outer housing 898 of cartridge 806 is filled to approximately 80-90% capacity to allow for insertion of fuel element 894.

[0331] In the illustrated embodiment, the substrate portion 822 includes a substrate material 896 having a single segment, although in other embodiments, the substrate portion may include one or more additional substrate material segments. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device may further include a second substrate material segment (not shown) having opposing first and second ends. As previously discussed, in various embodiments, one or more of the substrate materials may include tobacco or a tobacco-related material and have an associated aerosol precursor composition. In other embodiments, a non-tobacco material, such as a cellulose pulp material, may be used. In other embodiments, the non-tobacco substrate material may not be a plant-derived material. Other possible compositions and / or ingredients (and / or substrate materials) for use in the substrate material are described above. See also the above discussion regarding the various possible shapes, aerosol precursors in FIGS. 40 and 41 . The outer housing 898 of the cartridge 806 in the illustrated embodiment is configured to surround at least a portion of the substrate portion 822, including the substrate material 896. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer housing 898 is also configured to enclose a portion of the ignitable heat source 820. In some embodiments, the outer housing can enclose the entire heat source. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer housing comprises a rigid material. For example, the outer housing 898 in the illustrated embodiment is constructed of an aluminum material. However, in other embodiments, the outer housing may be constructed of other materials, including other metallic materials (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, silver, gold, bronze, titanium, various alloys, etc.), graphite materials, ceramic materials, plastic materials, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the heat source and / or at least a portion of the substrate material may be circumscribed by a paper-foil laminate. In some embodiments, the cartridge may comprise a housing comprising a laminate including the heat source and the bead substrate material. Some examples of laminates and / or housings that may be applicable to the present disclosure may be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0128880 by Gage et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0332] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer housing 898 is configured as a tubular structure that substantially encloses the substrate material 822. However, as previously mentioned, in other embodiments, the outer housing may have other shapes. While the shape of the outer housing may vary, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer housing 898 comprises a tubular structure having an open end and a closed end. The illustrated embodiment of the outer housing 898 also includes one or more end openings 893 located at the closed end of the outer housing 898 that are configured to allow aerosolized vapor (alternatively referred to herein as "vapor" or "aerosol") to pass therethrough. The end openings 893 in the illustrated embodiment are in the form of a pair of elongated rounded slots. However, in other embodiments, the end openings may have any configuration that allows the passage of aerosol. Thus, it will be understood that the end openings 893 may include fewer or additional openings than those shown and / or openings of alternative shapes and sizes.

[0333] In various embodiments, the present disclosure may also be directed to kits providing various components as described herein. For example, a kit may include a holder having one or more cartridges. In another embodiment, a kit may include multiple holders. In a further embodiment, a kit may include multiple cartridges. In yet another embodiment, a kit may include multiple holders and multiple cartridges. Kits of the present invention may further include a case (or other packaging, transport, or storage component) for housing one or more additional kit components. The case may be a reusable rigid or flexible container. Additionally, the case may simply be a box or other packaging structure. In some embodiments, a brush or other cleaning accessory may be included in the kit. The cleaning accessory may be configured to be inserted into the cartridge-receiving chamber of the holder, or in other embodiments, into a separate opening that allows a user to remove debris from the cartridge-receiving chamber and / or the igniter contacts.

[0334] Many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure may come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. It is to be understood, therefore, that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: a holder comprising a body forming a proximal end and a distal end, the body further defining a receiving chamber configured to accommodate a removable cartridge comprising an ignitable heat source, and further defining a first aerosol passageway extending through at least a portion of the body; a mouthpiece including a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end, with a second aerosol passageway extending longitudinally between the first and second ends, the first end configured to engage a user's mouth and the second end configured to engage a proximal end of the holder; an access door movably coupled to the distal end of the body and defining a third aerosol passageway, the access door providing access to the receiving chamber for loading a removable cartridge therein in an open configuration and fluidly connecting the receiving chamber to the first aerosol passageway via the third aerosol passageway in a closed configuration; An aerosol delivery device comprising:

2. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the side wall of the holder defines an opening therethrough, the opening being in fluid communication with the receiving chamber and positioned in proximity to an ignitable heat source when the removable cartridge is loaded into the receiving chamber.

