Patent Publication Number: US-10314338-B2

Title: Electronic vaping device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This non-provisional patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to provisional U.S. application no. 62/184,325 filed on Jun. 25, 2015 in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein, by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The present disclosure relates to an electronic vaping or e-vaping device configured to deliver a pre-vapor formulation to a vaporizer. 
     Description of Related Art 
     An e-vaping device may include a heating element which vaporizes a pre-vapor formulation to produce a “vapor.” The heating element may include a resistive heater coil, with a wick extending there through. 
     The e-vaping device includes a power supply, such as a battery, arranged in the device. The battery is electrically connected to the heater, such that the heater heats to a temperature sufficient to convert a pre-vapor formulation to a vapor. The vapor exits the e-vaping device through an outlet. 
     SUMMARY 
     At least one example embodiment relates to a cartridge of an electronic vaping device. 
     In at least one example embodiment, a cartridge of an electronic vaping device includes a mouth-end insert. The mouth-end insert includes at least eight outlets configured to distribute vapor. The mouth-end insert has a surface area surrounding the outlets that is configured to absorb heat from the vapor and reduce a temperature of the vapor exiting the mouth-end insert via the outlets to a temperature ranging from about 60° C. to about 70° C. 
     In some example embodiments, the temperature of the vapor exiting the outlets ranges from about 62° C. to about 66° C. 
     In at least one example embodiment, each of the outlets is angled at about 5° to about 60° in relation to a longitudinal axis of the cartridge. In other example embodiments, each of the outlets is angled at about 40° to about 50° in relation to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. 
     In some example embodiments, the cartridge may also include an. outer housing extending in a longitudinal direction, the mouth-end insert affixed within an end of the outer housing, an inner tube within the outer housing, a reservoir containing a pre-vapor formulation, the reservoir contained in an outer annulus between the outer housing and the inner tube, a heater in the inner tube and a wick in fluid communication with the pre-vapor formulation and the heater, such that the wick delivers the pre-vapor formulation to the heater. 
     In at least one example embodiment, each of the outlets has a diameter ranging from about 0.015 inch to about 0.090 inch. In some embodiments, four of the outlets are larger than a remaining four outlets. 
     In another example embodiment, the outlets are generally tear drop in shape. 
     In an example embodiment, the eight outlets have a combined. outlet area of about 12 mm 2  to about 14 mm 2 . A ratio of the combined outlet area to an area of the mouth-end insert ranges from about 1:3 to about 1:6. In some example embodiments, the ratio of the combined outlet area to an area of the mouth-end insert ranges from about 1:4 to about 1:5. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-end insert has a generally cylindrical side wall and a round downstream surface. The downstream surface of the mouth-end insert has a diameter ranging from about 8.5 mm to about 10.0 mm. The diameter of the downstream surface of the mouth-end insert may range from about 9.0 mm to about 9.5 mm. The downstream surface of the mouth-end insert may have a beveled edge. A circumference of the side wall is less than the diameter of the downstream surface of the mouth-end insert. The side wall has a length ranging from about 3 mm to about 5 mm. The side wall has a beveled, upstream edge. 
     In some example embodiments, the outlets are configured to produce an average exit velocity ranging from about 1.0 m/s to about 1.2 m/s. In at least one example embodiment, the outlets are configured to produce a maximum exit velocity ranging from about 2.0 m/s to about 2.2 m/ s. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-end insert is formed of high density polyethylene. 
     In another example embodiment, a cartridge of an electronic vaping device comprises a mouth-end insert. The mouth-end insert comprises eight outlets configured to distribute vapor. The eight outlets have a combined outlet area of about 12 mm 2  to about 14 mm 2 , such that a ratio of the combined outlet area to an area of the mouth-end insert ranges from about 1:3 to about 1:6. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein may become more apparent upon review of the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are merely provided for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted to limit it the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. For purposes of clarity, various dimensions of the drawings may have been exaggerated. 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an e-vaping device according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view along line II-II of the e-vaping device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a mouth-end insert according to at least one example embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of a mouth-end insert according to at least one example embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a mouth-end insert according to at least one example embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a mouth-end insert along line VI-VI of  FIG. 4  according to at least one example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Example embodiments may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the example embodiments set forth herein. 
