Aerosol Delivery Device

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device is provided. The device includes a body having an opening and a chamber within the body arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material inserted through the opening. The device includes a cover mechanism including a cover member arranged to selectively at least partially cover the opening and an actuation member arranged to rotate on the body to actuate the cover member. Rotation of the actuation member relative to the body moves the cover member between a relatively open position, in which at least a portion of the article can pass through the opening, and a relatively closed position, in which at least a portion of the article is prevented from passing through the opening. The opening is offset from the axis of rotation of the actuation member.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

[0003] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery device comprising: a body having an opening; a chamber within the body arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material inserted through the opening; a cover mechanism comprising a cover member arranged to selectively at least partially cover the opening; and an actuating member arranged to rotate on the body to actuate the cover member, wherein rotation of the actuating member relative to the body moves the cover member between a relatively open position where at least a portion of the article can pass through the opening and a relatively closed position where at least a portion of the article is prevented from passing through the opening, and the opening is offset from a rotation axis of the actuating member.

[0004] In any of the above embodiments, the opening is radially spaced from the actuation member.

[0005] In any of the above embodiments, the opening is free of overlap of the actuating member in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the actuating member.

[0006] In any of the above embodiments, the cover member is pivotally attached to the body.

[0007] In any of the above embodiments, the cover member is arranged to pivot about a pivot point that is radially spaced from the actuation member.

[0008] In any of the above embodiments, the cover mechanism includes a cam mechanism acting between the cover member and the actuation member.

[0009] In any of the above embodiments, the cover member includes a pin and the actuation member includes a corresponding slot to define a cam mechanism.

[0010] In any of the above embodiments, the slot is an arcuate slot. The slot may define a partial spiral.

[0011] In any of the above embodiments, the actuation member includes a peripheral wall, and the cover member includes a recess arranged to receive the peripheral wall.

[0012] In any of the above embodiments, the actuation member includes a first arm and a second arm, and the recess is between the first arm and the second arm.

[0013] In any of the above embodiments, the first arm is pivotally attached to the body.

[0014] In any of the above embodiments, the second arm engages the actuation member.

[0015] In any of the above embodiments, the pin is attached to the second arm. The pin may be integrally formed with the second arm.

[0016] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol delivery device includes a user interface arrangement on the actuation member. The actuation member may define an opening to allow access to the user interface arrangement.

[0017] In any of the above embodiments, the user interface configuration comprises at least one of a button, a light, a display, and a touch screen.

[0018] In any of the above embodiments, the cover member is positioned to selectively completely cover the opening.

[0019] In any of the above embodiments, the cover mechanism includes a gear mechanism, and the actuating member is configured to move the cover member between the relatively open position and the relatively closed position via the gear mechanism.

[0020] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery device comprising: a body; a chamber within the body arranged to receive at least a portion of an article including an aerosol-generating material, the body having an opening in communication with the chamber; a cover mechanism, the cover mechanism comprising: a cover member arranged to selectively at least partially cover the opening; an actuating member arranged to rotate on the body to actuate the cover member, wherein rotation of the actuating member relative to the body moves the cover member between a relatively open position in which at least a portion of the article can pass through the opening and a relatively closed position in which at least a portion of the article is prevented from passing through the opening; and a retention mechanism arranged to removably retain the cover member in at least one of the relatively open position and the relatively closed position, wherein the actuating member comprises a retention surface, the retention mechanism comprising a retention member arranged to be biased against and slide along the retention surface, the retention surface being configured to bias the cover member toward at least one of the relatively open position and the relatively closed position over at least substantially the entire range of movement of the cover member between the relatively open position and the relatively closed position.

[0021] In any of the above embodiments, the retention surface is configured to bias the cover member toward at least one of the relatively open position and the relatively closed position throughout the range of movement of the cover member between the relatively open position and the relatively closed position.

[0022] In any of the above embodiments, the opening is radially spaced from the actuating member, and the retaining member and cover member overlap in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the actuating member.

[0023] In any of the above embodiments, the opening is radially spaced from the actuating member, the cover mechanism includes a cam mechanism acting between the actuating member and the cover member, and the retaining member and the cam mechanism overlap in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the actuating member.

[0024] In any of the above embodiments, the opening is radially spaced from the actuating member, the cover mechanism includes a cam mechanism acting between the actuating member and the cover member, and the retaining member is radially spaced from the cam mechanism.

[0025] In any of the above embodiments, the body includes a mount that is received within the actuation member, and the retaining member is on or within the mount.

[0026] According to some embodiments described herein, a device includes a body; a chamber within the body arranged to receive at least a portion of an article including an aerosol-generating material, the body having an opening in communication with the chamber; a cover mechanism, a cover member arranged to selectively at least partially cover the opening; and an actuation member arranged to rotate on the body to actuate the cover member, wherein rotation of the actuation member relative to the body moves the cover member between a relatively open position in which at least a portion of the article can pass through the opening and a relatively closed position in which at least a portion of the article is prevented from passing through the opening. and a cover mechanism comprising a cover member and a retaining mechanism arranged to removably retain the cover member in at least one of a relatively open position and a relatively closed position, wherein the actuation member defines a channel, the retaining mechanism comprising a retaining member arranged to advance at least partially within the channel as the actuation member moves, the retaining member being biased against the channel, and the channel being configured to bias the cover member towards at least one of the relatively open position and the relatively closed position over at least a portion of a range of movement of the cover member between the relatively open position and the relatively closed position.

[0027] In any of the above embodiments, the actuation member defines a first edge of the channel and a second edge of the channel, and the retention member is positioned to abut the first edge and the second edge.

[0028] In any of the above embodiments, the first edge and the second edge diverge or converge towards the end of the channel.

[0029] In any of the above embodiments, the first edge and the second edge converge towards an end of the channel.

[0030] In any of the above embodiments, the first edge and the second edge converge or diverge toward a central region of the channel.

[0031] In any of the above embodiments, the first edge and the second edge converge toward a central region of the channel.

[0032] In any of the above embodiments, the first and second edges diverge toward the first and second ends of the channel.

[0033] In any of the above embodiments, the actuation member comprises a part-cylindrical surface coaxial with the axis of rotation of the actuation member, and the channel is defined within the part-cylindrical surface.

[0034] In any of the above embodiments, the opening is radially spaced from the actuating member, and the retaining member and cover member overlap in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the actuating member.

[0035] In any of the above embodiments, the opening is radially spaced from the actuating member, the actuating member and the cover member define a cam mechanism therebetween, and the retaining member and the cam mechanism overlap in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the actuating member.

[0036] In any of the above embodiments, the opening is radially spaced from the actuating member, the actuating member and the cover member define a cam mechanism therebetween, and the retaining member is radially spaced from the cam mechanism.

[0037] In any of the above embodiments, the body includes an actuation member mount received within the actuation member, and the retaining member is joined to the actuation member mount.

[0038] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery device comprising: a body defining an opening; a heating zone arranged to receive at least a portion of an article including an aerosol-generating material inserted through the opening; a cover mechanism comprising: a cover member arranged to selectively at least partially cover the opening; an actuation member arranged to rotate on the body to actuate the cover member, wherein rotation of the actuation member relative to the body moves the cover member between a relatively open position in which at least a portion of the article can pass through the opening and a relatively closed position in which at least a portion of the article is prevented from passing through the opening; and a retention mechanism arranged to removably retain the cover member in at least one of the relatively open position and the relatively closed position, wherein the actuation member comprises a retention surface, the retention mechanism comprising a retention member biased against the retention surface in a direction parallel to a rotation axis of the actuation member and arranged to slide along the retention surface, the retention surface being configured to bias the cover member toward at least one of the relatively open position and the relatively closed position.

[0039] In any of the above embodiments, the retaining member is in fixed relationship with the body.

[0040] In any of the above embodiments, the retaining surface is in a fixed relationship with the actuation member.

[0041] In any of the above embodiments, the cover member is a first cover member, and the cover mechanism includes a second cover member arranged to cooperate with the first cover member to selectively at least partially cover the opening, and rotation of the actuation member relative to the body moves the second cover member between a relatively open position in which at least a portion of the article can pass through the opening and a relatively closed position in which at least a portion of the article is prevented from passing through the opening.

