AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT Application No. PCT/EP2023/061991 filed May 5, 2023, which claims priority to GB Application No. 2206678.1 filed May 6, 2022, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device. The present invention also relates to an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device and an article comprising aerosol-generating material, and also a cover mechanism for an aerosol provision device.

BACKGROUND

Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products are heating devices which release compounds by heating, but not burning, the material. The material may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

SUMMARY

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: a body; a chamber in the body arranged to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material; and a cover mechanism comprising: a cover member moveable between a relatively open position in which the at least a portion of an article is able to pass into the chamber and a relatively closed position in which the at least a portion of an article is restricted from being able to pass into the chamber; and a channel arranged to guide movement of the cover member, the channel having an open end.

The open end of the channel may communicate with the chamber.

The open end of the channel may communicate with an outer side of the body.

The aerosol provision device may comprise a stop at the open end of the channel.

The stop may comprise a lip or protrusion. The lip or protrusion may be arranged to limit the range of motion of the cover member.

An edge of the stop may at least partially define the open end.

The channel may be a groove. The channel may be on the body. The channel may be on an end surface of the body.

The channel may be linear. The cover member may comprise a guide element received in the channel.

The guide element may comprise at least one of a rib and a pin.

A width of the guide element may substantially correspond to a width of the channel.

A height of the guide element received in the channel may substantially correspond to a depth of the channel.

A profile of the guide element may correspond to a profile of the channel.

The guide element may be slideable in the channel.

The guide element may be movable to at least proximal to the open end

The channel may have first and second open ends.

The first open end of the channel may communicate with the chamber. The second open end of the channel may communicate with a peripheral edge of the body.

A lower side of the cover member may be in sliding contact with the body. The sliding contact may be arranged to at least partially seal against ingress of debris between the cover member and the body.

The channel may be a first channel and the body may comprise a second channel.

The guide element may be a first guide element, and the cover member may comprise a second guide element.

The aerosol provision device may comprise an upstand on the body.

The upstand may be aligned with the channel.

The upstand may be parallel with the channel.

A height of the upstand may substantially correspond with a thickness of the cover member.

The upstand may be arranged to at least partially confine debris to a region of the housing containing the opening.

An edge of the cover member may move adjacent to the upstand.

The upstand may be arranged to slidably contact a side of the cover member.

The cover mechanism may comprise an actuating member arranged to rotate on the body to actuate the cover member. Rotation of the actuating member relative to the body may cause the cover member to move between the relatively open position and the relatively closed position.

Rotation of the actuating member relative to the body may cause the cover member to translate between the relatively open position and the relatively closed position.

The cover member may be arranged to translate in a direction perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the actuating member.

An axis of rotation of the actuating member may be parallel with a longitudinal axis of the chamber.

The axis of rotation of the actuating member may be co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the chamber.

The or each cover member may be arranged to linearly translate relative to the body.

The actuating member may comprise a housing portion covering at least part of the body.

The housing portion may comprise a peripheral wall.

The open end of the channel may be spaced from the peripheral wall.

At least part of the body may extend in the housing portion.

The body may comprise a recess on a peripheral side of the body.

The channel may communicate with the recess.

The body may comprise an actuating member mount.

The actuating member may be rotatably engaged with the actuating member mount.

The actuating member mount may restrict linear movement of the actuating member relative to the body.

The actuating member may comprise a locating feature in engagement with the actuating member mount.

The actuating member mount may comprise a clip.

The clip may be resilient.

The actuating member mount may at least partially extend in the recess.

The actuating member mount may be spaced from the open end.

The actuating member may at least partially enclose the cover mechanism.

The chamber may comprise an opening through which the at least a portion of an article may be inserted into the chamber.

The channel may communicate with the opening.

The actuating member may comprise an aperture aligned with the opening arranged to receive at least a portion of an article.

The or each cover member may be disposed between the body and the actuating member.

An upper side of the cover member may be in sliding contact with the actuating member.

The cover mechanism may comprise a cam arrangement.

The cam arrangement may comprise an elongate cam surface and a cam element engaged by the elongate cam surface.

The elongate cam surface may be linear.

