Patent Description:
Electronic vapour delivery systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain a vapour precursor material, such as a reservoir of a source liquid containing a formulation, typically including nicotine, or a solid material such as a tobacco-based product, from which a vapour is generated for inhalation by a user, for example through heat vaporisation. Thus, a vapour delivery system will typically comprise a vapour generation chamber containing a vaporiser, e.g. a heating element, arranged to vaporise a portion of precursor material to generate a vapour in the vapour generation chamber. As a user inhales on the device and electrical power is supplied to the vaporiser, air is drawn into the device through inlet holes and into the vapour generation chamber where the air mixes with the vaporised precursor material and forms a condensation aerosol. There is a flow path between the vapour generation chamber and an opening in the mouthpiece so the incoming air drawn through the vapour generation chamber continues along the flow path to the mouthpiece opening, carrying some of the vapour / condensation aerosol with it, and out through the mouthpiece opening for inhalation by the user. Some electronic cigarettes may also include a flavour material in the flow path through the device to impart additional flavours. Such devices may sometimes be referred to as hybrid devices and the flavour material may, for example, include a portion of tobacco arranged in the air path between the vapour generation chamber and the mouthpiece so that vapour / condensation aerosol drawn through the devices passes through the portion of tobacco before exiting the mouthpiece for user inhalation.

<CIT> discloses an electronic cigarette that comprises: a cartridge where a cigarette liquid is stored inside; an atomizer which is installed inside the cartridge, and heats and vaporizes the cigarette liquid accommodated in the cartridge by using heat generated by electrical current; a scent generating part which is located on an upper end of the cartridge and where an scent composition storage body in which a scent is generated by being in contact with the vaporized cigarette liquid is accommodated; a mouthpiece where both the scent generated from the scent generating part and the vaporized cigarette liquid produced by the atomizer are released; and a power supply combined to a bottom part of the atomizer in order to send electrical current to the atomizer.

Various approaches are described herein which seek to provide improved performance of the device discussed above.

According to a first aspect of certain embodiments there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising an apparatus for generating an inhalable medium comprising a receptacle for a flavour material for imparting a flavour to inhalable medium generated by the apparatus, the receptacle comprising a wall part for retaining the flavour material, the wall part comprising a plurality of openings for airflow and a non-planar region, wherein the plurality of openings are arranged in the non-planar region.

According to another aspect of certain embodiments there is provided aerosol provision means comprising means for generating an inhalable medium comprising receptacle means for flavour material means for imparting a flavour to inhalable medium generated by the means for generating an inhalable medium, the receptacle means comprising wall part means for retaining the flavour material means, the wall part means comprising a plurality of opening means for airflow and a non-planar region, wherein the plurality of opening means are arranged in the non-planar region.

According to another aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a receptacle for a flavour material for imparting a flavour to an inhalable medium generated by an apparatus for generating an inhalable medium, the receptacle comprising a wall part for retaining a flavour material, the wall part comprising a plurality of openings for airflow and a non-planar region, wherein the plurality of openings are arranged in the non-planar region.

According to another aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a method of imparting a flavour to inhalable medium generated by an apparatus for generating inhalable medium, the method comprising providing a receptacle for a flavour material for imparting a flavour to the inhalable medium, the receptacle comprising a wall part for retaining the flavour material, the wall part comprising a plurality of openings for airflow and a non-planar region, wherein the plurality of openings are arranged in the non-planar region, and wherein the method further comprises passing the inhalable medium through the receptacle to impart the flavour to the inhalable medium.

According to another aspect of certain embodiments there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising an apparatus for generating an inhalable medium comprising a receptacle for a flavour material for imparting a flavour to inhalable medium generated by the apparatus, wherein the receptacle comprises a side wall part, an outlet wall part and an inlet wall part, wherein the side wall part defines a cavity for the flavour material and the inlet wall part and the outlet wall part each comprise a plurality of openings to allow airflow through the cavity, and wherein the inlet wall part and outlet wall part are mounted to the side wall part so as to compress the flavour material in the cavity between the inlet wall part and the outlet wall part.

According to another aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a receptacle for a flavour material for imparting a flavour to an inhalable medium generated by an apparatus for generating an inhalable medium, wherein the receptacle comprises a side wall part, an outlet wall part and an inlet wall part, wherein the side wall part defines a cavity for the flavour material and the inlet wall part and the outlet wall part each comprise a plurality of openings to allow airflow through the cavity, and wherein the inlet wall part and outlet wall part are mounted to the side wall part so as to compress the flavour material in the cavity between the inlet wall part and the outlet wall part.

According to another aspect of certain embodiments there is provided means for generating an inhalable medium comprising receptacle means for flavour material means for imparting a flavour to inhalable medium generated by the means for generating an inhalable medium, wherein the receptacle means comprises side wall means, outlet wall means and inlet wall means, wherein the side wall means defines a cavity for the flavour material and the inlet wall means and the outlet wall means each comprise a plurality of openings to allow airflow through the cavity, and wherein the inlet wall means and outlet wall means are mounted to the side wall means so as to compress the flavour material in the cavity between the inlet wall means and the outlet wall means.

According to another aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a method of imparting a flavour to inhalable medium generated by an apparatus for generating inhalable medium, wherein the method comprises providing a receptacle for a flavour material, wherein the receptacle comprises a side wall part, an outlet wall part and an inlet wall part, wherein the side wall part defines a cavity for the flavour material and the inlet wall part and the outlet wall part each comprise a plurality of openings to allow airflow through the cavity, and wherein the inlet wall part and outlet wall part are mounted to the side wall part so as to compress the flavour material in the cavity between the inlet wall part and the outlet wall part, and wherein the method further comprises passing the inhalable medium through the receptacle to impart the flavour to the inhalable medium.

According to another aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a method of manufacturing a receptacle for a flavour material for imparting a flavour to an inhalable medium generated by an apparatus for generating an inhalable medium, wherein the receptacle comprises a side wall part, an outlet wall part and an inlet wall part, wherein the side wall part defines a cavity for the flavour material and the inlet wall part and the outlet wall part each comprise a plurality of openings to allow airflow through the cavity, and wherein the method comprises providing the side wall part with one of the inlet wall part and the outlet wall part mounted thereto; placing flavour material into the cavity; and mounting the other of the inlet wall part and the outlet wall part to the side wall part so as to compress the flavour material between the inlet wall part and the outlet wall part.

According to another aspect of certain embodiments there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising an apparatus for generating an inhalable medium comprising a receptacle for a flavour material for imparting a flavour to inhalable medium generated by the apparatus, the receptacle comprising a housing comprising a mouthpiece part, a side wall part and an outlet wall part in the mouthpiece part with a plurality of openings for airflow, wherein the mouthpiece part, the side wall part and the outlet wall part are integrally formed.

According to another aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a receptacle for a flavour material for imparting a flavour to an inhalable medium generated by an apparatus for generating an inhalable medium, the receptacle comprising a housing comprising a mouthpiece part, a side wall part and an outlet wall part in the mouthpiece part with a plurality of openings for airflow, wherein the mouthpiece part, the side wall part and the outlet wall part are integrally formed.

According to another aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a means for generating an inhalable medium comprising receptacle means for flavour material means for imparting a flavour to inhalable medium generated by the means for generating an inhalable medium, the receptacle means comprising housing means comprising mouthpiece means, side wall means and outlet wall means in the mouthpiece means with a plurality opening means for airflow, wherein the mouthpiece means, the side wall means and the outlet wall means are integrally formed.

According to another aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a method of imparting a flavour to inhalable medium generated by an apparatus for generating inhalable medium, the method comprising providing an apparatus comprising a receptacle for a flavour material for imparting a flavour to an inhalable medium generated by an apparatus for generating an inhalable medium, the receptacle comprising a housing comprising a mouthpiece part, a side wall part and an outlet wall part in the mouthpiece part with a plurality of openings for airflow, wherein the mouthpiece part, the side wall part and the outlet wall part are integrally formed, and wherein the method further comprises passing the inhalable medium through the receptacle to impart the flavour to the inhalable medium.

According to another aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a method of manufacturing a receptacle for a flavour material for imparting a flavour to an inhalable medium generated by an apparatus for generating an inhalable medium, the method comprising integrally forming a mouthpiece part, a side wall part and an outlet wall part in the mouthpiece part with a plurality of openings for airflow.

Further respective aspects and features are defined by the appended claims.

The present disclosure relates to vapour delivery systems, which may also be referred to as aerosol delivery systems, such as e-cigarettes, including hybrid devices. Throughout the following description the term "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with vapour provision system / device, electronic vapour provision system / device, vapour delivery system / device, electronic vapour delivery system / device, aerosol provision system / device, electronic aerosol provision system / device, aerosol delivery system / device, and electronic aerosol delivery system / device. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms "vapour" and "aerosol", and related terms such as "vaporise", "volatilise" and "aerosolise", may generally be used interchangeably.

Aerosol delivery systems often, though not always, comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable part (also referred to as a control unit) and a replaceable / disposable cartridge part (also referred to as a consumable part). Often the replaceable cartridge part will comprise the aerosolisable material and the vaporiser and the reusable part will comprise the power supply (e.g. rechargeable battery), activation mechanism (e.g. button or puff sensor), and control circuitry. However, it will be appreciated these different parts may also comprise further elements depending on functionality. For example, for a so-called hybrid device the cartridge part may also comprise an additional flavour material or aerosol modifying agent. For example the flavour material may be a portion of tobacco, provided as an insert ("pod") to add flavour to an aerosol generated elsewhere in the system. The flavour material or aerosol modifying agent may be a substance that is able to modify aerosol in use. The agent may modify aerosol in such a way as to create a physiological or sensory effect on the human body. Example aerosol modifying agents are actives, flavourants and sensates. A sensate creates an organoleptic sensation that can be perceived through the senses, such as a cool or sour sensation.

