Aerosol provision systems

Abstract

Aerosol Provision Systems A cartridge 200 for an aerosol provision system 1 comprising the cartridge 200 and a control unit 400. The cartridge comprises a reservoir 31 for containing an aerosolisable material for aerosolising, and an aerosolisable-material-level observation means for allowing a user to observe a level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir 31. The observation means 210 defines a band 212 of translucent or transparent material, and extends around a perimeter P1 of the reservoir 31 for allowing the level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir 31 to be observed through the band 212. By the band 212 extending around the perimeter P1 of the reservoir 31, this means the user can more easily observe the level of aerosolisable material about any angular viewing position of the cartridge 200. The band 212 may be an undulating band which undulates about a length direction of the cartridge 200 as the band 212 extends around the perimeter P1 of the reservoir 31, or in some cases the band 212 may define at least one chevron shape 218.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEMS

[0002] Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to aerosol provision systems such as nicotine delivery systems (e.g. electronic cigarettes and the like).

[0004] Background

[0005] Electronic aerosol provision systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain an aerosol precursor material / aerosolisable material, such as a reservoir of a source liquid containing a formulation, typically including nicotine, or a solid material such a tobacco-based product, from which an aerosol is generated for inhalation by a user, for example through heat vaporisation. Thus, an aerosol provision system will typically comprise a vaporiser, e.g. a heating element, arranged to vaporise a portion of precursor material to generate an aerosol in an aerosol generation region of an air channel through the aerosol provision system. As a user inhales on the device and electrical power is supplied to the vaporiser, air is drawn into the device through one or more inlet holes and along the air channel to the aerosol generation region, where the air mixes with the vaporised precursor material and forms a condensation aerosol. The air drawn through the aerosol generation region continues along the air channel to a mouthpiece opening, carrying some of the aerosol with it, and out through the mouthpiece opening for inhalation by the user.

[0006] It is common for aerosol provision systems to comprise a modular assembly, often having two main functional parts, namely a control unit and disposable / replaceable cartridge part. Typically the cartridge part will comprise the consumable aerosol precursor material and the vaporiser (atomiser), while the control unit part will comprise longer-life items, such as a rechargeable battery, device control circuitry, activation sensors and user interface features. The control unit may also be referred to as a reusable part or battery section and the replaceable cartridge may also be referred to as a disposable part or cartomiser.

[0007] The control unit and cartridge are mechanically coupled together at an interface for use, for example using a screw thread, bayonet, latched or friction fit fixing. When the aerosol precursor material in a cartridge has been exhausted, or the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge having a different aerosol precursor material, the cartridge may be removed from the control unit and a replacement cartridge may be attached to the device in its place. A potential drawbacks for cartridges containing aerosolisable material is that it can be often difficult to observe how much aerosolisable material is remaining in the reservoir. Whilst existing aerosol provision systems exist which employ a partially transparent reservoir for the aerosolisable material, so a user can view into the reservoir to determine a remaining amount of aerosolisable material therein, such transparent portions may often be obscured whilst the cartridge is engaged with the corresponding control unit / body to which the cartridge is engageable with. There are also other aerosol provision systems which exist, such as that disclosed in WO 2021 / 038189, which employ one or more window portions on the mouthpiece of the cartridge from the aerosol provision system, so a user can observe into the reservoir for ascertaining how much aerosolisable material is remaining. However, the implementation of such windows may make it more challenging to manufacture the cartridge / mouthpiece from the aerosol provision system as a whole, and may also make it more challenging to view into the reservoir about a plurality of different angles or rotational positions relative to the position of the cartridge, or to see levels aerosolisable material in the reservoir which are closer to the empty end of the spectrum.

[0008] Various approaches are described herein which seek to help address or mitigate some of the issues discussed above.

[0009] Summary

[0010] According to a first aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the system comprises a vaporiser for vaporising an aerosolisable material, wherein the cartridge comprises: an air channel extending from an air inlet for the cartridge to an outlet via an aerosol generation region; a reservoir for containing an aerosolisable material for aerosolising; wherein the cartridge further comprises an aerosolisable-material-level observation means for allowing a user to observe a level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir; wherein the aerosolisable-material-level observation means defines a band of translucent or transparent material, wherein the band extends around a perimeter of the reservoir for allowing the level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir to be observed through the band.

[0011] According to a second aspect of certain embodiments there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising: the cartridge according to the first aspect and; the control unit comprising a power supply and control circuitry, wherein the control unit further comprises a cartridge receiving section for releasably engaging a portion of the cartridge with the control unit.

[0012] According to a third aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a method of observing the level of aerosolisable material inside a reservoir from a cartridge for an aerosol provision system, wherein the cartridge comprises: an aerosol outlet; an air channel extending from an air inlet for the cartridge to the aerosol outlet via an aerosol generation region; and an aerosolisable-material-level observation means for allowing a user to observe a level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir, wherein the aerosolisable-material-level observation means defines a band of translucent or transparent material, and wherein the band extends around a perimeter of the reservoir; wherein the method comprises: observing through the band to observe the level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir for allowing the level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir to be observed through the band.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a method of directing air into an aerosol provision system according to the second aspect, wherein the method comprises: releasably engaging the portion of the cartridge with the control unit such that a start of an air inlet channel is defined between the band from the cartridge and the cartridge receiving section; allowing air to pass through the air inlet channel, which is located between the portion of the cartridge and the cartridge receiving section, into the air inlet of the cartridge.

[0014] It will be appreciated that features and aspects of the invention described above in relation to the various aspects of the invention are equally applicable to, and may be combined with, embodiments of the invention according to other aspects of the invention as appropriate, and not just in the specific combinations described herein.

[0015] Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 schematically represents in perspective view an aerosol provision system comprising a cartridge and control unit (shown separated) in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure;

[0017] Figure 2 schematically represents in exploded perspective view of components of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1 ;

[0018] Figures 3A to 3C schematically represent various cross-section views of a housing part of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1 ;

[0019] Figures 4A and 4B schematically represent a perspective view and a plan view of a dividing wall element of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1;

[0020] Figures 5A to 5C schematically represent two perspective views and a plan view of a resilient plug of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1;

[0021] Figures 6A and 6B schematically represent a perspective view and a plan view of a bottom cap of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1;

[0022] Figures 7A and 7B schematically represent cross section views of a modified aerosol provision system, otherwise similar to that from Figure 1, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure;

[0023] Figures 8A and 8B schematically represent perspective views of the cartridge from the modified aerosol provision system from Figures 7A and 7B, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure;

[0024] Figure 8C schematically represents a cross-section view of the cartridge from Figures 8A- 8B, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure;

[0025] Figure 9A reproduces a portion of the aerosol provision system from Figure 7A, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure; and

[0026] Figure 9B schematically represents a cross-section view of a portion of the aerosol provision system from Figure 9A, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, for better showing an air inlet channel that may be employed, in use of the aerosol provision system, for directing air into the cartridge from the aerosol provision system.

[0027] Detailed Description Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed / described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0028] The present disclosure relates to non-combustible aerosol provision systems, which may also be referred to as aerosol provision systems, such as e-cigarettes. According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosolisable material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery to a user. Aerosolisable material, which also may be referred to herein as aerosol generating material or aerosol precursor material, is material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way.

[0029] Throughout the following description the term “e-cigarette” or “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol provision system / device and electronic aerosol provision system / device. An electronic cigarette may also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolisable material is not a requirement.

[0030] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosolisable materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosolisable material and a solid aerosolisable material. The solid aerosolisable material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0031] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and an article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device. However, it is envisaged that articles which themselves comprise a means for powering an aerosol generating component may themselves form the non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0032] In some embodiments, the article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise an aerosolisable material (or aerosol precursor material), an aerosol generating component (or vaporiser), an aerosol generating area, a mouthpiece, and / or an area for receiving aerosolisable material.

[0033] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating component is a heater capable of interacting with the aerosolisable material so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosolisable material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating component is capable of generating an aerosol from the aerosolisable material without heating. For example, the aerosol generating component may be capable of generating an aerosol from the aerosolisable material without applying heat thereto, for example via one or more of vibrational, mechanical, pressurisation or electrostatic means.

[0034] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosolisable material which may comprise an active constituent, a carrier constituent and optionally one or more other functional constituents.

