WO2025125515A2

WO2025125515A2 - Aerosol provision system

Info

Publication number: WO2025125515A2
Application number: PCT/EP2024/086086
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas LEAH
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2023-12-14
Filing date: 2024-12-12
Publication date: 2025-06-19
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-14
Also published as: WO2025125515A3; GB202319161D0

Abstract

An aerosol provision system is provided. The aerosol provision system comprises an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material. The aerosol provision device comprises a heating member defining a plug. The aerosol provision system comprises an aerosol provision device charging dock comprising a receptacle defining a socket configured to receive the plug and comprising a dock power source operable to provide power to the aerosol provision device when the plug is received in the socket. Also provided are an aerosol provision device, an aerosol provision device charging dock, an article comprising aerosol-generating material, and a method of using an aerosol provision system.

Description

AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision system. The present invention also relates to an aerosol provision device charging dock, an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material, an article comprising aerosol-generating material and a method of using an aerosol provision system.

Background

Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products are heating devices which release compounds by heating, but not burning, the material. The material may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

Summary

In accordance with embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision system, comprising: an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising a heating member defining a plug; and an aerosol provision device charging dock comprising a receptacle defining a socket configured to receive the plug and comprising a dock power source operable to provide power to the aerosol provision device when the plug is received in the socket.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device comprises a body and the heating member projects beyond the body.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the body defines a shoulder. In an embodiment of any of the above, the heating member extends from the shoulder.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device comprises a device charging arrangement operable to receive electrical power from the aerosol provision device charging dock to charge the aerosol provision device. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device comprises a device power source and the device charging arrangement is operable to receive electrical power from the aerosol provision device charging dock to charge the device power source.

In an embodiment of any of the above, at least a portion of the device charging arrangement is provided by the heating member.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the device charging arrangement comprises a device electrical contact arrangement.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the device charging arrangement comprises a device inductor coil. In an embodiment of any of the above, the device inductor coil is helical.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision system comprises a heating element comprising a material heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field and the device inductor coil is configured to generate a varying magnetic field to heat the heating element.

In an embodiment of any of the above, at least a portion of the device charging arrangement is on the shoulder.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the device electrical contact arrangement is on the heating member.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device charging dock comprises a dock charging arrangement operable to supply power from the dock power source to the aerosol provision device.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the dock charging arrangement comprises a dock electrical contact arrangement.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the dock charging arrangement comprises a dock inductor coil.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the dock inductor coil extends around the receptacle. In an embodiment of any of the above, the dock inductor coil is helical.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device charging dock comprises a power inlet configured to receive power from an external power supply. The external power supply may be a mains power supply. The power inlet may be configured to charge the dock power supply. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device charging dock comprises a recess configured to at least partially accommodate the body.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the heating member is free from overlap with any other part of the aerosol provision device in an axial direction of the aerosol provision device.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the heating member is free from being surrounded by any other part of the aerosol provision device.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision system comprises a retainer for retaining the aerosol provision device to the aerosol provision device charging dock. The retainer may comprise one or more magnets. The aerosol provision device may comprise a first magnet and the aerosol provision device charging dock may comprise a second magnet.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the shape of the socket conforms to the shape of the heating member.

In an embodiment of any of the above, a cross-sectional shape of the socket conforms to a cross-sectional shape of the heating member.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the plug and socket form a friction fit.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device charging dock comprises a cleaning arrangement configured to clean at least a portion of the heating member on insertion into and/or removal from the socket.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision system comprises an article comprising aerosol-generating material.

In an embodiment of any of the above, at least a part of the aerosol provision device is configured to be at least partially insertable in the article. In an embodiment of any of the above, at least a part of the heating member is configured to be at least partially insertable into the article.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the article comprises a bore configured to at least partially receive at least a portion of the aerosol provision device. In an embodiment of any of the above, the article comprises a bore configured to at least partially receive the heating member. In an embodiment of any of the above, at least a part of the aerosol provision device is configured to be interchangeably at least partially inserted in the article and in the charging dock.

In an embodiment of any of the above, at least a part of the heating member is configured to be interchangeably at least partially inserted in the article and in the charging dock.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the heating member is an elongate heating member or a rod.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the socket is a first socket and the article defines a second socket, the heating member defining the plug being configured to be received in the second socket. In an embodiment of any of the above, the bore defines the second socket.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the heating member comprises a heating element.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the heating member comprises an array of heating elements

In an embodiment of any of the above, the or each heating element is a resistive heating element.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the or each heating element is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the device inductor coil is configured to cause heating of the or each heating element.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device charging dock is portable.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device charging dock is configured to be connected to an external power source.

In accordance with embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device charging dock for use in the system of any of the above.

In accordance with embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device for use in the system of any of the above. In accordance with embodiments described herein, there is provided an article comprising aerosol-generating material for use in the system of any of the above.

In accordance with embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising: a body; a power source; and a heating member projecting beyond the body and configured to be received within an article comprising aerosol-generating material; wherein the heating member comprises a charging arrangement configured to receive electrical power to charge the power source.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the charging arrangement comprises an electrical contact arrangement.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the charging arrangement comprises an inductor coil. In an embodiment of any of the above, the inductor coil is helical.

In accordance with embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device charging dock comprising: a power source; a receptacle configured to act as a socket for a heating member of an aerosol provision device; and a charging arrangement operable to supply power from the power source to the aerosol provision device.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the charging arrangement comprises an inductor coil.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the inductor coil extends around the receptacle. In an embodiment of any of the above, the inductor coil is helical.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device charging dock comprises a recess configured to at least partially accommodate a body of the aerosol provision device.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device charging dock comprises a retainer for retaining the aerosol provision device to the aerosol provision device charging dock. The retainer may comprise one or more magnets. In an embodiment of any of the above, the shape of the socket conforms to the shape of the heating member of the aerosol provision device.

In an embodiment of any of the above, a cross-sectional shape of the socket conforms to a cross-sectional shape of the heating member of the aerosol provision device.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the socket is configured to form a friction fit with the aerosol provision device.

In accordance with embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of using an aerosol provision system, the aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising a heating member defining a plug; an aerosol provision device charging dock comprising a receptacle defining a first socket configured to receive the plug, the aerosol provision device charging dock comprising a charging arrangement operable to provide power to the aerosol provision device when the plug is received in the first socket; and an article comprising aerosolgenerating material and defining a second socket, the method comprising selectively: inserting the plug in the first socket; or inserting the plug in the second socket and activating the heating arrangement to heat the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user without burning the aerosol-generating material.

In accordance with embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision system, comprising: an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising a heating member defining a plug; and an article comprising the aerosol-generating material and a bore defining a socket for receiving the plug, wherein the cross- sectional shape of the bore differs from the cross-sectional shape of the heating member.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the plug and socket are configured to define an airflow channel between the article and the heating member. In an embodiment of any of the above, the plug and socket are configured to define a plurality of airflow channels between the article and the heating member. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device comprises a body and the heating member projects beyond the body.

In an embodiment of any of the above, an outer cross-sectional shape of the body is substantially the same as an outer cross-sectional shape of the article.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the bore comprises a base at one end configured to abut an end of the heating member. In an embodiment of any of the above, a length of the heating member is greater than a length of the bore, such that when the heating member is fully inserted in the bore, a gap is defined between the body and the article.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the heating arrangement is free from an overlap with any other part of the aerosol provision device.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the heating arrangement is free from being surrounded by any other part of the aerosol provision device.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the plug and the socket are configured such that the article is frictionally retained on the heating member when the plug is inserted in the bore.

In accordance with embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising: a body; and an externally exposed heating member projecting beyond the body and configured to be received within an article comprising aerosol-generating material; wherein the heating member comprises a support and a plurality of heating elements.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the support defines a plurality of faces.

In an embodiment of any of the above, at least one of the plurality of faces is planar. In an embodiment of any of the above, each of the plurality of faces is planar.