The elongate cam surface may be arcuate.

The cam arrangement may comprise a cam slot defining the elongate cam surface.

The cam slot may be a blind slot.

The cam element may be a pin. The actuating member may define the elongate cam surface.

The cover mechanism may comprise a gear arrangement.

The cover member may be a first cover member and the cover mechanism may comprise a second cover member arranged to partially close the opening. Rotation of the actuating member relative to the body may cause the second cover member to move between a relatively open position in which the at least a portion of an article may be able to pass through the opening and a relatively closed position in which the at least a portion of an article may be prevented from being able to pass through the opening.

The or each cover member may be a blade.

In the relatively closed position, the first and second cover members may together fully close the opening.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising the aerosol provision device of any described above; and an article comprising aerosol-generating material.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a cover mechanism for an aerosol provision device, comprising: a body having an opening arranged to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material; a cover member moveable between a relatively open position in which the at least a portion of an article is able to pass into the chamber and a relatively closed position in which the at least a portion of an article is restricted from being able to pass into the chamber; and a channel arranged to guide movement of the cover member, the channel having an open end.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: a body; a chamber in the body arranged to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material; and a cover mechanism comprising: a cover member moveable between a relatively open position in which the at least a portion of an article is able to pass into the chamber and a relatively closed position in which the at least a portion of an article is restricted from being able to pass into the chamber.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a cover mechanism for an aerosol provision device, comprising: a body having an opening arranged to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material; a cover member moveable between a relatively open position in which the at least a portion of an article is able to pass into the chamber and a relatively closed position in which the at least a portion of an article is restricted from being able to pass into the chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic front view of an aerosol provision device;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of the aerosol provision device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a cover mechanism for the aerosol provision device of FIG. 1 in a closed position;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an actuating member of the cover mechanism of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional plan view of a portion of a retaining mechanism of the cover mechanism of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of part of another cover mechanism for the aerosol provision device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating material” is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavorants. Aerosol-generating material may include any plant based material, such as tobacco-containing material and may, for example, include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating material also may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosol-generating material may for example be in the form of a solid, a liquid, a gel, a wax or the like. Aerosol-generating material may for example also be a combination or a blend of materials. Aerosol-generating material may also be known as “smokable material”.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active and/or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an “amorphous solid”. The amorphous solid may be a “monolithic solid”. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may, for example, comprise from about 50 wt %, 60 wt% or 70 wt % of amorphous solid, to about 90 wt %, 95 wt% or 100 wt % of amorphous solid.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may be substantially tobacco free.

According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

An aerosol generating device can receive an article comprising aerosol generating material for heating. An “article” in this context is a component that includes or contains in use the aerosol generating material, which is heated to volatilize the aerosol generating material, and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into the aerosol generating device before it is heated to produce an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales. The article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device which is sized to receive the article.

FIG. 1 shows an aerosol provision device 100 for generating aerosol from an aerosol generating material. In broad outline, the device 100 may be used to heat a replaceable article 300 comprising the aerosol generating material, to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium which is inhaled by a user of the device 100. The article 300 and the device 100 together form an aerosol provision system.

The device 100 comprises a main body 101. The main body 101 comprises a chamber 105 (refer to FIG. 2). A housing 102 surrounds and houses various components of the main body 101. An opening 103 is formed at one end of the main body 101, communicating with the chamber 105. The article 300 may be at least partially inserted through the opening 103 into the chamber 105 for heating by an aerosol generator 150 (refer to FIG. 2). In use, the article 300 may be heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator 150.

The device 100 also includes a button assembly 200, which operates the device 100 when pressed. For example, a user may turn on the device 100 by operating the button assembly 200.

The aerosol generator 150 defines a longitudinal axis X.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross sectional view of the device 100. The device 100 comprises an electrical component, such as a connector/port 160, which can receive a cable to charge a battery of the device 100. For example, the connector 160 may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port. In some examples the connector 160 may be used additionally or alternatively to transfer data between the device 100 and another device, such as a computing device.

