Aerosol supply system

Abstract

An aerosol delivery system (1) comprising an aerosolizable material transport element (14) for receiving vaporized aerosolizable material, further comprising a rotatable component comprising a recess (23) for accommodating a first portion (42) of the aerosolizable material transport element, the rotatable component (21) configured to move between a first configuration of the aerosol delivery system (1) and a second configuration of the aerosol delivery system (1), the rotatable component (21) in the second configuration configured to limit formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element (14). The rotatable component (21) can, in some cases, comprise a fluid outlet tube (26) for receiving vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol supply systems such as nicotine delivery systems (e.g., electronic cigarettes), among other things, without being limited thereto.

Background Art

[0002] Electronic aerosol supply systems such as electronic cigarettes generally include an aerosolizable material such as a fluid or liquid reservoir containing a formulation, typically not necessarily containing nicotine, or a solid material such as a tobacco-based product from which vapor / aerosol is generated for inhalation by a user, for example by thermal evaporation. Thus, an aerosol supply system typically includes a vaporizer, for example a heating element, arranged to vaporize a portion of the aerosolizable material to produce vapor.

[0003] After the vapor is produced, the vapor can, although not essential, be passed through a flavoring material to add flavor to the vapor, and then the (flavored) vapor can be delivered from the aerosol supply system to the user via a mouthpiece or outlet.

[0004] Aerosol supply systems generally constitute a modular assembly and often have two main functional parts, namely a control unit / body and a cartridge / consumable part. Such a consumable part can be made to resemble a cigarette in some embodiments.

[0005] Various approaches to improving existing aerosol supply systems as outlined above in a plurality of different forms are described herein.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of a particular embodiment, an aerosol supply system is provided that includes an aerosolizable material transport element for receiving an aerosolizable material to be vaporized. The aerosol supply system further includes a rotatable component having a recess for housing a first portion of the aerosolizable material transport element. The rotatable component is configured to move between a first configuration of the aerosol supply system and a second configuration of the aerosol supply system. The rotatable component in the second configuration is configured to limit the formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element.

[0007] According to a second aspect of a particular embodiment, an aerosol supply cartridge is provided that includes an aerosolizable material transport element for receiving an aerosolizable material to be vaporized. The aerosol supply cartridge further includes a rotatable component having a recess for housing a first portion of the aerosolizable material transport element. The rotatable component is configured to move between a first configuration of the aerosol supply cartridge and a second configuration of the aerosol supply cartridge. The rotatable component in the second configuration is configured to limit the formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element.

[0008] According to a third aspect of a particular embodiment, a method is provided for controlling the formation of vaporized aerosolizable material within an aerosol supply system that includes an aerosolizable material transport element and a rotatable component having a recess for housing a first portion of the aerosolizable material transport element. The method includes moving the rotatable component between a first configuration of the aerosol supply system and a second configuration of the aerosol supply system. The rotatable component in the second configuration is configured to limit the formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element.

[0009] The features and aspects of the present invention described above in connection with various aspects of the present invention are equally applicable, as necessary, not only to the specific combinations described herein but also to embodiments of the present invention according to other aspects of the present invention, and it will be understood that they can be combined with embodiments of the present invention according to other aspects of the present invention.

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for purposes of illustration only.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] [Detailed Description] Aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments can be implemented as in the prior art and, for the sake of brevity, are not discussed / described in detail herein. Thus, it will be understood that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail can be implemented according to any conventional technique for implementing such aspects and features.

[0013] The present disclosure relates to a non-combustible aerosol supply system, which can also be referred to as an aerosol supply system such as an e-cigarette. According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol supply system is a system in which the aerosolizable material that constitutes the aerosol supply system (or its components) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery to the user. The aerosolizable material can be referred to herein as an aerosol generating material or an aerosol precursor material, and is a material that can generate an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or energized by any other method, for example.

[0014] Throughout the following description, the terms “e-cigarette” or “electronic cigarette” may be used, but it will be understood that this term can be used interchangeably with an aerosol supply system / device and an electronic aerosol supply system / device. It should be noted that electronic cigarettes are also sometimes known as vaping devices or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), but the presence of nicotine in the aerosolizable material is not a requirement.