In an embodiment of any of the above, at least one heating element is provided on each face. In an embodiment of any of the above, the plurality of heating elements is axially distributed along the support. In an embodiment of any of the above, the plurality of heating elements is evenly axially distributed along the support.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the plurality of heating elements is circumferentially distributed along the support. In an embodiment of any of the above, the plurality of heating elements is evenly circumferentially distributed along the support.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the plurality of heating elements comprises a first heating element at a first axial position on the support and a second heating element at a second, different, axial position on the support.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device is configured to heat the heating elements sequentially.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device is configured to heat the heating elements sequentially in an axial direction of the heating member.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device is configured to heat the heating elements sequentially in a circumferential direction of the heating member.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the plurality of heating elements are resistive heating elements.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the support has a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the support comprises thermal insulation.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the body comprises thermal insulation.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device charging dock comprising: a receptacle defining a socket configured to receive a heating member defining a plug and comprising a dock power source operable to provide power to the aerosol provision device when the plug is received in the socket. In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol generating material, the device comprising a heating member defining a plug configured to be received in a socket of an aerosol provision device charging dock.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the device comprises a body and the heating member projects from the body.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the body is configured to project from the socket of the aerosol provision device charging dock when the heating member defining the plug is received in the socket of the aerosol provision device charging dock.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device charging dock comprising: a first receiving zone configured to receive at least a portion of a first aerosol provision device; a second receiving zone configured to receive at least a portion of a second aerosol provision device; wherein the aerosol provision device charging dock is configured to supply power to the first aerosol provision device; and wherein the aerosol provision device charging dock is configured to supply power to the second aerosol provision device.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the first receiving zone and the second receiving zone are configured to interchangeably receive the first aerosol provision device and the second aerosol provision device.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the first receiving zone comprises a first socket configuration configured to receive at least a portion of the first aerosol provision device.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the second receiving zone comprises a second socket configuration configured to receive at least a portion of the first aerosol provision device.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the first receiving zone is separate to the second receiving zone. In an embodiment of any of the above, the first socket configuration is separate from the second socket configuration.

In an embodiment of any of the above, in a mode of operation, the aerosol provision device charging dock is configured to simultaneously supply power to the first aerosol provision device and the second aerosol provision device. In an embodiment of any of the above, in a mode of operation, the aerosol provision device charging dock is configured to alternatively supply power to the first aerosol provision device and the second aerosol provision device.

In an embodiment of any of the above, in a mode of operation, the aerosol provision device charging dock is configured to supply power to one of the first aerosol provision device and the second aerosol provision device whilst the other of the first aerosol provision device and the second aerosol provision device is absent from the aerosol provision device charging dock.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device charging dock is arranged to charge one of the first aerosol provision device and the second aerosol provision device sufficient for a usage session in the time required for a usage session of the other of the first aerosol provision device and the second aerosol provision device.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device charging dock houses a power source.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the power source is a rechargeable battery.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the charging dock comprises a power inlet configured to receive power from an external power supply. The external power supply may be a mains power supply.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the power source is arranged to supply power to a first aerosol provision device power storage unit and a second aerosol provision device power storage unit.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device charging dock comprises one or more indicators arranged to indicate the charge status of the first power storage unit and the second power storage unit.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the first power storage unit is a first rechargeable battery.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the second power storage unit is a second rechargeable battery. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device charging dock is arranged to supply electrical power to the first aerosol provision device and/or the second aerosol provision device via at a wired connection. The wired connection may comprise one or more electrical contacts.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device charging dock is arranged to supply electrical power to the first aerosol provision device and/or the second aerosol provision device via a wireless connection. The wireless connection may comprise an inductive charging arrangement.

In an embodiment of any of the above, at least one of the first socket configuration and the second socket configuration is arranged to conform to an outer profile of at least one of the first aerosol provision device and the second aerosol provision device.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device charging dock is configured to receive power from an external power supply.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device charging dock comprises a retaining mechanism configured to retain at least a portion of the first aerosol provision device in the first receiving zone.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the retaining mechanism is a first retaining mechanism and the dock comprises a second retaining mechanism configured to retain at least a portion of the second aerosol provision device in the second receiving zone.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device charging dock comprises a data transfer module configured to at least one of transmit and receive data from at least one of the first aerosol provision device and the second aerosol provision device.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device charging dock comprises a transceiver configured for data exchange with a personal computing device.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device charging dock comprises a cleaning arrangement configured to act on at least one of the first aerosol provision device and the second aerosol provision device when the first aerosol provision device is at least one of inserted into and removed from the aerosol provision device charging dock.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising: the aerosol provision device charging dock described above; and an aerosol provision device configured to be at least partially received in the first receiving zone.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device is configured to be at least partially received in the second receiving zone.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device is a first aerosol provision device and the aerosol provision system further comprises a second aerosol provision device configured to be at least partially received in the second receiving zone.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the second aerosol provision device is configured to be at least partially received in the first receiving zone.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the second aerosol provision device is interchangeable with the first aerosol provision device.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the second aerosol provision device has a substantially identical configuration to the first aerosol provision device.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device comprises a body and a heating member protruding beyond the body and the heating member is at least partially receivable in the first receiving zone.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the first receiving zone comprises a first socket configuration and the heating member defines a plug configured to be inserted in the first socket configuration.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the second receiving zone comprises a second socket configuration and wherein the plug is configured to be inserted in the second socket configuration

In an embodiment of any of the above, the body is configured to at least partially protrude from the aerosol provision device charging dock when the heating member is at least partially received in the first receiving zone In an embodiment of any of the above, the body defines a shoulder relative to the heating member.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the shoulder acts as a stop to limit insertion of the aerosol provision device into the aerosol provision device charging dock.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device charging dock comprises a recess configured to at least partially accommodate the body.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the body is arranged to at least partially protrude from the aerosol provision device charging dock when the aerosol provision device is at least partially received in the first receiving zone.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the heating member is not surrounded by any other part of the aerosol provision device.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the heating member comprises a plurality of heating elements.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the plurality of heating elements are configured to be independently actuatable.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the heating member comprises a resistive heating element.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the heating member comprises a heating element which is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision system comprises an article comprising aerosol generating material.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the article comprising aerosol generating material is separate to the aerosol provision device and the aerosol provision device charging dock.

In an embodiment of any of the above, at least a part of the aerosol provision device is configured to be at least partially inserted into the article. In an embodiment of any of the above, at least a part of the heating member is configured to be at least partially inserted into the article.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the article comprises a bore configured to at least partially receive at least a portion of the aerosol provision device. In an embodiment of any of the above, the article comprises a bore configured to at least partially receive the heating member.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol provision device is configured to be interchangeably at least partially inserted in the article and in the charging dock.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the heating member is configured to be interchangeably at least partially inserted in the article and in the charging dock.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device charging dock comprising: a receiving zone configured to receive at least a portion of a first aerosol provision device; wherein the aerosol provision device charging dock is configured to supply power to the first aerosol provision device.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol provision device charging dock comprising at least partially inserting a first aerosol provision device into a first receiving zone of the dock; charging the first aerosol provision device; at least partially inserting a second aerosol provision device into a second receiving zone of the dock; and charging the second aerosol provision device.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the charging the first aerosol provision device and the charging the second aerosol provision device are simultaneous.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of operating an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device charging dock, a first aerosol provision device and a second aerosol provision device, the method comprising at least partially inserting the first aerosol provision device into a first receiving zone of the dock; charging the first aerosol provision device; at least partially inserting the second aerosol provision device into a second receiving zone of the dock; and charging the second aerosol provision device.

In accordance with embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of controlling an aerosol provision device comprising a heating member, the heating member defining a plug, the method comprising: causing the aerosol provision device to receive power from an aerosol provision device charging dock when the plug is received in a first socket defined by the aerosol provision device charging dock; and causing the aerosol provision device to provide power to the heating member to heat an aerosol generating material when the plug is received in a second socket defined by an article comprising the aerosol generating material.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the causing the aerosol provision device to receive power from an aerosol provision device charging dock may be responsive to a user input.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the causing the aerosol provision device to provide power to the heating member may be responsive to a user input.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the causing the aerosol provision device to receive power from an aerosol provision device charging dock may be responsive to a determination that the plug is received in the first socket.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the causing the aerosol provision device to provide power to the heating member may be responsive to a determination that the plug is inserted in the second socket.

In accordance with embodiments described herein, there is provided a computer readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the device to perform the above method.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the processor is a processor of an aerosol provision device comprising a heating member, the heating member defining a plug.

