WO2025056560A1

WO2025056560A1 - Aerosol provision system

Info

Publication number: WO2025056560A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/075275
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Potter; Steven Schennum; Daniel Rennecker; Matthew Nettenstrom; Thomas Mckeon
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2023-09-12
Filing date: 2024-09-10
Publication date: 2025-03-20
Anticipated expiration: 2026-03-12

Abstract

An aerosol provision system (100), article (300) and aerosol provision device (200) are provided. The device has an electrical connector (232) which has a plurality of connector electrical contacts (232a-e) for supplying power to the article. Each of the connector electrical contacts engages a corresponding article electrical contact (360a-e) when the article is fully inserted into an article receiving portion (206) of the aerosol provision device. The article receiving portion has a receiving axis along which the article is inserted. The connector electrical contacts are spaced from one another relative to the receiving axis such that when the article is inserted into the article receiving portion, at least one connector electrical contact (232e) does not touch the other article electrical contacts before engaging its corresponding article electrical contact (360e) when the article is fully inserted into the receiving portion.

Description

AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an article for an aerosol provision device. The present invention also relates to an aerosol provision device, an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device and an article.

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 by creating products that release compounds without combusting. Examples of such products are so-called “heat not burn” products or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating, but not burning, material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

Aerosol provision systems, which cover the aforementioned devices or products, are known. Common systems use heaters to create an aerosol from a suitable medium which is then inhaled by a user. Often the medium used needs to be replaced or changed to provide a different aerosol for inhalation. It is known to use resistive heating systems as heaters to create an aerosol from a suitable medium.

Summary

According to an aspect there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising: an article for an aerosol provision device comprising: an aerosol generating material and a resistive heating arrangement comprising one or more resistive heating elements configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol; and a plurality of article electrical contacts providing an electrical connection to the one or more resistive heating elements; wherein the system further comprises: an aerosol provision device comprising: an article receiving portion comprising a cavity into which the article is inserted during use, wherein the cavity has a receiving axis along which the article is inserted into the cavity; and an electrical connector for supplying power to an article received by the article receiving portion, the electrical connector comprising: a plurality of connector electrical contacts, each of the connector electrical contacts arranged to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of article electrical contacts when the article is fully inserted into the article receiving portion; wherein the plurality of article electrical contacts are each spaced from one another in a direction parallel to an insertion axis of the article, wherein the insertion axis extends in a direction along which the article is inserted into the article receiving portion of the aerosol provision device; wherein the plurality of connector electrical contacts are spaced from one another in a direction parallel to the receiving axis of the article receiving portion; and wherein the plurality of connector electrical contacts are dimensioned such that as the article is inserted into the article receiving portion, at least one of the plurality of connector electrical contacts passes over at least one of the article electrical contacts without touching the at least one of the article electrical contacts before engaging its corresponding article electrical contact when the article is fully inserted into the receiving portion.

According to an aspect there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: an article receiving portion comprising a cavity into which an article is inserted during use, the article comprising an aerosol generating material, a resistive heating arrangement comprising one or more resistive heating elements configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol, and a plurality of article electrical contacts providing an electrical connection to the one or more heating elements, wherein the cavity has a receiving axis along which the article is inserted into the cavity; and an electrical connector for supplying power to an article received by the article receiving portion, the electrical connector comprising: a plurality of connector electrical contacts, each of the connector electrical contacts arranged to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of article electrical contacts when the article is fully inserted into the article receiving portion; wherein the plurality of connector electrical contacts are spaced from one another in a direction parallel to the receiving axis of the article receiving portion; and wherein the plurality of connector electrical contacts are dimensioned such that when the article is inserted into the article receiving portion, at least one of the plurality of connector electrical contacts passes over at least one of the article electrical contacts without touching the at least one of the article electrical contacts before engaging its corresponding article electrical contact when the article is fully inserted into the receiving portion.

According to an aspect there is provided an article for an aerosol provision device comprising: an aerosol generating material and a resistive heating arrangement comprising one or more resistive heating elements configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol; and a plurality of article electrical contacts providing an electrical connection to the one or more resistive heating elements; wherein the plurality of article electrical contacts are each spaced from one another in a direction parallel to an insertion axis of the article, wherein the insertion axis extends in a direction along which the article is inserted into an article receiving portion of an aerosol provision device; and wherein the plurality of article electrical contacts each comprise an exposed electrically conductive element surrounded by an electrically insulating element, and wherein the exposed electrically conductive elements are dimensioned such that as the article is inserted into the article receiving portion, at least one of the plurality of article electrical contacts passes a first connector electrical contact, on the aerosol provision device, without the connector electrical contact touching the electrically conductive element of the article electrical contact, before reaching a position at which the electrically conductive element of the article electrical contact engages a further connector electrical contact when the article is fully inserted into the receiving portion. The plurality of article electrical contacts and the plurality connector electrical contacts may be arranged in a straight line extending parallel to the insertion axis and receiving axis respectively.

The plurality of article electrical contacts may comprise a first set of article electrical contacts arranged in a first straight line extending along the insertion axis and a second set of article electrical contacts arranged in a second straight line, spaced from the first line and extending parallel to the insertion axis, and wherein the plurality of connector electrical contacts comprise a first set of connector electrical contacts arranged in a third straight line extending parallel to the receiving axis and a second set of electrical contacts arranged in a fourth straight line, spaced from the third straight line, and extending parallel to the receiving axis.

The cavity of the article receiving portion may comprise an opening into which the article is inserted, and the width of each connector electrical contact may increase or decrease in a direction towards the opening.

The article may comprise a distal end which is inserted into the cavity, and the width of the article electrical contacts may decrease or increase in a direction away from the distal end. The plurality of article electrical contacts may be arranged on the same face/side of the article. The plurality of connector electrical contacts may be arranged on the same face/side on/within the device.

According to an aspect there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising: an article comprising: an aerosol generating material and a resistive heating arrangement comprising one or more resistive heating elements configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol; and at least a first article electrical contact and a second article electrical contact providing an electrical connection to the one or more resistive heating elements; wherein the system further comprises an aerosol provision device comprising: an article receiving portion comprising a cavity into which the article is inserted during use, wherein the cavity has a receiving axis along which the article is inserted into the cavity; and an electrical connector for supplying power to an article received by the article receiving portion, the electrical connector comprising: a first connector electrical contact arranged to engage the first article electrical contact when the article is fully inserted into the article receiving portion; and a second connector electrical contact configured to engage the second article electrical contact when the article is fully inserted into the article receiving portion; wherein the article has an insertion axis which extends in a direction parallel to the direction in which the article is inserted into the article receiving portion, and wherein the first and second article electrical contacts are spaced from one another in a direction perpendicular to, or around, the insertion axis; and wherein the first and second connector electrical contacts are spaced from one another in a direction perpendicular to, or around, the receiving axis such that as the article is inserted into the article receiving portion the first device electrical contact does not touch the second article electrical contact and the second device electrical contact does not touch the first article electrical contact.

According to an aspect there is provided an article for an aerosol provision device, the article comprising: an aerosol generating material and a resistive heating arrangement comprising one or more resistive heating elements configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol; and at least a first article electrical contact and a second article electrical contact providing an electrical connection to the one or more resistive heating elements; wherein the article is configured to be received, in use, in an article receiving portion of the aerosol provision device, the article receiving portion comprising a cavity into which the article is inserted during use and an electrical connector comprising a first connector electrical contact arranged to engage the first article electrical contact a second connector electrical contact configured to engage the second article electrical contact when the article is fully inserted into the article receiving portion; wherein the article has an insertion axis which extends in a direction parallel to the direction in which the article is inserted into the article receiving portion, and wherein the first and second article electrical contacts are spaced from one another in a direction perpendicular to, or around, the insertion axis, such that when the article is inserted into the article receiving portion the first device electrical contact does not touch the second article electrical contact and the second device electrical contact does not touch the first article electrical contact.

According to an aspect there is provided an aerosol provision device, the aerosol provision device comprising: an article receiving portion comprising a cavity into which an article is inserted during use, the article comprising an aerosol generating material, a resistive heating arrangement comprising one or more resistive heating elements configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol, and a plurality of article electrical contacts providing an electrical connection to the one or more resistive heating elements, wherein the cavity has a receiving axis along which the article is inserted into the cavity: the aerosol provision device further comprising: an electrical connector for supplying power to the article received by the article receiving portion, the electrical connector comprising: a first connector electrical contact arranged to engage a first article electrical contact of the article when the article is fully inserted into the article receiving portion; and a second connector electrical contact configured to engage a second article electrical contact when the article is fully inserted into the article receiving portion; wherein the first and second connector electrical contacts are spaced from one another in a direction perpendicular to, or around, the receiving axis such that when an article is inserted into the article receiving portion the first device electrical contact does not touch the second article electrical contact and the second device electrical contact does not touch the first article electrical contact.

The first and second connector electrical contacts and/or the first and second article electrical contacts may be spaced along the length of the receiving and/or insertion axis respectively. For example, the first and second electrical contacts and/or the first and second article electrical contacts may be spaced axially along the insertion axis and/or axially along the receiving axis.

The article and aerosol provision device of the aerosol provision system may further comprise: a plurality of further article electrical contacts, wherein each of the article electrical contacts is spaced from each of the other article electrical contacts in a direction perpendicular to or around the insertion axis, and optionally wherein the each of the article electrical contacts are spaced along a direction parallel to the insertion axis; and a plurality of further connector electrical contacts, wherein each of the connector electrical contacts are spaced from other of the connector electrical contacts in a direction perpendicular to or around the receiving axis, and optionally where each of the connector electrical contacts are spaced along a direction parallel to the receiving axis.

The first and second article electrical contacts and/or the plurality of further article electrical contacts may be arranged on the same face and/or side of the article.

Similarly, the first and second connector electrical contacts and/or the plurality of further connector electrical contacts may be arranged on the same face and/or side on/within the device.

At least one of the connector electrical contacts, e.g. the first, second, or any other connector electrical contacts, may comprise a roller ball contact. The roller ball contact may comprise a ball component configured to rotate within a corresponding socket component, wherein at least the outer surface of the ball component comprises an electrically conductive material, and the outer surface of the ball is configured to touch a corresponding article electrical contact when the article is fully inserted into the article receiving portion of the device. According to an aspect there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: an article receiving portion comprising a cavity shaped to receive an article, during use, wherein the article comprises an aerosol generating material, a resistive heating arrangement comprising one or more resistive heating elements configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol, and a plurality of article electrical contacts providing an electrical connection to the one or more resistive heating elements; wherein the aerosol provision device further comprises: an electrical connector for supplying power to the article received by the article receiving portion, the electrical connector comprising: a plurality of connector electrical contacts; wherein each connector electrical contact is arranged to engage with a corresponding article electrical contact when the article is fully inserted into the article receiving portion; and wherein at least one of the plurality of connector electrical contacts comprises a roller ball contact comprising a ball component configured to rotate within a corresponding socket component, wherein at least the outer surface of the ball component comprises an electrically conductive material, and the outer surface of the ball is configured to touch a corresponding article electrical contact when the article is fully inserted into the article receiving portion.

The ball component may be resiliently biased into the socket. The aerosol provision device may further comprise a spring element which resiliently biases the ball component into the socket.

The spring element may be electrically conductive and provide an electrical connection between the ball component and a further electrical component of the aerosol provision device. The socket component may be electrically conductive and provide an electrical connection between the ball component and a further electrical component of the aerosol provision device.

The socket component may retain the ball component. The further electrical component may comprise a power supply arrangement.

The power supply arrangement may comprise a controller and a power supply, e.g. a battery.

At least one further connector electrical contact may comprise a roller ball contact comprising a ball component configured to rotate within a corresponding socket component, wherein at least the outer surface of the ball component comprises an electrically conductive material, and the outer surface of the ball is configured to touch a further corresponding article electrical contact when the article is fully inserted into the article receiving portion.

The article and/or the article receiving portion may be elongate or square. The article and article receiving portion may have a cylindrical or rectangular cross section perpendicular to the insertion or receiving axis respectively.

The connector electrical contacts or first and second connector electrical contacts may comprise at least one of leaf springs, resiliently biased pins or roller ball contacts.