[0015] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that uses a combination of aerosolizable materials to generate an aerosol, and one or more of the aerosolizable materials can be heated. In some embodiments, 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 non-tobacco products.

[0016] Similarly, in some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system can comprise a consumable part / cartridge and a device / body configured to releasably engage with the consumable part / cartridge.

[0017] The aerosol supply system can be provided with means for supplying power to a vaporizer within the aerosol supply system, and an aerosolizable material transport element for receiving the aerosolizable material to be vaporized. The aerosol supply system can also be provided with a reservoir for containing the aerosolizable material, and in some embodiments, a further reservoir for containing a flavoring material for flavoring the vapor generated from the aerosol supply system.

[0018] In some embodiments, the vaporizer can be a heater / heater element capable of interacting with the aerosolizable material to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosolizable material and form a vapor / aerosol. In some embodiments, the vaporizer can generate an aerosol from the aerosolizable material without heating. For example, the vaporizer can generate a vapor / aerosol from the aerosolizable material without applying heat thereto, for example, by one or more of vibration, mechanical, pressurization, or electrostatic means.

[0019] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered can be an aerosolizable material, which can include an active ingredient, a carrier ingredient, and optionally one or more other functional ingredients.

[0020] The active ingredient may contain one or more physiologically and / or olfactorily active components, which are contained within the aerosolizable material to effect a physiological and / or olfactory response in the user. The active ingredient can be selected, for example, from functional foods, nootropics, and psychotropics. The active ingredient can occur naturally or can be obtained synthetically. The active ingredient can include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active ingredient can include components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco or other plant substances. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a physiologically active ingredient and can be selected from nicotine, nicotine salts (e.g., nicotine bitartrate / nicotine hydrogen tartrate), nicotine-free tobacco substitutes, other alkaloids such as caffeine, or mixtures thereof.

[0021] In some embodiments, the active ingredient is an olfactory active ingredient and can be selected from "perfumes" and / or "flavorings" that can be used to produce the desired taste, aroma, or other somatic sensations in products for adult consumers when permitted by local regulations. In some cases, such components can be referred to as perfumes, flavorings, flavoring materials, cooling agents, heating agents, and / or sweeteners.The fragrance can include naturally occurring fragrance materials, plant substances, extracts of plant substances, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, hinoki leaves, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, peppermint, anise, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, dronbui, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, frankincense, bergamot, geranium, cart, naswar, kinma, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange flower, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, pimento, ginger, coriander, coffee, asa, mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, ama, ginkgo, hibiscus, ginkgo biloba, mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, nasturtium flower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, perilla, turmeric, cilantro, ginger lily, crossandra, valerian, bell pepper, mace, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, caraway, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphor), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or alternative sugars (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plant substances, or breath fresheners.The fragrance can be an imitation, synthetic or natural ingredient, or a mixture thereof. The fragrance can be in any suitable form, such as a liquid like oil, a solid like powder, or a gas, and can include one or more of extracts (such as licorice, hydrangea, katsura leaves, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, peppermint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, frankincense, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang ylang, sage, fennel, pimento, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or alternative sugars (such as sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, thaumatin, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plant substances, or breath fresheners. The fragrance can be an imitation, synthetic or natural ingredient, or a mixture thereof. The fragrance can be in any suitable form, such as an oil, a liquid, or a powder.

[0022] In some embodiments, the flavoring material (flavor) can include menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor can include flavor components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruit, and / or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavor can include eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavor can include flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavor can include sensates intended to effect somatosensory sensations that are chemically induced and perceived, usually by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or instead of olfactory or gustatory nerves, and these can include agents that provide a heating, cooling, stinging, or numbing effect. Suitable heat agents can include, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and suitable cooling agents can include, but are not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0023] The carrier component can include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the carrier component can 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 mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0024] One or more other functional components can include one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, an adhesive, a filler, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0025] As described above, an aerosol supply system (e-cigarette) often constitutes a modular assembly that includes both a reusable part (the body / device) and a replaceable consumable (cartridge) part. Devices that conform to this two-part modular configuration are sometimes generally referred to as two-part devices. Electronic cigarettes also generally have a generally elongated shape. To provide a specific example, the particular embodiments of the present disclosure described herein constitute this type of generally elongated two-part device that uses a consumable part. However, the fundamental principles described herein can be equally applied to other electronic cigarette configurations, such as modular devices with three or more parts, as devices based on other overall shapes, for example, so-called box-mod type high-performance devices that typically have a more box-shaped form.

