Aerosol delivery device with stationary igniter contacts

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device for use with a removable and replaceable cartridge is disclosed. The device includes a holder (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) defining a proximal end (102A, 202A, 302A, 304A, 402A, 690) and a distal end (102B, 202B, 302B, 402B, 692), and a receiving chamber (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) configured to receive a removable cartridge (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606) including an ignitable heat source (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620). The holder (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) defines a first aerosol passage (150, 250, 350, 450, 550) extending through the holder. The device includes a mouthpiece (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) coupled to the holder (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) and defining a second aerosol passage (154, 254, 354, 454, 554) extending therethrough, and a pair of stationary igniter contacts (128, 228, 328, 428) positioned proximate to the receiving chamber (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) and oriented to contact (328, 428) with an ignitable heat source (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620) when the removable cartridge (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606) is secured within the receiving chamber (110, 210, 310, 410, 510). The device may include an access door (388) movably coupled to the holder (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) and configured to provide access to the receiving chamber (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) in an open configuration and to secure the cartridge (106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606) for ignition when in a closed configuration.

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., a smoking article intended to provide 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 an improvement or replacement for smoking products 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., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[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-generating substances. 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 burning tobacco to a significant extent. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al.; and the various alternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and heat sources described in the background art of 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., 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 that use 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 brand name "Steam Hot One."

[0006] In some cases, some smoking articles, particularly those using traditional 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, traditional types of smoking articles can produce relatively significant levels of gases, such as carbon monoxide and / or carbon dioxide, during use (e.g., as a product of carbon combustion). In yet another example, traditional types of smoking articles can suffer from poor performance with respect to aerosolizing aerosol-forming components.

[0007] It would therefore be desirable to provide a smoking article that addresses one or more of the technical problems sometimes associated with traditional 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] U.S. 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 the device through an access door and positioned against a pair of stationary ignition contacts. 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 defining 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; an access door coupled to the holder and configured to be movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein in the open configuration the receiving chamber is at least partially exposed for loading the removable cartridge; and a stationary igniter contact disposed on or within the access door and oriented to contact the ignitable heat source when the removable cartridge is secured within the receiving chamber and the access door is in the closed configuration.

[0012] Embodiment 2: The aerosol delivery device of embodiment 1, further comprising a power source disposed within the body, wherein the stationary igniter contact is in electrical communication with the power source when the door is in the closed configuration.

[0013] Embodiment 3: The aerosol delivery device of either embodiment 1 or 2, or any combination thereof, wherein the stationary igniter contacts comprise a pair of stationary igniter contacts oriented to contact the ignitable heat source at at least two points when the removable cartridge is secured within the receiving chamber and the access door is in a closed configuration.

[0014] Embodiment 4: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, or any combination thereof, wherein the pair of stationary igniter contacts is disposed on the inner surface of the access door.

[0015] Embodiment 5: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 4, or any combination thereof, wherein the holder comprises at least one electrical contact, the at least one electrical contact being in electrical communication with the power source and configured to connect with the stationary igniter contact to complete an electrical circuit when the access door is in the closed configuration.

[0016] Embodiment 6: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 5, or any combination thereof, wherein at least one of the electrical contacts comprises a pogo pin.

[0017] Embodiment 7: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 6, or any combination thereof, wherein the stationary igniter contact comprises an elongated body having a first contact portion disposed at a distal end thereof and configured to engage with an ignitable heat source, and a second contact portion disposed at a proximal end of the elongated body and configured to engage with at least one electrical contact.

[0018] Embodiment 8: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 7, or any combination thereof, further comprising an ignition switch disposed on the holder and in electrical communication with the power source and the stationary igniter contacts when the access door is in a closed configuration, the ignition switch configured to deliver current (i.e., power) to the stationary igniter contacts when actuated.

[0019] Embodiment 9: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 8, 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.

[0020] Embodiment 10: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 9, or any combination thereof, wherein the electrical circuit is interrupted when the access door is in an open configuration (e.g., the static igniter contacts are no longer in electrical communication with the power source).

[0021] Embodiment 11: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 10, or any combination thereof, wherein the access door is pivotally coupled to the body.

[0022] Embodiment 12: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 11, or any combination thereof, wherein the access door is hinged to the body.

[0023] Embodiment 13: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 12, 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.

[0024] Embodiment 14: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 13, or any combination thereof, wherein the access door sealingly engages with the body in the closed configuration.

[0025] Embodiment 15: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 14, or any combination thereof, wherein the access door further comprises an inner housing defining a receiving chamber, and the access door is configured, when in the closed configuration, to at least one of secure the cartridge within the chamber and / or orient the receiving chamber to be in fluid communication with the first aerosol passage.

[0026] Embodiment 16: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 15, or any combination thereof, further comprising a locking mechanism (e.g., magnetic engagement or snap fit) configured to secure the access door in the closed configuration.

[0027] Embodiment 17: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 16, or any combination thereof, wherein the access door is substantially flush with the outer surface of the holder when in the closed configuration.

[0028] Embodiment 18: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 17, or any combination thereof, further comprising an actuator assembly configured to release the access door from the closed configuration.

[0029] Embodiment 19: The aerosol delivery device of any of embodiments 1 to 18, or any combination thereof, wherein the access door includes an insert disposed therein and configured to receive the cartridge and provide thermal insulation thereto.

[0030] Embodiment 20: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 19, or any combination thereof, further comprising a biasing mechanism disposed within the holder and oriented to engage with a removable cartridge secured within the receiving chamber, the biasing mechanism biasing an ignitable heat source portion of the cartridge into contact with the stationary igniter contact when the access door is in a closed configuration.

[0031] Embodiment 21: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 20, or any combination thereof, further comprising a seal assembly disposed within the receiving chamber and configured to removably secure the removable cartridge therein. In some embodiments, the seal assembly is configured to guide the cartridge into its proper orientation, with or without sealing.

[0032] Embodiment 22: The aerosol delivery device of any of embodiments 1 to 21, or any combination thereof, further comprising a mouthpiece including a first end and a longitudinally opposite second end, and having 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 the proximal end of the holder, thereby providing fluid communication between the first and second aerosol passages for delivering aerosol generated in the receiving chamber to the user.

[0033] Embodiment 23: The aerosol delivery device of any of embodiments 1 to 22, or any combination thereof, wherein the access door defines an opening at its distal end, the opening may be configured to supply air / oxygen to the ignited heat source. In some embodiments, the air / oxygen may pass through the heat source and / or the air / oxygen may mix with an aerosol produced by a removable cartridge and deliverable to a user via the mouthpiece.

[0034] Embodiment 24: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 23, or any combination thereof, further comprising a sliding actuator assembly coupled to the holder and configured to eject the removable cartridge.

[0035] Embodiment 25: The aerosol delivery device of any of embodiments 1 to 24, or any combination thereof, wherein the sliding 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 body; a first protrusion extending from an outer surface of the tubular body and configured to extend through an opening in the wall of the body to effect movement of the tubular body in the first and second directions; and a second protrusion extending from a 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 body when the tubular body is moved in the first or second direction.

[0036] Embodiment 26: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 25, or any combination thereof, wherein the actuator further comprises a sealing arrangement for sealingly engaging with an inner surface of the body.

[0037] Embodiment 27: An aerosol delivery device comprising: a holder including a body defining a proximal end and a distal end; a receiving compartment coupled to the holder and configured to be movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the receiving compartment defining a receiving chamber configured to receive a removable cartridge including an ignitable heat source, wherein in the open configuration the receiving chamber is at least partially exposed; and a pair of stationary igniter contacts disposed within the receiving compartment and oriented to contact the ignitable heat source when the removable cartridge is secured within the receiving chamber and the receiving compartment is in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the ignitable heat source may contact the igniter contacts in the open configuration before closing the receiving compartment. Generally, in the closed configuration, the ignitable heat source is in optimal contact with the igniter contacts.

[0038] Embodiment 28: The aerosol delivery device of embodiment 27, further comprising a power source disposed within the body, wherein the stationary igniter contact is in electrical communication with the power source when the door is in the closed configuration.

[0039] Embodiment 29: An aerosol delivery device of either embodiment 27 or 28, or any combination thereof, wherein the holder has at least one electrical contact, which is in electrical communication with a power source and is configured to connect with a stationary igniter contact to complete an electrical circuit when the receiving compartment is in a closed configuration.

[0040] Embodiment 30: The aerosol delivery device of any of embodiments 27 to 29, or any combination thereof, further comprising an ignition switch disposed on the holder and in electrical communication with the power source and the stationary igniter contacts, the ignition switch being configured to deliver current (i.e., power) to the stationary igniter contacts when actuated.

[0041] Embodiment 31: The aerosol delivery device of any of embodiments 27 to 30, 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.

[0042] Embodiment 32: The aerosol delivery device of any of embodiments 27 to 31, or any combination thereof, wherein the electrical circuit is interrupted when the receiving compartment is in the open configuration.

[0043] Embodiment 33: The aerosol delivery device of any of embodiments 27 to 32, or any combination thereof, wherein the receiving compartment is pivotally coupled to the body.

[0044] Embodiment 34: The aerosol delivery device of any of embodiments 27 to 33, or any combination thereof, wherein the receiving compartment is in sealing engagement with the body in the closed configuration.

[0045] Embodiment 35: The aerosol delivery device of any of embodiments 27 to 34, or any combination thereof, wherein the body further defines a first aerosol passageway extending through at least a portion of the body.

[0046] Embodiment 36: The aerosol delivery device of any of embodiments 27 to 35, or any combination thereof, wherein the receiving compartment further comprises an inner housing defining a receiving chamber, and the receiving compartment is configured to secure the cartridge and / or orient the receiving chamber to be in fluid communication with the first aerosol passage when in the closed configuration.

[0047] Embodiment 37: The aerosol delivery device of any of embodiments 27 to 36, or any combination thereof, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to secure the receiving compartment in a closed configuration.

[0048] Embodiment 38: The aerosol delivery device of any of embodiments 27 to 37, or any combination thereof, wherein the receiving compartment (e.g., at least a portion of its outer surface) is substantially flush with the outer surface of the holder when in the closed configuration.

[0049] Embodiment 39: The aerosol delivery device of any of embodiments 27 to 38, or any combination thereof, wherein the receiving compartment comprises an insert disposed therein and configured to receive the cartridge and provide thermal insulation thereto.

[0050] Embodiment 40: The aerosol delivery device of any of embodiments 27 to 39, or any combination thereof, further comprising a biasing mechanism disposed within the holder and oriented to engage with a removable cartridge secured within the receiving chamber, the biasing mechanism biasing an ignitable heat source of the cartridge into contact with the stationary igniter contact when the receiving compartment is in a closed configuration.