     Accordingly, while example embodiments are capable of various modifications and alternative forms, example embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but to the contrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of example embodiments. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures. 
     It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “covering” another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or covering the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the specification. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should riot be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments. 
     Spatially relative terms (e.g., “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like) may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a ” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of example embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-2 , an e-vaping device  60  may include a replaceable cartridge (or first section)  70  and a reusable battery section (or second section)  72 , which may be coupled together at a threaded connector  205 . It should be appreciated that the connector  205  may be any type of connector, such as a snug-fit, detent, clamp, bayonet, and/or clasp. The second section  72  may include a sensor  16  responsive to air drawn into the second section  72  via an air inlet port  44   a  adjacent a free end or tip of the e-vaping device  60 , a battery  1 , and a control circuitry  200 . The first section  70  may include a reservoir  22  for a pre-vapor formulation and a heater  14  that may vaporize the pre-vapor formulation, which may be drawn from the reservoir  22  by a wick  28 . The e-vaping device  60  may include the features set forth in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0192623 to Tucker et al. filed Jan. 31, 2013, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
     The pre-vapor formulation is a material or combination of materials that may be transformed into a vapor. For example, the pre-vapor formulation may be a liquid, solid and/or gel formulation including, but not limited to, water, beads, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts, natural or artificial flavors, and/or vapor formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol. 
     Upon completing the connection between the first section  70  and the second section  72 , the battery  1  may be electrically connectable with the heater  14  of the first section  70  upon actuation of the sensor  16 . Air is drawn primarily into the first section  70  through one or more air inlets  44 , which may be located along the housing or at the connector  205 . 
     The first section  70  may include an outer housing  6  extending in a longitudinal direction and an inner tube (or chimney)  62  coaxially positioned within the outer housing  6 . 
     The outer housing  6  may have a generally cylindrical cross-section. In other example embodiments, the outer housing  6  may have a generally triangular cross-section along one or more of the first section  70  and the battery section  72 . In some example embodiments, the housing  6  may have a greater circumference or dimensions at a tip end than at a mouth-end of the e-vaping device  60 . 
     At an upstream end portion of the inner tube  62 , a nose portion  61  of a gasket (or seal)  15  may be fitted into the inner tube  62 , while at the other end, an outer perimeter of the gasket  15  may provide a seal with an interior surface of the outer housing  6 . The gasket  15  may also include a central, longitudinal air passage  20 , which opens into an interior of the inner tube  62  that defines a central channel  21 . A transverse channel  33  at a backside portion of the gasket  15  may intersect and communicate with the air passage  20  of the gasket  15 . This transverse channel  33  assures communication between the air passage  20  and a space  35  defined between the gasket  15  and a cathode connector piece  37 . 
     The cathode connector piece  37  may include a threaded section for effecting the connection between the first section  70  and the battery section  72 . 
     It should be appreciated that more than two air inlet ports  44  may be included in the outer housing  6 . Alternatively, a single air inlet port  44  may be included in the outer housing  6 . Such arrangement allows for placement of the air inlet ports  44  close to the connector  205  without occlusion by the presence of the cathode connector piece  37 . This arrangement may also reinforce the area of air inlet ports  44  to facilitate precise drilling of the air inlet ports  44 . In some example embodiments, the air inlet ports  44  may be provided in the connector  205 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , in at least one example embodiment, at least one air inlet port  44  may be formed in the outer housing  6 , adjacent the connector  205  to minimize the chance of an adult vaper&#39;s fingers occluding one of the ports and to control the resistance-to-draw (RTD) during vaping. In an example embodiment, the air inlet ports  44  may be machined into the housing  6  with precision tooling g such that their diameters are closely controlled and replicated from one e-vaping device  60  to the next during manufacture. 
     In at least one example embodiment, t, the air inlet ports  44  may be drilled with carbide drill bits or other high-precision tools and/or techniques. In yet a further example embodiment, the outer housing  6  may be formed of metal or metal alloys such that the size and shape of the air inlet ports  44  may not be altered during manufacturing operations, packaging, and vaping. Thus, the air inlet ports  44  may provide consistent RTD. In yet a further example embodiment, the air inlet ports  44  may be sized and configured such that the e-vaping device  60  has a RTD in the range of from about 60 mm H 2 O to about 150 mm H 2 O. 
