Aerosol Delivery Device

Abstract

The housing (10) of the aerosol delivery device (1) comprises an outer body (11) having a first end (12) and an opposite second end (13) spaced along the longitudinal axis from the first end and connected to the first end by a sidewall (14). The housing further comprises a power source receiving compartment (15) within the outer body. An opening (17) is disposed in the sidewall and a panel (18) is disposed in the opening in a first position where the panel is configured to seal the opening such that the power source receiving compartment is fluidly isolated from the atmosphere. The panel is movable from the first position to a second position where the panel is at least partially out of the opening when an internal pressure of the power source receiving compartment exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol delivery device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a panel of a housing of an aerosol delivery device. The present invention also relates to a method of operating an aerosol delivery device. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of aerosol delivery systems, it is known to provide a power source, such as a battery, to power a device configured to generate and deliver an aerosol to a user during use. However, this power source can overheat or fail during use, which can cause a buildup of pressure within the housing of the device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect of the present invention, a housing for an aerosol delivery device is provided, the housing comprising: an outer body having a first end and an opposite second end spaced apart from the first end along a longitudinal axis and connected to the first end by a sidewall; a power source receiving compartment within the outer body, the power source receiving compartment sealed by an end cap disposed at the first end of the outer body; and an opening disposed in the sidewall, wherein a panel is disposed in the opening in a first position in which the panel is configured to seal the opening so that the power source receiving compartment is fluidly isolated from the atmosphere, and the panel is movable from the first position to a second position in which the panel is at least partially disengaged from the opening so that the power source receiving compartment is fluidly connected to the atmosphere when an internal pressure of the power source receiving compartment exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0004] In one embodiment, the panel can have a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end being longitudinally spaced apart.

[0005] In one embodiment, the first end of the panel may be located closer to the first end of the outer body than the second end of the panel.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first end of the panel may be disposed adjacent to an end cap at the first end of the outer body.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first portion of the panel may include a first mounting element that mounts a first end of the panel to the housing, and the second portion of the panel may include a second mounting element that mounts a second end of the panel to the housing.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first mounting element requires less force to remove the first end of the panel from the housing than the second mounting element, such that the panel is configured to hinge open about the second end of the panel when the internal pressure of the power supply receiving compartment exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0009] Preferably, a first end of the panel is releasably attached to the housing and a second end of the panel is fixedly attached to the housing, whereby the panel is configured to hinge open about the second end of the panel when the internal pressure of the power supply receiving compartment exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0010] In one embodiment, the housing may further comprise an internal support configured to prevent deformation of the panel into the housing.

[0011] In some embodiments, the internal support may extend at least partially over the inside of the opening.

[0012] The inner support preferably includes an aperture that provides fluid communication between the power supply receiving compartment and the opening in the outer body.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first mounting element may be disposed in the hole when the panel is in its first position.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first mounting element may be a sealing portion disposed in the hole when the panel is in its first position, the sealing portion configured to form an interference fit with the hole in the internal support.

[0015] In one embodiment, the internal support may include a slot configured to receive the second mounting element.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second mounting element may be a protrusion extending from an inner surface of the panel to fixedly mount the panel to the housing.

[0017] In one embodiment, the slot may include an inner region and an outer region, the inner region being wider than the outer region, and the protrusion of the second element includes an anchor portion configured to be disposed in the inner region of the slot, the anchor portion being wider than the outer region of the slot to prevent the anchor portion from passing through and becoming dislodged from the outer region of the slot.

[0018] In some embodiments, the internal support is secured to the second end of the outer body.

[0019] In one embodiment, the panel may further comprise an overlapping protrusion that contacts the inner surface of the outer body around the periphery of the opening.

[0020] The overlapping projection may extend from the first end of the panel at least partially along the length of the panel. In some embodiments, the overlapping projection may comprise a faceted edge.

[0021] In one embodiment, the overlapping projections may be compressed between the inner support and the inner surface of the outer body around the periphery of the opening.

[0022] In some embodiments, the panel may further comprise an outer lip configured to overlap the outer surface of the outer body around the periphery of the opening.

[0023] In some embodiments, the end cap and panel may be co-molded or overmolded.

[0024] In some embodiments, the end caps and panels may be formed from different materials.

[0025] In some embodiments, the panels may be formed from a silicone-based material or a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0026] In some embodiments, the panel may extend continuously at least 25% around the outer body of the housing in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0027] In some embodiments, the panel may include a support structure on its inner surface configured to provide rigidity to the panel against deformation into the housing.

[0028] In some embodiments, the housing may comprise multiple panels.

[0029] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol delivery device comprising a housing according to claim 1 and a power source disposed within a power source receiving compartment of the housing.

[0030] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising the aerosol delivery device of claim 28 and an article configured to be received in the article-receiving space of the housing of the aerosol delivery device.

[0031] In another aspect of the invention, a method of operating an aerosol delivery system is provided, the method including the steps of: operating an aerosol delivery device to release an aerosol from an article; and, when an internal pressure of the power source-receiving compartment exceeds a predetermined threshold, moving a panel of a housing of the aerosol delivery device from a first position to a second position to allow gas to escape to the atmosphere. make it possible The steps include:

[0032] The method may further include the step of the panel moving due to internal pressure of the power supply receiving compartment acting on an inner surface of the panel.

