AN AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

Abstract

A housing (10) for an aerosol provision device (1) comprises an outer body (11) having a first end (12) and an opposing second end (13) spaced from the first end along a longitudinal axis and connected to the first end by a side wall (14). The housing further comprises a power source receiving compartment (15) within the outer body. An aperture (17) is located in the side wall and a panel (18) is located in the aperture in a first position in which the panel is configured to seal closed the aperture such that the power source receiving compartment is fluidly isolated from the atmosphere. The panel is moveable from the first position to a second position in which the panel is at least partially removed from the aperture, when the internal pressure in the power source receiving compartment exceeds a predefined threshold.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a panel of a housing for an aerosol provision device. The present invention also relates to a method of operating the aerosol provision device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known in the field of aerosol provision systems to provide a power source, such as a battery, to power a device which is configured to generate and provide an aerosol to a user during use. However, during use the power source may overheat or malfunction which can cause a build up of pressure inside the housing of the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a housing for an aerosol provision device, the housing comprising: an outer body having a first end and an opposing second end spaced from the first end along a longitudinal axis and connected to the first end by a side wall; a power source receiving compartment within the outer body, the power source receiving compartment being sealed closed by an end cap located at the first end of the outer body; and an aperture located in the side wall; wherein a panel is located in the aperture in a first position in which the panel is configured to seal closed the aperture such that the power source receiving compartment is fluidly isolated from the atmosphere; and wherein the panel is moveable from the first position to a second position, in which the panel is at least partially removed from the aperture such that the power source receiving compartment is in fluid communication with the atmosphere, when the internal pressure in the power source receiving compartment exceeds a predefined threshold.

In one embodiment, the panel may comprise a first end and a second end, the first and second ends being spaced apart longitudinally.

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

In some embodiments, the first end of the panel may be located adjacent to the end cap in the first end of the outer body.

In one embodiment, a first portion of the panel may comprise a first attachment element attaching the first end of the panel to the housing and a second portion of the panel may comprise a second attachment element attaching the second end of the panel to the housing.

In one embodiment, the first attachment element may require a smaller force to detach the first end of the panel from the housing than the second attachment element, such that the panel is configured to hinge open about the second end of the panel when the internal pressure in the power source receiving compartment exceeds a predefined threshold.

Preferably, the first end of the panel is releaseably attached to the housing and the second end of the panel is fixedly attached to the housing such that the panel is configured to hinge open about the second end of the panel when the internal pressure in the power source receiving compartment exceeds a predefined threshold.

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

In some embodiments, the internal support may extend at least partially over the inside of the aperture.

Preferably, the internal support comprises a hole which provides fluid communication between the power source receiving compartment and the aperture in the outer body.

In one embodiment, the first attachment element may be located in the hole when the panel is in its first position.

In some embodiments, the first attachment element may be a sealing portion located in the hole when the panel is in its first position, the sealing portion being configured to have an interference fit with the hole in the internal support.

In one embodiment, the internal support may comprise a slot configured to receive the second attachment element.

In some embodiments, the second attachment element may be a protrusion extending from the inner surface of the panel to fixedly attach the panel to the housing.

In one embodiment, the slot may comprise an inner section and an outer section, the inner section being wider than the outer section, and wherein the protrusion of the second element comprises an anchor portion configured to be located in the inner section of the slot, the anchor portion being wider than the outer section of the slot to prevent removal of the anchor portion through the outer section of the slot.

In some embodiments, the internal support is fixed to the second end of the outer body.

In one embodiment, the panel may further comprise an overlapping projection which contacts an inner surface of the outer body around a periphery of the aperture.

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

In one embodiment, the overlapping projection may be compressed between the internal support and the inner surface of the outer body around a periphery of the aperture.

In some embodiments, the panel may further comprise an outer lip configured to overlap an outer surface of the outer body around a periphery of the aperture.

In some embodiments, the end cap and the panel may be co-moulded or over moulded

In some embodiments, the end cap and the panel may be formed from different materials.

In some embodiments, the panel may be formed from a silicone based material or a thermoplastic elastomer.

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

In some embodiments, the panel may comprise a support structure on its inner surface configured to provide the panel with rigidity to oppose deformation into the housing.