     In some example embodiments, nose portion  93  of a downstream gasket  10  may be fitted into a downstream end portion  81  of the inner tube  62 . An outer perimeter of the gasket  10  may provide a substantially tight seal with an interior surface  97  of the outer housing  6 . The downstream gasket  10  may include a central channel  63  disposed between the inner passage  21  of the inner tube  62  and the interior of a mouth-end insert  8 , which may transport the vapor from the inner passage  21  to the mouth-end insert  8 . 
     The space defined between the gaskets  10  and  15  and the outer housing  6  and the inner tube  62  may establish the confines of a reservoir  22 . The reservoir  22  may include a pre-vapor formulation, and optionally a storage medium (not shown) configured to store the pre-vapor formulation therein. The storage medium may include a winding of cotton gauze or other fibrous material about the inner tube  62 . 
     The reservoir  22  may be contained in an outer annulus between the inner tube  62  and the outer housing  6  and between the gaskets  10  and  15 . Thus, the reservoir  22  may at least partially surround the central inner passage  21 . The heater  14  may extend transversely across the inner passage between opposing portions of the reservoir  22 . In some example embodiments, the heater  14  may extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the inner passage  21 . 
     The reservoir  22  may be sized and configured to hold enough pre-vapor formulation such that the e-vaping device  60  may be configured for vaping for at least about 200 seconds. Moreover, the e-vaping device  60  may be configured to allow each vape to last a maximum of about 5 seconds. 
     The storage medium may be a fibrous material including at least one of cotton, polyethylene, polyester, rayon and combinations thereof. The fibers may have a diameter ranging in size from about 6 microns to about 15 microns (e.g., about 8 microns to about 12 microns or about 9 microns to about 11 microns). The storage medium may be a sintered, porous or foamed material. Also, the fibers may be sized to be irrespirable and may have a cross-section which has a Y-shape, cross shape, clover shape or any other suitable shape. In an alternative example embodiment, the reservoir  22  may include a filled tank lacking any storage medium and containing only pre-vapor formulation. 
     During vaping, pre-vapor formulation may be transferred from the reservoir  22  and/or storage medium in the proximity of the heater  14  via capillary action of the wick  28 . The wick  28  may include a first end portion and a second end portion, which may extend into opposite sides of the reservoir  22 . The heater  14  may at least partially surround a central portion of the wick  28  such that when the heater  14  is activated, the pre-vapor formulation in the central portion of the wick  28  may be vaporized by the heater  14  to form a vapor. 
     The wick  28  may include filaments (or threads) having a capacity to draw the pre-vapor formulation. For example, the wick  28  may be a bundle of glass (or ceramic) filaments, a bundle including a group of windings of glass filaments, etc., all of which arrangements may draw pre-vapor formulation via capillary action by interstitial spacings between the filaments. The filaments may be generally aligned in a direction perpendicular (transverse) to the longitudinal direction of the e-vaping device  60 . In an example embodiment, the wick  28  may include one to eight filament strands, each strand comprising a plurality of glass filaments twisted together. The end portions of the wick  28  may be flexible and foldable into the confines of the reservoir  22 . The filaments may have a cross-section that is generally cross-shaped, clover-shaped, Y-shaped, or in any other suitable shape. 
     The wick  28  may include any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials may be, but not limited to, glass, ceramic- or graphite-based materials. The wick  28  may have any suitable capillarity drawing action to accommodate pre-vapor formulations having different physical properties such as density, viscosity, surface tension and vapor pressure. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the heater  14  may include a wire coil which at least partially surrounds the wick  28 . The wire may be a metal wire and/or the heater coil may extend fully or partially along the length of the wick  28 . The heater coil may further extend fully or partially around the circumference of the wick  28 . In some example embodiments, the heater coil  14  may or may not be in contact with the wick  28 . 
     The heater coil may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive materials. Examples of suitable electrically resistive materials may include, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum and metals from the platinum group. Examples of suitable metal alloys include, but not limited to, stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum-titanium-zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese and iron-containing alloys, and super-alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel. For example, the heater  14  may be formed of nickel aluminide, a material with a layer of alumina on the surface, iron aluminide and other composite materials, the electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated or coated with an insulating material or vice-versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the external physicochemical properties required. The heater  14  may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, copper alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, super alloys and combinations thereof. In an example embodiment, the heater  14  may be formed of nickel-chromium alloys or iron-chromium alloys. In another example embodiment, the heater  14  may be a ceramic heater having an electrically resistive layer on an outside surface thereof. 
