Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/30—Devices using two or more structurally separated inhalable precursors, e.g. using two liquid precursors in two cartridges
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
  • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors

Definitions

• This disclosure relates to delivery systems, which may include aerosol delivery systems such as nicotine delivery systems.
• Aerosol delivery systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain an aerosol-generating material, such as a chamber of a source solid or liquid, which may contain an active substance and / or a flavour, from which an aerosol or vapour is generated for inhalation by a user, e.g. through heat vaporisation.
• An aerosol delivery system typically comprises an aerosol generation area containing an aerosol generator, e.g. a heating element, arranged to vaporise or aerosolise a portion of aerosol-generating material (or precursor material) to generate a vapour or aerosol in the aerosol generation area.
• Some electronic cigarettes may include a flavour element in the air flow path to impart additional flavours.
• a flavour element in the air flow path between the aerosol generation area and the mouthpiece such that vapour / aerosol drawn through the device passes through the portion of tobacco before exiting the mouthpiece for user inhalation.
• a potential drawback of existing delivery systems is of the release or delivery of material from the flavour element (or more generally reservoirs of a second material).
• Providing a second material that is readily vaporised provides good delivery of the second material for initial uses of the delivery system, but the delivery of the second material rapidly tapers off after the first few inhalations.
• providing a second material that is less readily vaporised leads to relatively poor delivery of the second material, such that additional sources of energy such as a separate heater, which typically consume power, may be required to cause vaporisation of the second material.
• additional sources of energy such as a separate heater, which typically consume power
• WO2023139369 discloses an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol.
• the aerosol provision system comprises a first reservoir for storing a first aerosol-generating material, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to generate a first aerosol using the first aerosol-generating material.
• the aerosol provision system also comprises a second reservoir for storing an active substance, or second aerosol-generating material such that the aerosol provision system is configured to generate a second aerosol using the second aerosol-generating material.
• the first aerosol may be generated in a way which then allows the second aerosol, or active substance, to then be either added to, mixed with, and/or supplied alongside the first aerosol in a way which allows the user to effectively customise to what extent this first aerosol, which is delivered to the user, is supplemented with the second aerosol/active substance. Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in WO2023139369 in combination with the present disclosure.
• an aerosol delivery system for providing an aerosol to a user, the aerosol delivery system including an aerosol-generating material storage portion for storing an aerosol-generating material; an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material; an air pathway fluidly coupled to the aerosol-generating material storage portion and arranged so as to be fluidly coupled with an outlet of the aerosol delivery system; and a second material storage portion for storing a second material.
• the second material storage portion is arranged such that the second material is capable of being delivered to the outlet of the aerosol delivery system via a second material air pathway extending at least from the second material storage portion.
• the aerosol delivery system further comprises a heat conduction portion arranged so as to conduct heat from a heat source of the aerosol delivery system to the second material storage portion to cause heating of the second material in the second material storage portion.
• the aerosol-generating material is a liquid aerosol-generating material, such as an e-liquid.
• the aerosol generator is a heater.
• the aerosol generator is provided in the air pathway so as to provide an aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material to the air pathway.
• the second material is provided in or on a storage medium, such as a porous material, for example such as a sponge or a foam.
• the second material storage portion is provided downstream of the aerosol generator and/or the second material air pathway is coupled to the air pathway at a position downstream of the aerosol generator.
• the heat conduction portion is a region of material having a relatively higher thermal conductivity than components of the aerosol delivery system surrounding the heat conduction portion, and wherein the heat conduction portion extends from the heat source to the second material storage portion.
• the thermal conductivity of the heat conduction portion is greater than 100 Wm -1 K -1 , greater than 200 Wm -1 K -1 or greater than 300 Wm -1 K -1 .
• the aerosol generator is a heater, and wherein the heat source is the aerosol generator.
• the aerosol delivery system comprises a battery, and wherein the heat source is the battery.
• the aerosol delivery system is configured to heat the second material to a second temperature selected from the group comprising: less than or equal to 50°C, less than or equal to 60°C, less than or equal to 70°C, less than or equal to 80°C, less than or equal to 90°C, less than or equal to 100°C, less than or equal to 110°C, less than or equal to 120°C, less than or equal to 130°C, less than or equal to 140°C and less than or equal to 150°C.
• the heat conduction portion is internal to the aerosol delivery system such that the heat conduction portion is inaccessible from outside the aerosol delivery system.
• the second material storage portion does not comprise a separate or dedicated heater element.
• the second material is or comprises a flavouring and/or an active ingredient.
• the second material comprises one or more active substances having boiling points in the range of from 50°C to 300°C, or from 100°C to 300°C, and optionally a carrier constituent comprising one or more solvents.
• the carrier constituent consists of the one or more solvents.
• the formulation of the second material is configured to deliver substantially all of one or more active substances in the gas phase.
• the active constituent or substance may comprise one or more physiologically and/or olfactory active constituents which are included in the second material in order to achieve a physiological and/or olfactory response in the user.
• the active constituent comprises at least one of nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, a vitamin such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, a cannabinoid, or a constituent, derivative, or combinations thereof.
• the active constituent is a physiologically active constituent and is selected from nicotine, nicotine salts (e.g. nicotine ditartrate/nicotine bitartrate), nicotine-free tobacco substitutes, other alkaloids such as caffeine, or mixtures thereof.
• nicotine salts e.g. nicotine ditartrate/nicotine bitartrate
• nicotine-free tobacco substitutes e.g. nicotine-free tobacco substitutes
• other alkaloids such as caffeine, or mixtures thereof.
• the one or more solvents are selected from the group consisting of ethanol, benzyl alcohol, propylene glycol or combinations thereof.
• the second material storage portion is removable/detachable from the aerosol delivery system.
• an aerosol delivery device for coupling with an aerosol-generating material storage portion for storing an aerosol-generating material and a second material storage portion for storing a second material to form an aerosol delivery system for delivering an aerosol to a user
• the aerosol delivery device including an air pathway capable of being fluidly coupled to the aerosol-generating material storage portion and arranged so as to be fluidly coupled with an outlet of the aerosol delivery device; and a second material air pathway capable of being fluidly connected to the second material storage portion, and extending at least from the second material storage portion, wherein the second material storage portion is arranged such that the second material is capable of being delivered to the outlet of the aerosol delivery system via the second material air pathway.
• the aerosol delivery device further comprises a heat conduction portion arranged so as to conduct heat from a heat source of the aerosol delivery system to the second material storage portion to cause heating of the second material in the second material storage portion.
• a method for manufacturing an aerosol delivery system for providing an aerosol to a user includes providing an aerosol-generating material storage portion for storing an aerosol-generating material; providing an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material; providing an air pathway fluidly coupled to the aerosol-generating material storage portion and arranged so as to be fluidly coupled with an outlet of the aerosol delivery system; and providing a second material storage portion for storing a second material.