In some embodiments, the housing may comprise a plurality of panels.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: a housing according to claim 1; and a power source located within a power source receiving compartment in the housing.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provide an aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol provision device according to claim 28; and an article configured to be received in an article receiving space in a housing of the aerosol provision device.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol provision system, the method comprising: operating the aerosol provision device to release aerosol from the article; moving a panel in the housing of the aerosol provision device from a first position to a second position when the internal pressure in a power source receiving compartment exceeds a predetermined threshold to allow gases to be vented to the atmosphere.

The method may further comprise the step wherein the panel is moved by the internal pressure in the power source receiving compartment acting on an inner surface of the panel.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a housing for an aerosol provision device, the housing comprising: an outer body having a first end and an opposing second end spaced from the first end along a longitudinal axis and connected to the first end by a side wall; a power source receiving compartment within the outer body, the power source receiving compartment being sealed closed by an end cap located at the first end of the outer housing; and an aperture located in the side wall, wherein the aperture is permanently open and has a diameter of less than 0.1 mm to allow internal pressure in the power source receiving compartment to be vented out of the housing and prevent the ingress of liquid.

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:

FIG. 1 shows a first end perspective view of a housing of an aerosol provision device with its mouthpiece omitted;

FIG. 2 shows a first end perspective view of the housing of FIG. 1 with a portion of the housing omitted;

FIG. 3 shows a first end perspective view of the housing of FIG. 2 with the power source omitted;

FIG. 4 shows a second end perspective view of the housing with a panel omitted;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a panel of the housing;

FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional end view of a first end of an outer body of the housing;

FIG. 7 shows a second end perspective view of the housing with the panel; and

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a housing of an aerosol provision device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating material.

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 be, for example, 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 of receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, and aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

In some embodiment, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised. As appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or or more other functional materials.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an actives substance.

The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or another botanical.

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives, or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term “botanical” includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like. Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, Ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour.

As used herein, the terms “flavour” and “flavourant” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. 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, marjoram, 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 gas.

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 comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.

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 eucolyptol, WS-3.

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 flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a 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 one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material 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.

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

The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of an aerosol provision device 1 according to the present invention is shown with a mouthpiece component and/or article omitted. However, it will be understood that the aerosol provision device 1 may be provided with a mouthpiece and/or cartridge and/or article to form an aerosol provision system

The aerosol provision device 1 comprises a housing 10. The housing 10 of the aerosol provision device 1 may be provided with components such as buttons for operating the device, indicators configured to inform a user when the device requires charging, and electrical connections for charging, etc. which have been omitted for clarity.

The housing 10 of the aerosol provision device 1 comprises an outer body 11. The outer body 11 comprises a first end 12 and an opposing second end 13. The opposing second end 13 is spaced from the first end 12 along a longitudinal axis A of the housing 10. The first and second ends 12, 13 are connected by a side wall 14.

Depending on the type of aerosol provision device 1, the second end 13 of the housing 10 may be configured to receive an article, a mouthpiece, or a cartridge comprising a mouthpiece.

Referring to FIG. 2, the housing 10 of the aerosol provision device 1 is shown with a portion shown in FIG. 1 removed. As shown in FIG. 2, the aerosol provision device 1 further comprise a power source 3 located inside the housing 10. The power source 3 is used to power the aerosol provision device 1 during use. The power source 3 may be, for example, but not limited to, a battery.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the housing 10 of the aerosol provision device 1 is shown with a portion shown in FIG. 1 and the power source 3 shown in FIG. 2 removed. The housing 10 comprises a power source receiving compartment 15 within the outer body 11. The power source receiving compartment 15 is configured to receive the power source 3. The power source receiving compartment 15 is defined by the outer body 11 of the housing 10.

The housing 10 further comprises an end cap 16 located at the first end 12 of the outer body 11. The end cap 16 is configured to seal closed the power source receiving compartment 15, as will be described in more detail hereinafter.

In addition, the housing 10 of the aerosol provision device 1 comprises an aperture 17 in the side wall 14, and a panel 18. As shown in FIG. 3, the panel 18 is located in the aperture 17 when the panel 18 is in its first position. In the first position, the panel 18 is configured to seal closed the aperture 17 such that the power source receiving compartment 15 is fluidly isolated from the atmosphere.