[0035] The active constituent may comprise one or more physiologically and / or olfactory active constituents which are included in the aerosolisable material in order to achieve a physiological and / or olfactory response in the user. The active constituent may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, and psychoactives. The active constituent may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active constituent may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, a vitamin such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, a cannabinoid, or a constituent, derivative, or combinations thereof. The active constituent may comprise a constituent, derivative or extract of tobacco or of another botanical. In some embodiments, the active constituent is a physiologically active constituent and may be selected from nicotine, nicotine salts (e.g. nicotine ditartrate / nicotine bitartrate), nicotine-free tobacco substitutes, other alkaloids such as caffeine, or mixtures thereof.

[0036] In some embodiments, the active constituent is an olfactory active constituent and may be selected from a "flavour" and / or "flavourant" which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. In some instances such constituents may be referred to as flavours, flavourants, cooling agents, heating agents, and / or sweetening agents. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, maijoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gasone or more of extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, or powder.

[0037] In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and / or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0038] The carrier constituent may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the carrier constituent may comprise one or more of glycerine, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0039] The one or more other functional constituents may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0040] As noted above, aerosol provision systems (e-cigarettes) often comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable part (control unit) and a replaceable (disposable) cartridge part. Devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part devices. It is also common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure described herein comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part device employing disposable cartridges. However, it will be appreciated the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for other electronic cigarette configurations, for example modular devices comprising more than two parts, as devices conforming to other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a more boxy shape..

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example aerosol provision system / device (e- cigarette) 1 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure. Terms concerning the relative location of various aspects of the electronic cigarette (e.g. terms such as upper, lower, above, below, top, bottom etc.) are used herein with reference to the orientation of the electronic cigarette as shown in Figure 1 (unless the context indicates otherwise). However, it will be appreciated this is purely for ease of explanation and is not intended to indicate there is any required orientation for the electronic cigarette in use. The e-cigarette 1 comprises two main components, namely a cartridge 2 and a control unit 4. The control unit 4 and the cartridge 2 are shown separated in Figure 1, but are coupled together when in use.

[0042] The cartridge 2 and control unit 4 are coupled by establishing a mechanical and electrical connection between them. The specific manner in which the mechanical and electrical connection is established is not of primary significance to the principles described herein and may be established in accordance with conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, bayonet, latched or friction-fit mechanical fixing with appropriately arranged electrical contacts / electrodes for establishing the electrical connection between the two parts as appropriate. For example electronic cigarette 1 represented in Figure 1, the cartridge comprises a mouthpiece end 52 and an interface end 54 and is coupled to the control unit by inserting an interface end portion 6 at the interface end of the cartridge into a corresponding receptacle 8 / receiving section of the control unit. The interface end portion 6 of the cartridge is a close fit to be receptacle 8 and includes protrusions 56 which engage with corresponding detents in the interior surface of a receptacle wall 12 defining the receptacle 8 to provide a releasable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the control unit. An electrical connection is established between the control unit and the cartridge via a pair of electrical contacts on the bottom of the cartridge (not shown in Figure 1) and corresponding sprung contact pins in the base of the receptacle 8 (not shown in Figure 1). As noted above, the specific manner in which the electrical connection is established is not significant to the principles described herein, and indeed some implementations might not have an electrical connection between the cartridge and a control unit at all, for example because the transfer of electrical power from the reusable part to the cartridge may be wireless (e.g. based on electromagnetic induction techniques).

[0043] The electronic cigarette 1 has a generally elongate shape extending along a longitudinal axis L. When the cartridge is coupled to the control unit, the overall length of the electronic cigarette in this example (along the longitudinal axis) is around 12.5 cm. The overall length of the control unit is around 9 cm and the overall length of the cartridge is around 5 cm (i.e. there is around 1.5 cm of overlap between the interface end portion 6 of the cartridge and the receptacle 8 of the control unit when they are coupled together). The electronic cigarette has a cross-section which is generally oval and which is largest around the middle of the electronic cigarette and tapers in a curved manner towards the ends. The cross-section around the middle of the electronic cigarette has a width of around 2.5 cm and a thickness of around 1.7 cm. The end of the cartridge has a width of around 2 cm and a thickness of around 0.6 mm, whereas the other end of the electronic cigarette has a width of around 2 cm and a thickness of around 1.2 cm. The outer housing of the electronic cigarette is in this example is formed from plastic. It will be appreciated the specific size and shape of the electronic cigarette and the material from which it is made is not of primary significance to the principles described herein and may be different in different implementations. That is to say, the principles described herein may equally be adopted for electronic cigarettes having different sizes, shapes and / or materials.

[0044] The control unit 4 may in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure be broadly conventional in terms of its functionality and general construction techniques. In the example of Figure 1, the control unit 4 comprises a plastic outer housing 10 including the receptacle wall 12 that defines the receptacle 8 for receiving the end of the cartridge as noted above. The outer housing 10 of the control unit 4 in this example has a generally oval cross section conforming to the shape and size of the cartridge 2 at their interface to provide a smooth transition between the two parts. The receptacle 8 and the end portion 6 of the cartridge 2 are symmetric when rotated through 180° so the cartridge can be inserted into the control unit in two different orientations. The receptacle wall 12 includes two control unit air inlet openings 14 (i.e. holes in the wall). These openings 14 are positioned to align with an air inlet 50 for the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the control unit. A different one of the openings 14 aligns with the air inlet 50 of the cartridge in the different orientations. It will be appreciated some implementations may not have any degree of rotational symmetry such that the cartridge is couplable to the control unit in only one orientation while other implementations may have a higher degree of rotational symmetry such that the cartridge is couplable to the control unit in more orientations.

[0045] The control unit further comprises a battery 16 for providing operating power for the electronic cigarette, control circuitry 18 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the electronic cigarette, a user input button 20, an indicator light 22, and a charging port 24.

[0046] The battery 16 in this example is rechargeable and may be of a conventional type, for example of the kind normally used in electronic cigarettes and other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods. The battery 16 may be recharged through the charging port 24, which may, for example, comprise a USB connector.

[0047] The input button 20 in this example is a conventional mechanical button, for example comprising a sprung mounted component which may be pressed by a user to establish an electrical contact in underlying circuitry. In this regard, the input button may be considered an input device for detecting user input, e.g. to trigger aerosol generation, and the specific manner in which the button is implemented is not significant. For example, other forms of mechanical button or touch-sensitive button (e.g. based on capacitive or optical sensing techniques) may be used in other implementations, or there may be no button and the device may rely on a puff detector for triggering aerosol generation.

[0048] The indicator light 22 is provided to give a user with a visual indication of various characteristics associated with the electronic cigarette, for example, an indication of an operating state (e.g. on / off / standby), and other characteristics, such as battery life or fault conditions. Different characteristics may, for example, be indicated through different colours and / or different flash sequences in accordance with generally conventional techniques.

[0049] The control circuitry 18 is suitably configured / programmed to control the operation of the electronic cigarette to provide conventional operating functions in line with the established techniques for controlling electronic cigarettes. The control circuitry (processor circuitry) 18 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units / circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the electronic cigarette's operation. For example, depending on the functionality provided in different implementations, the control circuitry 18 may comprises power supply control circuitry for controlling the supply of power from the battery / power supply to the cartridge in response to user input, user programming circuitry for establishing configuration settings (e.g. user-defined power settings) in response to user input, as well as other functional units / circuitry associated functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and conventional operating aspects of electronic cigarettes, such as indicator light display driving circuitry and user input detection circuitry. It will be appreciated the functionality of the control circuitry 18 can be provided in various different ways, for example using one or more suitably programmed programmable computer(s) and / or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuit(s) / circuitry / chip(s) / chipset(s) configured to provide the desired functionality.

[0050] Figure 2 is an exploded schematic perspective view of the cartridge 2 (exploded along the longitudinal axis L). The cartridge 2 comprises a housing part 32, an air channel seal 34, a dividing wall element 36, an outlet tube 38, a vaporiser / heating element 40, an aerosolisable material transport element 42, a plug 44, and an end cap 48 with contact electrodes 46. Figures 3 to 6 schematically represents some of these components in more detail. Figure 3A is a schematic cut-away view of the housing part 32 through the longitudinal axis L where the housing part 32 is thinnest. Figure 3B is a schematic cut-away view of the housing part 32 through the longitudinal axis L where the housing part 32 is widest. Figure 3C is a schematic view of the housing part along the longitudinal axis L from the interface end 54 (i.e. viewed from below in the orientation of Figures 3A and 3B).

[0051] Figures 4A is a schematic perspective view of the dividing wall element 36 as seen from below. Figure 4B is a schematic cross-section through an upper part of the dividing wall element 36 as viewed from below.

