Mouthpiece

A mouthpiece for an apparatus for generating an inhalable medium is disclosed. The mouthpiece defines an aperture extending from a first opening at a first end of the mouthpiece to a second opening at an opposing end of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is arranged to receive in the aperture through the first opening a flavor element for imparting a flavor to a flow of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol that passes through the mouthpiece in use. The aperture has a first radial dimension towards the first opening, and a second radial dimension towards the second opening, wherein the second radial dimension is smaller than the first radial dimension.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT Application No. PCT/EP2017/066802, filed Jul. 5, 2017, which claims priority from GB Patent Application No. 1612231.9, filed Jul. 14, 2016, each of which is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a mouthpiece, and more particularly to a mouthpiece for an apparatus for generating an inhalable medium.

BACKGROUND

Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning.

Examples of such products are heating devices which release compounds by heating, but not burning, the material. The material may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. As another example, there are so-called e-cigarette devices. These devices typically contain a liquid which is heated to vaporize the liquid to produce an inhalable vapor or aerosol. The liquid may contain nicotine and/or flavorings and/or aerosol-generating substances, such as glycerol. The known e-cigarette devices typically do not contain or use tobacco.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a mouthpiece for an apparatus for generating an inhalable medium, the mouthpiece defining an aperture extending from a first opening at a first end of the mouthpiece to a second opening at an opposing end of the mouthpiece, the mouthpiece being arranged to receive in the aperture through the first opening a flavor element for imparting a flavor to a flow of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol that passes through the mouthpiece in use, the aperture having a first radial dimension towards the first opening, and a second radial dimension towards the second opening, wherein the second radial dimension is smaller than the first radial dimension.

The second radial dimension may be arranged to prevent the flavor element received in the aperture through the first opening in use from passing through to the second opening.

The aperture may be or comprise a stepped bore, the stepped bore comprising a first bore portion having the first radial dimension and a second bore portion having the second radial dimension.

A step of the stepped bore may be arranged to prevent the flavor element from passing to the second opening.

At least a portion of the stepped bore towards the first opening may be cylindrical.

In use, a step of the stepped bore may support the flavor element received in the aperture through the first opening.

The mouthpiece maybe arranged such that the flavor element received in the aperture through the first opening protrudes beyond the first opening in use.

The first opening may be at a mouth end of the mouthpiece, and the second opening may be at an apparatus end of the mouthpiece.

The mouthpiece may comprise, at the second opening, a chamfer for engaging with a component of the apparatus.

The first opening may be at an apparatus end of the mouthpiece, and the second opening may be at a mouth end of the mouthpiece.

The mouthpiece may comprise, at the first opening, a chamfer for engaging with a component of the apparatus.

The apparatus end of the mouthpiece may be arranged to be releasably connectable to the apparatus.

The mouthpiece may be arranged such that the flavor element, when received in the aperture through the first opening, in use, is removable from and/or replaceable in the aperture through the first opening.

The mouthpiece may comprise the flavor element received in the aperture through the first opening.

A cross section of the flavor element may match a cross section of the aperture.

The flavor element may be one or more of: self-supporting, porous, and cylindrical, and/or comprises a cylindrical portion.

The flavor element may be or comprise tobacco.

The flavor element may protrude beyond the first opening.

The flavor element may be arranged to define a flow path, for the flow of at least one of an aerosol and a vapor, running from one end of the element to another.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for generating an inhalable medium, the apparatus comprising the mouthpiece according to the first aspect.

The flavor element may be received in the aperture through the first opening of the mouthpiece, and the apparatus may comprise: a container for holding a liquid; a heater for volatilizing liquid held in the container to generate the flow of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol in use; and in use the flow of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol may pass through the flavor element for inhalation by a user.

The flavor element may comprise one or more constituents, and in use the flow of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol through the element may entrain one or more of the constituents in the flow.

The first opening of the mouthpiece may be at an apparatus end of the mouthpiece, and the container for holding liquid may comprise a recess into which the element is received.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a mouthpiece for an apparatus for generating an inhalable medium, the mouthpiece defining an aperture extending from a first opening at a mouth end of the mouthpiece to a second opening at an opposing, apparatus end of the mouthpiece, the mouthpiece being arranged to receive in the aperture a flavor element for imparting a flavor to a flow of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol that passes through the mouthpiece in use, the mouthpiece being arranged such that in use the flavor element received into the aperture protrudes beyond the first opening for receipt into a user's mouth, and protrudes beyond the second opening for contact with a component of said apparatus.

The apparatus end of the mouthpiece may be arranged to be releasably connectable to the apparatus.

The mouthpiece may comprise, at the second opening, a chamfer for contacting with said component of the apparatus.

The mouthpiece may be arranged to allow the flavor element, when received in the aperture, to be removed from and/or replaced in the aperture.

The mouthpiece may comprise the flavor element received in the aperture.

The flavor element may protrude beyond the first opening and may protrude beyond the second opening.

A cross section of the flavor element may match a cross section of the aperture.

The flavor element may be one or more of: self-supporting, porous, cylindrical, and/or comprise a cylindrical portion.

The flavor element may be or comprise tobacco.

The flavor element may be arranged to define a flow path, for the flow of at least one of an aerosol and a vapor, running from one end of the element to the other.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an apparatus for generating an inhalable medium, the apparatus comprising the mouthpiece according to the third aspect.

The flavor element may be received in the aperture of the mouthpiece, and the apparatus may comprise: a container for holding a liquid; a heater for volatilizing liquid held in the container to generate the flow of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol in use; and in use the flow of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol may pass through the flavor element for inhalation by a user.

The flavor element may comprise one or more constituents, and in use the flow of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol through the flavor element may entrain one or more of the constituents in the flow.

