SMOKING SUBSTITUTE SYSTEM

Abstract

 Disclosed is a smoking substitute device comprising a housing defining a cavity for releasable engagement of a tank therein, and an aperture formed in a wall of the housing defining the cavity for viewing the level of an aerosol precursor stored in the tank when engaged in the cavity.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a smoking substitute system.

Background

[0002] The smoking of tobacco is generally considered to expose a smoker to potentially harmful substances. It is generally thought that a significant amount of the potentially harmful substances are generated through the heat caused by the burning and/or combustion of the tobacco and the constituents of the burnt tobacco in the tobacco smoke itself.

[0003] Combustion of organic material such as tobacco is known to produce tar and other potentially harmful by-products. There have been proposed various smoking substitute systems in order to avoid the smoking of tobacco.

[0004] Such smoking substitute systems can form part of nicotine replacement therapies aimed at people who wish to stop smoking and overcome a dependence on nicotine.

[0005] Smoking substitute systems, which may also be known as electronic nicotine delivery systems, may comprise electronic systems that permit a user to simulate the act of smoking by producing an aerosol, also referred to as a "vapour", which is drawn into the lungs through the mouth (inhaled) and then exhaled. The inhaled aerosol typically bears nicotine and/or flavourings without, or with fewer of, the odour and health risks associated with traditional smoking.

[0006] In general, smoking substitute systems are intended to provide a substitute for the rituals of smoking, whilst providing the user with a similar experience and satisfaction to those experienced with traditional smoking and tobacco products.

[0007] The popularity and use of smoking substitute systems has grown rapidly in the past few years. Although originally marketed as an aid to assist habitual smokers wishing to quit tobacco smoking, consumers are increasingly viewing smoking substitute systems as desirable lifestyle accessories. Some smoking substitute systems are designed to resemble a traditional cigarette and are cylindrical in form with a mouthpiece at one end. Other smoking substitute systems do not generally resemble a cigarette (for example, the smoking substitute device may have a generally box-like form).

[0008] There are a number of different categories of smoking substitute systems, each utilising a different smoking substitute approach. A smoking substitute approach corresponds to the manner in which the substitute system operates for a user.

[0009] One approach for a smoking substitute system is the so-called "vaping" approach, in which a vaporisable liquid, typically referred to (and referred to herein) as "e-liquid", is heated by a heater to produce an aerosol vapour which is inhaled by a user. An e-liquid typically includes a base liquid as well as nicotine and/or flavourings. The resulting vapour therefore typically contains nicotine and/or flavourings. The base liquid may include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine.

[0010] A typical vaping smoking substitute system includes a mouthpiece, a power source (typically a battery), a tank or liquid reservoir for containing e-liquid, as well as a heater. In use, electrical energy is supplied from the power source to the heater, which heats the e-liquid to produce an aerosol (or "vapour") which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.

[0011] Vaping smoking substitute systems can be configured in a variety of ways. For example, there are "closed system" vaping smoking substitute systems which typically have a heater and a sealed tank which is pre-filled with e-liquid and is not intended to be refilled by an end user. One subset of closed system vaping smoking substitute systems include a device which includes the power source, wherein the device is configured to be physically and electrically coupled to a consumable including the tank and the heater. In this way, when the tank of a consumable has been emptied, the device can be reused by connecting it to a new consumable. Another subset of closed system vaping smoking substitute systems are completely disposable, and intended for one-use only.

[0012] There are also "open system" vaping smoking substitute systems which typically have a tank that is configured to be refilled by a user, so the system can be used multiple times.

[0013] An example vaping smoking substitute system is the myblu™ e-cigarette. The myblu™ e cigarette is a closed system which includes a device and a consumable. The device and consumable are physically and electrically coupled together by pushing the consumable into the device. The device includes a rechargeable battery. The consumable includes a mouthpiece, a sealed tank which contains e-liquid, as well as a vaporiser, which for this system is a heating filament coiled around a portion of a wick which is partially immersed in the e-liquid. The system is activated when a microprocessor on board the device detects a user inhaling through the mouthpiece. When the system is activated, electrical energy is supplied from the power source to the vaporiser, which heats e-liquid from the tank to produce a vapour which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.