[0051] Embodiment 41: An aerosol delivery device of any of embodiments 27 to 40, or any combination thereof, further comprising a mouthpiece including a first end and a longitudinally opposite second end, and having a second aerosol passage extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end is configured to engage with the mouth of a user and the second end is configured to engage with the proximal end of the holder, for example, to provide fluid communication between the first and second aerosol passages to deliver aerosol generated in the receiving chamber to the user.

[0052] Embodiment 42: The aerosol delivery device of any of embodiments 27 to 41, or any combination thereof, wherein the receiving compartment defines an opening at its distal end, the opening may be configured to supply air / oxygen to the ignited heat source. In some embodiments, the air / oxygen may pass through the heat source and / or the air / oxygen may mix with an aerosol produced by a removable cartridge and deliverable to a user via the mouthpiece.

[0053] Embodiment 43: An aerosol delivery device comprising: a holder having a body defining 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, and a first aerosol passage extending through at least a portion of the body; an access door coupled to the holder and configured to be movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein in the open configuration the receiving chamber is at least partially exposed; a pair of stationary igniter contacts at least partially disposed within the receiving chamber and oriented to receive an ignitable heat source therebetween to secure the removable cartridge within the receiving chamber; and an ejector assembly coupled to the holder and configured to release the removable cartridge.

[0054] Embodiment 44: The aerosol delivery device of embodiment 43, wherein the ejector assembly comprises a sloped or wedge-shaped body having a leading edge oriented to be inserted between each of the igniter contacts of a pair of stationary igniter contacts, and deflects the igniter contacts outward when the ejector assembly is advanced toward the distal end of the body, thereby releasing the cartridge.

[0055] Embodiment 45: The aerosol delivery device of either embodiment 43 or 44, or any combination thereof, wherein a spring force from the deflected igniter contacts returns the ejector assembly to a neutral position when the ejector is released. For example, after the cartridge is removed or otherwise advanced past the igniter contacts, the spring force is sufficient to push the wedge out from between the igniter contacts after the force applied to the ejector is removed.

[0056] Embodiment 46: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 43 to 45, or any combination thereof, further comprising a power source disposed within the body, wherein the stationary igniter contact is in electrical communication with the power source.

[0057] Embodiment 47: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 43 to 46, or any combination thereof, further comprising an ignition switch disposed on the holder and in electrical communication with the power source and the stationary igniter contacts, the ignition switch being configured to deliver current to the stationary igniter contacts when actuated.

[0058] Embodiment 48: The aerosol delivery device of any of embodiments 43 to 47, 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.

[0059] Embodiment 49: The aerosol delivery device of any of embodiments 43 to 48, or any combination thereof, wherein the pair of stationary igniter contacts is coupled to a printed circuit board.

[0060] Embodiment 50: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 43 to 49, or any combination thereof, wherein each of the pair of stationary igniter contacts comprises an elongated body having a first contact portion located at a distal end thereof and configured to engage with an ignitable heat source, and a second contact portion located at a proximal end of the elongated body and configured to engage with a printed circuit board.

[0061] Embodiment 51: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 43 to 50, or any combination thereof, comprising a spring component (e.g., a curved portion of the elongated body) configured to allow each of a pair of stationary igniter contacts to deflect when contacted by another object (e.g., a cartridge or an ejector).

[0062] Embodiment 52: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 43 to 51, 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.

[0063] Embodiment 53: An aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 43 to 52 or any combination thereof, further comprising an inner housing disposed within the body of the holder and further defining a receiving chamber, the inner housing configured to house one or more of a power supply, a printed circuit board, and an ejector assembly therein.

[0064] Embodiment 54: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 43 to 53, or any combination thereof, wherein the access door is slidably coupled to the body.

[0065] Embodiment 55: An aerosol delivery device of any of embodiments 43 to 54, or any combination thereof, comprising a first end and a longitudinally opposite second end, wherein a second aerosol passage extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end further comprises a mouthpiece, 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, for example, to provide fluid communication between the first and second aerosol passages to deliver aerosol generated in the receiving chamber to the user.

[0066] Embodiment 56: An aerosol delivery device comprising: a holder having a body defining 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; and a mouthpiece assembly comprising: a first end configured to engage with a user's mouth; and a mouthpiece including a longitudinally opposed second end configured to engage with the proximal end of the holder, the mouthpiece having a second aerosol passage extending between the first and second ends, wherein a central longitudinal axis of the second aerosol passage is offset from the central longitudinal axis of the first aerosol passage, and the first and second aerosol passages define an integral offset vapor path from the distal end of the body to the first end of the mouthpiece for passing generated aerosol from the removable cartridge to the user.

[0067] Embodiment 57: The aerosol delivery device of embodiment 56, wherein the mouthpiece assembly further comprises an insert defining a third aerosol passage at least partially disposed within a recess formed in the second end of the mouthpiece and configured to fluidly couple the first aerosol passage and the second aerosol passage.

[0068] Embodiment 58: An aerosol delivery device of either embodiment 56 or 57, or any combination thereof, further comprising an access door assembly sealingly coupled to the body and defining a receiving chamber, the access door assembly being movable between an open configuration providing access to the receiving chamber for loading a removable cartridge therein, and a closed configuration securing the cartridge in fluid communication with the first aerosol passage.

[0069] Embodiment 59: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 56 to 58, or any combination thereof, wherein the access door assembly is pivotally coupled to the holder.

[0070] Embodiment 60: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 59, or any combination thereof, wherein the mouthpiece is removable.

[0071] Embodiment 61: The aerosol delivery device of any of embodiments 1 to 60, 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.

[0072] Embodiment 62: The aerosol delivery device of any one of embodiments 1 to 61, or any combination thereof, wherein the holder is disposed therein and comprises a window configured to allow at least a portion of the removable cartridge to be viewed.

[0073] 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 separate features or elements of the disclosed invention should be considered as intended to be combinable unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0074] Having thus described the present disclosure in the foregoing general terms, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0075] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol delivery device with a pair of stationary igniter contacts according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery device with a pair of stationary igniter contacts according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [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 3] 1B shows an enlarged end view of a portion of the cartridge end of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1B shows an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the cartridge end of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] 1B shows perspective views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1A in various operating states, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B]1B shows perspective views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1A in various operating states, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5C] 1B shows perspective views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1A in various operating states, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of another aerosol delivery device having a pair of stationary igniter contacts according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of another aerosol delivery device having a pair of stationary igniter contacts according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 6B shows an exploded perspective view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 6A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 6B shows an enlarged end view of a portion of the cartridge end of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 6A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 6B shows an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the cartridge end of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 6A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10A] 6B shows perspective views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 6A in various operating states, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] 6B shows perspective views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 6A in various operating states, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10C] 6B shows perspective views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 6A in various operating states, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11A] 1 shows a perspective view of yet another aerosol delivery device comprising a pair of stationary igniter contacts according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] 10 shows a cross-sectional side view of yet another aerosol delivery device comprising a pair of stationary igniter contacts according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12A] 11B shows an exploded perspective view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 11A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12B] 12B shows an enlarged view of a portion of the device of FIG. 12A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13A] 11B shows an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the cartridge end of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 11A incorporating an alternative pair of stationary igniter contacts according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13B] 13B shows an enlarged perspective view of an alternative pair of stationary igniter contacts of FIG. 13A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 14A] 11B shows perspective views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 11A in various operating states, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14B] 11B shows perspective views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 11A in various operating states, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15A] 1 shows a perspective view of yet another aerosol delivery device comprising a pair of stationary igniter contacts according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15B] 1 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of yet another aerosol delivery device comprising a pair of stationary igniter contacts according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] 15B shows an exploded perspective view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 15A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17A] 15B shows a perspective view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 15A in an open configuration with the static igniter contacts exposed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17B] 17B shows an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the device of FIG. 17A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] 17B shows an enlarged top view of a portion of the cartridge end of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 17A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19A] 15B shows side cross-sectional views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 15A in various operating states, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19B] 15B shows side cross-sectional views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 15A in various operating states, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19C] 15B shows side cross-sectional views of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 15A in various operating states, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20A]1 shows a perspective view of an alternative aerosol delivery device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20B] 1 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of an alternative aerosol delivery device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] 20B shows a partially exploded view of a portion of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 20A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] 1 shows a perspective view of a removable cartridge according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] 1 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a removable cartridge according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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 multiples of the same component are listed, the multiples may be referred to individually (e.g., ##a, ##b, ##c, etc.) or collectively (##).

[0079] The present disclosure provides a description of articles (and their assembly and / or manufacture) in which materials are heated (preferably without significant combustion of the materials) to form an aerosol and / or inhalable substance; 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 mode 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.

[0080] As previously mentioned, the aerosol delivery device may provide 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 sensory stimulating effect, the physical feel, the type of use, visual cues such as those provided by a visible aerosol, etc.) used by lighting and burning tobacco (and thus inhaling tobacco smoke) without burning any of the components thereof to any significant extent. 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, puffing at selected time intervals, etc.

[0081] The article or device of the present disclosure can also be characterized as a vapor-generating article, an aerosol delivery article, or a drug delivery article. Thus, such an article or device can be configured to provide one or more substances in an inhalable form or state. For example, the inhalable substance can be substantially in vapor form (e.g., a substance in the gas phase at a temperature below its critical point). Alternatively, the inhalable substance can 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" can be interchangeable. Therefore, for simplicity, the terms "vapor" and "aerosol" used to describe the present disclosure are understood to be interchangeable unless otherwise specified.

[0082] Examples of suitable vapor-generating articles, aerosol delivery articles, or drug delivery articles include vapor products, non-combustion heating products, hybrid products, etc. Vapor products are commonly known as "electronic cigarettes," "e-cigarettes," or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), although the aerosol-generating material need not contain nicotine. Many vapor-generating materials are designed to heat a liquid material to generate an aerosol. Other vapor-generating materials are designed to break down an aerosol-generating 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.

[0083] Hybrid products can use a combination of aerosol-forming materials, one or more of which can be heated. Each of the aerosol-forming materials can be, for example, in solid, semi-solid, liquid, or gel form. Some hybrid products are similar to vapor products, except that the aerosol generated from the liquid or gel aerosol-forming 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-forming material and a solid aerosol-forming material. The solid aerosol-forming material can include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0084] During use, a smoking article of the present disclosure is 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 inhaling the burned and / or combusted 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 generated by the article, and puffs at selected time intervals.

[0085] Although the system is generally described herein with respect to embodiments associated with 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.