The flavour material may be removable so it can be replaced, for example to change flavour or because the usable lifetime of the flavour material is less than the usable lifetime of the aerosol generating components of the cartridge. The reusable device part will often also comprise additional components, such as a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics.

As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult consumers. In some examples, flavour materials may include tobacco materials or materials including tobacco extracts and / or nicotine. In some examples, flavour materials may include extracts (e.g., liquorice, 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 genus Mentha), flavour 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.

For modular devices a cartridge and control unit may be electrically and mechanically coupled together for use, for example using a screw thread, latching or bayonet fixing with appropriately engaging electrical contacts. When the vapour precursor material in a cartridge is exhausted, or the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge having a different vapour precursor material, a cartridge may be removed from the control unit and a replacement cartridge attached in its place.

It is relatively common for aerosol delivery systems, including multi-part devices, to have a generally elongate shape and, for the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure described herein will be taken to comprise a generally elongate multi-part device employing disposable cartridges which include an aerosolisable material, a flavour imparting medium and electric heater for vaporising the aerosolisable material to form a condensation aerosol for user inhalation during use. These vapour delivery systems may be called, for example, hybrid systems or hybrid e-cigarettes. In some cases the flavour material insert may itself be removable from the disposable cartridge part so it can be replaced separately from the cartridge or the reusable part, for example to change flavour or because the usable lifetime of the flavour material insert is different from the usable lifetime of the vapour generating components of the cartridge. The flavour material insert may be contained within a receptacle. Throughout the following description the terms "pod", "receptacle", "container" or "insert" may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated these terms may be used interchangeably. In some examples, the pod may be reusable and a user may be able to access a flavour material insert within the pod to replace the flavour material insert. In other examples, the pod may be disposable and a user is discouraged from accessing or attempting to replace the flavour material insert. Use of a pod may provide an enhanced user experience by, for example, ensuring optimal positioning of the flavour material insert within an airflow path and / or by restricting the properties of the flavour material insert (e.g. volume, consistency, density etc.).

It will be appreciated the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for different configurations of aerosol delivery systems, for example devices conforming to other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a more box-like shape or smaller form-factor devices such as so-called podmod devices. More generally, it will be appreciated embodiments of the disclosure may be based on aerosol delivery systems configured to incorporate the principles described herein regardless of the specific format of other aspects of such aerosol delivery systems.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view through an example e-cigarette <NUM> in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure. The e-cigarette <NUM> comprises three main components, namely a reusable part <NUM>, a replaceable / disposable cartridge part <NUM> and a flavour imparting means <NUM>, such as a removable receptacle, containing a portion of a flavouring material <NUM> (for example shredded, reconstituted or extruded tobacco) provided within an insert housing. However, the fact this example is a multi-part hybrid device is not in itself directly significant to the device activation functionality as described further herein.

In normal use the reusable part <NUM> and the cartridge part <NUM> are releasably coupled together at an interface <NUM>. When the cartridge part is exhausted (i.e. when aerosolisable material, such as a liquid, in the cartridge part is depleted or substantially depleted) or the user simply wishes to switch to a different cartridge part, the cartridge part may be removed from the reusable part and a replacement cartridge part attached to the reusable part in its place. The interface <NUM> provides a structural, electrical and air path connection between the two parts and may be established in accordance with conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, latch mechanism, or bayonet fixing with appropriately arranged electrical contacts and openings for establishing the electrical connection and air path between the two parts as appropriate. The specific manner by which the cartridge part <NUM> mechanically mounts to the reusable part <NUM> is not significant to the principles described herein, but for the sake of a concrete example is assumed here to comprise a latching mechanism, for example with a portion of the cartridge being received in a corresponding receptacle in the reusable part with cooperating latch engaging elements (not represented in <FIG>). It will also be appreciated the interface <NUM> in some implementations may not support an electrical connection between the respective parts. For example, in some implementations a vaporiser may be provided by the reusable part rather than in the cartridge part, or the transfer of electrical power from the reusable part to the cartridge part may be wireless (e.g. based on electromagnetic induction), so that an electrical connection between the reusable part and the cartridge part is not needed.

The cartridge part <NUM> may in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure be broadly conventional. In <FIG>, the cartridge part <NUM> comprises a cartridge housing <NUM> formed of a plastics material. The cartridge housing <NUM> supports other components of the cartridge part and provides the mechanical interface <NUM> with the reusable part <NUM>. The cartridge housing is generally circularly symmetric about a longitudinal axis along which the cartridge part couples to the reusable part <NUM>. In this example the cartridge part has a length of around <NUM> and a diameter of around <NUM>. However, it will be appreciated the specific geometry, and more generally the overall shapes and materials used, may be different in different implementations.

Within the cartridge housing <NUM> is a reservoir <NUM> that contains liquid vapour precursor material. The liquid vapour precursor material may be conventional, and may be referred to as e-liquid. The liquid reservoir <NUM> in this example has an annular shape with an outer wall defined by the cartridge housing <NUM> and an inner cartridge wall <NUM> that defines an air path <NUM> through the cartridge part <NUM>. The reservoir <NUM> is closed at each end with end walls to contain the e-liquid. The reservoir <NUM> may be formed in accordance with conventional techniques, for example it may comprise a plastics material and be integrally moulded with the cartridge housing <NUM>.

In normal use the cartridge part <NUM> and the receptacle <NUM> are releasably coupled together at an interface <NUM>. When the flavouring material <NUM> within the receptacle <NUM> is exhausted or the user simply wishes to switch to a different receptacle and / or flavouring material, the receptacle may be removed from the cartridge part and the flavouring material may be replaced within the receptacle or a different receptacle may be attached to the cartridge part in its place. The interface <NUM> provides a structural and air path connection between the two parts and may be established in accordance with conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, latch mechanism, or bayonet fixing with appropriately arranged electrical contacts and openings for establishing the electrical connection and air path between the two parts as appropriate. The specific manner by which the cartridge part <NUM> mechanically mounts to the receptacle <NUM> is not significant to the principles described herein, but in these and other examples, the retention and positioning of the receptacle <NUM> may be due to friction and / or may be facilitated by clips, ledges and other features within the air path <NUM>. For example an insertion portion <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> may be inserted into a receiving portion <NUM> provided in an open end of air path <NUM> opposite to the end of the cartridge <NUM> which couples to the control unit <NUM>. The insertion portion <NUM> and / or the receiving portion <NUM> may have surface protrusions (e.g. bumps or ridges) to aid the retention due to friction of the receptacle <NUM> within the cartridge part <NUM>.

It will also be appreciated the interface <NUM> in some implementations may support an electrical connection between the respective parts. For example, the receptacle <NUM> may include a heater for heating of the flavouring material <NUM>.

In the example shown, the receptacle <NUM> includes a housing or side wall part <NUM> which defines a channel or cavity <NUM> within which a flavourant <NUM> may be housed or retained. The side wall part <NUM> for the receptacle <NUM> may also include two open ends. In normal use, air or other inhalable medium may flow from one end to the other end of the cavity (for example, during a puff) to allow air drawn along the air path <NUM> during use to pass through the flavouring material <NUM> and so pick up flavours (for example tobacco flavours) before exiting the receptacle though mouthpiece outlet <NUM> (i.e.an aperture or an opening) for user inhalation. To retain or position the flavourant <NUM>, the receptacle may include a channel inlet wall part <NUM> (i.e. lower or upstream wall) and a channel outlet wall part <NUM> (i.e. upper or downstream wall) mounted to the channel wall part <NUM>, such that each of the channel inlet wall part <NUM> and the channel outlet wall part <NUM> cover the open ends, respectively. The channel inlet wall part <NUM> and the channel outlet wall part <NUM> each have a plurality of holes, openings or apertures for airflow. For example, the channel inlet wall part <NUM> and the channel outlet wall part <NUM> may be formed by a mesh, a perforated wall part or an air permeable screen. The channel inlet wall part <NUM> and channel outlet wall part <NUM> may be provided towards opposite ends of channel wall part <NUM>. For example, one or both may be positioned at the ends of the channel wall part <NUM>, or one or both may be positioned inset from the end of the channel wall part <NUM> (for example, inset by between <NUM> and <NUM>% of the length of channel wall part <NUM>, and preferably by between <NUM>% and <NUM>% of the length of the channel wall part <NUM>).

The channel inlet wall part <NUM> (i.e. lower or upstream wall) and a channel outlet wall part <NUM> (i.e. upper or downstream wall) may be either replaceably mounted to the channel wall part <NUM> or they may be fixedly mounted to the channel wall outlet part <NUM>. By replaceably mounted, it is meant that the receptacle <NUM> is configured such that wall parts can be detached if required (for example, to allow replacement or refiling of the receptacle <NUM> with a flavour material). By fixedly mounted, it is meant that the receptacle <NUM> is configured such that the wall parts cannot be detached (for example, any detachment may require breaking a component of the receptacle <NUM>). It will be appreciated that in some examples, it may be advantageous to allow one wall part (e.g. the inlet wall part <NUM>) to be fixedly mounted to the side wall part <NUM>, and the other wall part (e.g. the outlet wall part <NUM>) to be replaceably mounted the side wall part <NUM>.

The inlet wall part <NUM> and / or the outlet wall part <NUM> may be mounted to the side wall part by a particular engagement mechanism; for example using a latch; a bayonet; a push fit; and a threaded connection. The side wall part <NUM> may have corresponding features to enable a connection. While it will be appreciated that the use of a latch, a bayonet, a push fit and a threaded connection typically represent reversible engagement mechanisms; to create a fixed mount or engagement, adhesive bonding and or ultrasonic welding could be used after first connecting via an engagement mechanism, to create a permanent bond. In other examples, ultrasonic welding, adhesive bonding or other method may be used to fixedly mount one or both of the wall parts <NUM>,<NUM> to the side wall part <NUM> without any of the engagement mechanisms described above. In some other examples, one of the wall parts <NUM>,<NUM> may be integrally formed with the side wall part <NUM> such that the selected one of the wall parts <NUM>,<NUM> is inherently fixedly mounted to the side wall part <NUM>. Other methods of mounting either inlet wall part <NUM> or outlet wall part <NUM> will be described in more detail below.

