Aerosol Delivery Device

Abstract

To provide an aerosol delivery device comprising: a housing having an elongated longitudinal portion, the housing arranged to house a consumable item during use; and a communication element arranged in the elongated longitudinal portion, the communication element arranged to provide an indication to a user regarding the status of the consumable item arranged in the aerosol delivery device during use.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol delivery device, an aerosol generating system, a method for delivering an aerosol for inhalation by a user, and an aerosol delivery means. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol generating systems are known. In a typical system, an aerosol is generated by an aerosol delivery device from an aerosol-generating substance using a user-activated heater, which is then delivered for inhalation by the user. The device can be activated by the user pressing a button, or it can be activated by simply inhaling. Modern systems can use a consumable element that contains the aerosol-generating substance. It may be desirable for manufacturers to allow the user to control system activation, which may prevent the system from activating in undesirable situations.

[0003] Modern electronic aerosol generating systems and aerosol delivery devices have been introduced as replacements for other older or more conventional systems, such as those that utilize the combustion of materials to generate aerosols.

[0004] The present invention aims to solve some of the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Aspects of the present invention are defined in the appended claims.

[0006] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol delivery device is provided, comprising a housing having an elongated longitudinal portion, the housing arranged to house a consumable item during use, and a communication element arranged in the elongated longitudinal portion, the communication element arranged to provide an indication to a user regarding the status of the consumable item arranged in the aerosol delivery device during use.

[0007] Such a system may provide a user with an indication of relevant operational concerns. This may include visual, tactile, and / or auditory indications. While any indication may be possible, these have been found to be very user-friendly for handheld devices and to integrate well into such devices.

[0008] Consumables are used to supply aerosol-generating material to aerosol delivery devices. Consumables may be popular because they are a simple and easy way to insert aerosol-generating material into various aerosol delivery devices and may already contain a predetermined amount of aerosol-generating material. A user can insert (or otherwise supply) a consumable into an aerosol delivery device prior to use. This process can be difficult because a user may not be able to fully see how the consumable enters and moves into the device.

[0009] The status of the consumable may be at least one of insertion status, life, temperature, location, type, geolocation, and authenticity.

[0010] Informing the user of the remaining life of a consumable is particularly useful because it allows the user to know how many sessions are left before the consumable needs to be replaced, which is particularly useful because it provides the user with advance warning before the device fails due to the consumable.

[0011] Informing the user of the temperature of the consumable is particularly useful because it can notify the user when the aerosol delivery device is about to deliver aerosol (from its pre-use position) and when it is safe to return the aerosol delivery device to its stored state (e.g., in a pocket after a use session). The user may also be notified if there is a problem with the heating hardware, for example, if the temperature of the consumable is too low or too high (when the heater should not be activated) at any point during use or storage.

[0012] Informing the user of the location of the consumable is particularly helpful for users who are unable to see the location of the consumable in the device. This may be the case in instances where the device has a cavity for the consumable but does not have a window for tracking the consumable as it moves into the cavity. This may be the case when the user is using the device in a dark location or if the user has poor eyesight. This allows the user to verify that the consumable is safely provided in the aerosol delivery device before use, reducing the possibility of damaging the consumable due to incorrect insertion. This also keeps the user updated on why the device may not be delivering aerosol as expected. The user will understand why the device is not delivering aerosol and how to resolve the issue, thereby improving their overall user experience with the device.

[0013] Informing the user of the consumable type is advantageous for improving the user experience of the device by reducing the likelihood of activation by an unexpected consumable and / or aerosol-generating substance.

[0014] Informing a user of the geolocation status may be useful in restricted usage situations. In one example, a user may be attempting to use a device in a restricted location but may not be aware of this. Displaying a communication element may notify the user that they cannot vape with a particular consumable in such a situation. For example, in a location where nicotine vapor is not permitted but nicotine-free vapor is permitted, the user may be notified and act accordingly.

[0015] Users may be informed about the authenticity of consumables. A distinction is made between genuine and non-genuine consumables. Because non-genuine consumables may be manufactured by unauthorized third parties and may not have been rigorously tested for compatibility with the aerosol delivery device, it is beneficial for users to be aware of this before use. Manufacturers can control the quality of the aerosol delivered by the device by increasing the likelihood that genuine consumables are used instead of non-genuine consumables. This affects the device's lifespan and user safety. Therefore, users may want to verify the authenticity of consumables. Although the device does not need to prevent activation if non-genuine consumables are used, it can prevent activation. This indication allows users to make an informed decision when activating the device.