[0014] Another example vaping smoking substitute system is the blu PRO™ e-cigarette. The blu PRO™ e cigarette is an open system which includes a device, a (refillable) tank, and a mouthpiece. The device and tank are physically and electrically coupled together by screwing one to the other. The mouthpiece and refillable tank are physically coupled together by screwing one into the other, and detaching the mouthpiece from the refillable tank allows the tank to be refilled with e-liquid. The system is activated by a button on the device. When the system is activated, electrical energy is supplied from the power source to a vaporiser, which heats e-liquid from the tank to produce a vapour which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.

[0015] In some systems, the tank may be connected to the device by receipt in a cavity of the device. Whilst this may protect the tank and the contents of the tank (e.g. from light) it can make it difficult for a user to determine the quantity of e-liquid remaining in the tank. Thus, there is a need to provide an improved smoking substitute system.

Summary

[0016] According to a first aspect there is provided a smoking substitute device comprising a housing defining a cavity for releasable engagement of a tank therein, and an aperture formed in a wall of the housing defining the cavity for viewing the level of an aerosol precursor stored in the tank when engaged in the cavity.

[0017] The provision of an aperture in the wall of the housing allows a user to view the level of aerosol precursor, so as to allow the user to predict when replenishment of the aerosol precursor may be required.

[0018] The term "aperture formed in a wall" is used to describe a hole rather than a slot or recess formed in an edge of the housing. That is, the aperture has a continuous boundary that fully surrounds (i.e. encloses) the aperture.

[0019] Optional features will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination with any aspect.

[0020] The aperture may be elongate so as to define an elongate axis. Thus, the aperture may have a length (parallel to the elongate axis) that is greater than its width (transverse to the elongate axis). The aperture may have a width of between 1 mm and 5 mm. The aperture may have a width of between 2 mm and 4 mm. The aperture may have a length of between 5 mm and 20 mm. The aperture may have a length of between 12 mm and 18 mm. The aperture may have a length of about 15 mm.

[0021] The housing may be elongate and may extend along a longitudinal axis. In some embodiments the housing may be curved along its elongate axis. As may be appreciated, in such embodiments the longitudinal axis of the housing may thus be curved. When the aperture is elongate, the elongate axis of the aperture may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing. In other embodiments the elongate axis of the aperture may be transverse to the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the elongate axis of the aperture may be arranged obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0022] The wall of the housing (in which the aperture is formed) may comprise an edge at least partly defining an opening to the cavity (through which the consumable is received). The aperture is spaced from the edge of the wall. The aperture may be proximate to (but spaced from) the edge of the wall. The aperture may be spaced from (e.g. in the longitudinal direction) the edge by less than 5 mm. The aperture may be spaced from the edge by less than 3 mm.

[0023] The aperture may have an obround shape. The aperture may have a rectangular shape. The aperture may alternatively be circular.

[0024] The device may comprise a window extending across the aperture. The window may seal the aperture.

[0025] The aperture may be a first aperture and the housing may comprise a second aperture formed therein. The second aperture may be as described above with respect to the first aperture. Thus, for example, the second aperture may be arranged to allow viewing of the level of an aerosol precursor stored in the tank (when engaged in the cavity).

[0026] The second aperture may be formed in an opposite side of the housing to (i.e. across the cavity from) the first aperture.

[0027] The housing may comprise front and rear longitudinally extending walls that are spaced by opposing longitudinally extending side walls. The distance between the side walls may define a width of the housing and the distance between the front and rear walls may define a depth of the housing. The width of the housing may be greater than the depth of the housing. The first aperture may be formed in the front wall of the housing and the second aperture may be formed in the rear wall of the housing. Alternatively, the first aperture may be formed in the front or rear wall of the housing, and the second aperture may be formed in a side wall of the housing.

