US20240381923A1

US20240381923A1 - Flavourant provider and smoking substitute device

Info

Publication number: US20240381923A1
Application number: US18/693,150
Authority: US
Inventors: Steven MAXWELL-HOGG; Ian Stuart
Original assignee: IMPERIAL TOBACCO Ltd
Current assignee: IMPERIAL TOBACCO Ltd
Priority date: 2021-09-20
Filing date: 2022-09-09
Publication date: 2024-11-21
Also published as: WO2023041438A1; EP4404776A1

Abstract

Provided herein is a flavourant provider for a smoking substitute device wherein polysaccharide fibres are cross linked by a flavourant microcapsule and/or nano capsule. Also provided is use of the flavourant provider and a method of forming the flavourant provider.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of European patent application EP 21197844.0 filed on 20 Sep. 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a flavourant provider and a smoking substitute device and, in particular, a flavourant provider and smoking substitute device that are able to deliver flavour to a user.

BACKGROUND

The smoking of tobacco is generally considered to expose a smoker to potentially harmful substances. It is generally thought that a significant amount of the potentially harmful substances are generated through the heat caused by the burning and/or combustion of the tobacco and the constituents of the burnt tobacco in the tobacco smoke itself.
Combustion of organic material such as tobacco is known to produce tar and other potentially harmful by-products. There have been proposed various smoking substitute systems in order to avoid the smoking of tobacco.
Such smoking substitute systems can form part of nicotine replacement therapies aimed at people who wish to stop smoking and overcome a dependence on nicotine.
Smoking substitute systems include electronic systems that permit a user to simulate the act of smoking by producing an aerosol (also referred to as a “vapour”) that is drawn into the lungs through the mouth (inhaled) and then exhaled. The inhaled aerosol typically bears nicotine and/or a flavourant without, or with fewer of, the odour and health risks associated with traditional smoking.
In general, smoking substitute systems are intended to provide a substitute for the rituals of smoking, whilst providing the user with a similar experience and satisfaction to those experienced with traditional smoking and with combustible tobacco products.
The popularity and use of smoking substitute systems has grown rapidly in the past few years. Although originally marketed as an aid to assist habitual smokers wishing to quit tobacco smoking, consumers are increasingly viewing smoking substitute systems as desirable lifestyle accessories. There are a number of different categories of smoking substitute systems, each utilising a different smoking substitute approach.
One approach is the so-called “vaping” approach, in which a vaporisable liquid, typically referred to (and referred to herein) as “e-liquid”, is heated by a heating device (referred to herein as an electronic cigarette or “e-cigarette” device) to produce an aerosol vapour which is inhaled by a user. The e-liquid typically includes a base liquid as well as nicotine and/or a flavourant. The resulting vapour therefore also typically contains nicotine and/or a flavourant. The base liquid may include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine.
A typical e-cigarette device includes a mouthpiece, a power source (typically a battery), a tank for containing e-liquid, as well as a heating device. In use, electrical energy is supplied from the power source to the heating device, which heats the e-liquid to produce an aerosol (or “vapour”) which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.
E-cigarettes can be configured in a variety of ways. For example, there are “closed system” vaping smoking substitute systems, which typically have a sealed tank and heating element. The tank is pre-filled with e-liquid and is not intended to be refilled by an end user. One subset of closed system vaping smoking substitute systems include a main body which includes the power source, wherein the main body is configured to be physically and electrically coupled to a consumable including the tank and the heating element. In this way, when the tank of a consumable has been emptied, that consumable is disposed of. The main body can be reused by connecting it to a new, replacement, consumable. Another subset of closed system vaping smoking substitute systems are completely disposable, and intended for one-use only.
There are also “open system” vaping smoking substitute systems which typically have a tank that is configured to be refilled by a user. In this way the entire device can be used multiple times.
An example vaping smoking substitute system is the Myblu™ e-cigarette. The Myblu™ e-cigarette is a closed system which includes a main body and a consumable. The main body and consumable are physically and electrically coupled together by pushing the consumable into the main body. The main body includes a rechargeable battery. The consumable includes a mouthpiece, a sealed tank which contains e-liquid, as well as a heater, which for this device is a heating filament coiled around a portion of a wick. The wick is partially immersed in the e-liquid, and conveys e-liquid from the tank to the heating filament. The device is activated when a microprocessor on board the main body detects a user inhaling through the mouthpiece. When the device is activated, electrical energy is supplied from the power source to the heating device, which heats e-liquid from the tank to produce a vapour which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.
For a smoking substitute device it is desirable to deliver nicotine into the user's lungs, where it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. As explained above, in the so-called “vaping” approach, e-liquid is heated by a heating device to produce an aerosol vapour which is inhaled by a user. Many e-cigarettes also deliver flavour to the user to enhance the experience. In such e-cigarettes, flavour compounds are contained in the e-liquid that is heated. However, toxicology restrictions are placed on the amount of flavour that can be contained in the e-liquid, and this can result in some e-liquid flavours delivering a weak and underwhelming taste sensation to consumers in the pursuit of safety. Further, there is a view that providing a flavourant as part of the e-liquid, such that the flavourant is vaporised with the e-liquid, may be disadvantageous.
CN109793269A and CN109797443A respectively describe a flavoured tow and a flavoured felt. Neither document mentions fibre crosslinking in general, let alone via the microcapsules.
There may be a need for improved design of smoking substitute systems, in particular in regards to the delivery of flavour to a user.
The present disclosure has been devised in the light of the above considerations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

