Aerosol supply system

Abstract

An aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device (100) and a charging unit (101) for charging the aerosol delivery device (100), the charging unit (101) having a cavity for receiving the aerosol delivery device (100), the charging unit (101) further comprising a lid (103) movable between a first position and a second position, where (i) the aerosol delivery system further comprises a user display (108a), and movement of the lid (103) between the first position and the second position activates and / or deactivates the user display (108a), and / or (ii) the aerosol delivery system further comprises a user interface (106), and movement of the lid (103) between the first position and the second position activates and / or deactivates the user interface (106).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol supply system and a method of generating an aerosol.

Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars generate tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products include so-called "heat-not-burn" products that release compounds by heating a material without burning it, or tobacco heating devices or products. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and may or may not contain nicotine.

[0003] Aerosol supply systems covering the above-described devices and products are known. In a typical system, a heater is used to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, which is then inhaled by the user. In many cases, it is necessary to replace or change the medium used in order to provide different aerosols for inhalation. Inductive heating systems are known to be used as heaters for generating aerosols from suitable media. Inductive heating systems generally consist of a magnetic field generating device for generating a varying magnetic field, and a susceptor or heating material that can be heated by penetrating the varying magnetic field to heat a suitable medium.

[0004] Conventional aerosol supply devices include a cylindrical heating chamber into which a rod-shaped consumable is inserted.

[0005] There is a desire to provide an improved aerosol supply system.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect, an aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol supply device, and A charging unit for charging an aerosol supply device, having a cavity for receiving the aerosol supply device. An aerosol supply system is provided, comprising: (i) the aerosol supply system further comprising a lid movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the aerosol supply system further comprises a user display, and the movement of the lid between the first position and the second position activates and / or deactivates the user display; and / or (ii) the aerosol supply system further comprising a user interface, and the movement of the lid between the first position and the second position activates and / or deactivates the user interface.

[0007] According to various embodiments, the aerosol supply system may include a user display and / or a user interface. According to one embodiment, the first user display may be provided on the charging unit, and the aerosol supply device may include a user interface and optionally a second user display. The lid may be movable between a first (open) position and a second (closed) position.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a user display may be provided on the charging unit, which is visible to the user when the lid is in a second (closed) position and partially or completely hidden or obscured from view by the lid when the lid is in a first (open) position. Thus, the user display may be provided on the charging unit below the slider such that the user display is visible only when the slider is in a second (closed) position, because this is the only interaction the user needs with the user display on the charging unit, for example, to check the charging status of the charging unit. This position also provides the user with some discretion in the sense that the display is not immediately visible to others and is mainly visible only to the user.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the user display may be activated for only a startup time, which may be about 3 seconds, starting from the moment the slider first moves from the first (open) position to the second (closed) position, thereby revealing the user display. The user display may be visible, illuminated, or otherwise switched on during the startup time before the user display becomes invisible, no longer illuminated, or otherwise switched off. According to various embodiments, the startup time may be in the range of less than 1 second, 1-2 seconds, 2-3 seconds, 3-4 seconds, 4-5 seconds, 5-6 seconds, 6-7 seconds, 7-8 seconds, 8-9 seconds, or 9-10 seconds. According to one embodiment, the startup time may be in the range of 3-5 seconds.

[0010] Embodiments are envisioned in which the user display may have a first intensity I1 during the startup time when the user display is switched on, and a second, lower intensity I2 when the user display is switched off or switched to a low-light or low-power operating mode.

[0011] According to various embodiments, the user interface should be understood as a component of the aerosol supply system with which the user can interact, for example, to provide input to the aerosol supply system. For example, the user interface may comprise one or more buttons or touch-sensitive panels that the user can touch. The user display should be understood as a component of the aerosol supply system that displays information to the user.

[0012] When the lid moves from a first (open) position to a second (closed) position (e.g., by sliding or pivoting) (for example, after the aerosol supply device is inserted into the cavity of the charging unit), a user display located on the charging unit, for example, may be activated to indicate the charging status or charge level of the charging unit. As a result, the user is provided with an indication of whether the charging unit is sufficiently charged to partially or fully charge the aerosol supply device. The user display may show a warning or error indication if the aerosol supply device is inserted into the charging unit and the charge level is low or insufficient for the charging unit to fully recharge the aerosol supply device. The user display may be activated for only a pre-selected time, for example, less than 1 second, 1 to 5 seconds, or 5 to 10 seconds, in order to conserve battery life. According to various embodiments, the user display may be activated for only 3 to 5 seconds.

[0013] Embodiments are contemplated in which, when the lid moves from a first (open) position to a second (closed) position (e.g., by sliding or pivoting) (for example, after the aerosol supply device has been inserted into the cavity of the charging unit), a user display located in the charging unit may be activated to display other information, such as the charging status of the aerosol supply device, the cleanliness status of the aerosol supply device, information regarding the battery life of the aerosol supply device, the date and / or time, or information regarding aerosol products suitable for use with the aerosol supply device.

[0014] The user may also partially move the lid from the second (closed) position towards the first (open) position, but not necessarily to the first (open) position. The user may then return the lid to the second (closed) position to activate the user display again.

[0015] It should be understood that the user display may be activated only for a certain period of time; that is, the user display may be on for a certain period (for example, 3 seconds) and then automatically turn off.

[0016] When the lid moves from a second (closed) position to a first (open) position (e.g., by sliding or pivoting), the user display located on the charging unit may be deactivated, for example, to conserve the battery life of the charging unit. When the lid moves from a second (closed) position to a first (open) position (e.g., by sliding or pivoting), the user display located on the charging unit may also be temporarily activated to show the user the remaining battery level of the charging unit. For example, if the charging unit is low charge or low power, the user display may provide a warning to the user. The warning may also warn the user that the charging unit itself should be recharged by being charged directly or wirelessly with commercial power.