The panel 18 is moveable from the first position to a second position. When the panel 18 is in its second position, the panel 18 is at least partially removed from the aperture 17 such that the power source receiving compartment 15 is in fluid communication with the atmosphere. For the avoidance of doubt, the term atmosphere is used herein to mean the environment surrounding the housing 10 of the aerosol provision device 1.

The panel 18 is moveable from the first position to the second position when the internal pressure in the power source receiving compartment exceeds a predefined threshold, as will be explained in more detail hereinafter. The panel 18 being moveable dependent on the pressure in the power source receiving compartment 15 allows the power source 3 to be protected from water damage whilst allowing gases to be vented out of the aerosol provision device 1 if the power source 3 overheats or malfunctions. By providing a controlled means for exhausting the gases out of the aerosol provision device 1, damage to the housing 10 is avoided.

The end cap 16 of the housing 10 is connected to the first end 12 of the outer body 11. The end cap 16 is a generally hollow tubular element with a closed end. The end cap 16 comprises an end plate 21 which forms the closed end. The end plate 21 of the end cap 16 forms a first end 5 of the aerosol provision device 1. The end cap 16 of the housing 10 comprises a side wall 22 which extends from a peripheral edge 23 of the end plate 21.

Referring briefly to FIG. 4, a perspective view of the housing 10 from its second end 13 is shown, where the main body 11 and the power source 3 have been removed. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the side wall 22 of the end cap 16 comprises a first section 25 and a second section 26. The first section 25 extends from the end plate 21 and comprises a first outer peripheral surface 27. The first outer peripheral surface 27 has the same dimensions as the first end 12 of the outer body 11 of the housing 10, and therefore sits ‘flush’ with the main body 11.

The second section 26 of the side wall 22 of the end cap 16 extends from the first section 25 of the side wall 22. The second section 26 of the side wall 22 extends from the end of the first section 25 and is spaced from the first outer peripheral surface 27.

Therefore, the end cap 16 comprises a shoulder 28 formed between the first and second sections 25, 26 of the side wall 22 of the end cap 16. The shoulder 28 is configured to abut the first end 12 of the outer body 11.

The second side wall 26 is configured to extend inside the outer body 11 of the housing 10. The second section 26 of the side wall 22 comprises a second peripheral outer surface 29. The second peripheral outer surface 29 may be configured to contact an inner surface of the outer body 11 to help seal closed the power source receiving compartment 15.

In one embodiment, the end cap 16 and the panel 18 are formed by co-moulding the components. In another embodiment, the end cap 16 and panel 18 are over-moulded. Preferably, the end cap 16 and the panel 18 are formed from different materials. In the present embodiment, the panel 18 is formed from a silicone based material. However, in an alternative embodiment, the panel 18 maybe formed from, for example, but not limited to a thermoplastic elastomer, natural rubber, nitrile butadiene rubber, latex, or polyurethane.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the panel 18 comprises a first portion 31 having a first end 32 and a second portion 33 having a second end 34. The first portion 31 of the panel 18 comprises the portion of the panel 18 which is closer to the first end 32 of the panel 18 than the second end 34 of the panel 18. The second portion 33 of the panel 18 comprises the portion of the panel 18 which is closer to the second end 34 of the panel than the first end 32 of the panel 18. Furthermore, in the context of the present invention, the terms first end and second end mean the area in proximity to the extremities of the panel 18.

In the present embodiment, the first end 33 of the panel 18 and the second end 34 of the panel 18 are spaced apart longitudinally. That is, the panel 18 comprises a longitudinal axis A′, which extends between the first and second ends 33, 34 of the panel 18. In some embodiments, the first and second ends 33, 34 of the panel 18 are spaced from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the outer body 11. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis A′ of the panel 18 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the outer body 11.

In the present embodiment, the first end 32 of the panel 18 is located closer to the first end 12 of the outer body 11 than the second end 34 of the panel 18. Therefore, it will be understood that the second end 34 of the panel 18 is located closer to the second end 13 of the outer body 11 than the first end 32 of the panel 18.