At least one of the connector electrical contacts may comprise a leaf spring, and wherein the leaf spring comprises an angled portion which engages the article as it is inserted into the article receiving portion, wherein the article is inserted along a receiving axis. An angle between the receiving axis and the angled portion may be no more than 45°, e.g. no more than 35°, e.g. no more than 30°.

The connector electrical contacts may apply a force to both sides of the article when/as the article is inserted into the article receiving portion.

The connector electrical contacts may comprise a first connector electrical contact and a second electrical contact, wherein the first connector electrical contact is arranged to act on a first side of the article and the second connector electrical contact is arranged to act on a second, opposite, side of the article. The article may comprise an outer layer which is not electrically conductive, and the article electrical contacts may be exposed to the exterior of the article through at least one opening, e.g. a plurality of openings, in the outer layer.

The outer layer may wrap around the exterior surface of the article. As the article is inserted into the article receiving portion, at least one of the connector electrical contacts may press against an outer layer of the article before coming into engagement with its respective article electrical contact when the article is fully inserted into the article receiving portion.

The article electrical contacts and the connector electrical contacts may be configured such that when article is being inserted into the article receiving portion, but not yet fully inserted, each connector electrical contact only touches an outer surface of the article.

The aerosol generating material may comprise an aerosol generating layer.

The heating arrangement may comprise an electrically conductive layer formed into the one or more heating elements.

At least a portion of the electrically conductive layer may form one or more of the one or more resistive heating elements configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol.

The electrically conductive layer may further comprise electrical tracks extending from one or more of the resistive heating elements. The electrical tracks may extend to or provide the article electrical contacts.

The resistive heating arrangement may comprise a plurality of resistive heating elements arranged to each heat a different portion of the aerosol generating material.

In an embodiment of any of the above, an exterior of the article has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a depth perpendicular to each of the length and the width, wherein the length is greater than or equal to the width, and wherein the width is greater than the depth. In an embodiment, the heating arrangement and aerosol generating material together form an aerosol generator. The article may comprise the aerosol generator as well as further components.

In an embodiment, the aerosol generating material is in the form of an aerosol generating layer.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generator comprises a support configured to support a resistive heating layer.

In an embodiment of any of the above, comprising a gap in the resistive heating layer defining at least a portion of the one or more resistive heating elements. In an embodiment of any of the above, the gap defines an electrically insulative barrier. In an embodiment of any of the above, the gap defines an insulative barrier. In an embodiment of any of the above, the support (e.g. a support layer) is free from the gap.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the support comprises a support layer.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the support is electrically insulative. In an embodiment of any of the above, the support comprises at least one of paper and card.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating material is in direct contact with the resistive heating layer. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating layer is in direct contact with the resistive heating layer. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating material is in indirect contact with the resistive heating layer. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating layer is in indirect contact with the resistive heating layer.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the resistive heating layer and the support layer define a substrate. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generator comprises a laminate comprising the resistive heating layer and the support layer.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the laminate comprises the aerosol generating material. In an embodiment of any of the above, the laminate comprises the aerosol generating layer. In an embodiment of any of the above, the support layer comprises a card layer.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the first type of electrical contact is configured to electrically connect with a device electrical connector and the second type of electrical contact is configured to electrically connect with the device electrical connector.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the article electrical contacts comprise a first type of electrical contact and a second type of electrical contact.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the support defines an exposed contact area of the first type of electrical contact. In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the exposed contact area is a first exposed contact area, and the support defines a second exposed contact area of the second type of electrical contact.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating material is a continuous aerosol generating material. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating layer is a continuous aerosol generating layer.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating material is a discontinuous aerosol generating material. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating layer is a discontinuous aerosol generating layer.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating material comprises a plurality of discrete aerosol generating portions. In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating layer comprises a plurality of discrete aerosol generating portions.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the resistive heating element is one of a plurality of resistive heating elements.

In an embodiment of any of the above, one of the discrete aerosol generating portions is associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of resistive heating elements.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generating layer comprises at least one of dots, strips and patches. In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the resistive heating element is a first heating element and the resistive heating layer forms a second resistive heating element, each resistive heating element providing an electrically conductive path for resistive heating of a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol at the respective portion of the aerosol generating material.

In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the resistive heating element is a first heating element and the resistive heating layer forms a second resistive heating element, each resistive heating element providing an electrically conductive path for resistive heating of a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol at the respective portion of the aerosol generating layer.

In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the resistive heating layer forms an array of resistive heating elements comprising at least the first resistive heating element and the second resistive heating element.

In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein each of the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact are configured to enable an electric current to be individually provided to each of the resistive heating elements.

In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the aerosol generating layer comprises a film or gel layer comprising the aerosol generating material.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generator comprises a plurality of the first type of electrical contact, wherein each of the heating elements comprises a separate electrical contact of the first type.

In an embodiment of any of the above, the aerosol generator comprises a plurality of the second type of electrical contacts, wherein each of the resistive heating elements comprises a separate second type of electrical contact. In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the aerosol generator comprises a single second type of electrical contact.

In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the single second type of electrical contact is shared between each of the resistive heating elements.

In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the resistive heating element is formed by at least one of: cutting said resistive heating layer; chemically etching said resistive heating layer; forming or pressing the resistive heating layer in the substrate; and printing said resistive heating layer.

In an embodiment of any of the above, wherein the resistive heating layer is in the form of a foil. Brief Description of the Drawings

Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol provision system;

Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of an article comprising aerosol generating material of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a first side of an aerosol generator of the article of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of part of a second side of the aerosol generator of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of an aerosol provision system such as the system shown in Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a schematic partially exploded perspective view of the article of Figure 2, with an aerosol generator shown inverted from an assembled orientation and in a spaced relationship with other components; Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another aerosol generator such as the aerosol generator shown in Figure 3;

Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of a heating element of the aerosol generator of Figure 3;

Figure 9 is a schematic plan view of a resistive heating layer of the aerosol generator of Figure 3 with a plurality of heating elements;

Figure 10 is a flow chart showing a method of forming an aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator of Figure 3;

Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of an aerosol generator being formed;

Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of a resistive heating layer of an aerosol generator being formed;

Figure 13 is a flow chart showing a method of forming an aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator of Figure 3; Figure 14 is a flow chart showing a method of forming an aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator of Figure 3;

Figure 15 is a flow chart showing a method of forming an aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator of Figure 3; Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view of a resistive heating layer of an aerosol generator being formed;

Figure 17 is a schematic plan view of a heating element of an aerosol generator;

Figure 18 is a schematic plan view of a heating element of an aerosol generator;

Figure 19 is a schematic perspective view of part of an aerosol generator of the article of Figure 2;

Figure 20 is a schematic perspective view of a device connector of an aerosol provision device of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1;

Figure 21 is a schematic side view of the aerosol generating system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 22 is a flow chart showing a method of forming an aerosol generator, such as the aerosol generator of Figure 3;

Figures 23 to 25 show an aerosol generator being formed;

Figure 26 is a schematic perspective view of an article for an aerosol provision device;

Figure 27 is a cut-away schematic perspective view of an aerosol generating system comprising the article of Figure 26;

Figure 28 shows the aerosol generator of the article of Figure 26 being formed;

Figure 29 is a schematic perspective view of a first side of an aerosol generator of the article of Figure 26; Figure 30 is a schematic perspective view of a second side of the aerosol generator of Figure 29;

Figure 31 is a schematic perspective view of an article for an aerosol provision device;

Figure 32 shows the aerosol generator of the article of Figure 31 being formed;

Figure 33 is a plan view of one side of an aerosol generator of the article of Figure 31 ;

Figure 34 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generating system for use with the article of Figure 31 ; Figure 35 is a schematic plan view of an aerosol generating system of

Figure 34; Figure 36 is a schematic perspective view of a roller ball contact for an aerosol provision device;

Figure 37 is a schematic side view of a central section of the roller ball contact of Figure 36; Figure 38A is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol provision system where the aerosol provision device comprises the roller ball contact of Figure 36 and Figure 37; and

Figure 38B is a further schematic perspective view of the aerosol provision system of Figure 38A.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the term “delivery mechanism” is intended to encompass systems that deliver a substance to a user, and includes: non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosolisable material without combusting the aerosolisable material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosolisable materials; and articles comprising aerosolisable material and configured to be used in one of these non-combustible aerosol provision systems.

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 aerosol-generating 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 noncombustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the noncombustible aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosolgenerating 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. 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 aerosol-generating 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.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating material” (which is sometimes referred to herein as an aerosolisable 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 semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance (sometimes referred to herein as an active compound).

The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material. The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former. Optionally, a substance to be delivered 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 aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be in the form of an aerosolgenerating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and/or filler may also be present. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

The aerosol-generating film may have a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1 mm. For example, the thickness may be in the range of about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm.

The aerosol-generating film may be continuous. For example, the film may comprise or be a continuous sheet of material.

The aerosol-generating film may be discontinuous. For example, the aerosol- generating film may comprise one or more discrete portions or regions of aerosolgenerating material, such as dots, stripes or lines, which may be supported on a support. In such embodiments, the support may be planar or non-planar.

In embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises a plurality of aerosolgenerating films. In embodiments, the aerosol-generating film comprises a plurality of aerosol-generating film regions. Such plurality of aerosol-generating films and/or plurality of aerosol-generating film regions may have different properties, for example at least one of different compositions, thicknesses, density, active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with a solvent, such as water, an aerosol-former and one or more other components, such as one or more substances to be delivered, to form a slurry and then heating the slurry to volatilise at least some of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film. The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt% or 90 wt% of the solvent.

The aerosol-generating material may be an “amorphous solid”. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid is a “monolithic solid”. The aerosol-generating material may be non-fibrous or fibrous. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be a dried gel. The aerosol-generating material may be a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments the retained fluid may be water (such as water absorbed from the surroundings of the aerosolgenerating material) or the retained fluid may be solvent (such as when the aerosol- generating material is formed from a slurry). In some embodiments, the solvent may be water.

The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerine, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy.

An aerosol provision device can receive an article comprising aerosol generating 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 or onto the aerosol provision device before it is heated to produce an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales.

An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.

A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosolgenerating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol- generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may comprise a conductor which can be heated by the passage of an electrical current through the conductor.

Non-combustible aerosol provision systems may comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable aerosol provision device and a replaceable aerosol generating article. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuitry). The power source may, for example, comprise an electric power source, such as a battery or rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations the aerosol generating article may comprise partially, or entirely, the aerosol generating component.

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an aerosol provision system 100. The aerosol provision system 100 comprises an aerosol provision device 200 and an article 300 comprising aerosol generating material 302 (refer to Figure 3). The article 300 is shown in Figure 2 removed from the aerosol provision device 200. An aerosol generator 304 of the article 300 is shown in Figure 3 with a perspective view of a first side 306, with a perspective view of part of a second side 307 shown in Figure 4.

The article 300 comprises the aerosol generator 304. The aerosol generator 304 is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material 302 upon operation of the aerosol provision system 100, as will be describe in detail below. The aerosol provision system 100 may be elongate, extending along a longitudinal axis. The aerosol provision system 100 has a proximal end 102, which will be closest to the user (e.g. the user’s mouth) when in use by the user to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol provision system 100, and a distal end 104 which will be furthest from the user when in use. The proximal end may also be referred to as the “mouth end”. The aerosol provision system 100 accordingly defines a proximal direction, which is directed towards the user when in use. Further, the aerosol provision system 100 likewise defines a distal direction, which is directed away from the user when in use. The terms ‘proximal’ and ‘distal’ as applied to features of the system 100 will be described by reference to the relative positioning of such features with respect to each other in a proximal-distal direction along a longitudinal axis.

The article 300 is received by the aerosol provision device 200. The configuration of the article 300 and the aerosol provision device 200 may vary. In the present embodiment, the aerosol provision device 200 comprises a device body 202. The device has a housing 204 enclosing components of the device 200. An article receiving portion 206, sometimes referred to as a device chamber, as shown in Figure 5, is configured to receive a portion of the article 300. A proximal end 308 of the article protrudes from the device 200 when the article 300 is received in the device chamber 206. A receptacle 208 defines the chamber 206. The receptacle 208 comprises a receptacle base 210 and a receptacle peripheral wall 212. The configuration of the receptacle 208 may vary in dependence on the configuration of the article 300.