The container for holding liquid may comprise a recess into which the element is received.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a mouthpiece for an apparatus for generating an inhalable medium, the mouthpiece defining an aperture for receiving a flavor element for imparting a flavor to a flow of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol that passes through the mouthpiece in use, the aperture extending from a first opening at a mouth end of the mouthpiece to a second opening at an opposing, apparatus end of the mouthpiece, the mouthpiece comprising, at the second opening, a chamfer for contacting with a component of said apparatus thereby to form a seal between said component and the mouthpiece.

The apparatus end of the mouthpiece may be arranged to be releasably connectable to the apparatus.

The second opening may be circular.

The mouthpiece may be arranged such that the flavor element, when received in the aperture, is removable from and/or replaceable in the aperture.

The mouthpiece may comprise the flavor element received in the aperture.

A cross section of the flavor element may match a cross section of the aperture.

The flavor element may be one or more of: self-supporting, porous, cylindrical, and/or comprise a cylindrical portion.

The flavor element may be or comprise tobacco.

The flavor element may be arranged to define a flow path, for the flow of at least one of an aerosol and a vapor, running from one end of the flavor element to the other.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus comprising the mouthpiece according to the fifth aspect; and a container for holding a liquid, wherein a rim of the container contacts the chamfer of the mouthpiece thereby to form a seal between the container and the mouthpiece.

The container may comprise a recess for receiving the flavor element.

The apparatus may comprise: a heater for volatilizing liquid held in the container to generate the flow of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol in use; and in use the flow of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol may pass from an outlet of the container into the aperture via the second opening of the mouthpiece.

The flavor element may be received in the aperture, and in use the flow of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol may pass from the outlet of the container into a user's mouth via the flavor element.

The flavor element may comprise one or more constituents, and in use the flow of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol may flow through the flavor element thereby to entrain one or more of the constituents in the flow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIG.1, a schematic of an example apparatus100for generating an inhalable medium is illustrated. In this example, the apparatus100is a so called “electronic cigarette” device100. In broad outline, the device100volatilizes a liquid to form a vapor or an aerosol which passes through a flavor element134received in a mouthpiece102of the device100. The flavor element134imparts a flavor to the vapor or aerosol passing through the mouthpiece102for inhalation by a user.

In this respect, first it may be noted that, in general, a vapor is a substance in the gas phase at a temperature lower than its critical temperature, which means that for example the vapor can be condensed to a liquid by increasing its pressure without reducing the temperature. On the other hand, in general, an aerosol is a colloid of fine solid particles or liquid droplets, in air or another gas. A colloid is a substance in which microscopically dispersed insoluble particles are suspended throughout another substance.

Returning toFIG.1, the device100comprises an outer body118comprising an upper portion106housing a cartridge104and lower portion105housing a battery portion112. The cartridge104is connected to, but removable from, the battery portion112. At least the upper portion106of the outer body118may be removed so as to expose the cartridge104, and hence allow installation, removal and/or replacement of the cartridge104. The cartridge104has a liquid container122for containing liquid116.

The device100has a mouthpiece102(examples of which are described in more detail below) removeably connected to the upper portion106of the outer body118. The mouthpiece102has received therein a flavor element134for imparting a flavor to a flow of aerosol or vapor that passes through the mouthpiece102. The flavor element134may be or comprise for example tobacco, or other flavored materials that may be used to create a desired taste or aroma, or other properties, such as nicotine content.

The device100is arranged so that as the liquid116is volatilized so as to produce an aerosol of liquid droplets or sufficiently heated to produce a vapor, at least some and in some embodiments all or substantially all of the aerosol or vapor passes through the flavor element134received in the mouthpiece102for example so as to entrain constituents of the flavor element134therein.

The liquid container122is provided generally centrally of the cartridge104. The liquid container122is frustoconical in shape, but may have a different shape, such as conical, cylindrical, etc. The liquid container122is annular in shape and defines a cylindrical channel (not shown) running through the length of the liquid container122. The liquid container122may be formed of rigid, watertight and airtight materials, such as metal, suitable plastics, etc.

The cartridge104is provided with a heater110and a wick (not shown) in (thermal) contact with the heater110. In this example, the heater110and the wick are provided as a single unit108, sometimes known as an “atomizer”108. In this case, where the cartridge104includes an atomizer150, such a cartridge104is often referred to as a “cartomizer”104. The orientation of the heater110is shown schematically and for example the heater110may be a coil having its longitudinal axis perpendicular or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge104. The wick (not shown) is in contact with the liquid116. This may be achieved for example by the wick (not shown) being inserted through a through hole (not shown) in an end wall122bof the liquid container122. Alternatively or additionally, the end wall122bmay be a porous member which allows liquid to pass through from the liquid container122, and the wick (not shown) may be in contact with the porous end wall122b. The end wall122bmay be for example in the form of a porous ceramic disk. A porous end wall122bof this type helps to regulate the flow of liquid onto the wick (not shown). The wick (not shown) is generally absorbent and acts to draw in liquid116from the liquid container122by capillary action (shown inFIG.1by arrows A). The wick can be non-woven and may be for example a cotton or wool material or the like, or a synthetic material, including for example polyester, nylon, viscose, polypropylene or the like, or a ceramic material.

The cartridge104is (electrically) connected to a battery in the battery portion116to enable the heater110to be powered. When the heater110is powered (which may be instigated for example by the user operating a button (not shown) of the device100or by a puff detector (not shown) of the overall device100, as is known per se), liquid116is drawn (shown inFIG.1by arrows A) in from the liquid container122by the wick and is heated by the heater110to volatilize or vaporize the liquid, so as to generate at least one of a vapor and an aerosol. As the user draws on the mouthpiece102, air is drawn through an air inlet120. The liquid116is volatilized or vaporized by the heater110into air from the air inlet120thereby to produce a flow of one of a vapor and an aerosol. The flow vapor or aerosol is drawn through a channel (not shown) of the liquid container122, through the flavor element134received in the mouthpiece102, and out from the device100for inhalation by a user (shown by arrow B inFIG.1). The vapor or aerosol picks up (entrains) flavor (and/or other constituents) from the flavor element134. One or more constituents of the flavor element is thereby mixed with the flow of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol. In examples where the flavor element134contains or includes nicotine, the vapor or aerosol may also contain nicotine entrained from that solid material. A one-way valve (not shown) may be provided, for example at or near an upper end122aof the liquid container122, so that the vapor or aerosol can only exit the cartridge104and cannot back-flow to the heater110or the electronics (not shown) of the device100.

