Case for an aerosol delivery device

Abstract

A case (and method of using the case) for an aerosol delivery device is described that includes a lid having an open position and a closed position, a pair of a magnet and a Hall sensor configured to emit a signal indicating whether the lid is in the open position or the closed position, and a control unit configured to receive a signal from the Hall sensor indicating whether the lid is open or closed.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present specification relates to cases (eg, carrying cases), particularly cases for aerosol delivery devices. [Background technology]

[0002] (background) Smoking articles, such as cigarettes, cigars, etc., burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these smoking articles by creating products that separate compounds without combustion. For example, tobacco heating devices heat an aerosol-delivery substrate, such as tobacco, to form an aerosol by heating the substrate without burning it. Aerosol delivery devices can be used with a case, such as a carrying case, to hold the device when not in use. There remains a need for further development in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0003] (overview) For a first aspect, the present specification describes a case for an aerosol delivery device (which may include, for example, a tobacco heating system) that includes a lid having an open position and a closed position, a magnet and Hall sensor pair configured to emit a signal indicative of whether the lid is in the open or closed position, and a controller configured to receive a signal from the Hall sensor indicative of whether the lid is open or closed. The aerosol delivery device may be a non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

[0004] The magnet may be provided inside the lid of the case, and the Hall sensor may be provided inside the body of the case.

[0005] The case may further include a battery status indicator, and the controller may be configured to activate the battery status indicator upon detecting a change in the lid from the closed position to the open position. The battery status indicator may include, for example, one or more light emitting diodes. The battery status indicator may be configured, for example, to indicate a battery status of an aerosol delivery device mounted within the case.

[0006] The case may further comprise an aerosol delivery device, which may be configured to receive a removable article comprising an aerosolizable material, which may be present on a substrate.

[0007] The aerosol delivery device may include a tobacco heating system.

[0008] For a second aspect, the present specification describes a method comprising the step of receiving a signal from a Hall sensor indicating whether a lid of a case for an aerosol delivery device is in an open position or a closed position, the signal depending on the position of a magnet relative to the Hall sensor.

[0009] The magnet may be provided inside the lid of the case, and the Hall sensor may be provided inside the body of the case.

[0010] The method may further include activating a battery status indicator of the case when the lid is changed from the closed position to the open position. The battery status indicator may comprise one or more light emitting diodes. The battery status indicator may be configured to indicate a battery status of an aerosol delivery device mounted within the case.

[0011] The method may further include receiving the aerosol delivery device within the case.

[0012] In a third aspect, the present specification describes a kit comprising a case as described above in relation to the first aspect, an aerosol delivery device, and an article for use with the aerosol delivery device. The aerosol delivery device can be a non-combustion aerosol delivery device. The article can be a removable article comprising an aerosol-generating material. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] Exemplary embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following schematic drawings in which: [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a case for an aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a non-combustion aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a flow diagram illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flow diagram illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a display unit according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a display unit according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a display unit according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a flow diagram illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] (Detailed Description) As used herein, the term "aerosol delivery device" is intended to encompass a system that delivers a substance to a user; a non-combustion aerosol delivery system that separates compounds from an aerosolizable material without combusting the aerosolizable material, such as a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of an e-cigarette, a tobacco heating product, and an aerosolizable material; an article including an aerosolizable material, the article being configured for use in one of these non-combustion aerosol delivery systems; Includes.

[0015] According to the present disclosure, a "combustion-based" aerosol delivery system is one in which an aerosolizable composition of the aerosol delivery system (or a component of the aerosol delivery system) is combusted or burned to facilitate delivery to a user.

[0016] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustion" aerosol delivery system is one in which the aerosolizable compositional materials of the aerosol delivery system (or components of the aerosol delivery system) are not combusted or burned to facilitate delivery to a user.

[0017] In the embodiments illustrated herein, the delivery system is a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as an energized non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

[0018] In one embodiment, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an e-cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine within the aerosolizable material is not a requirement.

[0019] In one embodiment, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a tobacco heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system.