[0017] When the lid slides from a first (open) position to a second (closed) position (for example, after the aerosol supply device has been inserted into the cavity of the charging unit), a user interface located on the aerosol supply device may be stopped to prevent the aerosol supply device from accidentally starting up while the aerosol supply device is being recharged by the charging unit.

[0018] (For example, if it is possible to remove the aerosol supply device from the cavity of the charging unit) when the lid moves from a second (closed) position to a first (open) position (e.g., by sliding or pivoting), a user interface located on the aerosol supply device may be activated, for example, allowing the user to activate the aerosol supply device when it is removed from the charging unit.

[0019] Optionally, at least a portion of the user display may be located on the charging unit.

[0020] For example, a user display may be provided on the charging unit to indicate the charging status of the charging unit. The user display may be positioned on the charging unit so that it is always visible to the user. Alternatively, the user display may be positioned on the charging unit such that the lid partially or completely hides the user display when the lid is in the first (open) position. The user display provided on the charging unit may provide the user with an indication of the charging level or charging status of the charging unit. The user display may only show the status of the charging unit when the aerosol supply device is located inside the cavity of the charging unit and the lid of the charging unit is in the second (closed) position.

[0021] When the lid is in the second (closed) position and the aerosol supply device is located inside the cavity of the charging unit, power may be supplied from the charging unit to the aerosol supply device and / or data may be transferred from the charging unit to the aerosol supply device and / or data may be transferred from the aerosol supply device to the charging unit.

[0022] If the lid is in the first (open) position and the aerosol supply device is not located within the cavity of the charging unit, the charging unit may not attempt to supply power from the charging unit to the aerosol supply device, and / or attempt to transfer data from the charging unit to the aerosol supply device, and / or attempt to transfer data from the aerosol supply device to the charging unit.

[0023] Optionally, the user display may be positioned on the charging unit such that it is visible to the user when the lid is in a first (open) position and when the lid is in a second (closed) position.

[0024] Alternatively, the user display may be located at a position on the charging unit such that it is visible to the user when the lid is in the second (closed) position and at least partially hidden or obscured, or completely hidden or obscured, when the lid is in the first (open) position.

[0025] According to one configuration, the user display located on the charging unit may be hidden or obscured by the lid when the lid is in the first (open) position or alternatively when the lid is in the second (closed) position.

[0026] Optionally, at least a part of the user display may be located on the aerosol supply device.

[0027] The aerosol supply device may include a user display that may include, for example, one, two, or more LEDs to indicate the charging state of the aerosol supply device.

[0028] Optionally, in an operating mode, the user display may be arranged to indicate the charging state of the charging unit.

[0029] The user display may be arranged, for example, to indicate that the charging state or level of the charging unit is in the range of 0 - 25%, 25 - 50%, 50 - 75%, or 75 - 100% of full charge. The user display may also indicate a warning when the charging unit is low on charge.

[0030] Optionally, in an operating mode, the user display may be arranged to indicate the charging state of the aerosol supply device.

[0031] The user display may, for example, indicate that the charging state or level of the aerosol supply device is in the range of 0 - 25%, 25 - 50%, 50 - 75%, or 75 - 100% of full charge. The user display may also indicate a warning when the aerosol supply device is low on charge.

[0032] Optionally, in operating mode, the user display may be configured to indicate an error or failure condition of the charging unit and / or aerosol supply device.

[0033] For example, the user display may indicate an error or failure condition if it is determined that an attempt was made to connect the charging unit to the main power source (either via a wired or wireless connection), but the charging unit was unable to restore charge as expected. The user display may also indicate an error or failure condition if it is determined that an aerosol supply device was inserted into the cavity of the charging unit, and the lid of the charging unit moved to a second (closed) position to activate one or more electrical connections and / or one or more data transfer connections between the charging unit and the aerosol supply device, but there was an error or problem in the transfer of power to the aerosol supply device and / or an error or problem in the transfer of data between the charging unit and the aerosol supply device.

[0034] Optionally, in operation mode, the user display may be configured to show the remaining time of the session being used.

[0035] For example, a user display may be provided on an aerosol delivery device and may indicate that the expected usage session is 0-25%, 25-50%, 50-75%, or 75-100% complete. The user display may include a timer indicating the current duration of the usage session. The user display may include a countdown timer indicating the expected remaining time of the current usage session.

[0036] Optionally, the first position includes an open position that allows the aerosol supply device to be inserted into and removed from the cavity.

[0037] For example, the first position may relate to a position in which the lid is fully retracted so as much as possible the entrance aperture into the cavity of the charging unit is exposed or opened. When the lid is fully retracted, i.e., in the first position, the lid may slide over the user display located on the charging unit.

[0038] Optionally, the second position includes a closed position in which the top of the cavity is closed by the lid.

[0039] Optionally, the lid is configured to slide or pivot between a first position and a second position.

[0040] Optionally, the charging unit may include a housing having one or more rails or grooves, and the lid may include one or more tabs or protrusions arranged to engage with one or more rails or grooves.

[0041] Alternatively, the charging unit may comprise a housing having one or more tabs or protrusions, and the lid may comprise one or more rails or grooves, and one or more tabs or protrusions may engage with one or more rails or grooves.

[0042] Optionally, the aerosol supply system further comprises aerosol products.

[0043] According to another embodiment, The steps include providing the aerosol supply system described above, A step of providing energy to the aerosol product and A method for generating an aerosol, including [a specific component], is provided.