Preferably, the first end 32 of the panel 18 is located adjacent to the end cap 16 in the first end 12 of the outer body 11 of the housing 10. For example, in one embodiment such as the one shown in FIG. 3, the first end 32 of the panel 18 abuts the end cap 16. However, in some embodiments, a portion of the outer body 11 may extend between the first end 32 of the panel 18 and the end cap 16.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a perspective view of the panel 18 is shown. The panel comprises a main body 35. One end of the main body 35 of the panel 18 forms the first end 32 of the panel 18 and the opposite end of the main body 35 forms the second end 34 of the panel 18. The main body 35 comprises an inner surface 36 which faces towards the power source receiving compartment 15 when the panel 18 is in its first position. The main body 35 also comprises an outer surface 37 which faces away from the power source receiving compartment 15 when the panel 18 is in its first position. In some embodiments, the outer surface 37 of the main body 35 may be flush with the outer body 11 of the housing 10.

The inner and outer surfaces 36, 37 of the main body 35 are spaced apart by side walls. In the present embodiment, two opposing side walls 41, 42 extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A′ of the panel 18, and another two opposing side walls 43, 44, which form the extremes the first and second ends 32, 34 of the panel 18 extend substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis A′ of the panel 18. As shown in FIG. 4, the corners of the panel 18 where the side walls meet at the second end 34 of the panel 18 may be rounded.

The first portion 31 of panel 18 comprises a first attachment element 46. The first attachment element 46 is configured to attach the first end 32 of the panel 18 to the housing 10. The second portion 33 of the panel 18 comprises a second attachment element 47. The second attachment element 47 is configured to attach the second end 34 of the panel 18 to the housing 10.

In the present embodiments, the attachment elements 46, 47 are configured such that the first attachment element 46 requires a smaller force to detach the first end 32 of the panel 18 from the housing 10 than the second attachment element 47. That is, the first attachment element 46 requires a smaller force to remove the first end 32 of the panel 18 from the aperture 17 than the force that must be applied to the second attachment element 47 to remove the second end 34 of the panel 18 from the aperture 17.

The first attachment element 46 requires a smaller force to remove the first end 32 of the panel 18 from its first position, in which the power source receiving compartment 15 is fluidly isolated from the atmosphere, in the aperture 17 to its second position, in which the power source receiving compartment 15 is in fluid communication with the atmosphere, where the first end 32 of the panel 18 is at least partially removed from the aperture 17.

Therefore, when the internal pressure in the power source receiving compartment exceeds a predefined threshold, the first attachment element 46 is overcome before the second attachment element 47. As the first end 32 of the panel 18 is removed from the aperture 17 before the second end 34 of the panel 18, the panel 18 is configured to hinge open about the second end 18 of the panel, when the internal pressure in the power source receiving compartment exceeds a predefined threshold.

Consequently, the first end 32 of the panel 18 is always removed from the aperture 17 in the outer body 11 before the second end 34 of the panel 18 to fluidly communicate the power source receiving compartment 15 with the atmosphere. This provides the advantage that any gases which are exhausted through the aperture 17 from the power source receiving compartment 15 are directed away from the second end 13 of the housing 10, and therefore away from the user.

In the present embodiment, the first end 32 of the panel 18 is releaseably attached to the housing 10. Therefore, the first attachment element 46 may be fully decoupled from the housing 10. The first attachment element 46 may be releasably attached to the housing 10 in order to maximise the amount of the first portion 31 of the panel 18 that can be removed from the aperture 17.

It will be understood that in an alternative embodiment, the first attachment element 46 may be only partially decoupled from the housing 10. That is, the first attachment element 46 may move to the second position where it is at least partially removed from the aperture 17 to fluidly communicate the power source receiving compartment 15 with the atmosphere but may still be attached to the housing 10 to limit the distance the first end 32 of the panel 18

In the present embodiment, the second end 34 of the panel 18 is fixedly attached to the housing 10. Therefore, the second attachment element 47 may remain coupled to the housing 10 when the panel 18 is in both the first position and the second position. The second end 34 of the panel 18 being fixedly attached to the housing 10 allows the panel 18 to hinge open about the second end 34 of the panel 18 when the internal pressure in the power source receiving compartment 15 exceeds a predefined threshold.

In the present embodiment, the second attachment element 47 comprises a projection 48. The projection 48 extends from the inner surface 36 of the second portion 33 of the panel 18. The projection 48 is configured to be located in a slot in the housing 10, as will be described in more detail hereinafter. The projection 48 is configured to fixedly attach the panel 18 to the housing 10.