The device 100 comprises a power source 170, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, a lithium battery (such as a lithium-ion battery), a nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), and an alkaline battery. The battery is electrically coupled to the aerosol generator 150 to supply electrical power when required and under control of a controller to heat the aerosol generating material.

The device 100 comprises an electronics module 112. The electronics module 112 may comprise, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB may support at least one controller, such as a processor, and memory. The PCB may also comprise one or more electrical tracks to electrically connect together various electronic components of the device 100. For example, the battery terminals may be electrically connected to the PCB so that power can be distributed throughout the device 100.

The main body 101 has end surfaces of the device 100. The end of the device 100 closest to the opening 103 may be known as the proximal end (or mouth end) 104 of the device 100 because, in use, it is closest to the mouth of the user. In use, a user inserts an article 300 into the opening 103, operates the aerosol generator 150 to begin heating the aerosol generating material and draws on the aerosol generated in the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device 100 along a flow path towards the proximal end of the device 100.

The other end of the device furthest away from the opening 103 may be known as the distal end 106 of the device 100 because, in use, it is the end furthest away from the mouth of the user. As a user draws on the aerosol generated in the device, the aerosol flows in a direction towards the proximal end of the device 100. The terms proximal and distal as applied to features of the device 100 will be described by reference to the relative positioning of such features with respect to each other in a proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis.

As used herein, the term “one-piece component” refers to a component of the device 100 which is not separable into two or more components following assembly of the device 100. Integrally formed relates to two or more features that are formed into a one-piece component during a manufacturing stage of the component.

An air flow passage 180 extends through the main body 101. The airflow passage 180 extends to an opening 190. The opening 190 acts as an air inlet.

In one example, the aerosol generator 150 comprises an induction-type heating system, including a magnetic field generator. The magnetic field generator comprises an inductor coil assembly. The aerosol generator 150 comprises a heating element. The heating element is also known as a susceptor.

A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

The aerosol generator 150 is an inductive heating assembly and comprises various components to heat the aerosol generating material of the article 300 via an inductive heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conducting object (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. An induction heating assembly may comprise an inductive element, for example, one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a varying electric current, such as an alternating electric current, through the inductive element. The varying electric current in the inductive element produces a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates a susceptor suitably positioned with respect to the inductive element, and generates eddy currents inside the susceptor. The susceptor has electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and hence the flow of the eddy currents against this resistance causes the susceptor to be heated by Joule heating. In cases where the susceptor comprises ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt, heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e. by the varying orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material as a result of their alignment with the varying magnetic field. In inductive heating, as compared to heating by conduction for example, heat is generated inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating. Further, there need not be any physical contact between the inductive heater and the susceptor, allowing for enhanced freedom in construction and application.

The inductor coil assembly includes an inductor coil. In embodiments, the number of inductor coils differs. In embodiments, two or more inductor coils are used. The inductor coil assembly also comprises a coil support. The coil support is tubular.

The heating element is part of a heating assembly. The heating element of this example is hollow and therefore defines at least part of a receptacle within which aerosol generating material is received. For example, the article 300 can be inserted into the heating element. The heating element is tubular, with a circular cross section. The heating element has a generally constant diameter along its axial length.

In embodiments, the heating assembly defines a receptacle and the heating element upstands in the receptacle.

The heating element is formed from an electrically conducting material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. The susceptor in the present example is formed from a carbon steel. It will be understood that other suitable materials may be used, for example a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt.

In other embodiments, the feature acting as the heating element may not be limited to being inductively heated. The feature, acting as a heating element, may therefore be heatable by electrical resistance. The aerosol generator 150 may therefore comprise electrical contacts for electrical connection with the apparatus for electrically activating the heating element by passing a flow of electrical energy through the heating element.

The receptacle and article 300 are dimensioned so that the article 300 is received by the heating element. This helps ensure that the heating is most efficient. The article 300 of this example comprises aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material is positioned within the receptacle. The article 300 may also comprise other components such as a filter, wrapping materials and/or a cooling structure.

The air flow passage 180 extends from the receptacle. The air flow passage 180 is at the distal end. The air flow passage 180 protrudes from the heating element. The air flow passage 180 extending from the heating element is defined by a flow path member 182. The heating element 220 and the flow path member 182 form part of an airflow path arrangement 181.