[0044] Next, various embodiments will be described as mere examples, with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0045] [Figure 1]This figure shows an aerosol supply device located inside a charging unit, with a user display mounted on top of the charging unit, visible to the user regardless of the position of the sliding cover. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply device. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol supply device into which an aerosol product is inserted. [Figure 4] This is a top perspective view of the aerosol supply system with the charging unit lid in the first (open) position. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a top view of the aerosol supply system shown. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply system shown in Figure 4, passing through the top. [Figure 7] This is a top perspective view of the aerosol supply system with the charging unit lid in the second (closed) position. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a top view of the aerosol supply system shown. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view taken through the top of the aerosol supply system shown in Figure 7. [Figure 10] This figure shows an aerosol supply device located inside a charging unit, where a user display is provided on the top of the charging unit and is visible to the user when the sliding cover is in the closed position, but is hidden from view when the sliding cover is in the open position, and the sliding cover obscures the user display. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0046] According to this disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol supply system is a system in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials (or their components) of the aerosol supply system are not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0047] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0048] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0049] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a cigarette heating system.

[0050] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system for generating aerosols using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises 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.

[0051] Generally, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0052] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising an aerosol-generating material and configured for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0053] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a non-combustible aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power source or a heat source. In some embodiments, the heat source includes a carbon substrate to which energy can be supplied to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or heat transfer material adjacent to the heat source.

[0054] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a suction port, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0055] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, packaging material, a filter, a suction nozzle, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0056] Aerosol-generating materials are materials that can generate aerosols when heated, irradiated, or given energy by other means, for example. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or semi-solid (such as a gel), which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0057] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an active substance and / or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant-based materials. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0058] The aerosol-generating material may include or may be an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with one or more other components, such as a solvent (such as water), an aerosol-forming agent, and an active substance, to form a slurry, and then heating the slurry to volatilize at least a portion of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film. The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60% by weight, 70% by weight, 80% by weight, 85% by weight, or 90% by weight of the solvent. The aerosol-generating film may be a continuous film or a discontinuous film, such as a structure of individual parts of a film on a support. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially tobacco-free.

[0059] The aerosol-generating film may include, or may be, sheets that can be optionally shredded to form shredded sheets.

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

[0061] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to supply thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material so as to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to supply one or more of the aerosol-generating material to vibration, pressure increase, or electrostatic energy.

[0062] Consumables are articles containing or consisting of aerosol-generating material, some or all of which are intended to be consumed during use by the user. Consumables may also comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which generates heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to produce an aerosol when in use. The heater may comprise, for example, a flammable material, an electrically conductive material, or a susceptor.

[0063] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by penetration due to a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, and as a result, penetration of the conductive material by the fluctuating magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, and as a result, penetration of the magnetic material by the fluctuating magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, and as a result, the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. An aerosol supply device configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0064] A non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a modular assembly that includes both a reusable aerosol supply device and interchangeable aerosol products. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuit). The power source may comprise a power source such as a battery or rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations, the aerosol product may comprise the aerosol generating component partially or entirely.

[0065] Induction heating is the process by which a conductive object called a susceptor is heated by allowing a fluctuating magnetic field to penetrate it. This process is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may comprise an electromagnet and a device for passing a fluctuating current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are properly positioned relative to each other, and as a result the resulting fluctuating magnetic field generated by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated within the object. Objects have resistance to the flow of current, and when such eddy currents are generated within an object, the flow of current against the object's electrical resistance heats the object. This process is called Joule heating, Ohm heating, or resistance heating.

[0066] Magnetic hysteresis heating is the process by which an object made of a magnetic material is heated when a fluctuating magnetic field penetrates it. A magnetic material can be thought of as containing many atomic-scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipoles align with the field. Therefore, when a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field generated by an electromagnet, penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes along with the applied fluctuating magnetic field. Such magnetic dipole reorientation causes the generation of heat within the magnetic material.

[0067] When an object is both conductive and magnetic, the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field into it can induce both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating within the object. Furthermore, the use of magnetic materials can strengthen the magnetic field, which can enhance Joule heating.

[0068] Next, we will describe in more detail aerosol supply systems according to various embodiments.

[0069] Figure 1 shows an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol supply device 100, which is shown to be located within the cavity of a charging unit 101. The aerosol supply device 100 is positioned to generate aerosols from aerosol products that can be inserted into the aerosol supply device 100 when in use.

[0070] The aerosol supply device 100 is an elongated structure extending along its longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the aerosol supply device 100 has a proximal end closest to the user (e.g., the user's mouth) when used by the user, and a distal end furthest from the user when used, for inhaling the aerosol generated by the aerosol supply device 100. The proximal end may also be called the mouthpiece end. Thus, the aerosol supply device 100 also defines a proximal direction that is oriented toward the user when used, i.e., from the distal end to the proximal end. Furthermore, the aerosol supply device 100 also defines a distal direction that is oriented away from the user when used, i.e., from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0071] The aerosol supply device 100 may be removably inserted into the charging unit 101 for charging. The charging unit 101 includes a cavity for receiving the aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol supply device 100 may be inserted into the cavity through an opening. The cavity may also include a longitudinal opening. A portion of the aerosol supply device 100 may have a first side. One or more user-operable control elements or user interfaces, such as a button 106, which can be used to operate the aerosol supply device 100, may be provided on the first side of the aerosol supply device 100. The first side of the aerosol supply device 100 may be received into a longitudinal opening provided in the charging unit 101.

[0072] Referencing Figures 2 and 3, the aerosol supply device may include a heating element 202, as described below (see Figure 2). Referring back to Figure 1, the user interface 106 provided on the aerosol supply device 100 may include two buttons. A first button may be provided to operate the aerosol supply device 100 in a standard or base operating mode in which a predetermined heating profile can be set on the heating element 202. A second button may be provided to operate the aerosol supply device 100 in an enhanced or boost operating mode in which the heating profile set on the heating element 202 can be changed. For example, in the enhanced or boost operating mode, the set temperature or desired temperature of the heating element 202 may be raised for a certain period of time.