At its most general, the present invention relates to presenting a flavourant provider to fluid flow through a smoking substitute device to entrain flavourant therein.
Providing a flavourant in this way may provide more versatility in how flavour can be delivered to the user.
According to a first aspect there is provided a flavourant provider for a smoking substitute device comprising polysaccharide fibres that are cross-linked by a flavourant microcapsule and/or nano capsule.
One advantage of this approach is that sustained release of the flavourant occurs only when in use with a substitute smoking device. Sudden and excessive release of the flavourant in a short space of time is therefore avoided and a satisfactory user experience is prolonged.
Another advantage is that the durability of the flavourant provider is substantially improved such that it better withstands the temperatures and solvents that are typical inside a smoking substitute device.
Without wishing to be bound by theory, the crosslinking is thought to occur between the hydroxyl groups of the polysaccharide fibres and corresponding groups that react with hydroxyl groups that are found on the capsules, for example, carboxylic acid groups.
The capsules typically have a liquid core (having a flavourant dissolved or dispersed in water, organic solvent, oil or melt; solution, emulsion, suspension). The capsules may be hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic. Each capsule has a shell that surrounds the core. The shell is configured to rupture and release the core contents upon contacting a chosen stimulus, for example heat and/or vapour. The shell may or may not also contain flavourant. The core is then free to be entrained in vapour passing through or over the flavourant provider.
Optionally, the or each link between the polysaccharide fibres and the flavourant microcapsule and/or nano capsule comprises a bridging group formed from an organic polyacid. The hydroxyl groups of the polysaccharide fibres and nucleophilic groups found on the capsules, such as amine groups, are each thought to react with the acid groups on the polyacid to form a covalent linkage via, for example, ester and/or amide bonds. Alternatively, there is no bridging group (i.e. the fibres and capsule are directly linked).
Optionally, the organic polyacid is a polycarboxylic acid. The polycarboxylic acid may consist or comprise of one or more of citric acid, maleic acid and butanetetracarboxylic acid.
Optionally, the polysaccharide fibres comprise or consist of cellulose, optionally wherein the polysaccharide fibres comprise or consist of cotton.
Optionally the flavourant capsule is a microcapsule (from 1 μm to less than 1,000 μm in size). Alternatively, the capsule is a nanocapsule (from 1 nm to less than 1,000 nm in size). Flavourant capsules may be provided with a mean particle size of, for example, from 1 nm to less than 1,000 μm, from 100 nm to 100 μm or from 1 μm to 10 μm.
Optionally, the flavourant may comprise or consist of one or more of apple, lemon, menthol, rose and vanilla.
Optionally, the flavourant provider comprises nicotine.
Optionally, the capsule material (that forms the shell of the capsules) may comprise or consist of one or more of β-cyclodextrin, chitosan, chitosan-sodium alginate, polybutylcyanoacrylate, poly(L-lactide) and poly(urethane-urea).
Optionally, the total amount of flavourant in capsules of the flavourant provider is up to 900 mg, such as up to 700 mg or 500 mg. The amount of flavourant in capsules of the flavourant provider may also be from 100 mg or more, such as 300 mg or 500 mg.
Optionally, the flavourant provider is amorphous in shape. Alternatively, it is in the shape of a cylinder, a cylinder, a cuboid, a sphere, a pentagonal prism, a hexagonal prism, a heptagonal prism etc. The shape of the flavourant provider may be hollow or solid. In the case where the shape is hollow there is a larger surface area of the flavourant provider contacted with vapour that flows past but a decrease in the amount of vapour that passes through.
Optionally, the flavourant provider is a tow formed as a bundle of the polysaccharide fibres. The flavourant provider may be, for example, about 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 mm³in size. The flavourant provider may have a density of between 1 to 5 g/cm³, such as 1.25 to 4 g/cm³or 1.5 to 2 g/cm³.
Optionally, the flavourant provider is configured to be comprised within, or to be engaged with, a fluid passageway of a smoking substitute device. In some embodiments an aerosol generator is positioned within said fluid passageway, the smoking substitute device having a fluid inlet that is fluidly connected to a fluid outlet by the fluid passageway.