In accordance with embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device configured to perform the above method. In accordance with embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising a processor and the computer readable storage medium described above.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol provision system;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1 with the aerosol provision device inserted in the article;

Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol provision device and an article comprising aerosol-generating material;

Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional plan view of a heating member of an aerosol provision device inserted in an article comprising aerosol generating material

Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol provision device and an article comprising aerosol-generating material;

Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol provision system;

Figure 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol provision device and an article comprising aerosol generating material;

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of an aerosol provision system with aerosol provision devices inserted in an aerosol provision device charging dock;

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the aerosol provision system of Figure 9, with an aerosol provision device removed from the aerosol provision device charging dock; and

Figure 11 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol provision device and an article comprising aerosol generating material. Detailed Description

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating material” is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. Aerosol-generating material may include any plant based material, such as tobacco-containing material and may, for example, include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating material also may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosol-generating material may for example be in the form of a solid, a liquid, a gel, a wax or the like. Aerosol-generating material may for example also be a combination or a blend of materials. Aerosol-generating material may also be known as “smokable material”.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active and/or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosolgenerating material is substantially free from botanical material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an “amorphous solid”. The amorphous solid may be a “monolithic solid”. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosolgenerating material may, for example, comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may be substantially tobacco free.

According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolgenerating material is not a requirement.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non- combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non- combustible aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosolgenerating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

An aerosol generating device can receive an article comprising aerosolgenerating material for heating. An “article” in this context is a component that includes or contains in use the aerosol-generating material, which is heated to volatilise the aerosol-generating material, and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into the aerosol generating device before it is heated to produce an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales. The article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device which is sized to receive the article.

As used herein, the term one-piece component refers to a component which is not separable into two or more components following assembly. Integrally formed relates to two or more features that are formed into a one-piece component during a manufacturing stage of the component.

Figures 1 to 3 show an aerosol provision system 100 for generating aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol provision system 100 comprises an aerosol provision device 200, an article 300 comprising aerosol-generating material 302 and an aerosol provision device charging dock 400 (referred to hereafter as the dock 400). In broad outline, the aerosol provision device 200 may be used to heat the aerosol-generating material 302 to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium which is inhaled by a user of the system 100. The aerosol provision device 200 may be at least partially inserted in the dock 400 for charging.

As will be described in more detail below, the aerosol provision device 200 comprises a heating member 204 which is insertable into the article 300 and the dock 400. The dock 400 defines a receiving zone 402 for receiving the heating member 204. The heating member 204 defines a plug 205 and the receiving zone 402 defines a socket 402a for receiving the plug. A receptacle forms the receiving zone 402. The article 300 comprises aerosol-generating material 302. In embodiments, the article 300 comprises one or more of a filter, wrapping materials and a cooling structure.

The article 300 is disposable and replaceable and may be known as a consumable. In other embodiments, the article 300 is re-usable. For example, the article 300 may comprise a container which can be filled and re-filled with aerosolgenerating material. The article 300 is a single use article. In embodiments, the article 300 may comprise enough aerosol-generating material to provide multiple use sessions.

The article 300 is elongate. The article 300 defines a proximal end 300a and a distal end 300b. The proximal end 300a is arranged closer to the user’s face in use and the distal end 300b is arranged further from the user’s face in use. A user may draw on the proximal end 300a to inhale aerosol.

The article 300 defines a bore 304. The bore 304 is for receiving the heating member 204 of the aerosol provision device 200. The article 300 comprises an opening 312 communicating with the bore 304. The opening 312 is provided in the distal end 300b of the article 300. The bore 304 defines a socket 306 for receiving the plug 205 of the aerosol provision device 200. In embodiments the bore 304 may be omitted. That is, the article 300 may free from a bore. The article 300 may be substantially solid. In such embodiments, the heating member 204 of the aerosol provision device 200 may be configured to penetrate the article 300, for example, the heating member 204 may be pointed. The bore 304 has a substantially circular crosssection. The bore 304 is cylindrical. In embodiments, the cross-section of the bore 304 may differ. For example, the bore 304 may have a cross-section which is elliptical, square or any suitable shape. The cross-section of the bore 304 is constant along an axial extent of the bore 304. In embodiments, the size or shape of the bore crosssection may vary along the axial length of the bore 304.

Figure 4 shows the aerosol provision device 200 in greater detail. The aerosol provision device 200 comprises a body 202 and a heating member 204.

The body 202 is configured to be held by a user in use. The body is sized and shaped to fit in the user’s hand. The body 202 acts as a handle of the aerosol provision device 200. A housing 208 surrounds and houses various components of the body 202. The housing 208 defines a proximal end 208a and a distal end 208b.

The aerosol provision device 200 comprises a first power source 210, also referred to as a device power source 210, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, a lithium battery (such as a lithium-ion battery), a nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), and an alkaline battery. The first power source 210 may alternatively or additionally comprise a capacitor. The first power source 210 is provided in the body 202.

The aerosol provision device 200 comprises an electronics module 212. The electronics module 212 may comprise, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB may support at least one controller, such as a processor, and memory. The PCB may also comprise one or more electrical tracks to electrically connect together various electronic components of the device 200. For example, battery terminals may be electrically connected to the PCB so that power can be distributed throughout the device 200. The electronics module 212 is provided in the body 202.

The memory comprises a computer readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the aerosol provision device 100 to receive power from the aerosol provision device charging dock 400 when the plug 205 is received in the socket 404 of the dock 400 and to provide power to the heating member 204 when the plug 205 is inserted in the socket 306 of the article 300. In embodiments, the causing the aerosol provision device 100 to receive power from the dock 400 may be responsive to a user input, such as from a button or other user input feature of the aerosol provision device 100. In embodiments, the causing the aerosol provision device 100 to provide power to the heating member 204 may be responsive to a user input.

In embodiments, the causing the aerosol provision device 100 to receive power from the dock 400 may be responsive to a determination that the plug 205 is received in the socket 404 of the dock 400. In embodiments, the causing the aerosol provision device 100 to provide power to the heating member 204 may be responsive to a determination that the plug 205 is inserted in the socket 306 of the article 300. Either determination may be made by a sensor of the aerosol provision device 100, for example one or more of: a mechanical sensor, a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor and a radio frequency communications arrangement.

The heating member 204 extends from the body 202. The heating member 204 protrudes from the proximal end 208a of the housing 208. The heating member 204 protrudes beyond the body 202. The heating member 204 defines a longitudinal axis X. The heating member 204 is free from overlap with any other part of the aerosol provision device 200 in the axial direction X of the aerosol provision device 200. The heating member 204 is free from being surrounded by any other part of the aerosol provision device 200. The heating member 204 defines a free end 204a and a base end 204b.

The body 202 defines a shoulder 206 from which the heating member 204 extends. The shoulder 206 is an annular end surface of the housing 208 surrounding the base end 204b of the heating member 204. The shoulder 206 defines the proximal end 208a of the body 208. The shoulder 206 acts as a stop to limit insertion of the aerosol provision device 200 into the dock 400. In embodiments, the body 202 is configured to at least partially protrude from the dock 400 when the heating member 204 is at least partially received in the receiving zone 402. That is, when the heating member 204 is inserted as far as possible into the receiving zone 402, the body 202 may partially protrude from the dock 400. This allows a user to grip the body 202 to extract the aerosol provision device 200 from the dock 400. No further ejection mechanism is therefore necessary. In embodiments, the receiving zone 402 may be configured to fully accommodate the aerosol provision device 200, including the body 202. In such embodiments, an ejection mechanism may be provided to enable the user to remove the aerosol provision device 200 from the dock 400. For example, a spring mechanism such as a push-click mechanism may be provided, or an actuator may be provided on the dock 400 which the user may use to remove the aerosol provision device 200. The actuator may comprise, for example, a slider, a push button or a lever.

The heating member 204 is configured to be inserted in the article 300. The heating member 204 defines a plug 205 configured for insertion in the socket 306 of the article 300. The heating member 204 is configured for insertion in the bore 304 of the article 300. The heating member 204 is shaped and sized to fit in the bore 304. That is, the external profile of the heating member 204 matches or fits within the internal profile of the bore 304. This ensures close proximity of the heating member 204 to the aerosol-generating material 302, which may provide more efficient heating of the aerosol-generating material 302.