     The heater  14  may heat pre-vapor formulation in the wick  28  by thermal conduction. Alternatively, heat from the heater  14  may be conducted to the pre-vapor formulation by means of a heat conductive element or the heater  14  may transfer heat to the incoming ambient air that is drawn through the e-vaping device  60  during vaping, which in turn heats the pre-vapor formulation by convection. 
     It should be appreciated that, instead of using a wick  28 , the heater  14  may be a porous material which incorporates a resistance heater formed of a material having a high electrical resistance capable of generating heat quickly. 
     The power supply  1  may include a battery arranged in the e-vaping device  60 . The power supply  1  may be a Lithium-ion battery or one of its variants, for example a Lithium-ion polymer battery. Alternatively, the power supply  1  may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a lithium-manganese battery, a lithium-cobalt battery or a fuel cell. The e-vaping device  60  may be usable by an adult vaper until the energy in the power supply  1  is depleted or in the case of lithium polymer battery, a minimum voltage cut-off level is achieved. 
     Further, the power supply  1  may be rechargeable and may include circuitry configured to allow the battery to be chargeable by an external charging device. To recharge the e-vaping device  60 , an USB charger or other suitable charger assembly may be used. 
     Furthermore, the e-vaping device  60  may include the control circuit  200  and the sensor  16 . The sensor  16  may be configured to sense an air pressure drop and initiate application of voltage from the power supply  1  to the heater  14 . The control circuit  200  may also include a heater activation light  48  configured to glow when the heater  14  is activated. The heater activation light  48  may include an LED and may be at an upstream end of the e-vaping device  60 . Moreover, the heater activation light  48  may be arranged to be visible to an adult vaper during vaping. In addition, the heater activation light  48  may be utilized for e-vaping system diagnostics or to indicate that recharging is in progress. The heater activation light  48  may also be configured such that the adult vaper may activate and/or deactivate the heater activation light  48  for privacy. The heater activation light  48  may be on a tip end of the e-vaping device  60  or on a side of the housing  6 . 
     In addition, the at least one air inlet  44   a  may be located adjacent the sensor  16 , such that the sensor  16  may sense air flow and activate the power supply  1  and the heater activation light  48  to indicate that the heater  14  is working. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the heater activation light  48  may be located on the tip end of the e-vaping device. In other example embodiments, the heater activation light  48  may be located on a side portion of the housing  6 . 
     Further, the control circuit  200  may supply power to the heater  14  responsive to the sensor  16 . In one example embodiment, the control circuit may include a maximum, time-period limiter. In another example embodiment, the control circuit  200  may include a manually operable switch. The time-period of the electric current supply to the heater  14  may be pre-set depending on the amount of pre-vapor formulation desired to be vaporized. In yet another example embodiment, the circuitry may supply power to the heater  14  as long as the sensor  16  detects a pressure drop. 
     When activated, the heater  14  may heat a portion of the wick  28  surrounded by the heater for less than about 10 seconds. Thus, the power cycle (or maximum heating cycle length) may range in period from about 2 seconds to about 10 seconds (e.g., about 3 seconds to about 9 seconds, about 4 seconds to about 8 seconds or about 5 seconds to about 7 seconds). 
     The inner tube  62  may include a pair of opposing slots, such that the wick  28  and the leading end  109 ,  109 ′ of the heater  14  may extend out from the respective opposing slots. The provision of the opposing slots in the inner tube  62  may facilitate placement of the heater  14  and wick  28  into position within the inner tube  62  without impacting edges of the slots and the coiled section of the heater  14 . Accordingly, edges of the slots may not be allowed to impact and alter the coil spacing of the heater  14 , which would otherwise create potential sources of hotspots. 
     In an example embodiment, the inner tube  62  may have a diameter of about 4 mm and each of the opposing slots may have major and minor dimensions of about 2 mm by about 4 mm. 
     In an example embodiment, the first section  70  may be replaceable. In other words, once the pre-vapor formulation of the cartridge is depleted, only the first section  70  may be replaced. An alternate ate arrangement may include an example embodiment where the entire e-vaping device  60  may be disposed once the reservoir  22  is depleted. 
     In an example embodiment, the e-vaping device  60  may be about 80 mm to about 110 mm long and about 7 mm to about 8 mm in diameter. For example, in one example embodiment, the e-vaping device may be about 84 mm long and may have a diameter of about 7.8 mm. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-7 , in at least one example embodiment, the first section  70  may include the mouth-end insert  8  including eight outlets  24 . The outlets  24  may be located off-axis from the longitudinal axis of the e-vaping device  60 . The outlets  24  may be angled outwardly in relation to the longitudinal axis of the e-vaping device  60 . The outlets  24  may be substantially uniformly distributed about the perimeter of the mouth-end insert  8  so as to substantially uniformly distribute vapor and create a greater perception of fullness. As shown in  FIGS. 3-6 , the outlets  24  may include a first set of outlets  100  and a second set of outlets  102 . Thus, as the vapor passes through the outlets  100 ,  102 , the vapor may move in different directions. In contrast, e-vaping devices having a single, on-axis orifice tend to direct vapor as a single jet of greater velocity toward a more limited location. 