The flavor element134may be or comprise material that may be used to impart a flavor (and/or one or more other constituents) to the aerosol or vapor. In some examples, the one or more constituents of the flavor element may comprise constituents inherent to the material itself. The material may for example consist of or comprise tobacco. As the aerosol or vapor passes through and over the tobacco, the aerosol or vapor entrains organic and other compounds or constituents from the tobacco that lend tobacco its organoleptic properties, thus imparting the flavor to the aerosol or vapor. It will be understood however that materials other than tobacco may be used to impart different flavors (and/or one or more other constituents) to the aerosol or vapor flow. The flavor element134may comprise constituents added to a material of the flavor element134.

Nicotine may be provided in the liquid116. Accordingly, where it is intended that the device100provides nicotine for the user, the nicotine may be provided in the liquid116, may be obtained from the flavor element134, or any combination of these. Likewise, flavorings may be added to the flavor element134(whether or not the flavor element134is or includes tobacco) and/or to the liquid116. A material of the flavor element134may be a solid material, or be a mixture of solid materials, one or more of each comprising one or more constituents that can be mixed with the flow of vapor or aerosol. It will be appreciated that the flavor element134may comprise one or more other constituents that are not entrained into the aerosol or vapor passing there through.

The flavor element134may be porous134, for example so as allow vapor or aerosol to pass through it. The flavor element134may be self-supporting, for example the flavor element134may comprise material wrapped partially or wholly in a wrapper, and/or the flavor element134may be supported in a resilient housing, for example a plastic housing (not shown). The flavor element134may be arranged to define a flow path, for a flow of at least one of the aerosol and the vapor, running from one end of the flavor element134to another. The flavor element134may be cylindrical, and/or comprise a cylindrical portion, for example so as to be received snuggly in a correspondingly shaped hole in the mouthpiece102.

FIGS.2ato2dillustrate a mouthpiece202according to a first example. Specifically,FIG.2aillustrates a side view of the mouthpiece202and upper portion206of the outer body218of a device (100inFIG.1). In this first example,FIG.2billustrates a section through line P-P inFIG.2a,FIG.2cillustrates a plan view of that shown inFIG.2a, andFIG.2dshows a detail of the section ofFIG.2bwith a flavor element234and a liquid container222removed for clarity.

InFIGS.2ato2d, the mouthpiece202is connected to a portion206of an outer body218of an overall device (100inFIG.1). The example mouthpiece202, portion206of the outer body218, and liquid container222inFIGS.2ato2dcan be used, for example, in the device100ofFIG.1instead of the mouthpiece102, upper portion106of the outer body118, and liquid container122respectively. For brevity, features inFIGS.2ato2dand the functioning thereof that are the same or similar to those features already described with reference toFIG.1are given similar reference numerals to as inFIG.1but increased by 100, and will not be described in detail again.

Referring now toFIGS.2ato2d, the mouthpiece202defines a hole or aperture223extending from a first opening224at a first end202aof the mouthpiece202to a second opening226at an opposing end202bof the mouthpiece202. The mouthpiece202has received in the aperture223through the first opening224a flavor element234for imparting a flavor to a flow of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol that passes through the mouthpiece202in use. The flavor element234may be the same as or similar to the flavor element134as mentioned above with reference toFIG.1. The aperture223has a first radial dimension d1towards the first opening224, and a second, smaller radial dimension d2towards the second opening226, thereby to prevent the flavor element234received in the aperture223through the first opening224from passing through to the second opening226. A user may therefore, for example, insert a flavor element234into the aperture223through the first opening224of the mouthpiece202only to a certain and/or predefined extent.

The aperture223is a stepped bore230,232comprising a first bore230having the first radial dimension d1and a second bore232having the second radial dimension d2. The step228of the stepped bore230,232prevents the flavor element234from passing into the second bore232and hence towards the second opening226. The step228of the stepped bore230,232also supports the flavor element234received in the first bore230.

The cross section of the flavor element234and the cross section of the at least a portion of the first bore230(and the first opening224) may be matched so as to allow easy receipt of the flavor element234into the first bore230. For example, as is shown inFIGS.2ato2d, the first bore230is cylindrical so as to receive therein the cylindrical flavor element234. The diameter of the flavor element234may be approximately equal to, for example slightly smaller than, the diameter d1of the first bore230so as to ensure an easy fit of the flavor element234into the first bore230. In other examples, the diameter of the flavor element234may be slightly larger than the diameter d1of the first bore230, for example to ensure a tight (snug) fit of the flavor element234into the first bore230. In this case, the flavor element234may be or comprise a resilient and/or deformable material. The flavor element234may be retained in the mouthpiece202for example by friction with the walls of the mouthpiece202defining the first bore230. The first radial dimension d1may be, for example in the range of 7 to 9 millimeters, for example at or around 8 millimeters, for example 7.7 millimeters. The second radial dimension d2may be, for example, in the range 4 to 6 millimeters, for example at or around 5 millimeters. The first bore230may be cylindrical, or may taper from the first opening224to the step228. For example, the diameter of the first bore may taper from 7.8 millimeters at the first opening224to 7.5 millimeters at the step228, for example. The diameter of the flavor element234may be, for example, in the range of 7 to 9 millimeters, for example at or around 8 millimeters, for example 7.64 mm.