[0033] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a housing for an aerosol delivery device is provided, the housing comprising: an outer body having a first end and an opposite second end spaced apart from the first end along a longitudinal axis and connected to the first end by a sidewall; a power source receiving compartment within the outer body, the power source receiving compartment sealed by an end cap disposed at the first end of the outer housing; and an opening disposed in the sidewall, the opening being permanently open and having a diameter of less than 0.1 mm to allow internal pressure of the power source receiving compartment to escape outside the housing and to prevent the intrusion of liquid.

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a first end perspective view of the housing of the aerosol delivery device with the mouthpiece omitted. [Figure 2] 2 is a first end perspective view of the housing of FIG. 1 with a portion of the housing removed. [Figure 3] 3 is a first end perspective view of the housing of FIG. 2 with the power supply omitted. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a second end perspective view of the housing with the panel omitted. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a panel of the housing. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional end view of a first end of the outer body of the housing. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a second end perspective view of the housing with the panel. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a housing of an aerosol delivery device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] [Detailed explanation] As used herein, the term "delivery system" encompasses systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, including non-combustion aerosol delivery systems that release compounds from an aerosol-forming material without burning the aerosol-forming material, such as e-cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems that generate an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-forming materials.

[0037] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustion" aerosol delivery system is one in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials of the aerosol delivery system (or its components) are not burned or incinerated to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0038] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

[0039] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an e-cigarette, also known as a puff-on device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0040] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0041] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates aerosol using a combination of multiple aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0042] Generally, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system can include a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and a consumable for use with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

[0043] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include an aerosol-generating material and are configured for use in a non-combustion aerosol delivery device. These consumables may also be referred to as articles throughout this disclosure.

[0044] In some embodiments, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system (e.g., a non-combustion aerosol delivery device) can include a power source and a controller. The power source can be, for example, an electrical power source or a heat generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat generating power source comprises a carbon substrate that can be energized to deliver power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a thermally conductive material proximate to the heat generating power source.

[0045] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include a consumable receiving area, an aerosol generator and aerosol-generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0046] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material not intended to be aerosolized, either of which may optionally include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0047] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active agent.

[0048] As used herein, an active substance may refer to a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to obtain or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from, for example, dietary supplements, nootropics, and psychoactive agents. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically derived. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6, B12, or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or other plants.

[0049] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises nicotine, hi some embodiments, the active agent comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0050] As provided herein, the active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0051] As used herein, an active agent may include or be derived from one or more botanical substances, or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical substance" includes any material produced from a plant, including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fiber, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husks, shells, etc. Alternatively, the material may include active compounds naturally occurring in the botanical substance or synthetically obtained. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed grains, granules, pellets, chips, strips, sheets, etc. Exemplary botanicals include tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, bay leaf, licorice, matcha, yerba mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, and lavender. , lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, sedge, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, kalbi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof.The mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: cool mint, grapefruit mint, Egyptian mint (Mentha niliaca), peppermint (Mentha piperita), lime mint (Mentha piperita citrata cv), chocolate mint (Mentha piperita cv), curly mint (Mentha spicata crispa), wild mint (Mentha cardifolia), English horse mint (Mentha longifolia), pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens variegata), bennyroyal mint (Mentha pulegium), English spearmint (Mentha spicata cv), and apple mint (Mentha suaveolens).

[0052] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances, or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the botanical substance is tobacco.

[0053] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances, or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, wherein the botanical substances are selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, and hemp.

[0054] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances, or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, wherein the botanical substances are selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0055] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a fragrance.

[0056] As used herein, the terms "flavor" and "flavoring" refer to materials that may be used in products for adult consumers to produce a desired flavor, aroma, or other bodily sensation, where permitted by local regulations.These include naturally occurring flavoring materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically derived materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, mint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, paprika, etc.). Yew, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel quid, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, bell pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, bay leaf, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, scutellaria, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, black currant, valerian, pimento, medicinal herbs, thyme, thyme extract, thyme oil, thyme extract, thyme extracts ... The flavor enhancers may include other additives such as sucralose, damiane, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, kalbi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners. These may be imitation ingredients, synthetic or natural ingredients, or mixtures thereof.These may be in any suitable form, for example a liquid such as an oil, a solid such as a powder, or a gas.

[0057] In some embodiments, the flavoring includes menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruit, and / or red berry flavoring ingredients. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes flavoring ingredients extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes flavoring ingredients extracted from cannabis.

[0058] In some embodiments, the fragrance may include a sensation eliciting agent intended to produce a bodily sensation, usually chemically induced and perceived, by stimulating the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to or instead of the scent or taste nerves, and may include agents that produce a warming, cooling, tingling, or numbing effect. A suitable warming agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and a suitable cooling agent may be, but is not limited to, eucalyptol WS-3.