[0042] In any of the above embodiments, the cover mechanism comprises one or more linkage members pivotally attached to the or each cover member and pivotally attached to the actuation member.

[0043] In any of the above embodiments, the cover mechanism includes a cam mechanism acting between the cover member and the actuation member.

[0044] In any of the above embodiments, the cover member includes a pin and the actuation member includes a corresponding slot to define a cam mechanism.

[0045] In any of the above embodiments, the actuating member defines a channel, the retaining member is positioned to travel at least partially within the channel as the actuating member moves, the retaining member is biased against the channel, and the channel is configured to bias the cover member toward at least one of the relatively open and relatively closed positions over at least a portion of the range of movement of the cover member between the relatively open and relatively closed positions.

[0046] In any of the above embodiments, the actuation member defines a first edge of the channel and a second edge of the channel, and the retention member is positioned to abut the first edge and the second edge.

[0047] In any of the above embodiments, the first edge and the second edge diverge toward the ends of the channel and converge toward a central region of the channel.

[0048] In any of the above embodiments, the channel follows a part-circular path. According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising any of the above aerosol delivery devices and an article including an aerosol-generating material.

[0049] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0050] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of an aerosol delivery device. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is an exploded perspective view of a cover mechanism for the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial cutaway plan view of the cover mechanism of FIG. 3 in an open position. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a partial cutaway plan view of the cover mechanism of FIG. 3 in a closed position. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an inner actuating member for the cover mechanism of FIGS. 3 to 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative cover mechanism in a closed position. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view from below of an actuating member for the cover mechanism of FIG. 7; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming material" refers to a material that can generate an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or energized in any other manner, for example. Aerosol-forming materials can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. Aerosol-forming materials may include any plant-based material, such as tobacco-containing materials, including one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-forming materials may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. Aerosol-forming materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, gel, or wax. Aerosol-forming materials may also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. Aerosol-forming materials may also be known as "smokable materials."

[0052] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an active agent and / or a filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0053] The aerosol-generating material may include or be an "amorphous solid." An amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid." In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid, such as a liquid, within the amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may contain, for example, from about 50%, 60%, or 70% amorphous solid by weight, up to about 90%, 95%, or 100% amorphous solid by weight.

[0054] The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may include or be a sheet that may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may be substantially free of tobacco.

[0055] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustion" aerosol delivery system is one in which the constituent aerosol-forming materials (or components of the constituent aerosol-forming materials) of the aerosol delivery system are not combusted or burned to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0056] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

[0057] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0058] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0059] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, where one or more aerosol-generating materials can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials can be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form and can contain nicotine or not. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material can include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0060] Typically, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and a consumable item for use with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

[0061] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables, sometimes referred to as articles throughout this disclosure, that comprise aerosol-generating materials and are configured for use with non-combustion aerosol delivery devices.

[0062] In some embodiments, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a non-combustion aerosol delivery device of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, can include a power source and a controller. The power source can be, for example, an electrical power source or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to deliver power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a heat-transfer material proximate the heat-generating power source.

[0063] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0064] In some embodiments, consumables for use with non-combustion aerosol delivery devices may include aerosol-generating materials, aerosol-generating material storage areas, aerosol-generating material transfer components, aerosol generators, aerosol-generating areas, housings, packaging, filters, mouthpieces, and / or aerosol modifiers.

[0065] The aerosol-generating device can accept an article containing an aerosol-generating material for heating. An "article" in this context is a component that includes or contains the aerosol-generating material when used, and optionally other components when used, that is heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material. A user may insert the article into the aerosol-generating device before the article is heated to generate an aerosol, and the user then inhales the aerosol. The article may be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be placed in a heating chamber of the device sized to accept the article.

[0066] 1 shows an aerosol delivery device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. Generally, device 100 can be used to heat a replaceable article 300 containing an aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that is inhaled by a user of device 100. Article 300 and device 100 together form an aerosol delivery system 10.

[0067] The device 100 comprises a body 101. The body 101 comprises a chamber 105 (see FIG. 2). A housing 102 surrounds and houses the various components of the body 101. One end of the body 101 is formed with an opening 103 that communicates with the chamber 105. The article 300 may be inserted at least partially into the chamber 105 through the opening 103 for heating by the aerosol generator 150 (see FIG. 2). During use, the article 300 may be heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator 150.

[0068] Device 100 also includes a button assembly 200 that, when pressed, operates device 100. For example, a user may turn on device 100 by manipulating button assembly 200. Button assembly 200 may be assembled as part of other assemblies of aerosol delivery device 100.

[0069] The aerosol generator 150 defines a longitudinal axis X.

[0070] 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of device 100. Device 100 includes an electrical component, such as a connector / port 160, that can accept a cable for charging device 100. For example, connector 160 may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port. In some examples, connector 160 may additionally or alternatively be used to transfer data between device 100 and another device, such as a computing device.

[0071] Device 100 includes a power source 170, e.g., a battery, such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (e.g., lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (e.g., nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries. The battery is electrically coupled to aerosol generator 150 to provide power to heat the aerosol-generating material as needed under the control of a controller.

[0072] Device 100 includes an electronics module 112. Electronics module 112 may include, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB may support at least one controller, such as a processor, and memory. The PCB may also include one or more electrical tracks for electrically connecting various electronic components of device 100 together. For example, battery terminals may be electrically connected to the PCB so that power can be distributed throughout device 100.

[0073] Body 101 defines the ends of device 100. The end of device 100 closest to opening 103 may be known as the proximal end (or oral end) 104 of device 100, as it is closest to the user's mouth during use. During use, a user inserts article 300 into opening 103, activates aerosol generator 150 to begin heating the aerosol-generating material, and inhales the aerosol generated within the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through device 100 along a flow path toward the proximal end of device 100.

[0074] The other end of the device furthest from opening 103 may be known as the distal end 106 of device 100, as it is the end furthest from a user's mouth during use. When a user inhales the aerosol generated within device 100, the aerosol flows in a direction toward the proximal end of device 100. The terms proximal and distal as applied to features of device 100 are described by reference to the relative orientation of such features with respect to one another in the proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0075] As used herein, the term integral component refers to a component of device 100 that cannot be separated into two or more components after assembly of device 100. Integrally formed refers to two or more features that are formed into a unitary component during the manufacturing stage of the component.

[0076] Air flow passage 180 extends through body 101. Air flow passage 180 extends to air inlet 190. Other air flow arrangements are envisioned. For example, air flow may be provided between a receptacle defining chamber 105 and item 300.

[0077] In one example, the aerosol generator 150 comprises an induction heating system including a magnetic field generator. The magnetic field generator comprises an inductor coil assembly. The aerosol generator 150 comprises a heating element, also known as a susceptor.

[0078] The susceptor is a material that can be heated by penetration by a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, such that penetration by the varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, such that penetration by the varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, such that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0079] The aerosol generator 150 is an induction heating assembly that includes various components for heating the aerosol-generating material of the article 300 via an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating a conductive object (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly may include an induction element, such as one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a variable current, such as an alternating current, through the induction element. The variable current in the induction element generates a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates a susceptor appropriately positioned relative to the induction element, generating eddy currents within the susceptor. The susceptor has an electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and therefore, the flow of eddy currents against this resistance causes the susceptor to heat by Joule heating. If the susceptor includes a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat can also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptor, i.e., by the change in orientation of magnetic dipoles within the magnetic material as a result of alignment with the varying magnetic field. Induction heating generates heat inside the susceptor, allowing for faster heating compared to, for example, conduction heating, and does not require any physical contact between the induction heater and the susceptor, allowing for greater flexibility in design and application.

[0080] The inductor coil assembly includes an inductor coil. In embodiments, the number of inductor coils varies. In embodiments, two or more inductor coils are used. The inductor coil assembly also includes a coil support. The coil support is tubular.

[0081] The heating element is part of a heating assembly. The heating element in this example is hollow, thus defining at least a portion of a receptacle into which the aerosol-generating material is received. For example, the article 300 can be inserted into the heating element. The heating element is tubular with a circular cross-section. The heating element has a substantially constant diameter along the axial length of the heating element.