In this first example, the first opening224is at a mouth end202aof the mouthpiece202, and the second opening226is at a device end202bof the mouthpiece202.

The flavor element234extends out beyond the first opening224of the mouthpiece202. For example, the length of the first bore230from the first opening224to the step228may be at or around 11 millimeters, and the length of the flavor element may be at or around 22 millimeters, i.e. leaving 11 millimeters of rod extending beyond the first opening224of the mouthpiece202, for example.

The flavor element234extending out beyond the first opening224of the mouthpiece202allows, for example, a user to draw on the flavor element234rather than on the mouthpiece202. This may improve user experience, for example, because the flavor element234can be fabricated to have a diameter, for example between 7 and 9 millimeters (e.g. at or around 8 millimeters), more preferable for a user to place in their mouth. This may also improve user experience, for example, because the flavor element234can be fabricated to be made of or comprise a material more preferable for a user to place in their mouth, for example cellulose acetate and/or paper, for example coated paper. Moreover, this may improve hygiene because the user can dispose of and replace the flavor element234, i.e. frequently replace (if desired) that part of the device100which comes into contact with their mouth. This may also make sharing of a single device between multiple users more attractive and/or convenient. Further, the flavor element234extending out beyond the first opening224of the mouthpiece202allows for the flavor element234to be easily removed from the mouthpiece202, for example by a user manually pulling the flavor element234out of the first opening224, for example against the friction between the flavor element234and the walls of the mouthpiece202defining the first bore230. A user may do this, for example, when the flavor and/or other constituents of the flavor element234have expired or deteriorated. A replacement flavor element234can then be easily inserted, for example by a user holding the flavor element234and manually pushing it into the first bore230up until the flavor element abuts the step228, for example.

The device end202bof the mouthpiece202is arranged to be releasably connectable to the upper portion206of the outer body218of the device (100inFIG.1). The device end202bof the mouthpiece202has a connecting element240for connecting with a reciprocal connecting element238of the upper portion206of the outer body218. The connecting element240of the mouthpiece202comprises a protrusion240for snap-fitting against a ledge238of the upper portion206of the outer body218. The mouthpiece202may be released from the portion206of the outer body218by a user manually squeezing the mouthpiece202across its width, thereby to disengage the protrusion240from the ledge238, thereby allowing the user to lift the mouthpiece202out and away from the upper portion206of the outer body218. It will be appreciated that any other releasable connecting elements and/or mechanism may be used. For example, the mouthpiece202may be releasably connected to the portion206of the outer body218by friction fit, push fit, screw fit e.g. using reciprocal threads etc. The mouthpiece202being releasably connectable to the outer body218allows for example a user to easily access the liquid container222and/or the second opening226of the mouthpiece202e.g. for cleaning purposes.

It will be appreciated that in some examples, the mouthpiece202and the upper portion206of the outer body218are not releasably connectable to one another. For example, the mouthpiece202and the upper portion206of the outer body218may be co-molded pieces that are not separable by a user. For example, the connecting element240of the mouthpiece202may be co-molded with the connecting element238of the upper portion206of the outer body218. In this case, for example, in order for a user to access the liquid container216, for example so as to remove and/or replace the liquid container216from the device (100inFIG.1), the user removes as one piece the mouthpiece202and the upper portion206of the outer body218from the lower portion (105inFIG.1) of the outer body218of the device (100inFIG.1).

The mouthpiece202, at the opening226at the device end202bof the mouthpiece202, comprises a chamfer236for contacting the liquid container222. The chamfer236extends all the way around the circumference of the second opening226of the mouthpiece202. A rim225(i.e. an apex or corner225) at the upper end222aof the liquid container222may press against the chamfer236of the mouthpiece202in use thereby to form a seal between the liquid container222and the mouthpiece202. This allows all or substantially all of the vapor or aerosol exiting a channel (not shown) in the liquid container222at the upper end222aof the liquid container222in use to flow into the aperture223of the mouthpiece202and thereafter through the flavor element234. The opening226at the device end202bof the mouthpiece202is circular so as that a seal may be easily and reliably formed between the mouthpiece202and the circular rim225of the liquid container222. It will be appreciated that in other examples, the mouthpiece202may not comprise such a chamfer236. For example, a face (not shown) of the mouthpiece202at the device end202bopening226may contact flush with a face of the liquid container222(i.e. in a head on arrangement) thereby to form a seal between the mouthpiece202and the liquid container222. In another example, the mouthpiece202, at the opening226at the device end202bof the mouthpiece202, may comprise alternatively or additionally a protruding circumferential wall or lip that contacts the liquid container222, for example contacts an inner face of a corresponding protruding circumferential wall or lip at the rim225of the liquid container222.

The upper portion206of the housing218comprises one or more second connecting elements239for releasably connecting the upper portion206of the housing218to the lower portion (105inFIG.1) of the housing218. The second connecting elements239may be, for example, protrusions of the upper portion206for receipt into reciprocal recesses in the lower portion (105inFIG.1) of the housing218. It will be appreciated that any releasable connecting elements or mechanism may be used instead, for example, friction fit, push fit, screw fit e.g. using reciprocal threads etc.

In use, when the upper portion206of the outer body218and liquid container222are connected to the rest of the device (e.g. as shown schematically for device100inFIG.1), when a user draws on the flavor element234, air is drawn in through an air inlet (120inFIG.1). A heater (110inFIG.1) volatilizes liquid216held in the liquid container222into the inlet air to generate a flow of vapor or aerosol. The flow passes through the channel (not shown) in the liquid container out of the upper end222aof the liquid container222, through the second bore232, through the flavor element234, and exits from an upper end234aof the flavor element234for inhalation by the user. Where the flavor element234comprises one or more constituents, the flow of vapor or an aerosol through the flavor element234entrains one or more of the constituents in the flow.