[0026] Accordingly, from the above and with reference to these figures, according to some embodiments provided herein, an aerosol supply system 1 is provided, and in some embodiments, the aerosol supply system 1 can be provided as a body 10 that can releasably house and / or releasably attach to a cartridge 100. The aerosol supply system 1 includes a reservoir 12 for containing an aerosolizable material for evaporation and an aerosolizable material transport element 14 for receiving the aerosolizable material from the reservoir 12.

[0027] In addition, a vaporizer 16 for evaporating the aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element 14 is provided within the aerosol supply system 1. In an embodiment where the aerosol supply system 1 includes the main body 10 and the cartridge 100, the cartridge 100 can include a reservoir 12, an aerosolizable material transport element 14, and a vaporizer 16. In this way, when the main body 10 is releasably engaged with the cartridge 100, the vaporizer 16 can be configured to receive power via the electrical contacts 18 on the main body 10, and the electrical contacts 18 are also electrically connected to the power source 20 from the main body 10. In this way, power from the power source 20 can be used to supply power to the vaporizer 16 for evaporating the aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element 14.

[0028] During operation of the aerosol supply system 1, the incoming air from the air inlet 22 of the aerosol supply system 1 can be configured to pass through at least one incoming air channel 24. The incoming air channel 24 can accordingly be configured to deliver air through the aerosolizable material transport element 14 and to take in the vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element 14. The vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element 14 16 can then pass through the fluid outlet tube 26 and be delivered to the outlet 28 of the aerosol supply system 1. From there, the vaporized aerosolizable material from the vaporizer 16 can then proceed through the outlet 28 to the user's mouth, and the user can inhale the vaporized aerosolizable material (e.g., via the mouthpiece 30).

[0029] Regarding the structure and composition of any aerosolizable material transport element 14 (wick) provided, it will be understood that the aerosolizable material transport element 14 can be any element capable of suitably attracting the aerosolizable material to a position where it can be vaporized by the vaporizer 16 during use of the aerosol supply system 1. Thus, in this regard, according to some embodiments, the aerosolizable material transport element 14 can include a porous material and / or a fibrous material or a solid material. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material transport element 14 can be made of cotton or can be made of a ceramic material. Thus, having understood the above, it will be understood that, at a schematic level, the specific structure and composition of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 can be varied in a plurality of different forms to best suit any intended use of the aerosol supply system 1.

[0030] Regarding the vaporizer 16, as described above, the vaporizer 16 may or may not include a heater / heater element for forming the vaporized aerosolized material. In embodiments where the vaporizer 16 includes a heating element, according to some of its embodiments, the heating element may include a conductive material located on the outer surface of the aerosolizable material transport element 14, such as a coil of wire wound around at least a first portion 42 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 (e.g., as shown with reference to the embodiments from FIGS. 3A - 4B). However, similarly, the conductive material can take other shapes on the surface of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 in order to enable the heating element to efficiently vaporize the aerosolizable material within the aerosolizable material transport element 14. For example, it can take a spiral pattern, a raster pattern, or a zigzag pattern. In such cases, the heating element (or the vaporizer 16 as a whole if no heating element is used) can be connected to the power source 20 from the aerosol supply system 1. It will be understood that in some embodiments, the power source 20 can be a battery. In embodiments where the aerosol supply system 1 includes a body 10 that can releasably house and / or releasably engage with the cartridge 100, in some of these embodiments, the power source 20 can be located in the body 10. At this time, the power from the power source 20 can be supplied to the vaporizer 16 via the electrical contacts 18, and / or clearly, in some embodiments, wirelessly or by a non-contact power transmission system between the power source 20 and the vaporizer 16, it can be delivered to the vaporizer 16.