The heating member 204 is blunt. The free end 204a of the heating member 204 comprises a partially flat surface. The presence of a bore 304 permits the use of a relatively thick, blunt heating member 204. This may provide more even heating of the aerosol-generating material, and/or faster heating of the aerosol-generating material or the heating of a larger quantity of aerosol-generating material. This may also provide a more robust heating member, which is particularly important due to the fact that the heating member 204 extends beyond the body 202 and is not protected by any other part of the aerosol provision device 200. In embodiments, the heating member 204 may be a blade or pin. Such a heating member may be pushed into the article. In such embodiments, the bore may be omitted. The article may be solid. This may provide a more compact arrangement.

The heating member 204 comprises a heating assembly 214. The heating assembly 214 is operable to heat the aerosol-generating material 302 of the article 300 in use. The heating assembly 214 is connected to the first power source 210. The heating assembly 214 is connected to the first power source 210 via the electronics module 212. The electronics module 212 controls operation of the heating assembly 214.

The heating member 204 comprises a support 218. The support supports the heating assembly 214. The support 218 is formed of a thermally and electrically insulating material. The support 218 is heat-resistant. The support 218 is formed of polyether ether ketone (PEEK). In embodiments, the support 218 is formed of any suitable material, such as any suitable heat resistant plastics material, glass, a metallic material or a ceramic material.

The heating assembly 214 comprises nine heating elements 216. In other embodiments, the number of heating elements 216 may differ. For example, the heating assembly may comprise a single heating element 216, two heating elements 216, or as many as twenty or more heating elements 216.

In use, heat is transferred from the or each heating element 216 to the aerosolgenerating material 302 of the article 300. The heating elements 216 are independently operable. The heating elements 216 may be operated sequentially. The heating elements 216 may be operated to provide progressive heating. That is, the heating elements may be activated at different times depending on their position in the heating member 204. Progressive heating may ensure that fresh aerosol-generating material is utilised throughout the session and may avoid burnt flavours in the aerosol. In embodiments, the heating elements 216 may be operated simultaneously, or a subset or subsets of the heating elements 216 may be operated simultaneously. The heating elements 216 may be operated to provide progressive heating within a single use session. In other embodiments, the heating elements 216 may be operated to provide multiple use sessions from a single article 300. The heating elements 216 may be operated sequentially in an axial direction, in a circumferential direction or both. The heating elements 216 may be operated one at a time or in groups.

The support 218 defines a plurality of faces. At least one of the plurality of faces is substantially planar. In embodiments, one or more faces may be at least partially curved. In embodiments, all of the faces are planar. The support 218 defines three substantially planar faces. The support 218 is a triangular prism. In embodiments, the number of faces and the shape of the support 218 may differ. For example, the support 218 may define four faces and be a square or rectangular prism. The support 218 may define a curved face and a flat face and may be shaped as a circular segment prism.

In embodiments, the support 218 may comprise one or more axial air flow channels (not shown). The axial air flow channels may be formed as troughs or depressions in an outer surface of the support 218. The axial air flow channels may extend from the base end 204b of the heating member to the free end 204a of the heating member.

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional schematic plan view of the heating member 204 of the aerosol provision device 200 inserted in the bore 304 of the article 300. The cross-sectional shape of the bore 304 of the article 300 differs from the cross- sectional shape of the heating member 204. The plug 205 of the aerosol provision device 200 and the socket 306 of the article 300 define an air flow channel 310 between the article 300 and the heating member 204. Three air flow channels are defined between the plug 205 and the socket 306. In embodiments, the number of air flow channels 310 may differ. The air flow channels 310 extend in an axial direction. The air flow channels 310 extend from the base end 204b of the heating member 204 to the free end 204a of the heating member 204. The air flow channels 310 allow air to enter the article 300 and mix with aerosol generated by heating of the aerosolgenerating material.

The air flow channels 310 are separated from one another by axial contact regions between the article 310 and the heating member 204. This may allow aerosol generated from different portions of the aerosol-generating material 302 to remain separated, which may for example allow the user to experience different flavours, or multiple fresh draws of aerosol by preventing contamination of a fresh region of aerosol-generating material 302 with aromas from a used region of aerosol-generating material 302. The contact between the heating member 204 and the article 300 may divide the article into a plurality of portions of aerosol-generating material 302.

The bore 304 comprises a base 308. The base 308 defines an end of the bore 304. The base 308 is configured to abut the free end 204a of the heating member 204. In embodiments, the base 308 may not define the end of the bore 304. For example, the base 308 may be provided by a protrusion in the bore 304 such as a shelf, ledge or other feature. The length of the heating member 204 is greater than the length of the bore 304. This ensures that when the heating member 204 is fully inserted in the bore 304, a gap is defined between the boy 202 of the aerosol provision device 200 and the article 300. The gap is defined between the shoulder 206 of the aerosol provision device 200 and the article 300. This provides a space via which air flow may enter the air flow channel between the article 300 and heating member 204.

Returning to Figure 4, three heating elements 216 are provided on each face. In embodiments, one or more faces may be free of heating elements. The heating elements 216 are circumferentially distributed about the support 218. The plurality of heating elements 216 comprises a first heating element 216a at a first axial position on the support and a second heating element 216b at a second, different, axial position on the support 218. The plurality of heating elements 216 comprises a third heating element 216c at a third axial position on the support 218, different to the first and second axial positions. The first, second and third heating elements 216a, 216b, 216c are axially distributed on the support 216. Each face of the support 218 comprises a plurality of axially distributed heating elements 216. Each face of the support 218 comprises three axially distributed heating elements 216. In embodiments, the number or arrangement of heating elements may differ. For example, a single elongate heating element may be provided on each face, or a plurality of circumferentially extending heating elements may be axially distributed along the support 218.

The aerosol provision device 200 is configured to heat the heating elements 216 sequentially. The aerosol provision device 200 is configured to heat the heating elements 216 sequentially in an axial direction of the heating member 204. In embodiments, the aerosol provision device 200 is configured to heat the heating elements 216 sequentially in a circumferential direction of the heating member 204. For example, the three heating elements closest to the body may be heated initially, followed by three heating elements 216 disposed in an intermediate axial position, and finally by three heating elements disposed at a distal position of the support 218. This heating direction may be reversed. In another example, three axially distributed heating elements 216 on a first face of the support 218 are heated initially, followed by three heating elements 216 on a neighbouring, different face of the support and, optionally, followed by three heating elements 216 on a third face of the support 218.

The heating elements 216 are axially distributed along a length of the heating member 204. That is, each heating element 216 occupies a different position along the length of the heating member 204. In other embodiments, multiple heating elements 216 may be provided at the same axial position on the heating member 204. The heating elements occupy substantially the entire length of the heating member 204. For example, the heating elements may occupy more than 75%, more than 80%, or more than 90% of the length of the heating member 204.

The heating elements 216 are resistive heating elements. In embodiments (such as the aerosol provision system 500 of Figure 6), the heating assembly 214 is an inductive heating assembly. In embodiments, substantially any means of generating heat may be employed.

The aerosol provision device 200 comprises a first charging arrangement 220. The dock 400 comprises a second charging arrangement 430. The first charging arrangement 220 is configured to receive electrical power from the second charging arrangement 430 to charge the first power source 210 of the aerosol provision device 200. The first charging arrangement 220 is comprised in the heating member 204. The first charging arrangement 220 may comprise an inductive power receiver and/or an electrical contact. The use of an inductive power receiver in a heating member 204 protruding from a body 202 of the aerosol provision device provides a particularly 1 efficient spatial arrangement. Further, the heating member 204 may be surrounded by the dock 400 when received in the dock 400, enabling the inductive first charging arrangement 220 to be surrounded by an inductor coil of the dock 400 to provide particularly efficient power transfer between the aerosol provision device 200 and the dock 400.

The aerosol provision device 200 also includes a button assembly (not shown), which operates the device 200 when pressed. For example, a user may turn on the device 200 by operating the button assembly. The button assembly may be assembled as part of the other assemblies of the aerosol provision device.

The aerosol provision device 200 includes a dock sensor (not shown) for determining whether the aerosol provision device 200 is inserted in the dock 400. The dock sensor may comprise a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, a mechanical sensor such as a switch, an RFID reader or any other suitable sensor.

Referring again to Figure 1 , the dock 400 comprises a main body 406. A housing 408 surrounds and houses various components of the main body 406. The main body 406 defines ends of the dock 400. The main body 406 defines a proximal end 400a and a distal end 400b of the dock 400. The dock 400 is portable. That is, a shape, size and weight of the dock 400 are selected to facilitate easy transport of the dock 400. In embodiments, the dock 400 is water resistant or waterproof.