[0028] The first and second apertures may both be elongate. In such embodiments, the elongate axis of the first aperture may be orthogonal to the elongate axis of the second aperture. Thus, for example, the first aperture may be oriented so as to parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing, and the second aperture may be oriented so as to be transverse to the longitudinal axis of the housing. In this way, the first aperture may be configured for assessing a level or aerosol precursor in the tank (when received in the cavity) when the device has a first orientation, and the second aperture may be configured for assessing the precursor level in a second orientation that is orthogonal to the first orientation. For example, the first orientation may be a vertical orientation (e.g. when the device is held by a user) and the second orientation may be a horizontal orientation (e.g. when the device is resting on a surface).

[0029] The housing may be configured for snap engagement with the tank (i.e. for retaining the tank in the cavity). For example, the housing may be configured to deform, or may comprise a deformable portion, to provide snap engagement with the tank. The housing (e.g. the deformable portion of the housing) may be deformable so as to alter the shape and/or size of the opening to the cavity.

[0030] Alternatively, the device and the tank may be physically coupled together by screwing one onto the other, or through a bayonet fitting.

[0031] The tank may form part of a smoking substitute consumable. In other embodiments, the tank may form part of a non-consumable (but removably engageable) substitute smoking article. For example, the tank may be configured for refilling.

[0032] The device may include a power source. The power source may be configured for electrical connection with the consumable when received in the cavity. Thus, for example, the power source may be configured to supply power to a heater, which may form part of the device or the consumable (e.g. for heating the aerosol precursor contained by the consumable).

[0033] The device may include a controller. A memory may be provided and may be operatively connected to the controller. The memory may include non-volatile memory. The memory may include instructions which, when implemented, cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of a method. The device may comprise a wireless interface, which may be configured to communicate wirelessly with another device, for example a mobile device, e.g. via Bluetooth®. To this end, the wireless interface could include a Bluetooth® antenna. Other wireless communication interfaces, e.g. WiFi®, are also possible. The wireless interface may also be configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote server.

[0034] An airflow (i.e. puff) sensor may be provided that is configured to detect a puff (i.e. inhalation from a user) from the device or from the consumable. The airflow sensor may be operatively connected to the controller so as to be able to provide a signal to the controller that is indicative of a puff state (i.e. puffing or not puffing). The airflow sensor may, for example, be in the form of a pressure sensor or an acoustic sensor. The controller may control power supply to a heating element of the heater in response to airflow detection by the sensor. The control may be in the form of activation of the heating element in response to a detected airflow. The airflow sensor may form part of the device.

[0035] The device may comprise an electrical interface for interfacing with a corresponding electrical interface of the consumable. One or both of the electrical interfaces may include one or more electrical contacts. Thus, when the device is engaged with the consumable (i.e. with the consumable received in a cavity of the device), the electrical interface may be configured to transfer electrical power from the power source to a heating element of the consumable. The electrical interface may also be used to identify the consumable from a list of known types. The electrical interface may additionally or alternatively be used to identify when the consumable is connected to the device.

[0036] The device may alternatively or additionally be able to detect information about the consumable via an RFID reader, a barcode or QR code reader. This interface may be able to identify a characteristic (e.g. a type) of the consumable. In this respect, the consumable may 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 interface.

[0037] In a second aspect there is provided a smoking substitute system comprising a smoking substitute device as described above with respect to the first aspect, and a smoking substitute consumable comprising a tank for engagement in the cavity of the device, the tank containing an aerosol precursor and being configured such that the aerosol precursor of the tank is visible through the aperture of the device when the tank is received in the cavity.

[0038] The end of the consumable received in the cavity may define an inlet end of the consumable, while an opposing end (i.e. the outlet end) of the consumable may define a mouthpiece.

[0039] The tank (or reservoir) may defined by one or more tank walls. The tank wall(s) may comprise a translucent portion (or may be entirely translucent). That is, at least a portion of a wall of the tank may be translucent. The translucent portion may be arranged such that, when the consumable is received in the cavity of the device, at least part of the translucent portion is aligned with the aperture (or apertures) formed in the housing. In this way, the contents of the tank may be visible through the aperture and the translucent portion.

[0040] The consumable may comprise a retaining portion for retaining the consumable in the cavity of the device. The retaining portion may, for example, comprise (or may be) a protrusion protruding from a wall of the consumable. The protrusion may engage a corresponding feature (e.g. edge, recess, aperture) of the device to retain the consumable in the cavity. For example, the retaining portion may be configured to engage with the aperture formed in the housing of the device.