[0031] Accordingly, in view of the above general disclosure of the aerosol supply system 1, according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided herein an aerosol supply system 1 comprising an aerosolizable material transport element 14 for receiving an aerosolizable material to be vaporized, the aerosol supply system 1 being in a first configuration in which at least a second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 is uncompressed or partially compressed, and a second configuration in which the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 is compressed by an amount greater than the first configuration so as to limit the formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element 14 in the second configuration. Such an aerosol supply system will be described next with reference to embodiments from FIGS. 1A - 4B.

[0032] The purpose of the aerosol supply system 1 being movable between the first configuration and the second configuration is to better enable control of the formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element 14. Specifically, this control is achieved by effectively restricting the amount of aerosolizable material that can be vaporized from the aerosolizable material transport element 14 in proximity to the vaporizer 16, such as by compression of the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14. As will be described, it is contemplated that the aerosol supply system 1 can be configured to move between the first configuration and the second configuration in a plurality of different ways, which will be described next.

[0033] Briefly, referring to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 configured to be compressed can include, from the aerosolizable material transport element 14, a first end portion 32 and a second end portion 34 opposite the first end portion 32. In this way, when the second portion 31 is compressed in the second configuration (or more compressed than the first configuration), this relative increase in the compression of the second portion 31 better restricts the aerosolizable material from the reservoir 12 from being vaporized by the vaporizer 16 to form the vaporized aerosolizable material.

[0034] Regarding the amount of such compression, it will be understood that the amount of compression in the second configuration is configured to be greater than that in the first configuration. In other words, the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 in the first configuration can be made not to be compressed at all or to be compressed by only the first amount. In this way, the aerosolizable material transport element 14 in the second configuration can be compressed by a second amount that is greater than the amount of compression in the first configuration.

[0035] Regarding how the compression of the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 can be increased from the first configuration to the second configuration, it is envisioned that this can be achieved in a plurality of different forms.

[0036] For example, according to some embodiments such as those shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B with respect to this, the aerosol supply system 1 can include at least one compression member 38 configured to operate to compress the second portion 31 (and / or each of the first end portion 32 and the second end portion 34, provided that such end portions 32, 34 are used) in a second configuration. Regarding the exact structure of any such compression member 38 used, it will be understood that this structure may vary depending on the intended use of the aerosolizable material transport element 14. According to some embodiments, the compression member 38 can include a movable plunger for hitting the second portion 31 in a second configuration, or an adjustable-sized collar configured to surround and constrict the second portion 31 in a second configuration.

[0037] Referring to the disclosure from FIGS. 2 to 4B, another mechanism for the aerosol supply system 1 to be movable between a first configuration and a second configuration includes the aerosol supply system 1 having a specially configured fluid outlet tube 26 for receiving the vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element, and the aerosol supply system 1 is configured to move between the first configuration and the second configuration to compress the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 in the second configuration.

[0038] According to such embodiments, the fluid outlet tube 26 can, in some cases, include at least one opening 50 for gripping the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14. In this way, when the fluid outlet tube 26 is moved, the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 can be configured to move with the fluid outlet tube 26. In this way, by moving the fluid outlet tube 26 from the first configuration to the second configuration, the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 can also be moved from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0039] Regarding a method capable of moving the aerosol supply system 1 between a first configuration and a second configuration, according to some embodiments such as those shown in FIGS. 2 to 4B, it will be understood that the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 can be configured to move between the first configuration and the second configuration. Such movement can be seen particularly in the embodiment from FIG. 2, and due to the rotation of the fluid outlet pipe 26, the second portion 31 is moved from the first configuration (the position of the second portion 31 in the first configuration is referred to as position 31A) to the second configuration (the position of the second portion 31 in the second configuration is referred to as position 31B).