It will be appreciated that the channel inlet wall part <NUM> and the channel outlet wall part <NUM> do not necessarily need to be positioned symmetrically with respect to a centre point of the receptacle <NUM>. In some examples, the channel inlet wall part <NUM> and the channel outlet wall part <NUM> may be configured substantially differently to each other. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the channel inlet wall part <NUM> may be configured to have a flat or planar shape, while the channel outlet wall part <NUM> may be configured to have a curved or non-planar shape. Furthermore, the channel inlet wall part <NUM> and the channel outlet wall part <NUM> may be constructed from different materials. For example, the channel inlet wall part <NUM> may be constructed from a metal material and the channel outlet wall part <NUM> may be constructed from a plastics material, or vice versa. In some examples the channel inlet wall part <NUM> and / or the channel outlet wall part <NUM> may be constructed from the same material as the side wall part <NUM>; for example the channel inlet wall part <NUM> and / or the channel outlet wall part <NUM> may be constructed from the same plastics material as the side wall part <NUM>. In some examples, one of the channel inlet wall part <NUM> or the channel outlet wall part <NUM> may be integrally formed with the receptacle side wall part <NUM> (for example, by integrally moulding the components). The receptacle side wall part <NUM>, the channel inlet wall part <NUM> and / or the channel outlet wall part <NUM> may comprise or consist of a plastics material. Example materials include copolyester (Tritan), polybutylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyphthalamide (Grivory) and polypropylene.

In some examples, the side wall part <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> may define or otherwise incorporate a mouthpiece element. For example, the side wall part <NUM> may be configured to provide an outer surface shaped to aid forming of a seal by lips of a user during use. In other examples, a mouthpiece may be attached downstream of the receptacle <NUM> (not shown).

The cartridge part further comprises a wick <NUM> and a heater (vaporiser) <NUM> located towards an end of the reservoir <NUM> opposite to the receptacle <NUM>. In this example the wick <NUM> extends transversely across the cartridge air path <NUM> with its ends extending into the reservoir <NUM> of e-liquid through openings in the inner wall of the reservoir <NUM>. The openings in the inner wall of the reservoir <NUM> are sized to broadly match the dimensions of the wick <NUM> to provide a reasonable seal against leakage from the liquid reservoir into the cartridge air path without unduly compressing the wick, which may be detrimental to its fluid transfer performance.

The wick <NUM> and heater <NUM> are arranged in the cartridge air path <NUM> such that a region of the cartridge air path <NUM> around the wick <NUM> and heater <NUM> in effect defines a vapour generating region or vaporisation region for the cartridge part. The e-liquid in the reservoir <NUM> infiltrates the wick <NUM> through the ends of the wick extending into the reservoir <NUM> and is drawn along the wick by surface tension / capillary action (i.e. wicking). The heater <NUM> in this example comprises an electrically resistive wire coiled around the wick <NUM>. In this example the heater <NUM> comprises a nickel chrome alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire and the wick <NUM> comprises a glass fibre bundle, but it will be appreciated the specific vaporiser configuration is not significant to the principles described herein. In use electrical power may be supplied to the heater <NUM> to vaporise an amount of e-liquid (vapour precursor material) drawn to the vicinity of the heater <NUM> by the wick <NUM>. Vaporised e-liquid may then become entrained in air drawn along the cartridge air path from the vaporisation region through channel wall part <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> and out the mouthpiece outlet <NUM> for user inhalation.

The rate at which e-liquid is vaporised by the vaporiser (heater) <NUM> will depend on the amount (level) of power supplied to the heater <NUM> during use. Thus electrical power can be applied to the heater to selectively generate vapour from the e-liquid in the cartridge part <NUM>, and furthermore, the rate of vapour generation can be changed by changing the amount of power supplied to the heater <NUM>, for example through pulse width and / or frequency modulation techniques.

The specific ways in which various aspects of the vapour delivery system function are not directly relevant to the principles underlying the examples described herein. For example, whereas the above-described embodiments have primarily focused on devices having an electrical heater based vaporiser for heating a liquid vapour precursor material, the same principles may be adopted in accordance with vaporisers based on other technologies, for example piezoelectric vibrator based vaporisers or optical heating vaporisers, and also devices based on other aerosol precursor materials, for example solid materials, such as plant derived materials, such as tobacco derivative materials, or other forms of vapour precursor materials, such as gel, paste or foam based vapour precursor materials.

The reusable part <NUM> comprises an outer housing <NUM> with an opening that defines an air inlet <NUM> for the e-cigarette, a battery <NUM> for providing operating power for the electronic cigarette, control circuitry <NUM> for controlling and monitoring the operation of the electronic cigarette, a user input button <NUM>, an inhalation sensor (puff detector) <NUM>, which in this example comprises a pressure sensor located in a pressure sensor chamber <NUM>, and a visual display <NUM>.

The outer housing <NUM> may be formed, for example, from a plastics or metallic material and in this example has a circular cross-sectional area generally conforming to the shape and size of the cartridge part <NUM>, so as to provide a smooth transition between the two parts at the interface <NUM>. In this example, the reusable part has a length of around <NUM> so the overall length of the e-cigarette when the cartridge part and reusable part are coupled together is around <NUM>. However (and as already noted) it will be appreciated that the overall shape and scale of an electronic cigarette implementing an embodiment of the disclosure is not significant to the principles described herein.

The air inlet <NUM> connects to an air path <NUM> through the reusable part <NUM>. The reusable part air path <NUM> in turn connects to the cartridge air path <NUM> across the interface <NUM> when the reusable part <NUM> and cartridge part <NUM> are connected together. The pressure sensor chamber <NUM> containing the pressure sensor <NUM> is in fluid communication with the air path <NUM> in the reusable part <NUM> (i.e. the pressure sensor chamber <NUM> branches off from the air path <NUM> in the reusable part <NUM>). Thus, when a user inhales on the mouthpiece opening <NUM>, there is a drop in pressure in the pressure sensor chamber <NUM> that may be detected by the pressure sensor <NUM>, and also air is drawn in through the air inlet <NUM>, along the reusable part air path <NUM>, across the interface <NUM>, through the vapour generation region in the vicinity of the atomiser <NUM> (where vaporised e-liquid becomes entrained in the air flow when the vaporiser is active), along the cartridge air path <NUM>, and out through the mouthpiece opening <NUM> for user inhalation.

The battery <NUM> in this example is rechargeable and may be of a conventional type, for example of the kind normally used in electronic cigarettes and other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods. The battery <NUM> may be recharged through a charging connector in the reusable part housing <NUM>, for example a USB connector.

The user input button <NUM> in this example is a conventional mechanical button, for example comprising a spring mounted component which may be pressed by a user to establish an electrical contact. In this regard, the input button may be considered to provide a manual input mechanism for the terminal device, but the specific manner in which the button is implemented is not significant. For example, different forms of mechanical button or touchsensitive button (e.g. based on capacitive or optical sensing techniques) may be used in other implementations. The specific manner in which the button is implemented may, for example, be selected having regard to a desired aesthetic appearance.

The display <NUM> is provided to give a user a visual indication of various characteristics associated with the electronic cigarette, for example current power setting information, remaining battery power, and so forth. The display may be implemented in various ways. In this example the display <NUM> comprises a conventional pixelated LCD screen that may be driven to display the desired information in accordance with conventional techniques. In other implementations the display may comprise one or more discrete indicators, for example LEDs, that are arranged to display the desired information, for example through particular colours and / or flash sequences. More generally, the manner in which the display is provided and information is displayed to a user using the display is not significant to the principles described herein. Some embodiments may not include a visual display and may include other means for providing a user with information relating to operating characteristics of the electronic cigarette, for example using audio signalling or haptic feedback, or may not include any means for providing a user with information relating to operating characteristics of the electronic cigarette.

The control circuitry <NUM> is suitably configured / programmed to control the operation of the electronic cigarette to provide functionality in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure as described further herein, as well as for providing conventional operating functions of the electronic cigarette in line with the established techniques for controlling such devices. The control circuitry (processor circuitry) <NUM> may be considered to logically comprise various subunits / circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the electronic cigarette's operation in accordance with the principles described herein and other conventional operating aspects of electronic cigarettes, such as display driving circuitry and user input detection. It will be appreciated the functionality of the control circuitry <NUM> can be provided in various different ways, for example using one or more suitably programmed programmable computer(s) and / or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuit(s) / circuitry / chip(s) / chipset(s) configured to provide the desired functionality.

In this example the vapour delivery system <NUM> comprises a user input button <NUM> and an inhalation sensor <NUM>. The control circuitry <NUM> may be configured to receive signalling from the inhalation sensor <NUM> and to use this signalling to determine if a user is inhaling in the electronic cigarette and also to receive signalling from the input button <NUM> and to use this signalling to determine if a user is pressing (i.e. activating) the input button. These aspects of the operation of the electronic cigarette (i.e. puff detection and button press detection) may in themselves be performed in accordance with established techniques (for example using conventional inhalation sensor and inhalation sensor signal processing techniques and using conventional input button and input button signal processing techniques). Other example vapour delivery systems may have only one of a user input button <NUM> and an inhalation sensor <NUM>. In further examples, a vapour delivery system may have neither a user input button or an inhalation sensor depending on the configuration and operation of the system.

In accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, the cross-sectional area of the air path at a location can be defined as the area of the plane perpendicular or transverse to a central or medial axis of the air path at that location. The area may be bound by at least one wall, for example, inner cartridge wall <NUM> or side wall part <NUM>, or other structural features. In use, the air flows in the direction of the central axis from the air inlet <NUM> towards the air outlet <NUM>. Hence, the cross-sectional area provides a measure of the transverse area available for air to flow through during use. In some examples, the cross-section of the air path may have a substantially circular shape, an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape or a rounded polygonal shape. The cross-sectional area of the air path is the area of the shape at that location. In some examples, the shape of the cross-section may change in different locations.