One or more user-operable control elements 224, such as a button or switch, which can be used to operate the aerosol provision system 100 may be provided on the aerosol provision device 200. For example, a user may activate the system 100 by pressing the control element 224. The one or more user-operable control elements may be omitted. In embodiments, the aerosol provision system 100 is operated by another user action, for example puff activated by a user drawing air through the system.

The aerosol provision device 200 comprises an opening 214 at the proximal end, leading into the device chamber 206. The opening 214 is provided in one end, through which the article 300 can be inserted. In embodiments, the article 300 may be fully or partially inserted into the device 200. The configuration of the device 200 may vary, for example the opening may be in a longitudinal side wall of the device 200, and/or may be closed by another feature of the device 200 during use. In the present configuration, the article 300 defines a mouthpiece 310 at the proximal end 308. In other embodiments, the device 200 defines the mouthpiece. The user places their mouth over the mouthpiece during use.

The device 200 defines the longitudinal axis along which an article 300 may extend when inserted into the device 200. The opening 214 is aligned on the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may be an axis along which the article 300 is inserted into the device 200. The longitudinal axis may be considered to be a receiving axis of the device 200. The article 300 may similarly have a longitudinal axis along which it is inserted into the device and this axis may be considered to be an insertion axis. The aerosol provision device 200 comprises a power source 220. The power source 220 may be a battery, for example a rechargeable battery. The device 200 also comprises a control circuit 222, acting as a controller, comprising a processor and a memory.

As discussed in detail below, a heating system 110 is configured to heat the aerosol generating material 302 of an article 300. The article 300 in embodiments is a consumable, and is interchangeable with other articles 300. The heating system 110 comprises the aerosol generator 304. The heating system 110 comprises other components of the aerosol provision system 100 including components of the article 300 and the aerosol provision device 200, for example the power source 220 and the control circuit 222.

The aerosol generator 304 forms part of the article 300. The aerosol generator 304 comprises a heating arrangement 312 configured to heat aerosol generating material 302, for example at least one of a film and a gel to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generating material may be referred to as aerosolisable material. The heating arrangement 312 is a resistive heating arrangement. The or each heating element in embodiments is a resistive heating element, as described in detail below. In such arrangements the heating system 110 comprises a resistive heating generator including components to heat the heating arrangement 312 via a resistive heating process. In this case, an electrical current is directly applied to a resistive heating element, and the resulting flow of current in the heating element, acting as a heating component, causes the heating element to be heated by Joule heating. The resistive heating element comprises resistive material configured to generate heat when a suitable electrical current passes through it, and the heating arrangement 312 comprises electrical contacts for supplying electrical current to the resistive material. The provision of a resistive heating arrangement 312 allows for a compact arrangement.

Resistive heating provides an efficient configuration.

In the use of the aerosol provision system 100, air is drawn into an air inlet 314 of the article 300, as indicated by arrow 316. The air inlet 314 is in a distal end of the article 300. In embodiments, the air inlet 314 may have a different configuration, for example in the side. The air flow to the air inlet 314 of the article 300 may be defined, for example by at least one of an air path through the device 200, an air path external to the device 200, and an air path between the device 200 and the article 300. An aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 304 exits the device at an aerosol outlet 318, as indicated by arrow 319. In embodiments the aerosol outlet 318 is in the mouthpiece of the article 300, such that the aerosol is drawn directly from the article 300 into the mouth of a user of the system 100.

In some example embodiments, the aerosol provision system comprises two main components, namely a control section forming a reusable part and a consumable section forming a replaceable or disposable part which may be referred to as a replaceable or disposable article or cartridge. As described herein, the aerosol provision device 200 forms a control section and the article 300 forms the consumable section. In the use of the aerosol generating system, the control section and the consumable part may be releasably connected at an interface. The consumable part may be removable and replaceable, for example when the consumable part is used, with the control section being re-used with a different consumable part.

The aerosol provision system 100 as shown is provided by way of example only and is highly schematic. Different aerosol generating devices and other devices may be used in example implementations of the principles described here. For example, in some example embodiments, air is drawn into an air inlet in the control section, passes through the interface, and exits the consumable part.

As shown schematically in Figure 5, and described in detail below, the article 300 has an article electrical contact configuration 320. The electrical contact configuration 320 in embodiments is formed by the aerosol generator 304. The electrical contact configuration 320 comprises heater electrical contacts 322. The heater electrical contacts 322 may also be known as heater or article contacts. The aerosol provision device 200 comprises an electrical connector 230. The electrical connector 230 comprises connector electrical contacts 232. The connector electrical contacts 232 may also be known as connector or device contacts. The article electrical contact configuration 320 is configured to electrically communicate with the device electrical connector 230.

The configuration of the article 300 may vary. The article 300 comprises a body 324. The body 324 is hollow. The body 324 defines a flow path 326 (refer to Figure 6) through the article 300. The flow path 326 extends between the air inlet 314 and the aerosol outlet 318. The flow path 326 is defined by an internal space in the article along which air and/or aerosol can flow. The flow path 326 is defined in the body 324. The or each aerosol generator 304 bounds the flow path 326. The aerosol generating material 302 is exposed to the flow path 326. The aerosol generating material 302 is exposed in the internal space. The internal space in embodiments comprises two or more chambers. The air inlet 314 comprises an opening 315. The opening 315 is formed in the body 324. In embodiments, the opening is formed in another component of the article 300, for example the aerosol generator 304 or another wall feature. The aerosol outlet 318 comprises an outlet opening 317. The outlet opening 317 is formed in the body 324. In embodiments, the outlet opening 317 is formed in another component of the article 300, for example the aerosol generator 304 or another wall feature.

As shown in Figure 6, the article 300 comprises two aerosol generators 304 forming an aerosol generator arrangement. The number of aerosol generators 304 may differ. Each aerosol generator 304 comprises aerosol generating material 302. The aerosol generating material 302 is exposed to the flow path 326. In embodiments the article 300 comprises a single aerosol generator 304. One of the aerosol generators 304 will be described in detail, with such detail being applicable to one or more further aerosol generators 304 in embodiments.

The or each aerosol generator 304 and the body 324 are formed in a stacked configuration. In embodiments, other arrangements such as a tubular arrangement of the article are envisaged. In such tubular arrangements the aerosol generator 304 defines a tubular configuration. Tubular may include circular cross-sectional, an elliptical cross section and other polygonal shapes.

In embodiments, as shown in the Figures, the article 300 has a flat configuration. That is, wherein an exterior of the article has a length, a width perpendicular to the length, and a depth perpendicular to each of the length and the width, wherein the length is greater than or equal to the width, and wherein the width is greater than the depth. Other configurations are envisaged.

Figure 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of the article 300, with an aerosol generator 304 shown inverted from an assembled orientation and in a spaced relationship with other components. The article 300 comprises a first one of the aerosol generator 302, the body 324 and a second one of the aerosol generator. The body 324 spaces the first and second aerosol generators 304. The first and second aerosol generators 304 close the internal space defined by the body 324 along which air and/or aerosol can flow. The aerosol generating material 302 of the first and second aerosol generators 304 face each other and is exposed to the internal space. When assembled, the first and second aerosol generators 304 sandwich the body 324. In the embodiment of Figure 6 at least, the first and second aerosol generators 304 and the body have equal plan areas. In embodiments, one or more of the first and second aerosol generators 304 and the body 324 has a greater length and/or width. In embodiments, one of the first and second aerosol generators 304 is replaced by a blank panel. The body 324 comprises a body layer. The body may comprise a plurality of body layers. The body layers may be formed in a stack and arranged to define features of the article 300, such as the air inlet 314 and aerosol outlet 318. A wrap encircles the article 300 and forms part of the article 300. The wrap may comprise a sheet. The wrap acts as a fixed sleeve. The or each aerosol generator 304 protrudes from the wrap at a distal end. Exposed electrical contact regions 323 of the heater contacts 322 are exposed at the distal end, for example refer to Figure 2. Other configurations are envisaged, for example at least one exposed electrical contact region 323 may additionally or alternatively be defined along a minor longitudinal face or edge of the article 300, and on a major face of the article defined by the aerosol generator 304.

The aerosol generator 304 is schematically shown in cross section in Figure 7. The aerosol generator 304 is an implementation of the aerosol generator 304 of the aerosol provision system 100 described above. The aerosol generator 304 comprises an aerosol generating layer 330. The aerosol generating layer is also known as an aerosolisable layer. The aerosol generating layer 330 comprises the aerosol generating material 302. The aerosol generator 304 comprises a resistive heating layer 340. The resistive heating layer 340, in embodiments, is formed as an electrically conductive layer. The aerosol generating layer 330 is on the resistive heating layer 340. The aerosol generating layer 330 is in direct contact with the resistive heating layer 340. In embodiments, the aerosol generating layer 330 is in indirect contact with the resistive heating layer 340. The resistive heating layer 340 may in embodiments comprise a coating. As described in detail below, the resistive heating layer 340 comprises a plurality of resistive heating elements 342, for example as shown in Figures 8 and 9. The or each resistive heating element 342 forms at least a portion of an electrically conductive path between a pair of the electrical contacts 322. The or each resistive heating element 342 provides the electrically conductive path for resistive heating of at least of portion of the aerosol generating material 302 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generating material 302 is, in embodiments, in the form of a film or a gel. The resistive heating layer 340 is formed as an electrically conductive layer. This layer in embodiments takes the form of at least one of a metal layer, such as an aluminium layer, or a non-metallic material, such as graphene. The resistive heating layer 340 is in the form of a foil, for example an aluminium foil. The aerosol generator 304 comprises a support 350. The support 350 in embodiments comprise a paper or card material. The support 350 provides structural support for the aerosol generator 304. The resistive heating layer 340 is on the support 350. The support 350 is configured as a support layer. As shown in Figure 7, in the aerosol generator 304, the resistive heating layer 340 is sandwiched between the support 350 and the aerosol generating layer 330.

The support 350 is electrically insulative. The resistive heating layer 340 and the support layer 350 define a substrate 352. The substrate 352 supports the aerosol generating layer 330.

The article 300 may comprise a laminate 354 comprising the resistive heating layer 340 and the support layer 350. In embodiments, the laminate 354 comprises the aerosol generating layer 330. The aerosol generating layer 330 may be formed as a contiguous configuration, or may be formed from discrete portions. The discrete portions may comprise one or more of dots, strips, spirals, or other shapes.

In embodiments, the aerosol generating layer 330 comprises an aerosol- generating film. In embodiments, the aerosol generating layer 330 comprises a plurality of aerosol-generating films. In embodiments, the aerosol-generating film comprises a plurality of aerosol-generating film regions. Such plurality of aerosol-generating films and/or plurality of aerosol-generating film regions may have different properties, for example at least one of different compositions, thicknesses, density, active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

One or more of the aerosol generating layer 330, resistive heating layer 340 and the support layer 350 may comprise a further layer. For example the support layer 350 may comprise a backing layer or an intermediate layer. The support layer 350 in embodiments is omitted.

Figure 8 shows one of the resistive heating elements 342. The resistive heating layer 340 comprises a plurality of resistive heating elements 342. In embodiments, the resistive heating layer 340 comprises a single resistive heating element 342. The plurality of heating elements 342 may be formed in an array 344 as shown in Figure 9. Other configurations are envisaged.

The resistive heating element 342 comprises a resistive heating path. The resistive heating path is formed by an electrically conducting path. The resistive heating path is non-straight. The resistive heating path is convoluted. The configuration of the resistive heating path may vary. The electrical resistance of the heating element 342 may be dependent on the nature of the resistive heating path in the conductive layer, for example the length, width, thickness and arrangement of the path.

The resistive heating element 342 extends between a first type of electrical contact 360 and a second type of electrical contact 365. The first type of electrical contact 360 is configured to provide a positive contact and the second type of electrical contact 365 is configured to provide a negative contact. Electrical current flows between the first type of electrical contact 360 and the second type of electrical contact 365 through the path. The contact arrangement may be reversed. The first and second types of electrical contacts 360, 365 are heater electrical contacts 322. The first and second types of electrical contacts 360, 365 form at least part of the article electrical contact configuration 320.

The meandering or serpentine nature of the path of the resistive heating element 342 is such that the electrical resistance of the path is increased when compared with a straight path between the first and second type of electrical contacts.