3. a power supply disposed within the main body; a pair of igniter contacts in electrical communication with the power source, positioned proximate the opening, and configured to engage an ignitable heat source when the removable cartridge is loaded into the receiving chamber; 3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2, further comprising:

4. 4. The aerosol delivery device of claim 3, further comprising an ignition switch in electrical communication with the power source and the igniter contacts and configured to provide power to the contacts when activated.

5. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the access door is coupled to the body via a detent hinge configured to maintain the access door in at least one of an open configuration or a closed configuration.

6. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the access door sealingly engages the distal end of the body in the closed configuration.

7. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the third aerosol passage is configured to redirect the vapor path extending through the body by approximately 180 degrees.

8. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, further comprising an actuator assembly coupled to the holder and configured to eject the removable cartridge.

9. The actuator assembly a slider body slidably disposed within the body of the holder and configured to slide in a first direction and a second direction along a length of the body; a slider button disposed on a surface of the slider body and configured to be accessible to a user; a stem extending beyond the distal end of the slider body and configured to engage an ignitable heat source of the removable cartridge to at least partially eject the cartridge from the receiving cavity; 9. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8, comprising:

10. 3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2, wherein the opening is configured to provide a through air intake for mixing with the aerosol produced by the removable cartridge and deliverable to the user via the mouthpiece.

11. 1. An aerosol delivery device having different consumable loading and discharge paths, comprising: A holder comprising upper and lower body portions, the upper and lower body portions forming proximal and distal ends, respectively. Equipped with the lower body portion further defines a receiving chamber disposed at a proximal end thereof and configured to receive a removable cartridge therein; an upper body portion including an actuator assembly slidably disposed within the upper body portion and configured to eject a removable cartridge from the lower body portion through a distal end thereof to define a first aerosol passageway, the upper body portion and the lower body portion being coupled together and configured to be rotatable relative to one another between an open configuration exposing the receiving chamber for loading the removable cartridge and a closed configuration in which the cartridge may be ejected from the distal end of the lower body portion; Aerosol delivery device.

12. The actuator assembly a tubular body defining a portion of the first aerosol passageway and configured to slide in a first direction and a second direction along a portion of the upper body portion; a first protrusion extending from an outer surface of the tubular body and configured to extend through an opening in the wall of the upper body portion to effect movement of the tubular body in the first and second directions; a second protrusion extending from the distal end of the tubular body and configured to engage the removable cartridge to advance the removable cartridge through the distal end of the lower body portion when the tubular body is moved in the first or second direction; 12. The aerosol delivery device of claim 11, comprising:

13. 12. The aerosol delivery device of claim 11, further comprising a pair of igniter contacts coupled to the lower body portion and positioned adjacent its distal end, the igniter contacts configured to engage with an ignitable heat source portion of the removable cartridge when the removable cartridge is secured within the receiving chamber.

14. 12. The aerosol delivery device of claim 11, further comprising a locking mechanism disposed on at least one of the lower body portion or the upper body portion and configured to maintain the device in a closed configuration.

15. 1. An aerosol delivery device having different consumable loading and discharge paths, comprising: a holder comprising a body forming a proximal end and a distal end, the body further defining a receiving chamber configured to accommodate a removable cartridge, the body further defining a first aerosol passageway extending through at least a portion of the body, a sidewall of the holder defining an opening therethrough in communication with the receiving chamber; an access door sealingly coupled to the body and positioned proximate the opening, the access door positioned in an open configuration to expose the opening and provide access to the receiving chamber for loading a removable cartridge therein, and in a closed configuration to cover the opening to secure the cartridge in fluid communication with the first aerosol passage; an actuator assembly coupled to the body and configured to eject a removable cartridge through a distal end thereof; An aerosol delivery device comprising:

16. a power supply disposed within the main body; a pair of igniter contacts in electrical communication with the power source, disposed proximate the distal end of the body, and configured to engage an ignitable heat source portion of the removable cartridge when the removable cartridge is secured within the receiving chamber; 16. The aerosol delivery device of claim 15, further comprising:

17. 16. The aerosol delivery device of claim 15, wherein the access door is slidably coupled to the body and configured to be slid distally to an open configuration.