The flow path member 182 extends between the heating element and the opening 190. The flow path member 182 is tubular. The flow path member 182 defines a bore. The flow path member extends in an axial direction along its length.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a cover mechanism 500 for an aerosol provision device. The cover mechanism 500 may be used with the aerosol provision device 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 and will be described by reference to that device. In embodiments, the cover mechanism 500 is used with other device arrangements.

The cover mechanism 500 comprises a body 502, first and second cover members 510 and an actuating member 520. The body 502 is a portion of the main body 101 of the aerosol provision device 100. The body 502 is a rigid member. The body is fixed to the housing 102. The body 502 is fixed to the housing 102 by a fixing 505. The fixing 505 includes resilient clips 506 to fix the body 502 with the housing 102. The fixing 505 also includes a location limiting protrusion 546 to prevent the body 502 from rotating relative to the housing 102. In other embodiments, the body 502 may be integrally formed with the housing 102. The body 502 comprises an opening 504. The opening 504 defines the opening 103 of the device. The opening 504 communicates with the chamber 105. The opening 504 is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol generating material, such as the article 300.

The body 502 comprises a guide 508. The guide 508 is arranged to guide movement of the cover members 510. The guide 508 comprises a channel 509. In this embodiment, the guide comprises two channels 509. The channels 509 are parallel. The channels 509 are identical. In other embodiments, a greater or lesser number of channels may be provided. For example, a single channel may be provided. In other embodiments, the channels may be identical or may differ. The description will proceed by reference to a single channel 509 but it will be understood that the other channel 509 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is identical. Features of the described channel 509 may be applied to one or more further channels.

The channel 509 is linear. The channel 509 is formed on an upper surface 507 of the body 502. The upper surface 507 includes a recess 507a The channel 509 is divided by the opening 504. That is, each channel 509 comprises a first channel portion 509a and a second channel portion 509b, the opening 504 being disposed between the first and second channel portions 509a, 509b.

The cover mechanism 500 comprises a first cover member 510 and a second cover member 510 arranged to cover the opening 504. The cover members will be described by reference to one cover member but it will be understood that the cover members are similar in this embodiment. In other embodiments, they may differ. The cover member 510 is planar. The cover member 510 slidably contacts the body 502.

A lower side of the cover member 510 is in sliding contact with the body 502 to at least partially seal against ingress of debris between the cover member 510 and the body. The cover member 510 comprises a blade portion 512 arranged to cover the opening. A peripheral portion 514 extends from the blade portion 512.

The cover member 510 comprises a guide element configuration 511. The guide element configuration 511 and the guide 508 define a guide arrangement 513. The guide element configuration 511 comprises two guide elements 515. The guide elements 515 respectively align with and are received in the channels 509. The guide elements 515 include a pair of rails. The number of rails may differ. The guide elements 515 may be pins or other protrusions or features. The guide elements 515 are provided on the lower side of the cover member 510. The guide elements 515, in embodiments, are provided on the blade portion 512 or on both the blade portion 512 and the peripheral portion 514, or on the peripheral portion 514 alone. The guide elements 515 are slidably engaged with the guide 508 of the body 502. The guide elements 515 are respectively received in the channels 509 of the body 502. A profile of each guide element 515 may correspond to a profile of each channel 509. A width of the rail may substantially correspond to a width of the channel 509. A height of the rail may substantially correspond to a depth of the channel 509. The rail is slideable in the channel 509.

The channel 509 acts as a track along which a corresponding guide element passes. The channel 509 defines a path.

The guide elements 515 are movable in the channels 509 between a relatively open position in which the at least a portion of an article is able to pass into the chamber and a relatively closed position in which the at least a portion of an article is restricted from being able to pass into the chamber.