<FIG> show perspective drawings of a receptacle in accordance with the example vapour delivery system of <FIG>. The receptacle <NUM> is formed by a side wall part <NUM>. An outer surface of the side wall part <NUM> is configured to provide a mouthpiece outlet <NUM> and an insertable portion <NUM> for inserting into a corresponding receiving portion <NUM> of a cartridge part <NUM> (not shown). The side wall part <NUM> has a flared and rounded shape, adjacent to the mouthpiece outlet <NUM>, configured to accommodate lips of a user in use. It will be appreciated that in other examples not shown, the side wall part <NUM> may have a different shape; for example the side wall part <NUM> may comprise flat surfaces rather than rounded surfaces. Furthermore, in other examples the side wall part <NUM> may not flare.

The side wall part <NUM> defines a channel <NUM> within which a flavourant <NUM> may be housed or retained. The housing for the receptacle <NUM> also includes two ends, defining the inlet and outlet of channel <NUM>, to allow the inhalable medium (e.g. vapour, aerosol and/or air) drawn along the air path <NUM> during use to pass through the flavouring material <NUM> and so pick up flavours (for example tobacco flavours) before exiting the receptacle though mouthpiece outlet <NUM> for user inhalation. The housing is further configured to provide a plurality of protrusions <NUM> for providing contact with a surface of the receiving portion <NUM>. The housing is also configured to provide a recess <NUM> for a user to grip when removing the receptacle <NUM> from the cartridge part or engaging a receptacle <NUM> with the cartridge part.

The receptacle <NUM> of <FIG> comprises a mouthpiece, a sidewall part <NUM> and the outlet wall part <NUM> which are provided as a single integrally formed component. The integrally formed component may be formed by integrally moulding the mouthpiece, the side wall part <NUM>, and the outlet wall part <NUM> using a single mould. The component may be formed using injection moulding or any other convention process. For example, the component may be integrally formed an additive manufacturing process such as top-down or bottom-up 3D printing of a suitable material. In some examples, a casting process may be used.

The outlet wall part <NUM> has a plurality of holes for allowing air to pass from one side of the outlet wall part to the other side of the outlet wall part. The outlet wall part <NUM> is provided at the mouthpiece outlet <NUM> end of the channel <NUM> formed by the side wall part <NUM>. The outlet wall part <NUM> may be inset slightly from the end of the channel <NUM> and may define a planar surface. As shown in <FIG>, the plurality of holes may be formed by providing a series or array of parallel bars. A second series or array of parallel bars may be provided adjacent and anti-parallel to the first series of parallel bars, to provide a grid array of holes. It will be appreciated that the first and second series of bars may be regularly spaced and that the holes defined by the bars may have a regular pattern (e.g. spacing) dependent on the periodicity of the first and second series of bars.

The angle between the two sets of bars defines the shape of the holes. For example, if the angle is <NUM>° the holes will be square or rectangle, while if the angle is less than <NUM>° the holes will be parallelograms. It will be appreciated that different arrangements of bars may be used to form differently shaped holes in the outlet wall part and that embodiments are not limited to holes shaped as squares, rectangles or parallelograms. In some examples, curved parallel bars may be provided. Curved parallel bars may provide holes having curved edges and also having corners where the bars intersect.

In some examples, the outlet wall part <NUM> may be configured to provide holes which have a diameter of between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> and most preferably of <NUM>. An outlet wall part <NUM> in accordance with these examples may allow vapour to infiltrate through a flavouring material <NUM> whilst retaining the flavouring material (for example, loose tobacco or tobacco granules) within the receptacle <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the preferred diameter of the holes is dependent on the size and configuration of the flavouring material <NUM> that is to be retained within the receptacle <NUM>. For example, the size and configuration of the holes may depend on whether the flavouring material <NUM> is provided as a single piece or as a plurality of pieces, and based on the dimensions of the piece or pieces. In an example where the flavouring material <NUM> is provided as a plurality of pieces, the size of the holes may be smaller than <NUM>% of the plurality of pieces, and preferably smaller than <NUM>% of the plurality of pieces.

The side wall part <NUM> may be further configured to define a retention mechanism <NUM> for retaining a channel inlet wall part <NUM> (not shown) within the end of the channel <NUM> opposite to the mouthpiece outlet end <NUM>. By retention mechanism it is meant a mechanism for retaining a channel inlet wall part <NUM> within the channel <NUM>. In other words the retention mechanism <NUM> blocks or otherwise prevents the channel inlet wall part <NUM> from exiting the channel <NUM> after insertion. It will be appreciated that the channel inlet wall part <NUM> is prevented from exiting the channel <NUM> via the end having the channel outlet wall part <NUM>, due to the presence of the channel outlet wall part <NUM>, and / or due to a flavour material which may be present in the channel <NUM> in normal use.

As shown in <FIG>, the retention mechanism <NUM> may comprise a plurality of tabs. The tabs are configured to fold upwards upon the application of pressure (and optionally heat) to point inwardly towards a centre of channel <NUM>. In use, the inlet wall part <NUM> is inserted into the channel <NUM> formed by the side wall part <NUM>, and then the retention mechanism <NUM> is adjusted to narrow the diameter of the channel <NUM> upstream of the inlet wall part, such that the inlet wall part <NUM> is prohibited from exiting the channel <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the inlet wall part <NUM> is configured to have a shape which is small enough to be inserted into channel <NUM>, but large enough that it is retained by the retention mechanism <NUM> once it has been engaged / activated / modified. As an example, the lower opening of the channel <NUM> may have an elliptical shape with a minor axis diameter of <NUM> and a major axis diameter of <NUM>. The tabs of the retention mechanism <NUM> may be folded inward, as described, to form an aperture having an elliptical shape with a minor axis diameter of <NUM> and a major axis diameter of <NUM>. For such an example the inlet wall part <NUM> may have an elliptical shape with a minor axis diameter of about <NUM> and a major axis diameter of <NUM>.

In other examples (not shown) the retention mechanism <NUM> may be established in accordance with conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, clip or latch mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, the retention mechanism <NUM> may use an adhesive or ultrasonic welding to adhere the inlet wall part <NUM> to the housing. This may be in place of or in addition to the tabs shown in <FIG>.

As described above, the receptacle <NUM> may be formed by a single integrally-formed side wall part <NUM> which defines the mouthpiece, the side walls of channel <NUM> and the outlet wall part <NUM>, and a separate inlet wall part <NUM>. This allows for a simplified manufacturing process, whereby it is only necessary to combine two components (the side wall part <NUM> and the inlet wall part <NUM>) after flavouring material <NUM> is provided in the channel <NUM>, rather than combining a larger number of components in a complicated manufacturing process.

<FIG> show a receptacle <NUM> in accordance with the example vapour delivery system <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> provides a perspective drawing while <FIG> provides a view of a cross-section through a receptacle <NUM>, the plane of the cross-section being perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device. In contrast to the receptacle <NUM> of <FIG>, the side wall part <NUM> of receptacle <NUM> of <FIG> is shaped to define a liquid collecting area for collecting liquid. Aspects of <FIG> which are substantially similar to those shown in <FIG> will not be described in detail.

Vapour retained in the receptacle may condense as a liquid on the flavouring material <NUM> or on the side walls forming channel <NUM>. For example, when a user stops drawing on the device, vapour may cease moving towards the mouthpiece outlet <NUM> and may begin to cool. Condensed liquid may adhere to the surface of walls of the receptacle <NUM> due to surface tension. The liquid may be drawn towards a user's mouth during an inhalation The liquid may collect in regions where the flow of liquid is impeded; for example, due to an impermeable wall. As shown in <FIG>, a liquid collecting area or region for collecting liquid, provided as a recess or trough <NUM>, may be provided in the channel <NUM> close to the mouthpiece outlet <NUM>. For example, the recess <NUM> may be provided by the intersection of the side wall part <NUM> and the outlet wall part <NUM>.

The receptacle <NUM> (for example, the outlet wall part <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>) may define a depression towards the centre of the receptacle which is substantially in line with the airflow direction, in use. This airflow direction may align with a longitudinal axis of the receptacle <NUM>. By depression it is meant that a central region of the receptacle <NUM> is closer to the centre of the receptacle <NUM> than a peripheral region of the receptacle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> the peripheral region of the mouthpiece end of receptacle <NUM> may form an oval shape, which may be define a mouthpiece outlet <NUM>. The plurality of openings of the outlet wall part <NUM> may be provided in a planar wall portion in a central region of the depression perpendicular to the airflow direction. The depression has an internal surface (i.e. an upstream surface facing within the receptacle) and an external surface (i.e. a downstream visible to the user in normal use).

As shown in <FIG>, the recess <NUM> may be provided as a trough (for example, a U-shape trough or a V-shape trough) formed by the side wall part <NUM> and the channel outlet wall part <NUM>. The portion of the channel outlet wall part <NUM> forming the trough may be the internal surface of the depression forming a peripheral region which does not include any of the plurality of openings. In some examples a trough or recess <NUM> may be formed at the intersection of the channel outlet wall <NUM> with the side wall <NUM>. For example, a portion of the outlet wall part <NUM> may intersect the side wall <NUM> at an angle of less than <NUM>°. It will be appreciated that by having an angle of less than <NUM>°, a V shape may be considered to be defined by the outlet wall part <NUM> and side wall <NUM>. In other examples, the intersection between the outlet wall part <NUM> and the side wall <NUM> may be smoothed or rounded such that a shape closer to a U-shape is provided. In further examples, the outlet wall part <NUM> and the side wall <NUM> may include parallel portions such that a U-shape trough is provided. It will be appreciated that the trough or recess <NUM> may be provided in many different forms.