[0086] 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 may vary, and the format or configuration of the outer body may vary, which may 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 may be formed from a single, integral housing, or the elongated housing may be formed from two or more separable bodies. For example, the aerosol delivery device may include an elongated shell or body, which may be substantially tubular in shape and thus resemble the shape of a traditional cigarette or cigar. In another example, the aerosol delivery device may be substantially rectangular or may have a substantially rectangular cuboid shape. In one example, all of the components of the aerosol delivery device are contained within a single housing. Alternatively, the aerosol delivery device may include two or more joined and separable housings. For example, an aerosol delivery device can have one portion comprising a housing containing 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), and a separate second portion (e.g., a mouthpiece) and / or disposable components (e.g., a disposable flavor-containing cartridge containing aerosol precursor materials, flavorants, etc.) removably coupleable thereto. 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 configurations can be appreciated by considering commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices.

[0087] 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 heat the heat source and / or substrate material of the cartridge, and a receiving chamber. Such a holder may be configured to receive one or more substrate cartridges containing a substrate material that can produce 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 defined airflow path through the holder such that the generated aerosol can be drawn in upon inhalation).

[0088] In various aspects, the cartridge's heat source can generate heat to aerosolize the cartridge's substrate material, which can include, for example, an extruded structure and / or substrate, a substrate material associated with an aerosol precursor composition, tobacco and / or tobacco-related materials, e.g., materials in solid or liquid form (e.g., beads, sheets, strips, wraps), e.g., materials isolated directly from tobacco, materials naturally found in tobacco, or synthetically prepared materials. As described in more detail below, in some embodiments, the extruded structure can include a tobacco-generating substance or a composition of tobacco with other materials, e.g., ceramic powder. In other embodiments, tobacco extracts / slurries can be loaded into porous ceramic beads. Other embodiments can use non-tobacco-generating substances. In some embodiments, porous beads / powder (ceramics) loaded with the aerosol precursor composition can be used. In other embodiments, rods / cylinders made of an extruded slurry of ceramic powder and aerosol precursor composition can be used.

[0089] 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.; 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 component. The substrate material may be chemically simple relative to the chemistry of smoke generated by burning tobacco.

[0090] In some embodiments, the aerosol precursor composition may incorporate nicotine, which may be present in various concentrations. The source of nicotine may vary, 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 tisane), 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.

[0091] 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, pods, 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, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice, matcha, yerba mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon The active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of citrus, citrus fruit, citrus aurantium, citrus aurantium, citrus limonene ...The mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: Mentha arventis, Mentha cv, Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrate cv, Mentha piperita cv, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Mentha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata cv, and Mentha suaveolens.

[0092] 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 provided by the substrate material. Examples of flavoring agents include 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 types and characteristics traditionally used in cigarette, cigar, and pipe tobacco flavorings. Syrups, such as high fructose corn syrup, may also be suitable for use.

[0093] As used herein, the terms "flavor," "flavoring," "flavoring agent," and the like refer to materials that, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatic sensation in products intended for adult consumers, including naturally occurring flavor materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically derived materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, osmanthus leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry). , peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascara, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honeyessence), rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cinnamon bark, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, 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 leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, The additives may include other additives such as: beefsteak plant, turmeric, coriander, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damiento, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, kalbi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners. 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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 any undesirable off-gassing components that would adversely affect off-gassing, particularly flavor (especially minimizing the potential for any toxic off-gassing substances). 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 provide the desired properties of flame retardancy without undesirable off-gassing or melt-type behavior.

[0099] More specific formats, 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.

[0100] 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 one example embodiment of such a device 100. In particular, Figures 1A and 1B illustrate a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view, respectively, of an aerosol delivery device 100 including a stationary igniter contact arrangement 128. In general, "stationary" contacts are intended to include contacts that are fixed relative to the device and / or ignitable heat source and do not need to be actuated (e.g., by a user) to contact / ignite the ignitable heat source. Accidental movement (e.g., bending to grasp / release the cartridge) does not render the igniter contacts non-stationary. Specifically, aerosol delivery device 100 comprises a holder 102 having a body defining a proximal end 102a and a distal end 102b, the holder 102 further defining a receiving chamber 110 configured to receive a removable cartridge 106 and an aerosol passageway 150 extending through at least a portion of the body. The removable cartridge 106 comprises an ignitable heat source 120 and a substrate portion including a substrate material having an aerosol precursor composition configured to form an aerosol upon application of heat.

[0101] The holder 102 further includes an access door assembly 189 pivotally coupled to the body via a pivot assembly 184 (e.g., pivot pin 184a, receptacle 184b as shown in FIG. 2), although in some embodiments the door assembly 189 may be slidably coupled or hinged to the holder 102. As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, the door assembly 189 includes a door 188 configured to fit substantially flush with the exterior surface of the holder 102 in a closed configuration and sized and shaped to receive a chassis or inner housing 124 that defines a receiving chamber 110 for receiving the cartridge 106 therein. The chassis 124 may include multiple layers of material to provide temperature control for the device, for example, to prevent heat from the cartridge from being transferred to the holder, and to provide insulation to prevent a user from coming into contact with a "hot" device. Assembly 189 further comprises a pair of stationary igniter contacts 128 disposed proximate holder distal end 102b, a door seal mechanism 160 configured to sealably engage receiving chamber 110 with the first aerosol passageway, and a biasing mechanism 142 configured to bias a loaded cartridge into contact with igniter contacts 128 when in the closed configuration. Door assembly 189 is moved between its open and closed configurations via a spring-loaded slider button, as described in more detail with respect to Figures 5A-5C. Stationary contact arrangement 128 is described in more detail with respect to Figures 3 and 4.

[0102] 3 provides an end view of the distal end 102b of device 100, illustrating the orientation of stationary igniter contacts 128 relative to removable cartridge ignitable heat source 120 and door assembly 189 in a closed configuration. As shown, a pair of stationary igniter contacts are disposed on or in access door assembly 189 and oriented to contact ignitable heat source 120 when removable cartridge 106 is secured within the receiving chamber and access door assembly 189 is in the closed configuration. Specifically, contacts 128 comprise a rigid or semi-rigid material disposed at the distal end of chassis 124.

[0103] Generally, each igniter contact may be formed from a wire or flat strip of metal (e.g., copper, silver, gold, or other conductive material) that is bent or otherwise shaped to form a desired shape for a particular application. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , each igniter contact 128 has a generally U-shape. In some embodiments, the bend in the contact may provide the contact with resilience, allowing for a minimal amount of flexing to accommodate a particular cartridge 106. The contacts are configured as bent wires oriented within the chassis 124 to span the opening 115 at the distal end of the chassis 124 so as to contact the distal end of the ignitable heat source 120 in two locations. The contacts 128 may be secured to the chassis 124 via, for example, adhesive or a snap fit. In the closed configuration, at least a portion of each igniter contact 128 engages with a corresponding electrical contact 129 to complete an electrical circuit, as described below. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts 129 are pogo pins disposed on a printed circuit board. Also shown in FIG. 3 is a charging port 119, which is described in more detail below.

[0104] 4, in the closed configuration, cartridge 106 is secured within holder 102, with receiving chamber 110 in fluid communication with first aerosol passageway 150 (see also FIG. 1B). Seal assembly 160 prevents aerosol loss and / or air ingress between door assembly 189 and holder 102 when in the closed configuration. A biasing mechanism 142, which may be a curved spring element, is disposed within the holder and is configured and positioned to contact the proximal end of cartridge 106, thereby biasing ignitable heat source portion 120 of the cartridge into contact with igniter contact 128 to provide a good connection therebetween.

[0105] Referring back to FIG. 2 , device 100 further includes a power supply 112 and a PCB 118 disposed within holder 102. Power supply 112 is in electrical communication with PCB 118 and static igniter contacts 128 via wiring or other means for electrically coupling the various components. PCB 118 includes electrical contacts 129 that contact igniter contacts 128 when door assembly 189 is in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts extend through a wall of holder 102 to provide access to igniter contacts 128 and may include a gasket or other sealing mechanism 139 for sealing contacts 129 with holder 102. PCB 118 may further include a charging port 119 (e.g., a micro USB connector) oriented on the PCB to be located at one end of holder 102 (see FIG. 3 ).

[0106] In the illustrated embodiment, igniter push button (or generally, switch) 140 is disposed on a sidewall of holder 102 and is configured such that, when pressed by a user, button 140 activates igniter contacts 128, thereby igniting heat source 120 of cartridge 106. Specifically, when push button 140 is actuated, an electrical circuit is completed and electricity is delivered to igniter contacts 128. In some embodiments, igniter contacts 128 remain activated only while igniter push button 140 is pressed. Thus, in some embodiments, igniter contacts 128 are deactivated when igniter push button 140 is released. In some embodiments, igniter push button 140 may be configured to activate igniter contacts 128 for a set period of time after release. In one embodiment, push button 140 extends through opening 163 in holder 102. In some embodiments, button 140 is spring loaded and may return to an off position after igniting the heat source. Device 100 may further include an LED ring 141 proximate push button 140 that may illuminate during ignition and / or change color to indicate the status of device 100.

[0107] The device 100 further includes a mouthpiece 104, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2. The mouthpiece 104 has a first end configured to engage a user's mouth and a longitudinally opposed second end, with a second aerosol passageway 154 extending longitudinally between the first and second ends. The mouthpiece 104 may be coupled to the holder 102 via a frictional resistance sufficient to secure the mouthpiece 104 to the holder 102 but minimal enough to allow a user to remove the mouthpiece 104 without significant effort. For example, the mouthpiece may be removed from the holder by, for example, applying a pulling or twisting action to the mouthpiece 104 or by actuating a release. The mouthpiece 104 may be removed to access an optional flow restrictor 165, described below, and then removed for cleaning or replacement to customize the user's experience. The mouthpiece 104 may also be cleaned and / or replaced after removal. Alternatively, the mouthpiece 104 may be integrally formed with the holder 102 .

[0108] In the illustrated embodiment, the mouthpiece 104 is coupled to the proximal end 102a of the holder 102 via a body portion 155 disposed at the distal end of the mouthpiece 104. The body portion 155 is configured to removably engage and / or sealingly engage an opening in the proximal end of the holder 102. The body portion 155 is sized and shaped to engage with the opening in the proximal end of the holder 102 such that the body portion 155 is disposed within the proximal end 102a of the holder 102, with or without a sealing mechanism, so that the body portion 155 is substantially flush with the proximal end 102a of the holder 102. In some embodiments, the body portion 155 may be coupled to the holder 102 via at least one fastener (e.g., a screw) and / or may physically engage an interior wall of the holder 102. The mouthpiece 104 further comprises a nozzle or extension 105 that forms a first end of the mouthpiece and is configured to be engaged by a user's mouth. Nozzle 105 partially defines a second aerosol passageway 154 and terminates in an opening 158 configured to deliver the generated aerosol to a user.