The resistive heating layer 340 may comprise a first type of electrical track 361 extending from the resistive heating element 342. The first type of electrical track 361 comprises the first type of electrical contact 360. The electrical contact 360 of the first type is configured to electrically connect with the device electrical connector 230. The first type of electrical contact 360 comprises a first type of exposed contact region 362. The first type of exposed contact region 362 is exposed on the article for direct connection with the device electrical connector 230.

The resistive heating layer 340 may comprise a second type of electrical track 366 extending from the resistive heating element 342. The second type of electrical track 366 comprises the second type of electrical contact 365. The electrical contact 365 of the second type is configured to electrically connect with the device electrical connector 230. The second type of electrical contact 365 comprises a second type of exposed contact region 367. The second type of exposed contact region 367 is exposed on the article 300 for direct connection with the device electrical connector 230. As discussed in detail below, the conducting path of the resistive heating element 342 in embodiments is created by defining at least one electrically insulative barrier 346 in the resistive heating layer 340. In embodiments, the electrically insulative barrier 346 is formed by cutting electrically insulative barrier restrictions (i.e. electrically insulating portions), such as gaps, channels or slots into a sheet formed of electrically conductive material to form the resistive heating layer 340. In embodiments, the resistive heating layer 340 is preformed to define the or each resistive heating element 342 and then applied to the support 350. In embodiments, the resistive heating layer 340 is applied to the support 350, and the or each resistive heating element 342 then defined in the resistive heating layer 340. The or each restive heating element 342 defining the resistive heating layer 340 may be a printed heater. The insulative barrier may be an air gap. In embodiments, the insulative barrier is a filled gap, for example filled with an insulative material. The barrier defines a barrier to electrical conduction across the barrier. The or each resistive heating element 342 defining the resistive heating layer 340 may be formed by a cutting action. Cutting may include die cutting. The resistive heating element may be formed by an action applied to the resistive heating layer only. In embodiments, the resistive heating element may be formed by an action applied to the resistive heating layer and the support layer, for example an action of cutting the resistive heating layer and the support layer.

The at least one electrically insulative barrier 346 defines the first and second types of electrical track 361 , 366.

In some embodiments, the tracks of the or each resistive heating element 342 have a width in the region of 0.5mm to 1mm (two example prototypes have widths of 0.93mm and 0.72mm respectively) and gaps between the tracks of less than about

0.25mm (the same two example prototypes have gaps of 0.2mm and 0.05mm respectively). The or each resistive heating element 342 may have overall dimensions of the order of 10mm x 10mm. Other dimensions are possible in other example embodiments. By forming the or each resistive heating element 342 of these dimensions from an aluminium foil of having a thickness of 0.006mm and an electrical resistivity of between 2 and 6 pOhmcm, the resistance of the path has been calculated to be of the order of 1 Ohm. In one example embodiment, the resistance was measured at between 0.83 and 1.31 Ohms. As shown in Figure 9, the resistive heating layer 340 may be formed into a plurality of resistive heating elements, indicated generally by the reference numerals 342a, 342b, 342c, 342d and 342e. Each of the resistive heating elements 342a-342e extends from a respective one of the first type of electrical contact, indicated generally by the reference numerals 360a, 360b, 360c, 360d and 360e to a single second type of electrical contact 365. The number of electrical contacts may vary. As such, each resistive heating element 342a-342e extends between a discrete first type of electrical contact and a common second type of electrical contact.

Each of the resistive heating element 342a-342e provides an electrically conductive path for resistive heating of a portion of the aerosol generating material 302 to generate an aerosol at the respective portion of the aerosol generator 304.

The separate first type 360a-360e of electrical contacts enable an electric current to be individually provided to each of the plurality of resistive heating elements 342a- 342e. The heating of different zones of the aerosol generating layer 330 can be controlled. For example, an aerosol generator may be provided with five aerosol generating zones. The resistive heating layer 340 allows each of those zones to be activated separately. Accordingly, for example, five puffs of aerosol may be generated from a single consumable incorporating a single aerosol generator 304, and ten puffs of aerosol may be generated from a single consumable incorporating two aerosol generators 304.

In the example resistive heating layer 340, the plurality of first type of electrical contacts 360a-360e, for example a positive electrical connection, are provided and a single second type of electrical contact 365, for example a negative electrical connection is provided. This is not essential to all implementations. For example, multiple contacts of the second type could be provided. In embodiments each resistive heating element 342a-342e comprises a corresponding one of the first type of electrical contact 360 and a corresponding one of the second type of electrical contact 365.

In the shown embodiment of Figure 9 of the resistive heating layer 340, the first type of electrical contacts 360a-360e are arranged on a first edge 363 of the resistive heating layer 340 and the second type of electrical contact 365 is arranged on a second edge 368 of the resistive heating layer 340. This may allow for convenient connection of electrical power, but, of course, many other configurations are possible, some of which are discussed further below. Figure 10 is a flow chart showing part of a method of forming an aerosol generator 304 or an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 400, in accordance with an example embodiment.

The method or algorithm 400 starts at operation 402, where a resistive heating layer is formed into one or more heating elements (e.g. a plurality of heating elements), wherein each resistive heating element extends from an electrical contact of a first type to an electrical contact of a second type. In use, the or each heating element may be used to provide an electrically conductive path for resistive heating of a portion of an aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol. The formation of the or each resistive heating element may occur prior to or post application of the resistive heating layer on a support, where a support is present. The resistive heating layer may be adhered to the support, or mounted or formed on the support in a different configuration.

At operation 404, the formed resistive heating layer is placed in contact with the aerosol generating layer, wherein said aerosol generating layer incorporates aerosol generating material. Algorithm 400 may be used to produce the aerosol generator 304 described above.

Figure 11 shows the aerosol generator 304 being formed in accordance with an embodiment. The aerosol generating material 302 is formed on the resistive heating layer 340 by depositing aerosol generating material, for example by spraying, painting, dispensing or in some other way. The aerosol generating layer 330 is disposed on resistive heating layer 340 as indicated by the arrow 406, in an example implementation of the operation 404.

Figure 12 shows the resistive heating layer 340 being formed in accordance with an example embodiment. The resistive heating layer 340 is in the process of being cut using a laser cutter 408. The cutting of the resistive heating layer 340 can be used to form the paths of the heating elements described herein. The use of the laser cutter 408 (or some other cutting process) is not the only method by which the resistive heating layer 340 described herein may be generated. Some example methods are described below. Figure 13 is a flow chart showing part of a method of forming an aerosol generator 304 or an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 410. The method or algorithm 410 starts at operation 412, where the resistive heating layer is provided. At operation 414, one or more of the resistive heating elements are formed in the resistive heating layer by chemically etching the resistive heating layer. The operations 412 and 414 are an example implementation of the operation 402 of the method 400 described above. The aerosol generating material is then disposed on the resistive heating layer, thereby implementing the operation 404 described above.

Figure 14 is a flow chart showing part of a method of forming an aerosol generator 304 or an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 418. The method or algorithm 418 starts at operation 420, where one or more heating elements are formed, at least in part, by printing a resistive heating layer. The operation 420 is therefore an example implementation of the operation 402 of the algorithm 400 described above. The aerosol generating material is then disposed on the resistive heating layer, thereby implementing the operation 404 described above.

The cutting, etching and printing methods described above are provided by way of example; other additional or alternative methods are also possible. For example, a so- called “hot foiling” approach could be used in which a heating element is made out of a resistive heating layer, and then assembled/bonded onto a support. Yet other techniques could be used, such as die cutting. Moreover, two or more technologies could be combined (e.g. electrical conductivity could be added to connection traces by adding more conductive material, such as additional foil, printed material, etc.). The skilled person will be aware of many further technologies, or combinations of technologies, that could be used in implementations of the principles described herein. Figure 15 is a flow chart showing method of operation or an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 424, in accordance with an example embodiment. The method or algorithm 424 may, for example, be implemented using any of the aerosol generators described herein. The method or algorithm 424 is initiated when an instruction to activate heating is received in an instance of operation 426. In response to the instruction to activate heating, a determination is made (in operation 428) regarding whether a heating element is available. As discussed above, a plurality of heating elements may be provided. The operation 428 may involve determination which of the heating elements have been used and/or the corresponding available aerosol generating material used up. If a heating element is available, the algorithm moves to operation 430, where an available heating element is used. As discussed above, heating elements may be individually controllable, for example by providing electrical power to individual heating elements. Once the operation 430 is complete, the algorithm terminates at operation 432. If, at operation 428, a determination is made that no heating elements are available, for example because all heating elements have been used, then the algorithm terminates at operation 432. This may mean that a consumable part being used to implement the algorithm 424 needs to be replaced.

Figure 16 shows the resistive heating layer 340 being formed in accordance with an embodiment. The resistive heating layer 340 is being cut using the laser cutter 408, although other methods could be used, such as chemical etching or printing, as discussed above. The cutting of the electrically conductive layer 340 forms the heating elements as described herein.

In the embodiment of Figure 16, the paths cut are linear paths, extending along the length of the electrically conductive layer 120.

Figure 17 shows another embodiment of the resistive heating layer 340. The resistive heating layer 340 may be formed using the laser cutter 408 described above, or some similar device or another method. The resistive heating layer 340 comprises a plurality of resistive heating elements 342, each resistive heating element 342 being a linear heating element comprising a conducting path extending along a length of the resistive heating layer 340. Each resistive heating element 342 extends from one of the first type of electrical contact 360, for example a positive electrical connection to one of the second type of electrical contact 365, for example a negative electrical contact. In such an embodiment, both types of electrical contact are provided at the same end of the resistive heating layer 340 and are provided next to each other. In such an arrangement that there is free from a common second type of electrical contact as is some other embodiments; instead, each heating element has separate first and second types of electrical contacts.

Figure 18 shows another embodiment of the resistive heating layer 340. The resistive heating layer 340 may be formed using the laser cutter 408 described above, or some similar device or another method. The resistive heating layer 340 comprises a plurality of heating elements 342, each heater element 342 being a linear heating element comprising a conducting path extending along a length of the resistive heating layer 340. Each resistive heating element 342 extends from one of the first type of electrical contact 360, for example a positive electrical connection to the second type of electrical contact 365, for example a negative electrical contact. In such an embodiment, the different types of electrical connection are provided at the opposite ends of the resistive heating layer 340 and a common second type of electrical contact is provided. Although a linear path is provided, an increase in the electrical resistance may be provided by means of providing a crenelated path, acting as a convoluted path. Note that the paths of any other embodiments described herein could also be crenelated.

Figure 19 shows the distal end of the article 300. As shown, the body 324 comprises a plurality of body layers 325. The body layers 325 are arranged in a stack of body layers 325. The body layers 325 form a laminate. The body layers 325 in embodiments are card layers. Other suitable materials may be used. The body layers 325 are configured to define features of the article 300. At least one body layer in embodiments comprises a gap defining the air inlet 315. The gap defines the opening 314. The aerosol generator 304 comprises the resistive heating layer 340. The resistive heating layer 340 comprises the resistive heating elements 342, the first type of electrical contacts 360, for example providing positive electrical connections to each of a plurality of heating elements 342 and a single second type of electrical contact 365, for example providing a common negative electrical connection to the plurality of heating elements 342. The first and second types of electrical contacts 360, 365, namely the heater contacts 322, together form at least part of the article electrical contact configuration 320 of the aerosol generator 304.

The resistive heating elements 342 are on an inner side of the resistive heating layer 340. The inner side defines the first side 306 of the aerosol generator 304 as shown in Figure 3. The heater contacts 322 are on the second side 307 of the resistive heating layer 340. The second side 307 defines an outer side of the aerosol generator 304. The heater contacts 322 are exposed so that they are able to be brought into contact with the device electrical connector 230. The heater contacts 322 are on an opposing side of the resistive heating layer 340 to the resistive heating elements 342. Other configurations are envisaged.

The support layer 350 is between an inner portion of the resistive heating layer 340 and an outer portion of the resistive heating layer 340.

A fold 370 is formed in the resistive heating layer 340. The fold 370 defines the heater contacts 322. The fold 370 as shown in Figures 2 to 4 and 19 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator 304. The fold 370 defines a flap 372. The heater contacts 322 are on the flap 372. The flap defines a contact panel. The remaining part of the blank defines a main panel.

In embodiments with the support layer 350, the support layer 350 in embodiments is folded. The substrate 352 is folded at the fold 370. In embodiments, the support layer 350 ends at the fold. In embodiments, the fold 370 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator 304.