[0020] In one embodiment, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that uses a combination of aerosolizable materials to generate an aerosol, where one or more of the aerosolizable materials can be heated. Each of the aerosolizable materials can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosolizable material and a solid aerosolizable material. The solid aerosolizable material can include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0021] Generally, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system may comprise a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and an article for use with the non-combustion aerosol delivery system, although it should be understood that articles that themselves comprise a means for imparting energy to an aerosol generating component may themselves form a non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

[0022] In one embodiment, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device can include an energy source and a controller. The energy source can be an electrical power source or an exothermic energy source. In one embodiment, the exothermic energy source includes a carbon substrate that can be activated to deliver energy in the form of heat to an aerosolizable material or heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic energy source. In one embodiment, an energy source, such as an exothermic energy source, can be provided within an article to form a non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

[0023] In one embodiment, an article for use with a non-combustion aerosol delivery device may include an aerosolizable material, an aerosol-generating component, an aerosol-generating region, a mouthpiece, and / or a region for receiving an aerosolizable material.

[0024] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating component is a heater capable of interacting with the aerosolizable material to separate one or more volatile substances from the aerosolizable material to form an aerosol. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating component is capable of generating an aerosol from the aerosolizable material without heating. For example, the aerosol generating component may be capable of generating an aerosol from the aerosolizable material without applying heat to the aerosolizable material, for example, by one or more of vibrational, mechanical, pressurized, or electrostatic means.

[0025] In one embodiment, the aerosolizable material may include an active material, an aerosol-forming material, and optionally one or more functional materials. The active material may include nicotine (optionally contained in tobacco or a tobacco derivative) or one or more other non-olfactory physiologically active materials. A non-olfactory physiologically active material is a substance that is included in the aerosolizable material to achieve a physiological response other than olfactory perception. As used herein, an active material may be a physiologically active material that is a material that is adapted to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active material may be selected from, for example, functional foods, nootropics, and psychotropic drugs. The active material may be of natural or synthetic origin. The active material may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or compositions, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active material may include one or more compositions, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or another botanical. In some embodiments, the active agent comprises nicotine, hi some embodiments, the active agent comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0026] The aerosol forming material may include one or more of glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixtures, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0027] The one or more functional materials may include one or more of a fragrance, a carrier, a pH adjuster, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0028] In one embodiment, an article for use with a non-combustion aerosol delivery device may comprise an aerosolizable material or a region for receiving an aerosolizable material. In one embodiment, an article for use with a non-combustion aerosol delivery device may comprise a mouthpiece. The region for receiving an aerosolizable material may be a storage region for storing the aerosolizable material. For example, the storage region may be a reservoir. In one embodiment, the region for receiving an aerosolizable material may be separate or integral to the aerosol-generation region.

[0029] An aerosolizable material, sometimes referred to herein as an aerosol-generating material, is a material that is capable of generating an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or otherwise activated. The aerosolizable material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain nicotine and / or flavorings. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may include an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid substance that can hold some fluid, such as a liquid, within it.

[0030] The aerosolizable material can be present on a substrate, which can be or include, for example, paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted aerosolizable material, a plastic material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy.

[0031] A consumable is an article that comprises or is composed of an aerosol-generating material, such that some or all of the aerosol-generating material is consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transport component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generating portion, such as a heater that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol during use. The heater may comprise, for example, a combustible material, a material that can be heated by the passage of electricity, or a susceptor.

[0032] 1 shows a case for an aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment, generally designated by reference numeral 10. Case 10 includes a lid 12 and a body 14. Body 14 includes a storage area 16 for storing an aerosol delivery device (not shown in FIG. 1). The aerosol delivery device can be a non-combustion aerosol generating device, although this is not required for all exemplary embodiments.

[0033] Case 10 includes a port 18 that can be used to charge the battery of an aerosol delivery device stored in storage area 16 .

[0034] 2 is a block diagram of a non-combustion aerosol delivery device, generally designated by reference number 20, according to an exemplary embodiment. The aerosol delivery device 20 can be stored within area 16 of case 10 described above. The device 20 is a modular device comprising a first portion 21a and a second portion 21b. In some embodiments, the first portion 21a and the second portion 21b can be stored separately (e.g., detached from each other) within case 10. The aerosol delivery device 20 can comprise a tobacco heating system.

[0035] A first portion 21a of the device 20 comprises a control circuit 22 and a battery 23. A second portion 21b of the device 20 comprises a heater 24 and a liquid reservoir 25 (which together can form an aerosol generator).

[0036] The first portion 21a comprises a first connector 26a (such as a USB connector), which may allow for connection to a power source (e.g., the battery in the case 10 via the port 18 in the case 10 or an external power source) for charging the battery 23, for example under the control of the control circuit 22.