18. 18. The aerosol delivery device of claim 17, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to secure the access door in a closed configuration.

19. 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: a holder comprising a body forming a proximal end and a distal end, the body further defining a receiving chamber configured to accommodate a removable cartridge having an ignitable heat source therein, and a receptacle extending along at least a portion of the body; a mouthpiece movably coupled to the body and including a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end, with a first aerosol passageway extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end, the first end configured to engage a user's mouth and the second end configured to engage a holder; Equipped with the mouthpiece is configured to translate between an open configuration in which the receiving chamber is exposed for loading the removable cartridge, and a closed configuration in which the first aerosol passage is generally aligned with the receiving chamber; Aerosol delivery device.

20. 20. The aerosol delivery device of claim 19, further comprising a translation mechanism movably coupled to the body and at least partially disposed within the receptacle, the translation mechanism configured to couple the mouthpiece to the holder and bias the mouthpiece into a closed configuration.

21. 21. The aerosol delivery device of claim 20, wherein the body receptacle is configured to at least partially house the translating mechanism and the mouthpiece in the open configuration.

22. 22. The aerosol delivery device of claim 21, wherein the mouthpiece is translated into the receptacle upon application of a force to the translation mechanism.

23. 21. The aerosol delivery device of claim 20, wherein the distal end of the translating mechanism or the second end of the mouthpiece is configured to sealingly engage the receiving chamber in the closed configuration.

24. 20. The aerosol delivery device of claim 19, wherein the mouthpiece is slidably disposed within the body and configured to eject a removable cartridge from a distal end of the body.

25. 21. The aerosol delivery device of claim 20, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a first enlarged portion disposed at a first end of the mouthpiece and a second elongated portion extending from the enlarged portion to a second end of the mouthpiece.

26. The translation mechanism is a channel extending therethrough and configured to allow an elongate portion of the mouthpiece to slidably move therein in a first direction and a second direction; a stopper disposed within the channel configured to engage the enlarged portion of the mouthpiece to limit movement of the mouthpiece in the first direction; 26. The aerosol delivery device of claim 25, comprising:

27. 27. The aerosol delivery device of claim 26, wherein the stopper is configured to prevent the mouthpiece from exiting the distal end of the body.

28. 27. The aerosol delivery device of claim 26, further comprising a biasing mechanism disposed within the holder or the translation mechanism and configured to bias the mouthpiece in the second direction.

29. 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: a holder comprising a body forming a proximal end and a distal end, the body further defining a receiving chamber configured to accommodate a removable cartridge therein comprising an ignitable heat source; a mouthpiece movably coupled to the body and including a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end, with a first aerosol passageway extending longitudinally between the first and second ends, the first end configured to engage with a user's mouth and the second end configured to engage with the holder to provide fluid communication between the receiving chamber and the first aerosol passageway; a biasing mechanism disposed within the body and operably coupled to the mouthpiece, the biasing mechanism configured to maintain the mouthpiece in a neutral orientation, the mouthpiece operable to eject the removable cartridge from the receiving chamber; An aerosol delivery device comprising:

30. 30. The aerosol delivery device of claim 29, wherein the mouthpiece is actuated by applying a force to the first end of the mouthpiece that is greater than the resistance of the biasing mechanism.

31. 30. The aerosol delivery device of claim 29, wherein the second end of the mouthpiece is configured for sealing engagement with the receiving chamber or the removable cartridge.