• the second material storage portion is arranged such that the second material is capable of being delivered to the outlet of the aerosol delivery system via a second material air pathway extending at least from the second material storage portion, and providing a heat conduction portion arranged so as to conduct heat from a heat source of the aerosol delivery system to the second material storage portion to cause heating of the second material in the second material storage portion.
• a further example comprises an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol, wherein the aerosol provision system comprises:
• the second reservoir further comprises a porous substrate material.
• a further example comprises an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol, wherein the aerosol provision system comprises:
• the second formulation comprises a carrier constituent, wherein the carrier constituent comprises one or more solvents.
• the carrier constituent consists of the one or more solvents.
• the one or more solvents comprises a proportion of the second formulation in the range of 1% to 50% of the second formulation.
• the one or more solvents is ethanol.
• the one or more solvents is benzyl alcohol.
• the one or more active substances have boiling points in the range of from about 50 °C to about 300 °C.
• the active substance(s) have a boiling point in the range of from about 100°C to about 300 °C.
• the active substance(s) have a vapour pressure of from about 0.0001 mmHg to about 15 mmHg; preferably wherein the active substance(s) have a vapour pressure of from about 0.0001 mmHg to about 12 mmHg.
• the second formulation contained within the second reservoir is configured to deliver substantially all of one or more active substances in the gas-phase.
• the porous substrate material comprises a sponge material, a fibrous material or combinations thereof; preferably wherein the porous substrate material consists of a sponge material, a fibrous material or combinations thereof.
• the sponge material is formed of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polyurethane, polyester or combinations thereof; preferably wherein the sponge material consists of polyurethane.
• the fibrous material is formed of cellulose acetate, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(i-4 butanediol succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)(PBAT), starch based materials, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials and polysaccharide polymers or a combination thereof; preferably wherein the fibrous material consists of cellulose acetate.
• PVOH polyvinyl alcohol
• PLA polylactic acid
• PCL polycaprolactone
• PBS poly(i-4 butanediol succinate)
• PBAT poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)
• an airflow path extends through the porous substrate material towards the outlet, the porous substrate material comprising an upstream end further from the outlet and a downstream end closer to the outlet; and wherein the second formulation is comprised within the porous substrate material and the concentration of the second formulation in the substrate material increases from the upstream end to the downstream end.
• the aerosol provision system comprises:
• the selector component is operable to move between the first configuration and the second configuration by a rotational motion of the selector component between the first configuration and the second configuration.
• the selector component is operable to move between the first configuration and the second configuration by a detachment action in which the selector component is detached from the aerosol provision system and a reattachment action in which the selector component is attached to the aerosol provision system in the first configuration or the second configuration.
• the selector component is operable to move into a third configuration, wherein in the third configuration airflow from the second reservoir to the outlet is facilitated and airflow from the third reservoir to the outlet is facilitated.
• the selector component comprises the second reservoir and the third reservoir.
• the third formulation comprises one or more active substance(s) having boiling points in the range of from about 50 °C to about 300 °C and a carrier constituent, wherein the carrier constituent comprises one or more solvents.
• the third reservoir comprises a third porous substrate material.
• the second formulation and the third formulation are different.
• a further example comprises a consumable, for use with an aerosol provision system, wherein the consumable comprises the second reservoir for storing active substance(s) and wherein the consumable is configured to be releasably coupled to the aerosol provision system.
• the consumable comprises the third reservoir for storing active substance(s), and wherein the consumable comprises the selector component.
• a further example comprises an assembly comprising a consumable and an aerosol provision system.
• the aerosol provision system further comprises an aerosol provision device which comprises a section configured to receive the first reservoir that includes an interface arranged to cooperatively engage with an interface from the first reservoir so as to releasably couple the first reservoir to the aerosol provision device.
• a further example comprises a method of providing a storage portion for an aerosol provision system, the method comprising:
• 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.
• this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future. Protection may also be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.
• the invention may generally provide a sub-assembly or sub-system suitable for use in a delivery system such as an aerosol delivery system or aerosol-free delivery system, or configured for use in an aerosol delivery system or aerosol-free delivery system.
• the sub-system may generally form part of a delivery system and in particular may form part of the reusable device and/or a consumable cartridge of a multi-part system.
• Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view through an example aerosol delivery system 1 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, providing an introduction to two-part aerosol delivery systems, the components therein and their functionality.
• the aerosol delivery system 1 comprises two main parts, a reusable part 2 (sometimes referred to as a control unit) and a replaceable / disposable consumable cartridge part 4 (sometimes referred to as a consumable or an article).
• a reusable part 2 sometimes referred to as a control unit
• a replaceable / disposable consumable cartridge part 4 sometimes referred to as a consumable or an article.
• the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 are releasably coupled together at an interface 6.
• the cartridge part 4 may be removed from the reusable part 2 and a replacement cartridge part 4 attached to the reusable part 2 in its place.
• the interface 6 may provide a structural, electrical and airflow path connection between the two parts 2, 4 and may be established in accordance with conventional techniques, e.g.
• the airflow through the system 1 might not go through the reusable part 2, so that an airflow path connection between the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 is not needed.
• a portion of the airflow path may be defined at the interface between portions of the reusable part 2 and cartridge part 4 when these are coupled together for use.
• a reservoir 44 that contains aerosol-generating material.
• the reservoir 44 stores a supply of liquid aerosol generating material and the liquid reservoir 44 has an annular shape with an outer wall defined by the cartridge housing 42 and an inner wall that defines a flow path 52 through the cartridge part 4.
• the reservoir 44 is closed at each end with end walls to contain the aerosol generating material.
• the reservoir 44 may be formed conventionally, e.g. comprising a plastics material and/or integrally moulded with the cartridge housing 42.
• the cartridge / consumable part 4 further comprises an aerosol generator 48, which in this example is located towards an end of the reservoir 44, opposite to a mouthpiece outlet 50.
• the aerosol generator 48 may be in either of the reusable part 2 or the cartridge part 4.
• the aerosol generator 48 e.g. a heater, which may be in the form of a wick and coil arrangement as shown, a distiller, which may be formed from a sintered metal fibre material or other porous conducting material, or any suitable alternative aerosol generator
• the cartridge part 4 may comprise a portion of aerosol generating material, and an aerosol generator 48 is at least partially inserted into or at least partially surrounds the portion of aerosol generating material as the cartridge part 4 is engaged with the reusable part 2.
• a wick 46 in contact with the aerosol generator 48 extends transversely across the flow path 52 with its ends extending into the reservoir 44 of the liquid aerosol generating material through openings in the inner wall.
• the openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44 are sized to broadly match the dimensions of the wick 46 to provide a reasonable seal against leakage from the reservoir 44 into the flow path 52, without unduly compressing the wick 46, which may be detrimental to its fluid transfer performance.
• electrical power may be supplied to the aerosol generator 48 to vaporise an amount of aerosol generating material drawn to the vicinity of the aerosol generator 48 by the wick 46. Vaporised aerosol generating material may then become entrained in air drawn along the cartridge airflow path from the vaporisation region towards the mouthpiece outlet 50 for user inhalation.