[0052] Figure 5A is a schematic perspective view of the plug 44 from above and Figure 5B is a schematic perspective view of the plug 44 from below. Figure 5C is a schematic view of the plug 44 along the longitudinal axis L seen from the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge (i.e. viewed from above for the orientation in Figures 1 and 2).

[0053] Figure 6A is a schematic perspective view of the end cap 48 from above. Figure 6B is a schematic view of the end cap 48 along the longitudinal axis L seen from the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge (i.e. from above).

[0054] The housing part 32 in this example comprises a housing outer wall 64 and a housing inner tube 62 which in this example are formed from a single moulding of polypropylene. The housing outer wall 64 defines the external appearance of the cartridge 2 and the housing inner tube 62 defines a part the air channel through the cartridge. The housing part is open at the interface end 54 of the cartridge and closed at the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge except for a mouthpiece opening / aerosol outlet 60 in fluid communication with the housing inner tube 62. The housing part 32 includes an opening in a sidewall which provides the air inlet 50 for the cartridge. The air inlet 50 in this example has an area of around 2 mm2. The outer surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing part 32 includes the protrusions 56 discussed above which engage with corresponding detents in the interior surface of the receptacle wall 12 defining the receptacle 8 to provide a releasable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the control unit. The inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing part includes further protrusions 66 which act to provide an abutment stop for locating the dividing wall element 36 along the longitudinal axis L when the cartridge is assembled. The outer wall 64 of the housing part 32 further comprises holes which provide latch recesses 68 arranged to receive corresponding latch projections 70 in the end cap to fix the end cap to be housing part when the cartridge is assembled. The outer wall 64 of the housing part 32 includes a double-walled section 74 that defines a gap 76 in fluid communication with the air inlet 50. The gap 76 provides a portion of the air channel through the cartridge. In this example the doubled-walled section 74 of the housing part 32 is arranged so the gap defines an air channel running within the housing outer wall 64 parallel to the longitudinal axis with a cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of around 3 mm2. The gap / portion of air channel 76 defined by the double-walled section of the housing part extends down to the open end of the housing part 32.

[0055] The air channel seal 34 is a silicone moulding generally in the form of a tube having a through hole 80. The outer wall of the air channel seal 34 includes circumferential ridges 84 and an upper collar 82. The inner wall of the air channel seal 34 also includes circumferential ridges, but these are not visible in Figure 2. When the cartridge is assembled the air channel seal 34 is mounted to the housing inner tube 62 with an end of the housing inner tube 62 extending partly into the through hole 80 of the air channel seal 34. The through hole 80 in the air channel seal has a diameter of around 5.8 mm in its relaxed state whereas the end of the housing inner tube 62 has a diameter of around 6.2 mm so that a seal is formed when the air channel seal 34 is stretched to accommodate the housing inner tube 62. This seal is facilitated by the ridges on the inner surface of the air channel seal 34.

[0056] The outlet tube 38 comprises a tubular section, for instance made of ANSI 304 stainless steel or polypropylene, with an internal diameter of around 8.6 mm and a wall thickness of around 0.2 mm. The bottom end of the outlet tube 38 includes a pair of diametrically opposing slots 88 with an end of each slot having a semi-circular recess 90. When the cartridge is assembled the outlet tube 38 mounts to the outer surface of the air channel seal 34. The outer diameter of the air channel seal is around 9.0 mm in its relaxed state so that a seal is formed when the air channel seal 34 is compressed to fit inside the outlet tube 38. This seal is facilitated by the ridges 84 on the outer surface of the air channel seal 34. The collar 80 on the air channel seal 34 provides a stop for the outlet tube 38.

[0057] The aerosolisable material transport element 42 comprises a capillary wick and the vaporiser 40 comprises a resistance wire heater wound around the capillary wick. In addition to the portion of the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick, the vaporiser comprises electrical leads 41 which pass through holes in the plug 44 to contact electrodes 46 mounted to the end cap 54 to allow power to be supplied to the vaporiser via the electrical interface the established when the cartridge is connected to a control unit. The vaporiser leads 41 may comprise the same material as the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick, or may comprise a different material (e.g. lower-resistance material) connected to the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick. In this example the heater coil 40 comprises a nickel iron alloy wire and the wick 42 comprises a glass fibre bundle. The vaporiser and aerosolisable material transport element may be provided in accordance with any conventional techniques and is may comprise different forms and / or different materials. For example, in some implementations the wick may comprise fibrous or solid a ceramic material and the heater may comprise a different alloy. In other examples the heater and wick may be combined, for example in the form of a porous and a resistive material. More generally, it will be appreciated the specific nature aerosolisable material transport element and vaporiser is not of primary significance to the principles described herein.

[0058] When the cartridge is assembled, the wick 42 is received in the semi-circular recesses 90 of the outlet tube 38 so that a central portion of the wick about which the heating coil is would is inside the outlet tube while end portions of the wick are outside the outlet tube 38.

[0059] The plug 44 in this example comprises a single moulding of silicone, may be resilient. The plug comprises a base part 100 with an outer wall 102 extending upwardly therefrom (i.e. towards the mouthpiece end of the cartridge). The plug further comprises an inner wall 104 extending upwardly from the base part 100 and surrounding a through hole 106 through the base part 100.

[0060] The outer wall 102 of the plug 44 conforms to an inner surface of the housing part 32 so that when the cartridge is assembled the plug in 44 forms a seal with the housing part 32. The inner wall 104 of the plug 44 conforms to an inner surface of the outlet tube 38 so that when the cartridge is assembled the plug 44 also forms a seal with the outlet tube 38. The inner wall 104 includes a pair of diametrically opposing slots 108 with the end of each slot having a semi-circular recess 110. Extended outwardly (i.e. in a direction away from the longitudinal axis of the cartridge) from the bottom of each slot in the inner wall 104 is a cradle section 112 shaped to receive a section of the aerosolisable material transport element 42 when the cartridge is assembled. The slots 108 and semi-circular recesses 110 provided by the inner wall of the plug 44 and the slots 88 and semi-circular recesses 90 of the outlet tube 38 are aligned so that the slots 88 in the outlet tube 38 accommodate respective ones of the cradles 112 with the respective semi-circular recesses in the outlet tube and plug cooperating to define holes through which the aerosolisable material transport element passes. The size of the holes provided by the semi-circular recesses through which the aerosolisable material transport element passes correspond closely to the size and shape of the aerosolisable material transport element, but are slightly smaller so a degree of compression is provided by the resilience of the plug 44. This allows aerosolisable material to be transported along the aerosolisable material transport element by capillary action while restricting the extent to which aerosolisable material which is not transported by capillary action can pass through the openings. As noted above, the plug 44 includes further openings 114 in the base part 100 through which the contact leads 41 for the vaporiser pass when the cartridge is assembled. The bottom of the base part of the plug includes spacers 116 which maintain an offset between the remaining surface of the bottom of the base part and the end cap 48. These spacers 116 include the openings 114 through which the electrical contact leads 41 for the vaporiser pass.

[0061] The end cap 48 comprises a polypropylene moulding with a pair of gold-plated copper electrode posts 46 mounted therein.

[0062] The ends of the electrode posts 44 on the bottom side of the end cap are close to flush with the interface end 54 of the cartridge provided by the end cap 48. These are the parts of the electrodes to which correspondingly aligned sprung contacts in the control unit connect when the cartridge is assembled and connected to the control unit. The ends of the electrode posts on the inside of the cartridge extend away from the end cap 48 and into the holes 114 in the plug 44 through which the contact leads 41 pass. The electrode posts are slightly oversized relative to the holes 114 and include a chamfer at their upper ends to facilitate insertion into the holes 114 in the plug where they are maintained in pressed contact with the contact leads for the vaporiser by virtue of the plug.

[0063] The end cap has a base section 124 and an upstanding wall 120 which conforms to the inner surface of the housing part 32. The upstanding wall 120 of the end cap 48 is inserted into the housing part 32 so the latch projections 70 engage with the latch recesses 68 in the housing part 32 to snap-fit the end cap 48 to the housing part when the cartridge is assembled. The top of the upstanding wall 120 of the end cap 48 abuts a peripheral part of the plug 44 and the lower face of the spacers 116 on the plug also abut the base section 124 of the plug so that when the end cap 48 is attached to the housing part it presses against the resilient part 44 to maintain it in slight compression.