     In an example embodiment, the outlets  24  may be angled at about 5° to about 60° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the outer housing  6  so as to more completely distribute vapor and remove droplets. In yet another example embodiment, the outlets  24  may be angled at an angle of about 40° to about 50° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the outer housing 6 or about 40° to about 45°. In an example embodiment, the outlets  24  may be angled at an angle of about 42° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the outer housing  6 . 
     In an example embodiment, the first set  100  of four outlets may be larger than the second set  102  of four outlets. In some example embodiments, each of the four outlets in the first set  100  may be at least twice the size of each of the outlets in the second set  102 . Each of the outlets  24  of the first set  100  may have a length ranging from about 1.0 mm to about 3.0 mm and a width at a widest point ranging from about 1.0 mm to about 2.0 mm. Each of the outlets  24  of the second set  102  may have a length ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm and a width at a widest point ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 1.0 mm. 
     The outlets  24  may have a tear-drop cross-section. In other example embodiments, the outlets  24  may have a generally triangular cross-section or a generally polygonal cross-section, such as pentagonal. In some example embodiments, the outlets  24  may have a generally circular cross-section. 
     In an example embodiment, the mouth-end insert  8  has a generally disc-shaped, transverse wall  104  in which the outlets  100 ,  102  are formed. The transverse wall  104  has a generally cylindrical side wall  106  extending upstream therefrom. In at least one example embodiment, a diameter of the transverse wall  104  is about the same as an outer diameter of the housing  6 . In some example embodiments, the diameter of the transverse wall  104  is larger than a circumference of the side wall. The side wall  106  may have a beveled upstream edge  108  that is configured to facilitate insertion of the mouth-end insert  8  in the housing  6 . In some example embodiments, the sidewall may have a length ranging from about 3 mm to about 5 mm. 
     The mouth-end insert 8 may be held in place in the housing  6  by friction fit. In some example embodiments, the mouth-end insert  8  may be held in place in the housing  6  by use of an adhesive. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the diameter of the transverse wall  104  ranges from about 9.0 mm to about 9.5 mm. In some example embodiments, the diameter of the transverse wall is about 9.3 mm. 
     In an example embodiment, the outlets  24  have an outlet area ranging from about 12 mm 2  to about 14 mm 2 . In some example embodiments, the outlet area may be about 13.2 mm 2 . 
     The mouth-end insert  8  may have an internal volume ranging from about 105 mm 3  to about 112 mm 3 . In some example embodiments, the internal volume may be about 108.4 mm 3 . 
     In an example embodiment, each of the outlets  24  may have dimensions and/or diameters ranging from about 0.015 inch to about 0.090 inch (e.g., about 0.020 inch to about 0.040 inch or about 0.028 inch to about 0.038 inch). The size of the diverging outlets  24  and the number of diverging outlets  24  may be selected to adjust the resistance-to-draw (RTD) of the e-vaping device  60 , if desired. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-end insert  8  has an inner surface  181 . After formation, some vapor may condense into liquid form before exiting the e-vaping device  60 . Any condensed liquid may deposit on and/or strike the inner surface  181 . If the liquid strikes the inner surface  181 , the liquid may break into smaller droplets. 
     In at least one example embodiment, an average exit velocity of the vapor as it exits the e-vaping device  60  via the outlets  24  is about 1.0 m/s to about 1.2 m/s. In some example embodiment, a maximum exit velocity as it exits the e-vaping device  60  ranges from about 2.0 m/s to about 2.2 m/s. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-end insert  8  is formed of high density polyethylene. In other example embodiments, the mouth-end insert  8  may be formed of other heat resistant materials, including other plastics and metal. 
     In at least one example embodiment, a ratio of the combined outlet area to an area of the mouth-end insert ranges from about 1:3 to about 1:6. In other example embodiments, the ratio of the combined outlet area to an area of the mouth-end insert ranges from about 1:4 to about 1:5. 
     The mouth-end insert  8  including eight angled outlets  24  and an outlet area of 13.2 mm 2  was compared to (1) a mouth-end insert having a single, centrally located outlet having a diameter of about 8.8 mm and an outlet area of about 4.9 mm 2  and (2) a mouth-end insert including four angled outlets with an outlet area of 16.6 mm 2 . The cartridge and battery sections of the e-vaping device used for testing were identical. The resulting velocity and temperature measurements were found. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Mouth-end 
                 Mouth-end 
                 Mouth-end 
               