• the rate at which aerosol generating material is vaporised by the aerosol generator 48 will depend on the amount (level) of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48.
• electrical power can be applied to the aerosol generator 48 to selectively generate aerosol from the aerosol generating material in the cartridge part 4, and furthermore, the rate of aerosol generation can be changed by changing the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48, for example through pulse width and/or frequency modulation techniques.
• the reusable part 2 comprises an outer housing 12 having an opening that defines an air inlet 28 for the system 1, a power source 26 (e.g. a battery) for providing operating power for the system 1, control circuitry / controller 22 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the system 1, a first user input button 14, a second user input button 16, and a visual display 24.
• the outer housing 12 may be formed, e.g. from a plastics or metallic material and in this example has a circular cross section generally conforming to the shape and size of the cartridge part 4, to provide a smooth transition between the two parts 2, 4 at the interface 6.
• the reusable part 2 has a length of around 8 cm so the overall length of the system 1when the cartridge part 4 and the reusable part 2 are coupled together is around 12 cm.
• the specific dimensions, geometry, overall shapes and materials used may vary.
• the power source 26 in this example is rechargeable and may be a conventional type, e.g. of the kind normally used in electronic cigarettes and other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods.
• the power source 26 may be recharged through a charging connector in the reusable part housing 12, for example a USB connector.
• first and/or second user input buttons 14, 16 may be provided, which in this example are conventional mechanical buttons, e.g. comprising a spring mounted component which may be pressed by a user to establish an electrical contact.
• the input buttons may be input devices for detecting user input and the manner in which the buttons are implemented is not significant.
• the buttons may be assigned functions such as switching the system 1 on and off, and/or adjusting user settings such as a power to be supplied from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48.
• a display 24 may be provided to give a user a visual indication of various characteristics associated with the aerosol delivery system, e.g. current power setting information, remaining power source power, etc.
• the display may be implemented in various ways.
• the display 24 comprises a conventional pixilated LCD screen.
• the display may comprise one or more discrete indicators, e.g. LEDs, arranged to display information, e.g. through particular colours and/or flash sequences. More generally, the manner in which the display 24 is provided and information is displayed is not significant to the principles described herein - other embodiments may not include a visual display and/or may include other means for providing a user with information relating to operating characteristics of the system 1, e.g. using audio signalling.
• the functionality of the controller 22 can be provided in various different ways, e.g. using one or more programmed programmable computer(s) and / or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuit(s) / circuitry / chip(s) / chipset(s).
• the controller 22 may comprise an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), CPU, microprocessor or microcontroller.
• ASIC application specific integrated circuit
• CPU central processing unit
• microcontroller microcontroller
• the operations of a controller and other electronic components are generally controlled by software/instructions running on the controller, which may be stored in non-volatile memory, (e.g. ROM), which may be integrated into the controller, or provided separately.
• the controller 22 may access the ROM to load and execute individual software as and when required.
• the reusable part 2 comprises an airflow sensor 30, which is electrically connected to the controller 22.
• the airflow sensor 30 comprises a so-called “puff sensor” or “inhalation sensor”, in that the airflow sensor 30 is used to detect when a user is puffing or inhaling on the system 1.
• the airflow sensor 30 comprises a switch in an electrical path providing electrical power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48.
• the airflow sensor 30 generally comprises a pressure sensor configured to close the switch when subjected to a particular range of pressures, enabling current to flow from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 once the pressure in the vicinity of the airflow sensor 30 drops below a threshold value.
• the threshold value can be set to a value determined by experimentation to correspond to a characteristic value associated with the initiation of a user puff.
• the airflow sensor 30 is connected to the controller 22, and the controller 22 distributes electrical power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 in dependence of a signal received from the airflow sensor 30 by the controller 22.
• the specific manner in which the signal output from the airflow sensor 30 (which may comprise a measure of capacitance, resistance or other characteristic of the airflow sensor, made by the controller 22) is used by the controller 22 to control the supply of power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 can be carried out in accordance with any approach known to the skilled person.
• the airflow sensor 30 is mounted to an optional printed circuit board (PCB).
• the airflow sensor 30 may comprise any sensor configured to determine a characteristic of airflow in an airflow path 51 disposed between air inlet 28 and mouthpiece opening 50, e.g. a pressure sensor or transducer (such as a membrane or solid-state pressure sensor), a combined temperature and pressure sensor, or a microphone (e.g. an electret-type microphone), which is sensitive to changes in air pressure, including acoustical signals.
• the airflow sensor 30 is situated within a sensor cavity or chamber 32, which comprises the interior space defined by one or more chamber walls.
• the sensor cavity 32 comprises a region internal to one or more chamber walls in which an airflow sensor 30 can be fully or partially situated.
• the PCB comprises one of the chamber walls of a sensor housing comprising the sensor chamber / cavity 32.
• a deformable membrane may be disposed across an opening communicating between the sensor cavity 32 containing the sensor 30, and a portion of the airflow path disposed between air inlet 28 and mouthpiece opening 50.
• the deformable membrane covers the opening, and is attached to one or more of the chamber walls according to approaches described further herein.
• the aerosol delivery system 1 may comprise communication circuitry configured to connect to one or more further electronic devices (e.g., a storage / charging case, or a refill / charging dock) to enable data transfer between the system 1 and further electronic device(s).
• the communication circuitry may be integrated into the controller 22, or implemented separately.
• the communication circuitry may be configured to support wired or wireless communications between the aerosol delivery system 1 and other electronic devices such as a case, a dock, a computing device such as a smartphone or PC, a base station supporting cellular communications, a relay node providing an onward connection to a base station, a wearable device, or any other portable or fixed device.
• the controller 22, other components within the system 1 and other devices/systems may comprise one or more processors and data processing may be performed on any of these processors or on a remote processor, the data communicated by wire or wirelessly.
• Wireless communications between the aerosol delivery system 1 and a further electronic device may be configured according to data transfer protocols such as Bluetooth ® , ZigBee, WiFi ® , Wifi Direct, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, RFID, or generally any other wireless, and/or wired, network protocol or interface.
• the communication circuitry may comprise any suitable interface for wired data connection, such as USB-C, micro-USB or Thunderbolt interfaces, and may comprise pin or contact pad arrangements configured to engage cooperating pins or contact pads on a dock, case, cable, or other external device which can be connected to the aerosol delivery system 1.
• FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view through an example delivery system 1 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, providing an introduction to delivery systems configured to deliver multiple different materials, particularly from separate reservoirs.
• the system 1 may be an aerosol delivery system 1, configured to deliver one or more materials as an aerosol for inhalation by a user, or an aerosol-free delivery system 1, configured to deliver a sensory material (impacting one or more senses of the human body, particularly those of taste, smell and even touch (mouth feel)) not in aerosol form to a user.
• aerosol delivery systems delivering at least one material as an aerosol, supplemented by a second material which may be delivered in aerosol or non-aerosol form.
• the second material may be delivered together with or separately to the first material. Second materials are further described below.