[0064] The base portion 124 of the end cap 48 includes a peripheral lip 126 beyond the base of the upstanding wall 112 with a thickness which corresponds with the thickness of the outer wall of the housing part at the interface end of the cartridge. The end cap also includes an upstanding locating pin 122 which aligns with a corresponding locating hole 128 in the plug to help establish their relative location during assembly.

[0065] The dividing wall element 36 comprises a single moulding of polypropylene and includes a dividing wall 130 and a collar 132 formed by projections from the dividing wall 130 in the direction towards the interface end of the cartridge. The dividing wall element 36 has a central opening 134 through which the outlet tube 38 passes (i.e. the dividing wall is arranged around the outlet tube 38). In some embodiments, the dividing wall element 36 may be integrally formed with the outlet tube 38. When the cartridge is assembled, the upper surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44 engages with the lower surface of the dividing wall 130, and the upper surface of the dividing wall 130 in turn engages with the projections 66 on the inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing part 32. Thus, the dividing wall 130 prevents the plug from being pushed too far into the housing part 32 - i.e. the dividing wall 130 is fixedly located along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge by the protrusions 66 in the housing part and so provides the plug with a fixed surface to push against. The collar 132 formed by projections from the dividing wall includes a first pair of opposing projections / tongues 134 which engage with corresponding recesses on an inner surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44. The protrusions from the dividing wall 130 further provide a pair of cradle sections 136 configured to engage with corresponding ones of the cradle sections 112 in the part 44 when the cartridge is assembled to further define the opening through which the aerosolisable material transport element passes.

[0066] When the cartridge is assembled an air channel extending from the air inlet 50 to the aerosol outlet 60 through the cartridge is formed. Starting from the air inlet 50 in the side wall of the housing part 32, a first section of the air channel is provided by the gap 76 formed by the double-walled section 74 in the outer wall 64 of the housing part 32 and extends from the air inlet 50 towards the interface end 54 of the cartridge and past the plug 44. A second portion of the air channel is provided by the gap between the base of the plug 44 and the end cap 48. A third portion of the air channel is provided by the hole 106 through the plug 44. A fourth portion of the air channel is provided by the region within the inner wall 104 of the plug and the outlet tube around the vaporiser 40. This fourth portion of the air channel may also be referred to as an aerosol / aerosol generation region, it being the primary region in which aerosol is generated during use. The air channel from the air inlet 50 to the aerosol generation region may be referred to as an air inlet section of the air channel. A fifth portion of the air channel is provided by the remainder of the outlet tube 38. A sixth portion of the air channel is provided by the outer housing inner tube 62 which connects the air channel to the aerosol outlet 60. The air channel from the aerosol generation region to be the aerosol outlet may be referred to as an aerosol outlet section of the air channel.

[0067] Also, when the cartridge is assembled a reservoir 31 for aerosolisable material is formed by the space outside the air channel and inside the housing part 32. This may be fdled during manufacture, for example through a fdling hole which is then sealed, or by other means. The specific nature of the aerosolisable material, for example in terms of its composition, is not of primary significance to the principles described herein, and in general any conventional aerosolisable material of the type normally used in electronic cigarettes may be used. The present disclosure may refer to a liquid as the aerosolisable material, which as mentioned above may be a conventional e-liquid. However, the principles of the present disclosure apply to any aerosolisable material which has the ability to flow, and may include a liquid, a gel, or a solid, where for a solid a plurality of solid particles may be considered to have the ability to flow when considered as a bulk.

[0068] The reservoir is closed at the interface end of the cartridge by the plug 44. The reservoir includes a first region above the dividing wall 130 and a second region below the dividing wall 130 within the space formed between the air channel and the outer wall of the plug. The aerosolisable material transport element (capillary wick) 42 passes through openings in the wall of the air channel provided by the semi-circular recesses 108, 90 in the plug 44 and the outlet tube 38 and the cradle sections 112, 136 in the plug 44 and the dividing wall element 36 that engage with one another as discussed above. Thus, the ends of the aerosolisable material transport element extend into the second region of the reservoir from which they draw aerosolisable material through the openings in the air channel to the vaporiser 40 for subsequent vaporisation.

[0069] In normal use, the cartridge 2 is coupled to the control unit 4 and the control unit activated to supply power to the cartridge via the contact electrodes 46 in the end cap 48. Power then passes through the connection leads 41 to the vaporiser 40. The vaporiser is thus electrically heated and so vaporises a portion of the aerosolisable material from the aerosolisable material transport element in the vicinity of the vaporiser. This generates aerosol in the aerosol generation region of the air path. Aerosolisable material that is vaporised from the aerosolisable material transport element is replaced by more aerosolisable material drawn from the reservoir by capillary action. While the vaporiser is activated, a user inhales on the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge. This causes air to be drawn through whichever control unit air inlet 14 aligns with the air inlet 50 of the cartridge (which will depend on the orientation in which the cartridge was inserted into the control unit receptacle 8). Air then enters the cartridge through the air inlet 50, passes along the gap 76 in the double-walled section 74 of the housing part 32, passes between the plug 44 and the end cap 48 before entering the aerosol generation region surrounding the vaporiser 40 through the hole 106 in the base part 100 of the plug 44. The incoming air mixes with aerosol generated from the vaporiser to form a condensation aerosol, which is then drawn along the outlet tube 38 and the housing part inner 62 before exiting through the mouthpiece outlet / aerosol outlet 60 for user inhalation.

[0070] Thus in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, a cartridge for an aerosol provision system may generally comprise a housing part having a mouthpiece end and an interface end, wherein the mouthpiece end includes an aerosol outlet for the cartridge and the interface end includes an interface for coupling the cartridge to a control unit. An air channel wall (which may be formed by various components of the cartridge) extends from an air inlet for the cartridge to the aerosol outlet via an aerosol generation region in the vicinity of a vaporiser. The cartridge has a reservoir within the housing part containing aerosolisable material for aerosolisation. The reservoir is defined by a region within the housing part which is outside the air channel and an end of the reservoir at the interface end of the housing part is sealed by a resilient plug comprising a base part and an outer wall, wherein the outer wall of the resilient plug forms a seal with an inner surface of the housing part. Respective ends of an aerosolisable material transport element pass through opening in the air channel or into the reservoir so as to convey aerosolisable material from the reservoir to the vaporiser.

[0071] With reference to Figures 7A-7B and Figures 8A-8C, there is shown schematically a modified cartridge 200 for use with a control unit 400 shown in Figures 7A-7B to form an aerosol provision system in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure. The cartridge 200 shown in Figures 7A and 7B is based on the construction of the cartridge 2 shown in Figures 1-6B in many respects, and comprises similar components as set out by the reference numerals that are common to both sets of Figures. For instance, the cartridge 200 defines a reservoir 31 which extends around an aerosol outlet tube 38;62. In accordance with such embodiments, the reservoir 31 may be annular, and is configured for containing aerosolisable material for aerosolising. The cartridge 200 also employs an air inlet 50 which then forms an air channel which extends ultimately to an aerosol outlet / mouthpiece outlet 60 via an aerosol generation region 43 of the cartridge 200. The cartridge also employs a vaporiser 40 for vaporising the aerosolisable material, and there may be provided an aerosolisable material transport element 42 for facilitating the transport of aerosolisable material from the reservoir 31 to the vaporiser 40. In the embodiments shown in these Figures 7A-8C, the vaporiser 40 is located on an underside surface of the aerosolisable material transport element 42. In this way, the incoming air from the air inlet 50 mixes with aerosol generated from the vaporiser 40 to form an aerosol at the underside of the aerosolisable material transport element 42 in the aerosol generation region 43. The formed aerosol then passes from the underside of the aerosolisable material transport element 42, past a gap located on two sides of the aerosolisable material transport element 42 and then up through the aerosol outlet tube 38;62 to the aerosol outlet / mouthpiece outlet 60, as depicted by the dotted arrow path in Figure 8C. A further explanation of this vaporising system is as described in WO 2022 / 018403, whose contents are incorporated by reference, whereby the porous member 16 / basin 20 as described in WO 2022 / 018403 corresponds to the aerosolisable material transport element 42 as herein described and as shown in Figures 8A-8C.

[0072] The above teachings are less material to the focus of the modifications made to the cartridge 200 shown in these Figures 7A-8C, which rather concern the implementation of an aerosolisable-material -level observation means 210 for allowing a user to observe a level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir 31. At a general level, this aerosolisable-material- level observation means 210 is shown in each of Figures 7A-8C, in so far as it defines a band 212 of translucent or transparent material 213. In this way, the band 212 extends around a perimeter Pl of the reservoir 31 for allowing the level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir 31 to be observed through the band 212.