[0073] The usage session may be determined in relation to the period during which the user can inhale multiple aerosols generated from the aerosol-generating material without replacing or replenishing the material.

[0074] The aerosol supply device 100 may be capable of operating in at least a first (e.g., base) operating mode and a second (e.g., boost) operating mode. The operating mode may be selectable by the user by selecting one of two buttons 106 provided as part of the user interface.

[0075] The heating element 202 may be configured such that, in the first mode, the aerosol supply device 100 is ready for use during a first period after the start of the usage session, and in the second mode, the aerosol supply device 100 is ready for use during a second period after the start of the session. The first period may be different from the second period. The aerosol supply device 100 may be ready for use at time t1 after the start of the usage session in the first (base) operating mode, and may be ready for use at time t2 after the start of the usage session in the second (boost) operating mode, and t2 <t1である。

[0076] By providing an aerosol supply device 100, such as a tobacco heating product, having a heating assembly capable of operating in multiple modes (e.g., base mode and boost mode), consumers are given more choices, especially when each mode is associated with a different maximum heater temperature. Furthermore, such an aerosol supply device 100 can provide different aerosols with different properties because the volatile components in the aerosol-generating material volatilize at different rates and concentrations at different heater temperatures. This allows the user to select a particular mode based on desired properties of the inhalable aerosol, such as the degree of tobacco flavoring, nicotine concentration, and aerosol temperature. For example, a mode that prepares the aerosol supply device 100 for use more quickly (e.g., a second or "boost" mode) may provide a quicker initial puff, or a higher nicotine content per puff, or a more concentrated flavor per puff. Conversely, modes in which the aerosol delivery device 100 is ready for use at a later point in the usage session (e.g., a first or base mode) may provide a longer overall usage session, a lower nicotine content per puff, and a more sustained delivery of flavorings.

[0077] The user interface 106 may include one or more lights or LEDs to indicate the charge status of the aerosol supply device 100. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the user interface 106 may include two LEDs. If zero LEDs are displayed, or if zero LEDs are otherwise lit, the user may be shown a low charge state of the aerosol supply device 100. If one LED is displayed, or if otherwise lit, the user may be shown an intermediate charge state of the aerosol supply device 100. If two LEDs are displayed, or if otherwise lit, the user may be shown a fully or nearly fully charged state of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0078] The cavity of the charging unit 101 may have a cross-sectional profile that allows the aerosol supply device 100 to be inserted into the charging unit 101 in only one orientation. The outer profile of the aerosol supply device 100 may include curved and straight sections. The cross-sectional profile of the cavity provided in the charging unit 101 may also include similar curved and straight sections. The straight sections of the cavity's cross-sectional profile may correspond to longitudinal openings.

[0079] The aerosol supply device 100 has an opening leading to a heating chamber. A rod-shaped aerosol product containing an aerosol-generating material may be inserted through the opening or held within the heating chamber of the aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol product may be heated by a heating element, which may result in the generation of an aerosol or other inhalable medium that may then be inhaled by a user of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0080] The charging unit 101 may include a sliding lid 103. When the aerosol supply device 100 is inserted into the charging unit 101 for recharging, the sliding lid 103 may be closed to cover the opening to the aerosol supply device 100. The charging unit 101 may also include a user display 108.

[0081] As shown in Figure 1, the user display 108 may be located on top of the charging unit 101 and may be visible to the user regardless of the position of the sliding cover 103. However, other configurations are also conceivable in which the user display may be hidden by the sliding cover 103 when the cover is in a first (open) position, as will be explained with reference to Figure 10. The user display may then be visible to the user when the sliding cover 103 is in a second (closed) position.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the charging unit 101 may further include a lid 103 that is movable between a first position and a second position, and (i) the aerosol supply system further includes a user display, and the movement of the lid 103 between the first position and the second position activates and / or deactivates the user display, and / or (ii) the aerosol supply system further includes a user interface, and the movement of the lid 103 between the first position and the second position activates and / or deactivates the user interface.

[0083] Figure 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply device 100 for illustrative purposes. The aerosol supply device 100 comprises a main housing 200 that forms a heating chamber 201. The main housing 200 may have a wall 200a, which is a tubular wall 200a that may extend along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100 and surround the heating chamber 201. The wall 200a may define the heating chamber 201 of the aerosol supply device 100 as a volume enclosed within the tubular wall 200a, at least partially. The wall 200a may have a shape other than tubular and may be any shape that encloses (e.g., surrounds) the heating chamber 201 inside. A heating element 202 may be provided in part of the main housing 200, and the heating element 202 may extend into or protrude into the heating chamber 201. The heating element 202 may include a base portion 202a that can be located in a recess provided in a part of the main housing 200.

[0084] The heating element 202 may include a resistive heating element. The heating element 202 may also include a pin that can be inserted into the distal end of the aerosol product received in the heating chamber 201 to heat the aerosol product internally during use.

[0085] Alternatively, the heating element 202 may comprise a resistive blade heating element having a flat portion and a pointed portion. The pointed portion of the resistive blade heating element may be positioned to be inserted into the distal end of the aerosol product during use in order to heat the aerosol product internally.

[0086] In another configuration, the heating element 202 may include an induction heating element that can be positioned to heat the aerosol product internally. The induction heating element may similarly include pins or blades. It is intended that the heating element may not be a component of the aerosol supply device 100, but rather form part of the aerosol product.