[0040] Continuing to refer to such embodiments in which the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 moves between the first configuration and the second configuration and is configured to limit the formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element in the second configuration, according to some more specific embodiments, the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 can be particularly configured to rotate between the first configuration and the second configuration. Such embodiments can be seen with reference to the embodiments from FIGS. 2 to 4B, where the fluid outlet pipe 26 moves / rotates between the first configuration and the second configuration and is configured to compress the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 in the second configuration. In this way, due to this movement of the fluid outlet pipe 26, the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 is configured to move / rotate between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0041] When a second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 is configured to rotate between a first configuration and a second configuration, according to some embodiments, the second portion can be configured to rotate by an angle of 45 degrees or less, or in some narrow embodiments by an angle of 40 degrees or less, or in some even narrower embodiments by an angle of 35 degrees or less. Thus, by providing these upper limit angles, it is possible to assist in suppressing shearing / obstruction of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 while the aerosol supply system moves between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0042] As long as any second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 is configured to move or rotate between a first configuration and a second configuration to limit the formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element in the second configuration, according to some embodiments, the first portion 42 of the aerosolizable material transport element can be configured to remain stationary between the first configuration and the second configuration. In this way, as long as the second portion 31 is configured to move while the first portion 42 is configured to remain stationary, when the aerosol supply system 1 moves from the first configuration to the second configuration, a shearing / compressive force can be applied to the second portion 31 when the aerosol supply system 1 is in the second configuration. Thus, such a shearing / compressive force can further assist in limiting the formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element in the second configuration. Because the compressive force limits the ability of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 to deliver the aerosolizable material from the reservoir 12 to the vaporizer 16.

[0043] Regarding any precise positioning of such a first portion 42, according to some embodiments, the first portion 42 can be located between any first end portion 32 and a second end portion 34 provided from the aerosolizable material transport element 14. Thus, in this way, according to some embodiments, the aerosolizable material transport element 14 can define a C-shape, or can be configured such that the first end portion 32 projects outwardly from one end of the first portion 42, and / or the second end portion 34 can be configured to project outwardly from the other end of the first portion 42 opposite the one end.

[0044] It should be noted that, for the sake of completeness, the provision of the first stationary portion 42 from the aerosolizable material transport element 14 is not necessarily explicitly required. In fact, instead of moving the second portion 31 relative to the first portion 42 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14, the compression of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 in the second configuration can also be achieved by the entire aerosolizable material transport element moving between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0045] For example, according to some specific embodiments, the second portion 31 can be configured to abut against a structure from the aerosol supply system 1, such as a wall or a stopper, when the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element is moved from the first configuration to the second configuration. According to some embodiments, such a structure can be fixed / immovable. In this way, when the second portion 31 then reaches its position in the second configuration of the aerosol supply system 1, the structure from the aerosol supply system 1 can act to compress the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element to limit the formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element in the second configuration. Similarly, when the aerosol supply system is then returned from the second position to the first position, the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 in the first position can be configured not to be compressed by the structure and / or can be separated from the structure.

[0046] In a very specific embodiment in which such a structure is used, the structure can constitute the housing of the aerosol supply system 1 (or the housing of the cartridge 100 if the components of the main body 10 / cartridge 100 are used). According to some embodiments, such a housing can be configured to cover and / or surround the aerosolizable material transport element 14 when the aerosol supply system is in use.

[0047]

[0046] Referring to a method by which the aerosol supply system 1 can be moved between a first configuration and a second configuration, according to some embodiments (such as those shown in FIGS. 2 to 4B), the aerosol supply system 1 can be configured to be manually moved between the first configuration and the second configuration. Such manual movement can be seen, for example, in the embodiment from FIG. 2, and the fluid outlet pipe 26 can be configured to be manually moved or rotated between the first configuration and the second configuration of the aerosol supply system 1.

[0048] However, clearly, according to some embodiments, the aerosol supply system 1 can be configured to move between the first configuration and the second configuration in response to a signal from the controller 40 from the aerosol supply system 1.

[0049] Regarding any controller 40 provided, this can be configured to receive power from the power supply 20. Regarding the location of any such controller 40, it will be understood that in embodiments in which the aerosol supply system 1 includes the main body 10 and the cartridge 100, the controller can be located in the main body 10 or in the cartridge 100. Depending on the configuration of the aerosol supply system 1, the power from the power supply 20 to the controller 40 can then be supplied via a wired connection and / or, clearly, wirelessly delivered, for example, by a non-contact power transmission system between the power supply 20 and the controller 40.