[0016] Thus, the user can be fully prepared for any actions that may be required (such as replacing consumables, receiving aerosols containing active ingredients or other ingredients, moving consumables within the device to correct their position, checking and replacing heaters, and using or not using the aerosol delivery device due to geolocation-based restrictions).

[0017] The communication element may be an interactive screen. The interactive screen may provide a human machine interface (HMI) or the like for interacting with the device. The human machine interface may provide information to a user through a visual display. The user may interact with this visual display by touching the interactive screen.

[0018] The communication element may be elongated. This may increase the familiarity of the device to users of older or more traditional systems. In particular, the communication element may display a diagram showing the consumables burning off during use (providing the user with the lifespan of the consumables). The remaining usage time (sometimes referred to herein as "lifespan") of the device's consumables may be displayed on the communication element. As the remaining usage time decreases, a visual indication of the burnout may be shown. This increases the familiarity of newer aerosol delivery device systems to users of older combustible systems. Therefore, providing this information by mimicking existing habits or routines that are familiar when using these products increases the confidence of these users. This system may be beneficial to users of older systems, as they may not be accustomed to checking e-liquid levels (for example).

[0019] In one example, the communication element is arranged to provide a plurality of visual indications, a plurality of tactile indications, and at least one audible indication to the user. This can be a particularly advantageous arrangement, as one audible indication can be used for an emergency warning indication. Thus, while a visual indication can be used to indicate general device usage (e.g., indicating that the device is running out of aerosol-generating material and therefore a consumable is about to burn out), a tactile indication can be used to indicate whether the temperature of a consumable is within acceptable limits (e.g., a tactile indication is provided if the temperature is outside of acceptable levels, letting the user know that they should take the device to a technician), and an audible indication can be used to indicate geolocation-based restrictions so that the user knows not to use the device, regardless of whether they are using a particular consumable or not at all.

[0020] In this way, these displays can clearly present a vast amount of important data to the user, which can then be used to process it accordingly, thereby increasing the user's confidence in the device and extending its lifespan by allowing the user to take proactive action if, for example, repairs are needed.

[0021] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol generation system for supplying an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising an aerosol delivery device comprising a housing having an elongated longitudinal portion, the housing arranged to house a consumable during use, and a communication element arranged in the elongated longitudinal portion, the communication element arranged to provide an indication to the user regarding the status of the consumable arranged in the aerosol delivery device during use.

[0022] According to some embodiments described herein, a method of supplying an aerosol for inhalation by a user is provided, the method comprising the steps of providing an aerosol delivery device having a housing with an elongated longitudinal portion in which a communication element is disposed, and providing to the user, via the communication element, at least one indication regarding the status of a consumable item disposed in the aerosol delivery device and in use.

[0023] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery means comprising a housing having an elongated longitudinal portion, the housing arranged to house a consumable during use, and a communication means arranged in the elongated longitudinal portion, the communication means arranged to provide an indication to a user regarding the status of the consumable arranged in the aerosol delivery means during use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] The present teachings will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings: [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery device according to an example. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery device according to an example. [Figure 3] 1 is a flow diagram by way of example. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description of the specific embodiments are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed. On the contrary, the invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Aspects and features of particular examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of particular examples and embodiments may be implemented in a conventional manner and, for the sake of brevity, will not be discussed / described in detail. Accordingly, it will be understood that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail can be implemented in accordance with any conventional technique for implementing such aspects and features.

[0026] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, sometimes referred to as aerosol delivery systems, such as e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description, the terms "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may be used, but it should be understood that these terms may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery systems / devices and electronic aerosol delivery systems / devices. Additionally, as is common in the art, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor," as well as related terms such as "vaporize," "volatilize," and "aerosolize," may generally be used interchangeably.

[0027] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example aerosol delivery device 100 according to the present invention. The aerosol delivery device 100 includes an aerosol delivery device housing 110 having an elongated longitudinal portion 112. The housing 110 is configured to house consumables and / or aerosol-generating materials during use. The housing 110 may be a wide cylindrical shape with a longitudinal portion 112 longer than a corresponding transverse portion. The housing 110 may have a non-circular cross-section and may have any cross-section while maintaining the elongated longitudinal portion 112. The elongated longitudinal portion 112 may have a communication element 115 disposed thereon. The communication element 115 may be a series of elements or may be a single continuous element having multiple operating portions. The communication element 115 is configured to provide at least one indication to a user regarding the status of a consumable item disposed in the aerosol delivery device 100 during use.