The folded portion of resistive heating layer 340 is affixed in the folded position. This folded portion in embodiments is adhered, for example by bonding. Other fixing means are anticipated.

The fold 370 defines the first type of exposed contact region 362. The fold 370 defines the second type of exposed contact region 367. The electrical tracks 361 , 366 electrically communicate across the fold 370. The heater contacts 322 of the first type of electrical track 361 and the second type of electrical track 366 are defined on the second side of the resistive heating layer 340. Portions of the first type of electrical track 361 and the second type of electrical track 366 extend on the first side of the resistive heating layer 340. In embodiments the resistive heating elements extend from the fold 370. Other configurations are anticipated.

The device 200 comprises a plurality of connector electrical contacts 232 of the electrical connector 230. The configuration of the device connector 230 is dependent on the configuration of the heater contacts 322 of the aerosol generator 304. In embodiments, such as the aerosol generator as shown in Figure 19, the aerosol generator 300 comprises a plurality of heater contacts 322 including a plurality of the first type of heater contact 360 and one of the second type of heater contact 365. The article 300 comprises another set of heater contacts 322 on the opposing side of the article 300 corresponding to the second aerosol generator 304.

Figure 20 shows a device connector 230 of the aerosol provision device 200 used in some embodiments. The connector 230 has separate connector electrical contacts 232 for connection with the heater contacts 322. Figure 21 schematically shows the aerosol provision system 100. The system

100 comprises the article 300 and aerosol provision device 200, both shown in block diagram. The device 200 comprises first and second connectors 230a and 230b.

The connectors 230a and 230b enable the aerosol provision device 200 to provide regulated or controlled electrical voltages and/or currents to the various first and second type of heater contacts 360, 365 of the aerosol generator 304 when the article 300 is inserted into the aerosol provision device 200. The aerosol provision device 200 may comprise a connector arrangement configured to provide electrical power to the connectors 230a, 230b. The aerosol provision device 200 may, for example, operate the method as described above. Figure 22 is a flow chart showing a method of forming an aerosol generator 304 or an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 440, in accordance with an example embodiment.

The method or algorithm 440 starts at operation 442, where a resistive heating layer is formed into at least one resistive heating element, the or each heating element providing an electrically conductive path for resistive heating of at least a portion of an aerosolisable material to generate an aerosol. Example heating elements that may be formed in the operation 442 are described elsewhere in this document.

At operation 442, an aerosol generating material is applied and/or formed on the resistive heating layer.

The operations 442 and 444 of the method or algorithm 440 are similar to (and may be identical to) the operations 402 and 404 of the method or algorithm 400 described above.

In operation 446 at least one first type of electrical contact is provided on the resistive heating layer. The method of formation may be any of the methods described above. In operation 448 at least one second type of electrical contact is provided on the resistive heating layer. The method of formation may be any of the methods described above.

In embodiments, the first and second types of electrical contact are formed along or proximal a single edge of the resistive heating layer. In embodiments, the first and second types of electrical contact are formed along or proximal to different edges of the resistive heating layer.

In embodiments, the first types of electrical contact (e.g. positive connection(s)) are provided along a first edge of the resistive heating layer. In embodiments, the second types of electrical contact (e.g. negative electrical connection(s)) are provided along a second edge of the resistive heating layer. The operations 446 and 448 could be performed in a different order, or at the same time. Moreover, the operations 446 and 448 could be performed together with the operation 442.

At operation 450, the resistive heating layer is folded. In embodiments, the support layer is folded together with the resistive heating layer. In embodiments, the resistive heating layer is folded such that electrical contacts of the first and second type are provided adjacent to one another, as discussed in detail below. Figures 23 to 25 show an embodiment of the aerosol generator 304 being formed in accordance with the algorithm 440.

Figure 23 shows another embodiment of the aerosol generator 304 being formed. The resistive heating layer 340 is being cut using a laser cutter 408. The pre- folded configuration defines a blank for forming the aerosol generator 304. The blank in embodiments defines fold lines along which folds are made during formation of the aerosol generator. The aerosol generator 304 blank comprises the resistive heating layer 340 and the support layer 350. The resistive heating layer 340 and the support layer 350 define panels defined by the fold lines. As shown in Figure 23, the resistive heating layer 340 is formed into a plurality of heating elements 192, although the number may differ and may be one. A plurality of the first type of the electrical contact 360 (e.g. positive electrical contact) are provided along the first edge of the electrically conductive layer (one contact for each heating element is shown). A single second type of electrical contact 365 is provided along the second edge of the resistive heating layer 340. In embodiments the contacts are spaced from the edges. As discussed above, each heating element of the plurality extends from an electrical contact of the first type to an electrical contact of the second type.

The cutting of the resistive heating layer 340 by the laser cutter 408 forms the paths of the or each heating element 342. As discussed above, laser formation or some other cutting process is not the only method by which the resistive heating layer 340 described above may be generated. Some example alternative methods include chemical etching and printing.

As indicated in Figure 24, the aerosol generating layer 200 is provided on the resistive heating layer 340. The blank is then folded, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 24. In this embodiment, the folds are formed parallel to a longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator 304. Two folds are formed. A first panel 375 is defined comprising the heating elements 342. A second panel 376 is formed comprising the plurality of the first type of the electrical contact 360. A third panel 377 is formed comprising the second type of electrical contact 365. The aerosol generating layer 330 is on the first panel 375. Figure 25 shows the folded aerosol generator 304.

In some embodiments, the article 300 of the aerosol provision system 100 is inserted into an article receiving portion 206 (i.e. the device chamber 206 as referred to above) by sliding the article 300 through an opening into a cavity (i.e. a receptacle). The article 300 may be considered to have an insertion axis which extends in a direction parallel to the direction in which the article 300 is inserted into the article receiving portion 206, and the article receiving portion 206 may have a corresponding receiving axis along which the article 300 is inserted. In embodiments where the article 300 and article receiving portion 206 are both elongate, the insertion axis may be the longitudinal axis of the article 300 and the receiving axis may be the longitudinal axis of the article receiving portion 206.

In some embodiments, the connector electrical contacts 232 may protrude into the article receiving portion 206 of the aerosol provision device 200 so as to suitably contact the article electrical contacts 322. The connector electrical contacts 232 may be resiliently biased to provide a secure connection between the corresponding connector electrical contacts 232 and article electrical contacts 322 when the article 300 is fully inserted. In some embodiments, as the article 300 is being inserted into the article receiving portion 206, the lower surface (i.e. a contact surface) of the connector electrical contacts 232 may touch an outer surface of the article 300, and pressure may be applied to an outer surface of the article 300 due to the resilient biasing of the connector electrical contacts 232. Said embodiments may be referred to herein as sliding insertion embodiments.

The Applicant has appreciated that in sliding insertion embodiments, the pressure applied by the connector electrical contacts 232 to an outer surface of the article 300 may cause resistance to the insertion of the article 300 into the aerosol provision device 200. Abrasion between the connector electrical contacts 232 and an outer surface of the article 300 may also cause damage to both surfaces. The Applicant has further appreciated that if the connector electrical contacts 232 and the article electrical contacts 322 are spaced along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the article receiving portion 306 and the article 300 in a straight line, when the article 300 is being inserted into the aerosol provision device, the connector electrical contacts 232 may drag across the exposed surface of the article electrical contacts 322, and the surface of both the connector contacts 232 and the article contacts 322 may be damaged as a result. This may be especially applicable in embodiments where the article electrical contacts 322 are made of a thin conductive foil, which may be prone to tearing. Various embodiments described below seek to address this problem.

Figure 26 is a schematic perspective view of an article 300 for an aerosol provision device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The article 300 shown in Figure 26 comprises a plurality of article electrical contacts 360a-360e (e.g. of a first type 360a-360e) and 365 (e.g. of a second type 365), providing an electrical connection to one or more resistive heating elements 342a-342e (not shown) of the article 300. The electrical connection may allow power to be provided to the one or more resistive heating element 342a-342e.

The article 300, as shown in Figure 26, may comprise an outer layer 390 which is not electrically conductive (i.e. in the form of electrically insulating element), and the article electrical contacts 360a-360e and 365 may be exposed to the exterior of the article 300 through a plurality of openings in the outer layer 390. Each opening exposes a portion of a different respective article electrical contact 360a-360e and 365.

As can be seen in Figure 26, on the face of the article 300 shown, the exposed regions of the plurality of article electrical contacts 360a-360e and 365 are each spaced from one another in a direction parallel to an insertion axis 380 of the article 300. As depicted, the insertion axis 380, extends in a direction along which the article 300 is inserted into the article receiving portion 206 of the aerosol provision device 200.

The article 300 comprises a distal end 305 which is inserted into the receiving portion, e.g. the cavity, of the device 200, and the width of the article electrical contacts 360a-360e, 365 increases in a direction away from the distal end 305. The width of each article electrical contact 360a-360e, 365 may be defined as the dimension substantially perpendicular to, e.g. perpendicular to, the insertion axis. This means that, as shown in Figure 26, the width of the exposed region closest to the distal end 305 of the article 300 is smaller than the width of each exposed region which is further from the distal end 305 of the article - i.e. the exposed region of the contact 360a (i.e. the portion of the contact 360a which is contactable externally of the article 300) is narrower than the exposed region of the contact 360c, and in turn the exposed region of the contact 360c is narrower than the exposed region of contact 360e. The same is true of contacts 365, 360b, 360d. In other words, contacts 360a-360e, 365 which are further from the distal end 305 are wider than those which are closer to the distal end 305.

The width of each of the article electrical contacts 360a-360e, 365 increasing in a direction away from the distal end 305 is intended to mean that, for example, the article electrical contact 360e has a greater width than article electrical contact 360c (which is the next article electrical contact 360c in a line towards the distal end 305), which in turn has a greater width than the article electrical contact 360a (which is the next article electrical contact in a direction towards the distal end 305). In having a greater width, this may be the maximum width of a given article electrical contact, as a given article electrical contact may have a width which varies along its length. The width of the article electrical contacts may thus be the maximum width of the article electrical contacts. The same principle is equally applicable to the connector electrical contacts set out below.

Figure 27 is a cut-away schematic perspective view of an aerosol generating system 100 for use with the article 300 of Figure 26. Figure 27 shows part of an aerosol provision device 200 comprising an article receiving portion 206. In the embodiment shown in Figure 27, the aerosol receiving portion 206 is in the form of a cavity 206 into which the article 300 is inserted during use. The cavity 206 has a receiving axis 280 along which the article 300 is inserted into the cavity 206. In the embodiment shown in Figure 27, the article 300 is configured to be inserted into the aerosol provision device 200 by sliding it along the longitudinal axis (i.e. the receiving axis) 280 of cavity 206 of the aerosol provision device 200 in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 27.

The aerosol provision device also comprises an electrical connector 230 for supplying power to the article 300 received by the article receiving portion 206. The electrical connector 230 comprises a plurality of connector electrical contacts 232a, 232c and 232e, each of which is arranged to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of heater article electrical contacts 360a, 360c and 360e when the article 300 is fully inserted into the article receiving portion 206. Figure 27 shows the article 300 in a fully inserted position.

Figure 27 shows three of the connector electrical contacts 232a, 232b and 232c. Each connector electrical contact 232 is configured to touch a respective article electrical contact when the article 300 is fully inserted into the aerosol provision device 200. I.e. the connector electrical contact 232a is configured to touch the article electrical contact 360a, the connector electrical contact 232c is configured to touch the article electrical contact 360c, and the connector electrical contact 232e is configured to touch the article electrical contact 360e. Three further connector electrical contacts which are each configured to touch one of the remaining respective article electrical contacts 342b, 360d and 365 of the article 300 are present within the device 200, but not shown in Figure 27. Whilst the connector electrical contacts shown in Figure 27 all comprise leaf springs, one or more of the connector electrical contacts 232 may comprise resiliently biased pins or roller ball contacts. As can be seen in Figure 27, the plurality of connector electrical contacts 232a, 232c and 232e are spaced from one another in a direction parallel to the receiving axis 280 of the article receiving portion 206. Figure 26 and Figure 27 show an embodiment where the plurality of article electrical contacts 360a, 360c and 360e and the plurality connector electrical contacts 232a, 232c and 232e are arranged in a straight line extending parallel to the insertion axis 380 and receiving axis 280 respectively.