In use, residue may be deposited in the channels. Residue may include condensate, spent or unspent aerosol generating material from the article 300, or debris from outside the aerosol provision device such as dust or pocket lint. Such residue may impede or even block movement of the guide element in the channels. For example, the residue may be forced to an end of the channel by the guide element and compacted there. This may limit the range of motion of the guide element and consequently of the cover member. In some cases, this may prevent the cover member from entering a fully closed position, leaving a gap between the cover members, or may prevent the cover member from entering a fully open position, meaning it may no longer be possible to insert the article 300 in the chamber 105.

The channel 508 has a first open end 560 and a second open end 562. In embodiments the channel 508 may have a single open end. The first open end 560 communicates with the chamber 105. That is, the first open end 560 is open to the opening 504 of the body 502. The second open end 562 communicates with a peripheral edge of the body 502. The channel extends from a peripheral edge of the body to the opening 504. The peripheral edge of the body is an outer edge of the body. The body can be considered to have a generally annular shape, with an outer edge, referred to as the peripheral edge, and an inner edge defining the opening 104.

The rail is movable to at least proximal to the first open end 560. The rail is movable to at least proximal to the second open end 562.

The open ends 560, 562 allow residue to exit the channel. Residue deposited in the channel may be pushed out of the open ends 560, 562 by movement of the rail. Residue may be pushed out of the first open end 560 into the chamber 105. Alternatively or additionally, residue may be pushed out of the second open end 562. Typically closure mechanisms for aerosol provision devices are provided to restrict the ingress of detritus into the mechanism. The inventors have recognized that it is possible to minimize detritus in the mechanism without the need to restrict such ingress with the present arrangement. The cover mechanism 500 is therefore self-cleaning.

The body comprises a stop 564 at the second open end 562. The second open end in embodiments is the only open end. The stop 564 comprises a lip or protrusion arranged to limit the range of motion of the cover member 510. An edge of the stop 564 at least partially defines the open end 562. The stop 564 is integrally formed with the body 502. In embodiments, the stop 564 is a separate component joined to the body 502.

The actuating member 520 may close an open side of the channel.

The cover member 510 comprises a cam element 518. The cam element 518 is disposed on an opposing side of the cover member 510 to the guide elements 515. The cam element 518 comprises a pin 519. The pin 519 is disposed on the peripheral portion 514. The pin 519 upstands from the cover member 510. The pin 519 extends in the longitudinal axial direction.

The cover mechanism 500 comprises an actuating member 520. The actuating member 520 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 4. The actuating member 520 is arranged to rotate on the body 502. The axis of rotation of the actuating member 520 is co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the chamber 105. The actuating member 520 comprises an aperture 522. The aperture 522 is aligned with the opening 504. The aperture 522 is arranged to receive at least a portion of the article 300 comprising aerosol generating material. The actuating member 520 is slidably engaged with the body 502. The actuating member 520 defines a cap. The actuating member 520 has an upper wall 529. The aperture 522 is in the upper wall 529. The upper wall 529 is annular.

The cover members 510 are received in the recess 507a in the body 502. The recess 507a allows the cover members 510 to be easily sandwiched between the body 502 and the actuating member 520.

The actuating member 520 comprises a housing portion 528. The housing portion 528 is cylindrical. The housing portion 528 forms a peripheral wall. The second open end 562 is spaced from the peripheral wall. The housing portion 528 covers part of the body 502. That is, part of the body 502 extends in the housing portion 528. The housing portion 528 encloses part of the cover mechanism 500.

The actuating member 520 comprises a gripping formation 530. The gripping formation 530 is a protrusion on an exposed face of the actuating member 520. The gripping formation 530 is knurled or ribbed. In embodiments, the gripping formation may be a friction surface.

The body 502 comprises an actuating member mount 542 (see FIG. 6). The actuating member 520 is rotatably engaged with the actuating member mount 542. The actuating member mount 542 restricts linear movement of the actuating member 520 relative to the body. The actuating member 520 comprises a locating feature 548 in engagement with the actuating member mount 542. The locating feature 548 is a recess in the actuating member 520. The recess is disposed in an inner surface of the housing portion 528. The recess is circumferential. That is, the recess extends around substantially the entire circumference of the actuating member 520. The actuating member mount 542 comprises a clip. The clip is resilient. In this embodiment, the actuating member mount 542 comprises three clips. The body 502 comprises a recess 544 behind the clip. In this embodiment, the body 502 comprises a recess 544 behind each clip. The recess 544 is on a peripheral side of the body 502. The recesses 544 provide clearance to accommodate inwards radial deflection of the clips, allowing a more compacts arrangement.