The dock 400 comprises an electrical component, such as a connector/port 410, which can receive a cable to charge the dock 400. For example, the connector 410 may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port. The electrical component is for connection to an external power supply such as a mains power supply. In some examples the connector 410 may be used additionally or alternatively to transfer data between the dock 400 and another device, such as a computing device.

The dock 400 comprises a second power source 412, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, a lithium battery (such as a lithium-ion battery), a nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), and an alkaline battery. The second power source 412 of the dock 400 is capable of storing more electrical power than the first power source 210 of the aerosol provision device 200. For example, the first power source 210 may be capable of storing sufficient electrical power for one use session of the aerosol provision device 200, and the second power source 412 of the dock 400 may be capable of storing sufficient electrical power for more than one usage session of the aerosol provision device 200, more than three such usage sessions, more than five such usage sessions or more than ten such usage sessions. It is envisaged that the dock 400 will be larger and heavier than the aerosol provision device 200.

The dock 400 comprises an electronics module 414. The electronics module 414 may comprise, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB may support at least one controller, such as a processor, and memory. The PCB may also comprise one or more electrical tracks to electrically connect together various electronic components of the dock 400. For example, the battery terminals may be electrically connected to the PCB so that power can be distributed throughout the dock 400.

The dock 400 comprises a receiving zone 402. The receiving zone 402 is defined in the main body 406. The receiving zone 402 is an elongate cavity extending into the main body 406. In other embodiments, the receiving zone 402 may be exterior to the main body 406. The receiving zone 402 is fully surrounded by the main body 406. In other embodiments, the receiving zone 402 may not be fully surrounded by the main body. The dock 400 comprises an opening 432 in the main body 406 communicating with the receiving zone 402. The opening 432 is disposed in the proximal end 400a of the dock 400. In embodiments, the opening 324 may be provided in a side surface of the dock 400.

The dock 400 comprises a receptacle 416 defining the receiving zone 402. The receptacle 416 seals the receiving zone 402 from an interior of the main body 406. The receptacle 416 is tubular and defines a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the receptacle 416 is open to the exterior of the dock 400. The distal end of the receptacle 416 is sealed. The housing 408 comprises an opening communicating with the receiving zone 402. The receptacle 416 is joined at an end to the housing 408 to provide a seal around the interior of the main body 406.

The receiving zone 402 has a cross-sectional shape which corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the heating member 204. The receiving zone 402 has a length which is the same as a length of the heating member 204. The heating member 204 and the receiving zone 402 define a plug and socket relationship. In embodiments, the receiving zone 402 is longer than the heating member 204. In embodiments, the receiving zone 402 may be of a different cross-sectional shape or size to the heating member 204, such that a gap is present between the receptacle 416 and the heating member 204 in use.

The dock 400 comprises a recess 418 configured to at least partially accommodate the body 202 of the aerosol provision device 200. The recess 418 is an annular space defined at a proximal end of the receptacle 416. In embodiments, the shape of the recess 418 may differ. The recess 418 is shaped to conform to at least part of the body 202. The recess 418 surrounds the opening. When the aerosol provision device 200 is inserted in the dock 400, a lower portion of the body 202 is received in the recess 418. This provides a more spatially compact arrangement.

The dock 400 comprises a retainer (not shown) for retaining the aerosol provision device 200 in the receiving zone 402. The retainer may comprise a magnet arranged to attract the aerosol provision device 200. The retainer may comprise a mechanical retainer such as a push fit between the aerosol provision device 200 and the dock 400, a screw thread arrangement between the aerosol provision device 200 and the dock 400 or a mechanical clip. In embodiments, the retainer may be omitted.

The dock 400 comprises a sensor configured to detect the presence of the aerosol provision device 200 in the dock 400. The sensor may comprise a magnetic sensor such as a Hall effect sensor, a mechanical sensor such as a switch, an optical sensor or any other suitable sensor.

The dock 400 comprises a data transfer module 420 configured to at least one of transmit and receive data from the aerosol provision device 200. The data transfer module 420 may be configured for wireless communication or may comprise an electrical contact for forming a wired connection with the aerosol provision device 200.

The dock 400 comprises a cleaning arrangement 422 configured to act on the aerosol provision device 200 when the aerosol provision device 200 is at least one of inserted into and removed from the dock 400. The cleaning arrangement 422 may comprise a brush and/or a scraper. The cleaning arrangement 422 is disposed within the receiving zone 402. The cleaning arrangement 422 is disposed proximal to the opening of the receiving zone 402. In embodiments, the dock 400 comprises a plurality of cleaning arrangements 422, such as one cleaning arrangement 422 configured to clean each face of the heating member 204. The dock 400 is configured to charge the aerosol provision device 200. The dock 400 comprises a second charging arrangement 430 configured to supply electrical power from the second power source 412 of the dock 400 to the first power source 210 of the aerosol provision device 200.

The second charging arrangement 430 comprises an electrical contact arranged to contact an electrical contact of the aerosol provision device 200. The electrical contact is disposed in the receiving zone 402. In this embodiment, the electrical contact is disposed at an end of the receiving zone 402, in a base of the receptacle 416. In other embodiments, the electrical contact may be provided in a side wall of the receptacle 416 or in the recess 418.

In embodiments, the second charging arrangement 430 comprises a wireless charging arrangement. The second charging arrangement 430 may comprise an inductor coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field for charging the first charging arrangement. The inductor coil may surround the receptacle 416. The inductor coil may be wound around the receptacle 416. The receptacle 416 may define a support for supporting the inductor coil.

It may be desirable to minimise the weight and size of the aerosol provision device 200, while still enabling a user to enjoy multiple successive usage sessions. The second power source 412 of the dock 400 allows the user to enjoy multiple successive usage sessions without needing to remain near a mains power outlet.

The dock 400 comprises an indicator 428 configured to indicate the charge status of the first power source 210 of the aerosol provision device 200, when inserted in the receiving zone 402. The indicator 428 is an LED indicator. In embodiments, any suitable indicator may be used.

Figure 6 shows another embodiment of an aerosol provision system 500. The aerosol provision system 500 comprises an aerosol provision device 600; an article 700 comprising aerosol-generating material 702 and an aerosol provision device charging dock (not shown). Any of the aerosol provision device charging docks described herein may be used, for example the aerosol provision device charging dock 400 of Figure 1. Except as described below, the aerosol provision system 500 is similar to the aerosol provision system 100 of Figure 1 and features described above may be used with those below. Reference numerals with the same final two digits to those used previously in relation to the aerosol provision system 100, aerosol provision device 200 and article 300 are used to represent equivalent features.

The aerosol provision system 500 comprises an inductive heating assembly and comprises various components to heat the aerosol-generating material of the article 700 via an inductive heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conducting object (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction.

A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrical ly-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrical ly-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

An inductive heating assembly may comprise an inductive element, for example, one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a varying electric current, such as an alternating electric current, through the inductive element. The varying electric current in the inductive element produces a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates a susceptor suitably positioned with respect to the inductive element, and generates eddy currents inside the susceptor. The susceptor has electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and hence the flow of the eddy currents against this resistance causes the susceptor to be heated by Joule heating. In cases where the susceptor comprises ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt, heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e. by the varying orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material as a result of their alignment with the varying magnetic field. In inductive heating, as compared to heating by conduction for example, heat is generated inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating. Further, there need not be any physical contact between the inductive element and the susceptor, allowing for enhanced freedom in construction and application.

The aerosol provision system 500 comprises an inductive heating assembly 620 and a susceptor 706. The inductive heating assembly 620 comprises an inductor coil 622. In embodiments, the number of inductor coils differs. In embodiments, two or more inductor coils are provided. The inductor coil 622 is made of litz wire. The inductive heating assembly 620 is comprised in the aerosol provision device 600. The inductive heating assembly 620 is comprised in the heating member 604. The support 618 is formed of a material not heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field. The inductor coil 622 may be wrapped around the support 618, embedded in the support 618, disposed in a cavity defined within the support 618 or joined to the support 618 in substantially any way.