[0059] An aerosol-generating material is a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or otherwise energized. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise 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 material that can retain some fluid, such as a liquid, within its interior. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, about 50%, about 60%, or about 70% by weight of amorphous solid to about 90%, about 95%, or about 100% by weight of amorphous solid.

[0060] The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active agents and / or flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0061] The aerosol-forming material may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, 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.

[0062] The one or more other functional materials may include one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a filler, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0063] These materials may be present on or in a support to form a substrate. The support may be or include, for example, paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support includes a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or both sides of the material.

[0064] A consumable is an article containing or composed of an aerosol-forming material, some or all of which is intended to be consumed by a user during use. A consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-forming material storage area, an aerosol-forming material supply component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a cigarette paper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater that releases heat upon use to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. A heater may include, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0065] 1, an embodiment of an aerosol delivery device 1 according to the present invention is shown without tipping components and / or articles, however, it should be understood that the aerosol delivery device 1 may comprise a tipping and / or cartridge and / or articles to form an aerosol delivery system.

[0066] The aerosol delivery device 1 includes a housing 10. The housing 10 of the aerosol delivery device 1 may include components such as a button for operating the device, an indicator configured to notify the user when the device needs charging, and electrical connections for charging, which are omitted for clarity of illustration.

[0067] The housing 10 of the aerosol delivery device 1 includes an outer body 11. The outer body 11 includes a first end 12 and an opposite second end 13. The opposite second end 13 is spaced apart from the first end 12 along the longitudinal axis A of the housing 10. The first end 12 and the second end 13 are connected by a sidewall 14.

[0068] Depending on the type of aerosol delivery device 1, the second end 13 of the housing 10 can be configured to receive an article, a mouthpiece, or a cartridge comprising a mouthpiece.

[0069] 2, the housing 10 of the aerosol delivery device 1 is shown with the portion shown in FIG. 1 removed. As shown in FIG. 2, the aerosol delivery device 1 further includes a power source 3 disposed inside the housing 10. The power source 3 is used to provide power to the aerosol delivery device 1 during use. The power source 3 may be, for example, but is not limited to, a battery.

[0070] 3, the housing 10 of the aerosol delivery device 1 is shown with the portion shown in FIG. 1 and the power source 3 shown in FIG. 2 removed. The housing 10 includes a power source receiving compartment 15 within the outer body 11. The power source receiving compartment 15 is configured to receive the power source 3. The power source receiving compartment 15 is defined by the outer body 11 of the housing 10.

[0071] Housing 10 further includes an end cap 16 disposed at first end 12 of outer body 11. End cap 16 is configured to seal power supply receiving compartment 15, as described in more detail below.

[0072] Additionally, housing 10 of aerosol delivery device 1 includes opening 17 in sidewall 14 and panel 18. As shown in Figure 3, panel 18 is received in opening 17 when panel 18 is in its first position. In the first position, panel 18 is configured to seal opening 17 such that power supply-receiving compartment 15 is fluidly isolated from the atmosphere.

[0073] Panel 18 is movable from a first position to a second position. When panel 18 is in its second position, panel 18 is at least partially out of aperture 17 such that power supply receiving compartment 15 is in fluid communication with the atmosphere. For the avoidance of doubt, the term atmosphere is used herein to mean the environment surrounding housing 10 of aerosol delivery device 1.

[0074] Panel 18 is movable from a first position to a second position when the internal pressure of the power source receiving compartment exceeds a predetermined threshold, as described in more detail below. The ability of panel 18 to move depending on the pressure within power source receiving compartment 15 protects power source 3 from water damage while allowing gas to be vented from aerosol delivery device 1 if power source 3 overheats or fails. By providing a controlled means for venting gas from aerosol delivery device 1, damage to housing 10 is avoided.

[0075] An end cap 16 of the housing 10 is coupled to the first end 12 of the outer body 11. The end cap 16 is a generally hollow, tubular element with a closed end. The end cap 16 includes an end plate 21 that defines the closed end. The end plate 21 of the end cap 16 defines the first end 5 of the aerosol delivery device 1. The end cap 16 of the housing 10 includes a sidewall 22 that extends from a periphery 23 of the end plate 21.

[0076] Referring briefly to FIG. 4, a perspective view of housing 10 from its second end 13 is shown, with body 11 and power source 3 removed. As shown in FIG. 4, side wall 22 of end cap 16 comprises first section 25 and second section 26. First section 25 extends from end plate 21 and includes a first outer periphery 27. First outer periphery 27 has the same dimensions as first end 12 of outer body 11 of housing 10 and is therefore "flush" with body 11.

[0077] The second section 26 of the sidewall 22 of the end cap 16 extends from the first section 25 of the sidewall 22. The second section 26 of the sidewall 22 extends from the end of the first section 25 and is spaced apart from the first outer circumferential surface 27. Thus, the end cap 16 includes a shoulder 28 formed between the first section 25 and the second section 26 of the sidewall 22 of the end cap 16. The shoulder 28 is configured to abut the first end 12 of the outer body 11.