[0041] The retaining portion may form part of the one or more tank walls. The retaining portion may be or may form part of the translucent portion of the tank wall(s). The retaining portion may be configured to be received in the aperture when the consumable is received in the cavity.

[0042] The retaining portion may have the same shape (i.e. cross-sectional shape) as the aperture. In this respect, the retaining portion may substantially fill the aperture when received therein. The height of the retaining portion (from the wall from which it protrudes) may be substantially the same as the depth of the aperture. Thus, a distal end surface of the retaining portion may be configured so as to be flush with an outer surface of the housing wall when receiving in the aperture. Alternatively, the height of the retaining portion may be less than or greater than the depth of the aperture.

[0043] The consumable may be configured for snap engagement with the device. For example, the consumable may be configured to deform, or may comprise a deformable portion, to provide snap engagement with the device. The consumable may, for example, be configured to deform between a first position in which the retaining portion is retracted and the consumable is able to be received through the opening of the cavity, and a second position in which the retaining portion is extended for receipt in the aperture of the device housing.

[0044] The retaining portion may be deformable (i.e. able to flex). The retaining portion may comprise a ramp surface to facilitate snap engagement. For example, the ramp surface may be configured for engagement with the edge of the device defining the opening to the cavity. The ramp surface may be arranged such that, upon engagement with the edge, the retaining portion is caused to move to the retracted position by the ramp surface (i.e. so as to permit movement of the consumable into the cavity).

[0045] The consumable may comprise a passage for fluid flow therethrough. The passage may extend through (at least a portion of) the smoking substitute system, between openings that may define an inlet and an outlet of the passage. The outlet may be at a mouthpiece of the smoking substitute system. In this respect, a user may draw fluid (e.g. air) into and through the passage by inhaling at the outlet (i.e. using the mouthpiece).

[0046] In some embodiments, the system is a vaping smoking substitute system. The aerosol precursor may comprise an e-liquid, for example, comprising a base liquid and e.g. nicotine. The base liquid may include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine.

[0047] The tank may be referred to as a "clearomizer". The passage may extend longitudinally within the tank and a passage wall may define the inner wall of the tank. In this respect, the tank may surround the passage e.g. the tank may be annular. The passage wall may comprise longitudinal ribs extending along it. These ribs may provide support to the passage wall. The ribs may extend for the full length of the passage wall. The ribs may project (e.g. radially outwardly) into the tank.

[0048] The vaping smoking substitute system may comprise a vaporiser. The vaporiser may comprise a wick. The vaporiser may further comprise a heating element. The wick may comprise a porous material. A portion of the wick may be exposed to fluid flow in the passage. The wick may also comprise one or more portions in contact with e-liquid stored in the reservoir. For example, opposing ends of the wick may protrude into the reservoir and a central portion (between the ends) may extend across the passage so as to be exposed to fluid flow in the passage. Thus, fluid may be drawn (e.g. by capillary action) along the wick, from the reservoir to the exposed portion of the wick.

[0049] The heating element may be in the form of a filament wound about the wick (e.g. the filament may extend helically about the wick). The filament may be wound about the exposed portion of the wick. The heating element is electrically connected (or connectable) to a power source. Thus, in operation, the power source may supply electricity to (i.e. apply a voltage across) the heating element so as to heat the heating element. This may cause liquid stored in the wick (i.e. drawn from the tank) to be heated so as to form a vapour and become entrained in fluid flowing through the passage. This vapour may subsequently cool to form an aerosol in the passage.

[0050] The consumable may comprise components of the system that are disposable, and the device may comprise non-disposable or non-consumable components (e.g. power supply, controller, sensor, etc.) that facilitate the delivery of aerosol by the consumable. In such an embodiment, the aerosol former (e.g. e-liquid or tobacco substrate) may be replenished by replacing a used consumable with an unused consumable. The vaporiser/heating element may form part of the device, or part of a consumable.