• the system 1 may comprise a reusable device part 2 (such as that described for figure 1 ), a first cartridge part 4a and a second cartridge part 4b.
• the first cartridge part 4a may be substantially the same as the cartridge part 4 described in figure 1 .
• the second cartridge part 4b may be a system in itself and may be releasably connectable to existing wider systems, such as the reusable device part 2 or first cartridge part 4a, e.g. using an interference fit.
• both the first and second cartridge parts 4a and 4b may be integrally formed to provide a single cartridge part 4 that is releasably connectable to the reusable device part 2.
• the second cartridge part 4b comprises a second reservoir 144 for storing a second material, which may comprise a second aerosol-generating or sensory material, which may include a non-aerosol-generating material, and is further defined below.
• the overall system 1 is configured to generate aerosol comprising the second material (in aerosol or non-aerosol form), for receipt (e.g. smelling or inhaling) by a user.
• the second cartridge 4b stores and releases/delivers the second material to a flow path 52 of the delivery system 1, for receipt by the user at the mouthpiece outlet 50.
• the second material may generally be a liquid or a particulate.
• the second cartridge part 4b comprises a second material flow path 52b that extends at least from the reservoir 144 (and potentially via any air inlet 128 of second cartridge part 4b) to the mouthpiece outlet 50 (or one of a plurality of mouthpiece outlets 50).
• the second material flow path 52b may either directly pass to the or a mouthpiece outlet 50, or indirectly via the flow path 52 of the first cartridge part 4a (that is, the second material flow path 52b passes to the flow path 52 before the flow path 52 reaches the mouthpiece outlet 50).
• the second cartridge part 4b comprises a through flow path 52a extending through the second cartridge part 4b to a mouthpiece outlet 50 defined at the end of the second cartridge part 4b and arranged so as to couple to the flow path 52 of the first cartridge 4a.
• the second material flow path 52b may be provided in fluid communication with the mouthpiece opening 50 (or one of a plurality thereof), either directly or via the through flow path 52a of the second cartridge part 4b.
• the flow path 52 of the first cartridge part 4a may pass through the reservoir 144 of the second cartridge part 4b to deliver aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 48 to, and through, the reservoir 144 before being passed along the second material flow path 52b to the mouthpiece outlet 50.
• the second material flow path 52b may be provided parallel to the flow path 52 of the first cartridge part 4a or flow path 52a of the second cartridge part 4b and either terminate at a mouthpiece opening 50 or adjoin the flow path 52 prior to terminating at a mouthpiece opening, or the second material flow path 52b may be provided sequentially after the flow path 52 or flow path 52a whereby the second material flow path 52b terminates at the mouthpiece outlet 50.
• the second material flow path 52b is provided in fluid communication with the reservoir 144 of the second cartridge part 4b such that the second material in the reservoir 144 is able to be provided to the mouthpiece outlet 50 via the second material flow path 52b through vaporisation of the second material.
• the mouthpiece outlet 50 may thus receive materials from a single or multiple flow paths.
• the second cartridge part 4b thus provides a second (downstream) material for a user which may be mixed with and/or supplied alongside the first (upstream) aerosol. The user may customise delivery of the first and/or second materials.
• the second material is capable of vaporising, at least to some degree, at room temperature. In some implementations, however, the second material is capable of vaporisation without an additional source of energy, such as heat. In such implementations, the aerosol delivery system 1 does not include a second aerosol generator 148.
• the second reservoir 144 is annular, akin to the first reservoir 44.
• the second reservoir 144 may comprise multiple second reservoirs 144 (such as multiple discrete reservoirs 144 arranged radially), which may retain multiple different materials.
• the second reservoir 144 may store some or all of the second material freely, and/or in or on one or more substrate materials, such as a capillary material 146 (e.g., a porous substrate material).
• a flow path may extend through the second reservoir 144 and / or substrate material / capillary material 146 towards the outlet.
• the system 1 may comprise a first air inlet 28 for supplying air to the first aerosol generator 48 (see figure 1 ) and a second air inlet 128 for separately supplying air to the second reservoir 144 and/or the second aerosol generator 148.
• Providing two separate air inlets 28, 128, may assist with providing a fresh source of air to the second reservoir 144 / second aerosol generator 148, and/or allow for different air flow rates to be delivered.
• no second air inlet 128 is provided.
• aerosol generated by the first aerosol generator 48 flows through the second reservoir 144, optionally through any substrate / capillary material 146, to entrain the second material.
• the system 1 is configured to supply the second material downstream of the location at which the first aerosol is generated, such that this delivery of the second material does not impact any initial generation of the first aerosol by the system 1.
• the second cartridge 4b may allow the user to customise to what extent the first aerosol is supplemented with the second material as part of an end aerosol delivered to the user.
• a reservoir for storing aerosol-generating and/or sensory material for a user may store some or all of the material freely, e.g. in a housing of the reservoir and/or in one or more capillary materials 146, such as a porous substrate material, which may act as a wicking material.
• the capillary or porous substrate material 146 may generally comprise a polymer material with micropores.
• Suitable capillary material(s) 146 may be manufactured using a phase separation process, a sintering process or a sol-gel process to provide suitable pores to transport aerosol-generating material.
• the capillary or porous substrate material 146 comprises or consists of a sponge material, a fibrous material or combinations thereof, optionally wherein the sponge material is formed of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polyurethane, polyester or combinations thereof and/or the fibrous material is formed of cellulose acetate, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(i-4 butanediol succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)(PBAT), starch based materials, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials, polysaccharide polymers or a combination thereof.
• the sponge material consists of polyurethane and/or the fibrous material consists of cellulose acetate.
• the second material may comprise any material or substance, such as a (second) aerosol-generating and/or sensory material, including those defined in the terminology paragraphs below, particularly an 'active' substance and/or a 'flavour' material (which may or may not be an aerosol-generating material, for generating a second, distinct aerosol).
• a (second) aerosol-generating and/or sensory material including those defined in the terminology paragraphs below, particularly an 'active' substance and/or a 'flavour' material (which may or may not be an aerosol-generating material, for generating a second, distinct aerosol).
• the second material/substance may specifically include or specifically exclude one or more active substances (as defined below), particularly nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof.
• active substances as defined below, particularly nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof.
• the second material/substance does not consist essentially of water. In some examples, the second material/substance is not water-based, i.e. contains less than 50% water, particularly less than 40%, less than 30, less than 20% or less than 10% water, more particularly less than 5%, less than 4%, less than 3%, less than 2% or less than 1% water.
• both the first and second materials are heated, but to different temperatures.
• the system is configured to heat the second material to a second temperature above ambient, but below the temperature at which significant vaporization would take place, such as ⁇ 50°C, ⁇ 60°C, ⁇ 70°C, ⁇ 80°C, ⁇ 90°C, ⁇ 100°C, ⁇ 110°C, ⁇ 120°C, ⁇ 130°C, ⁇ 140°C or ⁇ 150°C, i.e. much lower than the typical operating temperatures of 200-250°C for existing aerosol generators as might be used to heat the first aerosol-generating material.