[0073] Thus at a general level, there is thus provided a cartridge 200 for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge 200 and a control unit 400, wherein the system comprises a vaporiser 40 for vaporising an aerosolisable material, wherein the cartridge 200 comprises: an air channel extending from an air inlet 50 for the cartridge 200 to an outlet 60 via an aerosol generation region 43; a reservoir 31 for containing an aerosolisable material for aerosolising; wherein the cartridge 200 further comprises an aerosolisable-material-level observation means 210 for allowing a user to observe a level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir 31 ; wherein the aerosolisable-material-level observation means 210 defines a band 212 of translucent or transparent material 213, wherein the band 212 extends around a perimeter P 1 of the reservoir 31 for allowing the level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir 31 to be observed through the band 212.

[0074] Through the provisioning of this band 212, it may be seen that the level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir 31 may be observed from any perimeter position of the reservoir 31 where the band 212 extends. Put differently, the shape of the band 212 may thus allow the level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir 31 to be observed through the band 212 about any angular viewing position of the cartridge 200 (i.e. not just when viewed from a front side, or a rear side of the cartridge 200).

[0075] Turning to the structure and geometry of the band 212, it may be seen that the band 212 may preferably be annular, as shown in the embodiments shown in Figures 7A-8C for example. Phrased differently, it may be seen that the band may extend around the complete perimeter P 1 of the reservoir 31.

[0076] In terms of the size of the band 212, the band may be shaped to be fairly thin in its width direction W. By keeping the band relatively thin in this width direction, this better prevents the band 212 from encroaching into areas of the cartridge 200 where a user’s lips might be typically expected to be located whilst the cartridge 200 is in use (i.e. the areas relating to the mouthpiece 37). In this way, and noting the band is intended to be translucent or transparent, this then better prevents the band from being smeared or obscured in use, for instance by lipstick or some other sticky residue (e.g. food or drink deposits) that might otherwise transfer onto the band from the user’s mouth in use. This compares with the mouthpiece 37, which in some embodiments may typically, though not always, be opaque. Of course, making the band 212 too thin in its width direction W may then make it harder to see through the band 212 to observe the level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir 31. Thus in accordance with some embodiments, it may be such that the band comprises a maximum width WMA of no more than 15mm; or no more than 12mm; or no more than 10mm in its width direction. By the term maximum width here, this may be understood as meaning that no particular width for the band 212, around the perimeter Pl of the reservoir 31, is greater than this prescribed maximum width WMA . Equally, in accordance with some embodiments, it may be such that the band 212 comprises a minimum width which is at least 2mm; or at least 4mm; or at least 6mm in its width direction. By the term minimum width here, this may be understood as meaning that no particular width for the band, around the perimeter Pl of the reservoir 31, is less than this prescribed minimum width. Noting a purpose of the band 212 is to be discern the level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir 31, being able to discern low levels of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir 31 is particularly advantageous. That being the case, locating the band as close to the end of the base / bottom end of the reservoir 31 (i.e. the end closest to the vaporiser 40) is advantageous, yet in such a way that the band 212 still remains visible even when the cartridge 200 is releasably engaged with the cartridge receiving section / receptacle from the associated control unit 400 from the aerosol provision system. Mindful of this, it may be such that in some embodiments (such as those shown in Figures 7A-8C), the cartridge 200 comprises a mouthpiece 37 comprising the outlet 60, wherein the mouthpiece 37 comprises a first end 37A (which is shown in the Figures 7A-8C as comprising the outlet 60) and a second end 37B which is opposite the first end 37A. In this way, and by having the band 212 located at the second end 37B of the mouthpiece, this may assist in helping the user to be able to discern lower levels of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir 31 than otherwise might be possible had the band 212 been located closer towards the first end 37A of the mouthpiece 37. Having the band 212 located at the second end 37B of the mouthpiece may also further assist in reducing the likelihood of it being stained as noted above in use, e.g. by lipstick or other sticky residue from the user.

[0077] At a general level, it may be seen that the band 212 may comprise a first edge 214 located on a first side 212A of the band 212, and a second edge 216 located on a second side 212B of the band 212 which is opposite the first side 212A of the band 212. In this way, and as shown in the embodiments relating to Figures 7A-8C for example, the first edge 214 may be adjacent to the second end 37B of the mouthpiece 37. With respect to the second edge 216, this in some embodiments may have an additional advantage in at least partially defining the start of an air inlet channel Al for allowing air to pass toward the air inlet 50 of the cartridge 200, when the cartridge 200 is releasably engaged with the cartridge receiving section / receptacle 8 from the associated control unit 400 from the aerosol provision system. In that respect, this may arise through the band 212 being configured to be adjacent to the cartridge receiving section 8 when the cartridge receiving section 8 is releasably engaging the portion of the cartridge with the control unit 400. For completeness, and as shown in Figure 8A, the air inlet channel Al is configured to be defined between the portion of the cartridge 200 which is releasably engaged with the cartridge receiving section 8 when the cartridge receiving section 8 is releasably engaging the portion of the cartridge 200 with the control unit 400. In this way, air may be allowed to pass through the air inlet channel Al, via a gap G defined between the portion of the cartridge and the cartridge receiving section 8, and then into the air inlet 50 of the cartridge 200 at the bottom end of the cartridge 200. Thus by virtue of using the second edge 216 at least partially defining the start of an air inlet channel Al, this may help in terms of the second edge 216 helping to prevent detritus or wind driven rain from otherwise permeating into this air inlet channel Al when the cartridge 200 is engaged with the control unit 400.

[0078] Turning to the shape of the band 212, the band may have any required shaped to facilitate any observing into the reservoir 31. That being said, in some embodiments (such as those shown in Figures 7A-8C), the band 212 may define at least one, or a plurality of (such as a pair of) chevron shape(s) 218. The purpose of each such chevron shape 218 is to facilitate the band 212 to undulate about a length direction L of the cartridge 200 as the band extends around the perimeter Pl of the reservoir 31. In this way, the undulations in the band 212 may allow for a greater visibility along a greater portion of the overall length of the reservoir 31, to mean the user can better observe a greater number of levels LI;L2;LS of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir 31 - all via a single band 212. That is, in comparison to a band 212 whose position about the length direction L of the cartridge 200 otherwise does not vary as the band extends around the perimeter of the reservoir 31.

[0079] To the extent the band 212 employs a degree of undulation, it may be seen in some embodiments that the undulating band may comprise two peak portions 220 and two trough portions 222, whereby the peak portions 220 are located on a first set of opposing sides 224A;224B of the cartridge 200. In this way, the trough portions 222 may be then located on a second set of opposing sides 224 224D of the cartridge. This can be seen in the particular embodiments from the Figures 7A-8C, where the second set of sides 224 22D are located between the first set of sides 224A;224B, and such that the peak portions 220 are located more proximal to the outlet 60 (or the first end 37A of the mouthpiece 37) than the trough portions 222 are located to the aerosol / mouthpiece outlet 60 (or the first end 37A of the mouthpiece 37). In this way, it can been seen that in accordance with some very particular embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 7A-8C, the band 212 effectively defines a defines a pair of chevron shapes 218, wherein each chevron shape 218 is effectively pointed towards the outlet 60 of the cartridge 200. This is beneficial, since this shape then better matches the shape of the second, bottom, end 37B of the mouthpiece 37, and hence better matches with the generally curved shape of the first end of the mouthpiece 37A.

[0080] Concerning the first end 37A of the mouthpiece, it may be seen that in some embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 9B for example, for better preventing the outlet 60 from being damaged in instances when the cartridge 200 is dropped in use, the first end 37A of the mouthpiece 37 may be optionally provided with a recessed region 271 which extends around the outlet 60, and may further comprise a wall portion 272 which extends around an outer periphery 273 of the first end 37A of the mouthpiece 37. In this way, and in so far as the wall portion 272 thus surrounds the recessed region 271 which is around the outlet 60, the wall portion 272 better protects the recessed outlet 60 from inadvertent damage in such instances.

