SMOKING SUBSTITUTE COMPONENT

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-delivery component, comprising: a vaporizer disposed in a vaporizing chamber; and an electrical contact for electrically connecting the vaporizer to a power supply, the contact extending through a base member of the component and into the vaporizing chamber. The component further comprises a sealing element configured to seal between the electrical contact and the base member.

Claims

1. An aerosol-delivery component, comprising: a vaporizer disposed in a vaporizing chamber; an electrical contact for electrically connecting the vaporizer to a power supply, the contact extending through a base member of the component and into the vaporizing chamber; and a sealing element configured to seal between the electrical contact and the base member.

2. A component according to claim 1 wherein the base member accommodates the sealing element and the sealing element is configured to directly engage the electrical contact to seal between the electrical contact and the base member.

3. A component according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the component further comprises a second electrical contact for electrically connecting the vaporizer to the power supply, the second contact extending through the base member of the component and into the vaporizing chamber, wherein the sealing element is configured to seal between the second electrical contact and the base member.

4. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the base member comprises a base slot through which the electrical contact extends wherein the sealing element comprises a seal slot through which the electrical contact extends.

5. A component according to claim 4 wherein the electrical contact extends through the base slot and seal slot in a direction aligned with a longitudinal axis of the component.

6. A component according to claim 5 wherein the base slot and seal slot are transversely elongated in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the component.

7. A component according to any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein the base slot and seal slot are vertically aligned and, optionally.

8. A component according to any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein the length and/or width of the seal slot in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the component) is less than that of the base slot.

9. A component according to any one of claims 4 to 8 wherein the base member comprises a lower transverse wall and the base slot is formed in the lower transverse wall.

10. A component according to claim 9 wherein the lower transverse wall of the base member comprises a recess for housing the sealing element.

11. A component according to claim 10 wherein an upper surface of the sealing element defines a lower transverse wall of the vaporizing chamber.

12. A component according to claim 11 wherein the upper surface of the sealing element comprises an elongate channel.

13. A component according to claim 12 wherein the channel extends between front and rear walls of the vaporizing chamber.

14. A component according to any one of claim 12 or 13 wherein the vaporizer comprises a heating filament mounted on an elongate wick and the axis of the elongate wick is parallel to and vertically spaced above the channel.

15. A component according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the component is a consumable component for receipt in a smoking substitute device.

16. An aerosol delivery system, comprising: an aerosol delivery component as defined in any of the claims 1 to 14; and a device comprising a power supply.

17. A wireless charger for a smoking substitute device, the wireless charger including: a data receiving module configured to receive telemetry data from the smoking substitute device; and a wireless transmission module configured to transmit the telemetry data to an external location.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0144] So that further aspects and features thereof may be appreciated, embodiments will now be discussed in further detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0145] FIG. 1A is a front schematic view of a smoking substitute system of the first mode;

[0146] FIG. 1B is a front schematic view of a device of the system of the first mode;

[0147] FIG. 1C is a front schematic view of a consumable of the system of the first mode;

[0148] FIG. 2A is a schematic of the components of the device of the first mode;

[0149] FIG. 2B is a schematic of the components of the consumable of the first mode;

[0150] FIG. 3A is a front section view of the consumable of the first mode;

[0151] FIG. 3B is a perspective section view of the consumable of the first mode;

[0152] FIG. 3C is a side section view of the consumable of the first mode;

[0153] FIG. 4A is a perspective section view of a vaporizing chamber of the component of the first mode;

[0154] FIG. 4B is a side section view of the vaporizing chamber of the first mode;

[0155] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a sealing element of the component of the first mode;

[0156] FIG. 5B is a bottom view of the sealing element of the first mode;

[0157] FIG. 6A is a front schematic view of a smoking substitute system of the second mode;

[0158] FIG. 6B is a front schematic view of a main body of the system of the second mode;

[0159] FIG. 6C is a front schematic view of a consumable of the system of the second mode;

[0160] FIG. 7A is a schematic of the components of the main body of the second mode;

[0161] FIG. 7B is a schematic of the components of the consumable of the second mode;

[0162] FIG. 8 is a section view of the consumable of the second mode; and

[0163] FIG. 9 is a system diagram of a smoking substitute system of the second mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0164] First Mode: Aerosol-Delivery Component Having a Sealing Element Seals Between the Base Member and the Electrical Contact

[0165] Aspects and embodiments will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0166] FIG. 1A shows a smoking substitute system 100. In this example, the smoking substitute system 100 includes a device 101 and an aerosol delivery consumable component 102. The consumable component 102 may alternatively be referred to as a “pod”, “cartridge” or “cartomizer”. It should be appreciated that in other examples (i.e., open systems), the device may be integral with the component. In such systems, a tank of the aerosol delivery component may be accessible for refilling the system.

[0167] In this example, the smoking substitute system 100 is a closed system vaping system, wherein the consumable component 102 includes a sealed tank 103 and is intended for single-use only. The consumable component 102 is removably engageable with the device 101 (i.e., for removal and replacement). FIG. 1A shows the smoking substitute system 100 with the device 101 physically coupled to the consumable component 102, FIG. 1B shows the device 101 of the smoking substitute system 100 without the consumable component 102, and FIG. 1C shows the consumable component 102 of the smoking substitute system 100 without the device 101.

[0168] The device 101 and the consumable component 102 are configured to be physically coupled together by pushing the consumable component 102 into a cavity at an upper end 104 of the device 101, such that there is an interference fit between the device 101 and the consumable component 102. In other examples, the device 101 and the consumable component 102 may be coupled by screwing one onto the other, or through a bayonet fitting.