Referring back to FIG. 4, the housing 10 may further comprise an internal support 51. The internal support 51 is configured to prevent deformation of the panel 18 into the housing 10. That is, the internal support 51 prevents the panel 18 bending or being pushed inside the outer body 11 of the housing 10 into the power source receiving compartment 15. In the present embodiment, the internal support 51 extends at least partially over the inside of the aperture 17 in the side wall 14 of the outer body 11 of the housing 10.

In the present embodiment, the internal support 51 is formed by a bracket 52. The bracket 52 extends longitudinally within the power source receiving compartment 15.

The bracket 52 is configured to receive and support the power source 3. The bracket 52 may extend the length of the power source receiving compartment 15, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The bracket 52 may fix the end cap 16 to the housing 10. The bracket 52 may be fixed to the outer body 11 of the housing 10 proximate the second end 13 of the housing 10. Therefore, a build up of internal pressure in the power source receiving compartment 15 cannot force the end cap 16 out of the aerosol provision device 1.

The internal support 51 may comprise a panel receiving portion 53. The panel receiving portion 53 is configured to receive the panel 18 and hold the panel 18 in its first position until the pressure in the power source receiving compartment 15 exceeds a predefined threshold. The panel receiving portion 53 of the internal support 51 is located proximate the first end 12 of the outer body 11. In the present embodiment, the panel receiving portion 53 abuts the end cap 16.

In the present embodiment, the panel receiving portion 53 of the internal support 51 comprises a hole 54. The hole 54 is located proximate the first end 12 of the outer body 11 of the housing 10. The hole 54 is configured to provide fluid communication between the power source receiving compartment 15 and the aperture 17 in the outer body 11 of the housing 10. The hole 54 is configured to receive the first attachment element 46 of the panel 18, as will be described in more detail hereinafter. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the hole 54 is generally rectangular in cross-section. However, in an alternative embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the hole 54 may be a different shape. The hole 54 is defined by a peripheral side wall 55.

In the present embodiment, the panel receiving portion 53 of the internal support 51 further comprises a slot 56. The slot 56 is located further from the first end 12 of the outer body 11 of the housing 10 than the hole 54. The slot 56 is configured to receive the second attachment element 47 of the panel 18, as will be described hereinafter. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the slot 56 in the present embodiment is generally U-shaped. However, in an alternative embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the slot 56 may be a different shape.

The slot 56 in the panel receiving portion 53 of the internal support 51 comprises an open end 57 and an opposing closed end 58. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the slot 56 extends perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis A of the outer body 11 of the housing 10. The open end 57 of the slot 56 is closed by the outer body 11 of the housing 10 to prevent the second attachment element 47 sliding out of the slot 56.

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

The first gap 63 is smaller than the second gap 66. That is, the distance between the first edge 64 and the second edge 65 is less than the distance between the third edge 67 and the fourth edge 68. In the present embodiment, the centrelines of the first and second gaps 63, 66 are aligned. Therefore, a shoulder 69 is formed between the first and second gaps 63, 66. The shoulder 69 is configured to provide a surface for the second attachment element 47 to abut so that the second attachment element 47 cannot be removed from the slot 56, especially when the internal pressure in the power source receiving compartment 15 reaches the predefined threshold.

Referring back to FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the first attachment element 46 is a sealing portion. That is, the first attachment element 46 is configured to seal closed the hole 54 in the panel receiving portion 53 of the internal support 51, as shown in FIG. 7. The first attachment element 46 comprises a plug portion 71. The plug portion 71 extends from the inner surface 36 of the first portion 31 of the panel 18. The plug portion 71 is configured to be located in a hole 54 in the housing 10. The plug portion 71 is configured to fluidly seal the hole 54. In some embodiments, the plug portion 71 seals the hole 54 and fluidly isolates the power source receiving compartment 15 from the aperture 17 in the side wall 14 of the outer body 11 of the housing 10.

Furthermore, the plug portion 71 may comprise a protrusion 72. The protrusion 72 is configured to ensure an interference fit of the plug portion 71 when it is located in the hole 54 in the housing 10, as shown in FIG. 7. In the present embodiment, the plug portion 71 is generally cuboidal and the protrusion 72 is semi-circular in shape. However, it will be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment, the shape of the plug portion 71 and the protrusion 72, and the hole 54, may be different to that illustrated.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the first attachment element 46 comprises a plurality of protrusions 72 extending from the plug portion 71. For example, the plug portion has two protrusions 72 extending longitudinally from a first end 73 of the plug portion 71 and two protrusions 72 extending longitudinally from a second end 74 of the plug portion 71. The first end 73 of the plug portion 71 is proximate to the first end 32 of the panel 18.