32. a receptacle defined by the holder and extending along at least a portion of the body; a translation mechanism movably coupled to the body and at least partially disposed within the receptacle, the translation mechanism configured to couple the mouthpiece to the holder and move the mouthpiece between an open configuration in which the receiving chamber is exposed for loading a removable cartridge, and a closed configuration in which the first aerosol passage is generally aligned with the receiving chamber; 30. The aerosol delivery device of claim 29, further comprising:

33. 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: a holder comprising a body forming a proximal end and a distal end, the body further defining a receiving chamber configured to accommodate a removable cartridge comprising an ignitable heat source, and further defining a first aerosol passageway extending through at least a portion of the body; a mouthpiece including a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end, with a second aerosol passageway extending longitudinally between the first and second ends, the first end configured to engage a user's mouth and the second end configured to engage a proximal end of the holder; an access door pivotally coupled to the distal end of the body and defining an opening, the access door providing access to the receiving chamber for loading a removable cartridge therein and securing the removable cartridge to the receiving chamber for ignition thereof in a closed configuration; An aerosol delivery device comprising:

34. a power supply disposed within the main body; a pair of igniter contacts disposed within the access door and in electrical communication with a power source when the access door is in a closed configuration; 34. The aerosol delivery device of claim 33, further comprising:

35. 35. The aerosol delivery device of claim 34, wherein the igniter contact is partially positioned within the opening of the access door and configured to engage with an ignitable heat source when the cartridge is positioned within the receiving chamber and the access door is in a closed configuration.

36. 35. The aerosol delivery device of claim 34, further comprising an ignition switch in electrical communication with the power source and the igniter contacts and configured to provide power to the contacts when activated.

37. 35. The aerosol delivery device of claim 34, wherein the distal end of the body and the access door each comprise mating halves of an electrical coupling.

38. 38. The aerosol delivery device of claim 37, wherein the distal end of the body comprises at least one electrical contact in electrical communication with the power source, and the access door comprises at least one mating electrical contact in electrical communication with the igniter contact, the electrical contacts completing an electrical circuit when the access door is in the closed configuration.

39. 39. The aerosol delivery device of claim 38, wherein the electrical circuit is interrupted when the access door is in the open configuration.

40. 34. The aerosol delivery device of claim 33, wherein the device further comprises a biasing mechanism disposed within the body and configured to bias the access door into the closed configuration.

41. 34. The aerosol delivery device of claim 33, wherein the receiving chamber includes a biasing mechanism disposed therein, the biasing mechanism configured to maintain the removable cartridge in contact with the igniter contacts in the closed configuration.

42. 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: a holder comprising a body forming a proximal end and a distal end, the body further defining a receiving chamber configured to accommodate a removable cartridge comprising an ignitable heat source; With removable mouthpiece The removable mouthpiece comprises: an elongate body portion formed by a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end, the elongate body portion defining an aerosol passageway extending therethrough; a first retention feature disposed about an exterior surface of the elongate body portion, the first retention feature configured to releasably secure the second end of the mouthpiece within the holder; and a second retention mechanism disposed within a receptacle defined by the second end of the elongate body member, the second retention mechanism configured to removably secure a portion of the cartridge therein, the first end of the mouthpiece configured to engage with a user's mouth; and 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising:

43. 43. The aerosol delivery device of claim 42, further comprising an inner housing disposed within the body of the holder and defining a passage therethrough configured to receive a portion of the mouthpiece therein.

44. 44. The aerosol delivery device of claim 43, wherein the first retention feature is configured to sealingly engage a passageway within the inner housing.

45. 45. The aerosol delivery device of claim 44, wherein the first retention feature includes an elastomeric seal disposed about an exterior surface thereof and configured to frictionally engage the inner housing passageway.

46. 43. The aerosol delivery device of claim 42, wherein the second retention feature includes an elastomeric seal disposed about an interior surface thereof and configured to frictionally engage the cartridge.