[0169] The consumable component 102 comprises a housing 105 having a base portion 106 (at a lower end), a mouthpiece 107 (at an upper end), and walls extending longitudinally from the base portion 106 to the mouthpiece 107. In particular, the consumable component 102 comprises front 108a and rear walls spaced by opposing first 108c and second 108d side walls. The distance between the front 108a and rear 108b walls defines a depth of the housing 105 and the distance between the side walls 108c, 108d defines a width of the housing 105. The width of the housing 105 is greater than the depth of the housing 105.

[0170] The tank 103 of the consumable component 102 comprises a window 109, which allows the quantity of e-liquid remaining in the tank 103 to be visually assessed. The device 101 includes a slot 110 so that the window 109 of the consumable component 102 can be seen whilst the rest of the tank 103 is obscured from view when the consumable component 102 is inserted into the cavity at the upper end 108 of the device 101.

[0171] A lower end 111 of the device 101 includes a light 112 (e.g., an LED) located behind a small translucent cover. The light 112 may be configured to illuminate when the smoking substitute system 100 is activated. Whilst not shown, the consumable component 102 may identify itself to the device 101, via an electrical interface, RFID chip, or barcode.

[0172] FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic drawings of the device 101 and consumable component 102. These figures provide an overview of the components that form part of the consumable component 102 and device 101. As is apparent from FIG. 2A, the device 101 includes a power source 113, a controller 114, a memory 115, a wireless interface 116, an electrical interface 117, and, optionally, one or more additional components 118.

[0173] The power source 113 is a battery (e.g., a rechargeable battery). The controller 114 may, for example, include a microprocessor. The memory 115 may include non-volatile memory. The memory 115 may include instructions which, when implemented, cause the controller 114 to perform certain tasks or steps of a method.

[0174] The wireless interface 116 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with another device, for example a mobile device, e.g., via Bluetooth®. To this end, the wireless interface 116 could include a Bluetooth® antenna. Other wireless communication interfaces, e.g., WIFI®, are also possible. The wireless interface 116 may also be configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote server.

[0175] The electrical interface 117 of the device 101 may include one or more electrical contacts. The electrical interface 117 may be located in a base of the cavity formed in the upper end 104 of the device 101. When the device 101 is physically coupled to the consumable component 102, the electrical interface 117 of the device 101 is configured to transfer electrical power from the power source 113 to the consumable component 102 (i.e., upon activation of the smoking substitute system 100).

[0176] The electrical interface 117 may be configured to receive power from a charging station when the device 101 is not physically coupled to the consumable component 102 and is instead coupled to the charging station. The electrical interface 117 may also be used to identify the consumable component 102 from a list of known consumables. For example, the consumable component 102 may include e-liquid having a particular flavor and/or having a certain concentration of nicotine (which may be identified by the electrical interface 117). This can be indicated to the controller 114 of the device 101 when the consumable component 102 is connected to the device 101. Additionally, or alternatively, there may be a separate communication interface provided in the device 101 and a corresponding communication interface in the consumable component 102 such that, when connected, the consumable component 102 can identify itself to the device 101.

[0177] The additional components 118 of the device 101 may comprise an indicator (e.g., the light 112 discussed above), a charging portion, a battery charging control circuit, a sensor or, e.g., user input.

[0178] The charging port (e.g., USB or micro-USB port) may be configured to receive power from the charging station (i.e., when the power source 118 is a rechargeable battery). This may be located at the lower end 111 of the device 101. Alternatively, the electrical interface 117 discussed above may be configured to act as a charging port configured to receive power from the charging station such that a separate charging port is not required.

[0179] The battery charging control circuit may be configured for controlling the charging of the rechargeable battery. However, a battery charging control circuit could equally be located in the charging station (if present).

[0180] The sensor may be, e.g., an airflow (i.e., puff) sensor for detecting airflow in the smoking substitute system 100, e.g., caused by a user inhaling through a mouthpiece 107 of the consumable component 102. The smoking substitute system 100 may be configured to be activated when airflow is detected by the airflow sensor. This sensor could alternatively be included in the consumable component 102. The airflow sensor can be used to determine, for example, how heavily a user draws on the mouthpiece 107 or how many times a user draws on the mouthpiece 107 in a particular time period.

[0181] The user input may be a button. The smoking substitute system 100 may be configured to be activated when a user interacts with the user input (e.g., presses the button). This provides an alternative to the airflow sensor as a mechanism for activating the smoking substitute system 100.

[0182] The consumable component 102, which is shown in FIG. 2B, includes the tank 103, an electrical interface 119, a vaporizer 120, an air inlet 121, an air outlet 122 (e.g., formed in the mouthpiece 107), and one or more additional components 123.

[0183] The electrical interface 119 of the consumable component 102 may include one or more electrical contacts. The electrical interface 117 of the device 101 and the electrical interface 119 of the consumable component 102 may be configured to contact each other and thereby electrically couple the device 101 to the consumable component 102 when the base portion 106 of the consumable component 102 is inserted into the cavity formed in the upper end 104 of the device 101 (as shown in FIG. 1A). In this way, electrical energy (e.g., in the form of an electrical current) is able to be supplied from the power source 113 in the device 101 to the vaporizer 120 in the consumable component 102.