FIGS.3ato3dillustrate a mouthpiece302according to a second example. Specifically,FIG.3aillustrates a side view of the mouthpiece302and upper portion306of the outer body318of a device (100inFIG.1),FIG.3billustrates a section through line Q-Q inFIG.3a,FIG.3cillustrates a plan view of that shown inFIG.3a, andFIG.3dshows a detail of the section ofFIG.3bwith a flavor element334and a liquid container322removed for clarity.

InFIGS.3ato3d, the mouthpiece302is connected to an upper portion306of an outer body318of an overall device (100inFIG.1). The example mouthpiece302, portion306of the outer body318, and liquid container322inFIGS.3ato3dcan be used, for example, in the device100ofFIG.1instead of the mouthpiece102, portion106of the outer body118, and liquid container122respectively. For brevity, features inFIGS.3ato3dand the functioning thereof that are the same or similar to those features already described with reference toFIGS.1to2dare given similar reference numerals to as inFIGS.2ato2dbut increased by 100, and will not be described in detail again.

Referring now toFIGS.3ato3d, the mouthpiece302defines a hole or aperture323extending from a first opening324at a first end302bof the mouthpiece302to a second opening326at an opposing end302aof the mouthpiece302. In this second example, the first opening324is at a device end302bof the mouthpiece302, and the second opening326is at a mouth end302aof the mouthpiece302. The mouthpiece302has received in the aperture323through the first opening324a flavor element334for imparting a flavor to a flow of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol that passes through the mouthpiece302in use. The flavor element334may be similar to or the same as the flavor element234and/or134described above. The aperture323has a first radial dimension d1′ towards the first opening324, and a second, smaller radial dimension d2′ towards the second opening326, thereby to prevent the flavor element334received in the aperture323through the first opening324from passing through to the second opening326. The flavor element334may therefore be held within the device (100inFIG.1) by the mouthpiece302.

The aperture323comprises a stepped bore330,332comprising a first bore330having the first radial dimension d1′ and a second bore332having the second radial dimension d2′. The step328of the stepped bore330,332prevents the flavor element334from passing into the second bore332and hence towards the second opening326. The cross section of the flavor element334and the cross section of at least a portion of the first bore330(and the first opening324) may be matched so as to allow easy receipt of the flavor element334into the first bore330. For example, as is shown inFIGS.3ato3d, the first bore330(and the first opening324) is cylindrical so as to receive therein the cylindrical flavor element334. The diameter of the flavor element334may be approximately equal to, for example slightly smaller than, the diameter d1′ of the first bore330so as to ensure an easy fit of the flavor element334into the first bore330. In other examples, the diameter of the flavor element334may be slightly larger than the diameter d1′ of the first bore330, for example to ensure a tight (snug) fit of the flavor element334into the first bore330. In this case, the flavor element334may be or comprise a resilient and/or deformable material. The flavor element334may be retained in the mouthpiece302, for example, by friction. The first radial dimension d1′ may be, for example in the range of 7 to 9 millimeters, for example at or around 8 millimeters, for example 7.7 millimeters. The second radial dimension d2′ may be, for example, in the range 4 to 6 millimeters, for example at or around 5 millimeters. The first bore330may be cylindrical, or may taper slightly from the first opening324to the step328. For example, the diameter of the first bore may taper from 8.4 millimeters at the first opening324to 8.0 millimeters at the step328, for example. The diameter of the flavor element234may be in the range of 7 to 9 millimeters, for example at or around 8 millimeters, for example 7.64 millimeters.

The flavor element334extends out (protrudes) beyond the first opening324of the mouthpiece302. For example, this allows a user, when the mouthpiece302is disconnected from the upper portion306of the housing318, to easily manually remove and/or replace the flavor element324in the first bore330(through the first opening234) of the mouthpiece302. For example, the length of the first bore330from the first opening324to the step328may be at or around 12 millimeters, and the length of the flavor element may be at or around 22 millimeters, i.e. leaving around 10 millimeters of rod extending beyond the first opening224of the mouthpiece202, for example. In examples where the mouthpiece302and the upper portion306of the outer body318are not releasably connectable to one another, the user may remove as one piece the mouthpiece302and the upper portion306of the outer body318from the lower portion (105inFIG.1) of the outer body318of the device (100inFIG.1), thereby to expose the flavor element304to allow a user to easily remove and/or replace the flavor element304.

The liquid container322comprises a recess360in the upper end222aof the liquid container322into which a lower portion334bof the flavor element324is received. The flavor element324extends out (protrudes) from the recess360, out beyond the liquid container332, so as to also be received in the first bore330of the mouthpiece302when the mouth piece302and the upper portion306of the outer body318are connected together. The cross section of the flavor element334and the cross section of the recess360may be matched so as to allow easy receipt of the flavor element334into the recess360. For example, as is shown inFIGS.3ato3d, the recess360is cylindrical so as to receive therein the cylindrical flavor element334. The diameter of the flavor element334may be approximately equal to, for example slightly smaller than, the diameter of the recess360so as to allow easy receipt of the flavor element334into the recess360. In other examples, the diameter of the flavor element334may be slightly larger than the diameter of the recess360, for example to ensure a tight (snug) fit of the flavor element334into the recess360. In this case, the flavor element334may be or comprise a resilient and/or deformable material.

Similarly to as described above for the first example, the device end302bof the mouthpiece302is arranged to be releasably connectable to the upper portion206of the outer body318of the device for example via connecting element340for connecting with a reciprocal connecting element338of the portion306of the outer body318. As above, the connecting elements340,338or connecting mechanism may comprise any releasable connection, for example, by snap fit, friction fit, push fit, screw fit e.g. using reciprocal threads etc.