Advantageously, a protrusion 72 extending from the first end 73 of the plug portion 71 must be compressed against a side wall 55 of the hole 54 when the panel 18 hinges about the second attachment element 47. Therefore, as the protrusions 72 increase the force required to move the panel 18 into the second position, the panel 18 may be made smaller and/or thinner and/or from more flexible material as the panel only needs to be held in the first position until a predefined threshold is exceeded.

In the present embodiment, the projection 76 of the second attachment element 46 comprises a stalk portion 77 and an anchor portion 78. The stalk portion 77 extends from the inner surface 46 of the panel 18. The anchor portion 78 extends from the end of the stalk portion 77 which is opposite the inner surface 36 of the panel 18. The anchor portion 78 is wider than the stalk portion 77.

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

As shown in FIG. 5, the panel 18 may further comprise an overlapping projection 81. The overlapping projection 81 is configured to contact an inner surface of the outer body 11 of the housing 10, as shown in FIG. 6. The overlapping projection 81 increases the force required to move the panel 18 from its first position to its second position. Therefore, as the overlapping projection 81 increases the force required to move the panel 18 into the second position, the panel 18 may be made smaller and/or thinner and/or from more flexible material as the panel 18 only needs to be held in the first position until a predefined threshold is exceeded.

Referring back to FIG. 5, the overlapping projection 81 extends from the first end 32 of the panel 18 at least partially along the length of the panel 18. In the present embodiment, the overlapping projection 81 extends substantially along the length of the first portion 31 of the panel 18. That is, the overlapping projection 81 extends from the first end 32 of the panel 18 to the second end side of the first attachment element 46. The overlapping portion 81 need not extend along the length of the second portion 33 of the panel 18 because the second attachment element 47 fixed attaches the second end 34 of the panel 18 to the housing 10.

The overlapping portion 81 extends from the longitudinal side wall 43 of the main body 35 of the panel 18. The overlapping portion 81 comprises an inner surface 82, which extends in the same plane as the inner surface 36 of the main body 35 of the panel 18. The overlapping portion 81 further comprises an outer surface 83 which is spaced from the outer surface 37 of the main body 35 such that the overlapping portion 81 is thinner than the main body 35 of the panel 18.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the overlapping portion 81 comprises a chamfered outer edge 85. The chamfered outer edge 85 is configured to abut the inner surface of the outer body 11 of the housing 10. The chamfered outer edge 85 helps to seal the aperture 17 in the side wall 14 of the outer body 11.

Referring to FIG. 6, it can be seen that the overlapping portion 81 may be compressed between the internal support 51 and the inner surface of the outer body 11 of the housing 11 around a periphery of the aperture 17. Therefore, when the overlapping portion 81 is held in compression, or pinched, between the internal support 51 and the outer body 11, the force required to move the panel 18 from the first position to the second position increases. Therefore, for a given predefined threshold, the panel 18 with the overlapping portion 81 held in compression can be made smaller and/or thinner and/or from a more flexible material.

In the present embodiment, the panel 18 further comprises an outer lip 87. The outer lip 67 is configured to overlap an outer surface of the outer body 11 of the housing 10 around a periphery of the aperture 17 The outer lip 87 helps to fluidly seal the aperture 17 in the side wall 14 of the outer body 11. The outer lip 87 also helps to prevent the panel 18 being pushed inside the housing 10 and helps to prevent a user being able to tamper with the panel 18 by pushing foreign objects into the power source receiving compartment 15.

In one embodiment, the panel 18 may comprise a support structure on its inner surface 36. The support structure may be, for example, but not limited to, a rib. The support structure is configured to provide the panel 18 with rigidity to oppose deformation into the outer body 10 of the housing 11.

In some embodiments, the panel 18 may be wider than illustrated and form a skirt. That is, the panel 18 may extend continuously around at least 25% of the outer body 11 of the housing 10 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In other embodiments, the housing 10 may comprises a plurality of panels 18, any one of the panels 18 comprising a combination of the features described above.

A method of operating an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device 1 comprising a housing 10, and an article will now be explained briefly with reference to the Figures.