[0184] The vaporizer 120 is configured to heat and vaporize e-liquid contained in the tank 103 using electrical energy supplied from the power source 113. As will be described further below, the vaporizer 120 heats the e-liquid received from the tank 103 to vaporize the e- liquid. The air inlet 121 is configured to allow air to be drawn into the smoking substitute system 100 when a user inhales using the air outlet 122 formed in the mouthpiece 107, such that the vaporized e-liquid is drawn through the consumable component 102 for inhalation by the user.

[0185] In operation, a user activates the smoking substitute system 100, e.g., through interaction with a user input forming part of the device 101 or by inhaling through the air outlet 122 as described above. Upon activation, the controller 114 may supply electrical energy from the power source 113 to the vaporizer 120 (via electrical interfaces 117, 119), which may cause the vaporizer 120 to heat e-liquid drawn from the tank 103 to produce a vapor which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece 107.

[0186] An example of one of the one or more additional components 123 of the consumable component 102 is an interface for obtaining an identifier of the consumable component 102. As discussed above, this interface may be, for example, an RFID reader, a barcode, a QR code reader, or an electronic interface which is able to identify the consumable component 102. The consumable component 102 may, therefore include any one or more of an RFID chip, a barcode or QR code, or memory within which is an identifier and which can be interrogated via the electronic interface 117 in the device 101.

[0187] It should be appreciated that the smoking substitute system 100 shown in FIGS. 1A to 2B is just one exemplary implementation of a smoking substitute system 100. For example, the system could otherwise be in the form of an entirely disposable (single-use) system or an open system in which the tank is refillable (rather than replaceable).

[0188] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are section views of the consumable component 102 described above. The air inlet 121 of the consumable component 102 is in the form of an aperture formed in the first side wall 108c of the housing 105. In particular, the air inlet 121 is spaced along the first side wall 108c (in a longitudinal direction) from the base portion 106 of the housing 105 so as to be partway along the first side wall 108c from the base portion 106. The air outlet 122 is formed in the mouthpiece 107 and an airflow path 124 extends from the air inlet 121 to the air outlet 122, such that a user can draw air through the airflow path 124 by inhaling at the air outlet 122. As will be described in more detail below, the airflow path 124 follows a generally U-shaped path through the consumable component 102.

[0189] The airflow path 124 comprises first 138a, second and third 138c airflow path portions. The first airflow path portion is defined by an inlet passage 125a extending longitudinally from the air inlet 121 towards the base portion 106 of the consumable component 102. This inlet passage 125a is defined between a first tank wall 126a that is laterally (i.e., transversely) spaced from the first side wall 108c (in which the air inlet 121 is formed) and that extends longitudinally from an internal surface of the mouthpiece 107.

[0190] The third airflow path is similarly defined by an outlet passage 125b that is formed between a second tank wall 126b and the second side wall 108d. The second tank wall 126b extends longitudinally from an internal surface of the mouthpiece 107 and is laterally spaced from the second side wall 108d. Both the first 126a and second 126b tank walls span the front 108a and rear 108b (see FIG. 3B) walls of the housing 105. In this way, the tank 103 is partly defined between the first and second tank walls 126a, 126b, the front 108a and rear 108b walls, and an internal surface of the mouthpiece 107.

[0191] The tank walls 126a, 126b and the mouthpiece 107 are integrally formed with each other so as to form a single unitary component that may, e.g., be formed by way of an injection molding process. Such a component may be formed of a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene. To facilitate this (e.g., to allow removal from a mold), each of the tank walls 126a, 126b is tapered from a proximal end at which it is connected to the mouthpiece 107 to an opposing distal end.

[0192] The second airflow path portion is in the form of a vaporizing chamber 127 that extends transversely across the housing 105 so as to connect lower ends of the first 125a and second 125b passages. Thus, upon inhalation by a user, air may flow into the inlet 121, through the inlet passage 125a, through the vaporizing chamber 127 (where vapor may be entrained in the air) and subsequently through the outlet passage 125b where it is discharged (into a user's mouth) from the outlet 122 at an upper end of the outlet passage 125b. Thus, the airflow path 124 comprises at least two turns (at the inlet 121 and the connection between the vaporizing chamber 127 and the inlet passage 125a) between the vaporizer chamber 127 and the inlet 121. This may reduce the propensity for leakage of e-liquid out of the inlet 121 (i.e., from the vaporizing chamber 127).

[0193] The vaporizer 120 is located in the vaporizing chamber 127 and comprises a porous wick 128 and a heater filament 129 coiled around the porous wick 128. The wick 128 extends across the vaporizing chamber 127 (perpendicular to the direction of airflow through the chamber 127). That is, the wick 128 extends in the depth direction of the housing 105.

[0194] The vaporizing chamber 127 is formed within a base member 130 that is received in an open lower end of the housing 105 so as to define the base portion 106 of the consumable component 102. The base member 130 seals against the walls of the housing 105 so as to define a lower end of the tank 103. Thus, the walls of the base member 130 (defining the vaporizing chamber 127) separate the vaporizing chamber 127 from the tank 103. In particular, an upper transverse wall 133a of the base member 130 spans the first tank wall 126a and the second tank wall 126b so as to separate the vaporizing chamber 127 from the tank 103 (and so as to define a lower surface of the tank 103).

[0195] The base member 130 also includes a lower transverse wall 133b which is longitudinally spaced from the upper transverse wall 133a. The vaporizing chamber 127 is formed between the lower transverse wall 133b and the upper transverse wall 133a. The lower transverse wall 133b includes a recess 139 which houses a sealing element 140.