[0028] This arrangement has the potential to provide very useful information to the user in a non-intrusive manner. Communications from communication element 115 may increase familiarity for users accustomed to older flammable systems and increase confidence in using newer systems.

[0029] The elongated communication element 115 may provide a visual indication, reminiscent of a cigarette burning out, when the aerosol-generating material in the consumable of the device 100 is depleted. A linear visual communication along the length of the device 100 may indicate depletion, as seen in typical disposable combustible products. In one example, the consumable is depicted as a bar or other shape reminiscent of older combustible systems, appearing to burn during use, with the bar darkening in color as it is used. A remaining consumable indicator indicates the amount of life (use) remaining in the consumable of the device 100, as in older combustible products. Encouraging users of such older systems to use newer, reusable systems may further reduce the overall number of discarded devices, providing environmental benefits.

[0030] Providing the data along the elongated portion of the housing provides a user-friendly location for providing the information because the user is more likely to see it. Location along another portion of the device may make the information less visible to the user. Thus, for example, the use of a visual display and its location along the elongated portion of the device are synergistic in that they provide the data easily to the user and increase the confidence of users of older systems because the display mimics effects associated with older or conventional flammable products, thereby mimicking existing habits or routines that are familiar when using these products.

[0031] The communication element can provide visual (as described above), tactile, and / or audible indications to the user. Each of these indications has advantages. The use of visual elements has been described and discussed above. Tactile indications are helpful for users in low-light conditions where visual indications may be less effective. Additionally, tactile indications are helpful for users who are visually impaired and for whom visual communication is not a viable data transmission mechanism. Tactile indications may occur along the length of the device from the distal end to the proximal end to create a tactile burnout effect. This may also provide the user with a clear indication of the number of sessions remaining (e.g., remaining life of a consumable) because the user knows the location of the indication relative to the proximal end. Other tactile indications may also be possible, such as the entire device vibrating once when the consumable is in a suitable position for device activation. A series of tactile indications, such as a series of five short vibrations, may be used to indicate that the heater is not providing the expected temperature to the consumable and that the device should be serviced. A similar warning vibration may be provided to the user if the consumable inserted into the device is not authentic.

[0032] Auditory cues may also be helpful to users in dark places or with limited visibility. Auditory cues may also be helpful to users in cold weather, where the user may be wearing layers of clothing, such as on their hands, which may weaken tactile cues. Therefore, auditory cues are very useful. Emergency indications can be made through auditory cues, as they may be the most reliable indication method. The user may not be in the same room as the device and may therefore not notice tactile or visual indications, but may receive an auditory indication. Therefore, auditory cues are very useful for indications that may occur during periods of non-use, such as an end of life heater, the need for urgent repairs, or other similar urgent issues such as geolocation issues that prevent the device from being used.

[0033] In general, the communication element can provide various display formats for different aspects or aspects of data. Tactile indicators may be used to indicate to the user whether the aerosol-generating substance or consumable has been inserted correctly or incorrectly into the device, whether the consumable is heating or not heating as expected, and whether the consumable is ready to emit vapor. Visual indicators may be used to indicate the type of consumable or aerosol-generating substance present in the device, e.g., red for nicotine and green for nicotine-free. Other lighting options may be provided for age-restricted, non-age-restricted, tobacco-containing, menthol-containing, cannabinoid-containing, and herbal. Visual indicators may also indicate the lifespan of the consumable, e.g., a series of red lights turning off depending on the remaining lifespan of the consumable. Audible indicators may be used at power-on (relevant to situations where the device accidentally starts turning on when the user is not holding it, thereby improving safety) or other similar potentially dangerous moments during use, such as when the consumable overheats due to heater or power supply issues. As mentioned above, an auditory indication may be useful for geolocation matters that need to be communicated to the user urgently in cases where restrictive policies apply in certain regions. By combining tactile, visual, and auditory indications, the communication construct can be a very effective and reliable system for communicating issues to the user.