[0109] Opposite body portion 155, hollow stem 107 extends into the holder when assembled. Specifically, in some embodiments, the body of holder 102 includes a tubular structure 121 disposed therein and extending along the length of holder 102. Tubular structure 121 at least partially defines first aerosol passageway 150, extends toward the proximal end of holder 102, and is configured to engage at least a portion of mouthpiece 104 to provide fluid communication between first and second aerosol passageways 150, 154 and deliver aerosol to a user via opening 158. In the illustrated embodiment, stem 107 engages tubular structure 121 with an optional flow restrictor essentially “sandwiched” therebetween. In some embodiments, the flow restrictor 165 may be inserted into the tubular structure 121 of the holder such that its lip abuts the proximal end of the tubular structure 121, and the mouthpiece 104 is then secured to the proximal end of the holder 102 such that the stem 107 passes through the flow restrictor 165 and the proximal end of the tubular structure 121 to fluidly couple the aerosol passageways. Alternatively or additionally, the mouthpiece 104 and / or optional flow restrictor 165 may be removably secured in or to the holder 102 via at least one of threaded engagement, press-fit engagement, snap-fit ​​engagement, frictional engagement, or complementary threaded surfaces for magnetic engagement.

[0110] 5A-5C illustrate the general operation of device 100 (e.g., loading and unloading a cartridge (i.e., consumable item)). Specifically, FIG. 5A shows door assembly 189 in a closed configuration, in which door assembly 189 encloses receiving chamber 110 in holder 102. To move the door assembly to the open configuration, spring-loaded slider button 108 is slid forward or distally to release (e.g., unlock) door assembly 189 from holder 102. Door assembly 189 is biased (e.g., via a spring mechanism disposed within the holder) to the open configuration, as shown in FIG. 5B, thereby exposing chassis 124 and receiving chamber 110 disposed therein.

[0111] As further shown in Figure 5B, the cartridge 106 is inserted into the receiving chamber 110 with the end of the ignitable heat source 120 inserted first. Once the cartridge 106 is loaded, the door assembly 189 is pushed closed (the biasing force is small enough that a user can close the door assembly with one finger) and the slide button 108 reconnects with the holder 102, securing the door assembly 189 in the closed configuration as shown in Figure 5A.

[0112] In the closed configuration, cartridge 106 is secured within the holder so as to be in fluid communication with first aerosol passageway 150 (see FIG. 1B). Ignitable heat source 120 is in contact with igniter contact 128 via biasing mechanism 142 and can be ignited so that the cartridge can be consumed (i.e., aerosol is generated and delivered to the user via the aerosol passageway). In certain embodiments, air may be drawn into device 100 through opening 115 (see also FIG. 3) to supply oxygen to the ignited heat source. In some embodiments, air / oxygen may travel through the heat source and / or mix with the aerosol generated by the removable cartridge and deliverable to the user via mouthpiece 104.

[0113] After consumption, the cartridge 106 may be ejected from the device 100, as shown in FIG. 5C . Specifically, the slide button 108 is slid forward or distally to release the door assembly 189 and expose the cartridge 106. Once in the open configuration, the device 100 can be turned upside down to allow the cartridge to fall out of the receiving chamber 110. After ejection, the user can insert a new cartridge or simply close the door assembly 189 and store the device 100 for later use. In some embodiments, the device 100 may include an additional locking mechanism (not shown) configured to further secure the access door assembly 189 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.

[0114] In some alternative embodiments, the aerosol is generated by an electric heater configured for electrical 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 electrical 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.

[0115] 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 that may be separate from or part of the aerosol generator. The susceptor may be a conductive material, such that penetration with the changing magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, such that penetration with 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.

[0116] 6A, 6B, and 7 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of an aerosol delivery device 200. In particular, FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view, respectively, of an aerosol delivery device 200 including a stationary igniter contact arrangement 228. Specifically, the aerosol delivery device 200 comprises a holder 202 having a body defining a proximal end 202a and a distal end 202b, the holder 202 further defining a receiving chamber 210 configured to receive a removable cartridge 206 and an aerosol passageway 250 extending through at least a portion of the body. The removable cartridge 206 comprises 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.

[0117] The holder 202 further comprises an access door assembly 289 pivotally coupled to the body via a swivel assembly 284, although in some embodiments the door assembly 289 may be slidably or elbow-coupled to the holder 202. As shown in FIG. 7 , the door assembly 289 includes a door 288 configured to fit substantially flush with the exterior surface of the holder 202 in a closed configuration and sized and shaped to receive a chassis or inner housing 224 that defines a receiving chamber 210 for receiving the cartridge 206 therein. The chassis 224 may comprise multiple layers of material that provide temperature control for the device, for example, to prevent heat from the cartridge from being transferred to the holder, and to provide insulation to prevent a user from coming into contact with a "hot" device. The assembly 289 further comprises a pair of stationary igniter contacts 228 disposed proximate the distal end 202b of the holder, a sealing mechanism 260 configured to seal the receiving chamber 210 with the first aerosol passageway 250, and a biasing mechanism 242 configured to bias a loaded cartridge into contact with the igniter contacts 228 when in the closed configuration. The door assembly 289 is moved between its closed and open configurations, for example, by a user's thumb sliding the door assembly downward and pivoting it outward from the holder 202 to load and unload a cartridge. Once the cartridge 206 is loaded, the door assembly 289 can be closed by pushing the door assembly 289 back toward the holder 202, as described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 10A-10C. The stationary igniter contact arrangement 228 is described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0118] 8 provides an end view of the distal end 202b of the device 200, illustrating the orientation of the stationary igniter contacts 228 relative to the removable cartridge ignitable heat source 220 and the door assembly 289 in the closed configuration. As shown, a pair of stationary igniter contacts are disposed on or in the access door assembly 289 and oriented to contact the ignitable heat source 220 when the removable cartridge 206 is secured within the receiving chamber and the access door assembly 289 is in the closed configuration. Specifically, the contacts 228 comprise a rigid or semi-rigid material disposed at the distal end of the chassis 224, for example, via a pair of grooves 224a formed in the chassis.

[0119] Generally, each igniter contact may be formed from a wire or flat strip of metal (e.g., copper, silver, gold, or other conductive material) that is bent or otherwise shaped to form a desired shape for a particular application. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , each igniter contact 228 has a generally J-shape. In some embodiments, the bend in the contact may provide resilience to the contact 228 to allow a minimal amount of flexing to accommodate a particular cartridge 206. The contact is configured as a bent wire oriented within the chassis 224 to straddle an opening 215′ at the distal end of the chassis 224 so as to contact the distal end of the ignitable heat source 220 in two places. The contact 228 may be secured to the chassis 224 via, for example, adhesive or a snap fit.

[0120] 9, in the closed configuration, cartridge 206 is secured within holder 202, and receiving chamber 210 is in fluid communication with first aerosol passage 250 in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 4 (see also FIG. 6B). Although not shown in FIG. 9, door assembly 289 also engages holder 202 with seal assembly 260 to prevent aerosol loss and / or air ingress between door assembly 289 and holder 202 when in the closed configuration, and biasing mechanism 242 (e.g., a helical compression spring) is disposed within the holder and configured and positioned to contact the proximal end of cartridge 206, thereby biasing ignitable heat source portion 220 of the cartridge into contact with igniter contacts 228 to provide a good connection therebetween. In the closed configuration, at least a portion of each igniter contact 228 engages with a corresponding electrical contact 229 to complete an electrical circuit, as described below. Electrical contacts 229 are pogo pins located on PCB 218a that extend through the wall of holder 202 to provide access to igniter contacts 228 and may include a gasket or other sealing mechanism 239 to seal contacts 229 with holder 202. In the illustrated embodiment, moving door 288 to the open configuration breaks the electrical circuit (e.g., igniter contacts 228 no longer engage electrical contacts 229), thereby preventing inadvertent charging of the igniter contacts. PCB 218a includes a charging port 219 (e.g., a micro USB connector) that is oriented on the PCB to be located at one end of holder 202.

[0121] As further shown in FIG. 9 , door 288 defines an opening 215 at its distal end that allows air entry (e.g., by a user sucking on one end of the device for inhalation of the aerosol generated thereby). Air drawn into the distal end of device 200 (arrow A) supplies oxygen to ignited heat source 220. The air / oxygen travels through heat source 220, combines with the aerosol generated from substrate 222, and may then be delivered to the user via the mouthpiece. More specifically, when a user sucks on holder 202 (e.g., via mouthpiece 204), ambient air is drawn into device 200 through opening 215 and travels through cartridge 206, where it mixes with the aerosol generated by the cartridge and then travels through first and second aerosol passageways 250, 254 for inhalation by the user. In some embodiments, door 288 engages holder 202 via a gasket or other sealing mechanism, thereby preventing aerosol leakage or air ingress therebetween other than through opening 215 .

[0122] 7 , device 200 further includes a power supply 212 and two printed circuit boards 218a, 218b disposed within holder 202. Power supply 212 is in electrical communication with first and second PCBs 218a, 218b and static igniter contacts 228 via wiring or other means for electrically coupling the various components. First PCB 218a includes electrical contacts 229 that, as previously described, contact igniter contacts 228 when door assembly 289 is in the closed configuration. First PCB 218a may also include charging port 219. Second PCB 218b includes a spring-loaded igniter push button 240 and an LED 241 that may illuminate and / or change color during ignition to indicate the status of device 200.

[0123] In the illustrated embodiment, the igniter push button 240, when pressed by a user, activates the igniter contacts 228, thereby igniting the heat source 220 of the cartridge 206. Specifically, when the push button 240 is actuated, an electrical circuit is completed and electricity is delivered to the igniter contacts 228. In some embodiments, the igniter contacts 228 remain activated only while the igniter push button 240 is pressed. Thus, in some embodiments, the igniter contacts 228 are deactivated when the igniter push button 240 is released. In some embodiments, the igniter push button 240 may be configured to activate the igniter contacts 228 for a set period of time after release. In one embodiment, the push button 240 is positioned proximate to the opening 263 of the holder 202, where a button cover 240a covers the opening 263 and includes a lens for viewing the LED. The button 240 is spring loaded to return to the off position after igniting the heat source.

[0124] Device 200 further includes a mouthpiece 204 removably secured to holder 202. Specifically, mouthpiece 204 has a first end configured to engage a user's mouth and a longitudinally opposed second end configured for removably engaging and / or sealingly engaging an opening in the proximal end of holder 202, with second aerosol passageway 254 extending longitudinally between the first and second ends. Generally, an optional insert 265 is disposed between holder 202 and mouthpiece 204, which may be permanently or removably coupled to holder 202, mouthpiece 204, or both.