[0037] The first portion 21a also includes a second connector 26b that is removably connectable to a first connector 27 of the second portion 21b.

[0038] In use of device 20, air is drawn into the air inlet of heater 24, as shown by arrow 28. The heater is used to heat the air (e.g., under the control of circuit 23). The heated air is directed to liquid reservoir 25, where an aerosol is generated. The aerosol exits the device at the air outlet, as shown by arrow 29 (e.g., into the mouth of a user of device 20).

[0039] The liquid reservoir 25 may be embodied by a removable article comprising an aerosol-generating material, which may include an aerosol-generating substrate and an aerosol-forming material.

[0040] It should be noted that device 20 is described by way of example only. Many alternative devices can be stored within case 10 according to the exemplary embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an algorithm, generally designated by reference numeral 30, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0042] The algorithm 30 begins with operation 32 where a determination is made as to whether the lid 12 of the case 10 has been opened. If not, the algorithm 30 transitions to operation 34 where no action is taken. The algorithm 30 may then end or return to operation 32.

[0043] If in operation 32 it is determined that the lid has been opened, then algorithm 30 proceeds to operation 36 which takes action in response to the lid opening. Exemplary actions are discussed further below.

[0044] Of course, the algorithm 30 shown in Figure 3 is highly schematic and can be implemented in a wide variety of ways. For example, the algorithm 30 may be implemented as an interrupt routine in which detection of a lid change from a closed to an open state triggers a process 36 (to take action).

[0045] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a system, generally designated by reference numeral 40, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0046] System 40 includes magnet 42, Hall sensor 44, control 45, display 47, and energy source 48. Although not required for all exemplary embodiments, magnet 42 can be located inside lid 12 of case 10 (indicated by dotted box 12' in FIG. 4), and Hall sensor 44, control 45, display 47, and energy source 48 can be located inside body 14 of case 10 (indicated by dotted box 14' in FIG. 4). Of course, alternative configurations (with magnet in body 14 and Hall sensor in lid) are possible.

[0047] An energy source 48 (such as a battery) can provide energy to various elements (such as the Hall sensor 44, the control 45, and the display 47) within the body of the case 10. In some exemplary embodiments, the aerosol delivery device 20 battery 23 mounted within the storage area 16 of the case 10 can be used to provide energy to the elements within the body of the case in addition to or instead of the energy source 48. Indeed, in some exemplary embodiments, the energy source 48 can be omitted.

[0048] The magnet 42 may be a permanent magnet, and therefore may not require an energy source, which may be advantageous if the magnet 42 is located inside the lid of the case 10, avoiding the need to provide energy to the lid.

[0049] As discussed in more detail below, the control unit 45 is configured to control the display unit 47 .

[0050] The magnet 42 and the Hall sensor 44 may form a magnet and Hall sensor pair configured to emit a signal indicating whether the lid is in an open or closed position, thereby performing process 32 of algorithm 30 described above.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an algorithm according to an example embodiment.

[0052] Algorithm 50 begins with operation 32 where a determination is made as to whether lid 12 of case 10 has been opened as discussed above. That determination can be made by control 45 based on the output of magnet-Hall sensor pairs 42 and 44. If not, algorithm 50 transitions to operation 34 where no action is taken. Algorithm 30 may then end and return to operation 32.

[0053] If operation 32 determines that the lid is open, then algorithm 50 proceeds to operation 52 where the battery level is displayed, thereby executing operation 36 of algorithm 30 above. The battery level may be the state of charge of energy source 48 and / or battery 23 of device 20, as described above.

[0054] 6 is a block diagram of a battery condition indicator 60. The battery condition indicator 60 is an example of the display unit 47 and can be used to display the battery level, thereby performing the process 52 described above.

[0055] The battery status indicator 60 includes a plurality of status indicator elements 61 to 68. The status indicator elements 61 to 68 may be, for example, light emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0056] When the lid 12 of the case 10 is opened, the indicator elements 61-68 can be selectively illuminated to provide an indication of the battery status (e.g., the charge level of the respective battery). In this manner, notification of the battery charge status can be provided to the user when the case is opened, but not necessarily at other times (thus reducing battery usage). In the exemplary indicator 60, indicator elements 61-65 are illuminated and indicator elements 66-68 are not illuminated.