The mouthpiece302being releasably connectable to the upper portion306of the outer body318allows a user for example to easily access the flavor element324that may be received in one of the bore330of the mouthpiece302and the recess360of the liquid container322when the mouthpiece302is removed from the upper portion306of the outer body318. For example, a user may manually pull the flavor element334out of the first opening324of the mouthpiece302(or the recess360of the liquid container322), for example against the friction between the flavor element234and the walls of the mouthpiece202defining the first bore230(or the walls of the liquid container322defining the recess360). A user may do this, for example, when the flavor and/or other constituents of the flavor element334have expired or deteriorated. A replacement flavor element334can then be easily inserted, for example by a user holding an upper end334aof the flavor element and pushing the lower end334bof the flavor element334it into the recess360of the liquid container322. The user may then lower the mouthpiece302over the upper end334aof the flavor element334so that the flavor element334is received into the first bore330(through the first opening324) of the mouthpiece302. The user may then connect the mouthpiece302to the upper portion306of the outer body318, at which point the upper end334aof the flavor element334will be abutting or near abutting the step328of the stepped bore330,332of the mouthpiece302. The flavor element302is therefore held securely in position between the mouthpiece302and the liquid container322.

As above, it will be appreciated that in some examples, the mouthpiece302and the upper portion306of the outer body318are not releasably connectable to one another. For example, the mouthpiece302and the upper portion306of the outer body318may be co-molded pieces that are not separable by a user. For example, the connecting element340of the mouthpiece302may be co-molded with the connecting element338of the upper portion306of the outer body318. In this case, for example, in order for a user to access the flavor element304, for example so as to remove and/or replace the flavor element304from the recess360of the liquid container322, the user removes as one piece the mouthpiece302and the upper portion306of the outer body318from the lower portion (105inFIG.1) of the outer body318of the device (100inFIG.1). A user may then, for example, manually pull the flavor element334out of the recess360of the liquid container322, for example, when the flavor and/or other constituents of the flavor element334have expired or deteriorated, or the user wants to change the flavor of the aerosol or vapor produced. A replacement flavor element334can then be easily inserted, for example by a user holding an upper end334aof the flavor element and pushing the lower end334bof the flavor element334it into the recess360of the liquid container322. The user may then lower the mouthpiece302and the upper portion306of the outer body318, as one piece, over the upper end334aof the flavor element334so that the flavor element334is received into the first bore330(through the first opening324) of the mouthpiece302. The user may then connect the upper portion306of the outer body318to the lower portion (105inFIG.1) of the outer body, at which point the upper end334aof the flavor element334will be abutting or near abutting the step328of the stepped bore330,332of the mouthpiece302. The flavor element302is therefore held securely in position between the mouthpiece302and the liquid container322.

In either case, the flavor element334extending into the recess360of the liquid container332and into the first bore330of the mouthpiece302allows for the flavor element334to be relatively long for example, and hence have the potential to impart more flavor and/or other constituents into the vapor or aerosol in use, but without the need to extend the length of the overall device (100inFIG.1).

As in the first example, the mouthpiece303may comprise, at the opening326at the device end302bof the mouthpiece302, a chamfer336for contacting a rim335at the upper end322aof the liquid container322, thereby to form a seal between the liquid container322and the mouthpiece302.

As in the first example, the upper portion306of the housing318comprises one or more second connecting elements339for releasably connecting the portion306of the housing318to the lower portion (105inFIG.1) of the housing318.

In use, when the portion306of the outer body318and liquid container322is connected to the rest of the overall device (e.g. as shown schematically for device100inFIG.1), when a user draws on the mouth end302aof the mouthpiece302, air is drawn in through an air inlet (120inFIG.1). A heater (110inFIG.1) volatilizes liquid316held in the liquid container322into the inlet air to generate a flow of vapor or aerosol. The flow passes out of a channel (not shown) in the liquid container322, out into the recess360of the liquid container, through the flavor element334so as to exit at the upper end of the flavor element334a, out into the second bore332of the mouthpiece and out of the second opening324at the mouth end302aof the mouthpiece322for inhalation by the user. Where the flavor element334comprises one or more constituents, the flow of vapor or an aerosol through the flavor element334entrains one or more of the constituents in the flow.

FIGS.4ato4dillustrate a mouthpiece402according to a third example. Specifically,FIG.4aillustrates a side view of the mouthpiece402and upper portion406of the outer body418of a device (100inFIG.1),FIG.4billustrates a section through line R-R inFIG.4a,FIG.4cillustrates a plan view of that shown inFIG.4a, andFIG.4dshows a detail of the section ofFIG.4bwith a flavor element434and a liquid container422removed for clarity.

InFIGS.4ato4d, the mouthpiece402is connected to an upper portion406of an outer body418of an overall device (100inFIG.1). The example mouthpiece402, upper portion406of the outer body418, and liquid container422inFIGS.3ato3dcan be used, for example, in apparatus100ofFIG.1instead of the mouthpiece102, upper portion106of the outer body118, and liquid container122respectively. For brevity, features inFIGS.4ato4dand the functioning thereof that are the same or similar to those features already described with reference toFIGS.1to3dare given similar reference numerals to as inFIGS.3ato3dbut increased by 100, and will not be described in detail again.

Referring now toFIGS.4ato4d, the mouthpiece402defines a hole or aperture423extending from a first opening424at a mouth end402aof the mouthpiece422to a second opening426at an opposing, device end402bof the mouthpiece422. The mouthpiece422has received in the aperture423through the first opening424a flavor element434for imparting a flavor to a flow of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol that passes through the mouthpiece422in use. The flavor element434may be similar to or the same as the flavor element334of the second example or the flavor element234of the first example described above. In this third example, the flavor element434extends out (protrudes) beyond the first opening424for receipt into a user's mouth, and extends out (protrudes) beyond the second opening426for contact with the liquid container422(example of a component of the device (100inFIG.1)). For example, the length of the flavor element may be at or around 36 millimeters, and the length of the aperture423from the first opening424to the second opening426may be at or around 11 millimeters, for example.