[0125] 6B, the body of holder 202 includes a tubular structure 221 disposed therein and extending along the length of holder 202. Tubular structure 221 at least partially defines first aerosol passageway 250, extends toward the proximal end of holder 202, and is configured to engage at least a portion of mouthpiece 204 and / or insert 265 to provide fluid communication between first and second aerosol passageways 250, 254 and deliver aerosol to a user via opening 258. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second aerosol passages 250, 254 each have a central longitudinal axis 250a, 254a, and the central longitudinal axis 254a of the second aerosol passage 254 is offset from the central longitudinal axis 250a of the first aerosol passage 250, such that the first and second aerosol passages define an integral offset vapor path 243 from the distal end 202b of the body to the first end 204a of the mouthpiece for passing the generated aerosol from the removable cartridge to the user.

[0126] The optional insert 265 is generally sized and shaped to be at least partially received within a recess in the proximal end 202a of the holder and to interface with the mouthpiece 104, for example, via a retention feature 269. The insert 265 also defines a third aerosol passage 253 that fluidly couples the first and second aerosol passages 250, 254, thereby further defining the vapor path 243. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 265 is inserted into the proximal end of the holder such that the tubular structure 221 extends through the third aerosol passage 253. The mouthpiece 204 may be removable to allow the insert 265 to be easily removed for cleaning or replacement, for example, to change the operating characteristics of the device. Alternatively or additionally, the insert 265 may be removably secured to the holder 202 via at least one of threaded engagement, press-fit engagement, snap-fit ​​engagement, frictional engagement, or complementary threaded surfaces for magnetic engagement.

[0127] In the illustrated embodiment, mouthpiece 204 is coupled to holder 202 via its second end 204b, which may be sized and shaped to engage an opening in the proximal end of holder 202, such that a portion of the mouthpiece is disposed within the proximal end of holder 202 and / or insert 265, with or without a sealing mechanism. Mouthpiece 204 may be coupled to holder 202 via a sufficient amount of frictional resistance to secure mouthpiece 204 to holder 202, but a minimal amount so that a user may remove mouthpiece 204 without significant effort. For example, the mouthpiece may be removed from the holder by, for example, applying a pulling or twisting action to mouthpiece 204 or by actuating a release. In some embodiments, holder 202 includes a retention structure disposed at its proximal end, and second end 204b of mouthpiece 204 defines a portion of retention structure 269 configured to engage a connecting portion of the retention structure on holder 202. The retaining structure 269 may be a snap-fit ​​mechanism or other type of reversible coupling mechanism. The retaining structure 269 may also removably secure the mouthpiece 204 to the holder 202.

[0128] 10A-10C illustrate general operation of device 200 (e.g., loading and unloading a cartridge (i.e., consumable)). Specifically, FIG. 10A illustrates door assembly 289 being substantially closed, but being pushed downward or distally, e.g., by a user's thumb, to begin transitioning door assembly 289 to its open configuration. As previously discussed, in the closed configuration, door assembly 289 encloses receiving chamber 210 within holder 202 and orients it to fluidly communicate with first aerosol passageway 250. At a certain point, the door assembly is released from the holder and pivots to the fully open configuration, as shown in FIG. 10B, either by continued pushing or via a biasing mechanism (e.g., a compression spring or other resilient member) that urges door assembly 289 outward to rotate about pivot pin 284, or possibly both.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 10B , the door assembly 289 is biased to an open configuration, thereby exposing the chassis 224 and the receiving chamber 210 disposed therein. As further shown, the cartridge 206 is inserted into the receiving chamber 210 with the end of the ignitable heat source 220 inserted first. Once the cartridge 206 is loaded, the door assembly 289 is pushed closed (the biasing force is small enough that a user can close the door assembly with one finger) and re-engages with the holder 202, securing the door assembly 289 in the closed configuration as shown in FIG. 6A . In the closed configuration, the cartridge 206 is secured within the holder so as to be in fluid communication with the first aerosol passageway 250 (see FIG. 6B ). The ignitable heat source 220 is in contact with the igniter contacts 228 via the biasing mechanism 242 and can be ignited so that the cartridge can be consumed (i.e., aerosol is generated and delivered to the user via the aerosol passageway).

[0130] While in the open configuration, cartridge 206 may be ejected from device 200, as shown in FIG. 10C. Specifically, device 200 may be turned upside down, allowing the cartridge to fall out of receiving chamber 210. After ejection, a user may insert a new cartridge or simply close door assembly 289 and store the device for later use. In some embodiments, device 200 may include a locking mechanism (not shown) configured to further secure access door assembly 289 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.

[0131] 11A, 11B, 12A, 14A, and 14B illustrate another exemplary embodiment of an aerosol delivery device 300. In particular, FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view, respectively, of an aerosol delivery device 300 including another stationary igniter contact configuration 328. Specifically, the aerosol delivery device 300 comprises a holder 302 having a body defining a proximal end 302a and a distal end 302b, the holder 302 further defining a receiving chamber 310 configured to receive a removable cartridge 306 and a first aerosol passageway 350 extending through at least a portion of the body. The removable cartridge 306 comprises an ignitable heat source 320 and a substrate portion 322 including a substrate material having an aerosol precursor composition configured to form an aerosol upon application of heat. The device 300 further includes a mouthpiece 304 removably secured to the holder 302, as will be described in more detail below.

[0132] 12A , the device 300 includes an inner housing 324 disposed within the holder 302 and further defining a receiving chamber 310, and an opening 338 for receiving the cartridge 306. The proximal end of the inner housing 324 includes a retention feature 369a configured to engage with the mouthpiece 304, as described below. The inner housing 324 includes a tubular structure 321 disposed therein and extending along the length of the housing 324. The tubular structure defines a first aerosol passageway 350, extends partially beyond the proximal end of the inner housing 324, and is configured to engage at least a portion of the mouthpiece 304 to provide fluid communication between the first and second aerosol passageways 350, 354 and deliver the aerosol to a user via an opening 358 in the mouthpiece 304. The holder 302 further includes an access door 388 that may be slidably coupled or hinged to the holder 302 and configured to open to load the cartridge 306 into the receiving chamber 310 through the opening 338 in the inner housing 324.

[0133] The receiving chamber 310 of the device 300 is further defined by an end cap 314, which defines an opening 315 configured to engage the distal end 302b of the holder 302 and pass the removable cartridge 306 therethrough during ejection. An ejector (or actuator) assembly 308 is slidably disposed within the body of the holder 302 and configured to eject the cartridge 306 when slid forward toward the distal end of the holder 302. In some embodiments, the ejector assembly 308 is spring loaded to return the ejector assembly 308 to a neutral position.

[0134] Device 300 further includes a power source 312 and a PCB 318 disposed within inner housing 324. Power source 312 is in electrical communication with PCB 318 and a pair of static igniter contacts 328 disposed thereon, which may be energized via a push button 340 disposed on a side wall of holder 302. Specifically, when push button 340 is actuated, an electrical circuit is completed and electricity is delivered to igniter contacts 328. PCB 318 may further include a charging port 319 oriented on the PCB to be disposed at one end of holder 302.

[0135] A pair of stationary igniter contacts 328 are disposed proximate the holder's distal end 302b and are configured to engage an ignitable heat source when the removable cartridge 306 is secured within the receiving chamber 310. The igniter contacts 328 are coupled to the PCB 318 via a pair of contact arms 326, which can bend outward upon insertion of the cartridge 306 so that they contact the cartridge's ignitable heat source 320 after loading. As shown in more detail in FIG. 12B , each igniter contact 328 is formed from a flat strip of metal (e.g., copper, silver, gold, or other conductive material) that is curved or otherwise shaped to form a corresponding shape configured to at least partially engage the ignitable heat source 320, thereby securing the cartridge 306 in place. The contacts 328 are physically and electrically coupled to the PCB 318 and, therefore, to the power source 312. Igniter contacts 328 may be flexibly coupled to PCB 318 to allow them to flex slightly (e.g., via gap 399) to receive a cartridge between them. Furthermore, the flexibility also aids in ejecting the cartridge from the device, as described in more detail below.

[0136] 13A and 13B show an alternative configuration of stationary igniter contacts 328′. Each of the contacts 328′ comprises an elongated body 325′ formed from a single flat strip of metal (e.g., copper, silver, gold, or other conductive material) or heavy-gauge wire, with one end configured to form the igniter contact 328 and the other end curved to form a contact arm 326′ configured to engage with the PCB 318′. The igniter contacts 328′ are configured to extend upward and outward from the PCB in a generally symmetrical orientation, with each contact arm 326′ defining a gap 399′ for receiving an ignitable heat source portion of the cartridge 306. The cross-sectional view of FIG. 13A shows one contact 328′ oriented toward the interior surface of the receiving cavity 310′ proximate the distal end of the device 300′, with the other contact 328 being essentially a mirror image thereof. The curved portion of elongated body 325' provides a spring force to bias igniter contact 328 into contact with an ignitable heat source and secure the cartridge within the receiving chamber. In some embodiments, cartridge 306 may also be removably secured within receiving chamber 310 (e.g., frictionally engaged via a resilient seal) via any of the mechanisms or methods disclosed herein.

[0137] 11A, 11B, and 12A, mouthpiece 304 has a first end 304a and a longitudinally opposed second end 304b, with second aerosol passageway 354 extending longitudinally between first end 304a and second end 304b. In the illustrated embodiment, mouthpiece 304 is located at the proximal end of holder 302, with first end 304a configured to engage with a user's mouth and second end 304b configured to engage with the proximal end of holder 302. Mouthpiece 304 is configured to sealingly engage holder 302 such that first and second aerosol passageways 350, 354 are in fluid communication for delivering aerosol generated in the receiving chamber to a user.

[0138] In the illustrated embodiment, the removable mouthpiece 304 comprises a hollow body 356 (i.e., a recess) and a stem 305 (or similar tubular structure) disposed within the hollow body 356 and extending from a first end 304a to a second end 304b. The stem 305 defines a second aerosol passageway 354 extending therethrough and engages the inner housing 324 so as to be fluidly coupled with the aerosol passageway 350 of the inner housing 324. The stem 305 may be coupled to the inner housing 324 via, for example, a press-fit or snap-fit ​​engagement. In some embodiments, the stem 305 is sealingly engaged with the first aerosol passageway 350 in the holder 302. For example, the stem 305 may include a sealing mechanism similar to any of those disclosed herein.