[0082] In embodiments, the heating assembly defines a receptacle, and the heating element is upstanding within the receptacle. The heating element may comprise a pin or blade positioned to penetrate the consumable. In embodiments, the consumable comprises a heating element, and the aerosol delivery device comprises an inductor coil configured to inductively heat the heating element within the consumable.

[0083] The heating element is formed from an electrically conductive material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. The susceptor in this example is formed from carbon steel. It will be appreciated that other suitable materials may be used, for example, ferromagnetic materials such as iron, nickel, or cobalt.

[0084] In other embodiments, the features functioning as heating elements may not be limited to being inductively heated. Thus, the features functioning as heating elements may be heatable by electrical resistance. Thus, the aerosol generator 150 may include electrical contacts for electrically connecting with a device for electrically activating the heating element by passing a flow of electrical energy through the heating element.

[0085] The receptacle and article 300 are sized so that the article 300 can be received by the heating element. This helps ensure that heating is most efficient. In this example, the article 300 includes an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material is disposed within the receptacle. The article 300 may also include other components, such as a filter, packaging material, and / or a cooling structure.

[0086] An air flow path 180 extends from the receptacle. The air flow path 180 is at the distal end. The air flow path 180 protrudes from the heating element. The air flow path 180 extending from the heating element is defined by a flow path member 182. The heating element 220 and the flow path member 182 form part of an air flow path arrangement 181.

[0087] The flow path member 182 extends between the heating element and the opening 190. The flow path member 182 is tubular. The flow path member 182 defines a bore. The flow path member extends axially along the length of the flow path member.

[0088] 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a cover assembly 400 for an aerosol delivery device. Cover assembly 400 may be used with aerosol delivery device 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 and will be described with reference to aerosol delivery device 100. In embodiments, cover assembly 400 is used with other device components. Cover assembly 400 includes a cover mechanism 401.

[0089] The cover assembly 400 includes a body 402. The body 402 is a portion of the body 101 of the aerosol delivery device 100. The body 402 is a rigid member. The body 402 defines a portion of the housing 102. A seal 405 is provided between the body 402 and other components of the housing 102 of the aerosol delivery device 100. The seal 405 extends around the entire periphery of the body 402. In other embodiments, the body 402 may be integrally formed with other components of the housing 102. The body 402 defines the proximal end of the device 100.

[0090] Body 402 defines opening 103 of aerosol delivery device 100. Opening 404 communicates with chamber 105. Opening 404 is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of an article containing aerosol-generating material, such as article 300.

[0091] The body 402 has an outer portion 407. The outer portion 407 of the body 402 includes a recess 407a. An opening 408 is defined in the recess 407a.

[0092] The cover mechanism 401 of the cover assembly 400 includes a cover member 410 arranged to selectively cover the opening 404. An actuation member 420 is provided for selectively actuating the cover member 410. The cover member 410 is in slidable contact with the main body 402. The cover member 410 is generally planar. The cover member 410 includes a blade portion 412 arranged to cover the opening. The cover member 410 includes a first arm portion 414. The first arm portion 414 extends from the blade portion 412. The cover member 410 includes a second arm portion 415. The second arm portion 415 extends from the blade portion 412. A recess 416 is defined between the first arm portion 414 and the second arm portion 415.

[0093] The cover member 410 includes a lower pivot pin 411 that functions as a pivot member. The lower pivot pin 411 extends from the first arm portion 414. The lower pivot pin 411 is spaced apart from the blade portion 412. The cover member 410 includes an upper pivot pin 413 that functions as a pivot member. One of the upper pivot pin 413 and the lower pivot pin 411 may be omitted. The upper pivot pin 413 extends from the first arm portion 414. The upper pivot pin 413 is spaced apart from the blade portion 412. The upper pivot pin 413 extends from the opposite side of the first arm portion 414 to the lower pivot pin 411. The upper pivot pin 413 and the lower pivot pin 411 are coaxial. The upper pivot pin 413 and the lower pivot pin 411 extend in the longitudinal direction.

[0094] The cover member 410 is a unitary component. The cover member 410 is integrally formed. In other embodiments, the cover member 410 may be a composite component formed of multiple parts. For example, the upper pivot pin 413 and the lower pivot pin 411 may be a single pin that passes through the first arm portion 414.

[0095] The cover mechanism 401 includes a cam mechanism 419 configured to drive the cover member 410 in response to movement of the actuating member 420. The cam mechanism 419 functions as a drive mechanism. The cam mechanism 419 includes a cam element 418 and a corresponding cam slot 434.

[0096] The cover member 410 includes a cam element 418. The cam element 418 includes a protrusion. The cam element 418 includes a pin. In embodiments, the cam element 418 includes any suitable formation for forming part of a cam mechanism. The cam element 418 is disposed on the second arm portion 415. The cam element 418 stands upright from the cover member 410. The cam element 418 extends in the longitudinal axial direction.

[0097] The cover member 410 is received in a recess 407a in the body 402. The recess 407a allows the cover member 410 to be spatially efficiently accommodated by the body 402 and prevents the evacuation of debris from the chamber 105.

[0098] The body 402 includes an upper body member 409. The upper body member 409 defines an opening 409a. The upper body member 409 includes an annular member 448 that surrounds the opening 409a. In embodiments, the annular member 448 may be omitted. The upper body member 409 is attached to the lower body member of the body 402 such that the opening 409a is aligned with the opening 404. The upper body member 409 includes an opening 417 for receiving the upper pivot pin 413 of the cover member 410.

[0099] The upper pivot pin 413 is received in an opening 417 in the upper body member 409. The lower pivot pin 411 is received in an opening 408 in the body 402. The cover member 410 is pivotally held between the upper body member 409 and the lower body member 402. This provides a robust cover assembly because the cover member 410 can be securely held between two fixed components. The cover member can pivot about an axis defined by the upper pivot pin 413 and the lower pivot pin 411.

[0100] The cover mechanism 400 includes an actuating member 420. The actuating member 420 is a generally annular member. The actuating member is rotatably mounted.

[0101] The actuating member 420 defines an opening 422. The opening 422 is disposed in the center of the actuating member 420. The opening 422 may be omitted.

[0102] The actuating member 420 is positioned to rotate on the body 402 to actuate the cover member 410. The actuating member 420 covers a portion of the body 402; that is, a portion of the body 402 extends within the actuating member 420. The axis of rotation of the actuating member 420 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber 105. In embodiments, the axis of rotation is transverse or vertical.

[0103] The axis of rotation of the actuating member 420 is spaced from the longitudinal axis of the chamber 105 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chamber 105. The opening 103 is spaced from the actuating member 420. The opening 103 is spaced from the actuating member 420 in a radial direction relative to the axis of rotation of the actuating member 420. The opening 103 does not overlap with the actuating member 420 in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the actuating member 420.

[0104] The above configuration helps provide a more compact configuration of the cover assembly 400 relative to a configuration in which the rotational axis of the actuating member 420 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the chamber 105 or the opening 103 overlaps or is disposed below the cover member 420. The actuating member 420 may accommodate other components of the cover assembly 400 without obstructing the opening 103, allowing those components to be disposed within the plane of the actuating member 420. This may reduce the size of the cover assembly 400 in the axial direction of the aerosol delivery device 100. For example, as described below, at least one of the retention mechanism 450 and the user interface arrangement 470 may be disposed within the actuating member 420.

[0105] Aerosol delivery device 100 includes a user interface configuration 470. User interface configuration 470 is on actuation member 420. Actuation member 420 defines an opening 422. User interface configuration 470 is disposed in opening 422 of actuation member 420. In an embodiment, user interface configuration 470 extends above opening 422 of actuation member 420. In an embodiment, electrical connections of user interface configuration 470 extend through opening 422 to body 101 of aerosol delivery device 100. User interface configuration 470 may include at least one of a button, a touch screen, a display, and an indicator light, such as an LED. User interface configuration 470 may provide at least one of an indication of an operational state of device 100 and control of an operational state of device 400.

[0106] The user interface arrangement 470 includes a transparent protective plate 472. The transparent protective plate 472 may be omitted.