[0081] With respect to ensuring a more consistent / even potential to observe the level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir 31 about any given perimeter position about the perimeter Pl of the reservoir 31, the band 212 comprises a substantially uniform width W as the band 212 extends around the perimeter of the reservoir. Put differently, the width of the band 212 in accordance with some embodiments may not change as the band 212 extends around the perimeter Pl of the reservoir 3 l,as can be seen in the embodiments relating to Figures 7A-8C for example. Related to this theme of ensuring a more consistent / even potential to observe the level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir 31 about any given perimeter position about the perimeter Pl of the reservoir 31, it may be seen in some embodiments (such as those shown in Figures 7A-8C for example) that the band may be symmetrical, for instance by having at least one (or two) planes of symmetry SYMI;SYM2, or by having at least one degree of rotation symmetry. Such symmetry may also then facilitate the cartridge being inserted 200 about two different orientations Oi;C>2 in use, relative to the control unit 400.

[0082] Noting the potential position for the band 212 to be proximal, or next to, either the second end 37B of the mouthpiece 37 and / or an outermost surface of the cartridge receiving section in use, as shown for example in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7A-7B, for better preventing a user from accidentally grazing their mouth over a protruding edge from the band 212, the band 212 may preferably be configured to comprise an outermost surface 213 which is flush with an outermost surface 408 of the cartridge receiving section 8 from the control unit 8, and / or flush with an outermost surface 37C of the mouthpiece 37.

[0083] With respect to facilitating any observing through the band to observe the level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir, in accordance with some embodiments the band 212 ideally forms a first wall portion of the reservoir 31. In this way, the user then only has to observe through a single piece of material (i.e. the band 212) to be able to observe inside the reservoir 31, rather than otherwise then needing to observe through multiple pieces of material. Related to this, keeping the thickness of the band to be as thin as possible has been found to further facilitate any viewing through the band 212. In that respect, it has been found that keeping the band to have a maximum thickness TMA that is no more than 10mm, preferably no more than 8mm, and / or preferably no more than 6mm, has been found to better facilitate such viewing through the transparent / translucent band 212. By the term maximum thickness TMA here, this may be understood as meaning that no particular thickness for the band, around the perimeter Pl of the reservoir 31, is greater than this prescribed maximum thickness TMA .

[0084] With respect to the materials for the reservoir 31; and / or the aerosolisable-material -level observation means / band 210;212, such materials may be made of glass or plastic. That being said, the provision of plastic for these parts of the cartridge 200 makes the cartridge 200 lightweight and easy to manufacture.

[0085] Returning back to the air inlet channel Al for allowing air to pass toward the air inlet 50 of the cartridge 200, Figures 9A and 9B show potential further details for this air inlet channel Al, which may employed in some embodiments. In accordance with such potential embodiments, it may be seen that the air inlet channel Al in some instances may comprise an initial portion Ai, whose purpose it is to receive air from the start of the air channel. As may be seen in the embodiment from Figure 9B, in some embodiments the initial portion of the air inlet channel Al may extend in a direction DI which is in an effective upward direction. Phrasing this differently, this direction DI may be at least partially towards the [mouthpiece] outlet 60; at least partially the first end 37A of the mouthpiece 37; and / or away from the air inlet 50 of the cartridge 200. By having this initial portion Ai of the air inlet channel extending about such a direction DI, this has been found to help prevent wind driven rain or detritus from otherwise passing towards, and thus potentially blocking, the air inlet 50 of the cartridge 200. In such embodiments, it may be seen that the second side 212B of the band 212 may at least partially define the initial portion Ai of air inlet channel Al, as shown in the embodiment relating to Figure 9B.

[0086] The air inlet channel Al may in some instances, such as that shown in the embodiment of Figure 9B for example, further comprise an intermediary portion AINT which is configured to receive air from, and which is downstream of, the initial portion Ai of the air inlet channel Al, for allowing air to pass from the initial portion Ai of the air inlet channel, through the intermediary portion AINT of the air inlet channel, toward the air inlet 50 of the cartridge 20. Where such an intermediary portion AINT is employed, there may also be provided a comer portion Ac between the initial and intermediary portions Ai; AINT of the air inlet channel, wherein the comer portion Ac is configured to redirect air passing from the initial portion Ai of the air inlet channel, from a direction D1;D2 which extends away from the air inlet of the cartridge, to another, notionally downward, direction D3 which extends towards the air inlet 50 of the cartridge 200 - which relates to the direction of air flowing through the intermediary portion AINT of the air inlet channel Al .

[0087] As may be realised therefore, the presence of such geometry and features for the air inlet channel Al may all help contribute towards better preventing wind driven rain or detritus from otherwise passing towards, and thus potentially blocking, the air inlet 50 of the cartridge 200, once the portion of the cartridge 200 is releasably engaged with the cartridge receiving section 8 from the control unit 4.

[0088] To yet further assist with the directing of air towards the air inlet 50 of the cartridge 200, there may in some embodiments be provided an air directing feature 228, which might take the form of a fillet 228A or chamfer 228B, from the second edge 216 of the band 212. Such an air directing feature 228 is shown in Figure 9B, where it can be seen that the second edge 216 of the band 212 comprises such a fillet 228A (which could instead be a chamfer, appreciably). This compares with if this second edge 216 was just a pointed, sharp, edge, which otherwise might make the start of the air inlet channel Al that much narrower initially, thus hindering any initial flow of air into the start of the air inlet channel Al . That being said, whilst employing some form of air directing feature 228 from the second edge 216 of the band 212 may be helpful, increasing the size of this air directing feature 228 unduly may contribute to allowing wind driven rain or detritus from entering the air inlet channel Al . Thus as a compromise between these two constraints, it may be such that the air directing feature 228 (or any equivalent fillet 228A or chamfer 228B) may comprise a maximum width WMAX, and / or a maximum height HMAX, of between 0.5mm - 5mm. In some embodiments, the maximum height or maximum width may be more narrowly no more than 4mm, or 3mm instead. These maximum width, and maximum height, dimensions are to be construed within the meanings / directions as shown in the embodiment relating to Figure 9B, whereby the maximum height HMAX direction corresponds to the length direction L of the cartridge 200, whereas the maximum width WMAX direction corresponds to a perpendicular direction to the height direction HMAX, and which corresponds to a direction extending towards any central longitudinal axis of the cartridge 200. Appreciating the foregoing, there has been described a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the system comprises a vaporiser for vaporising an aerosolisable material, wherein the cartridge comprises: an air channel extending from an air inlet for the cartridge to an outlet via an aerosol generation region; a reservoir for containing an aerosolisable material for aerosolising; wherein the cartridge further comprises an aerosolisable-material-level observation means for allowing a user to observe a level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir; wherein the aerosolisable-material-level observation means defines a band of translucent or transparent material, wherein the band extends around a perimeter of the reservoir for allowing the level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir to be observed through the band.

[0089] There has also been described an aerosol provision system comprising: the cartridge as described previously and; the control unit comprising a power supply and control circuitry, wherein the control unit further comprises a cartridge receiving section for releasably engaging a portion of the cartridge with the control unit.

[0090] There has also been described a method of observing the level of aerosolisable material inside a reservoir from a cartridge for an aerosol provision system, wherein the cartridge comprises: an aerosol outlet; an air channel extending from an air inlet for the cartridge to the aerosol outlet via an aerosol generation region; and an aerosolisable-material-level observation means for allowing a user to observe a level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir, wherein the aerosolisable-material-level observation means defines a band of translucent or transparent material, and wherein the band extends around a perimeter of the reservoir; wherein the method comprises: observing through the band to observe the level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir for allowing the level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir to be observed through the band.

[0091] There has also been described a method of directing air into an aerosol provision system as described previously, wherein the method comprises: releasably engaging the portion of the cartridge with the control unit such that a start of an air inlet channel is defined between the band from the cartridge and the cartridge receiving section; allowing air to pass through the air inlet channel, which is located between the portion of the cartridge and the cartridge receiving section, into the air inlet of the cartridge.

[0092] There has also been described a method of directing air through an aerosol provision system comprising an air inlet, an air channel and an outlet, wherein the method comprises: delivering air into the air inlet; passing the air through an initial portion of the air inlet channel which extends in a first direction which is at least partially towards the outlet, and which is also away from the air inlet; passing the air from the initial portion of the air inlet channel into an intermediary portion of the air inlet channel, wherein the intermediary portion of the air inlet channel is downstream of the initial portion of the air inlet channel, and wherein the intermediary portion of the air inlet channel extends in a second direction which is away from the outlet; delivering the air from the intermediary portion of the air inlet channel towards a vaporiser from the aerosol provision system; and passing the air from the vaporiser towards the outlet.