[0139] 12A further illustrates the incorporation of an insert 365 into the proximal end of mouthpiece 304. Specifically, proximal end 304a of mouthpiece 304 defines a receptacle 367 configured to secure insert 365 therein. Insert 365 may be removably secured within receptacle 367 via at least one of threaded engagement, press-fit engagement, snap-fit ​​engagement, or a complementary threaded surface for magnetic engagement. Insert 365 defines a cavity 371 in fluid communication with second aerosol passageway 354 and outlet 358 for delivering the aerosol to the user. Generally, insert 365 allows for customization of device 300 (e.g., different sized outlets, aerosol conditioning, incorporation of flavorings, etc.) and is easily removable for cleaning or replacement.

[0140] In some embodiments, the longitudinally opposed second end 304b is configured to engage an opening in the holder's proximal end 302a via at least one of a threaded engagement, a press-fit engagement, a snap-fit ​​engagement, or a complementary threaded surface for magnetic engagement. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece 304 is removably secured to the holder 302 via a sealing mechanism that provides frictional resistance between the mouthpiece 304 and the holder 302 or other components therein. In some embodiments, the inner housing 324 includes a retaining structure 369a disposed at its proximal end, and the second end 304b of the mouthpiece 304 forms a connecting retaining structure 369b configured to engage with the retaining structure 369a on the inner housing 324. The retaining structure (generally 369) may be a snap-fit ​​mechanism or other type of reversible coupling mechanism. The retaining structure 369 may also removably secure the mouthpiece 304 to the holder 302. The mouthpiece 304 can be removed from the holder 302, for example, by applying a pulling or twisting action to the mouthpiece 304 or by actuating a release, for example, for cleaning or customizing the device 300 (e.g., using a replaceable mouthpiece).

[0141] 14A and 14B illustrate the general operation of device 300 (e.g., loading and unloading a cartridge (i.e., a consumable item)). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14A, to load cartridge 306 into receiving chamber 310, access door 388 is slid distally to an open configuration to expose receiving chamber 310 through opening 338. Cartridge 306 is manually inserted into receiving chamber 310 by "dropping" cartridge 306 into opening 338 and sliding it forward (e.g., pushed distally by a user's finger) to engage ignitable heat source 320 with stationary igniter contact 328. After loading, door 388 is slid back to a closed configuration, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 14B. The fit between the door 388 and the holder 302 is such that the cartridge 306 is in fluid communication with the first aerosol passage 350 and there is no aerosol leakage or air ingress around the opening 338, with or without the use of additional sealing configurations as described above.

[0142] 14B illustrates the ejection of cartridge 306. Ejector assembly 308 is slidably disposed within the body of holder 302 such that, as ejector assembly 308 is slid forward toward the distal end of holder 302, it contacts igniter contacts 328 and releases ignitable heat source 320 therefrom. Specifically, ejector assembly 308 comprises a sloped or wedge-shaped body (308a in FIG. 12A) having a leading edge oriented to be inserted between each of the igniter contacts of a pair of stationary igniter contacts 328 and deflect the igniter contacts outward as ejector assembly advances toward the distal end of body 302, thereby releasing cartridge 306. Cartridge 306 may be withdrawn from the distal end of the device, and / or device 300 may be angled downward to allow the cartridge to fall out. Generally, the spring force from the deflected igniter contacts 328 returns the ejector assembly 308 to a neutral position when the cartridge is removed from between the igniter contacts and the ejector is released. The spring force must be sufficient to push the wedge out from between the igniter contacts 328 after the force applied to the ejector is removed; however, in some embodiments, the ejector assembly 308 may be spring loaded to return the ejector assembly 308 to the neutral position.

[0143] 15A, 15B, 16, and 19A-19C illustrate another exemplary embodiment of an aerosol delivery device 400. In particular, FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate a perspective view and a cross-sectional perspective view, respectively, of an aerosol delivery device 400 including another stationary igniter contact configuration 428. Specifically, the aerosol delivery device 400 includes a holder 402 having a body forming a proximal end 402a and a distal end 402b, the holder 402 further defining a receiving chamber 410 configured to receive a removable cartridge 406 and a first aerosol passageway 450 extending through at least a portion of the body. The removable cartridge 406 includes an ignitable heat source 420 and a substrate portion 422 including a substrate material having an aerosol precursor composition configured to form an aerosol upon application of heat. The device 400 further includes a mouthpiece 404 secured to the holder 402, as described in more detail below.

[0144] As further illustrated by the exploded view of FIG. 16 , the device 400 includes outer sleeves 403 a, 403 b disposed around a holder 402, which includes a first sleeve portion 403 a and a second sleeve portion 403 b. The first sleeve portion 403 a may slide over the proximal end 402 a of the holder and may include an ignition push button 440, which will be described in more detail below. The second sleeve portion 403 b comprises an elongated body (e.g., a U-shaped cross-sectional shape) with an open side that covers a substantial portion of the body of the holder. The second sleeve 403 b may be attached to the holder 402 via a snap fit and configured to engage a door 488. The door 488 may be hinged (e.g., via a piano-type or living hinge 484) to one side of the second sleeve 403 b and movable between an open configuration (e.g., in which the receiving chamber 410 is exposed for loading the cartridge 406) and a closed configuration. In some embodiments, door 488 may sealingly engage sleeve 403b and / or holder 402. In some embodiments, door 488 and sleeve 403b are integrally formed. Additionally, door 488 may be locked in the closed configuration via magnetic engagement (485 in FIG. 18).

[0145] The holder 402 further defines a receiving chamber 410 and an opening 438 configured to receive the cartridge 406. A sliding ejector or actuator assembly 408 is slidably disposed within the holder 402, as described below. In a closed configuration, a door 488 encloses the ejector assembly 408, which can prevent inadvertent ejection of the cartridge 406 or may simply be for aesthetic purposes. The holder 402 includes a structure or second retention feature 423 within the receiving chamber 410 configured to align, guide, and / or secure the cartridge 406 therein.

[0146] The mouthpiece 404 is located at the proximal end of the holder 402 and has a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end, with a second aerosol passageway 454 extending longitudinally between the first and second ends. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end of the mouthpiece 404 is configured to engage with a user's mouth, and the second end is configured to engage with the proximal end of the holder 402. The mouthpiece 404 is configured to sealingly engage the holder 402 so that the first and second aerosol passageways 450, 454 are in fluid communication and deliver aerosol generated in the receiving chamber 410 to the user via the opening 458. 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.

[0147] Device 400 further includes a power supply 412 and a PCB 418 disposed within holder 402. Power supply 412 is in electrical communication with PCB 418 and stationary igniter contacts 428 via wiring or other means for electrically coupling the various components. PCB 418 includes a pair of electrical contacts 429 that contact igniter contacts 428 when door 488 is in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, electrical contacts 429 extend through a wall of holder 402 to provide access to igniter contacts 428 and may include a gasket or other sealing mechanism for sealing contacts 429 with holder 402. See also FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 18.

[0148] In the illustrated embodiment, an igniter push button (or switch, generally) 440 is disposed on a sidewall (or sleeve) of the holder 402 and is configured to activate an igniter contact 428 when pressed by a user, thereby igniting the heat source 420 of the cartridge 406. Specifically, when the push button 440 is activated, an electrical circuit is completed and electricity is delivered to the igniter contact 428. In some embodiments, the igniter contact 428 remains activated only while the igniter push button 440 is pressed. Thus, in some embodiments, the igniter contact 428 is deactivated when the igniter push button 440 is released. In some embodiments, the igniter push button 440 may be configured to activate the igniter contact 428 for a set period of time after release. In some embodiments, the button 440 is spring-loaded and may return to an off position after igniting the heat source. The device 400 may further include an LED ring 441 adjacent the push button 440 that may illuminate during ignition and / or change color to indicate the status of the device 400 .

[0149] The door 488 includes an inner or first retention mechanism 489 coupled to or otherwise disposed on an inner surface of the door. A pair of stationary igniter contacts 428 are secured between the door 488 and the retention mechanism 489. See also Figures 17A, 17B, and 18. The pair of stationary igniter contacts 428 are disposed proximate the holder's distal end 402b and are configured to engage the ignitable heat source 420 when the removable cartridge 406 is secured within the receiving chamber 410 and door 488 in a closed configuration.

[0150] As shown in more detail in FIG. 16 , each igniter contact 428 is formed from a flat strip of metal (e.g., copper, silver, gold, or other conductive material) that is curved or otherwise shaped to suit a particular application. In the illustrated embodiment, each contact 428 comprises an elongated body 425 formed from a single flat strip of metal, one end of which is curled or otherwise shaped to form the igniter contact 428, and the other end of which remains substantially flat or slightly curved to form a contact arm 426 configured to engage an electrical contact 429. The curved structure can provide resilience to the contact 428 and / or contact arm 426 to optimize their engagement with the ignitable heat source 420 or electrical contact 429, respectively. For example, the electrical contact 428 may deflect slightly to receive the ignitable heat source 420 therebetween when the door 488 is securely closed.

[0151] 17B and 18 show structure 423 in more detail. In the illustrated embodiment, structure 423 is a thickened portion of the holder wall sized and shaped to receive the cartridge. In some embodiments, structure 423 may comprise an open collar secured within holder 402. In some embodiments, the inner surface of structure 423 is sized and shaped to provide clearance or a snap-fit ​​for cartridge 406. As also seen in FIGS. 17B and 18 , electrical contact 429 extends through second retention structure 423 and is positioned to engage contact arm 426, which extends through retention feature 489 and electrically couples igniter contact 428 with power source 412. Electrical contact 428 also extends through retention feature 489 and is positioned to engage ignitable heat source 420. Retention feature 489 may be attached to door 488 via adhesive, mechanical fasteners, a snap-fit ​​engagement, or the like. A retention mechanism 489 may be removably attached to the door 488 to allow for replacement of the igniter contacts 428. The mechanism 489 may include a standoff 489a configured to positively engage the cartridge 406 when the door 488 is in the closed configuration.

[0152] As further illustrated by the exploded view of FIG. 16 , the ejector / actuator assembly 408 includes a disposable, generally tubular slider body 430 within a first aerosol passageway 450 of the holder 402 for sliding movement in first and second directions along the length of the holder. The slider body 430 defines a recess 436 extending therethrough that forms a portion of the first aerosol passageway 450. The slider body 430 includes a first protrusion 331 extending from its outer surface and extending through (or at least flush with) an opening 416 in the wall of the holder 402 configured to move the slider body 430 between a loading position (see FIG. 19A ) and an ejecting position (see FIG. 19C ). The slider body 430 further includes a second protrusion or inner stem 433 extending from its distal end. The stem 433 is configured to engage the removable cartridge 406 to advance the removable cartridge through the distal end of the holder 402 when the ejector assembly 408 is moved to the ejection position. Portions of the protrusions 431, 433 extend into the receptacle 436 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 aerosol passage defined by the receptacle 436 in the slider body 430, such that the aerosol generated by the cartridge 406 and drawn into the mouthpiece 404 is divided into one or more portions as it travels through the tubular body.