[0107] The actuating member 420 includes an outer actuating component 424 and an inner actuating component 426. The outer actuating component 424 is rotatably fixed to the inner actuating component 426. The outer actuating component 424 surrounds the inner actuating component 426. The outer actuating component 424 partially defines the outer surface of the aerosol delivery device 100. The outer actuating component 424 is a cylindrical body. The outer actuating component 424 forms a circumferential wall 425 around the inner actuating component 426. In an embodiment, the outer actuating component 424 and the inner actuating component 426 are an integral component.

[0108] The outer actuation component 424 includes a notch 446. The notch 446 is in the peripheral wall 425. The notch 446 receives the cover member 410.

[0109] The actuating member 420 defines an elongated cam surface 433. The elongated cam surface 433 is arcuate. The elongated cam surface 433 is defined by a cam slot 434. The cam slot 434 is formed by the inner actuating component 426. The cam slot 434 is a blind slot. That is, the cam slot 434 is closed at each end. The closed ends, in embodiments, function as travel limiters. The cam slot 434 defines a partial helical path about the rotational axis of the actuating member 420. That is, the cam slot 434 extends partially radially away from the rotational axis of the actuating member 420. The cam element 418 of the cover member 410 is received in the cam slot 434. The cam element 418 and the cam slot 434 together define a cam mechanism 419.

[0110] The inner and outer actuating components 424, 426 are formed of different materials. The inner actuating component 426 is formed of a relatively wear-resistant material. The inner actuating component 426 is formed of a relatively low-friction material. The inner actuating component 426 is resilient. Advantageously, this arrangement minimizes wear on the inner actuating component and reduces friction on the cover mechanism 401, while allowing freedom to select the material of the outer actuating component 426 to have properties suitable for the exterior surface of the aerosol delivery device 100.

[0111] The body 402 includes an actuating member mount 442. The actuating member 420 is rotatably engaged with the actuating member mount 442. The actuating member mount 442 substantially limits the movement of the actuating member 420 relative to the body to rotational movement. The actuating member 420 includes a locating feature (not shown) that engages with the actuating member mount 442. The locating feature is a ridge or other suitable feature that extends circumferentially around the inner surface of the actuating member 420. The actuating member mount 442 is spaced from an opening 408 in the body 402 that receives the lower pivot pin 411. The actuating member 420 is radially spaced from the opening 408 when attached to the actuating member mount 442. In this regard, the radial direction is relative to the axis of rotation of the actuating member 420. Thus, the cover member 410 pivots about a point external to the actuating member 420.

[0112] The actuation member mount 442 includes clips 443 that function as retention structures. The clips 443 are resilient. In this embodiment, the actuation member mount 442 includes four clips 443. The body 402 includes a recess 444 behind the clips. In this embodiment, the body 402 includes a recess 444 behind each clip. The recesses 444 provide clearance to accommodate radial inward deflection of the clips, allowing for a more compact arrangement.

[0113] The cover member 410 is partially disposed between the body 402 and the actuating member 420. The cover member 410 is in sliding contact with the body 402. The cover member 410 is in sliding contact with the actuating member 420. Such a configuration helps to limit the ingress of debris.

[0114] Rotation of the actuation member 420 relative to the body 402 translates the cover member 410 between a relatively open position and a relatively closed position. The cover assembly 400 is configured to be selectively operated between a relatively open position and a relatively closed position. Such positions are relative to one another. In the relatively open position, at least a portion of the article 300 can pass through the opening 404. In the relatively closed position, at least a portion of the article 300 is prevented from passing through the opening 404.

[0115] The term "relatively open position" refers to any position in which at least a portion of the article 300 can pass through the opening, i.e., it is understood to include a fully open position and an intermediate position that leaves sufficient space for a portion of the article 300 to be inserted. The term "relatively closed position" refers to any position in which a portion of the article 300 is prevented from passing through the opening 404, i.e., it is understood to include a fully closed position and an intermediate position in which there is not enough space for the article 300 to pass through the opening. In this embodiment, rotation of the actuating member 420 relative to the body 402 translates the cover member 410 to or from a fully closed position. The term "fully closed position" is understood to mean that the cover member 410 completely closes the opening 404. The terms "open" and "closed" as applied to features of the cover mechanism 401 are described in conjunction with each other herein.

[0116] The cover member 410 is positioned to pivot relative to the body 402. The cover member 410 is positioned to pivot in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the actuating member 420. The axis of rotation of the actuating member 420 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber. The axis of rotation of the actuating member 420 is offset from the longitudinal axis of the chamber. When the actuating member 420 is rotated by a user, the arcuate cam surface acts on the cam element 418, moving the cover member 410. As the cam element 418 advances within the cam slot 434, the cam element 418 is driven farther or closer to the axis of rotation of the actuating member 420, depending on the direction of rotation of the actuating member 420. As the cover member 410 moves, the upper pivot pin 413 and the lower pivot pin 411 rotate within the opening 417 in the upper body member 409 and the opening 408 in the body 402, respectively.

[0117] In the relatively closed position, the peripheral wall of actuating member 420 is received in recess 416 in cover member 410, thereby minimizing notch 446 in actuating member 420. Thus, cover mechanism 401 may be positioned such that notch 446 is not exposed to the exterior of aerosol delivery device 100 in either the fully open or fully closed position, reducing the likelihood of debris entering cover mechanism 401 through notch 446, which could result in clogging or increased wear.

[0118] Figure 4 shows the cover mechanism 401 in an open position, and Figure 5 shows the cover mechanism 401 in a closed position. The cover member 410 is movable between the open position shown in Figure 4 and the closed position shown in Figure 5. As shown, rotating the actuating member 420 clockwise moves the cover member 410 toward the closed position. As shown, rotating the actuating member 420 counterclockwise moves the cover member 410 toward the open position. In other embodiments, these directions may be reversed.

[0119] In the relatively open position, a portion of the cover member 410 is received in a notch 446 in the actuating member 420. The first arm portion 414 of the cover member 410 spaces the blade portion 412 of the cover member 410 from the pivot axis of the cover member 410. The second arm portion 415 of the cover member 410 spaces the blade portion 412 of the cover member 410 from the cam mechanism. This allows a small movement of the actuating member 420 to move the blade portion 412 through a range of movement large enough to fully traverse the opening 404.

[0120] In an embodiment, the cover mechanism 401 includes a lubricant.

[0121] 6 shows a perspective view from above of the inner actuating component 426. The inner actuating component 426 includes an opening 422. The opening 422 is configured to receive an actuating member mount 442 of the body 402. The inner actuating component 426 slidably engages with the actuating member mount 442. The opening 422 is generally circular.

[0122] The opening 422 is defined in part by a shoulder 428 of the inner actuating component 426. The shoulder 428 is circumferential. The shoulder 428 extends substantially the entire circumference of the inner actuating component 426. The shoulder 428 of the inner actuating component 426 is configured to be slidably engaged by a clip 443 of the body 402. As the inner actuating component 426 rotates on the body 402, the clip 443 slides along the shoulder 428. The engagement of the clip 443 with the shoulder 428 restrains axial movement of the inner actuating component 426. The shoulder 428 provides a locating feature that engages with the actuating member mount 442.

[0123] 3 and 6, cover assembly 400 includes a retention mechanism 450. Retention mechanism 450 is configured to removably retain actuation member 420 in each of the open and closed positions. In an embodiment, retention mechanism 450 is configured to function in only one of the open and closed positions.

[0124] The actuation member 420 includes a retention surface 452. The retention surface 452 is defined by the inner actuation component 426. The retention mechanism 450 includes an open position recess 460 and a closed position recess 462. The recesses 460, 462 are defined by the retention surface 452.

[0125] The retention mechanism 450 includes a retention member 456. The retention member 456 is attached to the actuation member mount 442 of the body 402. The retention member 456 is partially received in a bore within the actuation member mount 442. In embodiments, the retention member 456 may comprise a resilient portion of the actuation member mount 442. The retention member 456 protrudes radially. That is, the retention member 456 protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The retention member 456 is positioned to protrude into an open position recess 460 in the open position. The retention member 456 is positioned to protrude into a closed position recess 462 in the closed position.

[0126] The retention member 456 is arranged to move in a radial direction. In an embodiment, the retention member 456 is arranged to deform in a radial direction. The retention member 456 is biased radially outward. Thus, the retention mechanism 450 is biased to the retention state when the actuation member 420 is moved to the open position. Thus, the retention mechanism 450 is biased to the retention state when the actuation member 420 is moved to the closed position.