In embodiments, the aerosol provision device 600 comprises an inductor coil 622 which is operable to receive electrical power to charge the first power source 610 and to generate a varying magnetic field to heat the susceptor 706. That is, the inductor coil 622 of the inductive heating assembly 620 may provide the charging arrangement of the aerosol provision device 600. This may provide a particularly spatially efficient arrangement.

The susceptor 706 is comprised in the article 700. The susceptor 706 is formed from an electrically conducting material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. The susceptor 706 in the present example is formed from a carbon steel. It will be understood that other suitable materials may be used, for example a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt. The susceptor 706 may comprise one or more of a foil, particles, mesh, lattice, filaments, and a solid body. The susceptor 706 is in contact with the aerosol-generating material 702 of the article 700. The susceptor 706 is embedded in the aerosol-generating material 702 of the article 700. This provides close thermal contact between the susceptor 706 and the aerosolgenerating material 702, which may lead to faster and/or more efficient generation of aerosol. In embodiments, the susceptor 706 is provided as a layer on the aerosolgenerating material 702. For example, the susceptor 706 could be provided as a coating on the surface of the bore 702 or on an outer surface of the article 700.

In other embodiments, the susceptor 706 is provided in the aerosol provision device 600. For example, the susceptor 706 may be comprised in the heating member 603. The aerosol provision device 600 may comprise one or both of thermal insulation and electrical insulation between the susceptor 706 and the inductor coil 620. In embodiments, both the aerosol provision device 600 and the article 700 may comprise a susceptor. In embodiments, the aerosol provision device 600 may comprise both resistive and inductive heating arrangements. For example, the aerosol provision device 600 may comprise resistive heating elements similar to the resistive heating elements 216 of the aerosol provision device 200 of Figure 1.

Figures 7, 9 and 10 show another embodiment of an aerosol provision system for generating aerosol from an aerosol generating material. Features of the embodiments described above are applicable to embodiments described below, and features of the embodiments described below are applicable to embodiments described above, and such features may be incorporated as such. The aerosol provision system comprises a first aerosol provision device 200, an article 300 comprising aerosol generating material 302 and an aerosol provision device charging dock 400 (referred to hereafter as the dock 400). In broad outline, the first aerosol provision device 200 may be used to heat the article 300 to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium which is inhaled by a user of the system 100. The first aerosol provision device 200 may be at least partially inserted in the dock 400 for charging. The first aerosol provision device 200 corresponds generally to the aerosol provision device described above.

As will be described in more detail below, the aerosol provision device 200 comprises a heating member 204 which is insertable into the article 300 and the dock 400. The dock 400 defines a first receiving zone 402 for receiving the heating member 204. The heating member 204 defines a plug and the first receiving zone 402 defines a socket for receiving the plug. In other embodiments, another part of the aerosol provision device 200 may be insertable into the dock 400 for charging, or the entire aerosol provision device 200 may be insertable into the dock for charging.

The system 100 comprises a second aerosol provision device 200. The second aerosol provision device 200 may be used to heat the article 300 to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium which is inhaled by a user of the system 100. The second aerosol provision device 200 may be at least partially inserted in the dock 400 for charging. The second aerosol provision device comprises a heating member 204 which is insertable into the article 300 and the dock 400. The dock 400 defines a second receiving zone 404 for receiving the heating member 204. The heating member 204 defines a plug and the second receiving zone 404 defines a socket for receiving the plug. The second aerosol provision device 200 is interchangeable with the first aerosol provision device 200. As used herein, the term interchangeable refers to components which may be exchanged with one another without prejudice to the operation of the aerosol provision system 100 as a whole. For example, in the embodiment of Figure 7, the heating members 204 of the first and second aerosol provision devices 200 have the same external profile and, enabling either of the first and second aerosol provision devices 200 to be inserted in each of the first receiving zone 402 and the second receiving zone.

In the embodiment of Figure 7, the second aerosol provision device 200 has an identical configuration to the first aerosol provision device 200. In other embodiments, the second aerosol provision device 200 may differ from the first aerosol provision device 200, while remaining interchangeable with the first aerosol provision device 200. For example, the first and second aerosol provision devices may have complimentary docking configurations. In embodiments, internal features and/or features of the body 202 of the second aerosol provision device 200 may differ from such features of the first aerosol provision device 200, while the external profiles of the heating members 204 of the first and second aerosol provision devices may remain identical. For example, the system 100 may comprise the aerosol provision device 200 of Figure 8 (described below) and the aerosol provision device 600 of Figure 11 (described below).

In other embodiments, the first and second aerosol provision device may not be interchangeable. For example, the first receiving zone 402 may differ from the second receiving zone 404 in at least one spatial aspect, such as by having a different profile and/or length.

The article 300 comprises aerosol generating material 302. The article 300 may also comprise other components such as a filter, wrapping materials and/or a cooling structure.

The article 300 is disposable and replaceable. In other embodiments, the article 300 is re-usable.

The article 300 may be a single use article. In other embodiments, the article

300 may comprise enough aerosol generating material to provide multiple use sessions. The article 300 defines a bore 304 acting as a receiving arrangement. The bore 304 is for receiving the heating member 204 of the first or second aerosol provision device 200. In other embodiments the bore 304 may be omitted. That is, the article 300 may free from a bore. The article 300 may be substantially solid.

As described above, the aerosol provision system 100 comprises two aerosol provision devices 200. In this embodiment, the aerosol provision devices 200 are identical, and so the description will proceed by reference to a single aerosol provision device and the first receiving zone 402.

Figure 8 shows the aerosol provision device 200 in greater detail.

The aerosol provision device 200 comprises a body 202 and a heating member 204.

A housing 208 surrounds and houses various components of the body 202.

The aerosol provision device 200 comprises a power source 210, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, a lithium battery (such as a lithium-ion battery), a nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), and an alkaline battery. The power source 210 may alternatively or additionally comprise a capacitor. The power source 210 is provided in the body 202.

The heating member 204 protrudes beyond the body 202. The heating member 204 defines a longitudinal axis X (refer to Figures 8 and 11). The heating member 204 is free from overlap with any other part of the aerosol provision device 200 in the axial direction of the aerosol provision device 200. The heating member 204 is not surrounded by any other part of the aerosol provision device 200.

The body 202 defines a shoulder 206 relative to the heating member 204. The shoulder 206 acts as a stop to limit insertion of the aerosol provision device 200 into the dock 400. The body 202 is configured to at least partially protrude from the dock 400 when the heating member 204 is at least partially received in the first receiving zone 402. That is, when the heating member 204 is inserted as far as possible into the first receiving zone 402, the body 202 partially protrudes from the dock 400. This allows a user to grip the body 202 to extract the aerosol provision device 200 from the dock 400. No further ejection mechanism is therefore necessary.

In other embodiments, the first receiving zone 402 and aerosol provision device may be arranged so that the aerosol provision device 200 is flush with or retracted from a surface of the dock 400 when fully inserted in the first receiving zone 402. That is, the first receiving zone 402 may be configured to fully accommodate the aerosol provision device 200. In such embodiments, an ejection mechanism may be provided to enable the user to remove the aerosol provision device 200 from the dock 400. For example, a spring mechanism such as a push-click mechanism may be provided, or an actuator may be provided on the dock 400 which the user may use to remove the aerosol provision device 200.

The heating member 204 is for insertion in the article 300. The heating member 204 is for insertion in the bore 304 of the article 300. The heating member 204 is shaped and sized to fit in the bore 304. That is, the external profile of the heating member 204 matches the internal profile of the bore 304. This ensures close proximity of the heating member 204, to the aerosol generating material 302, which provides more efficient heating of the aerosol generating material 302. The heating member 204 is blunt. The presence of a bore 304 permits the use of a relatively thick, blunt heating member 204. This may provide more even heating of the aerosol generating material, and/or faster heating of the aerosol generating material or the heating of a larger quantity of aerosol generating material. In other embodiments, the heating member 204 may be a blade or pin which is pushed into the article. In such embodiments, the bore may be omitted and the article may be solid. This may provide a more compact arrangement.

The heating member 204 comprises a heating assembly 214. The heating assembly 214 is operable to heat the aerosol generating material 302 of the article 300 in use. The heating assembly 214 is connected to the power source 210. The heating assembly 214 is connected to the power source 210 via the electronics module 212. The electronics module 212 controls operation of the heating assembly 214. The heating member 204 comprises a support 218. The support supports the heating assembly 214.