In some examples, the trough or recess <NUM> may be formed only at a portion of the intersection between the channel outlet wall part <NUM> and the side wall <NUM>. For example, a second length of the circumference of the outlet wall part <NUM> may have an intersection angle or more than <NUM>° over a portion not forming the first length and / or by having openings of the plurality of openings adjacent to the intersection in the second length, such that liquid can flow substantially unimpeded towards the mouthpiece outlet <NUM>. In these examples the liquid collection area may be a trough having an elongated configuration, or may be a recess having more of a bowl shape. The curvature of the walls surrounding the trough or recess <NUM> may promote the flow of liquid condensate towards the trough or recess <NUM>. In some examples, the trough or recess <NUM> may be formed around the whole of the intersection between the channel outlet wall part <NUM> and the side wall part <NUM> (in other words, around the whole of the circumference of the channel outlet wall part <NUM>).

The recess <NUM> is open on one side to allow liquid to enter the recess (e.g. the upstream side). In some examples the recess <NUM> may have a depth, typically parallel to the airflow direction, of between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably of between <NUM> and <NUM>, and most preferably of <NUM>. The recess may have a liquid volume capacity of between <NUM> and <NUM>, and preferably of between <NUM> and <NUM>.

Channel <NUM> may be configured to provide one or more internal liquid guiding ridges or channels <NUM>. Ridges or channels <NUM> aid or promote the movement of liquid within the receptacle <NUM> towards the recess <NUM> and / or away from the plurality of openings. It will be appreciated that ridges and channels may be used interchangeably to describe liquid guiding features. For example, a liquid guiding channel may be considered to be formed by the facing edges of two liquid guiding ridges, and similarly a liquid guiding ridge may be considered to be formed by the facing edges of two liquid guiding channels.

Ridges or channels <NUM> are typically provided parallel to the airflow direction in normal use, as shown in <FIG>. In other examples, not shown, the side wall part <NUM> may be configured to provide ridges and channels <NUM> which are not parallel. In some other examples, the channel <NUM> may be configured to provide ridges and channels which are curved. In most examples, the ridges or channels <NUM> terminate within or adjacent to the recess <NUM>. Curved channels may be advantageous where a recess or trough <NUM> is only provided around a portion of the channel outlet wall part <NUM>, such that the liquid can be guided to the recess or trough <NUM>. In some examples, the external surface of the side wall part <NUM> adjacent to the channel outlet wall part <NUM> may have exterior channels <NUM> (i.e. channels on an exterior surface of the receptacle). In some examples, the channel outlet wall part <NUM> may also be provided with channels <NUM> and / or external channels <NUM>. Liquid guiding channels <NUM> of the channel outlet wall part <NUM> may also promote or aid the flow or movement of liquid towards recess and / or trough <NUM>.

<FIG> show a receptacle <NUM> in accordance with the example vapour delivery system <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> provides a perspective drawing while <FIG> provides a view of a cross-section through a receptacle <NUM>, the plane of the cross-section being perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device. In contrast to the receptacle <NUM> of <FIG>, the channel outlet wall part <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> of <FIG> is formed in a non-planar region <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> such that the plurality of openings of the channel outlet wall part <NUM> are provided on a non-planar surface. Aspects of <FIG> which are substantially similar to those shown in <FIG> will not be described in detail.

Configuring the housing <NUM> to define a non-planar region <NUM> provides an increased surface area in contrast to a planar region. For example, it will be appreciated that a circular surface has a surface area of π*radius<NUM> whilst a hemispherical surface has a surface area of <NUM>*π*radius<NUM>. By providing a three-dimensional surface, the surface area of the channel outlet wall part <NUM> is increased with respect to a channel outlet wall having a two dimensional surface, dependent upon the extent of the surface in the third dimension.

The non-planar region <NUM> is bounded by the peripheral region of the mouthpiece outlet <NUM>. The non-planar region <NUM> may have a continuously curved surface. The non-planar region may define a surface which continuously curves within the boundaries of the peripheral region, such that the non-planar region and the peripheral region form a bowl or concave shape. The curved surface of the non-planar region may vary and may be defined by a radius of curvature. In some examples the non-planar region <NUM> may have a greater radius of curvature closer to the peripheral region and a lesser radius of curvature further from the peripheral region. Furthermore, in some examples, the non-planar region <NUM> may have different radius of curvature in a first plane and a second plane. For example, as shown in <FIG> the mouthpiece outlet <NUM> may have an elliptical shape. The radius of curvature in the plane defined by the major axis of the ellipse and the airflow direction has a smaller radius of curvature than the radius of curvature in the plane defined by the minor axis of the ellipse and the airflow direction.

In some examples, a radius of curvature for the non-planar region has a range selected from the group comprising <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM> and <NUM> to <NUM>, the radius of curvature in a first plane, the first plane perpendicular to an airflow direction during normal use. In some examples, the first plane may be defined by an axis of the shape of the peripheral portion of the mouthpiece outlet <NUM>, as well as an axis of the airflow direction. For example, the axis of the shape may be a major or minor axis of an ellipse defined by the peripheral portion.

In some examples, a second radius of curvature for the non-polar region has a range selected from the group comprising <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM> and <NUM> to <NUM>, the second radius of curvature about an axis perpendicular to both the airflow direction during normal use and the first plane (for example, it could be considered that the airflow direction defines a first axis, the normal to the first plane defines a second axis, and a third axis is perpendicular to the first and second axes, with the second radius of curvature being defined relative to the third axis). It will be appreciated that in some examples the second radius of curvature of the continuously curved surface is substantially infinite in relation to a second axis such that the non-planar surface is flat or effectively not curved about the axis perpendicular to both the airflow direction during normal use and the first plane.

<FIG> provides a view of a cross-section through a receptacle <NUM> in accordance with the example vapour delivery system <NUM> of <FIG>, the plane of the cross-section being perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device. In contrast to the receptacle <NUM> of <FIG>, the side wall part <NUM> does not define a depression and instead the non-planar surface <NUM> of the channel outlet wall part <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> of <FIG> curves outwardly from a centre of the receptacle <NUM>. Aspects of <FIG> which are substantially similar to those shown in <FIG> will not be described in detail.

The mouthpiece outlet <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> depicted in <FIG> provides a convex shape, with respect to the internal region of the receptacle <NUM>. Similarly to <FIG>, the configuring of the side wall part <NUM> to define a non-planar region <NUM> provides an increased surface area in contrast to a planar region. In contrast to <FIG>, the side wall part <NUM> defines an external surface of a mouthpiece including a central region furthest from the centre of the receptacle <NUM>, and a peripheral region surrounding the central region. The peripheral region may be approximately adjacent the end of channel <NUM> and / or a recess <NUM> for collecting liquid.

The recess <NUM> may be provided as a trough (for example, a U-shape trough or a V-shape trough) surrounding either the whole of the circumference of the channel <NUM> or a portion of the circumference of the channel <NUM>. The intersection of the channel outlet wall part <NUM> and the side wall part <NUM> may provide the recess. The channel outlet wall part <NUM> may be provided at an angle to the side wall part <NUM> such that the recess is defined by the channel outlet wall part <NUM> and the side wall part <NUM>, with the recess <NUM> open on one side to allow liquid to enter the recess. In some examples, the recess may be defined by additional wall features extending from either the outlet wall part <NUM> or the side wall part <NUM>. In some examples the recess <NUM> may have a depth, typically parallel to the airflow direction, of between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably of between <NUM> and <NUM>, and most preferably of <NUM>. The recess may have a liquid volume capacity of between <NUM> and <NUM>, and preferably of between <NUM> and <NUM>.

In some examples in accordance with <FIG>, a radius of curvature for the non-planar region has a range selected from the group comprising <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM> and <NUM> to <NUM>, the radius of curvature in a first plane, the first plane perpendicular to an airflow direction during normal use. In some examples, the first plane may be defined by an axis of the shape of the peripheral portion of the mouthpiece outlet <NUM>, as well as an axis of the airflow direction. For example, the axis of the shape may be a major or minor axis of an ellipse defined by the peripheral portion.

In some examples in accordance with <FIG>, a second radius of curvature for the non-polar region has a range selected from the group comprising <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM> and <NUM> to <NUM>, the second radius of curvature about an axis perpendicular to both the airflow direction during normal use and the normal of the first plane. It will be appreciated that in some examples the second radius of curvature of the continuously curved surface is substantially infinite in relation to a second axis such that the non-planar surface is effectively not curved about the axis perpendicular to both the airflow direction during normal use and the normal of the first plane.

<FIG> provides a view of a cross-section through a receptacle <NUM> in accordance with the example vapour delivery system <NUM> of <FIG>, the plane of the cross-section being perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device. In contrast to the receptacle <NUM> of <FIG>, the side wall part <NUM> does not define a recess <NUM> for collecting liquid. Aspects of <FIG> which are substantially similar to those shown in <FIG> will not be described in detail.

In <FIG>, the non-planar region <NUM> having the plurality of holes may extend to the edge of the channel <NUM> such that a recess for collecting liquid is not formed. A larger surface area is provided for the plurality of holes as a result. Furthermore, this may facilitate a more even flow of air throughout the channel <NUM> and avoid concentrating the flow of air in a central region.

<FIG> provides a view of a cross-section through a receptacle <NUM> in accordance with the example vapour delivery system <NUM> of <FIG>, the plane of the cross-section being perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device. In contrast to the receptacle <NUM> of <FIG>, the receptacle <NUM> comprises a side wall part <NUM>, a mouthpiece, and an inlet wall part <NUM> (rather than an outlet wall part <NUM>) formed as a single integrally formed component. Aspects of <FIG> which are substantially similar to those shown in <FIG> will not be described in detail.

Similarly to the examples above, the integrally formed component may be formed by integrally moulding the mouthpiece, the side wall part and the inlet wall part <NUM> using a single mould. The component may be formed using injection moulding or any other convention process. For example, the component may be integrally formed an additive manufacturing process such as top-down or bottom-up 3D printing of a suitable material. In some examples, a casting process may be used.

