SMOKING SUBSTITUTE DEVICE, CAP REMOVAL DEVICE, AND SYSTEM

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a smoking substitute device and particularly, although not exclusively, to a smoking substitute device comprising movable element for closing a consumable receiving opening. Accordingly, there is provided a substitute smoking device comprising a housing having an opening for receiving a substitute smoking consumable, wherein a heating element is arranged in the opening, wherein the substitute smoking system comprises a movable element arranged in the opening and displaceable between a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the opening is substantially unrestricted for receiving a consumable, wherein, in the second position, the opening is substantially closed, and wherein the direction of displacement of the movable element between the first position and the second position is substantially parallel to a longitudinal extension of the housing.

Claims

1. A substitute smoking device comprising: a housing having an opening for receiving a substitute smoking consumable, wherein a heating element is arranged in the opening, wherein the substitute smoking system comprises a movable element arranged in the opening and displaceable between a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the opening is substantially unrestricted for receiving a consumable, wherein, in the second position, the opening is substantially closed, and wherein the direction of displacement of the movable element between the first position and the second position is substantially parallel to a longitudinal extension (L) of the housing.

2. The substitute smoking device according to the preceding claim, wherein the movable element, in the second position, is arranged substantially flush with the housing.

3. The substitute smoking device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating element has a longitudinal extension (L), and wherein the direction of displacement of the movable element between the first position and the second position is substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension (L) of the heating element.

4. The substitute smoking device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable element is arranged as a platform element that can be raised and lowered in the opening to be displaceable between the first position and the second position.

5. The substitute smoking device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating element has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the movable element, in the first position, is arranged closer to the proximal end of the heating element than to the distal end and is at least partially exposing the heater element in the opening, and wherein the movable element, in the second position, is arranged closer to the distal end of the heating element than to the proximal and covering the heater element.

6. The substitute smoking device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable element, when moved from the first position to the second position is adapted to remove debris from the inside of the opening to the outside of the housing, in particular is adapted to remove debris attached to walls of the opening and/or to the heating element to the outside of the housing.

7. The substitute smoking device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable element, when moved from the first position to the second position is adapted to remove a consumable from the opening.

8. The substitute smoking device according to at least one of the preceding claims, the substitute smoking device comprising an actuation mechanism for moving the movable element between the first position and the second position, and/or wherein the movable element is moved from the second position to the first position by insertion of a consumable into the smoking substitute device.

9. The substitute smoking device according to the preceding claim, wherein the actuation mechanism is a mechanism out of the group consisting of an active actuation mechanism, a passive actuation mechanism, a manual actuation mechanism, a spring mechanism, a lever mechanism, and an electronically actuated mechanism.

10. The substitute smoking device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable element is movable between the first position and the second position by user operation, in particular by using the same hand for user operation of the smoking substitute device and for moving the movable element between the first position and the second position.

11. The substitute smoking device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the substitute smoking device is activatable and/or deactivatable dependent on the movable element assuming one of the first and second positions, in particular wherein the substitute smoking device is activatable by moving the movable element into the first position and/or wherein the substitute smoking device is deactivatable by moving the movable element into the second position.

12. The substitute smoking device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein moving the movable element into the second position provides an emergency shutdown functionality for the substitute smoking device and/or the heater element.

13. The substitute smoking device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable element comprises an opening for accommodating the heating element, in particular when in the first position.

14. The substitute smoking device according to the preceding claim, wherein the opening of the movable element is open in the first position to accommodate the heating element, and/or wherein the opening of the movable element is substantially closed in the second position to close the opening of the housing.

15. The substitute smoking device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating element comprises a heat dissipating material and is arranged for removing heat from the heating element when in the second position.

Description

SUMMARY OF THE FIGURES

[0124] 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:

[0125] FIG. 1A is a schematic of a smoking substitute system;

[0126] FIG. 1B is a schematic of a variation of the smoking substitute system of FIG. 1A;

[0127] FIG. 2A is a front view of an embodiment of a smoking substitute system with the consumable engaged with the device;

[0128] FIG. 2B is a front view of the embodiment of the smoking substitute system with the consumable disengaged from the device;

[0129] FIG. 2C is a section view of the consumable of the embodiment of the smoking substitute system;

[0130] FIG. 2D is a detailed view of an end of the device of the embodiment of the smoking substitute system;

[0131] FIG. 2E is a section view of the embodiment of the substitute smoking system;

[0132] FIGS. 3A and 3B are section views of the embodiment of the substitute smoking device where a movable element is in a first position;

[0133] FIG. 3C is a section view of the embodiment of the substitute smoking device where the movable element is in a second position;

[0134] FIG. 4A is an exemplary embodiment of a cap removal tool according to the present disclosure; and

[0135] FIGS. 4B and 4C show the use of a cap removal tool according to the present disclosure for removing the cap of a substitute smoking device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0136] 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.