• the system may be configured to generate the first aerosol at a first temperature e.g.
• first temperature is greater than the second temperature, e.g. with a differential of ⁇ 50°C, ⁇ 60°C, ⁇ 70°C, ⁇ 80°C, ⁇ 90°C, ⁇ 100°C, ⁇ 110°C, ⁇ 120°C, ⁇ 130°C, ⁇ 140°C or ⁇ 150°C.
• the temperature at which either of the first aerosol is generated and/or the second material is delivered may vary depending on the composition of the respective materials and that certain substances within an e-liquid for an e-cigarette may have different properties or characteristics at different temperatures. Accordingly, certain materials/substances may be provided in one or multiple of the reservoirs, to suit the temperatures they will be subjected to in use.
• the second material may be highly volatile, thus readily vaporise into a flow path, such as the first (aerosol) flow path 52a from the aerosol generator 48 or second material flow path 52b from reservoir 144.
• the formulation of the second material may comprise one or more active substance(s) having boiling points in the range of from about 50°C to about 300°C, or from about 100°C to about 300°C, and optionally a carrier constituent comprising one or more solvents.
• one or more of the active and/or other substance(s) has a boiling point outside of the range of about 50°C to about 300°C (e.g. lower than 50°C or greater than 300°C).
• the overall formulation has a boiling point in the range of from about 50°C to about 300°C.
• the second formulation is an azeotrope-like or an azeotrope formulation.
• the one or more active and/or other substances and the optional carrier constituent may combine to form an azeotropic solution (composition or mixture).
• the active and/or other substance(s) may individually have a boiling point outside of the range of about 50°C to about 300°C, but when provided in a formulation with other substances (e.g.
• the boiling point may be adjusted by the presence of the other substances to be within the range of about 50°C to about 300°C (see for example, the discussion of azeotropic and azeotropic-like formulations below).
• the carrier constituent consists of the one or more solvents.
• the formulation of the second material is configured to deliver substantially all of one or more active substances in the gas phase.
• azeotrope-like relates to compositions that are strictly azeotropic or that generally behave like azeotropic mixtures.
• An azeotropic mixture is a system of two or more components in which the component concentration of a liquid composition and vapor composition are equal at the stated pressure and temperature. In practice, this means that the components of an azeotropic mixture have a constant-boiling or essentially constant-boiling points and generally cannot be thermodynamically separated during a phase change.
• the vapor composition formed by boiling or evaporation of an azeotropic mixture is identical, or substantially identical, to the original liquid composition.
• the concentration of components in the liquid and vapor phases of azeotrope-like compositions change only minimally, if at all, as the composition boils or otherwise evaporates.
• boiling or evaporating non-azeotropic mixtures changes the component concentrations in the liquid phase. That is to say the active and/or other substance(s) and the optional carrier constituent form a solution which has approximately the same relative proportions in both a liquid and a vapour phase.
• the constituent parts of the resultant vapour phase will be the same as those of the initial liquid solution.
• the one or more solvents constitutes a proportion of the second formulation in the range of 1% to 50% of the second formulation (e.g. the second formulation comprises of from about 1 %w/w to about 50%w/w of the one or more solvent(s)).
• the solvent in the range of 1% to 50% is benzyl alcohol or phenyl carbinol.
• benzyl alcohol is preferred over other solvents due to its low potency or aroma activity (e.g. in terms of smell).
• the active constituent or substance may comprise one or more physiologically and/or olfactory active constituents which are included in the second material in order to achieve a physiological and/or olfactory response in the user.
• the active constituent or substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals and nootropics.
• the active constituent may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained.
• the active constituent may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, a vitamin such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, a cannabinoid, or a constituent, derivative, or combinations thereof.
• the active constituent may comprise a constituent, derivative or extract of tobacco or of another botanical.
• the active constituent is a physiologically active constituent and may be selected from nicotine, nicotine salts (e.g. nicotine ditartrate/nicotine bitartrate), nicotine-free tobacco substitutes, other alkaloids such as caffeine, or mixtures thereof.
• the active and/or other substance(s) may comprise an aliphatic compound (e.g. a form of compound having a relatively stable long chain structure).
• the active and/or other substance(s) may comprise a carbon chain having a chain length of at least 8.
• the active and/or other substance(s) do not comprise a compound including or formed of a benzene ring (e.g. an activated benzene ring), which may be considered relatively unstable at least in comparison to aliphatic compounds (e.g. the active and/or other substance(s) may not include an aromatic compound).
• the active and/or other substance(s) may comprise an olfactory active constituent comprising one or more aliphatic compounds and / or the active and/or other substance(s) do not comprise an aromatic compound. Furthermore, in some examples, the active and/or other substance(s) do not comprise a compound including oxygen sensitive ingredients such as unsaturated aldehydes and carboxylic acids.
• the one or more solvents are selected from the group consisting of ethanol, benzyl alcohol, propylene glycol or combinations thereof; optionally wherein the one or more solvents are selected from the group consisting of ethanol, benzyl alcohol or combinations thereof.
• the active substance(s) have a vapour pressure of from about 0.0001 mmHg to about 15 mmHg; optionally wherein the active substance(s) have a vapour pressure of from about 0.0001 mmHg to about 12 mmHg.
• a porous substrate material comprising a sponge material, such as a polyurethane sponge
• a porous substrate material comprising a sponge material, such as a polyurethane sponge
• the above combination provided improved delivery.
• a porous substrate material comprising a sponge material, such as a polyurethane sponge, is preferred in combination with an active and/or other substance having a boiling point in the range between 158°C and 180°C and a vapour pressure of greater than 3.8mmHg, and / or an active and/or other substance having a boiling point in the range between 130°C and 160°C and also a vapour pressure between 3.8mmHg and 9mmHg or greater than 12mmHg and a fixative comprising a compound having a vapour pressure of less than 2mmHG.
• an active and/or other substance having properties that enable delivery of an aerosol without heating of the substance e.g. a boiling in the range between 158°C and 180°C and with a vapour pressure between 0mmHg and 3.8mmHg, or a boiling point in the range between 130°C and 160°C and with a vapour pressure between 9mmHg and 12mmg
• the presence of carbonyls and metals in the aerosol to be delivered is reduced (e.g. in comparison to a heated consumable having the same formulation).
• the following sets of examples are each particularly, but not exclusively, suitable for supplying / delivering only a small amount of a second material (which may be highly volatile) to a flow path such as an aerosol stream from an aerosol generator, whilst the bulk of the second material remains contained with minimal exposure to air, to restrict evaporation and prolong longevity.
• a second material which may be highly volatile
• the second material of the second reservoir 144 is arranged to be heated by the aerosol delivery system 1 to aid in the delivery of the second material from the porous substrate 146.
• the second material of the second reservoir 146 is heated via a heat conduction portion 150 of the aerosol delivery system 1 that is arranged to conduct heat from a heat source of the aerosol delivery system 1 to the reservoir 144 to thereby cause heating of the second material (to subsequently promote vaporisation of the second material). That is, the second material is heated via conduction of thermal energy from a heat source located in the aerosol delivery system 1 via the heat conduction portion 150.