[0034] Each of these displays is user programmable, allowing users to have configurations that suit their preferred display system.

[0035] In one example, the communication element can be an interactive screen. The screen may provide a display that a user can interact with by interacting with the screen. For example, the screen may show a burnt-out portion of a flammable product in use, and the user can brush off the burnt-out portion of the flammable product displayed on the screen by flicking the screen. The screen detects the user's interaction and reproduces the user's interaction within the image displayed on the screen. This increases familiarity of the newer, reusable system for users of older flammable systems by mimicking existing habits or routines that users are familiar with when using these products. As discussed above, familiarity increases confidence in using the newer system.

[0036] The communication element may be a human machine interface or the like that allows a user to interact with a data feed in the device. The human machine interface may provide a variety of data to the user in a user-friendly manner.

[0037] The communicating element 115 in FIG. 1 has an elongated shape. The communicating element 115 conforms to a certain extent to the portion of the housing 110 in which it is placed. The elongated nature of the communicating element 115 enhances the resemblance to older combustible mechanisms that the communicating element 115 may mimic to some extent. The engineering consideration for this is to increase the confidence of users new to these devices. Linear visual communication can provide a high level of familiarity, and therefore confidence, to new users of modern devices by mimicking existing habits or routines that are familiar when using these products.

[0038] The communication element may be a single extended communication element or may comprise a series of communication elements. Examples of communication elements are shown in Figure 2. Device 200 has a housing 210 with an elongated portion 212. The communication elements are shown at portions 215a, 215b, 215c, and 215d along portion 212.

[0039] Each consumable may light up (providing a visual indication) when it is full. Alternatively, or additionally, each consumable may provide a tactile indication when it is full. The last portion of the communication element 215d may stop lighting up (or vibrating; the element need not provide only a visual indication) when the consumable is 25% depleted. Thus, in this example, a visual indication is used to inform the user of the end of life of the consumable, in a manner similar to a cigarette or the like burning out. Again, this increases the similarity between modern devices and older combustible devices.

[0040] The device may have LEDs located along its length that light up according to various technical considerations. For example, the entire device may light up when the consumable is full, and the LEDs may light off accordingly when the consumable is depleted. This provides a clear visual indication to the user as to how soon the consumable needs to be replaced. When 75% of the LEDs are lit, the consumable has plenty of life left. When 10% is lit, the user may begin searching for a replacement consumable. The color of the LEDs may also change accordingly; when the consumable is full (i.e., unused, new), the light may be white; when 80% full, the LED may be blue; when 40% full, the LED may be green; and when 10% full, the LED may be red, further indicating that the consumable needs to be replaced soon.

[0041] The structure may be a series of LEDs, tactile emitters, or audible emitters arranged in a ring around the housing of the device, each of which may illuminate to indicate a gradual change in the consumable's usage, such as end of life or insertion status.

[0042] Any combination of visual, tactile, and audible indications can be used as convenient for the user. As discussed above, one type of indication (e.g., an audible indication) may be reserved for emergency notifications to the user. In this way, the user will always associate one form of indication as requiring immediate action. This improves user interaction with the alarm features disclosed herein, making it less likely that the user will ignore an indication (e.g., a tactile indication) if that type of indication is used regularly and a slightly different form of that indication (e.g., five beeps) indicates a serious or critical problem.

[0043] When the consumable is inserted into the device, the display screen displays a heat-sensitive pigment along the length of the consumable that changes to a used color as the consumable is depleted. This may mean that the consumable initially appears white and may change color to black or clear as it is depleted during use in the device. Alternatively (or additionally), the display screen's representation of the consumable may change to brown during use to mimic the representation of older or traditional flammable products, thereby mimicking existing habits or routines that are familiar when using these products.

[0044] The system can record the location of consumables inserted into the device 200. The system may include a detector or a series of detectors for detecting data that is communicated to the user. The detector may be any of a timer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a capacitor located in the housing, a thermal sensor, an accelerometer, an altimeter, a light gate, and a pressure sensor. Each of these detectors may serve to provide an assessment of a relevant aspect that is communicated to the user.

[0045] 2 shows an example of a consumable 250 being inserted into the housing 210 in the direction of arrow A through opening 218. The consumable 250 may be inserted into a dedicated chamber, cavity, or the like within the housing 210. A detector or detector array detects the insertion of the consumable 250 and reports this to the control circuitry, which may provide an indication to the user via a tactile, visual, or audio indication or cue.