[0127] The retaining member 456 is a ball spring arrangement. That is, the retaining member 456 includes a coil spring, a spherical member, and a stopper for retaining the spherical member. The spherical member is formed of nickel-plated steel. Other suitable materials may be used. In another embodiment, the retaining member 456 is a resilient member. The retaining member 456 includes a contact surface. The contact surface is curved. The contact surface is formed of a material that has a relatively low coefficient of friction with the retaining surface 452.

[0128] When the retaining member 456 protrudes into the open position recess 460 or the closed position recess 462, the cover mechanism 401 is retained in the open or closed position, respectively. It will be understood that the term retained by is intended to mean that a certain level of force must be applied to the cover mechanism 401 to urge it away from the open or closed position so that the cover mechanism 401 does not unintentionally move from the open or closed position. In this embodiment, the end of the cam slot 434 provides a travel limiting stop, thereby preventing the cover mechanism 401 from moving beyond the open or closed position. That is, the cover mechanism 401 is movable only between the open and closed positions.

[0129] The retaining surfaces 452 are configured to bias the cover member 410 toward at least one of the relatively open and relatively closed positions throughout the cover member's range of movement between the relatively open and relatively closed positions. It will be appreciated that the retaining surfaces 452 do not necessarily directly contact the cover member 410. Rather, the retaining surfaces 452 bias the cover member 410 via other components of the cover assembly 400.

[0130] The elongated portion 452a of the retention surface 452 extends between the open position recess 460 and the closed position recess 462. The elongated portion 452a of the retention surface 452 includes a channel 454. The channel 454 extends between the open position recess 460 and the closed position recess 462. The retention member 456 is positioned to travel within the channel 454 between the open position recess 460 and the closed position recess 462. The retention surface 452 defines a first edge 454a of the channel 454 and a second edge 454b of the channel 454. The retention member 456 is positioned to abut against the first edge 454a and the second edge 454b.

[0131] The first edge 454a and the second edge 454b converge toward the central region of the channel 454. That is, the distance between the first edge and the second edge is smallest in the central region of the channel 454. The first edge and the second edge diverge toward each end of the channel 454. That is, the distance between the first edge and the second edge is largest adjacent to the open position recess 460 and the closed position recess 462. As the retaining member 456 advances from the open position recess 460 or the closed position recess 462 toward the intermediate region of the channel 454, the retaining member 456 is pushed out of the channel 454 by the converging edges of the channel 454. Therefore, the retaining member 456 advances in a radially inward direction relative to the rotational axis of the actuating member 420. When the retaining member 456 is urged in a radially outward direction, the retaining member 456 is urged into the channel 454. Thus, the bias of the retaining member 456 resists movement from the relatively open and relatively closed positions and returns the cover mechanism 401 to the relatively open or relatively closed position in the absence of an external force.

[0132] Although the operation of the retention mechanism 450 is described with respect to movement from an open position to a closed position, it will be understood that the operation is substantially equivalent for movement from a closed position to an open position.

[0133] When the cover mechanism 401 is in the open position, the retaining member 456 is received in the open position recess 460. A force applied to the cover mechanism 401 in a counterclockwise direction is resisted by the end of the cam slot 434, which acts as a travel limit stop. If a small force is applied to the cover mechanism 401 in a clockwise direction, such as might result from unintentional contact with the actuating member 420, the force is resisted by the bias of the retaining member 456 against the edge of the channel 454. Thus, the cover mechanism 401 is held in the open position.

[0134] When a greater amount of force is applied to the cover mechanism 401 in a clockwise direction, such as by a user intentionally rotating the actuation member 420, the retaining member 456 slides along the channel 454 and moves radially inward against the bias. The spring of the ball-spring arrangement is compressed. As the actuation member 420 rotates, the retaining member 456 advances within the channel 454 toward the intermediate region of the channel 454. Thus, the retaining mechanism 450 can be removed by the user moving the actuation member 420 from the closed position. Once the retaining member 456 passes the intermediate region of the channel 454, the cover mechanism 401 is no longer biased toward the open position and begins to be biased toward the closed position.

[0135] Thus, the retention mechanism 450 is biased to the open position over a portion of the range of movement of the retention mechanism 450 adjacent to the open position. The retention mechanism 450 is biased to the open position over 50% of the range of movement of the retention mechanism 450 adjacent to the open position. Thus, the cover assembly 400 returns to the open position after a small deflection, reducing the likelihood of inadvertently opening or partially opening the cover assembly 400.

[0136] The operation of the cover mechanism 401 has been described with reference to one retaining member 456 and two recesses 460 and 462. However, the cover mechanism 401 of FIGS. 3-5 includes two retaining members 456, two open position recesses 460, and two closed position recesses 462. The operation of the second retaining member 456, the open position recess 460, and the closed position recess 462 is similar to that described above. In embodiments, different numbers of retaining members, open position recesses, and closed position recesses are used. In embodiments, a single recess may operate as a closed position recess for one retaining member and as an open position recess for another retaining member. That is, the ratio of recesses to retaining members may be different from 2:1.

[0137] In an embodiment, the cam mechanism is omitted, and the actuating member 420 is connected to the cover member 410 by a gear mechanism that functions as the drive mechanism. For example, the actuating member 420 may include a gear track on an inner or outer surface of the actuating member 420. The cover mechanism 401 may include a gear arranged to be driven by the gear track and rotatably mounted on the body 410. The cover member 410 may include a gear track arranged to be driven by the gear.

[0138] Figure 7 shows a schematic perspective view of another cover assembly 500 for an aerosol delivery device in a closed position, and Figure 8 shows a schematic perspective view from below of the actuation member for the cover mechanism of Figure 7. Some components are shown transparently to allow the arrangement of features to be clearly shown and described.

[0139] Cover assembly 500 may be used with aerosol delivery device 100 of Figures 1 and 2 and will be described with reference to aerosol delivery device 100. In embodiments, cover assembly 500 is used with other device components. Cover assembly 500 includes cover mechanism 501.

[0140] Generally, the cover mechanism 501 includes a body 502 defining the opening 103 of the aerosol delivery device, one or more cover members 510, 511 arranged to selectively cover the opening 103, and an actuation member 520. The actuation member 520 is shown as a see-through member in the drawings to clearly show features hidden by the following components. One or more connecting members 530 are arranged to move the cover members 510, 511 between a relatively open position that allows at least a portion of an article to pass through the opening and a relatively closed position that prevents at least a portion of the article from passing through the opening. The cover members 510, 511 are pivotally attached to the body 502. The actuation member 520 overlaps the cover members 510, 511 and forms the exterior of the cover mechanism 501. The actuation member 520 is exposed to the exterior of the aerosol delivery device 100 and arranged to be manually operated by a user.

[0141] Cover assembly 500 includes a body 502. Body 502 is a portion of body 101 of aerosol delivery device 100. Body 502 is a rigid member. Body 502 defines a portion of housing 102. A seal (not shown) may be provided between body 502 and other components of housing 102 of aerosol delivery device 100. The seal may extend around the entire periphery of body 502. In other embodiments, body 502 may be integrally formed with housing 102.

[0142] Body 502 includes opening 504. Opening 504 is opening 103 of aerosol delivery device 100. Opening 504 communicates with chamber 105. Opening 504 is sized to receive at least a portion of an article containing aerosol-generating material, such as article 300.

[0143] The cover mechanism 501 of the cover assembly 500 includes one or more cover members 510, 511 arranged to selectively cover the opening 504. The cover members 510, 511 cooperate to selectively cover the opening 504. In this embodiment, two cover members 510, 511 are provided. In other embodiments, a different number of cover members may be provided, such as one cover member, three cover members, four cover members, or virtually any number of cover members.

[0144] The cover mechanism 501 includes a first cover member 510 and a second cover member 511. The first cover member 510 and the second cover member 511 abut each other in a relatively closed position. The first cover member 510 defines a first edge 510a, and the second cover member 511 defines a second edge 511a. The first edge 510a and the second edge 511a are conformably arranged with each other; that is, the first edge 510a and the second edge 511a are contoured to contact each other along the entire length of the first edge 510a and the second edge 511a in the relatively closed position.