[0078] The second sidewall 26 is configured to extend inside the outer body 11 of the housing 10. The second section 26 of the sidewall 22 includes a second peripheral outer surface 29. The second peripheral outer surface 29 can be configured to contact the inner surface of the outer body 11 to help seal the power supply receiving compartment 15.

[0079] In one embodiment, the end cap 16 and the panel 18 are formed by co-molding these components. In another embodiment, the end cap 16 and the panel 18 are overmolded. Preferably, the end cap 16 and the panel 18 are formed from different materials. In this embodiment, the panel 18 is formed from a silicone-based material. However, in alternative embodiments, the panel 18 can be formed from, for example, but not limited to, a thermoplastic elastomer, natural rubber, nitrile butadiene rubber, latex, or polyurethane.

[0080] 2, panel 18 comprises a first portion 31 having a first end 32 and a second portion 33 having a second end 34. First portion 31 of panel 18 comprises a portion of panel 18 that is closer to first end 32 of panel 18 than to second end 34 of panel 18. Second portion 33 of panel 18 comprises a portion of panel 18 that is closer to second end 34 of panel 18 than to first end 32 of panel 18. Furthermore, in the context of the present invention, the terms first end and second end refer to regions proximate the ends of panel 18.

[0081] In this embodiment, the first end 33 of the panel 18 and the second end 34 of the panel 18 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. That is, the panel 18 includes a longitudinal axis A' extending between the first end 33 and the second end 34 of the panel 18. In some embodiments, the first end 32 and the second end 34 of the panel 18 are spaced apart in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the outer body 11. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis A' of the panel 18 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the outer body 11.

[0082] In this embodiment, the first end 32 of the panel 18 is located closer to the first end 12 of the outer body 11 than the second end 34 of the panel 18. It will therefore be appreciated that the second end 34 of the panel 18 is located closer to the second end 13 of the outer body 11 than the first end 32 of the panel 18.

[0083] The first end 32 of the panel 18 is preferably disposed adjacent the end cap 16 at the first end 12 of the outer body 11 of the housing 10. For example, in one embodiment, such as that shown in FIG. 3, the first end 32 of the panel 18 abuts the end cap 16. However, in some embodiments, a portion of the outer body 11 may extend between the first end 32 of the panel 18 and the end cap 16.

[0084] 5 , a perspective view of panel 18 is shown. The panel includes a body 35. One end of body 35 of panel 18 forms first end 32 of panel 18, and an opposite end of body 35 forms second end 34 of panel 18. Body 35 includes an inner surface 36 that faces toward power supply receiving compartment 15 when panel 18 is in its first position. Body 35 also includes an outer surface 37 that faces away from power supply receiving compartment 15 when panel 18 is in its first position. In some embodiments, outer surface 37 of body 35 can be flush with outer body 11 of housing 10.

[0085] The inner surface 36 and outer surface 37 of the body 35 are spaced apart by side walls. In this embodiment, two opposing side walls 41, 42 extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A' of the panel 18, and two other opposing side walls 43, 44 that terminate at the first and second ends 32, 34 of the panel 18 extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A' of the panel 18. As shown in FIG. 4, the corners of the panel 18 where the side walls meet at the second end 34 of the panel 18 may be rounded.

[0086] The first portion 31 of the panel 18 includes a first mounting element 46. The first mounting element 46 is configured to mount the first end 32 of the panel 18 to the housing 10. The second portion 33 of the panel 18 includes a second mounting element 47. The second mounting element 47 is configured to mount the second end 34 of the panel 18 to the housing 10.

[0087] In this embodiment, the mounting elements 46, 47 are configured such that a lesser force is required to remove the first end 32 of the panel 18 from the housing 10 than the second mounting element 47. That is, the force required by the first mounting element 46 to remove the first end 32 of the panel 18 from the opening 17 is less than the force that must be applied to the second mounting element 47 to remove the second end 34 of the panel 18 from the opening 17.

[0088] The first mounting element 46 requires a small force to move the first end 32 of the panel 18 from its first position in the opening 17, where the power supply receiving compartment 15 is fluidly isolated from the atmosphere, to its second position, where the first end 32 of the panel 18 is at least partially out of the opening 17 and the power supply receiving compartment 15 is fluidly connected to the atmosphere.

[0089] Thus, when the internal pressure of the power supply receiving compartment exceeds a predetermined threshold, the first mounting element 46 will overcome before the second mounting element 47. Because the first end 32 of the panel 18 disengages from the opening 17 before the second end 34 of the panel 18, the panel 18 is configured to hinge open about the second end 18 of the panel when the internal pressure of the power supply receiving compartment exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0090] As a result, first end 32 of panel 18 always clears opening 17 in outer body 11 before second end 34 of panel 18, placing power supply receiving compartment 15 in fluid communication with the atmosphere. This provides the advantage that any gas exhausted from power supply receiving compartment 15 through opening 17 is directed away from second end 13 of housing 10, and therefore away from the user.

[0091] In this embodiment, the first end 32 of the panel 18 is releasably attached to the housing 10. Thus, the first attachment element 46 can be completely separated from the housing 10. The first attachment element 46 can be releasably attached to the housing 10 to maximize the amount of the first portion 31 of the panel 18 that can be removed from the opening 17.