[0046] In one example, once the consumable 250 is properly inserted into the housing 210, the communication element 215 provides an indication of this to the user. For example, using a visual example, communication element 215d can indicate that the consumable 250 has been successfully inserted into a first portion of the housing 210. Communication element 215c can indicate, if the insertion continues to be successful, that the consumable 250 has been successfully inserted into the next portion of the housing 210. The visual indication may be that of a consumable stick or the like that fits into a cavity, which is most familiar to users of older devices, thus mimicking an existing habit or routine that is familiar when using these products. Alternatively (or additionally), an LED may simply illuminate a particular color once the consumable is properly inserted into that portion of the housing 210. Then, in the example of FIG. 2, indicators 215c and 215d would illuminate white, but indicators 215a and 215b would not. If the consumable 250 is then moved further in the direction indicated by arrow A, but gets caught on an element within the housing 210, the next indicator 215b may illuminate red, indicating the problem to the user. The user may then recognize the problem and try removing and reinserting the consumable 250 until all lights are illuminated and white.

[0047] The same system can be provided using tactile and / or audible cues from the indicators 215. For example, a tactile indication may be that each indicator 215a-d emits a vibration when the consumable 250 passes through the associated portion of the housing 210 and is successfully inserted. Upon successful and full insertion of the consumable 250, the tactile system may emit a series of short vibrations to confirm to the user that the consumable 250 has been successfully inserted. Alternatively (or additionally), the system may emit more frequent vibrations as the consumable begins to be fully inserted. When the system emits continuous vibrations (over a period of time), the user knows that the consumable 250 has been successfully inserted. This may be particularly useful in dark locations or in particularly cold weather when the user needs to insert the consumable into a pocket housing to keep their hands from getting cold. Each of these examples provides important functional data to the user, who can act accordingly to ensure the device 200 is functioning properly.

[0048] Thus, device 200 can provide the user with information regarding the insertion status of consumable 250: not inserted (LEDs off or no tactile feedback), improperly inserted (some LEDs red or some tactile feedback indicating an error), and properly inserted (all LEDs white or tactile feedback continuing for a predetermined period of time).

[0049] The user may also derive satisfaction from the insertion mechanism providing feedback that the consumable was successfully inserted.

[0050] In one example, the device has a display screen that can provide a visual indication to the user during use. The display screen can display the status of the consumable. The control circuitry can control the display of the status on the display screen. The device can have an auditory element to provide an auditory indication to the user. The screen can be an OLED, LED, or the like. This provides a more user-friendly device and improves the overall safety of the device.

[0051] A user may be able to physically interact with the display. For example, the display may show smoke when the device is activated. A user may be able to swipe through the smoke using movements detected by a detector.

[0052] In one example, the display screen may be a display screen with a full wraparound display. The device may be generally cylindrical in shape, and the screen may wrap partially or completely around a portion of the housing. Such a configuration improves the view provided by the screen by making the screen more visible to the user, thereby increasing the likelihood that the view will be seen.

[0053] 3 illustrates a method 300 of using an aerosol delivery device. Method 300 is illustrated as a flowchart. In method 300, the device may start up in a default state 302 in which a consumable may be placed in the device. Alternatively, the default operating state may be a state in which no consumable is placed in the device. The life of the consumable may be fully or partially used.

[0054] When a user attempts to use the device, when it is in use, or when it is not in use, the device detects the status of the consumable. This may be as described above. The device uses a detector (which may include multiple individual sensors / detectors) to detect the status (or multiple statuses, in the case of a device with multiple consumables). The detector may detect one or more statuses via any standard mechanism (404).

[0055] The detectors send signals to the control circuitry 406 accordingly. The control circuitry may receive periodic signals from one or more detectors regarding one or more statuses and may provide an indication to the user if deemed relevant. The user does not need to be permanently notified that the consumable is properly positioned in the housing. Rather, the user is preferably notified when the consumable is first properly positioned, and then notified when this status changes to improper. However, the user may be continuously (or semi-continuously, i.e., at regular short intervals) notified of the consumable's lifespan and the number of sessions remaining, so that the user can be kept up to date with the device's remaining usage.

[0056] If such an indication is deemed appropriate for communication to the user, the control circuitry may provide an indication to the user via the communication element (308), which itself may be any or all of a visual, tactile, or auditory indication, in accordance with the description above.

