Protective Member for a Smoking Substitute Device

Abstract

A protective member for a smoking substitute device is described. The protective member comprises a retainer for receiving the smoking substitute device. The retainer is configured to frictionally engage with a surface of the smoking substitute device to secure the protective member to the smoking substitute device. Other embodiments provide a smoking substitute kit comprising a protective member and a smoking substitute device.

Claims

1. A protective member for a smoking substitute device, the protective member comprising a retainer for receiving the smoking substitute device, the retainer being configured to frictionally engage with a surface of the smoking substitute device to secure the protective member to the smoking substitute device, wherein the retainer comprises two elongate arms which are spaced apart from one another along their length, wherein the retainer is configured to receive the smoking substitute device in a region defined between the two elongate arms, and wherein each of the two elongate arms has a generally u-shaped cross-section, such that each of the two elongate arms is configured to receive an edge portion of the smoking substitute device.

2. The protective member of claim 1, wherein the retainer comprises a sleeve, and wherein the retainer is configured to receive the smoking substitute device in a bore defined by an interior of the sleeve.

3. The protective member of claim 2, wherein a width of the sleeve is greater than or equal to a length of the sleeve.

4. The protective member of claim 2, wherein the retainer further comprises: a second sleeve, where the retainer is configured to receive the smoking substitute device in a bore defined by an interior of the second sleeve; and a web portion connecting the sleeve and the second sleeve together in an axially spaced relationship along a longitudinal axis of the protective member.

5. The protective member of claim 2, wherein the sleeve is closed at one end.

6. The protective member of claim 1, wherein the two elongate arms are joined together at a respective first end by a web portion, and wherein the web portion defines a base of the retainer.

7. The protective member of claim 1, wherein the protective member comprises a window for viewing a surface of the smoking substitute device.

8. The protective member of claim 7, wherein the window comprises an aperture or notch through a sidewall of the protective member.

9. The protective member of claim 1, wherein the protective member is made from a grippy material.

10. The protective member of claim 1, wherein the protective member comprises a gripping feature on an outer surface thereof.

11. The protective member of claim 1, wherein the protective member is made from a resilient material.

12. A smoking substitute kit comprising: a smoking substitute device; and a protective member according to claim 1.

13. The smoking substitute kit of claim 12, wherein a shape of the retainer substantially matches a cross-sectional shape of the smoking substitute device.

Description

SUMMARY OF THE FIGURES

[0031] So that the disclosure may be understood, and so that further aspects and features thereof may be appreciated, embodiments illustrating the principles of the disclosure will now be discussed in further detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0032] FIG. 1(a) shows an example smoking substitute device, FIG. 1(b) shows the main body of the smoking substitute device without the consumable, FIG. 1(c) shows the consumable of the smoking substitute device without the main body;

[0033] FIG. 2(a), FIG. 2(b), and FIG. 2(c) each show a protective member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0034] FIG. 3(a), FIG. 3(b), and FIG. 3(c) each show a protective member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Aspects and embodiments 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.

[0036] FIG. 1(a) shows an example smoking substitute device 110 for use as a smoking substitute device.

[0037] In this example, the smoking substitute device 110 includes a main body 120 and a consumable 150. The consumable 150 may alternatively be referred to as a “pod”.

[0038] In this example, the smoking substitute device 110 is a closed system vaping device, wherein the consumable 150 includes a sealed tank 156 and is intended for one-use only.

[0039] FIG. 1(a) shows the smoking substitute device 110 with the main body 120 physically coupled to the consumable 150.

[0040] FIG. 1(b) shows the main body 120 of the smoking substitute device 110 without the consumable 150.

[0041] FIG. 1(c) shows the consumable 150 of the smoking substitute device 110 without the main body 120.

[0042] The main body 120 and the consumable 150 are configured to be physically coupled together, in this example by pushing the consumable 150 into an aperture in a top end 122 of the main body 120. In other examples, the main body 120 and the consumable could be physically coupled together by screwing one onto the other, or through a bayonet fitting, for example. An optional light 126, e.g., e.g., an LED located behind a small translucent cover, is located a bottom end 124 of the main body 120. The light 126 may be configured to illuminate when the smoking substitute device 110 is activated.

[0043] The consumable 150 includes a mouthpiece (not shown) at a top end 152 of the consumable 150, as well as one or more air inlets (not shown in FIG. 1) so that air can be drawn into the smoking substitute device 110 when a user inhales through the mouthpiece. At a bottom end 154 of the consumable 150, there is located a tank 156 that contains e-liquid. The tank 156 may be a translucent body, for example.

[0044] The tank 156 preferably includes a window 158, so that the amount of e-liquid in the tank 156 can be visually assessed. The main body 120 includes a slot 128 so that the window 158 of the consumable 150 can be seen whilst the rest of the tank 156 is obscured from view when the consumable 150 is inserted into the aperture in the top end 122 of the main body 120.