[0092] It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, first mounting element 46 may be only partially separable from housing 10. That is, first mounting element 46 may be moved to a second position in which it is at least partially removed from opening 17 to place power-receiving compartment 15 in fluid communication with the atmosphere, but may remain attached to housing 10 to limit first end 32 of panel 18 from moving too far.

[0093] In this embodiment, the second end 34 of the panel 18 is fixedly attached to the housing 10. Thus, the second mounting element 47 may remain coupled to the housing 10 when the panel 18 is in both the first and second positions. The fixed attachment of the second end 34 of the panel 18 to the housing 10 allows the panel 18 to hinge open about the second end 34 of the panel 18 when the internal pressure of the power supply receiving compartment 15 exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0094] In this embodiment, the second mounting element 47 includes a protrusion 48. The protrusion 48 extends from the inner surface 36 of the second portion 33 of the panel 18. The protrusion 48 is configured to be disposed in a slot in the housing 10, as described in more detail below. The protrusion 48 is configured to fixedly mount the panel 18 to the housing 10.

[0095] 4 , the housing 10 may further include an internal support 51. The internal support 51 is configured to prevent the panel 18 from deforming into the housing 10. That is, the internal support 51 prevents the panel 18 from bending into the power supply receiving compartment 15 or being forced inside the outer body 11 of the housing 10. In this embodiment, the internal support 51 extends at least partially over the inside of the opening 17 in the side wall 14 of the outer body 11 of the housing 10.

[0096] In this embodiment, the internal support 51 is formed by a bracket 52. The bracket 52 extends longitudinally within the power source receiving section 15. The bracket 52 is configured to receive and support the power source 3. The bracket 52 may extend along the length of the power source receiving section 15, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 . The bracket 52 may secure the end cap 16 to the housing 10. The bracket 52 may be secured to the outer body 11 of the housing 10 adjacent the second end 13 of the housing 10. Therefore, there is no risk that an increase in internal pressure within the power source receiving section 15 will force the end cap 16 out of the aerosol delivery device 1.

[0097] The internal support 51 may include a panel receiving portion 53 configured to receive the panel 18 and hold the panel 18 in its first position until the pressure in the power supply receiving compartment 15 exceeds a predetermined threshold. The panel receiving portion 53 of the internal support 51 is disposed proximate the first end 12 of the outer body 11. In this embodiment, the panel receiving portion 53 abuts the end cap 16.

[0098] In this embodiment, the panel receiving portion 53 of the internal support 51 includes an aperture 54. The aperture 54 is located proximate the first end 12 of the outer body 11 of the housing 10. The aperture 54 is configured to provide fluid communication between the power supply receiving compartment 15 and the opening 17 of the outer body 11 of the housing 10. The aperture 54 is configured to receive the first mounting element 46 of the panel 18, as described in more detail below. As shown in FIG. 4 , the aperture 54 is generally rectangular in cross section. However, in alternative embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the aperture 54 may be different. The aperture 54 is defined by a peripheral sidewall 55.

[0099] In this embodiment, the panel receiving portion 53 of the interior support 51 further includes a slot 56. The slot 56 is located farther from the first end 12 of the outer body 11 of the housing 10 than the hole 54. The slot 56 is configured to receive the second mounting element 47 of the panel 18, as described below. As shown in FIG. 4 , the slot 56 in this embodiment is generally U-shaped. However, in alternative embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the slot 56 may be different.

[0100] The slot 56 in the panel receiving portion 53 of the internal support 51 has an open end 57 and an opposite closed end 58. As shown in FIG. 4 , the slot 56 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the outer body 11 of the housing 10. The open end 57 of the slot 56 is closed by the outer body 11 of the housing 10 to prevent the second mounting element 47 from sliding out of the slot 56.

[0101] The slot 56 includes an inner region 61 and an outer region 62. The inner region 61 of the slot 56 is wider than the outer region 62 of the slot 56. The outer region 62 of the slot 56 is defined by a first gap 63 between a first edge 64 and a second edge 65. The size of the first gap 63 is substantially the same as the size from the open end 57 to the closed end 58 of the slot 56. The inner region 61 of the slot 56 is defined by a second gap 66 between a third edge 67 and a fourth edge 68. The size of the second gap 66 is substantially the same as the size from the open end 57 to the closed end 58.

[0102] The first gap 63 is smaller than the second gap 66. That is, the distance between the first edge 64 and the second edge 65 is smaller than the distance between the third edge 67 and the fourth edge 68. In this embodiment, the centerline of the first gap 63 and the centerline of the second gap 66 are aligned. Thus, a shoulder 69 is formed between the first gap 63 and the second gap 66. The shoulder 69 is configured to form a surface against which the second mounting element 47 abuts, thereby preventing the second mounting element 47 from coming out of the slot 56, particularly when the internal pressure of the power supply receiving compartment 15 reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0103] Referring back to FIG. 5 , in this embodiment, the first mounting element 46 is a sealing portion. That is, the first mounting element 46 is configured to seal the hole 54 in the panel receiving portion 53 of the interior support 51, as shown in FIG. 7 . The first mounting element 46 includes a plug portion 71. The plug portion 71 extends from the inner surface 36 of the first portion 31 of the panel 18. The plug portion 71 is configured to be disposed in the hole 54 in the housing 10. The plug portion 71 is configured to fluidly seal the hole 54. In some embodiments, the plug portion 71 seals the hole 54 and fluidly isolates the power supply receiving compartment 15 from the opening 17 in the side wall 14 of the outer body 11 of the housing 10.