[0153] Additionally, the ejector assembly 408, and specifically the slider body 430, includes a sealing arrangement for sealingly engaging the inner surface of the first aerosol passageway 450 (e.g., to prevent aerosol leakage or undesired air ingress). In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing arrangement comprises a pair of O-rings 460 disposed within grooves 461 located proximate the distal and proximal ends of the slider body 430. However, other configurations of the sealing arrangement are contemplated and considered within the scope of this disclosure. As further shown in FIG. 16 , the device 400 includes a disposable slider seal body 446 within the first aerosol passageway 450. The seal body 446 includes a pair of O-rings 460 disposed within grooves 461 located proximate the distal and proximal ends of the seal body 446. The distal end of the seal body 446 houses a third retention mechanism 476 therein that frictionally and / or sealingly engages the outer surface of the cartridge 406, as described below. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention mechanism 476 is an O-ring.

[0154] The general operation of device 400, and the specific operation of ejector assembly 408, will now be described with reference to Figures 19A-19C. Specifically, Figure 19A depicts cartridge 406 being loaded into device 400 (i.e., ejector assembly 406 in the loaded position), Figure 19B depicts device 400 during lighting and smoking, and Figure 19C depicts cartridge 406 being ejected from device 400 (i.e., ejector assembly in the ejected position).

[0155] 19A , to load cartridge 406 into receiving chamber 410, door 488 is pushed or “flipped” open, “breaking” the magnetic lock and exposing receiving chamber 410 and ejector assembly 408. Ejector assembly 408 is moved toward the proximal end of device 400 to allow full access to receiving chamber 410 via opening 438. As indicated by the arrow, cartridge 406 is manually inserted into receiving chamber 410 by pushing the cartridge into a slot defined by second retention structure 423, which slides into third retention feature 476, sealingly securing the cartridge within chamber 410 via retention feature 476 and igniter contact 428, which operably aligns igniter contact 428 with ignitable heat source 420.

[0156] After loading, door 488 is moved to a closed configuration (e.g., snap shut), placing the sealed end of cartridge 406 in fluid communication with first aerosol passageway 450, engaging contact arm 426 with electrical contact 429, and engaging stationary igniter contact 428 with ignitable heat source 420 (i.e., the ignition / use position), as shown in FIG. 19B. Notably, in the ignition / use position of the illustrated embodiment, the heat source 420 portion of cartridge 406 is positioned proximate the distal end of holder 402, aligned with igniter contact 428, and proximate opening 415 at the distal end of device 400. Heat source 420 is ignited via ignition push button 440, as previously described. In some embodiments, opening 415 at the distal end allows for the entry of air (e.g., by a user sucking on one end of the device for inhalation of the aerosol generated thereby), and air drawn into the distal end of device 400 (arrow A) supplies oxygen to ignited heat source 420. The air / oxygen travels through heat source 420, combines with the aerosol generated from substrate 422, and may then be delivered to the user via mouthpiece 404. More specifically, when a user draws on holder 402 (e.g., via mouthpiece 404), ambient air is drawn into device 400 through opening 415, travels through cartridge 406, where it mixes with the aerosol generated by the cartridge, and then travels through first and second aerosol passageways 450, 454 for delivery to the user via opening 458. Furthermore, a user may observe ignition through opening 415. In other embodiments not shown, the holder may include one or more openings therein to allow an inflow of ambient air to be directed into the receiving chamber and / or aerosol passage (e.g., through the substrate cartridge and / or downstream from the substrate cartridge).

[0157] 19C . Generally, the ejector assembly 408 is configured to eject the cartridge 406 from the distal end of the holder 402 through an opening 415. The ejector assembly 408 is accessible by a door 488 in an open configuration. In one embodiment, the ejector assembly 408 includes a sliding body 430 as described above, where moving the slider protrusion 431 forward or distally moves the stem 433 forward or distally until it engages one end of the removable cartridge 406. Continued forward movement of the slider protrusion 431 causes the stem to advance the removable cartridge from the receiving chamber 410 and through the opening 415 and out of the aerosol delivery device 400. Specifically, a user can slide the ejector assembly 408 forward (i.e., away from the mouthpiece) using, for example, their thumb, such that the inner stem 433 of the slider body 430 engages and pushes the cartridge 406 forward, causing it to disengage from the second and third retention mechanisms 423, 476. The cartridge 406 can then be pulled out of the device 400 or dropped from the device. Alternatively or additionally, the ejector assembly may include a toggle mechanism configured to release the cartridge from at least the second retention mechanism 423 when a downward force is applied.

[0158] 20A, 20B, and 21 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of an aerosol delivery device 500. In particular, FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate a perspective view and a cross-sectional perspective view, respectively, of the aerosol delivery device 500, which includes a removable cartridge 506, a slider assembly 508, and a separate ignition actuator 540. The aerosol delivery device 500 includes a holder 502 defining a proximal end and a distal end. The holder 502 defines a receiving chamber 510 disposed therein and configured to receive the removable cartridge 506, which includes 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. The holder 502 also includes a pair of actuable igniter contacts 528 disposed proximate its distal end and coupled thereto via a pair of contact arms 526. The actuatable igniter contact 528 is configured to engage the ignitable heat source 520 when the removable cartridge 506 is secured within the receiving chamber 510 and when the actuatable igniter contact 528 is actuated by a user.

[0159] Additionally, holder 502 includes a window 582 disposed therein and configured to allow a user to view at least a portion of receiving chamber 510 so that cartridge 506 and / or electrical contacts 528 can be observed. All or a portion of window 582 can include a transparent or translucent material (e.g., glass, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, acrylic, etc.). In some embodiments, a portion of holder 502 can be fabricated from a transparent or translucent material. Holder 502 also houses power supply 512, PCB 518 with associated electronics, and sliding actuator assembly 508. Slide actuator assembly 508 is slidably disposed within holder 502 and configured to eject a removable cartridge from holder 502. Holder 502 further defines a first aerosol passageway 550.

[0160] The device 500 further comprises a mouthpiece 504 having a first end 504a and a longitudinally opposed second end 504b, with a second aerosol passageway 554 extending longitudinally therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the mouthpiece 504 is located at the proximal end of the holder 502, 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 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 delivery of aerosol generated in the receiving chamber to the user. The mouthpiece 504 may be removably coupled to the holder 502, for example, to provide for cleaning or customization of the device 500.

[0161] The receiving chamber 510, in some embodiments, includes a bar 511 or other structure for supporting the window 582 and / or guiding the cartridge 506 during insertion. In the illustrated embodiment, the holder 502 includes a notch or other opening that exposes the receiving chamber 510 and is configured to receive the window 582 therein. The window 582 may be attached or coupled to the holder 502 via adhesive, a snap fit, or other means known in the art. The receiving chamber 510 includes a groove or other structure for securing therein a retention mechanism 576 configured to frictionally and / or sealingly engage the outer surface of the cartridge 506. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention mechanism 576 is an O-ring.

[0162] When in the lighting / use position, the distal end of the cartridge 506 is positioned proximate the distal end of the holder 502 such that the cartridge 506 is positioned entirely inside the receiving chamber 510. Notably, in the lighting / use position of the illustrated embodiment, the heat source 520 portion of the cartridge 506 is also positioned proximate the distal end of the holder 502 and is aligned with the igniter contact 528 in the lighting position. The heat source 520 is ignited via an aligned push button 540 located on the opposite side of the holder 502 of the aerosol delivery device 500. The button 540, with or without a sealing arrangement, is movably coupled to the lower body portion so that a user can press both buttons simultaneously (e.g., via a pinching action) to engage and deflect the contact arm 526, which in turn moves the igniter contact 528 into contact with the ignitable heat source 520. When released, button 540 returns to its original position at least in part via spring action from the deflected contact arm 526 and / or return bias element. Device 500 includes a pair of LEDs 541 that may illuminate and / or change color during ignition to indicate the status of device 500. Additionally, a user may observe ignition through window 582.

[0163] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer housing or holder may comprise a rigid material. For example, the holders 102, 202, 302, 402, and 502 in the illustrated embodiment may be constructed of an aluminum material; however, in other embodiments, the holders 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 surrounded by a paper-foil laminate. In some embodiments, the cartridge may comprise a housing comprising a laminate including the heat source and the beaded 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. 22 and 23.

[0164] 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 integrated 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 screw thread, a magnetic, and / or a bayonet connection. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece portion may be integral with the body and therefore not detachable.

[0165] In the illustrated embodiment, the holder includes substantially solid, non-porous walls; however, in other embodiments, one or more of these walls of the holder can have other configurations. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of the walls of the holder 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 located proximate to the heat source, thereby providing 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 aerosol passage of the holder that can mix with the aerosol generated by the substrate material of the cartridge.

[0166] 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 extinguisher position. In this manner, the extinguisher position may be configured such that the heat source of the cartridge is deprived of sufficient oxygen to sustain combustion. In some embodiments, the extinguisher position can be achieved by further movement of the holder. In other embodiments, one or more additional features may be included, and the extinguisher position can be achieved 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) such that in the extinguisher position, the cover feature substantially covers the open end of the holder, such that 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 can be used to achieve the extinguisher position. For example, in some embodiments, a separate end cap may be attachable onto the distal end of the holder, such that the cartridge's heat source 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 holders 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 cartridge's heat source in the lighting / use position. For example, the holder of one embodiment may include a breathable cover feature located proximate the distal end of the holder, which may be mechanically or manually actuable (e.g., by rotating the cover feature over and / or 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.

[0167] In various embodiments, the removable cartridge may have other configurations for use with the holders of the present disclosure. For example, FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of a removable cartridge 606 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge 606 defines a proximal end 690 and a distal end 692. The cartridge 606 of the illustrated embodiment further includes an ignitable heat source 620 comprising a fuel element 694, a substrate portion 622 comprising a substrate material 696 (see FIG. 23 ), and an outer housing 698 configured to surround at least a portion of the ignitable heat source 620 and the substrate material 622. It should be noted that, although in the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge 606 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.

[0168] 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, which may include one or more openings therethrough. 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).

[0169] In various embodiments, the heat source may be configured to generate heat upon ignition. In the illustrated embodiment, the ignitable heat source 620 has a generally cylindrical shape and includes a combustible fuel element 694 incorporating a combustible carbonaceous material. In other embodiments, the heat source may have a different shape, such as a prismatic shape with a cubic or hexagonal cross section. Carbonaceous materials generally have a high carbon content. Some carbonaceous materials may be primarily composed 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 frequently greater than about 90%.