The channels 509 communicate with the recesses 544. The second open end 562 of each channel 509 is open to a recess 544. The recess 544 accommodates residue pushed out of the second open end 562.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the actuating member 520 from below.

The actuating member 520 defines a pair of elongate cam surfaces 532. The elongate cam surfaces 532 are arcuate. Each elongate cam surface 532 is defined by a cam slot 534. The cam slots 534 are a blind slots. That is, the cam slots 534 are closed at each end. The closed ends in embodiments act as movement limiters. The cam element 518 of each cover member 510 is received in a respective cam slot 534. An upper side of the cover member 510 is in sliding contact with the actuating member 520. The cam elements 518 and the cam slots 534 together define a cam mechanism.

The cam slots 534 are arcuate. In embodiments, the cam slots are arcuate such that the cam surfaces are arcuate. In embodiments, the cam slots are linear.

The cover members 510 are disposed between the body 502 and the actuating member 520. The cover members 510 make sliding contact with the body 502. The cover members 510 make sliding contact with the actuating member 520. Such an arrangement helps to prevent ingress of debris.

Rotation of the actuating member 520 relative to the body 502 causes the cover members 510 to translate between a relatively open position and a relatively closed position. The term ‘translate’ will be understood to mean movement that changes the position of an object, as opposed to only rotation. Translation will be understood to include translation only, or translation and rotation. In the relatively open position, the at least a portion of the article 300 is able to pass through the opening 504. In the relatively closed position the portion of the article is prevented from being able to pass through the opening 504. The term relatively open position will be understood to mean any position in which at least a portion of the article 300 is able to pass through the opening, i.e. including a fully open position and intermediate positions which leave enough space for the portion of the article 300 to be inserted. The term relatively closed position will be understood to mean any position in which the portion of the article 300 is prevented from being able to pass through the opening 504, i.e. including a fully closed position and intermediate positions in which there is not enough space for the article 300 to pass through the opening. In this embodiment, rotation of the actuating member 520 relative to the body 502 causes the cover members to translate to or from a fully closed position. The term fully closed position will be understood to mean that the cover members 510 fully close the opening 504.

The cover members 510 are arranged to linearly translate relative to the body 502. The cover members 510 are arranged to translate in a direction perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the actuating member 520. The axis of rotation of the actuating member 520 is parallel with a longitudinal axis of the chamber. The axis of rotation of the actuating member 520 is co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the chamber. As the actuating member 520 is rotated by the user, the elongate cam surfaces 532 push the cam elements 518, causing the cover members 510 to move. As the cover members 510 move, the guide elements 515 are guided by the guide 508. That is, the rails slide along the channels 509. The rails are retained in the channels 509 as the cover members 510 are sandwiched between the body 502 and the actuating member 520. This guides the cover members 510 in a linear path. The cover members 510 are moved between the open position as shown in FIG. 4 and the closed position as shown in FIG. 5. Rotating the actuating member 520 clockwise causes the cover members 510 to move towards the relatively closed position. Rotating the actuating member 520 counter clockwise causes the cover members 510 to move towards the relatively open position. In other embodiments, these directions may be reversed.

FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional plan view of a portion of a retaining mechanism 550 of the cover mechanism 500. The retaining mechanism 550 is arranged to releasably retain the actuating member 520 in each of the open position and the closed position. In embodiments, the retaining mechanism 550 is arranged to act in one of the open and closed position only.

The actuating member 520 comprises an inner surface 552. The inner surface is defined by the housing portion 528. The housing portion 528 defines a peripheral wall of the actuating member 520. The inner surface 552 is cylindrical. The retaining mechanism 550 comprises an open position recess 560 and a closed position recess 562. The recesses 560, 562 are defined by the inner surface 552. The open position recess 554 comprises a first ramp 564 and a second ramp 566. The first and second ramps 564, 566 define the sides of the open position recess 560. The closed position recess 562 comprises a first ramp 568 and a second ramp 570. The first and second ramps 568, 570 define the sides of the closed position recess 562.