According to a second aspect there is provided smoking substitute device comprising a flavourant according to the first aspect, the smoking substitute device having a fluid inlet that is fluidly connected to a fluid outlet by a passageway in which an aerosol generator is positioned.
Optionally, the flavourant provider is positioned in the passageway between the fluid outlet and the aerosol generator. The flavourant provider may be positioned to fully or partially eclipse the cross-section of the passageway. The density of the fibres may be adjusted to vary the ease of flow through or over the flavourant provider accordingly (i.e. more density provides an increase flow resistance). The flavourant provider may also act as an absorbent material to prevent leakage of condensed vapour or large droplets into the user's mouth. In this case, it is preferable that the flavourant provider is located closer to the fluid outlet than the aerosol generator.
Optionally, the flavourant provider is frictionally disposed in the passageway (i.e. by an interference fit). One advantage is that no adhesive is required. Furthermore, the smoking substitute device may be adapted so that a user can easily replace the flavourant provider when the flavourant is exhausted.
Optionally, the flavourant provider is fixed to a wall of the passageway by an adhesive. One advantage is that there is a reduced risk that the flavourant provider will move from its position during inhalation by the user. The amount of flavourant in the flavourant provider may then also be tuned to the lifetime of a consumable to which it is adhered.
Optionally, the flavourant provider is positioned between a reservoir for an aerosol precursor and a heating element, such that the flavourant provider acts as a wick for delivering aerosol precursor to the heating element. One advantage is improved economy by employing the same material as a wick and flavour provider. Another advantage is that, because the wick is close to or in direct contact with a heating element in a smoking substitute device, the thermal release of the capsules can be more precisely controlled to enhance and prolong the user experience.
Optionally, there are a plurality of flavourant providers. It may be that all the flavourant providers are disposed in the passageway or that one of them is positioned to also act as a wick for delivering aerosol precursor to the heating element.
Optionally, the smoking substitute device comprises an aerosol precursor that is substantially free of flavourant. The source of aerosol precursor may be comprised within a removable precursor part of the smoking substitute system. The aerosol precursor may contain nicotine.
According to a third aspect there is provided use of a flavourant provider according to the first aspect in a substitute smoking device.
The use may be use of a flavourant provider according to the first aspect to impart flavour in a substitute smoking device. Optionally, the flavourant provider is also used as a wick in the substitute smoking device.
According to a fourth aspect there is provided a method of forming a flavourant provider for a smoking substitute device comprising a step of cross-linking polysaccharide fibres with a flavourant microcapsule and/or nano capsule. The cross-linking may be performed by immersing the polysaccharide fibres in a capsule emulsion.
Optionally, the method comprises a step of preparing a capsule emulsion for cross-linking wherein a flavourant is added to a solvent and a surfactant before adding a capsule material. The subsequent polymerisation reaction is preferably kept at room temperature (about 25° C.) and constant pH. The resulting capsule emulsion may be stored at room temperature until used in the cross-linking step.
Optionally, the cross-linking step is performed under acidic conditions. The acid may comprise or consist of hydrochloric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, maleic acid and butanetetracarboxylic acid. Where the acid does not functionalise the polysaccharide fibres (i.e. the acid is an inorganic acid) it may be provided in a catalytic amount.
Optionally, before the step of cross-linking the polysaccharide fibres with the flavourant microcapsule and/or nano capsule, there is a step of functionalising the polysaccharide fibres with an organic polyacid such that at least one acid group of the organic polyacid remains available (i.e. free to react with the shell of the capsules in the capsule emulsion). The organic polyacid may comprise or consist of citric acid, maleic acid and butanetetracarboxylic acid. Alternatively, the functionalisation of the polysaccharide fibres and the cross linking is performed at the same time (i.e. in a one pot reaction of the capsule emulsion, the organic polyacid and the polysaccharide fibred).