A user takes an aerosol provision device 1, as shown in FIG. 1, and inserts an article into the second end 13 of the housing 10. The aerosol provision device may be a heat-not-burn device or a vaporising device. In the present context, the article may be, for example, but not limited to, a consumable, a cartridge comprising an aerosol generating substrate and a mouthpiece, a mouthpiece.

The user may actuate the device by pressing a button (not shown) or drawing on the article to activate a puff sensor. When the device is actuated, the power source provides power to a heater to heat the article/consumable to deliver aerosol to the user.

Under normal operation, the panel 18 is located in its first position. That is, the first attachment element 46 of the panel 18 is located in the hole 54 of the panel receiving portion 53 of the internal support 51. In some embodiments, the plug portion 71 of the panel 18 fluidly seals the hole 54 of the internal support 51 such that the power source receiving compartment 15 is fluidly isolated from the aperture 17.

Furthermore, the second attachment element 47 of the panel 18 is located in the slot 56 of the panel receiving portion 52 of the internal support 51. The overlapping portion 81 is held between the internal support 51 and the inner surface of the outer body 11 of the housing 10 and the main body 35 of the panel 18 is located in the aperture 17 in the side wall 14 of the outer body 11. In addition, the outer lip 87 contacts the outer surface of the outer body 11. Therefore, the panel 18 fluidly seals the aperture 17 such that the power source receiving compartment 15 is fluidly isolated from the atmosphere.

In the event that the battery heats up too much or malfunctions, the internal pressure within the sealed power source receiving compartment 15 builds. The panel 18 in the housing 10 is moved from its first position to its second position when the internal pressure in the power source receiving compartment 15 exceeds a predetermined threshold to allow gases to be vented to the atmosphere.

As the pressure in the power source receiving compartment 15 builds, the first portion 31 of the panel 18 is moved outwardly by the pressure. When the pressure reaches a predefined threshold, i.e. when the pressure becomes greater than the sum of the frictional forces between the plug portion 71 and the hole 54, and the overlapping portion 81 and the aperture 17, the plug portion 71 is removed from the hole 54 and the overlapping portion is removed from the aperture 17 such that the power source receiving compartment 15 is in fluid communication with the atmosphere, and the gases under high pressure in the housing 10 can be vented safely into the atmosphere away from the user.

The predefined internal pressure threshold may be in the range of 2070 kPA (300) psi+/−10%. The predefined internal pressure threshold may be defined by the industry standard, namely UL8139.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a second embodiment of the housing 90. The housing shown in FIG. 8 is generally the same as the embodiment of the housing 10 described above so a detailed description will be omitted herein. Furthermore, features and components of the housing 90 that are the same as features and components of the housing 10 will retain the same terminology and reference numerals. Instead of using a panel 18 as described above in relation to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment the housing comprises an aperture 91. As the housing 90 is generally the same as the housing 10 described above, a detail description herein will be omitted.

The housing 90 for an aerosol provision device 1 comprises an outer body 11 having a first end 12 and an opposing second end 13. The second end 13 is spaced from the first end 12 along a longitudinal axis A and is connected to the first end 12 by a side wall 14.

The housing 90 further comprises a power source receiving compartment 15 within the outer body 11. The power source receiving compartment 15 is sealed closed by an end cap 16 located at the first end 12 of the outer housing 11.

The housing 90 further comprises an aperture 91 is the side wall 14. The aperture 91 is permanently open. The aperture 91 has a diameter of less than 0.1 mm. Therefore, the aperture 91 is able to prevent the ingress of liquid. The aperture 91 is configured to allow pressure in the power source receiving compartment 15 to be vented out of the housing 90.

In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of apertures 91.

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 utilised 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.

Claims

1. A housing for an aerosol provision device, the housing comprising:

an outer body having a first end and an opposing second end spaced from the first end along a longitudinal axis and connected to the first end by a side wall;

a power source receiving compartment within the outer body, the power source receiving compartment being sealed closed by an end cap located at the first end of the outer body; and

an aperture located in the side wall;

wherein a panel is located in the aperture in a first position in which the panel is configured to seal closed the aperture such that the power source receiving compartment is fluidly isolated from the atmosphere; and

wherein the panel is moveable from the first position to a second position, in which the panel is at least partially removed from the aperture such that the power source receiving compartment is in fluid communication with the atmosphere, when the internal pressure in the power source receiving compartment exceeds a predefined threshold.