[0145] In embodiments comprising three or more cover members 510, 511, each cover member may comprise multiple edges for abutting adjacent cover members 510, 511.

[0146] The cover members 510, 511 are interchangeable, i.e., the cover members 510, 511 are identical. In other embodiments, the cover members 510, 511 may be different from each other.

[0147] The description will proceed by reference to a single cover member 510, it being understood that the other cover members 511 include similar or identical features.

[0148] The cover member 510 is in slidable contact with the body 502. The cover member 510 is generally planar. The cover member 510 includes a blade portion 512 positioned to at least partially cover the opening 504. In embodiments including only a single cover member, the blade portion 512 is positioned to completely cover the opening 504. In embodiments including two cover members, each cover member is positioned to cover half of the opening 504, as shown in FIG. 7, and thus together completely cover the opening 504. These proportions may vary.

[0149] The cover member 510 includes an arm portion 514. The arm portion 514 extends from the blade portion 512. The arm portion 514 overlaps the body 502 in both the relatively open and relatively closed positions. Thus, the arm portion 514 may be described as an overlapping portion. The blade portion 512 and the arm portion 514 are integrally formed. In other embodiments, the blade portion 512 and the arm portion 514 are separate components in a fixed relationship.

[0150] The cover member 510 includes a lower pivot pin (not shown) that functions as a pivot member. The lower pivot pin extends from the arm portion 514. The lower pivot pin is spaced apart from the blade portion 512. The lower pivot pin is received in a bore in the body 502. Thus, the cover member 510 is pivotally attached to the body 502. In other embodiments, the body 502 may include the pin and the cover member 510 may include a bore for receiving the pin.

[0151] In embodiments, the cover member 510 may include an upper pivot pin that functions as a pivot member instead of, or in addition to, the lower pivot pin. In such embodiments, the body 502 may include upper and lower portions between which the cover member 510 is held. One of the upper and lower pivot pins may be omitted. The upper pivot pin extends from the arm portion 514. The upper pivot pin is spaced apart from the blade portion 512. The upper pivot pin extends from the opposite side of the arm portion 514 to the lower pivot pin. The upper and lower pivot pins are coaxial. The upper and lower pivot pins extend parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0152] The cover member 510 is a unitary component. The cover member 510 is integrally formed. In other embodiments, the cover member 510 may be a composite component formed from multiple parts. For example, the upper pivot pin and the lower pivot pin may be a single pin that passes through the arm portion 514.

[0153] Cover mechanism 501 includes an actuating member 520. Actuating member 520 is rotatably mounted to body 502. Actuating member 520 is operable to selectively actuate cover members 510, 511. Actuating member 520 is exposed to the exterior of aerosol delivery device 100. Actuating member 520 is arranged to be manually operated by a user to actuate cover members 510, 511.

[0154] The actuating member 520 is a generally annular member. The actuating member 520 defines an opening 522. The opening 522 is disposed in the center of the actuating member 520. The opening 522 may be omitted. The opening 522 overlaps the opening 504 of the body 502. The opening 522 is axially aligned with the opening 504 of the body 502. Thus, the opening 522 communicates with the heating zone 107.

[0155] The actuating member 520 is arranged to rotate on the body 502 to actuate the cover members 510, 511. The actuating member 520 covers a portion of the body 502; that is, a portion of the body 502 extends within the actuating member 520. The axis of rotation of the actuating member 520 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber 105. In embodiments, the axis of rotation is transverse or vertical.

[0156] The body 502 includes an actuation member mount (not shown). The actuation member 520 is rotatably engaged with the actuation member mount. The actuation member mount substantially limits the movement of the actuation member 520 relative to the body to rotational movement. The actuation member 520 includes a locating feature (not shown) that engages with the actuation member mount. The locating feature is a ridge or other suitable feature that extends circumferentially around the inner surface of the actuation member 520.

[0157] The actuation member mount includes a clip (not shown) that acts as a retention structure. The clip is resilient. The actuation member mount may include multiple clips.

[0158] The cover members 510, 511 are disposed between the main body 502 and the actuating member 520. The cover members 510, 511 are in sliding contact with the main body 502. The cover members 510, 511 are in sliding contact with the actuating member 520. Such a configuration helps to limit the ingress of debris.

[0159] Rotation of the actuation member 520 relative to the body 502 moves the cover members 510, 511 between a relatively open position and a relatively closed position. A linkage member 530 couples the cover members 510, 511 to the actuation member 520 to enable this movement, as described in detail below. The cover assembly 500 is configured to be selectively operated between a relatively open position and a relatively closed position. Such positions are relative to one another. In the relatively open position, at least a portion of the article 300 can pass through the opening 504. In the relatively closed position, at least a portion of the article 300 is prevented from passing through the opening 504.

[0160] The term relatively open position is understood to mean any position in which at least a portion of the article 300 can pass through the opening, i.e., to include a fully open position and an intermediate position that leaves enough space for a portion of the article 300 to be inserted. The term relatively closed position is understood to mean any position in which a portion of the article 300 is prevented from passing through the opening 504, i.e., to include a fully closed position and an intermediate position where there is not enough space for the article 300 to pass through the opening.

[0161] In this embodiment, in the relatively open position, the cover members 510, 511 do not overlap the openings.

[0162] In this embodiment, rotation of the actuation member 520 relative to the body 502 moves the cover members 510, 511 to or from a fully closed position. The term fully closed position is understood to mean that the cover members 510, 511 completely close the opening 504. The terms open and closed as applied to features of the cover mechanism 501 are described in conjunction with each other herein.

[0163] The cover members 510, 511 are arranged to pivot relative to the body 502. The cover members 510, 511 are arranged to pivot in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the actuating member 520. The axis of rotation of the actuating member 520 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber. Thus, movement of the cover members 510, 511 between the relatively open and relatively closed positions is rotation of the cover members 510, 511. In other embodiments, such movement may additionally or alternatively include translation, i.e., linear movement.

[0164] The cover mechanism 501 includes a plurality of connecting members 530. The connecting members 530 connect the cover members 510, 511 to the actuating member 520. The connecting members 530 provide a mechanical connection between the cover members 510, 511 and the actuating member 520. In this embodiment, the cover mechanism 501 includes one connecting member 530 for each cover member 510, 511. That is, the cover mechanism 501 includes two connecting members 530. In other embodiments, the ratio of connecting members 530 to cover members 510, 511 may be different. For example, two connecting members may be provided for each cover member 510, 511.

[0165] The connecting members 530 are identical. In other embodiments, the connecting members 530 may be different from one another. The description will proceed by reference to a single connecting member 530, but it will be understood that the other connecting members 530 include similar or identical features.

[0166] Coupling member 530 is pivotally attached to actuating member 520. Coupling member 530 pivots about a fixed point on actuating member 520. In embodiments, coupling member 530 includes a pin 532 that is received in a bore in actuating member 520. In other embodiments, actuating member 520 includes a pin that is received in a bore in coupling member 530. In other embodiments, both coupling member 530 and actuating member 520 include bores, and separate pins are provided that are received in both bores.

[0167] The connecting member 530 is pivotally attached to the cover member 510. The connecting member 530 is pivotally attached to the underside of the cover member 510.

[0168] Coupling member 530 pivots about a fixed point on cover member 510. In embodiments, coupling member 530 includes a pin (not shown) that is received in a bore in cover member 510. In other embodiments, cover member 510 includes a pin that is received in a bore in coupling member 530. In other embodiments, both coupling member 530 and cover member 510 include bores, and separate pins are provided that are received in both bores.

[0169] The coupling member 530 does not translate linearly relative to the cover member 510. The coupling member 530 does not translate linearly relative to the actuating member 520. That is, the coupling member 530 is constrained only to rotate relative to each of the actuating member 520 and the cover member 510.

[0170] The connecting member 530 is an elongated member. The connecting member 530 defines a first end and a second end. The connecting member 530 is pivotally attached to the actuating member 520 proximal to the first end. The connecting member 530 is pivotally attached to the cover member 510 proximal to the second end.