[0137] FIG. 1A is a schematic providing a general overview of a smoking substitute system 100. The system 100 includes a substitute smoking device 101 and an aerosol-forming article in the form of a consumable 102, which comprises an aerosol former 103. The system is configured to vaporise the aerosol former by heating the aerosol former 103 (so as to form a vapour/aerosol for inhalation by a user).

[0138] In the illustrated system, the heater 104 forms part of the consumable 102 and is configured to heat the aerosol former 103. In this variation, the heater 104 is electrically connectable to the power source 105, for example, when the consumable 102 is engaged with the device 101. Heat from the heater 104 vaporises the aerosol former 103 to produce a vapour. The vapour subsequently condenses to form an aerosol, which is ultimately inhaled by the user.

[0139] The system 100 further comprises a power source 105 that forms part of the device 101. In other embodiments the power source 105 may be external to (but connectable to) the device 101. The power source 105 is electrically connectable to the heater 104 such that it is able to supply power to the heater 104 (i.e., for the purpose of heating the aerosol former 103). Thus, control of the electrical connection of the power source 105 to the heater 104 provides control of the state of the heater 104. The power source 105 may be a power store, for example a battery or rechargeable battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery).

[0140] The system 100 further comprises an I/O module comprising a connector 106 (e.g., in the form of a USB port, Micro USB port, USB-C port, etc.). The connector 106 is configured for connection to an external source of electrical power, e.g., a mains electrical supply outlet. The connector 106 may be used in substitution for the power source 105. That is the connector 106 may be electrically connectable to the heater 104 so as to supply electricity to the heater 104. In such embodiments, the device may not include a power source, and the power source of the system may instead comprise the connector 106 and an external source of electrical power (to which the connector 106 provides electrical connection).

[0141] In some embodiments, the connector 106 may be used to charge and recharge the power source 105 where the power source 105 includes a rechargeable battery.

[0142] The system 100 also comprises a user interface (UI) 107. Although not shown, the UI 107 may include input means to receive commands from a user. The input means of the UI 107 allows the user to control at least one aspect of the operation of the system 100. The input means may, for example, be in the form of a button, touchscreen, switch, microphone, etc.

[0143] The UI 107 also comprises output means to convey information to the user. The output means may, for example, comprise lights (e.g., LEDs), a display screen, speaker, vibration generator, etc.

[0144] The system 100 further comprises a controller 108 that is configured to control at least one function of the device 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 108 is a component of the device 101, but in other embodiments may be separate from (but connectable to) the device 101. The controller 108 is configured to control the operation of the heater 104 and, for example, may be configured to control the voltage applied from the power source 105 to the heater 104. The controller 108 may be configured to toggle the supply of power to the heater 104 between an on state, in which the full output voltage of the power source 105 is applied to the heater 104, and an off state, in which the no voltage is applied to the heater 104.

[0145] Although not shown, the system 100 may also comprise a voltage regulator to regulate the output voltage from the power source 105 to form a regulated voltage. The regulated voltage may then be applied to the heater 104.

[0146] In addition to being connected to the heater 104, the controller 108 is operatively connected to the UI 107. Thus, the controller 108 may receive an input signal from the input means of the UI 107. Similarly, the controller 108 may transmit output signals to the UI 107. In response, the output means of the UI 107 may convey information, based on the output signals, to a user. The controller also comprises a memory 109, which is a non-volatile memory. The memory 109 includes instructions, which, when implemented, cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of a method.

[0147] FIG. 1B is a schematic showing a variation of the system 100 of FIG. 1A. In the system 100′ of FIG. 1B, the heater 104 forms part of the device 101, rather than the consumable 102. In this variation, the heater 104 is electrically connected to the power source 105.

[0148] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a heated-tobacco (HT) smoking substitute system 200. The system 200 is an example of the systems 100, 100′ described in relation to FIGS. 1A or 1B. System 200 includes an HT device 201 and an HT consumable 202. The description of FIGS. 1A and 1B above is applicable to the system 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B, and will thus not be repeated.