[0087] The aerosol supply device 100 may further include a removal mechanism 204 that can be detachably held in the main housing 200 of the aerosol supply device 100. The removal mechanism 204 may be held in the main housing 200 so that at least a portion of the removal mechanism 204 extends into the heating chamber 201. The removal mechanism 204 may include a longitudinal portion such as a tubular portion 207a and a base portion 207b. The base portion 207b may have an aperture 206 from which a heating element 202 can protrude. In order to hold the removal mechanism 204 in the main housing 200, the removal mechanism 204 may be pushed distally, i.e., toward the distal end of the main housing 200, to engage with the main housing 200 until the removal mechanism 204 can no longer move distally. In the following description, when the removal mechanism 204 is held by the main housing 200, it means that the removal mechanism 204 is engaged with the main housing 200 and cannot move any further distally.

[0088] The tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b together may define and enclose an article chamber for receiving an aerosol product. The article chamber includes an inner surface which may be configured to contact the aerosol product. The inner surface may include a longitudinally extending portion provided by the tubular portion 207a and an end portion provided by the base portion 207b. When the aerosol product is received into the heating chamber, the aerosol product may contact both the longitudinally extending portion and the end portion of the inner surface. In particular, the article chamber (i.e., the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b) may be configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol product, which is in the form of a longitudinally extending cylindrical rod, such that the longitudinal axis of the aerosol product is parallel to (optionally aligned in a line with) the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100 when received into the article chamber.

[0089] The article chamber may also be called the receiving portion. When the removal mechanism 204 is held in the main housing 200, the article chamber of the removal mechanism 204 may be positioned at least partially within the heating chamber 201 during use. The heating element 202 may be positioned to protrude into the article chamber through an aperture 206 provided in the base portion 207b of the removal mechanism 204. Thus, the removal mechanism 204 is configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol product during use.

[0090] The removal mechanism 204 may include a first magnet or magnetizable material 208. The main housing 200 may include a second magnet or magnetizable material 209. During use, the removal mechanism 204 may be magnetically held to the main housing 200 by the interaction between the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209.

[0091] The removal mechanism 204 is completely separable from the main housing 200. The removal mechanism 204 may be held in place by the magnetic attraction between the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209. The removal mechanism 204 may be separated from the main housing 200 by overcoming the magnetic force between the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209. Alternatively, the removal mechanism 204 may be removably held in place by the main housing 200 by other means. For example, the removal mechanism 204 may be configured to be removably held in place by an interlocking fit with the main housing.

[0092] Figure 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply device 100, showing a main housing 200 having a heating element 202 extending into a heating chamber 201, with a removal mechanism 204 detachably held in the main housing 200. The removal mechanism 204 surrounds the heating element 202. An aerosol product 300 is shown, at least partially located within the article chamber and therefore also located within the heating chamber 201, so that the aerosol product 300 is positioned within the heating element 202.

[0093] The outer cap portion 210, when held in the main housing 200, forms part of the outer housing of the aerosol supply device 100. The outer cap portion 210 may radially surround the tubular element 207a, providing a gap between the internal element (e.g., the tubular element 207a) and the outer cap 210, the gap extending along part of the length of the removal mechanism 204 and configured to receive part of the main housing 200, e.g., the wall 200a. The removal mechanism 204 may define an opening 203 to the article chamber, and the aerosol product 300 may be inserted in a first direction through this opening for insertion into the article chamber. This first direction is distal and may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100. In embodiments, the opening 203 may be configured to contact the aerosol product 300.

[0094] The first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209 may be located in the removal mechanism 204 and the main housing 200, respectively, so as to be close enough to each other to generate an attractive force so that the removal mechanism 204 is magnetically held in the main housing 200 when the removal mechanism 204 is held in the main housing 200. For example, the first magnet or magnetizable material may be located at the proximal end of a portion of the main housing 200, for example, at the proximal end of a wall 200a that is inserted into a gap within the removal mechanism 204 (i.e., between the outer cap 210 and the inner elements 207a, 207b) when the removal mechanism 204 is held in the main housing 200, and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209 may be located at a corresponding position within the removal mechanism 204. Therefore, when the removal mechanism 204 engages with the main housing 200, the second magnet or magnetizable material 209 is positioned close enough to the first magnet or magnetizable material 209 so that the removal mechanism 204 remains held in place by the attractive force between the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 208.

[0095] During use, the user may insert or partially insert the aerosol product 300 into the aerosol supply device 100 through the opening 203. The aerosol product 300 is received into the tubular portion 207a of the removal mechanism 204, and thus the aerosol product 300 is received into the article chamber defined by the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b, and further into the heating chamber 201. The heating element 202 may be positioned to pierce the distal end of the aerosol product 300, so that the heating element 202 is located inside the aerosol product 300 and is positioned to heat the aerosol product 300 via internal heating.

[0096] Once the aerosol product 300 is inserted into the aerosol supply device 100, the user may perform a usage session. During the usage session, the aerosol product 300 may be heated by the heating element 202. It will be understood that the usage session may last for several minutes. For example, according to various embodiments, the usage session may last for 2-3 minutes, 3-4 minutes, or 4-5 minutes.

[0097] At the end of a usage session, the user may wish to remove the used aerosol product 300 from the aerosol supply device 100 and optionally replace the used aerosol product 300 with a fresh aerosol product 300. According to one embodiment, in order to remove the used aerosol product 300 after a usage session, the user may separate the removal mechanism 204 from the main housing 200 by applying force to the removal mechanism 204 in such a way that it overcomes the magnetic attraction between the first magnet 208 provided on the removal mechanism 204 and the second magnet provided on the main housing 200.

[0098] Figure 4 shows a top-down perspective view of an aerosol supply system according to various embodiments, and Figure 5 shows a top view of the aerosol supply system shown in Figure 4.

[0099] According to various embodiments, the charging unit 101 includes a lid 103 that is movable between a first position and a second position. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the lid 103 is shown in a first position which may correspond to an open position in which the aerosol supply device 100 can be inserted into or removed from the charging unit 101.