[0045] The tank 156 may be referred to as a “clearomizer” if it includes a window 158, or a “cartomizer” if it does not.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the consumable 150 is a “single-use” consumable 150. That is, upon exhausting an e-liquid from the consumable 150, the intention is that the user disposes of the entire consumable 150. In other embodiments, the e-liquid (i.e., aerosol former) may be the only part of the system that is truly “single-use”. That is, the tank may be refillable with e-liquid or the e-liquid may be stored in a non-consumable component of the system. For example, the e-liquid may be stored in a tank located in the main body or stored in another component that is itself not single-use (e.g., a refillable cartomizer).

[0047] The main body 120 may comprise a power source of in the form of a battery (e.g., a rechargeable battery). The main body 120 may comprise a connector in the form of e.g., e.g., a USB port for recharging this battery. The main body 120 may also comprise a controller that controls the supply of power from the power source to the main body electrical contacts. In this way, the smoking substitute system 110 may only activate under certain conditions (e.g., during a puff and/or only when the system is in an active state

[0048] FIGS. 2(a)-2(c) show example protective members 200a, 200b, 200c positioned on a body portion 120a, 120b, 120c of a smoking substitute device 110a, 110b, 110c. The smoking substitute devices 110a, 110b, 110c are substantially the same as that described above with respect to FIG. 1. In these examples, each protective member 200 comprises a generally annular retainer which frictionally engages the outer surface of the smoking substitute device 110a, 110b, 110c. The retainer is sized to fit around the entire circumference of the body portion 120, but has a length which is shorter than its width such that the retainer covers a minority of the smoking substitute device 110a, 110b, 110c. The protective member 200 is held in place by frictional engagement with the surface of the body portion 120. The cross-section of the protective member 200 is shaped to closely match or conform to the cross-section of the main body of the smoking substitute device 110 to ensure a good frictional engagement such that the protective member 200 is held in place until a user moves it. To further aid this frictional engagement, the protective member 200 is preferably made of a grippy material which increases friction between the protective member 200 and the body portion 120, and thus hold the protective member 200 in a position which is desired by a user. For example, the protective member 200 may be made of silicone or another rubber-like or tacky material.

[0049] The protective members 200a, 200b, 200c serve a number of purposes which a user may find desirable. For example, a protective member 200 may be made of a shock-absorbing material to help avoid damage to the smoking substitute device 110 if it is dropped. The shock-absorbing material may be silicone, for example, but another rubber-like or resilient material may be used. As mentioned above, the protective member 200 may preferably be made of a material which increases friction. As well as increasing friction between the protective member 200 and the body portion 120, such materials also make it easier for a user to grip the protective member 200 and thereby also grip the smoking substitute device 110. This may reduce the risk of a user dropping the smoking substitute device 110. Other materials may be chosen to comprise at least a portion of the protective member 200. For example, the protective member 200 may comprise materials which a user will find haptically pleasing (e.g., silicone or leather). The protective member 200 may be made largely or entirely of such materials, or these materials may be used only as a coating.

[0050] As the protective member 200 is an annular structure, with a length which is substantially less than the length of the body portion 120, a user may position the protective member 200 on the body portion 120 at any desired location, as shown in FIGS. 2(a)-(c). The user may thereby position the protective member 200 at a desired location for a more ergonomic grip of the smoking substitute device 120, or may choose to position two or more protective members 200 on a given smoking substitute device. In this way, the protective member 200 provides a degree of customisability to the smoking substitute device 120. Customisability may also be enhanced by providing the protective member 200 in a variety of materials as mentioned above, and/or any desired colour. For example, the protective member 200 may be supplied in a limited number of colours to match the branding of the smoking substitute device. In some embodiments, the protective member 200 may be patterned.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 2(a) the protective member 200a may be positioned towards a mouthpiece of the smoking substitute device 110a, for example, at an end of the body portion 120a which is close to the consumable 150. By positioning the protective member 200a in this way, the protective member 200a may act to raise a mouthpiece of the smoking substitute device 110a from a surface on which the smoking substitute device 110a may be placed when it is not in use by a user. This may ensure that the mouthpiece of the smoking substitute device 110a is kept clean, and is not soiled by contact with the surface.

[0052] An image, logo, or text may be printed, engraved, embossed or otherwise displayed on the outer surface of the protective member 200. For example, the protective member 200 may carry branding to match branding present on the smoking substitute device 110. This may provide a further degree of customisability for a user.

[0053] FIGS. 3(a)-3(c) show three further example protective members 300d, 300e, 300f positioned on a body portion of a respective smoking substitute device 110d, 110e, 110f. The smoking substitute devices 110d, 110e, 110f are substantially as described with respect to FIG. 1. The protective members 300d, 300e, 300f share many features and advantages with the protective members 200a, 200b, 200c discussed above with relation to FIGS. 2(a)-2(c). For example, each protective member 300 may be made of a rubber-like material in order to increase friction, which may help ensure that the protective member 300 does not separate from the smoking substitute device 110 and also helps a user hold the smoking substitute device 110. Preferably, the material may also have shock-absorbing properties in order to protect the smoking substitute device 110, for example if it is dropped. Silicone may be a particularly suitable material for the protective member 300. As the protective members 300d, 300e, 300f cover a large proportion (e.g., a majority) of the smoking substitute device 110, they are also suitable for raising the mouthpiece of the smoking substitute device 110 from a surface as described above with respect to FIG. 2(a). Each protective member 300d, 300e, 300f may provide customisability for a smoking substitute device 110 by being supplied in a variety of materials, colours and/or patterns, and by providing a surface for text, images or logos as required. In these examples, the protective members 300d, 300e, 300f cover a larger proportion (e.g., a majority) of the smoking substitute device 110 compared to the protective members 200a, 200b, 200c, which cover a smaller proportion (e.g., only a minority) of the smoking substitute device 110.