[0149] The device 201 and the consumable 202 are configured such that the consumable 202 can be engaged with the device 201. FIG. 2A shows the device 201 and the consumable 202 in an engaged state, whilst FIG. 2B shows the device 201 and the consumable 202 in a disengaged state.

[0150] The device 201 comprises a body 209 and cap 210. In use the cap 210 is engaged at an end of the body 209. Although not apparent from the figures, the cap 210 is moveable relative to the body 209. In particular, the cap 210 is slideable and can slide along a longitudinal axis of the body 209.

[0151] The device 201 comprises an output means (forming part of the UI of the device 201) in the form of a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 211 arranged linearly along the longitudinal axis of the device 201 and on an outer surface of the body 209 of the device 201. A button 212 is also arranged on an outer surface of the body 209 of the device 201 and is axially spaced (i.e., along the longitudinal axis) from the plurality of LEDs 211.

[0152] The housing of the substitute smoking device 201 comprises a longitudinal extension L, as depicted in FIG. 2A by the thick black arrow.

[0153] FIG. 2C shows a detailed section view of the consumable of 202 of the system 200. The consumable 202 generally resembles a cigarette. In that respect, the consumable 202 has a generally cylindrical form with a diameter of 7 mm and an axial length of 70 mm. The consumable 202 comprises an aerosol forming substrate 213, a terminal filter element 214, an upstream filter element 215 and a spacer element 216. In other embodiments, the consumable may further comprise a cooling element. A cooling element may exchange heat with vapour that is formed by the aerosol-forming substrate 213 in order to cool the vapour so as to facilitate condensation of the vapour.

[0154] The aerosol-forming substrate 213 is substantially cylindrical and is located at an upstream end 217 of the consumable 202, and comprises the aerosol former of the system 200. In that respect, the aerosol forming substrate 213 is configured to be heated by the device 201 to release a vapour. The released vapour is subsequently entrained in an airflow flowing through the aerosol-forming substrate 213. The airflow is produced by the action of the user drawing on a downstream 218 (i.e., terminal or mouth) end of the consumable 202.

[0155] In the present embodiment, the aerosol forming substrate 213 comprises tobacco material that may, for example, include any suitable parts of the tobacco plant (e.g., leaves, stems, roots, bark, seeds and flowers). The tobacco may comprise one or more of leaf tobacco, stem tobacco, tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, homogenised tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, cut rag tobacco and/or reconstituted tobacco (e.g., slurry recon or paper recon). For example, the aerosol-forming substrate 213 may comprise a gathered sheet of homogenised (e.g., paper/slurry recon) tobacco or gathered shreds/strips formed from such a sheet.

[0156] In order to generate an aerosol, the aerosol forming substrate 213 comprises at least one volatile compound that is intended to be vaporised/aerosolised and that may provide the user with a recreational and/or medicinal effect when inhaled. The aerosol-forming substrate 213 may further comprise one or more additives. For example, such additives may be in the form of humectants (e.g., propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine), flavourants, fillers, aqueous/non-aqueous solvents and/or binders.

[0157] The terminal filter element 214 is also substantially cylindrical, and is located downstream of the aerosol forming substrate 213 at the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202. The terminal filter element 214 is in the form of a hollow bore filter element having a bore 219 (e.g., for airflow) formed therethrough. The diameter of the bore 219 is 2 mm. The terminal filter element 214 is formed of a porous (e.g., monoacetate) filter material. As set forth above, the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202 (i.e., where the terminal filter 214 is located) forms a mouthpiece portion of the consumable 202 upon which the user draws. Airflow is drawn from the upstream end 217, through the components of the consumable 202, and out of the downstream end 218. The airflow is driven by the user drawing on the downstream end 218 (i.e., the mouthpiece portion) of the consumable 202.

[0158] The upstream filter element 215 is located axially adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate 213, between the aerosol-forming substrate 213 and the terminal filter element 214. Like the terminal filter 214, the upstream filter element 215 is in the form of a hollow bore filter element, such that it has a bore 220 extending axially therethrough. In this way, the upstream filter 215 may act as an airflow restrictor. The upstream filter element 215 is formed of a porous (e.g., monoacetate) filter material. The bore 220 of the upstream filter element 215 has a larger diameter (3 mm) than the terminal filter element 214.

[0159] The spacer 216 is in the form of a cardboard tube, which defines a cavity or chamber between the upstream filter element 215 and the terminal filter element 214. The spacer 216 acts to allow both cooling and mixing of the vapour/aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate 213. The spacer has an external diameter of 7 mm and an axial length of 14 mm.