[0171] The connecting member 530 is a rod. The connecting member 530 is made of a plastic material. The connecting member 530 is made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The connecting member 530 is a one-piece component. The connecting member 530 is integrally formed.

[0172] The connecting member 530 is a rigid member, which allows the connecting member 530 to push and pull the cover member 510. This allows the connecting member 530 to selectively move the cover member 510 in both the first direction and the second direction.

[0173] The connecting member 530 is pivotally attached to the blade portion 512 of the cover member 510. The cover member 510 defines a first end and a second end. The connecting member 530 is pivotally attached to the cover member 510 proximal to the first end, and the cover member 510 is pivotally attached to the body 502 proximal to the second end.

[0174] The linking member 530 is pivotally attached to the cover member 510 at a point proximal to the attachment point of the cover member 510 to the body 502, such that movement of the linking member 530 results in greater movement of the blade portion of the cover member 510. This reduces the range of movement required of the actuation member and provides a spatially efficient arrangement.

[0175] The main body 502 includes a raised portion 558. The raised portion 558 is raised relative to a recess 560 in the main body 502. The recess 560 accommodates the cover members 510, 511 and the connecting member 530. The opening 504 is provided in the recess 560. The raised portion 558 is a first raised portion, and the main body 502 includes a second raised portion 562. The second raised portion 562 may be similar to or identical to the first raised portion 558. The second raised portion 562 may be joined to the first raised portion 558 or may be separate from the first raised portion 558. That is, the first and second raised portions 558, 562 may be part of a single, continuous raised portion. The recess 560 is defined between the first raised portion 558 and the second raised portion 562.

[0176] Rotation of the actuating member 520 relative to the body 502 causes movement of the cover members 510, 511 via the linking member 530. When the actuating member 520 is rotated by a user, the linking member 530 moves the cover members 510, 511 between a relatively open position and a relatively closed position.

[0177] The cover members 510, 511 are movable between a closed position, shown in FIG. 7, and an open position. As shown, rotating the actuating member 520 clockwise moves the cover members 510, 511 toward the closed position. As shown, rotating the actuating member 520 counterclockwise moves the cover members 510, 511 toward the open position. In other embodiments, these directions may be reversed. In an embodiment, the cover mechanism 501 includes a lubricant.

[0178] Cover assembly 500 includes a retention mechanism 550. Retention mechanism 550 is configured to removably retain actuation member 520 in each of the open and closed positions. In an embodiment, retention mechanism 550 is configured to function in only one of the open and closed positions.

[0179] The actuating member 520 includes a retaining surface 552. The retaining mechanism 550 includes an open position recess 564 and a closed position recess 566. The recesses 564, 566 are defined by the retaining surface 552. The retaining surface 552 is an annular surface of the actuating member 520. That is, the retaining surface 552 includes the opening 522 of the actuating member 520. The retaining surface 552 is a lower surface of the actuating member 520. That is, the retaining surface 552 faces the main body 502 of the cover mechanism. The actuating member 520 includes a peripheral wall that surrounds the retaining surface 552.

[0180] Retention mechanism 550 includes a retention member 556. Retention member 556 is attached to a raised portion 558 of body 502. Retention member 556 is partially received in a bore within raised portion 558. In embodiments, retention member 556 may include an elastic portion of raised portion 558. Retention member 556 protrudes in the axial direction X of aerosol delivery device 100. Retention member 556 protrudes in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of actuation member 520, hereinafter referred to as the axial direction. Retention member 556 is positioned to protrude into open position recess 564 in the open position. Retention member 556 is positioned to protrude into closed position recess 566 in the closed position.

[0181] Because retaining member 556 protrudes in the axial direction, a more spatially efficient arrangement of components of aerosol delivery device 100 is possible. For example, the width of aerosol delivery device 100 in a direction perpendicular to axial direction X may be reduced. This allows aerosol delivery device 100 to more efficiently utilize the space within housing 102 while maintaining a typical external profile, such as a pen-, cigar-, or cigarette-shaped profile.

[0182] The retaining member 556 is arranged to move axially. In an embodiment, the retaining member 556 is arranged to deform axially. The retaining member 556 is biased in the axial direction. The retaining member 556 is biased toward the actuating member 520. The retaining member 556 is biased away from the body 502. Thus, the retaining mechanism 550 is biased to the retaining state when the actuating member 520 is moved to the open position. Thus, the retaining mechanism 550 is biased to the retaining state when the actuating member 520 is moved to the closed position.

[0183] The retaining member 556 is a ball spring arrangement. That is, the retaining member 556 includes a coil spring, a spherical member, and a stopper for retaining the spherical member. The spherical member is formed of nickel-plated steel. Other suitable materials may be used. In another embodiment, the retaining member 556 is an elastic member. The retaining member 556 includes a contact surface. The contact surface is curved. The contact surface is formed of a material that has a relatively low coefficient of friction with the retaining surface 552.

[0184] When the retaining member 556 protrudes into the open position recess 564 or the closed position recess 566, the cover mechanism 501 is retained in the open or closed position, respectively. It will be understood that the term retained by is intended to mean that a certain level of force must be applied to the cover mechanism 501 to urge it away from the open or closed position so that the cover mechanism 501 does not unintentionally move from the open or closed position. In this embodiment, the raised portions 558, 562 of the body provide a travel limiting stop, thereby preventing the cover mechanism 501 from moving beyond the open or closed position. That is, the cover mechanism 501 is movable only between the open and closed positions.

[0185] The retaining surfaces 552 are configured to bias the cover members 510, 511 toward at least one of the relatively open and relatively closed positions throughout substantially the entire range of movement of the cover members 510, 511 between the relatively open and relatively closed positions. It will be appreciated that the retaining surfaces 552 do not necessarily directly contact the cover members 510, 511. Rather, the retaining surfaces 552 bias the cover members 510, 511 via other components of the cover assembly 500.

[0186] The retention surface 552 includes a channel 554 that extends between an open position recess 564 and a closed position recess 566. In embodiments, the channel 554 may be discontinuous or continuous. The channel 554 follows a partial arc. The channel 554 extends between the open position recess 564 and the closed position recess 566. The retention member 556 is positioned to travel within the channel 554 between the open position recess 564 and the closed position recess 566. The retention surface 552 defines a first edge 554a of the channel 554 and a second edge 554b of the channel 554. The retention member 556 is positioned to abut the first edge 554a and the second edge 554b.

[0187] The first edge 554a and the second edge 554b converge toward a central region of the channel 554. That is, the separation between the first edge and the second edge is smallest in the central region of the channel 554. In this embodiment, the first edge 554a and the second edge 554b meet at the midpoint of the channel. In other embodiments, the first edge 554a and the second edge 554b do not meet. The first edge 554a and the second edge 554b diverge toward each end of the channel 554. That is, the separation between the first edge 554a and the second edge 554b is greatest adjacent the open position recess 564 and adjacent the closed position recess 566. As the retaining member 556 advances from the open position recess 564 or the closed position recess 566 toward the intermediate region of the channel 554, the retaining member 556 is pushed out of the channel 554 by the converging edges 554 a, 554 b of the channel 554. Thus, the retaining member 556 advances axially toward the body 502 and away from the actuating member 520. When the retaining member 556 is axially biased, the retaining member 556 is biased into the channel 554. Thus, the bias of the retaining member 556 resists movement from the relatively open and relatively closed positions and returns the cover mechanism 501 to the relatively open or relatively closed position in the absence of an external force.

[0188] Although the operation of the retention mechanism 550 is described with respect to movement from an open position to a closed position, it will be understood that the operation is substantially equivalent for movement from a closed position to an open position.

[0189] When cover mechanism 501 is in the open position, retaining member 556 is received in open position recess 564. A force applied to cover mechanism 501 in a counterclockwise direction is resisted by contact between cover members 510, 511 and raised portions 558, 562 of body 502. If a small force is applied to cover mechanism 501 in a clockwise direction, such as might result from unintentional contact with actuating member 520, the force is resisted by the bias of retaining member 556 against edges 554a, 554b of channel 554. Thus, cover mechanism 501 is retained in the open position.