[0050] When such a signal is used, with respect to the type of the signal itself, according to some embodiments, the signal can be a wireless signal or can be transmitted from the controller 40 to any compression member 38 provided from the aerosol supply system 1 through a wired connection 43 (for example, reference can be made to the wired connection 43 between the controller 40 and the compression member 38 in FIGS. 1A - 1B).

[0051] Regarding a method capable of generating any such signal, the aerosol supply system 1 according to some embodiments can further include a user interface 44 and / or an actuator 46 connected to the controller 40 and configured to control the generation of the signal. Obviously, with respect to any actuator 46 used, this can include, for example, a button or a switch, and according to some embodiments, such a button or switch can be located on any main body 10 used from the aerosol supply system 1.

[0052] By providing such a user interface 44 or actuator 46, each of the user interface 44 or actuator 46 can be used to control the generation of the signal in response to, for example, an input by the user (for example, by the user interacting with the user interface 44 and / or the user actuating the actuator 46).

[0053] Therefore, from the above, it will be understood that a plurality of different configurations of the aerosol supply system 1 that can be used to better control the formation of the vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element 14 during the use of the aerosol supply system are described herein.

[0054] Based on the above disclosure, the present disclosure can also effectively provide an aerosol supply system 1 comprising an aerosolizable material transport element 14 for receiving the aerosolizable material to be vaporized. The aerosol supply system 1 further comprises a rotatable component 21 having a recess 23 for housing a first portion 42 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14, and it can be seen that the rotatable component 21 is configured to move between a first configuration of the aerosol supply system and a second configuration of the aerosol supply system 1. In this way, in the second configuration of the aerosol supply system 1, the rotatable component 21 is configured to limit the formation of the vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element 14.

[0055] In this regard, providing the recess 23 in the rotatable component 21 can collectively assist in better controlling the formation of the vaporized aerosolizable material in the aerosol supply system. Specifically, this can be achieved by moving or rotating the rotatable component 21 between a second configuration (where the formation of the vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element 14 is restricted) and a first configuration (where the formation of the vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element 14 is less restricted than in the second configuration).

[0056] It will be understood that as long as any such rotatable component 21 is used, this rotatable component 21 can be formed / implemented in a plurality of different forms. For example, according to some embodiments such as those shown in FIGS. 2 to 4B, the rotatable component 21 can comprise a fluid outlet pipe 26. In this way, the fluid outlet pipe 26 can then be configured to rotate between the first configuration and the second configuration, as can be seen with reference to the embodiment from FIG. 2, for example.

[0057] However, similarly, according to some embodiments, the rotatable component 21 can be separate from the fluid outlet tube 26, and thus it will be understood that the fluid outlet tube 26 is not necessarily rotatable at this time. Thus, in such latter embodiments, the rotatable component 21 can also comprise some other rotatable member configured to limit the formation of the vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element 14 in the second configuration (such as a rotatable latch configured to impinge / compress against the aerosolizable material transport element 14 in the second configuration).

[0058] However, regardless of the exact structure of the rotatable component 21, in order to help the rotatable component 21 better accommodate / grip the aerosolizable material transport element 14 during use, as described above, the rotatable component 21 according to some embodiments can be provided with a recess 23 (but not limited thereto) for accommodating at least a portion of the aerosolizable material transport element 14, such as a first portion 42 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14. Such a recess 23 is best shown by the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A - 4B.

[0059] In embodiments where the recess 23 is used, it can be seen that the recess 23 can be located proximal to the vaporizer 16 so as to accommodate the aerosolizable material transport element 14 at a position proximal to the vaporizer 16. Similarly, with respect to this position according to some embodiments where the rotatable component 21 comprises the fluid outlet tube 26, according to some of those embodiments, it can be seen that the fluid outlet tube 26 can at least partially define the recess 23. This can be seen, for example, with reference to FIGS. 3A - 4B, where the recess is shown as being located at a first end 26A of the fluid outlet tube 26.