The heating assembly 214 comprises three heating elements 216. In other embodiments, the number of heating elements 216 may differ. For example, the heating assembly may comprise a single heating element 216, two heating elements 216, or as many as ten or more heating elements 216.

In use, heat is transferred from the heating elements 216 to the aerosol generating material 302 of the article 300. The heating elements 216 are independently operable. The heating elements may be operated sequentially. The heating elements 216 may be operated to provide progressive heating. That is, the heating elements may be activated at different times depending on their axial position in the heating member 204. In other embodiments, the heating elements 216 may be operated simultaneously, or a subset or subsets of the heating elements 216 may be operated simultaneously. The heating elements 216 may be operated to provide progressive heating within a single use session. In other embodiments, the heating elements 216 may be operated to provide multiple use sessions from a single article 300.

The heating elements 216 are resistive heating elements. In other embodiments (such as the aerosol provision system 500 of Figures 6 and 11), the heating assembly 214 is an inductive heating assembly. In other embodiments, substantially any means of generating heat may be employed.

The aerosol provision device 200 comprises a power receiving arrangement (not shown). The power receiving arrangement is arranged to receive electrical power from a charging arrangement of the dock 400 to charge the power source 210 of the aerosol provision device 200. The power receiving arrangement is comprised in the heating member 204. The power receiving arrangement may comprise a wired connection such as an electrical contact or a wireless connection such as an inductive power receiver. The use of an inductive power receiver in a heating member 204 protruding from a body 202 of the aerosol provision device provides a particularly efficient spatial arrangement. Further, the heating member 204 may be surrounded by the dock 400 when received in the dock 400, enabling the inductive power receiving arrangement to be surrounded by an inductor coil of the dock 400 to provide particularly efficient power transfer between the aerosol provision device 200 and the dock 400.

The aerosol provision device 200 includes a dock sensor (not shown) for determining whether the aerosol provision device is inserted in the dock 400. The dock sensor may comprise a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, a mechanical sensor such as a switch, an RFID reader or any other suitable sensor.

Referring again to Figure 7, the dock 400 comprises a main body 406. A housing 408 surrounds and houses various components of the main body 406. The main body 406 defines ends of the dock 400. The main body 406 defines a proximal end 400a and a distal end 400b of the dock 400. The dock 400 is portable. That is, a shape, size and weight of the dock 400 are selected to facilitate easy transport of the dock 400.

The dock 400 comprises a power source 412, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, a lithium battery (such as a lithium-ion battery), a nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), and an alkaline battery. The power source 412 of the dock 400 is capable of storing more electrical power than the power source 210 of the aerosol provision device 200. For example, the power source 210 may be capable of storing sufficient electrical power for one use session of the aerosol provision device 200, and the power source 412 of the dock 400 may be capable of storing sufficient electrical power for more than one usage session of the aerosol provision device 200, more than three such usage sessions, more than five such usage sessions or more than ten such usage sessions. It is envisaged that the dock 400 will be larger and heavier than the aerosol provision device 200.

The dock 400 comprises a first receiving zone 402 and a second receiving zone 404. The first and second receiving zones 402, 404 are identical, so the description will proceed by reference to the first receiving zone 402. In other embodiments, the second receiving zone may differ from the first receiving zone. For example, the second receiving zone 404 may have a different cross-sectional shape or length to the first receiving zone 402.

The first and second receiving zones 402, 404 are separate. That is, they are not continuous. A portion of the main body 406 divides the first receiving zone 402 from the second receiving zone 404. In other embodiments, the first and second receiving zones 402, 404 may be provided as portions of a continuous volume. That is, the first and second receiving zones 402, 404 may not be separate or divided.

The first receiving zone 402 is defined in the main body 406. The first receiving zone 402 is an elongate cavity extending into the main body 406. In other embodiments, the first receiving zone 402 may be exterior to the main body 406. The first receiving zone 402 is fully surrounded by the main body 406. In other embodiments, the first receiving zone 402 may not be fully surrounded by the main body.

The dock 400 comprises a first receptacle 416 defining the first receiving zone

402. The first receptacle 416 seals the first receiving zone 402 from an interior of the main body 406. The receptacle 416 is tubular and defines a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the receptacle 416 is open to the exterior of the dock 400. The distal end of the receptacle 416 is sealed. The housing 408 comprises an opening communicating with the first receiving zone 402. The receptacle 416 is joined at an end to the housing 408 to provide a seal around the interior of the main body 406.

The first receiving zone 402 has a cross-sectional shape which corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the heating member 204. The first receiving zone 402 has a length which is the same as a length of the heating member 204. The heating member 204 and the first receiving zone 402 define a plug and socket relationship. In embodiments, the first receiving zone 402 is longer than the heating member 204. In embodiments, the first receiving zone 402 may be of a different cross-sectional shape or size to the heating member 204, such that a gap is present between the first receptacle 416 and the heating member 204 in use.

In this embodiment, both the first receiving zone 402 and the second receiving zone 404 are disposed in the proximal end 400a of the dock 400. In other embodiments, they may be provided at different ends of the dock 400 or in a side surface of the dock 400.

The dock 400 comprises a recess 418 configured to at least partially accommodate the body 202 of the aerosol provision device 200. The recess 418 is an annular space defined at a proximal end of the first receptacle 416. The recess 418 surrounds the opening. When the aerosol provision device 200 is inserted in the dock 400, a lower portion of the body 202 is received in the recess 418. This provides a more spatially compact arrangement.

The dock 400 comprises a retainer (not shown) for retaining the aerosol provision device 200 in the first receiving zone 402. The retainer may comprise a magnet arranged to attract the aerosol provision device 200. The retainer may comprise a mechanical retainer such as a push fit between the aerosol provision device 200 and the dock 400, a screw thread arrangement between the aerosol provision device 200 and the dock 400 or a mechanical clip.

The dock 400 comprises a sensor arranged to detect the presence of the aerosol provision device 200 in the dock 400. The sensor may comprise a magnetic sensor such as a Hall effect sensor, an optical sensor, a mechanical sensor such as a switch or button, an optical sensor or any other suitable sensor. The dock 400 comprises a data transfer module 420 configured to at least one of transmit and receive data from the aerosol provision device 200. In this embodiment, the dock 400 comprises a single data transfer module 420 configured to transmit and receive data from both aerosol provision devices 200, concurrently or alternately. In other embodiments, the dock 400 may comprise a first data transfer module configured to transmit and receive data from the first aerosol provision device 200 and a second data transfer module configured to transmit and receive data from the second aerosol provision device 200. The data transfer module 420 may be configured for wireless communication or may comprise an electrical contact for forming a wired connection with the or each aerosol provision device 200.

The dock 400 comprises a cleaning arrangement 422 configured to act on the aerosol provision device 200 when the aerosol provision device 200 is at least one of inserted into and removed from the dock 400. The cleaning arrangement 422 may comprise a brush and/or a scraper. The cleaning arrangement 422 is disposed within the first receiving zone 402. The cleaning arrangement 422 is disposed proximal to the opening of the first receiving zone 402. An identical cleaning arrangement 422 is provided in the second receiving zone 404.

Features described above in relation to the first receiving zone 402 and the first aerosol provision device 200 are also applicable to the second receiving zone 404 and the second aerosol provision device 200.

The dock 400 is configured to charge the first and second aerosol provision devices 200. The dock 400 comprises a first charger 424 acting as a first charging configuration arranged to supply electrical power from the power source 412 of the dock 400 to the power source 210 of the first aerosol provision device 200. The dock 400 comprises a second charger 426, acting as a second charging configuration arranged to supply electrical power from the power source 412 of the dock 400 to the power source 210 of the second aerosol provision device 200. The second charger 426 is similar to the first charger 424.

The first charger 424 comprises a dock electrical contact arrangement arranged to contact a device electrical contact arrangement of the aerosol provision device 200. The electrical contact arrangement is disposed in the first receiving zone 402. In this embodiment, the electrical contact arrangement is disposed at an end of the first receiving zone 402, in a base of the first receptacle 416. In other embodiments, the electrical contact arrangement may be provided in a side wall of the first receptacle 416 or in the recess 418. In other embodiments, the first charger 424 comprises a wireless charger, such as an inductor coil.