The plurality of connector electrical contacts 232a, 232c and 232e are dimensioned such that as the article 300 is inserted into the article receiving portion 206, at least one of the plurality of connector electrical contacts (e.g. contacts 232e, 232c) passes over at least one of the article electrical contacts (e.g. contact 360a) without touching the at least one of the article electrical contacts (e.g. contact 360a) before engaging its corresponding article electrical contact (i.e. contact 360e or 360c) when the article 300 is fully inserted into the receiving portion 206.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 27 and 26, this effect (i.e. the dimensioning of the connector electrical contacts 232a, 232c, 232e) is achieved by varying the width of the connector electrical contacts 232a, 232c, 232e. The cavity 206 of the aerosol provision device 200 comprises an opening into which the article 300 is inserted. This may be referred to as the proximal end 208 of the device. The width of each connector electrical contact 232 (i.e. contacts 232a, 232c, 232e) increases in a direction towards the opening, i.e. the proximal end 208.

Specifically, the width of the connector electrical contacts varies along the length of the cavity 206 of the aerosol provision device 200 in a corresponding manner to the exposed regions of the article electrical contacts 360 and 365. I.e. the connector electrical contact 232a, which is configured to engage with the exposed region of the contact 360a, is narrower than the connector electrical contact 232c, which is configured to engage with the exposed region of the article electrical contact 360c. Equally, the connector electrical contact 232c is narrower than the connector electrical contact 232e, which is configured to engage with the exposed region of the article electrical contact 360e. The connector electrical contacts 232 extend (e.g. protrude) into the article receiving portion 206 of the aerosol provision device 200, such that when the article 300 is fully inserted, a secure connection is established between the corresponding connector electrical contacts 232 and article electrical contacts 360,365. Accordingly, as the article 300 is being inserted into the article receiving portion 206, the lower surface of the connector electrical contacts 232 touches an outer surface of the article 300.

Varying the width of both the connector contacts 232 and the article contacts 360,365 in accordance with the embodiment shown in Figure 26 and 27 may prevent the surface of the connector contacts 232 and the article contacts 360, 365 from being damaged. As the article 300 is inserted into the aerosol provision device 200, the article electrical contact 360a will first slide past the connector electrical contact 232e, and then slide past the connector electrical contact 232c, without either of the connector electrical contacts 232e, 232c coming into contact with the article electrical contact 360a. Eventually, once fully inserted, the connector electrical contact 232a will come into contact, i.e. touch or engage, with the article electrical contact 360a. The larger widths of the connector electrical contacts 232e and 232c relative to the exposed portion of the article electrical contact 360a means that as the article 300 is being inserted, part of the lower surface of the connector electrical contacts 232e and 232c is supported by the outer layer 390 of the article 300 either side of the exposed portion of the contact 360a when sliding over the top of it. Thus, the lower surfaces of the connector electrical contacts 232e and 232c do not touch the exposed portion of the contact 360a before the article 300 has been fully inserted. The width of the exposed portion of the article contact 360a corresponds to the width of the connector electrical contact 232a (i.e. the width of the exposed portion of contact 360a is the same as or larger than the width of the connector electrical contact 232a), such that when the article 300 is fully inserted, the connector electrical contact 232a touches the exposed portion of the contact 360a, rather than being supported by the outer layer 390 of the article 300.

It should be appreciated that although the embodiment above has been described with reference to varying the width of the exposed portion of the article contacts 360, 365, other dimensions of the exposed portion of the article contacts 360, 365 may be varied. For example, the length and/or surface area of the exposed portion of the article contacts 360, 365 may be varied as well as or instead of the width. Any variation in dimension which results in the effect of the lower surfaces of the connector electrical contacts 232e and 232c passing over the exposed portions of one or more contacts 360, 365, but not touching the exposed portion of the one or more contacts 360, 365 before the article 300 has been fully inserted may be implemented.

The arrangements set out above may also advantageously aid detection of the insertion of the article 300 into the aerosol provision device 200. For example, the aerosol provision device 200 may be arranged to detect that the article 300 is fully inserted into the article receiving portion 206 of the aerosol provision device 200 by determining that each of the connector electrical contacts 232 touches or engages its corresponding article electrical contact 360,365. In other embodiments, it may be determined that the article 300 has been fully inserted into the device 200 once the connector electrical contact 232e engages with the article electrical contact 360e closest to the proximal end of the article 300. In other embodiments, touching engagement between any one or combination of the connector electrical contacts (e.g. 232a-232e) and corresponding article electrical contacts (e.g. 360a-e) may provide an indication that the article 300 has been fully inserted into the device. The determination of touching or engagement between the connector electrical contacts (e.g. 232a-e) and the article electrical contacts (e.g. 360a-360e) may be achieved by detecting the presence of an electrical connection therebetween (e.g. a non-infinite electrical resistance between connector electrical contact 232a and 232e, for example).

The variation in shape of the exposed portion of the article contacts 360, 365 required in order to achieve the effect described above may vary in dependence on the stiffness of the material of the connector electrical contacts 232, the type of connector electrical contacts 232, the thickness of the outer layer 390 of the article, and other similar considerations.

Figure 28 shows the aerosol generator 304 of the article of Figure 26 being formed from a blank. As can be seen in Figure 28, the aerosol generator 304 of the article comprises an aerosol generating material 330 and a resistive heating arrangement 340 comprising one or more resistive heating elements 342a-342e configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material 330 to generate an aerosol. In some embodiments, e.g. shown in Figure 28, the resistive heating arrangement 340 is provided by a resistive heating layer which is formed into a plurality of resistive heating elements, indicated by the reference numerals 342a, 342b, 342c, 342d and 342e. Each of the resistive heating elements 342a-342e extends from a respective one of the first type of electrical contact (i.e. a positive contact), indicated by the reference numerals 360a, 360b, 360c, 360d and 360e to a single second type of electrical contact 365 (i.e. a negative contact).

The positive contacts 360a-e and the negative contact 365 are provided along the length of the electrically conductive resistive heating layer 340. The electrical contact regions 360a-e and 365a are separated by electrically insulative barriers 346. The aerosol generating layer 330 is provided on the resistive heating layer 340. The blank is folded along the fold line indicated by the dashed line, in the direction indicated by the arrow shown in Figure 28.

Figures 29 and 30 show different views of the folded aerosol generator 304 of Figure 28. Figure 29 is a schematic perspective view of a first side of the aerosol generator 304 of Figure 28. Figure 30 is a schematic perspective view of a second side of the aerosol generator 304 of Figure 29.

In some embodiments, a first panel 375 on a first face of the folded aerosol generator 304 shown in Figure 30 comprises the heating elements 342a-342e. A second panel 376 of the aerosol generator comprising the electrical contacts 360a-360e shown in Figure 29 is formed on a second face of the aerosol generator 304, opposing the first face. The aerosol generating layer 330 is provided on the first panel 375.

As shown in Figure 26, when the outer layer is added to encircle the article 300, which may include the aerosol generator 304 shown in Figure 29 and Figure 30, the electrical contacts 360a-360e and 365 are exposed through openings in the outer layer 390 which align with the different respective contacts 360a-360e and 365.

In other embodiments, the resistive heating layer 340 may be one-sided, rather than folded. In these one-sided configurations, the heating elements 342a-342e and corresponding electrical contacts 360a-360c may be arranged across the width and/or length of the face of the resistive heating layer 340. The openings in the outer layer 390 may be positioned so as to expose different respective electrical contacts on the resistive heating later 340.

Varying the width of the article electrical contacts 360a-e, 365 together with the widths of the connector electrical contacts 232a-232e, as set out above, is one way in which damage to the contacts within the device 200 and article 300 may be avoided. However, the Applicant has appreciated that there are further configurations in which damage may be minimised.

Figure 31 is a schematic perspective view of an article 300, for an aerosol provision device 200, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The article 300 has at least a first article electrical contact 360a, and a second article electrical contact 360b providing an electrical connection to the one or more resistive heating elements 342a-342e. The embodiment shown in Figure 31 comprises a plurality of further article electrical contacts 360c-360e, 365. At least the first article electrical contact 360a and the second article electrical contact 360b, in some embodiments also the further article electrical contacts 360c-360e, 365, are spaced from each of the other article electrical contacts in a direction perpendicular to or around the insertion axis 380, and each of the article electrical contacts may also be spaced along a direction parallel to the insertion axis 380. In the embodiment of the article 300 shown in Figure 31 , the article 300 comprises an outer layer 390 which is not electrically conductive (i.e. which is electrically insulating), and the article electrical contacts 360a-e and 365 are exposed to the exterior of the article 300 through a plurality of openings in the outer layer 390. The openings correspond to the article electrical contacts 360a-e, 365 shown in Figure 31. Each opening exposes a portion of a different respective article electrical contact

360a-360e, 365 which each provide an electrical connection to the resistive heating elements 342a-342e. In the embodiment shown in Figure 31, the positions of the exposed portions of the electrical contacts are staggered, i.e. spaced, across the width of the article in a direction perpendicular to the insertion axis of the article, as well as being distributed along the length of the article in a direction parallel to the insertion axis of the article 300 as described above.

Figure 32 shows the aerosol generator 304 of the article 300 of Figure 31 being formed. As can be seen in Figure 32, the aerosol generator 304 of the article may comprise an aerosol generating material 330 and a resistive heating arrangement 340 comprising one or more resistive heating elements 342a-342e configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material 330 to generate an aerosol.

The pre-folded configuration of part of the article 300 shown in Figure 32 defines a blank for forming the aerosol generator 304. In the embodiment shown in Figure 32, the resistive heating arrangement 340 is provided by a resistive heating layer 340 formed into a plurality of heating elements 342. A plurality of the first type of the electrical contact 360 (e.g. positive electrical contact) indicated by the reference numbers 360a, 360b, 360c, 360d and 360e are provided along the first edge of the electrically conductive layer (one contact for each heating element is shown). A single second type of electrical contact 365 is provided along the second edge of the resistive heating layer 340. Each heating element of the plurality extends from an electrical contact of the first type to an electrical contact of the second type. The aerosol generating layer 200 is provided on the resistive heating layer 340.

The blank is then folded along the fold lines indicated by the dashed lines, in the directions indicated by the arrows in Figure 32. In this embodiment, the folds are formed parallel to a longitudinal direction of the aerosol generator 304. Two folds are formed. A first panel 375 is defined comprising the heating elements 342. A second panel 376 is formed comprising the plurality of the first type of the electrical contact 360. A third panel 377 is formed comprising the second type of electrical contact 365. The aerosol generating layer 330 is on the first panel 375.

Figure 33 is a plan view of one side of the aerosol generator 304 of the article 300 in Figure 31. Figure 33 shows the outer face of the folded aerosol generator 304, which comprises the second panel 376 and the third panel 377.

As shown in Figure 31 , when the outer layer 390 is added to encircle the article 300, the electrical contacts 360a-360e are exposed through openings in the outer layer which align with the different respective contacts 360a-360e and 365.

In other configurations, the resistive heating layer may be one-sided, rather than folded. In these one-sided configurations, the electrical contacts 360a-360c may be arranged across the width and/or length of the face of the resistive heating layer 340. The openings in the outer layer 390 may be positioned so as to expose different respective electrical contacts of the resistive heating layer 340.

Figure 34 is a schematic side view of an aerosol provision system 100 for use with the article 300 of Figure 31 , with the article 300 inserted therein. Figure 35 is a schematic plan view of an aerosol provision system 100 shown in Figure 34. Figure 34 and Figure 35 show the article 300 of Figure 31 fully inserted into the aerosol provision device 200.

The aerosol provision device 200 shown in Figure 34 and Figure 35 comprises an article receiving portion 206 comprising a cavity into which the article 300 is inserted during use, wherein the cavity has a receiving axis 280 along which the article 300 is inserted into the cavity; and an electrical connector 230 for supplying power to an article 300 received by the article receiving portion 206. The electrical connector 230 comprises a first connector electrical contact 232a arranged to engage the first article electrical contact 360a when the article 300 is fully inserted into the article receiving portion 206, and a second connector electrical contact 232b configured to engage the second article electrical contact 360b when the article 300 is fully inserted into the article receiving portion 206.