[0196] To form a seal with the tank walls 126a, 126b, the upper wall comprises grooves 134a, 134b that extend in a direction of the depth of the housing 105 and receive distal ends of the tank walls 126a, 126b. This arrangement also seals the tank 103 from the air passages 125a, 125b, which connect to the vaporizing chamber 127 via respective channels 135a, 135b formed in the base member 130.

[0197] As shown in FIG. 3B, the front and rear walls of the vaporizing chamber 127 comprises two apertures 131a, 131b formed in opposing front and rear walls of the base member 130 for receipt of respective ends of the wick 128 therethrough. The base member 130 is spaced from each of the front 108a and rear 108b walls of the housing, such that gaps 132a, 132b are formed between the base member 130 and each of the front 108a and rear 108b housing walls. These gaps 132a, 132b are arranged such that the ends of the wick 128 projecting through the apertures 131a, 131b in the base member 134 are received in the gaps 132a, 132b. In this way, the ends of the wick 128 are in contact with aerosol precursor (e- liquid) stored in the tank 103. This e-liquid is transported along the wick 128 (e.g., by capillary action) to a central portion of the wick 128 that is exposed to airflow flowing through the vaporizing chamber 127. The transported e-liquid is heated by the heater filament 129 (when activated, e.g., by detection of inhalation), which causes the e-liquid to be vaporized and to be entrained in air flowing across the wick 128. This vaporized liquid may cool to form an aerosol in the passage 140, which may then be inhaled by a user.

[0198] The base member also 130 accommodates the electrical interface 119 of the consumable component 102. The electrical interface 119 comprises two electrical contacts 136a, 136b that are electrically connected to the heater filament 129. When the consumable component 102 is engaged with the device 101, power can be supplied from the power source 113 of the device to the heater filament 129. Electrical contacts 136a, 136b have different polarities (i.e., one is a positive contact and the other is a negative contact), so as to facilitate the flow of electrical current between the contacts 136a, 136b. The flow of current through the heating filament 129 heats up the filament 129, and thus electrical energy is partially converted to heat. This effect is used to heat up the aerosol precursor in the manner described above.

[0199] The lower transverse wall 133b further includes first and second base slots 137a, 137b which extend longitudinally through the lower transverse wall 133b to the recess 139.

[0200] The first and second base slots 137a, 137b are transversely elongated, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the component.

[0201] As shown in FIGS. 3A, 4A and 4B, the base member 130 accommodates the sealing element 140 within the recess 139 defined in the lower transverse wall 133b of the base member 130.

[0202] The sealing element 140 has a length, a width and a thickness. The sealing element 140 may be substantially cuboid. The thickness of the sealing element extends along the longitudinal axis of the consumable component 102. The cross-sectional area of the sealing element 140 in the transverse plane is substantially rectangular.

[0203] The sealing element 140 has an upper surface, a bottom surface, and a side surface. The upper surface 150 faces the vaporizing chamber 127 and so is exposed to the airflow flowing through the vaporizing chamber 127. The upper surface 150 includes an elongate channel 142 for at least partly receiving the heater filament 129. The elongate channel 142 extends across the width of the sealing element 140 and has a shape, which corresponds to the shape of the heater filament 129. In the illustrated example, that shape is semi-cylindrical. In this way, the channel 142 extends between the front and rear walls of the vaporizing chamber 127.

[0204] The sealing element 140 is seated within (and fills) the recess 139, such that the bottom surface and the side surface of the sealing element 140 engage with the recess 139. The upper surface 150 is flush with the lower transverse wall 133b, such that the upper surface 150 at least partly defines the vaporizing chamber 127.

[0205] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the sealing element 140 includes a pair of seal slots 144a and 144b extending through the thickness of the sealing element 140. Each seal slot 144a, 144b has a substantially rectangular transverse cross-section and slot opening, which corresponds to the shape of the electrical contacts 136a, 136b, although other suitable cross sections—such as circular—are also possible. The seal slots 144a are disposed at diagonally opposite ends of the sealing element 140, although they can also be disposed in line with each other, or in any other suitable configuration. The arrangement and the shape of the seal slots 144a, 144b corresponds to that of the base slots 137a, 137b such that the seal slots 144a, 144b and the base slots 137a, 137b are arranged in the same position in the transverse plane and have the same transverse cross-sectional profile.

[0206] The electrical contacts 136a, 136b extend through the base member 130 and into the vaporizing chamber 127 via their corresponding base slots 137a, 137b and seal slots 144a, 144b. Thus, the sealing element 140 directly engages both electrical contacts 136a, 136b, such that the seal 140 seals between the electrical contacts 136a, 136b and the base member 130, thus preventing leakage of fluids from the vaporizing chamber 127 or ingress of moisture through the base slots 137a, 137b.

[0207] Second Mode: Wireless charger for a smoking substitute device

[0208] Aspects and embodiments of the second mode of the present disclosure will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents mentioned in this text are incorporated herein by reference.

[0209] FIG. 6A shows a first embodiment of a smoking substitute system 100e. In this example, the smoking substitute system 100e includes a main body 102e and an aerosol delivery device in the form of a consumable 104e. The consumable 104e may alternatively be referred to as a “pod”, “cartridge” or “cartomizer”. It should be appreciated that in other examples (i.e., open systems), the main body may be integral with the consumable such that the aerosol delivery device incorporates the main body. In such systems, a tank of the aerosol delivery device may be accessible for refilling the device.