[0160] Although not apparent from the figure, the aerosol-forming substrate 213, upstream filter 215 and spacer 216 are circumscribed by a paper wrapping layer. The terminal filter 214 is circumscribed by a tipping layer that also circumscribes a portion of the paper wrapping layer (so as to connect the terminal filter 214 to the remaining components of the consumable 202). The upstream filter 215 and terminal filter 214 are circumscribed by further wrapping layers in the form of plug wraps.

[0161] Returning now to the device 201, FIG. 2D illustrates a detailed view of the end of the device 201 that is configured to engage with the consumable 202. The cap 210 of the device 201 includes an opening 221 to an internal cavity 222 (more apparent from FIG. 2D) defined by the cap 210. The opening 221 and the cavity 222 are formed so as to receive at least a portion of the consumable 202. During engagement of the consumable 202 with the device 201, a portion of the consumable 202 is received through the opening 221 and into the cavity 222. After engagement (see FIG. 2B), the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202 protrudes from the opening 221 and thus also protrudes from the device 201. The opening 221 includes laterally disposed notches 226. When a consumable 202 is received in the opening 221, these notches 226 remain open and could, for example, be used for retaining a cover in order to cover the end of the device 201. The cavity 222 comprises an inner wall 240 that surrounds the consumable when inserted into the cavity. In an alternate embodiment not further depicted, the inner walls may serve as a heating element for the consumable, alternatively or in addition to the heating element 223.

[0162] FIG. 2E shows a cross section through a central longitudinal plane through the device 201. The device 201 is shown with the consumable 202 engaged therewith.

[0163] The device 201 comprises a heater 204 comprising heating element 223. The heater 204 forms part of the body 209 of the device 201 and is rigidly mounted to the body 209. In the illustrated embodiment, the heater 204 is a rod heater with a heating element 223 having a circular transverse profile. In other embodiments the heater may be in the form of a blade heater (e.g., heating element with a rectangular transverse profile) or a tube heater (e.g., heating element with a tubular form).

[0164] The heating element 223 of the heater 204 projects from an internal base of the cavity 222 along a longitudinal axis towards the opening 221. As is apparent from the figure, the length (i.e., along the longitudinal axis) of the heating element is less than a depth of the cavity 222. In this way, the heating element 223 does not protrude from or extend beyond the opening 221.

[0165] The heating element 223 comprises a longitudinal extension I, as depicted by the thin black arrow in FIG. 2E, and has a proximal end 242 that is closer to the centre of the device than the distal end 244, which substantially corresponds to the tip of the heating element 223.

[0166] When the consumable 202 is received in the cavity 222 (as is shown in FIG. 2E), the heating element 223 penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate 213 of the consumable 202. In particular, the heating element 223 extends for nearly the entire axial length of the aerosol-forming substrate 213 when inserted therein. Thus, when the heater 204 is activated, heat is transferred radially from an outer circumferential surface the heating element 223 to the aerosol-forming substrate 213.

[0167] Again, cavity 222 comprising an inner wall 240 is depicted that surrounds the consumable when inserted into the cavity. In FIG. 2E, the relevant portion of the cavity may be the surface adjacent to or in the vicinity of the heating element 223.

[0168] The device 201 further comprises an electronics cavity 224. A power source, in the form of a rechargeable battery 205 (a lithium-ion battery), is located in electronics cavity 224.

[0169] The device 201 includes a connector (i.e., forming part of an 10 module of the device 201) in the form of a USB port 206. The connector may alternatively be, for example, a micro-USB port or a USB-C port for examples. The USB port 206 may be used to recharge the rechargeable battery 205.

[0170] The device 201 includes a controller (not shown) located in the electronics cavity 224. The controller comprises a microcontroller mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The USB port 206 is also connected to the controller 208 (i.e., connected to the PCB and microcontroller).

[0171] The controller 208 is configured to control at least one function of the device 202. For example, the controller 208 is configured to control the operation of the heater 204. Such control of the operation of the heater 204 may be accomplished by the controller toggling the electrical connection of the rechargeable battery 205 to the heater 204. For example, the controller 208 is configured to control the heater 204 in response to a user depressing the button 212. Depressing the button 212 may cause the controller to allow a voltage (from the rechargeable battery 205) to be applied to the heater 204 (so as to cause the heating element 223 to be heated).