• the second reservoir 144 is not provided with a dedicated heat source (e.g., such as a separate heater or the like configured specifically to heat the second reservoir 144), but instead the second reservoir 144 is heated via thermal energy generated from other heat sources that would otherwise simply be lost to the environment.
• the heat conduction portion 150 makes use of any residual thermal energy generated by the aerosol delivery system 1 but conducting that thermal energy to the second reservoir 144.
• the second reservoir 144 / second material heated to help promote vaporisation of the second material, but there is no additional drain/burden on any power source of the aerosol delivery system (e.g., battery 26).
• Figure 3 schematically represents an example of an aerosol delivery system 1 comprising a heat conduction portion 150.
• Figure 3 is based on and will be understood from figure 2 .
• Figure 3 similarly shows a reusable device part 2, a first cartridge part 4a and a second cartridge part 4b.
• Like components are described with like reference signs, and a description thereof is not repeated for conciseness.
• FIG 3 schematically shows a heat conduction portion 150 extending from the reusable device part 2, through the first cartridge part 4a, and to the second cartridge part 4b.
• the heat conduction portion 150 in this example takes the form of a hollow tube.
• an end of the hollow tube abuts against a surface of the (annular) reservoir 144, and consequently thermal energy that is conducted along the heat conduction portion 150 is communicated to the reservoir 144 / second material therein through the surface of the (annular) reservoir 144.
• the heat conduction portion 150 may extend into the reservoir 144 (e.g., through a surface of the reservoir 144).
• the heat conduction portion 150 is arranged such that the flow path 52 and/or first flow path 52a are located on the inside of the hollow tube. That is to say, the flow path 52, 52a passes along the central axis of the heat conduction portion 150.
• the heat conduction portion 150 is suitable sized and shaped so as to permit operation of the aerosol delivery system 1.
• the position and/or shape of the heat conduction portion 150 is not particularly limited, and the heat conduction portion 150 can take any shape and be positioned within the aerosol delivery system 1 as desired and as appropriate.
• the reusable device part 2, first cartridge part 4a and second cartridge part 4b are arranged sequentially along a longitudinal axis, and thus the heat conduction portion 150 is suitable arrange to extend, at least partially, along the longitudinal axis.
• the heat conduction element may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (e.g., extending from the first cartridge part 4a to the second cartridge part 4b).
• the heat conduction element 150 may be a solid rod, a cuboidal block or may take some other shape as desired.
• the shape and/or position of the heat conduction portion 150 in the aerosol delivery system 1 may be dependent upon the configuration of the aerosol delivery system 1.
• the heat conduction portion 150 is formed from a suitable material capable of conducting heat.
• the heat conduction portion 150 may be formed from a metal material, such as aluminium or copper. Aluminium has a thermal conductivity of approximately 235 Wm -1 K -1 to 240 Wm -1 K -1 , while copper has a thermal conductivity of approximately 385 Wm -1 K -1 to 400 Wm -1 K -1 , and thus these materials represent what may be considered a good thermal conductor.
• any suitable material that is capable of conducting heat may be implemented in accordance with the present disclosure.
• the thermal conductivity of the heat conduction portion 150 is equal to or greater than 30 Wm-'K-', equal to or greater than 100 Wm -1 K -1 , equal to or greater than 200 Wm -1 K -1 , or equal to or greater than 300 Wm -1 K -1 .
• Thermal conductivity values given herein are measured at room temperature and under standard conditions.
• the first heat source HS1 may be any element (or elements) of the reusable device part 2 that generates heat during operation.
• the first heat source HS1 may be the battery 26 and/or the control circuitry 22 of the reusable device part 2. Although the primary function of these components is not to generate heat, by virtue of their operation, heat may nonetheless be generated by these components. Accordingly, by providing the heat conduction portion 150 in thermal communication with these components of the aerosol delivery system 1 / reusable device part 2 enables this heat, which would otherwise be lost to the environment, to be communicated to the second reservoir 144 / second material. It should be appreciated that the first heat source HS1 may be any component of the reusable device part 2 that generates heat during operation, and although the examples of the control circuitry 22 and the battery 26 are given above, the first heat source HS1 is not limited to these components.
• the second heat source HS2 may equally be any element (or elements) of the first cartridge part 4a that generates heat during operation.
• the first cartridge part 4a comprises an aerosol generator 48, such as a heater. Operation of these components, especially the heater, generate heat.
• the aerosol generator 48 is a heater, the primary purpose of the heater is to generate heat for heating (and vaporising) the first aerosol-generating material in reservoir 44. That is, this heater is not provided for the purposes of, directly, heating the second material, but is instead provided for the purpose of generating aerosol from the first aerosol-generating material. Any heat that is generated for this purpose, but that is not directed to the first aerosol-generating material may similarly be lost to the environment.
• the heat conduction portion 150 is provided in thermal communication with the aerosol generator 48 (e.g., heater) and/or any other components of the first cartridge part 4a that generate heat during operation, to enable this heat, which would otherwise be lost to the environment, to be communicated to the second reservoir 144 / second material.
• the aerosol generator 48 e.g., heater
• the heat conduction portion 150 allows thermal energy (heat) generated from portions of the aerosol delivery system 1 that are not the second reservoir or a dedicated heater therefor to be communicated to the second reservoir 144 to heat the second material and help aid in the release (vaporisation) of the second material.
• the magnitude of the heat generated by the aerosol delivery system 1 and communicated to the second material will be dependent on the amount of heat generated by the various components of the aerosol delivery system 1. Accordingly, the rate of vaporisation of the second material due to the communicated thermal energy from the aerosol delivery system 1 will also vary based on the amount of heat generated by the aerosol delivery system 1.
• the type of second material may be selected in combination with the aerosol delivery system 1, such that the relative temperature increase generated by the aerosol delivery system 1 and communicated to the second material causes a perceptible increase in the amount of second material vaporised and subsequently delivered to a user.
• the aerosol delivery system 1 is configured to heat the second material, by virtue of the heat conductive portion 150, to a second temperature selected from the group comprising: less than or equal to 50°C, less than or equal to 60°C, less than or equal to 70°C, less than or equal to 80°C, less than or equal to 90°C, less than or equal to 100°C, less than or equal to 110°C, less than or equal to 120°C, less than or equal to 130°C, less than or equal to 140°C and less than or equal to 150°C.
• the heat conduction portion 150 is provided in thermal communication with the first heat source HS1 (or more generally, one or more heat sources in the reusable device part 2) and a second heat source HS2 (or more generally, one or more heat sources in the first cartridge part 4a).
• the heat conduction portion 150 may only be provided in thermal communication with one of these heat sources (or one of these groups of heat sources).
• the heat conduction portion 150 may be provided in thermal communication only with the first heat source HS1 (or more generally, one or more heat sources in the reusable device part 2).