[0104] Additionally, plug portion 71 may include protrusion 72. Protrusion 72 is configured to ensure an interference fit of plug portion 71 when plug portion 71 is placed in bore 54 of housing 10, as shown in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, plug portion 71 is generally cuboid and protrusion 72 is semicircular in shape. However, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the shapes of plug portion 71 and protrusion 72, as well as bore 54, may differ from those illustrated.

[0105] 5, the first mounting element 46 includes a plurality of protrusions 72 extending from a plug portion 71. For example, the plug portion has two protrusions 72 extending longitudinally from a first end 73 of the plug portion 71 and two protrusions 72 extending longitudinally from a second end 74 of the plug portion 71. The first end 73 of the plug portion 71 is proximate the first end 32 of the panel 18.

[0106] Advantageously, protrusion 72 extending from first end 73 of plug portion 71 must press against side wall 55 of aperture 54 when panel 18 hinges about second mounting element 47. Thus, while protrusion 72 increases the force required to move panel 18 toward the second position, panel 18 can be made smaller and / or thinner and / or from a more flexible material, as the panel only needs to be held in the first position until a predetermined threshold is exceeded.

[0107] In this embodiment, the projection 76 of the second mounting element 46 includes a stalk portion 77 and an anchor portion 78. The stalk portion 77 extends from the inner surface 46 of the panel 18. The anchor portion 78 extends from the end of the stalk portion 77 opposite the inner surface 36 of the panel 18. The anchor portion 78 is wider than the stalk portion 77.

[0108] In this embodiment, the stalk portion 77 and the anchor portion 78 are cylindrical in shape. The anchor portion 78 may have a radius greater than its length. The anchor portion 78 has a radius greater than that of the stalk portion 77. The stalk portion 77 and the anchor portion 78 may be coaxially aligned. The anchor portion 77 is configured such that its outer surface 79 contacts the shoulder 69 of the slot 56, as shown in FIG. 7 .

[0109] As shown in FIG. 5, panel 18 may further include an overlapping protrusion 81. Overlapping protrusion 81 is configured to contact the inner surface of outer body 11 of housing 10, as shown in FIG. 6. Overlapping protrusion 81 increases the force required to move panel 18 from its first position to its second position. Thus, because overlapping protrusion 81 increases the force required to move panel 18 to the second position, panel 18 can be made smaller and / or thinner and / or from a more flexible material, because panel 18 only needs to be held in the first position until a predetermined threshold is exceeded.

[0110] 5 , the overlap projection 81 extends from the first end 32 of the panel 18 at least partially along the length of the panel 18. In this embodiment, the overlap projection 81 extends substantially along the length of the first portion 31 of the panel 18. That is, the overlap projection 81 extends from the first end 32 of the panel 18 to the second end side of the first mounting element 46. The overlap portion 81 does not need to extend along the length of the second portion 33 of the panel 18 because the second mounting element 47 fixedly attaches the second end 34 of the panel 18 to the housing 10.

[0111] Overlapping portion 81 extends from longitudinal sidewall 43 of body 35 of panel 18. Overlapping portion 81 includes an inner surface 82 that extends in the same plane as inner surface 36 of body 35 of panel 18. Overlapping portion 81 further includes an outer surface 83 that is spaced from outer surface 37 of body 35 such that overlapping portion 81 is narrower than body 35 of panel 18.

[0112] 6, the overlapping portion 81 includes a relief edge 85. The relief edge 85 is configured to abut the inner surface of the outer body 11 of the housing 10. The relief edge 85 helps seal the opening 17 in the side wall 14 of the outer body 11.

[0113] 6 , it can be seen that overlapping portion 81 can be compressed between internal support 51 and the inner surface of outer body 11 of housing 11 around opening 17. Thus, when overlapping portion 81 is held in a compressed or pinched state between internal support 51 and outer body 11, the force required to move panel 18 from the first position to the second position increases. Thus, for a given threshold, panel 18 can be made smaller and / or thinner and / or made from a more flexible material when overlapping portion 81 is held in a compressed state.

[0114] In this embodiment, panel 18 further includes an outer lip 87. Outer lip 67 is configured to overlap the exterior surface of outer body 11 of housing 10 around opening 17. Outer lip 87 helps to fluidly seal opening 17 in side wall 14 of outer body 11. Outer lip 87 also helps prevent panel 18 from being forced inside housing 10 and also helps prevent a user from tampering with panel 18 by forcing foreign objects into power supply receiving compartment 15.

[0115] In one embodiment, the panel 18 may include a support structure on its interior surface 36. The support structure may be, for example, but not limited to, a rib. The support structure is configured to provide rigidity to the panel 18 against deformation into the outer body 10 of the housing 11.