In embodiments, each recess 560, 562 only comprises a single ramp, the other side of the recess being defined by a vertical stop for example.

A cylindrical portion 552a of the inner surface 552 extends between the first ramp of the open position recess 564 and the first ramp of the closed position recess 562.

The retaining mechanism 550 comprises a protruding element 556. The protruding element 556 is arranged to protrude in the open position recess 560 in the open position. The protruding element 556 is arranged to protrude in the closed position recess 562 in the closed position.

The protruding element 556 is arranged to move in a radial direction. In embodiments, the protruding element is arranged to deform in a radial direction. The protruding element 556 is biased radially outwardly. The retaining mechanism 550 is therefore biased into a retention condition when the actuating member 520 is moved into the open position. The retaining mechanism 550 is therefore biased into a retention condition when the actuating member 520 is moved into the closed position.

The protruding element 556 is joined to the body 502. The protruding element 556 is partially received in a bore in the body 502. The protruding element 556 is arranged to slide along the inner surface 552.

The protruding element 556 is a ball spring arrangement. That is, the protruding element 556 comprises a coil spring, a spherical member and a stop for retaining the spherical member. The spherical member is formed of nickel plated steel. Other suitable materials may be used. In another embodiment, the protruding element 556 is a resilient member. The protruding element 556 comprises a contact surface. The contact surface is curved. The contact surface is formed of a material having a relatively low coefficient of friction with the inner surface 552.

When the protruding element 556 is protruding in the open position recess 560 or the closed position recess 562, the cover mechanism 500 is retained in the open position or the closed position respectively. It will be understood that the term retained by is intended to mean that a certain level of force must be applied to the cover mechanism 500 to move away from the open or closed position, so that the cover mechanism 500 is not unintentionally moved from the open or closed position. In this embodiment, the ends of the cam slots 534 provide a motion limiting stop, so that the cover mechanism 500 is prevented from moving beyond the open position or the closed position. That is, the cover mechanism 500 is only movable between the open position and the closed position.

The operation of the retaining mechanism 550 will be described with relation to movement from the open position to the closed position, but it will be understood that the operation with respect to movement from the closed position to the open position is identical.

When the cover mechanism 500 is in the open position, the protruding element 556 is received in the open position recess 560. Force applied to the cover mechanism 500 in a counter-clockwise direction is resisted by the ends of the cam slots 534 acting as motion limiting stops. If a small amount of force, such as may result from unintentional contact with the actuating member 520, is applied to the cover mechanism 500 in a clockwise direction, it is resisted by the biasing of the protruding element 556 against the first ramp 564. The cover mechanism 500 is therefore retained in the open position.

If a larger amount of force is applied to the cover mechanism in a clockwise direction, such as by a user intentionally twisting the actuating member 520, the protruding element 556 slides along the first ramp 564 and moves in a radially inwards direction, against the biasing. The spring of the ball spring arrangement is compressed. As the actuating member 520 is rotated the protruding element 556 traverses the first ramp 564 and contacts the cylindrical portion 552a of the inner surface 552. The retaining mechanism 550 is therefore releasable by the user moving the actuating mechanism 500 out of the closed position.

The retaining mechanism 550 is therefore biased into the open position over a portion of its range of motion adjacent to the open position. The retaining mechanism 550 is biased into the open position over the 10% of its range of motion adjacent to the open position. In embodiments, the retaining mechanism 550 is biased into the open position over less than 20% of its range of motion adjacent to the open position, for example 15%, 5% or 1%. The cover mechanism 500 therefore returns to the open position after small deflections, reducing the likelihood of inadvertently opening or partially opening the cover mechanism 500.

As the protruding element 556 moves along the cylindrical portion 552a, the protruding element 556 does not move in a radial direction, due to the constant radius of the cylindrical portion 552a. The cover mechanism 500 is therefore unbiased over part of its range of motion between the open position and the closed position. The cover mechanism 500 is unbiased over 80% of its range of motion between the open position and the closed position. In embodiments, the cover mechanism 500 is unbiased over between 95% and 50% of its range of motion between the open position and the closed position.