[0057] This method provides the user with a user-friendly display process that does not overload the user with information but periodically informs the user about relevant matters throughout the life of the device's consumable. This method achieves a balance between overloading the user and providing the user with little or no warning before a relevant usage event (e.g., a lack of aerosol-generating material or heater failure due to overheating or underheating the consumable aerosol-generating material). Having clear indications to the user of various situations allows the user to be well-informed and prepared while using the device. This method further enhances user familiarity for users of older or more traditional flammable products by mimicking existing habits or routines that are familiar when using these products.

[0058] The detectors described above may be a series of detectors. The detector may be one device or multiple devices. The detectors disclosed herein may include a series of devices that operate simultaneously or together to provide an accurate and informed assessment of the status of various consumables within the device at any given moment. These may be used to ensure that an accurate and relevant indication is provided to the user.

[0059] The aerosol delivery device may include a heating element or the like for providing an aerosol from a consumable, which may include an aerosol generating substance or the like. A control circuit may control the heating element (or the like) in response to a usage request from a user. Activation and end-of-life of the consumable is detected by a detector in the device and provided to the control circuit, which links to one or more communication elements in the device, for notification to the user.

[0060] The devices and systems herein are described as comprising several components that enable several advantages. The components may be disclosed as being on-board the device or disposed within the system. The components may be distributed and not necessarily on-board the device. The functionality of the device may be provided by communicatively connected components, and such communication may be wireless, enabling such distribution. At this point, it is reasonable to expect that an arrangement of distributed components will operate similarly to the devices and systems disclosed herein. The components of the device or system may be included in another device, such as a smartphone, computer, or remote server.

[0061] The methods and devices disclosed herein allow for appropriate information to be communicated to the user about the status of consumables within the device, thereby improving the user experience, the lifespan of the device, and the safety of general use of the device.

[0062] The devices and systems disclosed herein can be used with consumables that include an aerosol-generating substance. Such consumables can be solid or liquid, and can be cartridges, sticks, or the like. Consumables can be refillable or replaceable.

[0063] In certain examples, the devices disclosed herein can operate with replaceable flavor pods in the device, sometimes referred to as consumables. The flavors can be either tobacco or glycolic, and can include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, peppermint, anise, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, konjac, etc.). The compositions may contain other additives such as spices, spice blends, flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners, which may be imitation, synthetic, natural, or mixtures thereof.

[0064] When combined with an aerosol-generating medium, the aerosol delivery device disclosed herein may be referred to as an aerosol delivery system.

[0065] Thus, an aerosol delivery device has been described, comprising a housing having an elongated longitudinal portion, the housing arranged to house a consumable item during use, and a communication element arranged in the elongated longitudinal portion, the communication element arranged to provide an indication to a user regarding the status of the consumable item arranged in the aerosol delivery device during use.

[0066] The aerosol delivery system can be used in tobacco industry products, for example, as a non-combustible aerosol delivery system.

[0067] In one embodiment, a tobacco industry product comprises one or more components of a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, such as a heater and an aerosolizable substrate.

[0068] In one embodiment, the aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device.

[0069] In one embodiment, an electronic cigarette comprises a heater, a power source capable of powering the heater, an aerosolizable substrate such as a liquid or gel, a housing, and optionally a mouthpiece.

[0070] In one embodiment, the aerosolizable substrate is contained within or on a substrate container, hi one embodiment, the substrate container is combined with or includes a heater.

[0071] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a heating product that releases one or more compounds by heating, but not burning, a substrate material. The substrate material is an aerosolizable material, such as tobacco or other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the heating device product is a tobacco heating product.

[0072] In one embodiment, the heating product is an electronic device.

[0073] In one embodiment, a tobacco heating product comprises a heater, a power source capable of powering the heater, and an aerosolizable substrate, such as a solid or gel material.

[0074] In one embodiment, the heating product is a non-electronic device.

[0075] In one embodiment, the heating product comprises an aerosolizable substrate, such as a solid or gel material, and a heat source capable of providing thermal energy to the aerosolizable substrate without any electronic means, such as by burning a combustible material, such as charcoal.

[0076] In one embodiment, the heating product also comprises a filter capable of filtering the aerosol generated by heating the aerosolizable substrate.