As shown in <FIG>, the inlet wall part <NUM> may include non-planar region <NUM> having a plurality of holes. Configuring the housing <NUM> to define a non-planar region <NUM> provides an increased surface area in contrast to a planar region. For example, it will be appreciated that a circular surface has a surface area of π*radius<NUM> whilst a hemispherical surface has a surface area of <NUM>*π*radius<NUM>. By providing a three dimensional surface, the surface area of the channel inlet wall part <NUM> is increased with respect to a channel inlet wall having a two dimensional surface, and sharing two dimensions, dependent upon the extent of the surface in the third dimension.

The non-planar region <NUM> is bounded by the peripheral region at the base of the insertion portion <NUM>. The non-planar region <NUM> may have a continuously curved surface. The non-planar region may define a surface which continuously curves within the boundaries of the peripheral region, such that the non-planar region and the peripheral region form a bowl or concave shape. The curved surface of the non-planar region may vary and may be defined by a radius of curvature. In some examples the non-planar region <NUM> may have a greater radius of curvature closer to the peripheral region and a lesser radius of curvature further from the peripheral region. Furthermore, in some examples, the non-planar region <NUM> may have different radius of curvature in a first plane and a second plane.

An outlet wall part <NUM> may be provided after filling of the receptacle <NUM> with the flavour material <NUM>. The side wall part <NUM> may be further configured to define a retention mechanism <NUM> for retaining a channel outlet wall part <NUM> (not shown) within the end of the channel <NUM> opposite to the end having the channel outlet wall part <NUM>. By retention mechanism it is meant a mechanism for retaining a channel outlet wall part <NUM> within the channel <NUM>. In other words the retention mechanism <NUM> blocks or prevents the channel outlet wall part <NUM> from exiting the channel <NUM> after insertion. It will be appreciated that the channel outlet wall part <NUM> is prevented from exiting the channel <NUM> by the end having the channel inlet wall part <NUM>, due to the presence of the channel inlet wall part <NUM>.

Similarly to the retention mechanism of <FIG>, the retention mechanism <NUM> may comprise a plurality of tabs. The tabs are configured to fold upwards upon the application of pressure (and optionally heat) to point inwardly towards a centre of channel <NUM>. In use, the outlet wall part <NUM> is inserted into the channel <NUM> formed by the side wall part <NUM>, and then the retention mechanism <NUM> is adjusted to narrow the diameter of the channel <NUM> such that the outlet wall part <NUM> is prohibited from exiting the channel <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the outlet wall part <NUM> is configured to have a shape which is small enough to be inserted into channel <NUM>, but large enough that it is retained by the retention mechanism <NUM>.

In other examples, not shown, the retention mechanism <NUM> may be established in accordance with conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, clip or latch mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, the retention mechanism <NUM> may use an adhesive or ultrasonic welding to adhere the inlet wall part <NUM> to the housing. This may be in place of the tabs shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> provides a view of a cross-section through a receptacle <NUM> in accordance with the example vapour delivery system <NUM> of <FIG>, the plane of the cross-section being perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device. In contrast to the receptacle <NUM> of <FIG>, the non-planar region <NUM> having the plurality of holes comprises a planar or flat central region <NUM> and curved region <NUM>. Aspects of <FIG> which are substantially similar to those shown in <FIG> will not be described in detail.

Examples of the non-planar region <NUM> may comprise a planar region <NUM> and at least one other curved adjacent region <NUM> bordering the planar region <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the planar region <NUM> comprises a central portion of the outlet wall part <NUM>, and the at least one adjacent curved region <NUM> surrounds or borders at least part of the central portion. In some examples, the planar region <NUM> defines a central circular or elliptical portion of the non-planar region <NUM> and the non-planar adjacent region defines a non-planar surface extending from the edge of the circular or elliptical surface. As an example, the curved adjacent region <NUM> may be a ring surrounding a central circular portion of planar region <NUM>.

In other examples, the planar portion <NUM> may comprise a surface having a polygonal shape with a number of edges (for example, the surface may be square). A curved surface <NUM> extends from an edge of the planar surface <NUM>. A second adjacent curved surface <NUM> may extend from a different edge of the surface, for example an opposing edge of the surface.

(i.e. a parallel edge of a square). In some examples, the adjacent curved surfaces or portions <NUM> may not be adjacent to each other. For examples the adjacent curved surfaces <NUM> may be connected by a wall which does not include any of the plurality of holes of the non-planar region <NUM>.

While the example of <FIG> depicts that a central region of the outlet wall part <NUM> has a planar or flat surface; in other examples, the central region may have a curved surface and one or more adjacent regions may have a flat surface. It will be appreciated that the outlet wall part <NUM> can be configured to provide a variety of different curved and planar surfaces dependent on particular requirements.

<FIG> provides a view of a cross-section through a receptacle <NUM> in accordance with the example vapour delivery system <NUM> of <FIG>, the plane of the cross-section being perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device. In contrast to the receptacle <NUM> of <FIG>, the non-planar region <NUM> having the plurality of holes comprises a plurality of planar region <NUM>, each of which defines a surface having a normal which is non-parallel with any other surface of the plurality of planar regions <NUM>. Aspects of <FIG> which are substantially similar to those shown in <FIG> will not be described in detail.

In some examples the non-planar portion <NUM> may be formed from a plurality of planar portions each of which defines a surface having a plane which is different to the planes defined by surfaces of the other portions.

In other examples, the planar portion <NUM> may comprise a surface having a polygonal shape with a number of edges (for example, the surface may be square). An adjacent curved surface <NUM> extends from an edge of the surface. A second adjacent curved surface <NUM> may extend from a different edge of the surface, for example an opposing edge of the surface (i.e. a parallel edge of a square). In some examples, the adjacent curved surfaces <NUM> may not be adjacent to each other. For example, the adjacent curved surfaces <NUM> may be connected by a wall which does not include any of the plurality of holes of the non-planar region <NUM>.

<FIG> provides a top-down view of a receptacle <NUM> in accordance with the example receptacle <NUM> of <FIG>. Aspects of <FIG> which are substantially similar to those shown in <FIG> will not be described in detail. By top down it is meant that the view is in the plane perpendicular to the airflow direction in normal use. In other words, it is a view in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the receptacle <NUM>.

In the example shown the non-planar portion <NUM> comprises a set of seven planar portions <NUM>. A central planar portion defines a surface having a hexagonal shape. From each of the six sides of the hexagonal central portion, extends one of the other six planar portions. Each of the planar portions <NUM> defines a surface extending from the central planar portion to the edge of the mouthpiece outlet <NUM> defined by the side wall part <NUM>. The planes of each of the planar portions surrounding the central portion are angled with respect to the central portion such that none of the planar portions <NUM> define a normal which is parallel with a normal of any of the other planar portions <NUM>.

In some examples, the plurality of holes of the non-planar region <NUM> may be regularly spaced over each of the planar portions <NUM>. In other examples, one or more of the planar portions <NUM> may have a greater density of holes. For example, the planar portion <NUM> provided in the centre of the non-planar surface may have a greater or lesser density of holes in comparison to a planar portion around the outside of the non-planar region <NUM>. It will be appreciated that in other examples, not shown, there may be other arrangements of planar portions <NUM> to provide the non-planar region <NUM>. For example there may be no central region, or the central region may have a different number of edges, for example between <NUM> and <NUM> edges.

As shown, the plurality of holes of the non-planar region <NUM> may be arranged concentrically around a centre of the non-planar region <NUM>. The centre of the non-planar region <NUM> may a centre of a longitudinal axis through the device around which there is at least one degree of symmetry. In some examples, the longitudinal axis may also be a centre of the airflow, in normal use. In some examples, the density of the holes may be constant over the non-planar region. In other examples, the density of the holes may increase or decrease with distance from the centre.

<FIG> provides a view of a section of the mouthpiece outlet <NUM> and a portion of side wall part <NUM> in accordance with the example vapour delivery system <NUM> of <FIG>. Certain aspects of <FIG> are substantially similar to those shown in the preceding Figures and will not be described in detail again.

The example mouthpiece outlet <NUM> of <FIG> depicts the position of the plurality of holes of the non-planar region <NUM>. As stated above, the outlet wall part <NUM> has a plurality of holes for allowing air to pass from one side of the outlet wall to the other side of the outlet wall. The outlet wall part <NUM> is provided at the mouthpiece outlet <NUM> end of the channel <NUM> formed by the side wall part <NUM>. The outlet wall part <NUM> is inset slightly from the end of the channel <NUM>. The side wall part <NUM> and the outlet wall part <NUM> may further define a recess <NUM> for retaining liquid.

As shown the outlet wall part <NUM> comprises a non-planar region <NUM> having a plurality of holes or openings <NUM>. Each of the openings are provided parallel to a longitudinal axis of the receptacle <NUM>. The longitudinal axis aligning substantially with an airflow direction through the receptacle <NUM> in normal use.

As shown the outlet wall part <NUM> comprises a non-planar region <NUM> having a plurality of holes or openings <NUM>. Each of the openings <NUM> comprises a bore through the outlet wall, the bore having a longitudinal axis parallel to a normal of the non-planar region as the location of the respective opening. This may aid the flow of air from peripheral regions of the flavour material <NUM>.

<FIG> provides a view of a cross-section through a receptacle <NUM> in accordance with the example vapour delivery system <NUM> of <FIG>, the plane of the cross-section being perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the receptacle <NUM>. Aspects of <FIG> which are substantially similar to those shown in the preceding Figures will not be described in detail.

The side wall part <NUM> may comprise a shelf or lip <NUM> which is configured to prevent the movement of the inlet wall part <NUM> in a direction. For example, the inlet wall part <NUM> may be inserted into the channel <NUM> from the mouthpiece outlet <NUM> end. The inlet wall part <NUM> may move within the channel <NUM> between the mouthpiece outlet <NUM> and the lip <NUM>, however the inlet wall part <NUM> may not move past the lip <NUM>. As such, the inlet wall part <NUM> may be mounted to the side wall part <NUM> using the lip <NUM>.