[0210] In this example, the smoking substitute system 100e is a closed system vaping system, wherein the consumable 104e includes a sealed tank 106e and is intended for single-use only. The consumable 104e is removably engageable with the main body 102e (i.e., for removal and replacement). FIG. 6A shows the smoking substitute device 100e with the main body 102e physically coupled to the consumable 104e, FIG. 6B shows the main body 102e of the smoking substitute system 100e without the consumable 104e, and FIG. 6C shows the consumable 104e of the smoking substitute system 100e without the main body 102e.

[0211] The main body 102e and the consumable 104e are configured to be physically coupled together by pushing the consumable 104e into a cavity at an upper end 108e of the main body 102e, such that there is an interference fit between the main body 102e and the consumable 104e. In other examples, the main body 102e and the consumable may be coupled by screwing one onto the other, or through a bayonet fitting.

[0212] The consumable 104e includes a mouthpiece (not shown in FIG. 6A, 6B or 6C) at an upper end 109e of the consumable 104e, and one or more air inlets (not shown) in fluid communication with the mouthpiece such that air can be drawn into and through the consumable 104e when a user inhales through the mouthpiece. The tank 106e containing e- liquid is located at the lower end 111e of the consumable 104e.

[0213] The tank 106e includes a window 112e, which allows the amount of e-liquid in the tank 106e to be visually assessed. The main body 102e includes a slot 114e so that the window 112e of the consumable 104e can be seen whilst the rest of the tank 106e is obscured from view when the consumable 104e is inserted into the cavity at the upper end 108e of the main body 102e.

[0214] The lower end 110e of the main body 102e also includes a light 116e (e.g., an LED) located behind a small translucent cover. The light 116e may be configured to illuminate when the smoking substitute system 100e is activated. Whilst not shown, the consumable 104e may identify itself to the main body 102e, via an electrical interface, RFID chip, or barcode.

[0215] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are schematic drawings of the main body 102e and consumable 104e. As is apparent from FIG. 7A, the main body 102e includes a power source 118e, a controller 120e, a memory 122e, a wireless interface 124e, an electrical interface 126e, and, optionally, one or more additional components 128e.

[0216] The power source 118e is preferably a battery, more preferably a rechargeable battery. The controller 120e may include a microprocessor, for example. The memory 122e preferably includes non-volatile memory. The memory may include instructions which, when implemented, cause the controller 120e to perform certain tasks or steps of a method.

[0217] The wireless interface 124e is preferably configured to communicate wirelessly with another device, for example a mobile device, e.g., via Bluetooth®. To this end, the wireless interface 124e could include a Bluetooth® antenna. Other wireless communication interfaces, e.g., WIFI®, are also possible. The wireless interface 124e may also be configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote server.

[0218] The electrical interface 126e of the main body 102e may include one or more electrical contacts. The electrical interface 126e may be located in a base of the aperture in the upper end 108e of the main body 102e. When the main body 102e is physically coupled to the consumable 104e, the electrical interface 126e is configured to transfer electrical power from the power source 118e to the consumable 104e (i.e., upon activation of the smoking substitute system 100e).

[0219] The electrical interface 126e may be configured to receive power from a charging station when the main body 102e is not physically coupled to the consumable 104e and is instead coupled to the charging station. The electrical interface 126e may also be used to identify the consumable 104e from a list of known consumables. For example, the consumable 104e may be a particular flavor and/or have a certain concentration of nicotine (which may be identified by the electrical interface 126e). This can be indicated to the controller 120e of the main body 102e when the consumable 104e is connected to the main body 102e. Additionally, or alternatively, there may be a separate communication interface provided in the main body 102e and a corresponding communication interface in the consumable 104e such that, when connected, the consumable 104e can identify itself to the main body 102e.

[0220] The additional components 128e of the main body 102e may comprise the light 116e discussed above.

[0221] The additional components 128e of the main body 102e may also comprise a charging port (e.g., USB or micro-USB port) configured to receive power from the charging station (i.e., when the power source 118e is a rechargeable battery). This may be located at the lower end 110e of the main body 102e. Alternatively, the electrical interface 126e discussed above may be configured to act as a charging port configured to receive power from the charging station such that a separate charging port is not required.

[0222] The additional components 128e of the main body 102e may, if the power source 118e is a rechargeable battery, include a battery charging control circuit, for controlling the charging of the rechargeable battery. However, a battery charging control circuit could equally be located in the charging station (if present).

[0223] The additional components 128e of the main body 102e may include a sensor, such as an airflow (i.e., puff) sensor for detecting airflow in the smoking substitute system 100e, e.g., caused by a user inhaling through a mouthpiece 136e of the consumable 104e. The smoking substitute system 100e may be configured to be activated when airflow is detected by the airflow sensor. This sensor could alternatively be included in the consumable 104e. The airflow sensor can be used to determine, for example, how heavily a user draws on the mouthpiece or how many times a user draws on the mouthpiece in a particular time period.

[0224] The additional components 128e of the main body 102e may include a user input, e.g., a button. The smoking substitute system 100e may be configured to be activated when a user interacts with the user input (e.g., presses the button). This provides an alternative to the airflow sensor as a mechanism for activating the smoking substitute system 100e.

[0225] As shown in FIG. 7B, the consumable 104e includes the tank 106e, an electrical interface 130e, a vaporizer 132e, one or more air inlets 134e, a mouthpiece 136e, and one or more additional components 138e.

[0226] The electrical interface 130e of the consumable 104e may include one or more electrical contacts. The electrical interface 126e of the main body 102e and an electrical interface 130e of the consumable 104e are configured to contact each other and thereby electrically couple the main body 102e to the consumable 104e when the lower end 111e of the consumable 104e is inserted into the upper end 108e of the main body 102e (as shown in FIG. 6A). In this way, electrical energy (e.g., in the form of an electrical current) is able to be supplied from the power source 118e in the main body 102e to the vaporizer 132e in the consumable 104e.