[0051] The invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] 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:

• Fig. 1A is a front schematic view of a smoking substitute system;
• Fig. 1B is a front schematic view of a device of the system;
• Fig. 1C is a front schematic view of a consumable of the system;
• Fig. 1D is a side schematic view of the consumable of the system;
• Fig. 2A is a schematic of the components of the device;
• Fig. 2B is a schematic of the components of the consumable;
• Fig. 3 is a section view of the consumable;
• Fig. 4A is a front view of a further smoking substitute system; and
• Fig. 4B is a rear view of the further smoking substitute system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0053] 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.

[0054] Fig. 1A shows a first embodiment of a smoking substitute system 100. In this example, the smoking substitute system 100 includes a device 102 and an aerosol delivery consumable 104. The consumable 104 may alternatively be referred to as a "pod", "cartridge" or "cartomizer".

[0055] The smoking substitute system 100 is a closed system vaping system, wherein the consumable 104 includes a sealed tank 106 and is intended for single-use only. The consumable 104 is removably engageable with the device 102 (i.e. for removal and replacement). Fig. 1A shows the smoking substitute system 100 with the device 102 physically coupled to the consumable 104, Fig. 1B shows the device 102 of the smoking substitute system 100 without the consumable 104, and Fig. 1C shows the consumable 104 of the smoking substitute system 100 without the device 102.

[0056] The device 102 and the consumable 104 are configured to be physically coupled together by pushing the consumable 104 into a cavity at an upper end 108 of a housing 101 of the device 102, such that there is snap engagement between the device 102 and the consumable 104. In other examples, the device 102 and the consumable 104 may be coupled by screwing one onto the other, or through a bayonet fitting.

[0057] The consumable 104 includes a mouthpiece (not shown in Fig. 1A, 1B or 1C) at an upper end 101 of the consumable 104, 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 104 when a user inhales through the mouthpiece. The tank 106 containing an aerosol precursor in the form of an e-liquid 103 is located at the lower end 111 of the consumable 104.

[0058] A wall of the tank 106 includes a translucent portion in the form of a window 112, which allows the amount of e-liquid 103 in the tank 106 to be visually assessed. An aperture 114 is formed in a wall of the housing 101 of the device 102 so that the window 112 of the consumable 104 can be seen whilst the rest of the tank 106 is obscured from view when the consumable 104 is inserted into the cavity at the upper end 108 of the device 102.

[0059] The aperture 114 is obround, so as to be elongate and so as to define an elongate axis. The aperture has a width (transverse to the elongate axis) of about 4 mm, and a length (parallel to the elongate axis) of about 15 mm. The aperture 114 is oriented such that its elongate axis is generally parallel with a longitudinal axis of the device (in the figures, this is in the vertical direction). The aperture 114 is proximate to (but spaced from) an edge 105 of the wall of the housing 101 (in which the aperture is formed).

[0060] As mentioned above, when the consumable 104 is received in the cavity of the device 102, the window 112 aligns with the aperture 114 in the housing 101, such that the e-liquid 103 in the tank 106 is visible. As is particularly apparent from Figure 1D, the window 112 defines a raised (or protruding portion) of the tank 106. In this way, and as will now be described, the window 112 acts as a retaining portion of the consumable 104 for retaining the consumable 104 in the cavity of the device 102.

[0061] The window 112 is arranged on the tank 106 such that, when the consumable 104 is inserted into the cavity of the device 102, the window 112 aligns with the aperture 114 formed in the housing 101 and is thus received in the aperture 114. The window 112 has the same obround shape as the aperture 114 formed in the housing 101 such that it fills the aperture 114 in this engaged position and restricts movement of the consumable 104 out of the cavity (i.e. by contact with the edge of the aperture 114).

[0062] Whilst not immediately apparent from the figures, the height of the window 112 (i.e. from the wall of the tank 106 from which it protrudes) is substantially the same as the depth of the aperture 114 in the housing 101. Thus, when the window 112 is received in the aperture 114, the distal surface 107 of the window 112 is generally flush with an outer surface of the housing 101.