47. 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: a holder comprising a body forming a proximal end and a distal end, the body further defining a receiving chamber configured to receive a removable cartridge comprising an ignitable heat source; a removable mouthpiece configured to engage the proximal end of the holder; and The removable mouthpiece comprises: a first portion including an elongate body formed by a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end and defining a passageway extending therethrough; a second portion formed by a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end, the second portion defining a first aerosol passageway therethrough, the first end of the second portion configured to engage a user's mouth, the second end being partially disposed within the passageway of the first portion of the mouthpiece adjacent the first end of the first portion; a slider body formed by a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end, the slider body defining a second aerosol passageway therethrough, the slider body being slidably disposed within the first portion of the mouthpiece, the first end of the slider body being coupled to a second end of the second portion of the mouthpiece, and the second end of the slider body being configured to engage a removable cartridge; an inner tubular body defining a receptacle formed by a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end, the receptacle including a first biasing mechanism disposed therein, the receptacle configured to at least partially receive a slider body, the slider body being slidably coupled to the inner tubular body, the second end of the inner tubular body configured to engage a first portion of the mouthpiece proximate the second end of the first portion, the biasing mechanism configured to maintain the slider body in a loaded configuration; an outlet guide coupled to the second end of the first portion of the mouthpiece and partially received within the second end of the inner tubular body, the outlet guide defining a cavity configured to sealingly engage the removable cartridge to removably secure the removable cartridge therein; 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising:

48. The holder is a pair of igniter contacts disposed within the receiving chamber adjacent the distal end of the holder; a second biasing mechanism disposed within the body and configured to engage a distal end of the mouthpiece, the mouthpiece being slidably disposed within the body, the second biasing mechanism configured to position an ignitable heat source portion of the cartridge away from the igniter contact; 48. The aerosol delivery device of claim 47, further comprising:

49. The holder is an inner housing disposed within the body of the holder and defining one or more receptacles therein; an outer tubular body disposed within a first one of the receptacles and defining an interior cavity configured to slidably receive a mouthpiece therein; a first end cap coupled to a proximal end of the holder and defining a first opening in communication with the interior cavity of the outer tubular body, the first end cap configured to secure at least one of the inner housing or the outer tubular body within the holder; a second end cap coupled to a distal end of the holder and defining a second opening in communication with the interior cavity of the outer tubular body, the second end cap configured to secure at least one of the inner housing or the outer tubular body within the holder; 49. The aerosol delivery device of claim 48, further comprising:

50. The second biasing mechanism includes: A return spring and a collar slidably disposed within the outer tubular body, the distal end of the collar configured to engage the return spring; 50. The aerosol delivery device of claim 49, comprising:

51. 51. The aerosol delivery device of claim 50, wherein the first biasing mechanism comprises an ejection spring, the ejection spring having a greater spring force than the return spring.

52. 48. The aerosol delivery device of claim 47, wherein the second end cap further comprises a standoff that extends into the inner housing and partially defines the receiving chamber.

53. 53. The aerosol delivery device of claim 52, wherein the standoff comprises a pair of opposing slots configured to secure the igniter contacts therein.

54. 48. The aerosol delivery device of claim 47, wherein the holder comprises a retention mechanism configured to movably couple the mouthpiece to the holder.

55. a power source disposed within the inner housing; a printed circuit board disposed within the inner housing and in electrical communication with the igniter contacts; a switch in electrical communication with the power source and the printed circuit board and configured to electrically couple the power source to the igniter contacts; 48. The aerosol delivery device of claim 47, further comprising:

56. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, further comprising a removable cartridge, the cartridge including a substrate material having an aerosol precursor composition configured to form an aerosol upon application of heat.

57. 12. The aerosol delivery device of claim 11, further comprising a mouthpiece including a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end, with a second aerosol passage extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end is configured to engage with a user's mouth and the second end is configured to engage with a proximal end of the holder.

58. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece is removable.

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