The lip or shelf <NUM> may be formed by one or more protrusions extending inwardly from the side wall part <NUM> forming the channel <NUM>. As such the lip or shelf <NUM> is configured to block the movement of the inlet wall part <NUM> to retain the inlet wall within the channel thereby supporting the position of the inlet wall part <NUM> within the receptacle <NUM>. In some examples, the inlet wall part <NUM> may additionally be connected to the side wall part <NUM> via ultrasonic welding, adhesive or any other conventional technique, to further support the positioning of the inlet wall part <NUM>.

In other examples, the side wall part <NUM> and the inlet wall part <NUM> may be integrally formed, for example, by injection moulding using a single mould or by 3D printing a single component. In these other examples the receptacle <NUM> may or may not comprise a lip <NUM>. Furthermore, while the inlet wall part <NUM> of <FIG> is planar or flat, in other examples the inlet wall part <NUM> may be non-planar and may, for example, be configured as described.

The receptacle <NUM> comprises a side wall part <NUM>, a mouthpiece element <NUM>, an outlet wall part <NUM> and an inlet wall part <NUM>. The mouthpiece element <NUM> is either integrally formed with or otherwise connected to the outlet wall part <NUM>. For example, the mouthpiece element <NUM> may be integrally formed with the outlet wall part <NUM> using a single mould, or the mouthpiece element <NUM> and the outlet wall part <NUM> may be formed separably and connected to form a single component via ultrasonic welding, adhesive or any other conventional technique. The receptacle <NUM> comprises a side wall part <NUM> defining a channel <NUM> within which a flavour material <NUM> may be provided.

In the example of <FIG>, the outlet wall part <NUM> comprises a channel insertion part <NUM> which is inserted into channel <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> when the outlet wall part <NUM> is attached to the side wall part <NUM> (for example, by attaching the mouthpiece element <NUM> to the side wall part <NUM>). The outlet wall part <NUM> may be provided at a base of the channel insertion part <NUM>, as shown. The channel insertion part <NUM> is configured to have a shape closely matching and slightly smaller that the portion of the channel <NUM> in which it is inserted, such that when the channel insertion part <NUM> is inserted into the channel, the channel insertion part <NUM> fits closely to (i.e. an interference fit, such that it fits tightly with) the side walls of the channel <NUM>. As an example, the channel insertion part <NUM> and channel <NUM> may be cylindrical and the diameter of the channel insertion part <NUM> may be only slightly less than that of the channel <NUM>. The outlet wall part <NUM> may be provided as a circular portion capping the cylinder formed by the channel insertion portion <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the configuration of the channel <NUM> and the channel insertion portion <NUM> may be provided in a variety of corresponding shapes, whilst still enabling a close fit between the channel <NUM> and the channel insertion portion <NUM>. Furthermore, while the outlet wall part <NUM> of <FIG> is planar or flat, in other examples the outlet wall part <NUM> may be non-planar and may, for example, be configured as described <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> and the associated embodiments.

In some examples, the side wall part <NUM> and the mouthpiece element <NUM> may be releasably coupled together. When the flavouring material <NUM> within the receptacle <NUM> is exhausted or the user simply wishes to switch to a different flavouring material, the mouthpiece element <NUM> may be detached from the side wall part <NUM> and the flavouring material <NUM> may be replaced within the channel <NUM>. The side wall part <NUM> and the mouthpiece element <NUM> may be coupled together such that a structural connection between the two parts is established. In the example of <FIG>, the retention of the mouthpiece element <NUM> with respect to the side wall part <NUM> is facilitated by a latching elements or clips <NUM> and corresponding latch members <NUM> for receiving portions of the latching elements <NUM>.

The mouthpiece element <NUM> may comprise a pair of latching elements <NUM>. The two latching elements <NUM> are oppositely disposed, one on each side of the mouthpiece element <NUM>. A latching element <NUM> comprises a foot part <NUM> and a leg part <NUM>. In the current example, the leg <NUM> is a substantially elongate elements and the foot <NUM> is an element protruding from an end of the leg <NUM> substantially at <NUM> degrees to the elongate axis of the leg <NUM>. The flexibility of the leg <NUM> allows movement of the foot <NUM> with respect to the remainder of the mouthpiece element <NUM> (such as the channel insertion portion <NUM>) when an external force is applied to the leg <NUM>. The movement of the leg <NUM> (and the consequently the foot) may be considered a hinged movement that increases or decreases the angle of the leg <NUM>, with respect to the remainder of the mouthpiece element <NUM>, from a rest position. The resilience of the leg <NUM> returns the angle to its original size when the force is removed, maintaining the usual shape of the latching element.

The latching element <NUM> is secured to the side wall part <NUM> so that the leg <NUM> and foot <NUM> extends beyond the upper face of the housing. In other words, a portion of the side wall part <NUM> and, at least, the leg <NUM> overlap in a longitudinal direction of the receptacle <NUM>. The latching element <NUM> may be secured by anchoring the foot part <NUM> within the latch member <NUM>. The foot part <NUM> lies generally in the plane of the latch members <NUM>. The latch member <NUM> is shaped to receive the foot part <NUM>, for example there is a hole or recess formed by protrusions of the latch member <NUM> extending from the side edge of the side wall part <NUM> into which the foot part <NUM> is inserted. For example, the side wall part <NUM> may be moulded or otherwise include shaped parts formed from rigid plastic which engage around the foot part to house it and hence hold it in place.

In other examples, not shown, the mouthpiece element <NUM> may be mechanically or chemically coupled to the side wall part <NUM> in accordance with conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, latch mechanism, or bayonet fixing openings for establishing the electrical connection and air path between the two parts as appropriate. In some examples, the foot part <NUM> may be anchored by screws or rivets attached through the latching element <NUM> and into the side wall part <NUM>, or by being glued or welded to the housing. It will be appreciated that in these examples, the side wall part <NUM> and the mouthpiece element <NUM> may not be intended to be releasably coupled together.

<FIG> provide a sequence of cross-sectional views in accordance with the example receptacle <NUM> of <FIG>, depicting filling of the receptacle with a flavour material and attaching of the mouthpiece element <NUM> to the side wall part <NUM>. Aspects of <FIG> which are substantially similar to those shown in <FIG> will not be described in detail.

The receptacle <NUM> is configured to retain the flavour material <NUM> in the channel <NUM> between the inlet wall part <NUM>, the outlet wall part <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the receptacle <NUM> is intended to be substantially filled with an amount of flavour material <NUM> after the inlet wall part <NUM> has been provided within the channel <NUM>. The inlet wall part <NUM> may be retained in the channel <NUM>, for example, due to the orientation of the receptacle <NUM> and the lip <NUM> (i.e. by gravity), or by any other means (e.g. glue or welding). The flavour material <NUM> may then be provided into the receptacle <NUM> through the open outlet end of the channel <NUM>. Filling of the receptacle <NUM> with the flavour material <NUM> may be assisted by a funnel <NUM>, chute or similar element for directing flavour material.

Subsequently, as shown in <FIG>, the mouthpiece element <NUM> may be attached to the side wall part <NUM> by latching elements <NUM> and the corresponding latch members <NUM>. When the mouthpiece element <NUM> is attached to the side wall part <NUM>, the channel insertion portion <NUM> is inserted into the channel <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the attachment of the mouthpiece element <NUM> to the side wall part <NUM> causes the channel insertion portion <NUM> to compress the flavour material <NUM> within the channel <NUM>. The channel insertion portion <NUM> may compress the flavour material <NUM> by effectively reducing or removing empty space within the volume bound by the side walls of the channel <NUM>, the inlet wall part <NUM> and the outlet wall part <NUM>. The receptacle may be configured to compress the flavour material with respect to an uncompressed volume of flavour material by a range selected from the group comprising <NUM>% to <NUM>%, <NUM>% to <NUM>%, <NUM>% to <NUM>%, and <NUM>% to <NUM>%.

Furthermore, the volume defined by the inlet wall part <NUM>, the side wall part <NUM> and the opening at the outlet end of the channel defined by the side walls may have a volume in the range selected from the group comprising <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM> and <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM>. The volume defined by the inlet wall part <NUM>, the side wall part <NUM> and outlet wall part <NUM> (when the mouthpiece element <NUM> is attached to the side wall part <NUM>) may have a volume in the range selected from the group comprising <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM>, <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM> and <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM>. Furthermore, the volume defined by the inlet wall part <NUM>, the side wall part <NUM> and the opening at the outlet end of the channel defined by the side walls may be filled with an uncompressed volume of flavour material in the range selected from the group comprising <NUM>% to <NUM>%, <NUM>% to <NUM>%, <NUM>% to <NUM>%, and <NUM>% to <NUM>%.

<FIG> provides a view of a cross-section through a receptacle <NUM> in accordance with the example vapour delivery system <NUM> of <FIG>, the plane of the cross-section being perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the receptacle <NUM>. In contrast to the receptacle of <FIG>, the receptacle of <FIG> includes an attachment body <NUM>, comprising an inlet wall part <NUM> and a latching element <NUM>, which is configured to be connected to a side wall part <NUM>. Aspects of <FIG> which are substantially similar to those shown in the preceding Figures will not be described in detail.

The receptacle <NUM> comprises a side wall part <NUM>, an outlet wall part <NUM> and an inlet wall part <NUM>. The side wall part <NUM> is configured to define a mouthpiece outlet <NUM> as well as the channel <NUM> within which a flavour material <NUM> may be provided, and, optionally, an outlet wall. The outlet wall part <NUM> may be attached separately to the side wall part <NUM> (for example, using ultrasonic welding or glue) or positioned using a lip feature as detailed in <FIG>. A shelf or lip <NUM> for use in the receptacle of <FIG> may be configured to prevent the movement of the outlet wall part <NUM> (rather than the inlet wall) in a direction. The outlet wall part <NUM> may move within the channel <NUM> between the inlet end of the channel <NUM> and the lip <NUM>, however the outlet wall part <NUM> may not move past the lip <NUM>. Alternatively, the side wall part <NUM> and the outlet wall part <NUM> (and any other components of the housing) may be integrally formed, for example, by injection moulding using a single mould, or other method as described above. The side wall part <NUM> may also define an insertion portion <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> for insertion into a receiving portion <NUM> provided in an open end of air path <NUM> opposite to the end of the cartridge <NUM> which couples to the control unit <NUM>. The insertion portion may be formed integrally with the side wall part <NUM> and the outlet wall part <NUM>. Furthermore, while the outlet wall part <NUM> of <FIG> is planar or flat, in other examples the outlet wall part <NUM> may be non-planar and may, for example, be configured as described <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> and the associated embodiments.