The cross section of the flavor element434and the cross section of the aperture423may be matched so as to allow easy receipt of the flavor element434into the aperture423. For example, as is shown inFIGS.4ato4d, the aperture434is cylindrical so as to receive therein the cylindrical flavor element434. The diameter of the flavor element434may be approximately equal to, for example slightly smaller than, the diameter of the aperture434so as to ensure an easy fit of the flavor element434into the aperture434. In other examples, the diameter of the flavor element434may be slightly larger than the diameter of the aperture434, for example to ensure a tight (snug) fit of the flavor element434into the aperture434. In this case, the flavor element434may be or comprise a resilient and/or deformable material. The flavor element434may be retained in the aperture434by friction.

Similarly to as described in the second example, the liquid container422comprises a recess460in the upper end422aof the liquid container422into which a lower portion434bof the flavor element424is received. The flavor element424extends out (protrudes) beyond the recess460so as to also be received in the aperture423of the mouthpiece402. The cross section of the flavor element434and the cross section of the recess460may be matched so as to allow easy receipt of the flavor element434into the recess460. For example, as is shown inFIGS.4ato4d, the recess460is cylindrical so as to receive therein the cylindrical flavor element434. The diameter of the flavor element434may be approximately equal to, for example slightly smaller than, the diameter of the recess460so as to ensure an easy fit of the flavor element434into the recess460. In other examples, the diameter of the flavor element434may be slightly larger than the diameter of the recess460, for example to ensure a tight (snug) fit of the flavor element434into the recess460. In this case, the flavor element434may be or comprise a resilient and/or deformable material. The flavor element343may be retained in the recess460by friction for example. For example, the diameter of the aperture434may be in the range 7 to 9 millimeters, for example at or around 8 millimeters, for example 7.7 millimeters. The aperture434may be cylindrical, or may taper slightly from the first opening424to the second opening426. For example, the diameter of the aperture434may taper from 7.9 millimeters at the first opening424to 7.5 millimeters at the second opening426, for example. The diameter of the flavor element234may be in the range of 7 to 9 millimeters, for example at or around 8 millimeters, for example 7.64 millimeters.

Similarly to as described in the first example, the flavor element434extending out beyond the first opening424of the mouthpiece402allows, for example, a user to draw on the flavor element434rather than the mouthpiece402. This allows, for example, a user to draw on the flavor element434alone. This may improve user experience, for example, because the flavor element434can have a diameter and/or be made of a material more preferable for a user to place in their mouth. Moreover, this may improve hygiene characteristics of the device (100inFIG.1) because the user can dispose of and replace the flavor element434, i.e. frequently replace (if desired) that part of the device100which comes into contact with their mouth. Further, the flavor element434extending out beyond the first opening424of the mouthpiece402allows for the flavor element234to be easily removed from the mouthpiece402, for example by a user manually pulling the flavor element434out of the recess436and the aperture423by the first opening424, for example against the friction between the flavor element434and the walls of the mouthpiece402defining the aperture434and/or the walls of the liquid container422defining the recess436. A user may do this, for example, when the flavor and/or constituents of the flavor element434have expired or deteriorated. A replacement flavor element434can then be easily inserted, for example by a user holding the flavor element434and pushing it through the first opening424, through the aperture423, and into the recess460of the liquid container422up until the flavor element434contacts the liquid container422. The flavor element434extending out (protruding) beyond the second opening426of the mouthpiece402into the recess460of the liquid container432(and out beyond the first opening424of the mouthpiece402) allows for the flavor element434to be relatively long, and hence have the potential to impart more flavor and/or other constituents into the vapor or aerosol in use, but without the need to extend the length of the overall device (100inFIG.1).

As in the first and second examples, the device end402bof the mouthpiece402is arranged to be releasably connectable to the upper portion406of the outer body418of the device for example via connecting element440for connecting with a reciprocal connecting element438of the upper portion406of the outer body418. As above, the connecting elements440,438and/or connecting mechanism may comprise any releasable connection, for example, by snap fit, friction fit, push fit, screw fit e.g. using reciprocal threads etc. As above, it will be appreciated that in some examples, the mouthpiece402and the upper portion406of the outer body418are not releasably connectable to one another. For example, the mouthpiece402and the upper portion406of the outer body318may be co-molded pieces that are not separable by a user. For example, the connecting element440of the mouthpiece402may be co-molded with the connecting element438of the upper portion306of the outer body418.

As in the first and second examples, the mouthpiece402may comprise, at the opening426at the device end402bof the mouthpiece402, a chamfer436for contacting a rim435at the upper end422aof the liquid container422, thereby to form a seal between the liquid container422and the mouthpiece402.

As in the first and second examples, the upper portion406of the housing418comprises one or more second connecting elements439for releasably connecting the portion406of the housing418to the lower portion (105inFIG.1) of the housing418.

In use, when the upper portion406of the outer body418and liquid container422is connected to the rest of the device (e.g. as shown schematically for device100inFIG.1), when a user draws on the flavor element434, air is drawn in through an air inlet (120inFIG.1). A heater (110inFIG.1) volatilizes liquid416held in the liquid container422into the inlet air to generate a flow of vapor or aerosol. The flow passes out of a channel (not shown) in the liquid container422, out into the recess460of the liquid container, through the flavor element434, and exits from an upper end434aof the flavor element434afor inhalation by the user. Where the flavor element434comprises one or more constituents, the flow of vapor or an aerosol through the flavor element434entrains one or more of the constituents in the flow.

In the above examples, the liquid container122,222,322,422was annular in shape and defined a cylindrical channel (not shown in the figures) running through the length of the liquid container122,222,322,422. However, in other examples, the liquid container may not be annular in shape, and/or the cartridge104may comprise an outer shell that defines an annular channel between the liquid container and the outer shell through which vapor or aerosol may pass.