As can be seen in Figure 34, each opposing side of the article 300 may engage with a corresponding set of connector electrical contacts 232, 234. The first side of the article 300 engages with the first set of connector electrical contacts 232 when the article 300 is fully inserted, and the second side of the article 300 engages with the second set of connector electrical contacts 234 when the article is fully inserted. Although not shown, an identical arrangement of exposed article electrical contacts 360, 365 to the arrangement shown in Figure 31 is provided on the second side of the article 300 for engaging with the second set of connector electrical contacts 234. Although the arrangement is identical in this embodiment, the position of the article electrical contacts 360, 365 and the corresponding second set of connector electrical contacts 234 may differ to the first side. The connector electrical contacts 232, 234 apply a force to both sides of the article 300 as the article 300 is being inserted into the article receiving portion 206, and/or when the article 300 is fully received within the article receiving portion 206. Applying a force to both sides of the article 300 may ensure that the article 300 adopts the appropriate position within the article receiving portion 206, i.e. such that it is level and/or square therein. This may help to ensure proper functioning of the system 100. As shown in Figure 35, the first and second connector electrical contacts 232a,

232b are spaced from one another in a direction perpendicular to, or around, the receiving axis 280 such that as the article 300 is inserted into the article receiving portion 206 the first device electrical contact 232a does not touch the second article electrical contact 360b and the second device electrical contact 232b does not touch the first article electrical contact 360a. In some embodiments, e.g. as shown in Figure 35, the first and second connector electrical contacts 232a and 232b are also spaced along the length of the receiving axis 280.

As shown in Figure 35, the device 200 comprises a plurality of further connector electrical contacts 232c-232e, 235 wherein each of the connector electrical contacts are also spaced from other of the connector electrical contacts in a direction perpendicular to or around the receiving axis 280. Each of the connector electrical contacts 232c-232e, 235 may also be spaced along a direction parallel to the receiving axis 280 relative to other of the connector electrical contacts.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 34 and Figure 35, the connector electrical contacts 232, 234 press against the outer layer of the article 300 before coming into engagement with its respective article electrical contact 260, 265 when the article 300 is fully inserted into the article receiving portion 206. However, the article electrical contacts 360, 365 and the connector electrical contacts 232, 234 are configured such that when article is being inserted into the article receiving portion 206, but not yet fully inserted, each connector electrical contact 232, 234 only touches an outer surface of the article rather than a non-corresponding article electrical contact.

As shown in Figure 35 and described above, each set of connector electrical contacts 232, 234 is positioned such that the connector electrical contacts 232, 234 are staggered across the width of the device in corresponding positions to the article electrical contacts 360, 365 of the article 300. As the article 300 is inserted into the aerosol provision device 200, each connector electrical contact 232 only slides over the outer layer 390 of the article 300, and will not contact any of the exposed regions of other article electrical contacts 360 before the article 300 is fully inserted. Only when the article 300 is fully inserted, each of the article electrical contacts 360, 365 aligns and engages with a respective corresponding connector electrical contact 232, providing a secure electrical connection.

This arrangement may advantageously reduce wear of both the connector electrical contacts 232, 234 and the article electrical contacts 360, 365. This may be especially important in embodiments where the article electrical contacts 360, 365 comprise a thin metal foil. In such embodiments, sliding an article 300 into the aerosol provision device 200 could damage or tear the foil.

The connector electrical contacts 232 shown in Figure 34 and Figure 35 may comprise leaf-spring contacts, although alternative types of electrical contact could be used. For example, a roller ball contact, or pogo pin contact, could be used for some or all of the connector electrical contacts 232, 234 instead.

In accordance with the embodiments shown in Figures 27-35, exposing small areas of the article electrical contacts 360, 365, where the remainder of the article electrical contact 360, 365 is covered by the outer layer 390 may provide a more secure connection between the connector electrical contacts 232 and the article electrical contacts 360, 365. Once the article 300 has been fully inserted, there may be less likelihood of movement of the article 300 from its fully inserted position, because the lower surface of the connector electrical contacts 232 sit in a recess created by the opening in the thickness of the outer layer 390. In the embodiment described above, the article 300 may be considered to be substantially flat or planar, and thus the article electrical contacts are displaced in a direction perpendicular to the insertion axis 380. It is envisaged that in other embodiments the article 300 may be non-planar. For example, the article 300 may be in the form of a tube, e.g. a cylindrical tube. In such embodiments, the article electrical contacts may be spaced around an insertion axis of the article, rather than perpendicular to such an axis and the same benefits as those set out above may be achieved. The same equally applies to the aerosol provision device. The Applicant has appreciated that there may be further arrangements for reducing the risk of wear between the connector electrical contacts and the article electrical contacts. Figure 36 is a schematic perspective view of a roller ball contact 510 for an aerosol provision device 200 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 37 is a schematic side view of the central section of the roller ball contact 510 of Figure 36. The roller ball contact 510 may be used for some or all of the connector electrical contacts 232 in embodiments of the aerosol provision device 200 described herein. The roller ball contact 510 comprises a ball component 512 which is configured to rotate within a corresponding socket component 514. As shown in Figure 36, in some embodiments, the socket component 514 retains the ball component 512. A resilient member 516 may also be provided within the retaining socket component 514.

The resilient member 516 may comprise a spring element as shown in Figure 37, e.g. in the form of a helical spring. The ball component 512 may be arranged to rotate within the socket component 514 against a biasing resistance applied by the resilient member 516, i.e. the resilient member 516 may resiliently bias the ball component 512 into the socket component 514.

At least the outer surface of the ball component 512 comprises an electrically conductive material. Some or all of the roller ball contact 510 may be manufactured from a material comprising a metal alloy. The metal alloy may have good conductive properties. The metal alloy may be a copper alloy, and in some specific embodiments the copper alloy is a beryllium copper alloy. The maximum current rating of the contact may be up to 10A. The maximum current rating may be 9A in some embodiments.

The ball component 512 may be manufactured from the same material as one of both of the retaining socket component 514 and/or the resilient member 516. However, the ball 512 and the retaining socket component 514 and/or resilient member 516 may be manufactured from different respective materials.

The roller ball contact 510 may be arranged within the device 200 such that the outer surface of the ball component 512 is configured to touch a corresponding article electrical contact 360 when the article is fully inserted into the article receiving portion. In some embodiments the resilient member 516 may be electrically conductive and provide an electrical connection between the ball 512 and a further electrical component of the aerosol provision device 200. Alternatively or additionally, the socket component 514 may be electrically conductive and provide an electrical connection between the ball component 512 and a further electrical component of the aerosol provision device 200. The further electrical component may, for example, comprise a printed circuit board, a power supply, or any other suitable electrical component within the device 200.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, the article 300 may be inserted into the aerosol provision device by sliding the article 300 along a longitudinal axis into the article receiving portion 206. In these embodiments, an outer surface of the article 300 may touch the connector electrical contacts 232 as the article 300 is inserted into the aerosol provision device. The use of a roller ball contact 510 for one or more of the connector electrical contacts 232 may be advantageous in such embodiments due to the reduced resistance which the roller ball contact 510 presents when an outer surface of the article 300 touches the ball 512 as the article 300 is inserted into the article receiving portion 206. This may further reduce wear or damage to the connector electrical contacts 232 (i.e. the roller ball contact 510) and/or an outer surface of the article 300, including any article electrical contacts 360, 365, during insertion.

Figure 38A is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol provision device 200 which comprises the roller ball contact 510 of Figure 36 and Figure 37. Figure 38B is a further schematic perspective view of the aerosol provision system 100 of Figure 38A.

The aerosol provision device 200 shown in Figure 38A and Figure 38B comprises an article receiving portion 206 comprising a cavity shaped to receive the article 300 during use. The article 300 comprises one or more resistive heating elements 342 (not shown) and a plurality of article electrical contacts 360, 365 providing an electrical connection to the one or more resistive heating elements 342 in the article 300.

The aerosol provision device 200 further comprises an electrical connector 230 for supplying power to the article 300 received by the article receiving portion 206. The electrical connector 230 comprises a plurality of connector electrical contacts 232. Each connector electrical contact 232 is arranged to engage with a corresponding article electrical contact 360, 365 (not shown) when the article 300 is fully inserted into the article receiving portion 206. Figure 38A and Figure 38B show the article 300 in a fully inserted position. In the embodiment shown in Figures 38A and 38B, each of the plurality of connector electrical contacts 232 comprises a roller ball contact 510 comprising a ball component 512 configured to rotate within a corresponding socket component 514. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, some of the plurality of connector electrical contacts 232 may comprise a different type of electrical contact, e.g. leaf springs. The outer surface of each ball 512 is configured to touch a corresponding article electrical contact 360 when the article 300 is fully inserted into the article receiving portion 206.

As shown in Figure 38A, the socket component 514 of each connector electrical contact 232 may be fixed to a printed circuit board 230, or indeed any other suitable electrical component, in the aerosol provision device 200, and may protrude down into the aerosol receiving portion 206. When the article 300 is fully inserted into the aerosol receiving portion 206, each connector electrical contact 232 touches a different respective article electrical contact 360 to provide electrical connection thereto. When inserting the article 300 into the article receiving portion 206, the surface of the ball component 512 of the rolling ball contact 510 slides over the surface of the other exposed article electrical contacts 360 along the length of the article 300.

In some embodiments such as the embodiment shown in Figures 38A and 38B, one or more of the connector electrical contacts 232 may be arranged to slide over and touch an article electrical contact 360, 365 which forms part of an outer surface of the article 300 when the article 300 is being inserted. Reducing the pressure which the connector electrical contacts 232 exert on the surface of the article electrical contacts 360, 365 when sliding over them may be especially important for such embodiments, to avoid damaging the article electrical contacts 360, 365. Use of the roller ball contact 510 may also have the effect of cleaning the surface of the ball 512 as it rotates in the socket of the retaining socket component 514. This may advantageously improve the electrical connection provided between the connector electrical contacts 232 and the article electrical contacts when the article 300 is fully inserted. While in the various embodiments discussed above the article electrical contacts have been described as providing an electrical connection to the heating elements of the article, one or more of the article electrical contacts may instead provide an electrical connection to another electrical component of the article. Similarly, whilst various embodiments have been described in which the receiving portion comprises a cavity, it is envisaged that the receiving portion may have any suitable form for receiving an article. The receiving portion may comprise a receptacle into which the article is inserted, in use.

In some embodiments of the different arrangements of aerosol generators and articles described above the aerosol generating material is formed in a configuration other than as an aerosol generating layer. The aerosol generating material in embodiments is in the form of an aerosol generating segment. The aerosol generating segment generally comprises a solid material. Such a solid material may be shredded tobacco. The aerosol generating material, arranged as an aerosol generating segment for example, may comprise a plurality of individual pieces of aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material may be individual pieces of tobacco material. In embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises a plurality of strips, beads or pellets. In embodiments the aerosol generating segment is a plug of material.

The aerosol generating segment in embodiments comprises a body of material. The aerosol generating material is a non-liquid. In such an embodiment, the body of material comprises a rod of aerosol generating material, for example a tobacco rod. For example, the body of material may comprise shredded tobacco material. The body of material may be formed into a rod. In some embodiments, the body of material comprises cut rag tobacco that is formed into a rod. The aerosol generating material may comprise tobacco material. The aerosol generating material may comprise extruded tobacco. The aerosol generating material may comprise reconstituted tobacco.

The aerosol generating material, formed as a solid material, may comprise nicotine. The aerosol generating material may comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of, tobacco. In embodiments, the aerosol generating material is free from tobacco. In embodiments of any of the above, the heating of the article provides a relatively constant release of volatile compounds into an inhalable medium. In an embodiment of the above, the aerosol generating segment is a plug of material. The article may comprise a mouth end section. A tubular element may be located between the aerosol generating material and the mouth end section. The article may comprise a ventilation area in the mouth end section. The mouth end section may define a mouthpiece configured to be placed between a user’s lips.