• the heat conduction portion 150 may be configured to bypass (i.e., not be in thermal communication with) the second heat source HS2 (or more generally, one or more heat sources in the first cartridge part 4a). This implementation may be suitable where only a slight increase in temperature of the second material is desired as, generally, it is expected that the thermal energy generated by the battery 26 / circuitry 22 is likely to be lower than the thermal energy generated by the heater 48 of the first cartridge part 4a. In other implementations, the heat conduction portion 150 may be provided only in thermal communication with the second heat source HS2 (or more generally, one or more heat sources in the first cartridge part 4a), for example, where the heat conduction portion 150 does not extend into the reusable device part 2.
• This implementation may be suitable in situations where the thermal energy generated by the heater 48 is relatively high and, for example, it may be unsuitable to conduct this thermal energy to the battery 26 / control circuitry 22 for fear of damage or the like to these components (noting that the heat conduction portion 150 may conduct thermal energy along the entire length of the heat conduction portion 150, including towards the reusable device part 2). It should also be appreciated that in other implementations, a plurality of heat conduction portions 150 may be provided, with each heat conduction portion 150 extending between a particular heat source of the aerosol delivery system 1 and the second reservoir/ second material.
• the first cartridge part 4a, second cartridge part 4b, and the reusable device part 2 are all separable from one another.
• the heat conductive portion 150 is provided extending across all three of the first cartridge part 4a, second cartridge part 4b, and the reusable device part 2.
• the heat conductive portion 150 may be provided in separate sections that are capable of being separated at the respective interfaces between the first cartridge part 4a, second cartridge part 4b, and the reusable device part 2.
• Figure 4 is a schematic figure showing a generic heat source, HS, located in a housing 152 and provided in thermal communication with the heat conduction portion 150 that extends from the heat source, HS, through the housing 152.
• Figure 4 is provided in order to explain an aspect of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that figure 4 may be applied to the relevant parts of the aerosol delivery system 1 of figure 3 . That is, for example, the heat source may be the first heat source HS1 of the reusable device part 2 and the housing 152 may be an associated housing of the reusable device part 2. Alternatively (or additionally), the heat source may be the second heat source HS2 of the first cartridge part 4a and the housing 152 may be an associated housing of the first cartridge part 4a. Additionally, and as will be understood from the below, the housing 152 may also represent a part of the housing of the second cartridge part 4b.
• the insulator acts to stop or reduce the transfer of heat energy away from the heat conduction portion to the environment, and subsequently can help ensure that a greater proportion of the thermal energy is communicated to the second reservoir 144.
• the insulator material may be any suitable material capable of acting as an insulator, for example polyurethane (having a thermal conductivity of around 0.02 Wm-'K-'), polystyrene (having a thermal conductivity of around 0.03 Wm-'K-'), or even air (having a thermal conductivity of around 0.02 Wm -1 K -1 ).
• polyurethane having a thermal conductivity of around 0.02 Wm-'K-'
• polystyrene having a thermal conductivity of around 0.03 Wm-'K-'
• air having a thermal conductivity of around 0.02 Wm -1 K -1
• the aerosol delivery system 1 comprises a heat conductive portion 150 provided in thermal communication with one or more heat sources HS, HS1, HS2, wherein the heat conductive portion 150 is provided with an insulation material surrounding the heat conductive portion 150.
• the relative difference between the thermal conductivity of the heat conductive portion 150 and the insulation portion is between 100 to 3,000 Wm -1 K -1 , or between 500 to 6,000 Wm -1 K -1 , or between 1,000 to 10,000 Wm -1 K -1 .
• the housing 152 is configured to have a thermal stability greater than the expected temperature the heat conduction portion 150 reaches during use. In other words, the stability or integrity of the housing 152 is not affected by the operational temperatures of the heat conduction portion 150 (i.e., the housing does not melt or deform when exposed to the operational temperatures of the heat conduction portion 150).
• the heat conductive portion 150 is arranged to conduct heat from a heat source of the aerosol delivery system 1 to the second reservoir 144.
• the wherein the heat conduction portion 150 is provided internal to the aerosol delivery system 1.
• the heat conduction portion 150 is inaccessible (e.g., to a user) from outside the aerosol delivery system 1.
• the heat conduction portion 150 may be provided in the housing of the reusable device part 2, and/or in the housing of the first cartridge part 4a, and/or in the housing of the second cartridge part 4b. In this way, the risk of a user contacting the heat conduction portion 150 is reduced, and hence a user may be less likely to incur burns or other injuries when handling the aerosol delivery system 1.
• the heat conduction portion 150 is internal to the aerosol delivery system 1.
• the heat conduction portion 150 being internal to the aerosol delivery system 1 means that no part of the heat conduction portion 150 is exposed or accessible to a user without disassembling the aerosol delivery system 1. That is, when considering the outer housing of the aerosol delivery system 1, no part of the surface area of the outer housing comprises the heat conduction portion 150.
• the heat conduction portion 150 being internal to the aerosol delivery system 1 means that in a fully assembled state, no part of the heat conduction portion 150 is exposed or accessible to a user (that is, when considering the outer housing of the aerosol delivery system 1, no part of the surface area of the outer housing comprises the heat conduction portion 150). However, it may be that part of the heat conduction portion 150 is exposed when elements of the aerosol delivery system 1 are decoupled from one another, e.g., when the second cartridge part 4b is decoupled from the first cartridge part 4a. However, in normal use, when the elements of the aerosol delivery system 1 are coupled, the heat conduction portion 150 is provided internally to the aerosol delivery system 1.
• the method starts at step S1.
• the method involves providing an aerosol-generating material storage portion for storing an aerosol-generating material.
• an aerosol-generating material for example, this may be the reservoir 44 of the first cartridge part 4a.
• the reservoir 44 may be provided in any suitable manner; for example, through injection moulding of a plastics material.
• step S2 the method involves providing an aerosol generator, such as a heater 48, for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material stored in the aerosol-generating material storage area.
• an aerosol generator such as a heater 48
• step S2 may be performed before, during or after step S1 depending on how the aerosol delivery system 1 is constructed, and in particular, depending on whether the reservoir 44 is moulded around the aerosol generator 48.
• step S3 the method involves providing an air pathway, such as flow path 52, that is fluidly coupled to the aerosol-generating material storage portion and arranged so as to be fluidly coupled with an outlet, such as mouthpiece outlet 50, of the aerosol delivery system 1.
• step S3 may be performed before, after or during steps S1 and/or S2 depending on how the aerosol delivery system 1 is constructed.
• the reservoir 44 and air pathway 52 may be formed simultaneously.
• the housing of the reservoir 44 may define, at least in part, the air pathway 52.
• the method involves providing a second material storage portion for storing a second material.
• the second material storage portion which may include reservoir 144 of the second cartridge part 4b, may be formed using suitable manufacturing techniques, such as injection moulding. Step S4 may be performed independently of steps S1 to S3, particularly if the second cartridge part 4b is manufactured separately to (and is connectable with) the first cartridge part 4a.