[0057] 7 is a block diagram of a battery condition indicator 70. The battery condition indicator 70 is an example of the display unit 47 and can be used to display the battery levels of both the energy source 48 and the battery 23 (if present) of the device 20, thereby performing the process 52 described above. The battery condition indicator 70 comprises a first plurality of condition indicator elements 61-68 and a second plurality of indicator elements 71-78. The first and second condition indicator elements may be, for example, light emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0058] When the lid 12 of the case 10 is opened, the first indicator elements 61-68 can be selectively illuminated to provide an indication of the filling level of the energy source 48 and the second indicator elements 71-78 can be selectively illuminated to provide an indication of the charge level of the battery 23.

[0059] The battery status indicators 60 and 70 described above are two exemplary embodiments, although many variations are possible. By way of example, FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a battery status indicator 80 that can be used as the display 47 and can be used to indicate the battery level. The battery status indicator 80 comprises a single LED that can be illuminated in various colors to indicate the battery status. For example, if the battery level is sufficient (e.g. above a first threshold), the LED of the indicator 80 can be illuminated green, if the battery level is insufficient (e.g. below a second threshold), the indicator 80 can be illuminated red, and if the battery level is neither sufficient nor insufficient (e.g. between the first and second thresholds), the indicator 80 can be illuminated amber. Of course, two LEDs can be provided, one indicating the status of the energy source 48 and the other indicating the status of the battery 23.

[0060] In the exemplary embodiment described above, an action is taken upon detecting that the lid of case 10 has been opened. This is not required for all exemplary embodiments.

[0061] By way of example, Figure 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an algorithm according to an exemplary embodiment, generally designated by reference numeral 90. Algorithm 90 has many similarities to algorithm 30 described above.

[0062] The algorithm 90 begins with operation 92 where a determination is made as to whether the lid 12 of the case 10 is closed. If not, the algorithm 90 transitions to operation 94 where no action is taken. The algorithm 90 may then end or return to operation 92.

[0063] If operation 92 determines that the lid is closed, then the algorithm 90 proceeds to operation 96 which takes action in response to the lid being opened (such as providing the battery level indication discussed above).

[0064] As with algorithm 30 above, algorithm 90 shown in FIG. 9 is then highly schematic and can be implemented in a wide variety of ways.

[0065] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to aid in understanding and teaching the features recited in the claims. These embodiments are presented merely as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limiting the invention defined by the claims or the equivalents thereto, and it is understood that other embodiments may be used and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims. Various embodiments of the invention may include, consist of, or consist essentially of suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, the present disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. a lid having an open position and a closed position; a magnet and Hall sensor pair configured to generate a signal indicative of whether the lid is in the open position or the closed position; a controller configured to receive a signal from the Hall sensor indicating whether the lid is open or closed; a battery condition indicator; the control unit is configured to activate the battery condition indicator when it detects the lid changing from a closed position to an open position. A case for an aerosol delivery device.

2. The case of claim 1 , wherein the magnet is disposed inside the lid of the case.

3. The case according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the Hall sensor is provided inside the body of the case.

4. A case according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the battery condition indicator comprises one or more light emitting diodes.

5. The case of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the battery status indicator is configured to indicate a battery status of an aerosol delivery device mounted within the case.

6. The case of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the aerosol delivery device is a non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

7. The case of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising the aerosol delivery device.

8. The case of claim 7 , wherein the aerosol delivery device is configured to receive a removable article comprising an aerosolizable material.

9. The case of claim 8 , wherein the aerosolizable material is present on a substrate.

10. The case of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the aerosol delivery device comprises a tobacco heating system.

11. receiving a signal from a Hall sensor indicating whether a lid of a case for an aerosol delivery device is in an open or closed position; and activating a battery condition indicator in the case when the lid is changed from a closed position to an open position, the signal being dependent on the position of a magnet relative to the Hall sensor.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the magnet is disposed inside the lid of the case.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the Hall sensor is provided inside the body of the case.

14. The method of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the battery condition indicator comprises one or more light emitting diodes.

15. The method of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the battery status indicator is configured to indicate a battery status of an aerosol delivery device mounted within the case.

16. The method of any one of claims 11 to 15, further comprising receiving the aerosol delivery device within the case.

17. A kit comprising the case of any one of claims 1 to 10, an aerosol delivery device, and an article for use with the aerosol delivery device.

18. 20. The kit of claim 17, wherein the aerosol delivery device is a non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

19. 19. The kit of claim 17 or 18, wherein the article is a removable article comprising an aerosol-forming material.

Images