[0172] The controller is also configured to control the LEDs 211 in response to (e.g., a detected) a condition of the device 201 or the consumable 202. For example, the controller may control the LEDs to indicate whether the device 201 is in an on state or an off state (e.g., one or more of the LEDs may be illuminated by the controller when the device is in an on state).

[0173] The device 201 comprises a further input means (i.e., in addition to the button 212) in the form of a puff sensor 225. The puff sensor 225 is configured to detect a user drawing (i.e., inhaling) at the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202. The puff sensor 225 may, for example, be in the form of a pressure sensor, flowmeter or a microphone. The puff sensor 225 is operatively connected to the controller 208 in the electronics cavity 224, such that a signal from the puff sensor 225, indicative of a puff state (i.e., drawing or not drawing), forms an input to the controller 208 (and can thus be responded to by the controller 208).

[0174] FIGS. 3A and 3B show section views of the embodiment of the substitute smoking device where the movable element is in the first position. In FIG. 3A, the movable element 310/the platform element 312 are in the first position, and the heating element 223 is not depicted for sake of clarity. In FIG. 3B, the movable element 310/the platform element 312 still are in the first position, and the heating element 223 is depicted in the middle of the movable element 310. The opening 221 or the cavity for receiving the consumable is substantially open and exposed, thereby allowing the insertion of a consumable by a user of the substitute smoking device. In other words, the opening is substantially unrestricted for receiving a consumable 202.

[0175] FIG. 3C shows a section view of the embodiment of the substitute smoking device where the movable element is in the second position. Further, FIG. 3C shows that the movable element 310, when in the second position is substantially flush with the outer surface of the housing and thereby avoids entry of debris into the opening.

[0176] The movable element 310 is movable along the longitudinal extension L of the housing, and thereby parallel to the longitudinal extension I of the heating element 223. Specifically, in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the movable element 310 is shown as a platform element 312, which comprises a substantially flat surface perpendicular to both the longitudinal extension L and I. Thus, the movable element 310 may be in a preferred contact with the flat surface part of the consumable, for ejecting the consumable 202 by moving the movable element 310 to the second position, or to move the movable element 310 to the first position by inserting the consumable 202.

[0177] FIG. 3C shows the distal end 244 of the heating element 223, or the tip of the heating element 223, used for penetration of a consumable 202. The proximal end 242 is situated in the interior of the substitute smoking device 201, not shown in FIG. 3C.

[0178] When the movable element 310 is moved from the first position to the second position, it may scrape debris, deposits and dirt of the walls of the opening 221 and the heating element 223, thereby removing the same from the opening 221. The movement may be provided by an actuation mechanism, which is not explicitly depicted in the Figures.

[0179] FIGS. 3A and 3C show the opening 314 of the movable element 310 in its closed state, while the opening 314 of the movable element 310 in its opened state in FIG. 3B. Here, the heating element 223 is arranged in the opened opening 314, thereby allowing the movable element 310 to be in the first position while exposing the opening 221 of the substitute smoking device 201 and thus the heating element 223.

[0180] FIG. 4A is an exemplary embodiment of a cap removal tool 410 according to the present disclosure. The cap removal tool is a substantially cylindrical element having a first section 412a and a second section 412b. The sections 412a,b in FIG. 4A are depicted with different diameters, however it may be conceivable that both sections have the same diameter. It may even be that the second section 412b has a larger diameter than the first section 412a, in case that the length of the first section is larger than the depth of the cavity 222 of the substitute smoking device 201. In case the cavity 222 has a progressive shape, i.e., a plurality of sections with different diameters, the outer shape of the cap removal tool 410 may conform to some or all of said plurality of sections.

[0181] FIGS. 4B and 4C show the use of a cap removal tool according to the present disclosure for removing the cap of a substitute smoking device.

[0182] The cap removal tool 410 in inserted in the cavity 222. The cap removal tool 410 comprises a cavity 428 at the first section 412a for accommodating the heater element 223. FIG. 4B shows this by a cut-out window at the region of the first section 412a. The outer surface of the first section 412a conforms with the inner surface 240 of the cavity 222, for guidance during insertion, subsequent engagement with the locking element 426 (depicted only schematically in FIG. 4B) and rotation 416. As depicted with the rotating arrow 416, a user may rotate the cap removal tool 410 in the inserted and engaged state for unlocking the locking element 426 and subsequent displacement or complete removal of the cap 420 from the housing 422 of the substitute smoking device 201. In other words, the locking element is unlocked by the cap removal tool 410 to allow separation of the cap 420 and the housing body 424 of the housing 422.