[0170] 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; hollow cylindrical (e.g., tubular) fibers of thermostable graphite; 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 620 has a length in the inclusive range of about 1 mm to about 20 mm, which in some embodiments may be about 12 mm, and an overall diameter in the inclusive range of about 3 mm to about 8 mm, which in some embodiments may be about 4.8 mm (in some embodiments, about 7 mm).

[0171] In other embodiments, the heat source may be constructed in a variety of ways, but in the illustrated embodiment, the ignitable heat source 620 is extruded or compounded 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 More than 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.

[0172] 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 can comprise a plurality of hollow or substantially solid spheres, which in some embodiments can be substantially the same size and in other embodiments can be 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 620 of the illustrated embodiment comprises an extruded monolithic carbonaceous material having a generally cylindrical shape and including a plurality of internal passages 691 extending longitudinally from a first end of the ignitable heat source 620 to an opposite second end of the ignitable heat source 620. In the illustrated embodiment, there are approximately thirteen internal passages 691, including a single central internal passage 691a, six peripheral internal passages 680b spaced apart from the central internal passage 691a and having a size (e.g., diameter) similar to that of the central internal passage 691a, and six peripheral internal passages 691c spaced apart from the outer surface of the ignitable heat source 620 and having a diameter smaller than that of the central internal passage 691a. 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 located within the heat source.

[0173] 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 uniform 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 yet 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 flutes 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 a foamed carbon monolith formed by a foaming process of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,615,184 to Lobovsky, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Accordingly, some embodiments may provide advantages in terms of reducing the time it takes to ignite the heat source. In some other embodiments, the heat source may 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.

[0174] Generally, the heat source is positioned sufficiently close to an aerosol delivery component (e.g., a substrate portion) having one or more aerosolizable components such that the aerosol formed / volatilized by the application of heat from the heat source to the aerosolizable components (as well as any flavorings, medications, etc. similarly provided for delivery to the user) is deliverable to the user through the mouthpiece. That is, when the heat source heats the substrate component, the aerosol is formed, released, or generated in a physical form suitable for inhalation by the 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 formed or generated. 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.

[0175] FIG. 23 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cartridge 606 of FIG. 22. As shown, the substrate material 622 of the illustrated embodiment has opposing first and second ends, and the ignitable heat source 620 is disposed adjacent the first end of the substrate material 622. 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 606 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 698 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 610 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 to accommodate the thickness of the housing 698, thus, for example, a diameter in the inclusive range of about 2.9 mm to about 9.9 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the substrate material 622 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, the substrate material may be granular tobacco material or cut filler tobacco. Although other embodiments may vary, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer housing 698 of the cartridge 606 is filled to approximately 80-90% capacity to allow for insertion of the fuel element 694.

[0176] In the illustrated embodiment, the substrate portion 622 includes a substrate material 696 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, with the aerosol precursor composition associated therewith. In other embodiments, non-tobacco materials, such as cellulose pulp materials, 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 of various possible shapes, aerosol precursors, and FIGS. 22 and 21. The outer housing 698 of the cartridge 606 in the illustrated embodiment is configured to surround at least a portion of the substrate portion 622, including the substrate material 696. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer housing 698 is also configured to enclose a portion of the ignitable heat source 620. 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 698 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 surrounded by a paper-foil laminate. In some embodiments, the cartridge may comprise a housing comprising a laminate including the heat source and the beaded 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.

[0177] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer housing 698 is configured as a tubular structure that substantially encloses the substrate material 622; however, as previously mentioned, in other embodiments, the outer housing may have other shapes. While the shape of the outer housing can vary, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer housing 698 comprises a tubular structure having an open end and a closed end. The illustrated embodiment of the outer housing 698 also includes one or more end openings 693 located at the closed end of the outer housing 698, which are configured to allow aerosolized vapor (alternatively referred to herein as "vapor" or "aerosol") to pass therethrough. The end openings 693 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 693 may include fewer or additional openings than those illustrated and / or openings of alternative shapes and sizes.

[0178] 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, carrying, 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.

[0179] Many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure will 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 defining 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, the body further defining a first aerosol passageway extending through at least a portion of the body; an access door coupled to the holder and configured to be movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein in the open configuration the receiving chamber is at least partially exposed for loading the removable cartridge; a stationary igniter contact disposed on or within the access door and oriented to contact an ignitable heat source when the removable cartridge is secured within the receiving chamber and the access door is in a closed configuration; An aerosol delivery device comprising:

2. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, further comprising a power source disposed within the body, the static igniter contacts being in electrical communication with the power source when the door is in the closed configuration.

3. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the stationary igniter contacts comprise a pair of stationary igniter contacts oriented to contact an ignitable heat source at at least two points when the removable cartridge is secured within the receiving chamber and the access door is in a closed configuration.

4. 4. The aerosol delivery device of claim 3, wherein a pair of stationary igniter contacts are disposed on an inner surface of the access door.

5. 3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2, wherein the holder comprises at least one electrical contact that is in electrical communication with a power source and configured to connect with a static igniter contact to complete an electrical circuit when the access door is in a closed configuration.

6. 6. The aerosol delivery device of claim 5, wherein at least one of the electrical contacts comprises a pogo pin.

7. 6. The aerosol delivery device of claim 5, wherein the stationary igniter contact comprises an elongated body having a first contact portion disposed at a distal end thereof and configured to engage an ignitable heat source, and a second contact portion disposed at a proximal end of the elongated body and configured to engage at least one electrical contact.

8. 3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2, further comprising an ignition switch disposed on the holder and electrically communicating with the power source and the static igniter contacts when the access door is in a closed configuration, the ignition switch configured to deliver current to the static igniter contacts when activated.

9. 3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2, further comprising a printed circuit board disposed within the holder, in electrical communication with the power source, and comprising a controller.

10. 6. The aerosol delivery device of claim 5, wherein the electrical circuit is interrupted when the access door is in the open configuration.

11. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the access door is pivotally coupled to the body.

12. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the access door is hinged to the body.

13. 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.

14. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the access door sealingly engages the body in the closed configuration.

15. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the access door further comprises an inner housing defining a receiving chamber, and the access door is configured to orient the receiving chamber so as to be in fluid communication with the first aerosol passage when in a closed configuration.

16. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to secure the access door in a closed configuration.

17. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the access door is substantially flush with an outer surface of the holder when in the closed configuration.

18. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, further comprising an actuator assembly configured to release the access door from the closed configuration.

19. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the access door includes an insert disposed therein and configured to receive the cartridge and provide thermal insulation thereto.

20. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, further comprising a biasing mechanism disposed within the holder and oriented to engage with a removable cartridge secured within the receiving chamber, the biasing mechanism biasing an ignitable heat source of the cartridge into contact with the stationary igniter contact when the access door is in a closed configuration.

21. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, further comprising a seal assembly disposed within the receiving chamber and configured to removably secure the removable cartridge therein.

22. 10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, further comprising a mouthpiece including a first end and a longitudinally opposite second end, the mouthpiece having a 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 a proximal end of the holder.

23. 23. The aerosol delivery device of claim 22, wherein the mouthpiece is removably coupled to the holder.

24. 23. The aerosol delivery device of claim 22, wherein the access door defines an opening at its distal end, the opening configured to supply air to the ignited heat source.

25. 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.

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

27. a sliding actuator assembly comprising: 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 body; a first protrusion extending from an outer surface of the tubular body and configured to extend through an opening in the wall of the body 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 body when the tubular body is moved in the first or second direction; 27. The aerosol delivery device of claim 26, comprising:

28. 27. The aerosol delivery device of claim 26, wherein the slide actuator further comprises a sealing formation for sealingly engaging an inner surface of the body.

29. 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: a holder comprising a body defining a proximal end and a distal end; a receiving compartment coupled to the holder and configured to be movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the receiving compartment defining a receiving chamber configured to receive a removable cartridge including an ignitable heat source, the receiving chamber being at least partially exposed in the open configuration; a pair of stationary igniter contacts disposed within the receiving compartment and oriented to contact an ignitable heat source when the removable cartridge is secured within the receiving chamber and the receiving compartment is in a closed configuration; An aerosol delivery device comprising:

30. 30. The aerosol delivery device of claim 29, further comprising a power source disposed within the body, the stationary igniter contacts being in electrical communication with the power source when the door is in the closed configuration.

31. 30. The aerosol delivery device of claim 29, wherein the holder comprises at least one electrical contact that is in electrical communication with a power source and configured to connect with a stationary igniter contact to complete an electrical circuit when the receiving compartment is in a closed configuration.

32. 31. The aerosol delivery device of claim 30, further comprising an ignition switch disposed on the holder and in electrical communication with the power source and the stationary igniter contacts, the ignition switch configured to deliver current to the stationary igniter contacts when activated.

33. 31. The aerosol delivery device of claim 30, further comprising a printed circuit board disposed within the holder, in electrical communication with the power source, and comprising the controller.

34. 31. The aerosol delivery device of claim 30, wherein the electrical circuit is interrupted when the receiving compartment is in the open configuration.

35. 30. The aerosol delivery device of claim 29, wherein the receiving compartment is pivotally coupled to the body.

36. 30. The aerosol delivery device of claim 29, wherein the receiving compartment is in sealing engagement with the body in the closed configuration.

37. 30. The aerosol delivery device of claim 29, wherein the body further defines a first aerosol passageway extending through at least a portion of the body.

38. 38. The aerosol delivery device of claim 37, wherein the receiving compartment further comprises an inner housing defining a receiving chamber, the receiving compartment being configured to orient the receiving chamber so as to be in fluid communication with the first aerosol passage when in the closed configuration.

39. 30. The aerosol delivery device of claim 29, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to secure the receiving compartment in the closed configuration.

40. 30. The aerosol delivery device of claim 29, wherein the receiving compartment is substantially flush with an outer surface of the holder when in the closed configuration.

41. 30. The aerosol delivery device of claim 29, wherein the receiving compartment includes an insert disposed therein and configured to receive the cartridge and provide thermal insulation thereto.

42. 30. The aerosol delivery device of claim 29, further comprising a biasing mechanism disposed within the holder and oriented to engage with a removable cartridge secured within the receiving chamber, the biasing mechanism biasing an ignitable heat source of the cartridge into contact with the stationary igniter contact when the receiving compartment is in a closed configuration.

43. 30. The aerosol delivery device of claim 29, further comprising a mouthpiece including a first end and a longitudinally opposite second end, the mouthpiece having a 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 a proximal end of the holder.

44. 30. The aerosol delivery device of claim 29, wherein the mouthpiece is removably coupled to the holder.

45. 30. The aerosol delivery device of claim 29, wherein the receiving compartment defines an opening at its distal end, the opening configured to supply air to the ignited heat source.

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