In the example of <FIG>, inlet wall part <NUM> is provided as part of an attachment body <NUM>, which also includes a channel insertion part <NUM> which is inserted into channel <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> when the inlet wall part <NUM> is attached to the housing. The inlet wall part <NUM> is provided at a base of the channel insertion part <NUM>. The channel insertion part <NUM> is configured to have a shape closely matching and slightly smaller than the portion of the channel <NUM> in which it is inserted, such that when the channel insertion part <NUM> is inserted into the channel, the channel insertion part <NUM> fits closely to the side walls of the channel <NUM>. As an example, the channel insertion part <NUM> and channel <NUM> may be cylindrical and the diameter of the channel insertion part <NUM> may be only slightly less than that of the channel <NUM>. The inlet wall part <NUM> may be provided as a circular portion capping the cylinder formed by the channel insertion portion <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the configuration of the channel <NUM>, the channel insertion portion <NUM> may be provided in a variety of shapes, whilst still enabling a close fit between the channel <NUM> and the channel insertion portion <NUM>.

In some examples, the side wall part <NUM> and the attachment body <NUM> may be releasably coupled together. When the flavouring material <NUM> within the receptacle <NUM> is exhausted or the user simply wishes to switch to a different flavouring material, the attachment body <NUM> may be detached from the side wall part <NUM> and the flavouring material <NUM> may be replaced within the channel <NUM>. The side wall part <NUM> and the attachment body <NUM> may be coupled together such that a structural connection between the two parts is established. In the example of <FIG>, the retention of the attachment body <NUM> which respect to the side wall part <NUM> is facilitated by a latching elements or clips <NUM> and corresponding latch members <NUM> for receiving portions of the latching elements <NUM>.

The attachment body <NUM> may comprise a pair of latching elements <NUM>. The two latching elements <NUM> are oppositely disposed, one on each side of the mouthpiece element <NUM>. A latching element <NUM> comprises a foot part <NUM> and a leg part <NUM>. In the current example, the leg <NUM> is a substantially elongate elements and the foot <NUM> is an element protruding from an end of the leg <NUM> substantially at <NUM> degrees to the elongate axis of the leg <NUM>. The flexibility of the leg <NUM> allows movement of the foot <NUM> with respect to the remainder of the attachment body <NUM> (such as the channel insertion portion <NUM>) when an external force is applied to the leg <NUM>. The movement of the leg <NUM> (and the consequently the foot) may be considered a hinged movement that increases or decreases the angle of the leg <NUM>, with respect to the remainder of the attachment body <NUM>, from a rest position. The resilience of the leg <NUM> returns the angle to its original size when the force is removed, maintaining the usual shape of the latching element.

In other examples, not shown, the mouthpiece element <NUM> may be mechanically or chemically coupled to the side wall part <NUM> in accordance with conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, latch mechanism, or bayonet fixing openings for establishing the electrical connection and air path between the two parts as appropriate. In some examples, the foot part <NUM> may be anchored by screws or rivets attached through the latching element <NUM> and into the side wall part <NUM>, or by being glued or welded to the housing. It will be appreciated that in these examples, the side wall part <NUM> and the attachment body <NUM> may not be intended to be releasably coupled together.

During the filling process, the receptacle <NUM> is intended to be substantially filled with an amount of flavour material <NUM> after the outlet wall part <NUM> has been provided within the channel <NUM>. The outlet wall part <NUM> may be retained in the channel <NUM>, for example, due to the orientation of the receptacle <NUM> and the lip <NUM> (i.e. by gravity), or by any other means (e.g. gluing or welding). The flavour material <NUM> may then be provided into the receptacle <NUM> through the open inlet end of the channel <NUM>. Filling of the receptacle <NUM> with the flavour material <NUM> may be assisted by a funnel, chute or similar element for directing flavour material. The attachment body <NUM> may be attached to the side wall part <NUM> by latching elements <NUM> and the corresponding latch members <NUM>. When the attachment body <NUM> is attached to the side wall part <NUM>, the channel insertion portion <NUM> is inserted into the channel <NUM>. Attaching the attachment body <NUM> to the side wall part <NUM> causes the channel insertion portion <NUM> to compress the flavour material <NUM> within the channel <NUM>. The channel insertion portion <NUM> may compress the flavour material <NUM> by effectively reducing or removing empty space within the volume bound by the side walls of the channel <NUM>, the inlet wall part <NUM> and the outlet wall part <NUM>. As detailed above, the receptacle may be configured to compress the flavour material with respect to an uncompressed volume of flavour material by a range selected from the group comprising <NUM>% to <NUM>%, <NUM>% to <NUM>%, <NUM>% to <NUM>%, and <NUM>% to <NUM>%.

<FIG> schematically represents a method of manufacturing a receptacle for a flavour material for imparting a flavour to an inhalable medium generated by an apparatus for generating an inhalable medium in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure. The receptacle comprises a side wall part, an outlet wall part and an inlet wall part, wherein the side wall part defines a cavity for the flavour material and the inlet wall part and the outlet wall part each comprise a plurality of openings to allow airflow through the cavity, and the method comprises a first step S1 of providing the side wall part with one of the inlet wall part and the outlet wall part mounted thereto; a second step S2 of placing flavour material into the cavity; and a third step S3 of mounting the other of the inlet wall part and the outlet wall part to the side wall part so as to compress the flavour material between the inlet wall part and the outlet wall part.

Thus there has been described an aerosol delivery system comprising an air path extending from a vapour generating region in which vapour is generated for user inhalation to a flavour imparting region of a receptacle for receiving a flavour imparting medium for imparting a flavour to the vapour; wherein the receptacle comprises a wall for retaining the flavour material, the wall comprising a plurality of openings for airflow and a non-planar region, wherein the plurality of openings are arranged in the non-planar region.

Furthermore there has been described an aerosol delivery system comprising an air path extending from a vapour generating region in which vapour is generated for user inhalation to a flavour imparting region of a receptacle for receiving a flavour imparting medium for imparting a flavour to the vapour; wherein the receptacle comprises a side wall part, an outlet wall part and an inlet wall part, wherein the side wall part defines a cavity for the flavour material and the inlet wall part and the outlet wall part each comprise a plurality of openings to allow airflow through the cavity, and wherein the inlet wall part and outlet wall part are mounted to the side wall part so as to compress the flavour material in the cavity between the inlet wall part and the outlet wall part.

Furthermore, there has been described an aerosol delivery system comprising an air path extending from a vapour generating region in which vapour is generated for user inhalation to a flavour imparting region of a receptacle for receiving a flavour imparting medium for imparting a flavour to the vapour generated by the aerosol delivery system; wherein the receptacle comprises a housing comprising a mouthpiece part, side walls and an outlet wall in the mouthpiece part with a plurality of openings for airflow, wherein the mouthpiece part, side walls and the outlet wall are integrally formed.

Furthermore, there has been described an aerosol delivery system comprising an air path extending from a vapour generating region in which vapour is generated for user inhalation to a flavour imparting region of a receptacle for receiving a flavour imparting medium for imparting a flavour to the vapour; wherein the receptacle comprises a housing comprising side walls and a lip extending inwardly from the sidewalls to support one of an inlet wall or an outlet wall of the receptacle.

Whereas the embodiments discussed above with reference to <FIG> have to some extent focused on devices having a liquid aerosolisable material to generate the inhalable medium, as already noted the same principles may be adopted for devices based on other aerosolisable materials, for example solid materials, such as plant derived materials, such as tobacco derivative materials, or other forms of aerosolisable material, such as gel, paste or foam based aerosolisable materials. Thus, the aerosolisable material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain nicotine and / or flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosolisable material may comprise an "amorphous solid", which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosolisable material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.

The aerosolisable material (which may also be referred to as aerosol generating material or aerosol precursor material) may in some embodiments comprise a vapour- or aerosolgenerating agent or a humectant. Example such agents are glycerine, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, <NUM>,<NUM>-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate. A formulation comprising one or more aerosol generating agent(s) may be called an active herein.

Furthermore, and as already noted, it will be appreciated the above-described approaches may be implemented in aerosol delivery systems, e.g. electronic smoking articles, having a different overall construction than that represented in <FIG>. For example, the same principles may be adopted in an aerosol delivery system which does not comprise a two-part modular construction, but which instead comprises a single-part device, for example a disposable (i.e. non-rechargeable and non-refillable) device. Furthermore, in some implementations of a modular device, the arrangement of components may be different. For example, in some implementations the control unit may also comprise the vaporiser with a replaceable cartridge providing a source of aerosolisable material for the vaporiser to use to generate aerosol.

Furthermore still, in some examples the receptacle (flavour insert / pod) arranged in the airflow path through the device may be upstream of the vaporiser as opposed to downstream of the vaporiser.

As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant", and related terms, refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult consumers. The materials may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. The material may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, or powder.

Claim 1:
An apparatus (<NUM>) for generating an inhalable medium comprising a receptacle (<NUM>) for a flavour material (<NUM>) for imparting a flavour to inhalable medium generated by the apparatus, the receptacle comprising a wall part for retaining the flavour material, the wall part comprising a plurality of openings (<NUM>) for airflow and a non-planar region (<NUM>), wherein the plurality of openings are arranged in the non-planar region, wherein the non-planar region comprises a depression of the wall part towards the centre of the receptacle.