[0116] In some embodiments, the panel 18 may be wider than shown and form a skirt, i.e., the panel 18 may extend continuously at least 25% around the outer body 11 of the housing 10 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In other embodiments, the housing 10 may include multiple panels 18, any one of which may include a combination of the above-described features.

[0117] A method of operating an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device 1 including a housing 10 and an article will now be briefly described with reference to the figures.

[0118] A user takes the aerosol delivery device 1 shown in FIG. 1 and inserts an article into the second end 13 of the housing 10. The aerosol delivery device may be a non-combustion heating device or a vaporization device. As used herein, the article may be, for example, but is not limited to, a consumable product, a cartridge including an aerosol-generating substrate and a mouthpiece, or a mouthpiece.

[0119] A user can activate the device by pressing a button (not shown) to trigger a puff sensor or by applying an article. When the device is activated, a power source provides power to a heater to heat the article / consumable for delivery of an aerosol to the user.

[0120] Under normal operation, panel 18 is in its first position, i.e., first mounting element 46 of panel 18 is disposed in hole 54 of panel receiving portion 53 of internal support 51. In some embodiments, plug portion 71 of panel 18 fluidly seals hole 54 in internal support 51 such that power supply receiving compartment 15 is fluidly isolated from opening 17.

[0121] Additionally, second mounting element 47 of panel 18 is disposed in slot 56 of panel receiving portion 52 of internal support 51. Overlapping portion 81 is held between internal support 51 and the inner surface of outer body 11 of housing 10, and body 35 of panel 18 is disposed in opening 17 in sidewall 14 of outer body 11. Additionally, outer lip 87 contacts the outer surface of outer body 11. Thus, panel 18 fluidly seals opening 17 such that power supply receiving compartment 15 is fluidly isolated from the atmosphere.

[0122] If the battery becomes too hot or fails, pressure will build up inside the sealed power receiving compartment 15. Panel 18 of housing 10 will move from its first position to its second position to allow gas to escape to the atmosphere when the pressure inside power receiving compartment 15 exceeds a predetermined threshold. You will be able to .

[0123] As pressure builds in power supply receiving compartment 15, first portion 31 of panel 18 moves outward due to the pressure. When the pressure reaches a predetermined threshold, i.e., when the pressure is greater than the sum of the frictional force between plug portion 71 and hole 54 and the frictional force between overlapping portion 81 and opening 17, plug portion 71 disengages from hole 54 and overlapping portion disengages from opening 17, thereby placing power supply receiving compartment 15 in fluid communication with the atmosphere and allowing the gas under pressure in housing 10 to safely escape into the atmosphere away from the user.

[0124] The predetermined internal pressure threshold may be within the range of 2070 kPA (300 psi) ±10%. The predetermined internal pressure threshold may be defined by an industry standard, i.e., UL8139.

[0125] Referring to Figure 8, a second embodiment of a housing 90 is shown. The housing shown in Figure 8 is generally similar to the embodiment of housing 10 described above, and therefore will not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, features and components of housing 90 that are the same as features and components of housing 10 retain the same terminology and reference numerals. Instead of using the panel 18 described above with respect to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the housing includes an opening 91. Because housing 90 is generally similar to the embodiment of housing 10 described above, a detailed description thereof will not be provided herein.

[0126] The housing 90 of the aerosol delivery device 1 includes an outer body 11 having a first end 12 and an opposite second end 13. The second end 13 is spaced from the first end 12 along the longitudinal axis A and is connected to the first end 12 by a sidewall 14.

[0127] The housing 90 further includes a power supply receiving compartment 15 within the outer body 11. The power supply receiving compartment 15 is sealed by an end cap 16 disposed at the first end 12 of the outer housing 11.

[0128] The housing 90 further includes an opening 91 in the side wall 14. The opening 91 is permanently open. The opening 91 has a diameter of less than 0.1 mm. Therefore, the opening 91 can prevent liquid from entering. The opening 91 is configured to release pressure in the power supply receiving compartment 15 to the outside of the housing 90.

[0129] In some embodiments, there may be multiple openings 91 .

[0130] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided merely as representative examples of embodiments and are not intended to be exhaustive and / or limiting. It is understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or as limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments may be used and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention may suitably include, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, configurations, features, components, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. The present disclosure may also include other inventions not currently recited in the claims but which may be described in the future.

Claims

1. 1. A housing for an aerosol delivery device, comprising: an outer body having a first end and an opposite second end spaced along the longitudinal axis from the first end and connected to the first end by a sidewall; a power source receiving compartment within the outer body, the power source receiving compartment being sealed by an end cap disposed at the first end of the outer body; an opening disposed in the sidewall; a panel disposed in the opening in a first position where the panel is configured to seal the opening such that the power supply receiving compartment is fluidly isolated from the atmosphere; the panel is movable from the first position to a second position in which the panel is at least partially out of the opening such that the power source receiving compartment is in fluid communication with the atmosphere when the internal pressure of the power source receiving compartment exceeds a predetermined threshold.