[0190] When a greater amount of force is applied to the cover mechanism 501 in a clockwise direction, such as by a user intentionally rotating the actuating member 520, the retaining member 556 slides along the channel 554, moving axially toward the body 502, away from the actuating member 520, against the bias. The spring of the ball-spring arrangement is compressed. As the actuating member 520 rotates, the retaining member 556 advances within the channel 554 toward the middle region of the channel 554. Thus, the retaining mechanism 550 can be removed by the user moving the actuating member 520 from the closed position. Once the retaining member 556 passes the middle region of the channel 554, the cover mechanism 501 is no longer biased toward the open position and begins to be biased toward the closed position.

[0191] Thus, the retention mechanism 550 is biased to the open position over a portion of the range of movement of the retention mechanism 550 adjacent to the open position. The retention mechanism 550 is biased to the open position over 50% of the range of movement of the retention mechanism 550 adjacent to the open position. Thus, the cover assembly 500 returns to the open position after a small deflection, reducing the likelihood of inadvertently opening or partially opening the cover assembly 500.

[0192] The operation of the cover mechanism 501 has been described with reference to one retaining member 556 and two recesses 564 and 566. However, the cover mechanism 501 of FIG. 7 includes two retaining members 556, two open position recesses 564, and two closed position recesses 566. The operation of the second retaining member 556, the open position recess 564, and the closed position recess 566 is similar to that described above. In embodiments, a different number of retaining members, open position recesses, and closed position recesses are used. In embodiments, a single recess may operate as a closed position recess for one retaining member and as an open position recess for another retaining member. That is, the ratio of recesses to retaining members may be different from 2 to 1.

[0193] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Additionally, the present disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. a body having an opening; a chamber within the body positioned to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-forming material inserted through the opening; A cover mechanism, a cover member arranged to selectively at least partially cover the opening, and an actuation member arranged to rotate on the body to actuate the cover member; a cover mechanism including: Equipped with rotation of the actuating member relative to the body moves the cover member between a relatively open position in which at least a portion of the article can pass through the opening and a relatively closed position in which at least a portion of the article is prevented from passing through the opening; The aerosol delivery device, wherein the opening is offset from the axis of rotation of the actuation member.

2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the opening is radially spaced from the actuation member.

3. 3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the opening does not overlap with the actuating member in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the actuating member.

4. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cover member is pivotally attached to the body.

5. 5. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the cover member is arranged to pivot about a pivot point spaced radially from the actuation member.

6. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cover mechanism comprises a cam mechanism acting between the cover member and the actuation member.

7. The aerosol delivery device of claim 6 , wherein the cover member includes a pin and the actuation member includes a corresponding slot to define the cam mechanism.

8. 8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the actuating member has a peripheral wall, and the cover member has a first arm and a second arm and a recess positioned to accommodate the peripheral wall between the first arm and the second arm.

9. 9. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8, wherein the first arm is pivotally attached to the body and the second arm engages the actuation member.

10. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a user interface arrangement on the actuation member.

11. The main body and a chamber within the body arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-forming material, the body having an opening communicating with the chamber; A cover mechanism, a cover member positioned to selectively at least partially cover the opening; an actuation member arranged to rotate on the body to actuate the cover member, wherein rotation of the actuation member relative to the body moves the cover member between a relatively open position in which at least a portion of the article can pass through the opening and a relatively closed position in which at least a portion of the article is prevented from passing through the opening; and a retention mechanism positioned to removably retain the cover member in at least one of the relatively open position and the relatively closed position; a cover mechanism comprising: Equipped with the actuation member includes a retention surface; the retention mechanism includes a retention member biased against the retention surface and arranged to slide along the retention surface; An aerosol delivery device, wherein the retaining surface is configured to urge the cover member toward at least one of the relatively open position and the relatively closed position throughout at least the entire range of movement of the cover member between the relatively open position and the relatively closed position.

12. 12. The aerosol delivery device of claim 11, wherein the opening is radially spaced from the actuating member, and the retaining member and the cover member overlap in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the actuating member.

13. The aerosol delivery device of claim 11 or 12, wherein the opening is radially spaced from the actuating member and comprises a cam mechanism acting between the actuating member and the cover member, and the retaining member and the cam mechanism overlap in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the actuating member.

14. 14. The aerosol delivery device of claim 11, wherein the opening is radially spaced from the actuating member and comprises a cam mechanism acting between the actuating member and the cover member, and the retaining member is radially spaced from the cam mechanism.

15. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the body includes a mount received within the actuation member, and the retaining member is on or within the mount.

16. The main body and a chamber within the body arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-forming material, the body having an opening communicating with the chamber; A cover mechanism, a cover member positioned to selectively at least partially cover the opening; an actuation member arranged to rotate on the body to actuate the cover member, wherein rotation of the actuation member relative to the body moves the cover member between a relatively open position in which at least a portion of the article can pass through the opening and a relatively closed position in which at least a portion of the article is prevented from passing through the opening; and a retention mechanism positioned to removably retain the cover member in at least one of the relatively open position and the relatively closed position; a cover mechanism comprising: Equipped with the actuation member defines a channel; the retention mechanism includes a retention member disposed to travel at least partially within the channel when the actuation member moves, the retention member being biased against the channel; An aerosol delivery device, wherein the channel is configured to urge the cover member toward at least one of the relatively open position and the relatively closed position over at least a portion of the range of movement of the cover member between the relatively open position and the relatively closed position.

17. 17. The aerosol delivery device of claim 16, wherein the actuation member defines a first edge of the channel and a second edge of the channel, and the retaining member is positioned to abut the first edge and the second edge.

18. 18. The aerosol delivery device of claim 17, wherein the first edge and the second edge diverge toward an end of the channel and converge toward a central region of the channel.

19. 19. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the actuation member comprises a part-cylindrical surface coaxial with an axis of rotation of the actuation member, and the channel is defined within the part-cylindrical surface.

20. a body defining an opening; a heating zone positioned to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-forming material inserted through the opening; A cover mechanism, a cover member positioned to selectively at least partially cover the opening; an actuation member arranged to rotate on the body to actuate the cover member, wherein rotation of the actuation member relative to the body moves the cover member between a relatively open position in which at least a portion of the article can pass through the opening and a relatively closed position in which at least a portion of the article is prevented from passing through the opening; and a retention mechanism positioned to removably retain the cover member in at least one of the relatively open position and the relatively closed position; a cover mechanism comprising: Equipped with the actuation member includes a retention surface; the holding mechanism includes a holding member biased against the holding surface in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the actuating member and arranged to slide along the holding surface, The aerosol delivery device, wherein the retaining surface is configured to bias the cover member toward at least one of the relatively open position and the relatively closed position.

21. 21. The aerosol delivery device of claim 20, wherein the retaining member is in a fixed relationship with the body.

22. 22. The aerosol delivery device of claim 20 or 21, wherein the retaining surface is in a fixed relationship with the actuation member.

23. 23. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the cover member is a first cover member, and the cover mechanism comprises a second cover member arranged to cooperate with the first cover member to selectively at least partially cover the opening, and wherein rotation of the actuation member relative to the body moves the second cover member between a relatively open position in which at least a portion of the article can pass through the opening and a relatively closed position in which at least a portion of the article is prevented from passing through the opening.

24. 24. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the cover mechanism comprises one or more coupling members pivotally attached to the or each cover member and pivotally attached to the actuation member.

25. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the cover mechanism comprises a cam mechanism acting between the cover member and the actuation member.

26. 26. The aerosol delivery device of claim 25, wherein the cover member includes a pin and the actuation member includes a corresponding slot to define the cam mechanism.

27. 27. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 20 to 26, wherein the actuating member defines a channel, the retaining member is arranged to travel at least partially within the channel when the actuating member moves, the retaining member is biased against the channel, and the channel is configured to bias the cover member toward at least one of the relatively open position and the relatively closed position over at least a portion of the range of movement of the cover member between the relatively open position and the relatively closed position.

28. 28. The aerosol delivery device of claim 27, wherein the actuation member defines a first edge of the channel and a second edge of the channel, and the retaining member is positioned to abut the first edge and the second edge.

29. 30. The aerosol delivery device of claim 28, wherein the first edge and the second edge diverge toward ends of the channel and converge toward a central region of the channel.

30. 30. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the channel follows a part-circular path.

31. An aerosol delivery system comprising the aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 30 and an article containing an aerosol-forming material.

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