[0100] The lid 103 may be moved to a second (closed) position, as shown in Figures 7 to 9 and described in detail below. In the first (open) position, the lid 103 may be positioned so that the opening 111 of the charging unit is accessible, allowing the aerosol supply device 100 to be inserted into and removed from the cavity 112 within the charging unit 101. In the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5, the aerosol supply device 100 is shown inside the cavity 112. The charging unit 101 may include a housing 113 that accommodates the components of the charging unit 101.

[0101] Therefore, the charging unit 101 includes a lid 103 that is movable between a first (open) position and a second (closed) position. The aerosol supply device 100 further includes a user display and / or user interface 106a, and the movement of the lid may be arranged to activate and / or deactivate the user display and / or user interface 106a provided on the aerosol supply device 100.

[0102] An embodiment as shown in Figure 1 is intended in which the user display 108 may be provided on the charging unit 101 and may be separate from the user interface 106 which may be provided on the aerosol supply device 100 (as shown in Figure 1). However, another embodiment is intended in which the user interface and / or user display 106a may be provided only on the aerosol supply device 100, as shown in Figure 4. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the user interface and / or user display 106a is provided on the side panel of the aerosol supply device 100, which is visible to the user when the aerosol supply device 100 is docked inside the charging unit 101. Another embodiment is intended in which the user interface and / or user display may be provided on the charging unit 101. For example, the user display may be provided on the charging unit 101 below the lid (or slider) 103, such that the user display is hidden when the lid is in the open position as shown in Figures 4 and 5, but is visible to the user when the lid 103 is in the closed position as shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0103] According to the embodiment, the user interfaces 106, 106a may be provided, for example, on the aerosol supply device 100. The movement of the lid 103 may be arranged to activate and / or deactivate the user interfaces 106, 106a.

[0104] For example, when the lid 103 is in the second (closed) position, the aerosol supply system may be configured to shut down the user interfaces 106, 106a provided on the aerosol supply device 100 in order to prevent accidental activation of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0105] The lid 103 may be slid back by the user from a second (closed) position to a first (open) position, and when the lid 103 returns to the first (open) position, user interfaces 106, 106a on the aerosol supply device 100 may be activated, allowing the user to control various operations of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0106] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the user display 108 may be located on the charging unit 101, as shown in Figure 1. However, another embodiment is conceived in which at least a portion of the user display 106a is located on the aerosol supply device 100, as shown in Figure 4. According to one embodiment, the user display 106a may be provided only on the aerosol supply device 100.

[0107] In operating mode, the user display 108 on the charging unit 101 (see Figure 1) or the user display 106a on the aerosol supply device 100 (see Figure 4) may be arranged to indicate the charging state of the charging unit 101. For example, referring to Figure 1, the user display 108 on the charging unit 101 may have a series of concentric circles, and the number of lit concentric circles indicates the charging state of the charging unit 101. Alternatively, the user display 108 may have circles divided into four quadrants, and the number of lit quadrants may indicate the charging state of the charging unit 101. Other embodiments are also conceivable in which the color of the user display 108 may indicate the charging state of the charging unit 101. For example, red may be used to indicate a low charge state, yellow may be used to indicate an intermediate charge state, and green, blue, or white may be used to indicate a fully or nearly fully charged state.

[0108] Referring to Figure 4, an additional or alternative user display 106a may be provided on the aerosol supply device 100. According to one embodiment, the user display 106a may comprise a sequence or array of two, three, four, or five or more lights or LEDs. For example, according to one embodiment, two lights or LEDs may be provided, which may illuminate gradually to indicate the charging state. Zero illuminated lights or LEDs may indicate a low charging state (or a charging state of less than 33%), one illuminated light or LED may indicate an intermediate charging state (or a charging state of 33-66%), and two lights or LEDs may indicate a fully or nearly fully charged state (or a charging state of more than 66%). Other embodiments are also conceivable in which the color of the user display 106a may indicate the charging state of the charging unit 101. For example, red may be used to indicate a low charging state, yellow may be used to indicate an intermediate charging state, and green, blue, or white may be used to indicate a fully or nearly fully charged state.

[0109] In operating mode, the user display 108 on the charging unit 101 or the user displays 106, 106a on the aerosol supply device 100 may be arranged to indicate the charging state of the aerosol supply device 100. For example, referring to Figure 1, the user display 108 may have a series of concentric circles, and the number of lit concentric circles indicates the charging state of the aerosol supply device 100. Alternatively, the user display 108 may have circles divided into four quadrants, and the number of lit quadrants indicates the charging state of the aerosol supply device 100. Other embodiments are also conceivable in which the color of the user display 108 may indicate the charging state of the aerosol supply device 100. For example, red may be used to indicate a low charging state, yellow may be used to indicate an intermediate charging state, and green, blue, or white may be used to indicate a fully or nearly fully charged state.

[0110] Referring to Figure 4, the user display 106a may be provided on the aerosol supply device 100. According to one embodiment, the user display 106a may comprise a sequence or array of two, three, four, or five or more lights or LEDs. For example, according to one embodiment, two lights or LEDs may be provided, and the lights or LEDs may illuminate gradually to indicate the charging state. Zero illuminated lights or LEDs may indicate a low charging state (or a charging state of less than 33%), one illuminated light or LED may indicate an intermediate charging state (or a charging state of 33-66%), and two lights or LEDs may indicate a fully or nearly fully charged state (or a charging state of more than 66%). Other embodiments are also conceivable in which the color of the user display 106a may indicate the charging state of the aerosol supply device 100. For example, red may be used to indicate a low charging state, yellow may be used to indicate an intermediate charging state, and green, blue, or white may be used to indicate a fully or nearly fully charged state.