2. 2. The housing of claim 1, wherein the panel has a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end being longitudinally spaced apart.

3. The housing of claim 2 , wherein the first end of the panel is located closer to the first end of the outer body than the second end of the panel.

4. 4. The housing of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the first end of the panel is disposed adjacent the end cap of the first end of the outer body.

5. 3. The housing of claim 2, wherein a first portion of the panel includes a first mounting element that mounts the first end of the panel to the housing, and a second portion of the panel includes a second mounting element that mounts the second end of the panel to the housing.

6. 6. The housing of claim 5, wherein the first mounting element is configured to require less force to remove the first end of the panel from the housing than the second mounting element, such that the panel hinges open about the second end of the panel when the internal pressure of the power supply receiving compartment exceeds a predetermined threshold.

7. 3. The housing of claim 2, wherein the first end of the panel is releasably attached to the housing and the second end of the panel is fixedly attached to the housing, such that when the internal pressure of the power supply receiving compartment exceeds a predetermined threshold, the panel is configured to hinge open about the second end of the panel.

8. The housing of claim 2 , further comprising an internal support configured to prevent deformation of the panel into the housing.

9. The housing of claim 8 , wherein the internal support extends at least partially over the interior of the opening.

10. The housing of claim 8 , wherein the internal support includes an aperture providing fluid communication between the power source receiving compartment and the opening in the outer body.

11. A first portion of the panel includes a first mounting element that mounts the first end of the panel to the housing, and a second portion of the panel includes a second mounting element that mounts the second end of the panel to the housing; The housing of claim 10 , wherein the first mounting element is disposed in the hole when the panel is in its first position.

12. 12. The housing of claim 11, wherein the first mounting element is a sealing portion disposed in the hole when the panel is in its first position, the sealing portion configured to form an interference fit with the hole in the internal support.

13. A first portion of the panel includes a first mounting element that mounts the first end of the panel to the housing, and a second portion of the panel includes a second mounting element that mounts the second end of the panel to the housing; The housing of claim 8 , wherein the internal support includes a slot configured to receive the second mounting element.

14. 14. The housing of claim 13, wherein the second mounting element is a protrusion extending from an inner surface of the panel for fixedly mounting the panel to the housing.

15. 15. The housing of claim 14, wherein the slot comprises an inner region and an outer region, the inner region being wider than the outer region, and the protrusion of the second mounting element comprises an anchor portion configured to be disposed in the inner region of the slot, the anchor portion being wider than the outer region of the slot to prevent the anchor portion from slipping through and becoming dislodged from the outer region of the slot.

16. The housing of any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein the internal support is fixed to the second end of the outer body.

17. The housing of claim 2 , wherein the panel further comprises an overlapping protrusion contacting the inner surface of the outer body around the periphery of the opening.

18. 18. The housing of claim 17, wherein the overlapping projection extends from the first end of the panel at least partially along the length of the panel.

19. The housing of claim 17 , wherein the overlapping projection comprises a faceted edge.

20. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing an internal support configured to prevent deformation of the panel into the housing; The housing of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the overlapping projection is compressed between the inner support and the inner surface of the outer body around the opening.

21. The housing of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the panel further comprises an outer lip configured to overlap an outer surface of the outer body around the periphery of the opening.

22. The housing of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the end caps and the panels are co-molded or overmolded.

23. The housing of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the end caps and the panels are formed from different materials.

24. The housing of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the panel is formed from a silicone-based material or a thermoplastic elastomer.

25. The housing of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the panel extends continuously at least 25% around the outer body of the housing in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

26. 4. A housing according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the panel is provided on its inner surface with a support structure configured to give the panel rigidity against deformation into the housing.

27. The housing of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of the panels.

28. The housing of claim 1; a power source disposed within a power source receiving compartment of the housing; An aerosol delivery device comprising:

29. 29. The aerosol delivery device of claim 28; an article configured to be received in an article-receiving space of a housing of the aerosol delivery device; An aerosol delivery system comprising:

30. 1. A method of operating an aerosol delivery system, comprising: operating an aerosol delivery device to emit an aerosol from an article, the aerosol delivery device comprising: a housing, the housing comprising: an outer body having a first end and an opposite second end spaced along a longitudinal axis from the first end and connected to the first end by a sidewall; and a power source receiving compartment within the outer body, the power source receiving compartment sealed by an end cap disposed at the first end of the outer body; moving a panel disposed in the opening in the side wall from a first position to a second position to allow gas to escape to the atmosphere when the internal pressure of the power supply receiving compartment exceeds a predetermined threshold; A method comprising:

31. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the panel moves due to the internal pressure of the power supply receiving compartment acting on an interior surface of the panel.

32. 1. A housing for an aerosol delivery device, comprising: an outer body having a first end and an opposite second end spaced along the longitudinal axis from the first end and connected to the first end by a sidewall; a power source receiving compartment within the outer body, the power source receiving compartment being sealed by an end cap disposed at the first end of the outer body; an opening disposed in the side wall, the opening being permanently open and having a diameter of less than 0.1 mm to allow internal pressure of the power source receiving compartment to escape outside the housing and to prevent the ingress of liquids.

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