[0227] The vaporizer 132e is configured to heat and vaporize e-liquid contained in the tank 106e using electrical energy supplied from the power source 118e. As will be described further below, the vaporizer 132e includes a heating filament and a wick. The wick draws e- liquid from the tank 106e and the heating filament heats the e-liquid to vaporize the e-liquid.

[0228] The one or more air inlets 134e are preferably configured to allow air to be drawn into the smoking substitute system 100e, when a user inhales through the mouthpiece 136e. When the consumable 104e is physically coupled to the main body 102e, the air inlets 134e receive air, which flows to the air inlets 134e along a gap between the main body 102e and the lower end 111e of the consumable 104e.

[0229] In operation, a user activates the smoking substitute system 100e, e.g., through interaction with a user input forming part of the main body 102e or by inhaling through the mouthpiece 136e as described above. Upon activation, the controller 120e may supply electrical energy from the power source 118e to the vaporizer 132e (via electrical interfaces 126e, 130e), which may cause the vaporizer 132e to heat e-liquid drawn from the tank 106e to produce a vapor which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece 136e.

[0230] An example of one of the one or more additional components 138e of the consumable 104e is an interface for obtaining an identifier of the consumable 104e. As discussed above, this interface may be, for example, an RFID reader, a barcode, a QR code reader, or an electronic interface which is able to identify the consumable. The consumable 104e may, therefore include any one or more of an RFID chip, a barcode or QR code, or memory within which is an identifier and which can be interrogated via the electronic interface in the main body 102e.

[0231] It should be appreciated that the smoking substitute system 100e shown in FIG. 6A to FIG. 7B is just one exemplary implementation of a smoking substitute system. For example, the system could otherwise be in the form of an entirely disposable (single-use) system or an open system in which the tank is refillable (rather than replaceable).

[0232] FIG. 8 is a section view of the consumable 104e described above. The consumable 104e comprises a tank 106e for storing e-liquid, a mouthpiece 136e and a passage 140e extending along a longitudinal axis of the consumable 104e. In the illustrated embodiment the passage 140e is in the form of a tube having a substantially circular transverse cross- section (i.e., transverse to the longitudinal axis). The tank 106e surrounds the passage 140e, such that the passage 140e extends centrally through the tank 106e.

[0233] A tank housing 142e of the tank 106e defines an outer casing of the consumable 104e, whilst a passage wall 144e defines the passage 140e. The tank housing 142e extends from the lower end 111e of the consumable 104e to the mouthpiece 136e at the upper end 109e of the consumable 104e. At the junction between the mouthpiece 136e and the tank housing 142e, the mouthpiece 136e is wider than the tank housing 142e, so as to define a lip 146e that overhangs the tank housing 142e. This lip 146e acts as a stop feature when the consumable 104e is inserted into the main body 102e (i.e., by contact with an upper edge of the main body 102e).

[0234] The tank 106e, the passage 140e and the mouthpiece 136e are integrally formed with each other so as to form a single unitary component and may, e.g., be formed by way of an injection molding process. Such a component may be formed of a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene.

[0235] The mouthpiece 136e comprises a mouthpiece aperture 148e defining an outlet of the passage 140e. The vaporizer 132e is fluidly connected to the mouthpiece aperture 148e and is located in a vaporizing chamber 156e of the consumable 104e. The vaporizing chamber 156e is downstream of the inlet 134e of the consumable 104e and is fluidly connected to the mouthpiece aperture 148e (i.e., outlet) by the passage 140e.

[0236] The vaporizer 132e comprises a porous wick 150e and a heater filament 152e coiled around the porous wick 150e. The wick 150e extends transversely across the chamber vaporizing 156e between sidewalls of the chamber 156e which form part of an inner sleeve 154e of an insert 158e that defines the lower end 111e of the consumable 104e that connects with the main body 102e. The insert 158e is inserted into an open lower end of the tank 106e so as to seal against the tank housing 142e.

[0237] In this way, the inner sleeve 154e projects into the tank 106e and seals with the passage 140e (around the passage wall 144e) so as to separate the vaporizing chamber 156e from the e-liquid in the tank 106e. Ends of the wick 150e project through apertures in the inner sleeve 154e and into the tank 106e so as to be in contact with the e-liquid in the tank 106e. In this way, e-liquid is transported along the wick 150e (e.g., by capillary action) to a central portion of the wick 150e that is exposed to airflow through the vaporizing chamber 156e. The transported e-liquid is heated by the heater filament 152e (when activated, e.g., by detection of inhalation), which causes the e-liquid to be vaporized and to be entrained in air flowing past the wick 150e. This vaporized liquid may cool to form an aerosol in the passage 140e, which may then be inhaled by a user.

[0238] FIG. 9 is a system diagram of a smoking substitute system 1000 according to, e.g., an embodiment of a third aspect of the second mode. The system 1000 includes primarily a smoking substitute device 1100 and a wireless charger 1200, which together make up a smoking substitute kit 1002, according to an embodiment of, e.g., a second aspect of the second mode. It will be noted that the wireless charger 1200 is according to an embodiment of, e.g., a first aspect of the second mode. In FIG. 9, the solid connecting lines denote transfer of data, and the dashed connecting lines denote the transfer of power. The transfer of power between the smoking substitute device 1100 and the wireless charger 1200 may take place by electromagnetic induction effected by the alignment of a transmitter coil (not shown) in the wireless charger 1200 and a receiver coil (not shown) in the smoking substitute device 1100.