[0183] As shown in FIG. 4C, the cap 420 has been displaced relative to the housing body 424 of the housing 422 of the substitute smoking device 201, as depicted by arrow 418. By said displacement or relative movement, a window W opens, thereby exposing the heating element 223. By exposing the heating element 223, it is accessible from outside of the housing 422, in particularly accessible for cleaning, removing of debris, dirt and deposits or a dislodged (part of a) consumable. The cap 420 may be merely shifted for opening the window W or may be completely removed from the housing 422 (not depicted in FIG. 4C).

[0184] When unlocked, an actuation mechanism (not shown) may move the cap 420 to the second position depicted in FIG. 4C substantially without user action., e.g., a spring mechanism may push the cap 420 to the second position, thereby opening window W. The actuation mechanism may keep the cap in the second position while conducting the cleaning. After the cleaning, the cap may be manually placed or moved back to the position intended for locking. Likewise, a user, when inserting the cap removal tool 410 in order to lock the cap 420 back in its operating position, may use the cap removal tool 410 to push the cap 420 from the second position of FIG. 4C to the first position of FIG. 4B, subsequently continuing with the locking of the locking element 426 in order to fasten the cap in its operation position.

[0185] 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 utilised for realising the disclosure in diverse forms thereof.

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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.

[0188] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0189] 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.

[0190] 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%.

[0191] 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.

ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0192] Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following numbered clauses:

[0193] Clause 1: A substitute smoking device (201), comprising a housing (422) having a cavity (222) for receiving a substitute smoking consumable, and a heating element (223) arranged in the cavity, the housing further comprising a housing body (424), and a movable section (420), wherein by displacing the movable section relative to the housing body, the heating element is exposable, and a locking element (426) for connecting the movable section and the housing, wherein, by unlocking the locking element, the connection of the movable section and the housing is unlocked and the movable element is movable relative to the housing, thereby exposing the heating element.

[0194] Clause 2: The substitute smoking device according to the preceding clause, wherein the locking element is lockable and/or unlockable by a cap removal tool (410) at least partially inserted in the cavity.

[0195] Clause 3: The substitute smoking device according to the preceding clause, wherein the locking element is lockable and/or unlockable by rotation of the cap removal tool in the cavity.

[0196] Clause 4: The substitute smoking device according to at least one of the preceding clauses, wherein the locking element is an element out of the group consisting of a screw, a nut, a captive nut and a bayonet element.

[0197] Clause 5: The substitute smoking device according to at least one of the preceding clauses, wherein the movable element, in the unlocked state, is separable from the housing body.

[0198] Clause 6: The substitute smoking device according to at least one of the preceding clauses, further comprising an actuation element for moving the unlocked cap to a second position.

[0199] Clause 7: A cap removal tool (410) adapted for unlocking a cap (420) of a substitute smoking device (201) by relative rotation between the cap removal tool and the substitute smoking device.

[0200] Clause 8: The cap removal tool according to the preceding clause, wherein a locking element (426) for locking the cap of the substitute smoking device is lockable and/or unlockable by rotation of the cap removal tool in a cavity of the substitute smoking device.

[0201] Clause 9: The cap removal tool according to the preceding clause, further comprising a first section (412a) having a generally cylindrical outer surface (414), wherein at least part of the first section is adapted for insertion into the cavity of the substitute smoking device and engageable with the locking element for unlocking the locking element.

[0202] Clause 10: The cap removal tool according to at least one of the preceding clauses, further comprising a cavity (428) in the first section for accommodating a heating element (223) of the substitute smoking device.

[0203] Clause 11: The cap removal tool according to the preceding clause, wherein the cavity comprises an inner surface that is adapted for engagement with the locking element of the substitute smoking device.

[0204] Clause 12: A system for removing a cap (420) from a substitute smoking device (201), comprising a substitute smoking device (201) according to at least one of clauses 1 to 6 above, and a cap removal tool according to at least one of the preceding clauses, adapted for unlocking the locking element of the substitute smoking device.

[0205] Clause 13: The system according to the preceding clause, wherein the locking element is lockable and unlockable by rotation of the cap removal tool in the cavity of the substitute smoking device.

[0206] Clause 14: The system according to at least one of the preceding clauses, wherein the outer surface (414) of the first section (412a) and the inner surface (240) of the cavity (222) conform to one another so as to support rotation of the cap removal tool in the cavity.