It may be desirable to minimise the weight and size of the aerosol provision device 200, while still enabling a user to enjoy multiple successive usage sessions. The power source 412 of the dock 400 allows the user to enjoy multiple successive usage sessions without needing to remain near a mains power outlet. Further, it may be desirable to enable a user to enjoy two or more successive usage sessions in quick succession. That is, a user may not wish to wait for the aerosol provision device 200 to recharge before starting another usage session. The provision of a dock with two receiving zones enables the user to keep two aerosol provision devices 200 charged and ready for use, to allow back-to-back usage sessions.

The dock 400 of the present invention is not limited to two receiving zones, nor is the aerosol provision system limited to two aerosol provision devices. In embodiments, a greater number of receiving zones and aerosol provision devices may be provided to enable a greater number of back-to-back usage sessions.

In a first mode of operation, the dock 400 is configured to simultaneously supply power to the first aerosol provision device 200 and the second aerosol provision device 200. In a second mode of operation, the dock 400 is configured to alternatively supply power to the first aerosol provision device 200 and the second aerosol provision device 200. In the second mode, the dock 200 is configured to supply power to one of the first aerosol provision device 200 and the second aerosol provision device 200 whilst the other of the first aerosol provision device 200 and the second aerosol provision device 200 is absent from the dock 400.

The dock 400 is arranged to charge one of the first aerosol provision device 200 and the second aerosol provision device 200 sufficient for a usage session in the time required for a usage session of the other of the first aerosol provision 200 device and the second aerosol provision device 200. When the user finishes a first usage session, the first aerosol provision device 200 may be depleted of charge. The user may then replace the first aerosol provision device 200 in the dock 400 and remove the second aerosol provision device 200 to immediately enjoy a second usage session, without waiting for an aerosol provision device to charge. Once the second usage session is complete, the second aerosol provision device 200 may be depleted, but the first aerosol provision device 200 may be fully charged, or a at least charged sufficiently for a third usage session. The user may then replace the depleted second aerosol provision device 200 in the dock 400 and remove the recharged first aerosol provision device 200 from the dock 400 to begin a third usage session. This process may be repeated indefinitely, so long as the power source 412 of the dock 400 is depleted.

A usage session may last between one minute and ten minutes, between one minute and seven minutes, between two minutes and 6 minutes or between 3 minutes and five minutes.

The dock 400 comprises an indicator 428 arranged to indicate the charge status of the power source 210 of the aerosol provision device 200, when inserted in the first receiving zone 402. The dock 400 comprises a second indicator 428 arranged to indicate the charge status of the power source 210 of the aerosol provision device 200, when inserted in the second receiving zone 404. The indicators 428 are LED indicators. In other embodiments, any suitable indicator may be used.

Figure 11 shows another embodiment of an aerosol provision system 500. Reference numerals with the same final two digits to those used previously in relation to the aerosol provision system 100, aerosol provision device 200 and article 300 are used to represent equivalent features.

The aerosol provision system 500 comprises an aerosol provision device 600 and an article 700 comprising aerosol generating material 702. The aerosol provision system 500 comprises an aerosol provision device charging dock (not shown). Any of the aerosol provision device charging docks described herein may be used, for example the aerosol provision device charging dock 400 of Figure 7. Except as described below, the aerosol provision system 500 is similar to the aerosol provision system 100 of Figure 7 and features described above may be used with those below.

The aerosol provision system 500 comprises an inductive heating assembly and comprises various components to heat the aerosol generating material of the article 700 via an inductive heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conducting object (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction.

The aerosol provision system 500 comprises an inductive heating assembly 620 and a susceptor 706.

The inductive heating assembly 620 comprises an inductor coil. In embodiments, the number of inductor coils differs. In embodiments, two or more inductor coils are provided. The inductor coil 620 is made of litz wire. The inductive heating assembly 620 is comprised in the aerosol provision device 600. The inductive heating assembly 620 is comprised in the heating member 604. The support 618 is formed of a material not heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field. The inductor coil 620 may be wrapped around the support 618 or embedded in the support 618. The susceptor 706 is comprised in article 700. The susceptor 706 is formed from an electrically conducting material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. The susceptor 706 in the present example is formed from a carbon steel. It will be understood that other suitable materials may be used, for example a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt. The susceptor 706 may comprise one or more of a foil, particles, mesh, lattice, filaments, and a solid body.

In other embodiments, the susceptor 706 is provided in the aerosol provision device 600. For example, the susceptor 706 may be comprised in the heating member 603. The aerosol provision device 600 may comprise a thermal and/or electrical insulating member between the susceptor 706 and the inductor coil 620.

In embodiments, both the aerosol provision device 600 and the article 700 may comprise a susceptor. In embodiments, the aerosol provision device 600 may comprise both resistive and inductive heating arrangements. For example, the aerosol provision device 600 may comprise resistive heating elements similar to the resistive heating elements 216 of the aerosol provision device 200 of Figure 7.

In embodiments, the inductor coil is operable as a charging coil for the power source 610 of the aerosol provision device 600. In embodiments, the inductor coil is operable to receive electrical power from the first or second charger of the dock. In such embodiments, at least one of the first and second chargers of the dock comprises an inductor coil.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

1. An aerosol provision system, comprising: an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising a heating member defining a plug; and an aerosol provision device charging dock comprising a receptacle defining a socket configured to receive the plug and comprising a dock power source operable to provide power to the aerosol provision device when the plug is received in the socket.

2. The aerosol provision system of claim 1 , wherein the aerosol provision device comprises a device power source and a device charging arrangement operable to receive electrical power from the aerosol provision device charging dock to charge the device power source.

3. The aerosol provision system of claim 2, wherein the heating member comprises at least a portion of the device charging arrangement.

4. The aerosol provision system of claim 2 or 3, wherein the device charging arrangement comprises at least one of a device electrical contact arrangement and a device inductor coil.

5. The aerosol provision system of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the aerosol provision device charging dock comprises a dock charging arrangement operable to supply power from the dock power source to the aerosol provision device.

6. The aerosol provision system of any of claims 1 to 5, comprising an article comprising aerosol-generating material.

7. The aerosol provision system of claim 6, wherein the socket is a first socket and the article defines a second socket, the heating member defining the plug being configured to be received in the second socket.

8. The aerosol provision system of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the aerosol provision device charging dock comprises a further receptacle defining a further socket configured to receive the plug and a dock power source operable to provide power to the aerosol provision device when the plug is received in the further socket.

9. An aerosol provision device charging dock comprising: a receptacle defining a socket configured to receive a heating member defining a plug; and a dock power source operable to provide power to the aerosol provision device when the plug is received in the socket.

10. An aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol generating material, the device comprising a heating member defining a plug configured to be received in a socket of an aerosol provision device charging dock.

11. The aerosol provision device of claim 9, wherein the device comprises a body and the heating member projects from the body.

12. The aerosol provision device of claim 11, wherein the body is configured to project from the socket of the aerosol provision device charging dock when the heating member defining the plug is received in the socket of the aerosol provision device charging dock.

13. An article comprising aerosol-generating material for use in the aerosol provision system of any of claims 1 to 8.

14. A method of controlling an aerosol provision device comprising a heating member, the heating member defining a plug, the method comprising: causing the aerosol provision device to receive power from an aerosol provision device charging dock when the plug is received in a first socket defined by the aerosol provision device charging dock; and causing the aerosol provision device to provide power to the heating member to heat an aerosol generating material when the plug is received in a second socket defined by an article comprising the aerosol generating material.

15. A computer readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the device to perform the method according to claim

16. An aerosol provision device configured to perform the method according to claim 14 and/or comprising a processor and the computer readable storage medium according to claim 15.

17. An aerosol provision system, comprising: an aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material, the aerosol provision device comprising a heating member defining a plug; and an article comprising the aerosol-generating material and a bore defining a socket for receiving the plug, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the bore differs from the cross-sectional shape of the heating member.

18. The aerosol provision system of claim 17, wherein the plug and socket are configured to define an airflow channel between the article and the heating member.

19. An aerosol provision device charging dock comprising: a first receiving zone configured to receive at least a portion of a first aerosol provision device; and a second receiving zone configured to receive at least a portion of a second aerosol provision device; wherein the aerosol provision device charging dock is configured to supply power to the first aerosol provision device; and wherein the aerosol provision device charging dock is configured to supply power to the second aerosol provision device.