[0093] Also described is a cartridge 200 for an aerosol provision system 1 comprising the cartridge 200 and a control unit 400. The cartridge comprises a reservoir 31 for containing an aerosolisable material for aerosolising, and an aerosolisable-material-level observation means for allowing a user to observe a level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir 31. The observation means 210 defines a band 212 of translucent or transparent material, and extends around a perimeter P 1 of the reservoir 31 for allowing the level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir 31 to be observed through the band 212. By the band 212 extending around the perimeter Pl of the reservoir 31, this means the user can more easily observe the level of aerosolisable material about any angular viewing position of the cartridge 200. The band 212 may be an undulating band which undulates about a length direction of the cartridge 200 as the band 212 extends around the perimeter Pl of the reservoir 31, or in some cases the band 212 may define at least one chevron shape 218.

[0094] While the above described embodiments have in some respects focussed on some specific example aerosol provision systems, it will be appreciated the same principles can be applied for aerosol provision systems using other technologies. That is to say, the specific manner in which various aspects of the aerosol provision system function, for example in terms of the underlying form of the vaporiser or vaporiser technology used are not directly relevant to the principles underlying the examples described herein.

[0095] In that respect, it will also be appreciated that various modifications may be made to the embodiments of aerosol provision system described herein. For instance, although the vaporiser 40 has been described in a number of the above embodiments as being located in the cartridge, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments the vaporiser may be located in the control unit of the aerosol provision system.

[0096] In that respect as well, it may also be realised that many of the teachings herein described, such as in respect of how air may pass from the air inlet of the aerosol provision system for example, may be employed in embodiments of aerosol provision system which need not necessarily comprise a cartridge and a control unit. From the foregoing therefore, also provided herein may be an aerosol provision system comprising a vaporiser for vaporising an aerosolisable material; an air channel extending from an air inlet for the aerosol provision system to an outlet via a vaporiser and / or an aerosol generation region; a reservoir for containing an aerosolisable material for aerosolising; wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises an aerosolisable-material-level observation means for allowing a user to observe a level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir. In accordance with such embodiments, it is envisaged that any of the features of the aerosolisable-material-level observation means may form part of the aerosol provision system itself, rather than as part of a cartridge specifically. This may allow for related methodologies in respect of the same, for instance a method of directing air through an aerosol provision system comprising an air inlet, an air channel and an outlet, wherein the method comprises: delivering air into the air inlet; passing the air through an initial portion of the air inlet channel which extends in a first direction which is at least partially towards the outlet, and which is also away from the air inlet; passing the air from the initial portion of the air inlet channel into an intermediary portion of the air inlet channel, wherein the intermediary portion of the air inlet channel is downstream of the initial portion of the air inlet channel, and wherein the intermediary portion of the air inlet channel extends in a second direction which is away from the outlet; delivering the air from the intermediary portion of the air inlet channel towards a vaporiser from the aerosol provision system; and passing the air from the vaporiser towards the outlet. Such air directing methodologies may appreciably then build off, and employ, any of the features discussed previously, such as in respect of the aerosolisable-material-level observation means defining at least a portion of the air inlet channel.

[0097] In order to address various issues and advance the art, this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and to teach the claimed invention(s). It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. other than those specifically described herein, and it will thus be appreciated that features of the dependent claims / clauses may be combined with features of the independent claims / clauses in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims / clauses. The disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future. In effect, any combination of feature(s) from one set of claims many be combined with any other individual feature(s) from any of the remaining set of claims.

[0098] The disclosure also includes the embodiments described in the following numbered clauses:

[0099] 1. A cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the system comprises a vaporiser for vaporising an aerosolisable material, wherein the cartridge comprises: an air channel extending from an air inlet for the cartridge to an outlet via an aerosol generation region; a reservoir for containing an aerosolisable material for aerosolising; wherein the cartridge further comprises an aerosolisable-material-level observation means for allowing a user to observe a level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir; wherein the aerosolisable-material-level observation means defines a band of translucent or transparent material, wherein the band extends around a perimeter of the reservoir for allowing the level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir to be observed through the band. 2. The cartridge according to clause 1, wherein the band is annular.

[0100] 3. The cartridge according to any preceding clause, wherein the band extends around a complete perimeter of the reservoir.

[0101] 4. The cartridge according to any preceding clause, wherein the band comprises a maximum width of no more than 10mm.

[0102] 5. The cartridge according to any preceding clause, wherein the cartridge further comprises a mouthpiece comprising the outlet, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a first end and a second end which is opposite the first end; wherein the band is located at the second end of the mouthpiece.

[0103] 6. The cartridge according to clause 5, wherein the band comprises an outermost surface which is flush with an outermost surface of the mouthpiece.

[0104] 7. The cartridge according to clause 5 or 6, wherein the band comprises a first edge located on a first side of the band, and a second edge located on a second side of the band which is opposite the first side of the band.

[0105] 8. The cartridge according to clause 7, wherein the second edge is configured to at least partially define the start of an air inlet channel for allowing air to pass toward the air inlet of the cartridge.

[0106] 9. The cartridge according to clause 7 or 8, wherein the second edge comprises an air directing feature, which may optionally take the form of a fillet or chamfer, configured to at least partially direct air toward the air inlet of the cartridge.

[0107] 10. The cartridge according to clause 9, wherein the air directing feature comprises a maximum width, and / or a maximum height, of between 0.5mm - 5mm.

[0108] 11. The cartridge according to any of clauses 7-10, when further dependent on clause 5 at least, wherein the first edge is adjacent to the second end of the mouthpiece. 12. The cartridge according to any preceding clause, wherein the band forms a first wall portion of the reservoir.

[0109] 13. The cartridge according to clause 12, wherein the band has a maximum thickness that is no more than 10mm.

[0110] 14. The cartridge according to any preceding clause, wherein the band is an undulating band which undulates about a length direction of the cartridge as the band extends around the perimeter of the reservoir.

[0111] 15. The cartridge according to clause 14, wherein the undulating band comprises two peak portions and two trough portions.

[0112] 16. The cartridge according to clause 15, wherein the peak portions are located on a first set of opposing sides of the cartridge.

[0113] 17. The cartridge according to clause 15 or 16, wherein the trough portions are located on a second set of opposing sides of the cartridge.

[0114] 18. The cartridge according to clause 17, when further dependent on clause 16, wherein the second set of sides are located between the first set of sides.

[0115] 19. The cartridge according to any preceding clause, wherein the band is made of plastic.

[0116] 20. The cartridge according to any preceding clause, further comprising an aerosol outlet tube, extending between the aerosol generating region and the outlet, for directing aerosol generated in the aerosol generating region through to the outlet.

[0117] 21. The cartridge according to clause 20, wherein the reservoir extends around the aerosol outlet tube.

[0118] 22. The cartridge according to any preceding clause, wherein the reservoir is annular. 23. The cartridge according to any preceding clause, wherein the reservoir contains the aerosolisable material for aerosolising.

[0119] 24. The cartridge according to any preceding clause, wherein the vaporiser is located in the cartridge.

[0120] 25. The cartridge according to any preceding clause, wherein the band comprises a substantially uniform width as the band extends around the perimeter of the reservoir.

[0121] 26. The cartridge according to any preceding clause, wherein the band is symmetrical.

[0122] 27. The cartridge according to any preceding clause, wherein the band defines at least one chevron shape.

[0123] 28. The cartridge according to clause 27, wherein the band defines a pair of chevron shapes.

[0124] 29. The cartridge according to any of clauses 27-28, wherein each chevron shape is pointed towards the outlet of the cartridge.

[0125] 30. The cartridge according to any preceding clause, wherein the cartridge at least partially defines an initial portion of an air inlet channel which extends in a direction which is any combination of: i) at least partially towards the outlet; ii) at least partially towards the first end of the mouthpiece; and / or iii) away from the air inlet of the cartridge.

[0126] 31. The cartridge according to clause 30, wherein the cartridge is further configured to at least partially define an intermediary portion of the air inlet channel which is configured to receive air from, and which is downstream of, the initial portion of the air inlet channel, for allowing air to pass from the initial portion of the air inlet channel, through the intermediary portion of the air inlet channel, toward the air inlet of the cartridge. 32. The cartridge according to clause 31, wherein the cartridge is further configured to define a comer portion between the initial and intermediary portions of the air inlet channel, wherein the comer portion is configured to redirect air passing from the initial portion of the air inlet channel, from a direction which extends away from the air inlet of the cartridge, to another direction which extends towards the air inlet of the cartridge.