• the second material storage portion is arranged such that the second material is capable of being delivered to the outlet 50 of the aerosol delivery system 1 via a second material air pathway, such as second material flow path 52b.
• the second material flow path 52b extends at least from the second material storage portion, but may also extend into and through the reservoir 144, and to the inlet 128 (if present).
• step S5 the method involves providing a heat conduction portion 150 in the aerosol delivery system 1.
• step S5 may be performed before, during or after any of steps S1 to S4.
• the heat conduction portion 150 is arranged so as to conduct heat from a heat source of the aerosol delivery system 1 (such as a battery 26, control circuitry 22 or other circuitry of the reusable device part 2, or an aerosol generator 48 of a first cartridge part 4a) to the second material storage portion to cause heating of the second material in the second material storage portion.
• a heat source of the aerosol delivery system 1 such as a battery 26, control circuitry 22 or other circuitry of the reusable device part 2, or an aerosol generator 48 of a first cartridge part 4a
• the heat conduction portion 150 is adapted to allow for heat energy generated from a heat source of the aerosol delivery system 1 to be conducted to the second material storage portion where the conducted heat energy is capable of heating the second material, thereby aiding in the vaporisation of the second material and providing relatively more of the second material in the aerosol that is delivered to a user.
• the heat conduction portion 150 is adapted to allow for heat energy generated from a heat source of the aerosol delivery system 1 to be conducted to the second material storage portion where the conducted heat energy is capable of heating the second material, thereby aiding in the vaporisation of the second material and providing relatively more of the second material in the aerosol that is delivered to a user.
• the system 1 may be modular, i.e. any one or more sub-components of the system 1 may be removable / replaceable.
• each reservoir 44, 144 may be independently removable / replaceable, optionally with or without any associated capillary material(s) 146, or aerosol generator(s) 48, 148.
• any capillary material(s) 146, or aerosol generator(s) 48 may each be removable / replaceable in isolation or as part of a sub-system.
• the reservoir or cartridge may comprise a removable closure such as an end cap to provide hot-swappable reservoirs or capillary materials.
• first cartridge 4a that includes a liquid aerosol-generating material
• first cartridge 4a may be configured to generate aerosol from any suitable aerosol-generating material, e.g., such as tobacco or tobacco derived materials.
• the material delivery system is contemplated in isolation, particularly as an aerosol-free delivery system, an aerosol delivery system, or a cartridge for / containing aerosol-generating or sensory material for use with an aerosol-free or aerosol delivery system, e.g. supplementing aerosol generated by an aerosol delivery system using an aerosol generator with a second material, in aerosol or non-aerosol form.
• this disclosure explicitly encompasses permutations of features disclosed within the application as filed, particularly utilising variable porosity capillary materials with a compressible reservoir and/or a pressure delivery mechanism.
• 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.
• this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future. Protection may also be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.
• a "combustible" aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
• the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.
• the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper or a cigarette paper.
• 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.
• the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
• the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.
• the non-combustible aerosol provision system such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller.
• the power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source.
• the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.
• 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.
• 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.
• the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.
• the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised.
• either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials.
• the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.
• the active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response.
• the active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives.
• the active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained.
• the active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof.
• the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.
• the active substance is a legally permissible recreational drug.
• the active substance comprises nicotine.
• the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.
• the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.
• the active substance may be CBD or a derivative thereof.
• the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof.
• the term "botanical” includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like.
• the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically.
• the material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like.
• Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon
• the mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v.,Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v.,Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens.
• the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.
• flavour materials may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot,
• the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint.
• the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry.
• the flavour comprises eugenol.
• the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco.
• the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.
• the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect.
• a suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.
• Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants.
• 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.
• a substance to be delivered and/or filler may also be present.
• 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.
• the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material.
• the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.
• the aerosol-generating material may comprise or be in the form of an aerosol-generating film.
• the aerosol-generating film may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former.
• a substance to be delivered and/or filler may also be present.
• the aerosol-generating film may be substantially free from botanical material.
• 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.
• 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 material may comprise more than one film, and the thickness described herein may refer to the aggregate thickness of those films.
• the aerosol-generating film may be continuous.
• the film may comprise or be a continuous sheet of material.
• the sheet may be in the form of a wrapper, it may be gathered to form a gathered sheet or it may be shredded to form a shredded sheet.
• the shredded sheet may comprise one or more strands or strips of aerosol-generating material.
• the aerosol-generating film may be discontinuous.
• the aerosol-generating film may comprise one or more discrete portions or regions of aerosol-generating 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.
• 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 comprise or be an "amorphous solid".
• the aerosol-generating materiel comprises an aerosol-generating film that is an amorphous solid.
• the amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid".
• the amorphous solid may be substantially non-fibrous.
• the amorphous solid may be a dried gel.
• the amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it.
• the amorphous solid may, for example, comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.
• the amorphous solid may be substantially free from botanical material.
• the amorphous solid may be substantially tobacco free.
• the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol.
• the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of 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.
• the support comprises a susceptor.
• the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.
• 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 aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material 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, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.
• a susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field.
• the susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material.
• the heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material.
• the susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms.
• the device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.
• An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol.
• the aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent.
• the aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent.
• the aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent.
• the aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel.
• the aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form.
• the aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.
• An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material.
• 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.
• the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating.
• the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.
• aerosol delivery systems such as nebulisers or e-cigarettes.
• e-cigarette or “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system / device and electronic aerosol delivery system / device.
• aerosol delivery systems such as nebulisers or e-cigarettes.
• vapour delivery systems such as nebulisers or e-cigarettes.
• e-cigarette or “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system / device and electronic aerosol delivery system / device.
• aerosol and vapour and related terms such as “vaporise”, “volatilise” and “aerosolise” may generally be used interchangeably.
• Aerosol delivery systems e-cigarettes
• a modular assembly comprising a reusable device part and a replaceable (disposable/consumable) cartridge part.
• the replaceable cartridge part will comprise the aerosol generating material and the vaporiser (which may collectively be called a 'cartomizer') and the reusable device part will comprise the power supply (e.g. rechargeable power source) and control circuitry.
• the reusable device part will often comprise a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics
• the replaceable cartridge device part in some cases comprises a temperature sensor for helping to control temperature.
• Cartridges are electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, for example using a screw thread, bayonet, or magnetic coupling with appropriately arranged electrical contacts.
• the cartridge may be removed from the reusable part and a replacement cartridge attached in its place.
• Systems and devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part systems/devices.
• certain embodiments of the disclosure are based on aerosol delivery systems which are operationally configured to provide functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and the constructional aspects of systems configured to provide the functionality in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure is not of primary significance.

Landscapes

• Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)

Priority Applications (2)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=91961937

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (2)

Citations (4)

• 2024
  • 2024-07-22 EP EP24190062.0A patent/EP4684657A1/fr active Pending
• 2025
  • 2025-07-21 WO PCT/GB2025/051630 patent/WO2026022469A1/fr active Pending

Patent Citations (4)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events