2. The housing according to claim 1, wherein the panel comprises a first end and a second end, the first and second ends being spaced apart longitudinally.

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

4. The housing according to claim 2, wherein the first end of the panel is located adjacent to the end cap in the first end of the outer body.

5. The housing according to claim 2, wherein a first portion of the panel comprises a first attachment element attaching the first end of the panel to the housing and a second portion of the panel comprises a second attachment element attaching the second end of the panel to the housing.

6. The housing according to claim 5, wherein the first attachment element requires a smaller force to detach the first end of the panel from the housing than the second attachment element, such that the panel is configured to hinge open about the second end of the panel when the internal pressure in the power source receiving compartment exceeds a predefined threshold.

7. The housing according to claim 2, wherein the first end of the panel is releaseably attached to the housing and the second end of the panel is fixedly attached to the housing such that the panel is configured to hinge open about the second end of the panel when the internal pressure in the power source receiving compartment exceeds a predefined threshold.

8. The housing according to claim 5, further comprising an internal support configured to prevent deformation of the panel into the housing.

9. The housing according to claim 8, wherein the internal support extends at least partially over the inside of the aperture.

10. The housing according to claim 8, wherein the internal support comprises a hole which provides fluid communication between the power source receiving compartment and the aperture in the outer body.

11. The housing according to claim 10, wherein the panel comprises first attachment element located in the hole when the panel is in its first position.

12. The housing according to claim 11, wherein the first attachment element is a sealing portion located in the hole when the panel is in its first position, the sealing portion being configured to have an interference fit with the hole in the internal support.

13. The housing according to claim 8, when dependent on claim 5, wherein the internal support comprises a slot configured to receive the second attachment element.

14. The housing according to claim 13, wherein the second attachment element is a protrusion extending from the inner surface of the panel to fixedly attach the panel to the housing.

15. The housing according to claim 14, wherein the slot comprises an inner section and an outer section, the inner section being wider than the outer section, and wherein the protrusion of the second element comprises an anchor portion configured to be located in the inner section of the slot, the anchor portion being wider than the outer section of the slot to prevent removal of the anchor portion through the outer section of the slot.

16. The housing according to claim 8, wherein the internal support is fixed to the second end of the outer body.

17. The housing according to claim 7, wherein the panel further comprises an overlapping projection which contacts an inner surface of the outer body around a periphery of the aperture.

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

19. The housing according to claim 17, wherein the overlapping projection comprises a chamfered outer edge.

20. The housing according to claim 17, wherein the overlapping projection is compressed between the internal support and the inner surface of the outer body around a periphery of the aperture.

21. The housing according to claim 1, wherein the panel further comprises an outer lip configured to overlap an outer surface of the outer body around a periphery of the aperture.

22. The housing according to claim 1, wherein the end cap and the panel are co-moulded or over moulded

23. The housing according to claim 1, wherein the end cap and the panel are formed from different materials.

24. The housing according to claim 1, wherein the panel is formed from a silicone based material or a thermoplastic elastomer.

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

26. The housing according to claim 1, wherein the panel comprises a support structure on its inner surface configured to provide the panel with rigidity to oppose deformation into the housing.

27. The housing according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of panels.

28. An aerosol provision device comprising:

a housing according to claim 1; and

a power source located within a power source receiving compartment in the housing.

29. An aerosol provision system comprising:

an aerosol provision device according to claim 28; and

an article configured to be received in an article receiving space in a housing of the aerosol provision device.

30. A method of operating an aerosol provision system, the method comprising:

operating the aerosol provision device to release aerosol from the article;

moving a panel in the housing of the aerosol provision device from a first position to a second position when the internal pressure in a power source receiving compartment exceeds a predetermined threshold to allow gases to be vented to the atmosphere.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the panel is moved by the internal pressure in the power source receiving compartment acting on an inner surface of the panel.

32. A housing for an aerosol provision device, the housing comprising:

an outer body having a first end and an opposing second end spaced from the first end along a longitudinal axis and connected to the first end by a side wall;

a power source receiving compartment within the outer body, the power source receiving compartment being sealed closed by an end cap located at the first end of the outer housing; and

an aperture located in the side wall, wherein the aperture is permanently open and has a diameter of less than 0.1 mm to allow internal pressure in the power source receiving compartment to be vented out of the housing and prevent the ingress of liquid.