[0127] 33. The cartridge according to preceding clause, when further dependent on clause 5 at least, wherein the mouthpiece is opaque.

[0128] 34. The cartridge according to preceding clause, when further dependent on clause 5 at least, wherein the first end of the mouthpiece further comprises: the outlet; a recessed region which extends around the outlet; and a wall portion which extends around an outer periphery of the first end of the mouthpiece, wherein the wall portion surrounds the recessed region.

[0129] 35. An aerosol provision system comprising: the cartridge according to any preceding clause and; the control unit comprising a power supply and control circuitry, wherein the control unit further comprises a cartridge receiving section for releasably engaging a portion of the cartridge with the control unit.

[0130] 36. The aerosol provision system according to clause 35, wherein the cartridge receiving section comprises a receptacle.

[0131] 37. The aerosol provision system according to clause 35 or 36, wherein the band is configured to be adjacent to the cartridge receiving section when the cartridge receiving section is releasably engaging the portion of the cartridge with the control unit.

[0132] 38. The aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 35-37, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to define an air inlet channel, for allowing air to pass toward the air inlet of the cartridge, when the cartridge receiving section is releasably engaging the portion of the cartridge with the control unit; wherein the air inlet channel is configured to be defined between the portion of the cartridge and the cartridge receiving section when the cartridge receiving section is releasably engaging the portion of the cartridge with the control unit.

[0133] 39. The aerosol provision system according to clause 38, wherein the air inlet channel comprises an initial portion, wherein the initial portion optionally extends in a direction which is any combination of: i) at least partially towards the outlet; ii) at least partially towards the first end of the mouthpiece; and / or iii) away from the air inlet of the cartridge.

[0134] 40. The aerosol provision system according to clause 39, wherein the air inlet channel further comprises an intermediary portion which is configured to receive air from, and which is downstream of, the initial portion of the air inlet channel, for allowing air to pass from the initial portion of the air inlet channel, through the intermediary portion of the air inlet channel, toward the air inlet of the cartridge.

[0135] 41. The aerosol provision system according to clause 40, wherein the air inlet channel further comprises a comer portion between the initial and intermediary portions of the air inlet channel, wherein the comer portion is configured to redirect air passing from the initial portion of the air inlet channel, from a direction which extends away from the air inlet of the cartridge, to another direction which extends towards the air inlet of the cartridge.

[0136] 42. The aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 38-41, when further dependent on clause 7 at least, wherein the second edge from the band is configured to at least partially define the start of the air inlet channel when the cartridge receiving section is releasably engaging the portion of the cartridge with the control unit.

[0137] 43. The aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 35-42, wherein the band comprises an outermost surface which is flush with an outermost surface of the cartridge receiving section.

[0138] 44. A method of observing the level of aerosolisable material inside a reservoir from a cartridge for an aerosol provision system, wherein the cartridge comprises: an aerosol outlet; an air channel extending from an air inlet for the cartridge to the aerosol outlet via an aerosol generation region; and an aerosolisable-material-level observation means for allowing a user to observe a level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir, wherein the aerosolisable-material-level observation means defines a band of translucent or transparent material, and wherein the band extends around a perimeter of the reservoir; wherein the method comprises: observing through the band to observe the level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir for allowing the level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir to be observed through the band.

[0139] 45. A method of directing air into an aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 35-43, wherein the method comprises: releasably engaging the portion of the cartridge with the control unit such that a start of an air inlet channel is defined between the band from the cartridge and the cartridge receiving section; allowing air to pass through the air inlet channel, which is located between the portion of the cartridge and the cartridge receiving section, into the air inlet of the cartridge.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the system comprises a vaporiser for vaporising an aerosolisable material, wherein the cartridge comprises: an air channel extending from an air inlet for the cartridge to an outlet via an aerosol generation region; a reservoir for containing an aerosolisable material for aerosolising; wherein the cartridge further comprises an aerosolisable-material-level observation means for allowing a user to observe a level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir; wherein the aerosolisable-material-level observation means defines a band of translucent or transparent material, wherein the band extends around a perimeter of the reservoir for allowing the level of aerosolisable material inside the reservoir to be observed through the band.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge at least partially defines an initial portion of an air inlet channel which extends in a direction which is at least partially towards the outlet; and which is also away from the air inlet of the cartridge.

3. The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the band at least partially defines the initial portion of an air inlet channel.

4. The cartridge according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the cartridge is further configured to at least partially define an intermediary portion of the air inlet channel which is configured to receive air from, and which is downstream of, the initial portion of the air inlet channel, for allowing air to pass from the initial portion of the air inlet channel, through the intermediary portion of the air inlet channel, toward the air inlet of the cartridge.

5. The cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the cartridge is further configured to define a comer portion between the initial and intermediary portions of the air inlet channel, wherein the comer portion is configured to redirect air passing from the initial portion of the air inlet channel, from the direction which extends away from the air inlet of the cartridge, to another direction which extends towards the air inlet of the cartridge.

6. The cartridge according to any preceding claim, wherein the cartridge further comprises a mouthpiece comprising the outlet, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a first end and a second end which is opposite the first end; wherein the band is located at the second end of the mouthpiece.

7. The cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the band comprises an outermost surface which is flush with an outermost surface of the mouthpiece.

8. The cartridge according to any preceding claim, wherein the band comprises a first edge located on a first side of the band, and a second edge located on a second side of the band which is opposite the first side of the band.

9. The cartridge according to claim 8, when further dependent on claim 2 at least, wherein the second edge is configured to at least partially define the start of the air inlet channel.

10. The cartridge according to claim 9, wherein the second edge comprises an air directing feature configured to at least partially direct air toward the air inlet of the cartridge.

11. The cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the air directing feature takes the form of a fillet or chamfer.

12. An aerosol provision system comprising: the cartridge according to any preceding claim and; the control unit comprising a power supply and control circuitry, wherein the control unit further comprises a cartridge receiving section for releasably engaging a portion of the cartridge with the control unit; wherein the band is configured to be adjacent to the cartridge receiving section when the cartridge receiving section is releasably engaging the portion of the cartridge with the control unit.

13. The aerosol provision system according to claim 12, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to define an air inlet channel, for allowing air to pass toward the airinlet of the cartridge, when the cartridge receiving section is releasably engaging the portion of the cartridge with the control unit; wherein the air inlet channel is configured to be defined between the portion of the cartridge and the cartridge receiving section when the cartridge receiving section is releasably engaging the portion of the cartridge with the control unit.

14. The aerosol provision system according to claim 13, wherein an edge from the band is configured to at least partially define the start of the air inlet channel when the cartridge receiving section is releasably engaging the portion of the cartridge with the control unit.

15. A method of directing air into an aerosol provision system according to any of claims 12-14, wherein the method comprises: releasably engaging the portion of the cartridge with the control unit such that a start of an air inlet channel is defined between the band from the cartridge and the cartridge receiving section; allowing air to pass through the air inlet channel, which is located between the portion of the cartridge and the cartridge receiving section, into the air inlet of the cartridge.

16. A method of directing air through an aerosol provision system comprising an air inlet, an air channel and an outlet, wherein the method comprises: delivering air into the air inlet; passing the air through an initial portion of the air inlet channel which extends in a first direction which is at least partially towards the outlet, and which is also away from the air inlet; passing the air from the initial portion of the air inlet channel into an intermediary portion of the air inlet channel, wherein the intermediary portion of the air inlet channel is downstream of the initial portion of the air inlet channel, and wherein the intermediary portion of the air inlet channel extends in a second direction which is away from the outlet; delivering the air from the intermediary portion of the air inlet channel towards a vaporiser from the aerosol provision system; and passing the air from the vaporiser towards the outlet.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein passing the air from the initial portion of the air inlet channel into the intermediary portion of the air inlet channel further comprises passing the air through a comer portion of the air inlet channel, wherein the comer portion isconfigured to redirect the air passing from the initial portion of the air inlet channel into the intermediary portion of the air inlet channel.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises: a reservoir for containing an aerosolisable material for aerosolising; and an aerosolisable-material-level observation means for allowing a user to observe a level of aerosolisable material inside a reservoir; wherein the aerosolisable-material-level observation means at least partially defines a portion of the air inlet channel.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the band is an undulating band which extends around a perimeter of the reservoir.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein delivering air into the air inlet further comprises an air directing feature from the band at least partially directing air towards the air inlet.

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