[0239] The smoking substitute device 1100 includes a wireless transmission module 1150. The wireless charger 1200 includes a data receiving module 1240, a memory 1250 connected to the data receiving module 1240, and wireless transmission modules 1260a, 1260b, 1260c. It must be stressed that wireless charges 1200a according to the second mode of the present disclosure need not include three wireless transmission modules 1260a, 1260b, 1260c. They may include any or all of these, and may optionally include additional wireless transmission modules (not shown) which may be connected to a similar set of components as any or all of wireless transmission modules 1260a, 1260b, 1260c. Alternatively, a single wireless transmission module may be configured to perform the function of more than one of the wireless transmission modules 1260a, 1260b, 1260c, and still fall within the scope of the second mode of the present disclosure.

[0240] In addition to the smoking substitute device 1100 and the wireless charger 1200, the system 1000 also includes a plurality of external locations or external devices. Specifically, the system 1000 includes mobile devices 1004, 1006, 1008, and cloud storage locations 1010, 1012. More specifically, cloud storage location 1010 and mobile device 1004 are connected to wireless transmission module 1260a via a Wi-Fi network 1014; cloud storage location 1012 and mobile device 1006 are connected to wireless transmission module 1260b via cellular network 1016; and mobile device 1008 is connected to wireless transmission module 1260c via a Bluetooth connection denoted by the Bluetooth logo.

[0241] The operation of system 1000 will now briefly be described. In a first step, the smoking substitute device 1100 may be placed on the wireless charger 1200, which may cause charging to begin. Alternatively, the wireless transmission module 1150 of the smoking substitute device 1100 may send a charge request which is received by the data receiving module 1240 of the wireless charger 1200. In response to that charge request, the wireless charger 1200 may begin the charging process. In addition to a charge request, the wireless transmission module 1150 of the smoking substitute device 1100 may further be configured to send other data to the wireless charger 1200, which is received by the data receiving module 1240. This data may include information about a charge status of the smoking substitute device 1100, and may include various other types of data, described elsewhere in this application.

[0242] The wireless charger 1200 may be able to transmit both the charge status information and other information to an external location, in this case, either a mobile device 1004, 1006, 1008, or a cloud storage location 1010, 1012. In some cases, wireless transmission module 1260a may be configured to transmit data including charge status information (and optionally, other information) to mobile device 1004 and cloud storage location 1010 via Wi-Fi network 1014. Alternatively, wireless transmission module 1260b may be configured to transmit data including charge status information (and optionally, other information) to mobile device 1006 and cloud storage location 1012 via cellular network 1016. Alternatively, wireless transmission module 1260c may be configured to transmit charge status information (and optionally, other information) to mobile device 1008 via a Bluetooth connection.

Illustrative Embodiments

[0243] Illustrative embodiments are provided herein below. The Illustrative embodiments are provided as one of various embodiments and are meant to be exemplary, not exhaustive, embodiments of the modes herein disclosed.

[0244] First Mode: Aerosol-Delivery Component Having a Sealing Element Seals Between the Base Member and the Electrical Contact

[0245] Illustrative Embodiment 1. An aerosol-delivery component, comprising: [0246] a vaporizer disposed in a vaporizing chamber; [0247] an electrical contact for electrically connecting the vaporizer to a power supply, the contact extending through a base member of the component and into the vaporizing chamber; and [0248] a sealing element configured to seal between the electrical contact and the base member.

[0249] Illustrative Embodiment 2. A component according to Illustrative Embodiment 1 wherein the base member accommodates the sealing element and the sealing element is configured to directly engage the electrical contact to seal between the electrical contact and the base member.

[0250] Illustrative Embodiment 3. A component according to Illustrative Embodiment 1 or 2 wherein the component further comprises a second electrical contact for electrically connecting the vaporizer to the power supply, the second contact extending through the base member of the component and into the vaporizing chamber, wherein the sealing element is configured to seal between the second electrical contact and the base member.

[0251] Illustrative Embodiment 4. A component according to any one of Illustrative Embodiments 1 to 3 wherein the base member comprises a base slot through which the electrical contact extends wherein the sealing element comprises a seal slot through which the electrical contact extends.

[0252] Illustrative Embodiment 5. A component according to Illustrative Embodiment 4 wherein the electrical contact extends through the base slot and seal slot in a direction aligned with a longitudinal axis of the component.

[0253] Illustrative Embodiment 6. A component according to Illustrative Embodiment 5 wherein the base slot and seal slot are transversely elongated in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the component.

[0254] Illustrative Embodiment 7. A component according to any one of Illustrative Embodiments 4 to 6 wherein the base slot and seal slot are vertically aligned and, optionally.

[0255] Illustrative Embodiment 8. A component according to any one of Illustrative Embodiments 4 to 7 wherein the length and/or width of the seal slot in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the component) is less than that of the base slot.

[0256] Illustrative Embodiment 9. A component according to any one of Illustrative Embodiments 4 to 8 wherein the base member comprises a lower transverse wall and the base slot is formed in the lower transverse wall.

[0257] Illustrative Embodiment 10. A component according to Illustrative Embodiment 9 wherein the lower transverse wall of the base member comprises a recess for housing the sealing element.

[0258] Illustrative Embodiment 11. A component according to Illustrative Embodiment 10 wherein an upper surface of the sealing element defines a lower transverse wall of the vaporizing chamber.