[0060] As long as any such first end 26A of the fluid outlet tube 26 is used, in some cases, it can be seen that this first end 26A can be located closer to the vaporizer 16 than where the first end 26A is positioned relative to the outlet 28 or the mouthpiece 30. In other words, the fluid outlet tube 26 can comprise a second end 26B that defines the outlet 28 or the mouthpiece 30, and the second end 26B is located opposite to the first end 26A. Or yet further in other words, the recess 23 according to some embodiments can be located between the vaporizer 16 and any outlet 28 / mouthpiece 30 provided.

[0061] Regarding the exact shape and / or geometry of any recess 23 provided, this can clearly depend on the shape of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 configured to be received by the recess 23. For example in this regard, the recess 23 according to some embodiments can be elongated so as to receive or grip a cylindrical aerosolizable material transport element 14 and / or can be configured to have a semi-circular cross-section (as shown in the embodiments from FIGS. 4A - 4B).

[0062] To complete, if such a rotatable component 21 is used, the rotatable component 21 according to some embodiments can be used in embodiments such as those schematically shown with reference to FIGS. 1A - 1B, and thus the rotatable component 21 can be configured to move between a first configuration and a second configuration in response to a signal from the controller 40, and according to some even more narrow embodiments, it will be understood that it can be used together with a user interface 44 and / or an actuator 46 connected to the controller 40 to control the generation of signals as described above.

[0063] Noting the above, at least an aerosol supply system is described that includes an aerosolizable material transport element for receiving an aerosolizable material to be vaporized. The aerosol supply system further includes a rotatable component having a recess for housing a first portion of the aerosolizable material transport element. The rotatable component is configured to move between a first configuration of the aerosol supply system and a second configuration of the aerosol supply system. It can be seen that the rotatable component in the second configuration is configured to limit the formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element.

[0064] An aerosol supply cartridge is also described that includes an aerosolizable material transport element for receiving an aerosolizable material to be vaporized. The aerosol supply cartridge further includes a rotatable component having a recess for housing a first portion of the aerosolizable material transport element. The rotatable component is configured to move between a first configuration of the aerosol supply cartridge and a second configuration of the aerosol supply cartridge. The rotatable component in the second configuration is configured to limit the formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element.

[0065] A method for controlling the formation of vaporized aerosolizable material within an aerosol supply system that includes an aerosolizable material transport element and a rotatable component having a recess for housing a first portion of the aerosolizable material transport element is also described herein. The method includes the step of moving the rotatable component between a first configuration of the aerosol supply system and a second configuration of the aerosol supply system. The rotatable component in the second configuration is configured to limit the formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element.

[0066] An aerosol supply system 1 is also described that includes an aerosolizable material transport element 14 for receiving an aerosolizable material to be vaporized. The aerosol supply system 1 further includes a rotatable component 21 having a recess 23 for housing a first portion 42 of the aerosolizable material transport element. The rotatable component 21 is configured to move between a first configuration of the aerosol supply system 1 and a second configuration of the aerosol supply system 1. The rotatable component 21 in the second configuration is configured to limit the formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element 14. In some cases, the rotatable component 21 can include a fluid outlet tube 26 for receiving vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element 14.

[0067] To address various problems and advance the art, this disclosure illustrates, by way of example, various embodiments that can implement the claimed invention(s). The advantages and features of this disclosure are merely representative samples of embodiments and are not comprehensive and / or exclusive. The advantages and features of this disclosure are presented only to aid understanding and teach the claimed invention(s). It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of this disclosure are not to be considered limitations to the disclosure defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments can be utilized and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments can suitably include, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein, and thus features of dependent claims can be combined with features of independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly recited in the claims. This disclosure can include other inventions that are not claimed herein but can be claimed in the future.

[0068] For example, with respect to the present disclosure, while the "liquid" or "fluid" within reservoir 12 has been described, it will be understood that this liquid or fluid can be replaced with any aerosolizable material. Similarly, when an aerosolizable material is used, in some embodiments, it will be understood that this aerosolizable material can include a liquid or fluid.