Although the examples above referred to use of a cartridge104, it will be readily appreciated that there are many configurations of so called e-cigarettes (some of which not having cartridges as such, but rather, for example, refillable liquid containers integral to the device100) and that the above examples may also be applied to these or other configurations.

Although the above examples referred to the flavor element being cylindrical or having a cylindrical portion to be received into a cylindrical hole aperture or bore of the mouthpiece and/or of the recess of the liquid container, it will be appreciated that the flavor element may have any shaped cross section (e.g. oval, square, polygonal), and the aperture of the mouthpiece, or a portion thereof, and/or the recess of the liquid container, or a portion thereof, may correspondingly have any shaped cross section

Although in the above examples, the mouthpiece comprised, at an opening of an aperture at the device end of the mouthpiece, a chamfer for contacting the liquid container, this need not necessarily be the case. In other examples, the mouthpiece may not comprise such a chamfer. For example, a face of the mouthpiece at the device end opening may contact flush with a face of the liquid container (i.e. in a head on arrangement) thereby to form a seal between the mouthpiece and the liquid container. In another example, the mouthpiece, at the opening of the aperture at the device end of the mouthpiece, may comprise alternatively or additionally a protruding circumferential wall or lip that contacts the liquid container, for example contacts an inner face of a corresponding protruding circumferential wall or lip at the rim of the liquid container. In yet other examples, there may be no such seal between the liquid container and the mouthpiece. For example, in the first and third examples described above where the user can draw on the flavor element rather than the mouthpiece itself, there may be alternatively or additionally a seal between flavor element and the liquid container.

The liquid116,216,316,416is preferably a liquid that is volatilizable at reasonable temperatures, preferably in the range of 100-300° C. or more particularly around 150-250° C., as that helps to keep down the power consumption of the apparatus with which the cartridge is used. Suitable materials include those conventionally used in e-cigarette devices, including for example propylene glycol and glycerol (also known as glycerine). Also as described in relation to the examples above, the flavor element may be or comprise a material that may be used to impart a flavor (or other constituent) to the aerosol or vapor produced from the liquid as the aerosol or vapor passes through the flavor element. For example, the material may comprise constituents that impart cooling sensations, heating sensations, neutriceutical benefits, stimulating benefits or produce or induce any other sensation or benefit in the user. The material may for example consist of or comprise tobacco. As the aerosol or vapor passes through and over the tobacco material, the aerosol or vapor entrains organic and other compounds or constituents from the tobacco material that lend tobacco its organoleptic properties, thus imparting the flavor to the aerosol or vapor as it passes to the mouthpiece. Materials other than tobacco may be used to impart different flavors to the aerosol or vapor stream. For example, materials other than tobacco may be blended with tobacco, or blends of other materials such as, for example, vanilla pods, star anise, mint leaves, other herbs, and the like. For example, flavorants could be included in the material or in the liquid or both. In the example where flavorants are included in both the flavor element and the liquid, the generated vapor or aerosol may be flavored with a first flavor, and the flavor element may impart a second flavor to the vapor or aerosol passing there through. The first flavor and the second flavor may be the same, in which case the flavor element may act so as to enhance the flavor of the vapor or aerosol passing there through. The first flavor and the second flavor may be different, in which case the flavor element may act so as to alter the flavor of the vapor or aerosol passing there through. The user may therefore easily customize the flavor of the vapor or aerosol exiting the device for inhalation.

In any of the examples described above, an apparatus controller may control operation of the apparatus as a whole. The controller for example may cause the heater to be powered as and when required and switch off the heater when heating is not required. Operation of the heater may be controlled so that the liquid and/or material of the flavor element is heated to an optimum temperature. Particular considerations include ensuring that the flavor element does not burn, ensuring that adequate vaporization of the liquid is achieved, ensuring that the vaporized liquid or aerosol is at an appropriate temperature to liberate compounds from the flavor element, and ensuring that the vapor or aerosol that reaches the user is at a comfortable and safe temperature. A puff detector, a device which is known per se, may be provided to signal to the controller when the heater needs to be energized. Alternatively or additionally, the user may control the apparatus via controls or an interface external to the overall apparatus (not shown), for example via radio control signals, or Bluetooth or the like from a separate control device, such as a smartphone or the like.

In use, the material of the flavor element may be heated by vapor or aerosol with a temperature higher than the temperature of the material. It will be appreciated that any temperature above ambient temperature of the material and/or above the ambient temperature of the device as a whole will improve release of constituents from the solid material.

In use, the liquid may be heated to a temperature of between around 100-300° C. or more particularly around 150° C. to 250° C. Suitable liquid materials116,216,316,416include materials that provide volatilized components upon heating, typically in the form of an aerosol. Suitable materials that the flavor element may be or comprise include any tobacco-containing material and may, for example, include one or more of tobacco per se, different varieties of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, pelletized tobacco, extruded tobacco, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, ground tobacco, tobacco extract, homogenized tobacco or tobacco substitutes. In the case of tobacco, the material may be in the form of a rod of tobacco, a pod or plug of tobacco, loose tobacco, agglomerates, etc., and may be in relatively dry form or in relatively moist form for example. The tobacco may have been modified, for example chemically modified, for example had its pH modified so as to promote the release of selected constituents of the tobacco such as nicotine. Suitable solid materials may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine. A tobacco rod may be formed using a wrapping material.

As used herein, the terms “flavor” and “flavorant” may refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult consumers. They may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genusMentha), flavor enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, solid, or powder. For example, a liquid, oil, or other such fluid flavorant may be impregnated in a porous solid material so as to impart flavor and/or other properties to that porous solid material. As such, the liquid or oil is a constituent of the material in which it is impregnated.