[0063] To facilitate snap-engagement between the consumable 104 and the device 102, the window 112 and the housing 101 are configured to be deformable. Thus, as the consumable 104 is inserted into the device 102, the window 112 and the housing 101 flex (i.e. deflect) so as to allow the consumable 104 to move into the cavity (i.e. which would otherwise be prevented by the protrusion of window 112 from the consumable 104).

[0064] In order to provide this deflection in a gradual manner, the window 112 comprises a ramp surface, which in this case is a sloped sidewall 113 extending about the distal end surface 107 (i.e. connecting the distal end surface 107 to the outer surface of the consumable 104). When the consumable 104 is moved towards the cavity of the device 102, the ramp surface 113 engages the upper edge 105 of the housing 101. Due to the sloped nature of the ramp surface 113, as the consumable 104 is moved into the cavity, the contact between the ramp surface 113 and the edge 105 causes gradual deflection of the edge 105 and/or the window 112 to allow the consumable 102 to be inserted into the cavity. When the window 112 reaches the aperture 114 it snap into engagement with the aperture 114. The ramp surface may similarly facilitate removal of the consumable 102 from the cavity (i.e. by contact with an edge of the aperture 114).

[0065] The lower end 110 of the device 102 also includes a light 116 (e.g. an LED) located behind a small translucent cover. The light 116 may be configured to illuminate when the smoking substitute system 100 is activated. Whilst not shown, the consumable 104 may identify itself to the device 102, via an electrical interface, RFID chip, or barcode.

[0066] Figs. 2A and 2B are schematic drawings of the device (main body) 102 and consumable 104. As is apparent from Fig. 2A, the device 102 includes a power source 118, a controller 120, a memory 122, a wireless interface 124, an electrical interface 126, and, optionally, one or more additional components 128.

[0067] The power source 118 is preferably a battery, more preferably a rechargeable battery. The controller 120 may include a microprocessor, for example. The memory 122 preferably includes non-volatile memory. The memory may include instructions which, when implemented, cause the controller 120 to perform certain tasks or steps of a method.

[0068] The wireless interface 124 is preferably configured to communicate wirelessly with another device, for example a mobile device, e.g. via Bluetooth®. To this end, the wireless interface 124 could include a Bluetooth® antenna. Other wireless communication interfaces, e.g. WiFi®, are also possible. The wireless interface 124 may also be configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote server.

[0069] The electrical interface 126 of the device 102 may include one or more electrical contacts. The electrical interface 126 may be located in a base of the aperture in the upper end 108 of the device 102. When the device 102 is physically coupled to the consumable 104, the electrical interface 126 is configured to transfer electrical power from the power source 118 to the consumable 104 (i.e. upon activation of the smoking substitute system 100).

[0070] The electrical interface 126 may be configured to receive power from a charging station when the device 102 is not physically coupled to the consumable 104 and is instead coupled to the charging station. The electrical interface 126 may also be used to identify the consumable 104 from a list of known consumables. For example, the consumable 104 may be a particular flavour and/or have a certain concentration of nicotine (which may be identified by the electrical interface 126). This can be indicated to the controller 120 of the device 102 when the consumable 104 is connected to the device 102. Additionally, or alternatively, there may be a separate communication interface provided in the device 102 and a corresponding communication interface in the consumable 104 such that, when connected, the consumable 104 can identify itself to the device 102.

[0071] The additional components 128 of the device 102 may comprise the light 116 discussed above.

[0072] The additional components 128 of the device 102 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 118 is a rechargeable battery). This may be located at the lower end 110 of the device 102. Alternatively, the electrical interface 126 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.

[0073] The additional components 128 of the device 102 may, if the power source 118 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).

[0074] The additional components 128 of the device 102 may include a sensor, such as 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 136 of the consumable 104. 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 104. 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.

[0075] The additional components 128 of the device 102 may include a user input, e.g. 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.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 2B, the consumable 104 includes the tank 106, an electrical interface 130, a vaporiser 132, one or more air inlets 134, a mouthpiece 136, and one or more additional components 138.