[0069] Regarding vaporizer 16, in some embodiments, vaporizer 16 has been described as constituting a heater / heating element such as a coil of wire wrapped around at least a portion of aerosolizable material transport element 14 (shown with reference to the embodiments from FIGS. 3A - 4B), but in some other embodiments, vaporizer 16 can generate vapor / aerosol from the aerosolizable material within aerosolizable material transport element 14 without applying heat to the aerosolizable material, for example, by one or more of the vibration, mechanical, pressurization, or electrostatic means as described above.

[0070] Finally, similarly, the plurality of features described herein have been described with reference to embodiments of aerosol supply system 1 provided as part of body 10 that can releasably house cartridge 100 and / or can be releasably attached to cartridge 100, but in some embodiments, it will be understood that any of the features described herein from cartridge 100 and / or body 10 can also be integrated into an aerosol supply system 1 that does not have such cartridge / body configuration.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply system comprising an aerosolizable material transport element for receiving an aerosolizable material to be vaporized, further comprising a rotatable component having a recess for housing a first portion of the aerosolizable material transport element, the rotatable component being configured to move between a first configuration of the aerosol supply system and a second configuration of the aerosol supply system, the rotatable component in the second configuration being configured to limit the formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element.

2. The aerosolizable material transport element comprises a second portion configured such that it is not compressed or is partially compressed in the first configuration, and the second portion of the aerosolizable material transport element is configured to be compressed by a greater amount than in the first configuration in the second configuration. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1.

3. Further comprising a structure configured to be separated from the second portion of the aerosolizable material transport element in the first configuration and to abut against and compress the second portion of the aerosolizable material transport element in the second configuration. The aerosol supply system according to claim 2.

4. The aerosol supply system according to claim 3, wherein the structure includes a housing of the aerosol supply system.

5. The second portion of the aerosolizable material transport element comprises a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The first portion is between the first end portion and the second end portion. The aerosol supply system according to claim 5.

7. The aerosolizable material transport element is configured to move between the first configuration and the second configuration, the aerosol supply system according to claim 1.

8. The aerosolizable material transport element is configured to rotate between the first configuration and the second configuration, the aerosol supply system according to claim 1.

9. The rotatable component includes a fluid outlet pipe for receiving the aerosolizable material vaporized from the aerosolizable material transport element, the aerosol supply system according to claim 1.

10. The fluid outlet pipe is configured to rotate between the first configuration and the second configuration, the aerosol supply system according to claim 9.

11. The fluid outlet pipe at least partially defines the recess, the aerosol supply system according to claim 9.

12. The recess is located at a first end of the fluid outlet pipe, the aerosol supply system according to claim 9.

13. The fluid outlet pipe includes a second end that defines a mouthpiece, and the second end is located opposite the first end, the aerosol supply system according to claim 12.

14. The rotatable component is configured to move between the first configuration and the second configuration in response to a signal from a controller of the aerosol supply system, the aerosol supply system according to claim 1.

15. The aerosol supply system further includes at least one of a user interface and / or an actuator connected to the controller to control the generation of the signal, the aerosol supply system according to claim 14.

16. An aerosol supply cartridge comprising an aerosolizable material transport element for receiving an aerosolizable material to be vaporized, further comprising a rotatable component having a recess for housing a first portion of the aerosolizable material transport element, the rotatable component being configured to move between a first configuration of the aerosol supply cartridge and a second configuration of the aerosol supply cartridge, the rotatable component in the second configuration being configured to limit the formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element.

17. A method of controlling the formation of vaporized aerosolizable material within an aerosol supply system comprising an aerosolizable material transport element and a rotatable component having a recess for housing a first portion of the aerosolizable material transport element, the method comprising moving the rotatable component between a first configuration of the aerosol supply system and a second configuration of the aerosol supply system, the rotatable component in the second configuration being configured to limit the formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein moving the aerosol supply system between the first configuration and the second configuration comprises moving the rotatable component from the first configuration to the second configuration to limit the formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element.

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