               
                 Results at 2 
                 insert with 
                 insert with 
                 insert with 
               
               
                 seconds 
                 single outlet 
                 four outlets 
                 eight outlets 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Average Exit 
                 1.6 
                 1.0 
                 1.1 
               
               
                 Velocity (m/s) 
               
               
                 Maximum Exit 
                 3.0 
                 1.9 
                 2.1 
               
               
                 Velocity (m/s) 
               
               
                 Average Exit 
                 88.4 
                 79.9 
                 64.8 
               
               
                 Temperature (° C.) 
               
               
                 Maximum Exit 
                 106.0 
                 98.9 
                 90.2 
               
               
                 Temperature (° C.) 
               
               
                 Mouth-end insert 
                 26.4 
                 28.0 
                 27.9 
               
               
                 Side Average 
               
               
                 Temperature (° C.) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     As shown in Table 1, the mouth-end insert  8  including eight outlets provides a vapor having a significantly lower average exit temperature as compared to mouth-end inserts having a single, central outlet or four angled outlets. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the mouth-end insert is configured to reduce a temperature of the vapor exiting the mouth-end insert via the outlets to a temperature ranging from about 60° C. to about 70° C. 
     While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the reduced temperature is caused by an increase in the surface area surrounding and between the eight outlets. The closed surface area is believed to absorb heat so as to provide a vapor with a lower average exit temperature. 
     While a number of example embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations may be possible. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.