[0111] Other embodiments are considered in which the user display is not provided on the aerosol supply device 100. For example, according to one embodiment, the user display may be provided only on the charging unit 101. According to another embodiment, there may be no user display at all, that is, neither the aerosol supply device 100 nor the charging unit 101 has a user display.

[0112] In operating mode, the user display 108 provided on the charging unit 101 and / or the user display 106a provided on the aerosol supply device 100 may be configured to indicate an error or malfunction status of the charging unit 101 and / or the aerosol supply device 100.

[0113] In operating mode, the user display 108 on the charging unit 101 and / or the user display 106a on the aerosol supply device 100 may be configured to show the remaining time of the usage session.

[0114] According to various embodiments, the first position includes an open position in which the aerosol supply device 100 can be inserted into and removed from the cavity of the charging unit 101. According to various embodiments, the second position includes a closed position in which the top of the cavity of the charging unit 101 is closed by the lid 103.

[0115] The lid 103 may be configured to move (e.g., slide or pivot) between a first position and a second position. The charging unit 101 may comprise a housing having one or more rails or grooves, and the lid 103 may comprise one or more tabs or projections arranged to engage with one or more rails or grooves. Alternatively, the charging unit 101 may comprise a housing having one or more tabs or projections, and the lid 103 may comprise one or more rails or grooves, with one or more tabs or projections engaging with one or more rails or grooves.

[0116] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the lid 103 may be configured to slide between a first position and a second position. The sliding of the lid 103 may be achieved by any suitable configuration. The charging unit 101 may include a groove 114. The groove 114 may be located on the inner edge of the housing 113, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The lid 103 may include a tab 116 that engages with the groove 114. The engagement of the tab 116 with the groove 114 may restrain the lid so that the lid 103 can slide against the main housing 113.

[0117] Other embodiments are conceivable in which the charging unit 101 has rails instead of grooves 114. Similarly, the lid 103 may have projections having forms other than tabs 116 that can engage with grooves 114 or rails. The grooves 114 or rails may be located on the lid 103 instead of the housing 113, and the tabs 116 or projections may be located on the housing 113 or other suitable part of the charging unit 101 instead of the lid 103. The grooves 114 and / or rails, together with the tabs 116 and / or projections, act to restrain the movement of the lid 103 regardless of their position. Any number of grooves 114, rails, tabs 116 or projections may be provided.

[0118] Other embodiments are also conceivable in which the lid 103 moves between the first and second positions in any other suitable manner, for example, by rotation and / or pivoting motion.

[0119] Figure 6 shows a top cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply system according to one embodiment, with the lid 103 in a first position, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. According to various embodiments, the charging unit 101 includes a lid positioning device comprising a first positioning element 118, a second positioning element 120, and an engaging element 122. The lid positioning device acts between the lid 103 and the body 124 of the charging unit 101 to hold the lid 103 in each position. The engaging element 122 is positioned to engage with the first positioning element 118 when the lid is in the first position, as shown in Figure 6. The engagement of the engaging element 122 with the first positioning element 118 may hold the lid 103 in the first position, as shown in Figure 6. The engaging element 122 may also engage with the second positioning element 120 when the lid 103 is in a second position, thereby holding the lid 103 in the second position. This is shown in Figures 7 to 9 and will be described in more detail below.

[0120] In one embodiment, as shown in the figure, the first positioning element 118 and the second positioning element 120 are located on the lid 103, and the engaging element is located on the body 124 of the charging unit 101. This configuration may be particularly preferred because the lid 103 may be relatively thin, and incorporating the engaging element 122 within the lid 103 may be more complex. However, other embodiments are conceivable in which the first and second positioning elements 118 and 120 are located on the body 124 of the charging unit 101, and the engaging element 122 is located on the lid 101.

[0121] In the illustrated embodiment, the body 124 of the charging unit 101 is an internal structure within the charging unit 101, but the body 124 may comprise any suitable component of the charging unit 101 that can support the engaging element 122 or the first and second positioning elements 118, 120.

[0122] The first and second positioning elements 118, 120 and the engaging element 122 may each have any suitable elements that engage with each other to hold the lid 103 in the first and second positions.

[0123] In one embodiment, the engaging element 122 is elastically biased to engage with the first engaging element 118 and the second engaging element 120. In embodiments comprising a third engaging element, the elastic bias may also result in engagement with the third engaging element. The elastic bias may be achieved by any suitable means. For example, the engaging element 122 may be integrally formed with the body of the charging unit 101 and formed from an elastic material such that deformation of its elastic material, which may be generated by the movement of the lid 103, can generate an elastic bias. In other embodiments, the elastic bias may be provided by an elastic member 126. The elastic member 126 may comprise any suitable member capable of biasing the elastic element 122. The elastic member 126 may comprise, for example, a rubber element or a spring element, such as a helical spring.

[0124] As the lid 103 moves between the first position shown in Figures 4-6 and the second position shown in Figures 7-9, the lower surface 125 of the lid 103 acts on the engaging element 122, causing deformation, for example, compression, of the elastic member 126. This causes elastic energy to accumulate within the elastic member 126. When the engaging element 122 is aligned with either the first or second positioning element, the elastic member expands to release at least a portion of the accumulated elastic potential energy, thereby engaging a portion of the engaging element 122 with the first or second positioning elements 118, 120.

[0125] Figure 7 shows a top-down perspective view of the aerosol supply system with the lid 403 in a second position. In some embodiments, the second position of the lid 103 includes a closed position in which the top of the cavity 112 is closed by the lid 103. This may prevent the user from removing the aerosol supply device 100 from the cavity 112 of the charging unit 101.

[0126] Figure 8 shows a top view of the aerosol supply system with the lid 103 in the second position. The groove 114 of the housing 113 of the charging unit 101 and the tab 116 of the lid 103 can be seen in Figure 8. As the lid 403 moves from the first position shown in Figures 4-6 to the second position shown in Figures 7-9, the tab 116 slides within the groove 114, thereby guiding the sliding movement of the lid 103.