In embodiments of any of the above described articles, the or each resistive heating element is configured to heat substantially the entire aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating segment in embodiments is at least substantially cylindrical. In embodiments, the aerosol generating segment is at least partially wrapped by the resistive heating layer. In embodiments, the resistive heating element extends in the aerosol generating segment. The resistive heating element may extend around the aerosol generating segment. In embodiments, the resistive heating element encircles the aerosol generating segment. In some arrangements at least a portion of the flow path through the article is through the aerosol generating segment. The aerosol generating segment may define part of the air path. In embodiments, the first type of electrical contact and the second type of electrical contact are exposed from the aerosol generating segment. The aerosol generating material may comprise tobacco material as described herein, which includes a tobacco component. In the tobacco material described herein, the tobacco component may contain paper reconstituted tobacco. The tobacco component may also contain leaf tobacco, extruded tobacco, and/or bandcast tobacco. The tobacco material may be provided in the form of cut rag tobacco. The cut rag tobacco can be formed from a mixture of forms of tobacco material, for instance a mixture of one or more of paper reconstituted tobacco, leaf tobacco, extruded tobacco and bandcast tobacco. In embodiments, the tobacco material comprises paper reconstituted tobacco or a mixture of paper reconstituted tobacco and leaf tobacco. In the tobacco material described herein, the tobacco material may contain a filler component. The filler component is generally a non-tobacco component, that is, a component that does not include ingredients originating from tobacco. The filler component may be a non-tobacco fibre such as wood fibre or pulp or wheat fibre. The filler component may also be an inorganic material such as chalk, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulphate, magnesium carbonate. The filler component may also be a non-tobacco cast material or a non- tobacco extruded material. The filler component may be present in an amount of 0 to 20% by weight of the tobacco material, or in an amount of from 1 to 10% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the filler component is absent. In the tobacco material described herein, the tobacco material contains an aerosol-former material. In this context, an "aerosol-former material" is an agent that promotes the generation of an aerosol. An aerosol-former material may promote the generation of an aerosol by promoting an initial vaporisation and/ or the condensation of a gas to an inhalable solid and/ or liquid aerosol. In some embodiments, an aerosol-former material may improve the delivery of flavour from the aerosol generating material. In general, any suitable aerosol-former material or agents may be included in the aerosol generating material of the invention, including those described herein.

Paper reconstituted tobacco refers to tobacco material formed by a process in which tobacco feedstock is extracted with a solvent to afford an extract of solubles and a residue comprising fibrous material, and then the extract (usually after concentration, and optionally after further processing) is recombined with fibrous material from the residue (usually after refining of the fibrous material, and optionally with the addition of a portion of non-tobacco fibres) by deposition of the extract onto the fibrous material. The process of recombination resembles the process for making paper. 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 other 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 article for an aerosol provision device comprising: an aerosol generating material and a resistive heating arrangement comprising one or more resistive heating elements configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol; and a plurality of article electrical contacts providing an electrical connection to the one or more resistive heating elements; wherein the system further comprises: an aerosol provision device comprising: an article receiving portion comprising a cavity into which the article is inserted during use, wherein the cavity has a receiving axis along which the article is inserted into the cavity; and an electrical connector for supplying power to an article received by the article receiving portion, the electrical connector comprising: a plurality of connector electrical contacts, each of the connector electrical contacts arranged to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of article electrical contacts when the article is fully inserted into the article receiving portion; wherein the plurality of article electrical contacts are each spaced from one another in a direction parallel to an insertion axis of the article, wherein the insertion axis extends in a direction along which the article is inserted into the article receiving portion of the aerosol provision device; wherein the plurality of connector electrical contacts are spaced from one another in a direction parallel to the receiving axis of the article receiving portion; and wherein the plurality of connector electrical contacts are dimensioned such that as the article is inserted into the article receiving portion, at least one of the plurality of connector electrical contacts passes over at least one of the heater electrical contacts without touching the at least one of the article electrical contacts before engaging its corresponding article electrical contact when the article is fully inserted into the receiving portion.

2. The aerosol provision system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of article electrical contacts and the plurality connector electrical contacts are arranged in a straight line extending parallel to the insertion axis and receiving axis respectively.

3. The aerosol provision system of claim 1 or 2 wherein the cavity comprises an opening into which the article is inserted, and wherein the width of each connector electrical contact increases in a direction towards the opening.

4. The aerosol provision system of any preceding claim wherein the article comprises a distal end which is inserted into the cavity, and wherein the width of the article electrical contacts increases in a direction away from the distal end.

5. An aerosol provision device comprising: an article receiving portion comprising a cavity into which an article is inserted during use, wherein the article comprises an aerosol generating material, a resistive heating arrangement comprising one or more resistive heating elements configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol, and a plurality of article electrical contacts providing an electrical connection to the one or more heating elements, wherein the cavity has a receiving axis along which the article is inserted into the cavity; and an electrical connector for supplying power to an article received by the article receiving portion, the electrical connector comprising: a plurality of connector electrical contacts, each of the connector electrical contacts arranged to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of article electrical contacts when the article is fully inserted into the article receiving portion; wherein the plurality of connector electrical contacts are spaced from one another in a direction parallel to the receiving axis of the article receiving portion; and wherein the plurality of connector electrical contacts are dimensioned such that when the article is inserted into the article receiving portion, at least one of the plurality of connector electrical contacts passes over at least one of the article electrical contacts without touching the at least one of the article electrical contacts before engaging its corresponding article electrical contact when the article is fully inserted into the receiving portion.

6. An article for an aerosol provision device comprising: an aerosol generating material and a resistive heating arrangement comprising one or more resistive heating elements configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol; and a plurality of article electrical contacts providing an electrical connection to the one or more resistive heating elements; wherein the plurality of article electrical contacts are each spaced from one another in a direction parallel to an insertion axis of the article, wherein the insertion axis extends in a direction along which the article is inserted into an article receiving portion of an aerosol provision device; and wherein the plurality of article electrical contacts each comprise an exposed electrically conductive element surrounded by an electrically insulating element, and wherein the exposed electrically conductive elements are dimensioned such that as the article is inserted into the article receiving portion, at least one of the plurality of article electrical contacts passes a first connector electrical contact, on the aerosol provision device, without the connector electrical contact touching the electrically conductive element of the article electrical contact, before reaching a position at which the electrically conductive element of the article electrical contact engages a further connector electrical contact when the article is fully inserted into the receiving portion.

7. An aerosol provision system comprising: an article comprising: an aerosol generating material and a resistive heating arrangement comprising one or more resistive heating elements configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol; and at least a first article electrical contact and a second article electrical contact providing an electrical connection to the one or more resistive heating elements; wherein the system further comprises an aerosol provision device comprising: an article receiving portion comprising a cavity into which the article is inserted during use, wherein the cavity has a receiving axis along which the article is inserted into the cavity; and an electrical connector for supplying power to an article received by the article receiving portion, the electrical connector comprising: a first connector electrical contact arranged to engage the first article electrical contact when the article is fully inserted into the article receiving portion; and a second connector electrical contact configured to engage the second article electrical contact when the article is fully inserted into the article receiving portion; wherein the article has an insertion axis which extends in a direction parallel to the direction in which the article is inserted into the article receiving portion, and wherein the first and second article electrical contacts are spaced from one another in a direction perpendicular to, or around, the insertion axis; and wherein the first and second connector electrical contacts are spaced from one another in a direction perpendicular to, or around, the receiving axis such that as the article is inserted into the article receiving portion the first device electrical contact does not touch the second article electrical contact and the second device electrical contact does not touch the first article electrical contact.

8. The aerosol provision system of claim 7, wherein the first and second connector electrical contacts and/or the first and second article electrical contacts are spaced along the length of the receiving axis and/or insertion axis respectively.

9. The aerosol provision system of claim 7 or 8, further comprising: a plurality of further article electrical contacts, wherein each of the article electrical contacts is spaced from each of the other article electrical contacts in a direction perpendicular to or around the insertion axis, and optionally wherein the each of the article electrical contacts are spaced along a direction parallel to the insertion axis; and a plurality of further connector electrical contacts, wherein each of the connector electrical contacts are spaced from other of the connector electrical contacts in a direction perpendicular to or around the receiving axis, and optionally where each of the connector electrical contacts are spaced along a direction parallel to the receiving axis.

10. An article for an aerosol provision device, the article comprising: an aerosol generating material and a resistive heating arrangement comprising one or more resistive heating elements configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol; and at least a first article electrical contact and a second article electrical contact providing an electrical connection to the one or more resistive heating elements; wherein the article is configured to be received, in use, in an article receiving portion of the aerosol provision device, the article receiving portion comprising a cavity into which the article is inserted during use and an electrical connector comprising a first connector electrical contact arranged to engage the first article electrical contact a second connector electrical contact configured to engage the second article electrical contact when the article is fully inserted into the article receiving portion; wherein the article has an insertion axis which extends in a direction parallel to the direction in which the article is inserted into the article receiving portion, and wherein the first and second article electrical contacts are spaced from one another in a direction perpendicular to, or around, the insertion axis, such that when the article is inserted into the article receiving portion the first device electrical contact does not touch the second article electrical contact and the second device electrical contact does not touch the first article electrical contact.

11. An aerosol provision device, the aerosol provision device comprising: an article receiving portion comprising a cavity into which an article is inserted in use, the article comprising an aerosol generating material, a resistive heating arrangement comprising one or more resistive heating elements configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol, and a plurality of article electrical contacts providing an electrical connection to the one or more resistive heating elements, wherein the cavity has a receiving axis along which the article is inserted into the cavity: the aerosol provision device further comprising: an electrical connector for supplying power to the article received by the article receiving portion, the electrical connector comprising: a first connector electrical contact arranged to engage a first article electrical contact of the article when the article is fully inserted into the article receiving portion; and a second connector electrical contact configured to engage a second article electrical contact when the article is fully inserted into the article receiving portion; wherein the first and second connector electrical contacts are spaced from one another in a direction perpendicular to, or around, the receiving axis such that when an article is inserted into the article receiving portion the first device electrical contact does not touch the second article electrical contact and the second device electrical contact does not touch the first article electrical contact.

12. The aerosol provision device, system or article of any preceding claim wherein the article and article receiving portion have a cylindrical or rectangular cross section perpendicular to the insertion or receiving axis respectively.

13. An aerosol provision device comprising: an article receiving portion comprising a cavity shaped to receive an article, in use, wherein the article comprises an aerosol generating material, a resistive heating arrangement comprising one or more resistive heating elements configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol, and a plurality of article electrical contacts providing an electrical connection to the one or more resistive heating elements; wherein the aerosol provision device further comprises: an electrical connector for supplying power to the article received by the article receiving portion, the electrical connector comprising: a plurality of connector electrical contacts; wherein each connector electrical contact is arranged to engage with a corresponding article electrical contact when the article is fully inserted into the article receiving portion; and wherein at least one of the plurality of connector electrical contacts comprises a roller ball contact comprising a ball component configured to rotate within a corresponding socket component, wherein at least the outer surface of the ball component comprises an electrically conductive material, and the outer surface of the ball is configured to touch a corresponding article electrical contact when the article is fully inserted into the article receiving portion.

14. The aerosol provision device of claim 13 further comprising a spring element which resiliently biases the ball component into the socket.

15. The aerosol provision device of claim 14, wherein the spring element and/or socket component is electrically conductive and provides an electrical connection between the ball component and a further electrical component of the aerosol provision device.

16. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 13-15 wherein the further electrical component comprises a power supply arrangement.

17. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 13-16 wherein the socket component retains the ball component.

18. The aerosol provision device, system or article of any preceding claim, wherein the connector electrical contacts comprise at least one of leaf springs, resiliently biased pins or roller ball contacts.

19. The aerosol provision device, system or article of any preceding claim wherein the connector electrical contacts apply a force to both sides of the article when the article is inserted into the article receiving portion.

20. The aerosol provision device, system or article of any preceding claim wherein the article comprises an outer layer which is not electrically conductive, and the article electrical contacts are exposed to the exterior of the article through at least one opening, e.g. a plurality of openings, in the outer layer.

21. The aerosol provision device, system or article of any preceding claim wherein as the article is inserted into the article receiving portion, at least one of the connector electrical contacts presses against the outer layer of the article before coming into engagement with its respective article electrical contact when the article is fully inserted into the article receiving portion.

22. The aerosol provision device, system or article of any preceding claim wherein the article electrical contacts and the connector electrical contacts are configured such that when article is being inserted into the article receiving portion, but not yet fully inserted, each connector electrical contact only touches an outer surface of the article.

23. The aerosol provision device, system or article of any preceding claim wherein the electrically conductive layer further comprises electrical tracks extending from one or more of the resistive heating elements, and the electrical tracks provide the article electrical contacts.

24. The aerosol provision device, system or article of any preceding claim wherein the resistive heating arrangement comprises a plurality of resistive heating elements arranged to each heat a different portion of the aerosol generating material.