When the protruding element 556 reaches the first ramp 568 of the closed position recess 562, the protruding element 556 moves outwardly in a radial direction as it traverses the first ramp 568, decompressing the spring. The outward biasing exerted by the spring on the protruding element 556 causes the protruding element 556 to continue along the first ramp 568 without further force being applied by the user. The retaining mechanism 550 is therefore arranged to engage automatically when the actuating member 520 is moved into the closed position. The retaining mechanism 550 is therefore biased into the closed position over a portion of its range of motion adjacent to the closed position. The retaining mechanism 550 is biased into the closed position over the 10% of its range of motion adjacent to the closed position. In embodiments, the retaining mechanism 550 is biased into the closed position over less than 20% of its range of motion adjacent to the closed position, for example 15%, 5% or 1%.

The protruding element 556 contacts the ramps 564, 566 of the recesses 560, 562 over 20% of its range of motion. In embodiments, the protruding element contacts the ramps of the recesses over less than 20% of its range of motion, for example 15%, 10%, 5% or less than 5%.

The operation of the cover mechanism 500 has been described with relation to one protruding element 556 and two recesses 560 and 562. However, the cover mechanism 500 of FIGS. 4 and 5 comprises two protruding elements 556, two open position recesses 560 and two closed position recesses 562. The operation of the second protruding element 556, open position recess 560 and closed position recess 562 is identical to that described above. In embodiments, a different number of protruding elements, open position recesses and closed position recesses is used. In embodiments, a single recess may operate as a closed position recess in relation to one protruding element and as an open position recess in relation to another protruding element. That is, the ratio of recesses to protruding elements may differ from two to one.

In embodiments, the cover mechanism 500 comprises a lubricant.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of part of another cover mechanism 600 for use with an aerosol provision device. The body 602 is shown. The cover mechanism 600 of FIG. 6 is suitable for use with the aerosol provision device 100 of FIG. 1. In embodiments, the cover mechanism 600 is used with other device arrangements. The cover mechanism 600 is of FIG. 6 is similar to the cover mechanism 500 of FIG. 3. Like reference numerals have been used, stepped by 100, and description of identical features will not be repeated.

The fixing 605 includes rotation limiting features (not shown) to prevent the body 602 from rotating relative to the housing 102.

In the cover mechanism 600, the channels 609 only include second open ends 662, acting as open ends, open to the peripheral edge of the body 602. The first ends of the channels 609 are closed.

The cover mechanism 600 comprises an upstand 648 on the body 602. In the cover mechanism 600, two upstands 648 are provided. The upstands 648 are identical and only one of the upstands 648 will be described. In embodiments, the number of upstands may differ and may be a single upstand. The upstand 648 is integrally formed with the body 602. In other embodiments, the upstand 648 may be a separate component joined to the body 602. The upstand 648 is aligned with the channels. The upstand 648 is parallel with the channels 609.

A height of the upstand 648 substantially corresponds with a thickness of the cover member 610. It will be understood that for this purpose the thickness of the cover member 610 does not include the guide elements 615. The upstand 648 is arranged to at least partially confine debris to a region of the body 602 containing the opening 604. The cover member 610 comprises a straight edge. The straight edge is defined on the peripheral portion 614 of the cover member 610. The straight edge moves adjacent to the upstand 648. The upstand 648 is arranged to slidably contact the straight edge. This helps to prevent ingress of debris. In other embodiments, the straight edge may be omitted. It is sufficient for any edge of the cover member 610 to slidably contact the upstand 648 to help to prevent ingress of debris. It will be understood that debris including aerosol condensate or particles of spent or unspent aerosol generating material may originate from the chamber 105. Such debris may exit the chamber via the opening 604 when the cover members 610 are not in a fully closed position. The contact between the cover member 610 and the upstand 648 confines such debris to a region of the body 602 containing the opening 604. This prevents the debris from spreading to other regions of the cover mechanism where it may cause jamming or damage.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.