[0054] FIG. 3(a) shows a protective member 300d positioned on a body portion of a smoking substitute device 110d. The protective member 300d has a retainer comprising a sleeve, wherein the sleeve is a generally tubular structure which is dimensioned to fit over substantially all of the body portion of the smoking substitute device 110d, where it is held in place by frictional engagement with the surface of the body portion. The sleeve has an interior bore for receiving the smoking substitute device, wherein the cross-section of the bore may be chosen to match or closely conform to the cross-sectional shape of the main body of the smoking substitute device 110d to ensure good frictional engagement (e.g., an interference fit). For example, the sleeve and bore may have a substantially oval cross-section; however, they may also have cross-sections of other shapes. The protective member 300d has a notch 310d at its first end to allow a user to view the amount of e-liquid remaining in the tank of the consumable of the smoking substitute device 110d. In this way, the notch 310d may be considered a window of the protective member 300d. The user therefore does not need to remove the protective member 300d to accurately gauge how much e-liquid is remaining. The protective member 300d also has an aperture 320d in a second end, opposite the first end, to allow a user to see the light located at the bottom end of the main body of the smoking substitute device (as shown in FIG. 1(b)). In this way, the aperture 320d may also be considered a window of the protective member 300d

[0055] FIG. 3(b) shows a protective member 300e positioned on a body portion of a smoking substitute device 110e. In this embodiment, the protective member 300e comprises a retainer having two elongate arms 330, wherein the smoking substitute device 110e is received in the region between the two elongate arms 330. In particular, the elongate arms 330 have a generally u-shaped cross-section in order to engage respective edge portions of the main body of the smoking substitute device 110e, thereby providing protection for the main body. The elongate arms 330 leave the front and rear of the main body of the smoking substitute device 110e substantially uncovered. This allows the user to view the amount of e-liquid remaining in the tank of the consumable, and view the light located at the bottom end of the main body of the smoking substitute device 110e. The elongate arms 330 are joined together at their lower end by a web portion 332 to cover the bottom end of the main body of the smoking substitute device 110e. By being arranged in this way, the protective member 300e may provide protection for the smoking substitute device, as well as comfort and customisability for a user, but at a reduced weight compared with the protective member 300d shown in FIG. 3(a). In the embodiment of FIG. 3(b), the web portion 332 is generally planar and covers only a bottom face of the main body of the smoking substitute device 110e. However, in another embodiment, the web portion 332 may have a generally cap-shape or cup-shape such that the web portion 332 extends part way up the sidewalls of the main body. In this case, the web portion 332 may comprise an aperture 320e to allow a user to see the light located at the bottom end of the main body of the smoking substitute device 110e. Additionally or alternatively, the two elongate arms 330 may be joined together along a portion (e.g., a majority or minority) of their respective lengths on only one side (i.e., a front or a back), for example by at least one web portion (not shown) which is arranged to frictionally engage with (either a front or back of) the smoking substitute device 110e. For example, the at least one web portion may be strap-like and be arranged horizontally with respect to the smoking substitute device 110e.

[0056] FIG. 3(c) shows a protective member 300f positioned on a body portion of a smoking substitute device 110f. In this embodiment, the protective member 300f comprises a retainer having an upper sleeve 340 and a lower sleeve 350 connected by a central web section 360. The upper sleeve 340 and lower sleeve 350 each have a bore, with a cross-section shape chosen to closely fit the main body of the smoking substitute device 110f, such that the protective member 300f is held in place by frictional engagement with the surface of the main body. The central web section 360 is designed to leave a portion of the main body of the smoking substitute device 110f uncovered, that is, the web section 360 does not cover the whole circumference of the main body and may only cover a minority of the circumference. By being arranged in this way, the protective member 300f may provide protection for the smoking substitute device, as well as comfort and customisability for a user, but at a reduced weight compared with the protective member 300d shown in FIG. 3(a). In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3(c) the lower sleeve 350 does not comprise an aperture. However, some examples may provide an aperture to allow a user to see the light located at the bottom end of the main body of the smoking substitute device 110f. The upper sleeve 340 comprises a gripping feature in the form of a groove or indentation which may be suitable to receive the thumb or finger of a user, which helps the user grip the smoking substitute device 110f and may provide additional comfort when the user is using the smoking substitute device 110f.

[0057] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, 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.

[0058] While the disclosure has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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%.

[0063] 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.