[0077] The electrical interface 130 of the consumable 104 may include one or more electrical contacts. The electrical interface 126 of the device 102 and an electrical interface 130 of the consumable 104 are configured to contact each other and thereby electrically couple the device 102 to the consumable 104 when the lower end 111 of the consumable 104 is inserted into the upper end 108 of the device 102 (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 118 in the device 102 to the vaporiser 132 in the consumable 104.

[0078] The vaporiser 132 is configured to heat and vaporise e-liquid contained in the tank 106 using electrical energy supplied from the power source 118. As will be described further below, the vaporiser 132 includes a heating filament and a wick. The wick draws e-liquid from the tank 106 and the heating filament heats the e-liquid to vaporise the e-liquid.

[0079] The one or more air inlets 134 are preferably configured to allow air to be drawn into the smoking substitute system 100, when a user inhales through the mouthpiece 136. When the consumable 104 is physically coupled to the device 102, the air inlets 134 receive air, which flows to the air inlets 134 along a gap between the device 102 and the lower end 111 of the consumable 104.

[0080] In operation, a user activates the smoking substitute system 100, e.g. through interaction with a user input forming part of the device 102 or by inhaling through the mouthpiece 136 as described above. Upon activation, the controller 120 may supply electrical energy from the power source 118 to the vaporiser 132 (via electrical interfaces 126, 130), which may cause the vaporiser 132 to heat e-liquid drawn from the tank 106 to produce a vapour which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece 136.

[0081] An example of one of the one or more additional components 138 of the consumable 104 is an interface for obtaining an identifier of the consumable 104. 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 104 may, therefore include anyone 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 device 102.

[0082] Fig. 3 is a section view of the consumable 104 described above. The consumable 104 comprises a tank 106 for storing e-liquid, a mouthpiece 136 and a passage 140 extending along a longitudinal axis of the consumable 104. In the illustrated embodiment the passage 140 is in the form of a tube having a substantially circular transverse cross-section (i.e. transverse to the longitudinal axis). The tank 106 surrounds the passage 140, such that the passage 140 extends centrally through the tank 106.

[0083] A tank housing 142 of the tank 106 defines an outer casing of the consumable 104, whilst a passage wall 144 defines the passage 140. The tank housing 142 extends from the lower end 111 of the consumable 104 to the mouthpiece 136 at the upper end 109 of the consumable 104. At the junction between the mouthpiece 136 and the tank housing 142, the mouthpiece 136 is wider than the tank housing 142, so as to define a lip 146 that overhangs the tank housing 142. This lip 146 acts as a stop feature when the consumable 104 is inserted into the device 102 (i.e. by contact with an upper edge of the device 102).

[0084] The tank 106, the passage 140 and the mouthpiece 136 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 moulding process. Such a component may be formed of a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene.

[0085] The mouthpiece 136 comprises a mouthpiece aperture 148 defining an outlet of the passage 140. The vaporiser 132 is fluidly connected to the mouthpiece aperture 148 and is located in a vaporising chamber 156 of the consumable 104. The vaporising chamber 156 is downstream of the inlet 134 of the consumable 104 and is fluidly connected to the mouthpiece aperture 148 (i.e. outlet) by the passage 140.

[0086] The vaporiser 132 comprises a porous wick 150 and a heater filament 152 coiled around the porous wick 150. The wick 150 extends transversely across the chamber vaporising 156 between sidewalls of the chamber 156 which form part of an inner sleeve 154 of an insert 158 that defines the lower end 111 of the consumable 104 that connects with the device 102. The insert 158 is inserted into an open lower end of the tank 106 so as to seal against the tank housing 142.

[0087] In this way, the inner sleeve 154 projects into the tank 106 and seals with the passage 140 (around the passage wall 144) so as to separate the vaporising chamber 156 from the e-liquid in the tank 106. Ends of the wick 150 project through apertures in the inner sleeve 154 and into the tank 106 so as to be in contact with the e-liquid in the tank 106. In this way, e-liquid is transported along the wick 150 (e.g. by capillary action) to a central portion of the wick 150 that is exposed to airflow through the vaporising chamber 156. The transported e-liquid is heated by the heater filament 152 (when activated e.g. by detection of inhalation), which causes the e-liquid to be vaporised and to be entrained in air flowing past the wick 150. This vaporised liquid may cool to form an aerosol in the passage 140, which may then be inhaled by a user.