[0077] In some embodiments, the aerosolizable substrate material may comprise an aerosol or aerosol-generating agent, or a humectant such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol.

[0078] In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol by heating, but not burning, a combination of substrate materials. The substrate materials may comprise, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and a solid substrate. The solid substrate may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco product, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and tobacco.

[0079] To address various challenges and advance the art, this entire disclosure illustrates various exemplary embodiments that may embody the claimed invention(s) and provide an improved electronic aerosol delivery system. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely representative examples of embodiments and are not intended to be exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be considered limitations on the present disclosure, as defined by the claims, or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the present disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. Furthermore, the present disclosure encompasses other inventions not currently claimed but that may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. a housing having an elongated longitudinal portion, the housing arranged to house a consumable item during use; a communication element disposed in the elongated longitudinal portion; Equipped with An aerosol delivery device, wherein the communication element is arranged to provide an indication to a user regarding the status of the consumable item placed in use in the aerosol delivery device.

2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the consumable comprises an aerosol generating substance.

3. 3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication element is arranged to provide at least one of a visual indication, a tactile indication, and / or an audio indication to the user.

4. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the status of the consumable comprises at least one of insertion status, age, temperature, location, type, geolocation, and authenticity.

5. 5. The aerosol delivery device of claim 4, wherein the insertion status comprises at least one of: not inserted, improperly inserted, and properly inserted.

6. 6. The aerosol delivery device of claim 4 or 5, wherein the type comprises at least one of age-restricted, age-unrestricted, tobacco-containing, menthol-containing, cannabinoid, and herbal.

7. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the communication element has an elongated shape.

8. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the communication element comprises a series of communication elements disposed in the elongated longitudinal portion.

9. The communication element: a plurality of visual displays; a plurality of tactile displays; at least one auditory indication; 9. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, arranged to provide the aerosol to the user.

10. 1. An aerosol generating system for supplying an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: a housing having an elongated longitudinal portion, the housing arranged to house a consumable item during use; a communication element disposed in the elongated longitudinal portion; an aerosol delivery device comprising: The aerosol generation system, wherein the communication element is arranged to provide an indication to the user regarding the status of the consumable item placed in use in the aerosol delivery device.

11. The aerosol generating system of claim 10 , wherein the consumable comprises an aerosol generating substance.

12. 12. The aerosol generation system of claim 10 or 11, wherein the communication element is arranged to provide at least one of a visual indication, a tactile indication, and / or an audio indication to the user.

13. 13. The aerosol generation system of claim 10, wherein the status of the consumable comprises at least one of insertion status, lifespan, temperature, location, type, geolocation information, and authenticity.

14. 14. The aerosol generation system of claim 13, wherein the insertion status comprises at least one of: not inserted, improperly inserted, and properly inserted.

15. 15. The aerosol generating system of claim 13 or 14, wherein the types include at least one of age-restricted, age-unrestricted, tobacco-containing, menthol-containing, cannabinoid, and herbal.

16. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the communication element has an elongated shape.

17. 17. The aerosol generation system of claim 10, wherein the communication element comprises a series of communication elements arranged in the elongated longitudinal portion.

18. The communication element: a plurality of visual displays; a plurality of tactile displays; at least one auditory indication; 18. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 10 to 17, arranged to provide the aerosol to the user.

19. 1. A method of delivering an aerosol for inhalation by a user, comprising: providing an aerosol delivery device comprising a housing having an elongated longitudinal portion with a communication element disposed therein; providing, via the communication element, at least one indication to a user regarding the status of a consumable item disposed in and in use with the aerosol delivery device; A method of providing the same.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein providing at least one indication comprises at least one of providing a visual indication, providing a tactile indication, and providing an auditory indication.

21. 21. The method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the status of the consumable comprises at least one of insertion status, age, temperature, location, type, and authenticity.

22. The method of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the communication element is an interactive screen, and the communication element has an elongated shape.

23. The step of providing at least one indication comprises: providing a plurality of visual displays; providing a plurality of tactile indications; providing an auditory indication; The method of any one of claims 19 to 22, comprising:

24. a housing having an elongated longitudinal portion, the housing arranged to house a consumable item during use; communication means disposed in said elongated longitudinal portion; Equipped with An aerosol delivery means wherein the communication means is arranged to provide an indication to the user as to the status of the consumable placed in use in the aerosol delivery means.

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