[0259] Illustrative Embodiment 12. A component according to Illustrative Embodiment 11 wherein the upper surface of the sealing element comprises an elongate channel.

[0260] Illustrative Embodiment 13. A component according to Illustrative Embodiment 12 wherein the channel extends between front and rear walls of the vaporizing chamber.

[0261] Illustrative Embodiment 14. A component according to any one of Illustrative Embodiments claim 12 or 13 wherein the vaporizer comprises a heating filament mounted on an elongate wick and the axis of the elongate wick is parallel to and vertically spaced above the channel.

[0262] Illustrative Embodiment 15. A component according to any one of the preceding Illustrative Embodiments wherein the component is a consumable component for receipt in a smoking substitute device.

[0263] Illustrative Embodiment 16. An aerosol delivery system, comprising: an aerosol delivery component as defined in any of the Illustrative Embodiments 1 to 14; and a device comprising a power supply.

[0264] Second Mode: Wireless Charger for a Smoking Substitute Device

[0265] Illustrative Embodiment 1. A wireless charger for a smoking substitute device, the wireless charger including: [0266] a data receiving module configured to receive telemetry data from the smoking substitute device; [0267] a wireless transmission module configured to transmit the telemetry data to an external location.

[0268] Illustrative Embodiment 2. A wireless charger according to Illustrative Embodiment 1, wherein: the data receiving module is configured to receive the telemetry data from the smoking substitute device via a Bluetooth connection.

[0269] Illustrative Embodiment 3. A wireless charger according to Illustrative Embodiment 1 or Illustrative Embodiment 2, wherein: the data receiving module is configured to receive a charging request from the smoking substitute device, and wherein the wireless charger is configured to begin charging the smoking substitute device in response to the receiving module receiving the charging request.

[0270] Illustrative Embodiment 4. A wireless charger according to any one of Illustrative Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein: the telemetry data includes data information about a charge status of the smoking substitute device, the information including one or more of: the amount of battery life remaining in the battery of the smoking substitute, an estimate of the amount of time until the battery of the smoking substitute device will be fully charged, an indication of whether the wireless charger is currently charging the smoking substitute device or not, and an indication that the battery is fully charged.

[0271] Illustrative Embodiment 5. A wireless charger according to any one of Illustrative Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein: the telemetry data received from the smoking substitute device includes information about the usage of the smoking substitute device.

[0272] Illustrative Embodiment 6. A wireless charger according to any one of Illustrative Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein: the wireless transmission module is configured to transmit data to the external location over one or more of: a Wi-Fi network or a cellular network.

[0273] Illustrative Embodiment 7. A wireless charger according to any one of Illustrative Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein: the external location is a cloud storage location, or a mobile device.

[0274] Illustrative Embodiment 8. A wireless charger according to Illustrative Embodiment 7, wherein: [0275] the wireless transmission module is configured to transmit data to a mobile device; and [0276] the data which is transmitted from the wireless transmission module of the wireless charger to the mobile device includes a trigger which is configured to cause the mobile device to generate and/or display a notification relating to the information.

[0277] Illustrative Embodiment 9. A wireless charger according to any one of Illustrative Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein: the data receiving module is configured only to receive data from the smoking substitute device when the smoking substitute device is being charged by the wireless charger.

[0278] Illustrative Embodiment 10. A smoking substitute kit including: [0279] a smoking substitute device, and [0280] a wireless charger according to any one of Illustrative Embodiments 1 to 9, wherein: [0281] the wireless charger is configured to charge the smoking substitute device when the smoking substitute device is in proximity to the wireless charger.

[0282] Illustrative Embodiment 11. A kit according to Illustrative Embodiment 10, wherein: the smoking substitute device includes a wireless transmission module configured to transmit telemetry data to the data receiving module of the wireless charger.

[0283] Illustrative Embodiment 12. A kit according to Illustrative Embodiment 11, wherein: the wireless transmission module of the smoking substitute device is configured to transmit information about the charge status of the smoking substitute device.

[0284] Illustrative Embodiment 13. A kit according to Illustrative Embodiment 12, wherein: the information about the charge status of the smoking substitute device includes one or more of: the information about a charge status includes one or more of: the amount of battery life remaining in the battery of the smoking substitute, an estimate of the amount of time until the battery of the smoking substitute device will be fully charged, an indication of whether the wireless charger is currently charging the smoking substitute device or not, and an indication that the battery is fully charged.

[0285] Illustrative Embodiment 14. A kit according to any one of Illustrative Embodiments 11 to 13, wherein: the telemetry data includes information about the usage of the smoking substitute device.

[0286] Illustrative Embodiment 15. A kit according to any one of Illustrative Embodiments 10 to 14, wherein: the wireless transmission module of the smoking substitute device is configured only to transmit data to the data receiving module of the wireless charger when the smoking substitute device is being charged by the wireless charger.

[0287] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the illustrative embodiments, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilized for realizing the disclosure in diverse forms thereof.

[0288] While exemplary embodiments have been described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0289] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0290] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0291] Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “have”, “comprise”, and “include”, and variations such as “having”, “comprises”, “comprising”, and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0292] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” in relation to a numerical value is optional and means, for example, +/−10%.

[0293] The words “preferred” and “preferably” are used herein refer to embodiments of the disclosure that may provide certain benefits under some circumstances. It is to be appreciated, however, that other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different circumstances. The recitation of one or more preferred embodiments therefore does not mean or imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, or from the scope of the claims.