[0088] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate a variation of the embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 1D and therefore corresponding reference numerals have been used to identify similar features. Figure 4A shows a front view of a smoking substitute system 100' and Figure 4B shows a rear view of the smoking substitute system 100'.

[0089] As is particularly apparent from Figure 4B, the smoking substitute system 100' differs from that described above in that the housing 101 comprises first 114a and second 114b apertures formed therein. The first aperture 114a is formed in a front wall 115 of the housing 101 and the second aperture 114b is formed in a rear wall 117 of the housing.

[0090] Both of the apertures 114a, 114b have an elongate obround shape, but they are oriented such that an elongate axis of the second aperture 114b is orthogonal to an elongate axis of the first aperture 114a. In particular, as shown on the page, the elongate axis of the first aperture 114a is oriented vertically, and the elongate axis of the second aperture 114b is oriented horizontally. As may be appreciated, this may allow the assessment of the level of e-liquid 103 in the consumable 104 for two orientations of the device. That is, the first aperture 114a may be configured for viewing the level of e-liquid 103 when the system 100' is oriented vertically (e.g. when handheld), and the second aperture may be configured for viewing the level of e-liquid 103 when the system 100' is oriented horizontally.

[0091] Whilst not apparent from the figures, in this embodiment, the tank of the consumable 104 is fully translucent (i.e. so as not to have isolated translucent portions).

[0092] One further (minor) difference between this system 100' and the system described above with respect to Figure 1A to 1D is that instead of a single LED, the present system 100' includes two separate (longitudinally spaced) circular LEDs.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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%.

[0096] The words "preferred" and "preferably" are used herein refer to embodiments of the invention 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.

Claims

1. A smoking substitute device comprising a housing defining a cavity for releasable engagement of a tank therein, and an aperture formed in a wall of the housing defining the cavity for viewing the level of an aerosol precursor stored in the tank when engaged in the cavity.

2. A smoking substitute device according to claim 1 wherein the aperture is elongate so as to define an elongate axis.

3. A smoking substitute device according to claim 2 wherein the aperture is obround.

4. A smoking substitute device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the aperture is a first aperture and the housing comprises a second aperture formed therein, the second aperture arranged for viewing the level of the aerosol precursor stored in the tank when engaged in the cavity.

5. A smoking substitute device according to claim 4 wherein the housing comprises front and rear longitudinally extending walls that are spaced by opposing longitudinally extending side walls, and wherein the distance between the side wall defines a width of the housing and the distance between the front and rear walls defines a depth of the housing that is less than the width.

6. A smoking substitute device according to claim 5 wherein the first aperture is formed in the front wall and the second aperture is formed in the rear wall.

7. A smoking substitute device according to claim 5 wherein the first aperture is formed in the front or rear wall, and the second aperture is formed in one of the side walls.

8. A smoking substitute device according to any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein the second aperture is elongate so as to define an elongate axis.

9. A smoking substitute device according to claim 8 wherein the elongate axis of the first aperture is orthogonal to an elongate axis of the second aperture.

10. A smoking substitute device according to claim 9 wherein the housing is elongate so as to define a longitudinal axis, and the elongate axis of the first aperture or the second aperture is parallel to the longitudinal axis.

11. A smoking substitute system according to any one of the preceding claims that is configured to deform, or comprises a deformable portion, for snap engagement with the tank.

12. A smoking substitute system comprising a smoking substitute device according to any one of the preceding claims, and a smoking substitute consumable comprising a tank for engagement in the cavity of the device, the tank containing an aerosol precursor and being configured such that the aerosol precursor of the tank is visible through the aperture of the device when the tank is received in the cavity.

13. A system according to claim 12 wherein at least a portion of a wall of the tank is translucent.

14. A system according to claim 13 wherein the translucent portion is arranged so as to align with the aperture of the device housing when the tank is received in the cavity.

15. A system according to claim 13 or 14 wherein the consumable comprises a retaining portion configured to engage the aperture of the device for retaining the consumable in the cavity.

Drawing