[0127] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the top of the aerosol supply system, with the lid 103 in the second position shown in Figures 7 and 8. As shown, when the lid is in the second position, the engaging element 122 engages with the second positioning element 120. As a result, the lid 103 may be held in the second position. The engaging element 122 may be elastically biased by the elastic element 126 to engage with the second positioning element 120. As shown, when in the second position, the lid 103 may close the top of the cavity 112 so that the aerosol supply device 100 cannot be removed from the cavity 112.

[0128] Figure 10 shows another embodiment in which the charging unit 101 includes a sliding lid 103. When the aerosol supply device 100 is inserted into the charging unit 101 for recharging, the sliding lid 103 may be closed to cover the opening to the aerosol supply device 100. The charging unit 101 may include a user display 108a.

[0129] In the specific embodiment shown in Figure 10, the user display 108a may be located on top of the charging unit 101. When the lid is in the first (open) position, the user display 108a may be hidden by the sliding lid 103, but when the sliding lid 103 is in the second (closed) position, the user display 108a may be visible to the user.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the first user display 108a may be provided on the charging unit 101, and the aerosol supply device 100 may include a user interface and / or a second user display 106. The lid 103 may be movable between a first (open) position and a second (closed) position.

[0131] According to one embodiment, when the lid 103 moves (e.g., by sliding or pivoting) from a first (open) position to a second (closed) position (for example, when inserting the aerosol supply device 100 into the cavity of the charging unit 101), a user display 108a located on the charging unit, for example, may be activated (for example, for a period of 3 to 5 seconds) to indicate the charging status or charge level of the charging unit 101. As a result, the user is provided with an indication of whether the charging unit 101 is sufficiently charged to partially or fully charge the aerosol supply device 100. According to various embodiments, the user display 108a may show a warning or error indication if the aerosol supply device 100 has been inserted into the charging unit 101 and the charge level is low or the charging unit 101 is not sufficiently charged to fully recharge the aerosol supply device 100.

[0132] In one embodiment, when the lid 103 moves from a second (closed) position to a first (open) position (e.g., by sliding or pivoting) (for example, when the aerosol supply device 100 is removed from the charging unit 101), the user display 108a located on the charging unit 101 may be deactivated to conserve the battery life of the charging unit 101. Another embodiment is envisioned in which, when the lid 103 moves from a second (closed) position to a first (open) position (e.g., by sliding or pivoting), the user display 108a located on the charging unit 101 may be temporarily activated to show the user the remaining battery level of the charging unit 101. For example, if the charging unit 101 is low charge or low power, the user display 108a may provide the user with a warning display. The warning display is intended to warn the user that the charging unit 100 itself should be recharged by being charged directly or wirelessly with commercial power.

[0133] According to one embodiment, when the lid 103 moves from a first (open) position to a second (closed) position (e.g., by sliding or pivoting) (for example, when inserting the aerosol supply device 100 into the cavity of the charging unit 101), the user interface 106 located on the aerosol supply device 100 may be stopped to prevent accidental activation of the aerosol supply device 100 while the aerosol supply device 100 is being recharged by the charging unit 101.

[0134] According to one embodiment, when the lid 103 moves from a second (closed) position to a first (open) position (e.g., by sliding or pivoting) (for example, when the aerosol supply device 100 is removed from the cavity of the charging unit 101), a user interface 106 located on the aerosol supply device 100 may be activated, for example, to allow the user to activate the aerosol supply device 100 when the aerosol supply device is removed from the charging unit 101.

[0135] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may appropriately include, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. an aerosol supply system, Aerosol supply device and A charging unit for charging the aerosol supply device, having a cavity for receiving the aerosol supply device, and (i) the aerosol supply system further comprises a lid movable between a first position and a second position, and (ii) the aerosol supply system further comprises a user display, and the movement of the lid between the first position and the second position activates and / or deactivates the user display, and / or (ii) the aerosol supply system further comprises a user interface, and the movement of the lid between the first position and the second position activates and / or deactivates the user interface. An aerosol supply system in which the lid is configured to slide between a first position and a second position.

2. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the user display is located in the charging unit.

3. The aerosol supply system according to claim 2, wherein the user display is positioned on the charging unit such that it is visible to the user when the lid is in the first position and when the lid is in the second position.

4. The aerosol supply system according to claim 2, wherein the user display is positioned on the charging unit such that it is visible to the user when the lid is in the second position, and at least partially obscured or obscured, or completely obscured or obscured, when the lid is in the first position.

5. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the user display is located in the aerosol supply device.

6. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein in the operating mode, the user display is arranged to indicate the charging status of the charging unit.

7. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein in the operating mode, the user display is arranged to indicate the charging status of the aerosol supply device.

8. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein in the operating mode, the user display is arranged to indicate an error or failure state of the charging unit and / or the aerosol supply device.

9. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein in the operating mode, the user display is arranged to indicate the remaining time of the usage session.

10. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the first position includes an open position from which the aerosol supply device can be inserted into and removed from the cavity.

11. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the second position includes a closed position in which the upper part of the cavity is closed by the lid.

12. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the charging unit comprises a housing having one or more rails or grooves, and the lid comprises one or more tabs or projections arranged to engage with the one or more rails or grooves.

13. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the charging unit comprises a housing having one or more tabs or protrusions, the lid comprises one or more rails or grooves, and the one or more tabs or protrusions engage with the one or more rails or grooves.

14. An aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising an aerosol product.

15. The steps of providing the aerosol supply system according to claim 14, The steps of supplying energy to the aerosol product and A method for generating an aerosol containing [a specific substance].

Images