Optionally, the cross-linking step is performed at a temperature range of from 20° C. to 40° C. The temperature may be held for 90 to 120 mins.
Optionally, the flavourant provider formed in the third aspect is a flavourant provider according to the first aspect.
The flavourant may include one or more volatile substances. The flavourant may be provided in solid or liquid form. The flavourant may be natural or synthetic. For example, the flavourant may include menthol, liquorice, chocolate, fruit flavour (including e.g. citrus, cherry etc.), vanilla, spice (e.g. ginger, cinnamon) and tobacco flavour. The flavourant may be evenly dispersed within the flavourant provider, or may be provided in isolated locations and/or varying concentrations.
The smoking substitute device may be in the form of a consumable. The consumable may be configured for engagement with a main body (i.e. so as to form a closed smoking substitute system). For example, the consumable may comprise components of the system that are disposable, and the main body may comprise non-disposable or non-consumable components (e.g. power supply, controller, sensor, etc.) that facilitate the delivery of aerosol by the consumable. In such an embodiment, the aerosol precursor (e.g. e-liquid) may be replenished by replacing a used consumable with an unused consumable.
Alternatively, the smoking substitute device may be a non-consumable apparatus (e.g. that is in the form of an open smoking substitute system). In such embodiments an aerosol precursor (e.g. e-liquid) of the system may be replenished by re-filling e.g. a precursor reservoir of the smoking substitute apparatus with the aerosol precursor (rather than replacing a consumable component of the apparatus).
In light of this, it should be appreciated that some of the features described herein as being part of the smoking substitute apparatus may alternatively form part of a main body for engagement with the smoking substitute apparatus (i.e. when the smoking substitute apparatus is in the form of a consumable).
Where the smoking substitute apparatus is in the form of a consumable, the main body and the consumable may be configured to be physically coupled together. For example, the consumable may be at least partially received in a recess of the main body, such that there is an interference fit between the main body and the consumable. Alternatively, the main body and the consumable may be physically coupled together by screwing one onto the other, or through a bayonet fitting.
Thus, the smoking substitute apparatus may comprise one or more engagement portions for engaging with a main body. In this way, one end of the smoking substitute apparatus may be coupled with the main body, whilst an opposing end of the smoking substitute apparatus may define a mouthpiece of the smoking substitute system.
The smoking substitute apparatus may comprise a precursor reservoir configured to store an aerosol precursor, such as an e-liquid. The e-liquid may, for example, comprise a base liquid and e.g. nicotine. The base liquid may include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine. The e-liquid may be flavourless. That is, the e-liquid may not contain any flavourants and may consist solely of a base liquid of propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine and nicotine.
The precursor reservoir may be in the form of a tank. At least a portion of the tank may be translucent. For example, the tank may comprise a window to allow a user to visually assess the quantity of e-liquid in the tank. A housing of the smoking substitute apparatus may comprise a corresponding aperture (or slot) or window that may be aligned with a translucent portion (e.g. window) of the tank. The precursor reservoir may be referred to as a “clearomizer” if it includes a window, or a “cartomizer” if it does not.
The smoking substitute apparatus may comprise a passage for fluid flow therethrough. The passage may extend through (at least a portion of) the smoking substitute apparatus, between openings that may define an inlet and an outlet of the passage. The outlet may be at a mouthpiece of the smoking substitute apparatus. In this respect, a user may draw fluid (e.g. air) into and through the passage by inhaling at the outlet (i.e. using the mouthpiece). The passage may be at least partially defined by the tank. The tank may substantially (or fully) define the passage. In this respect, the tank may surround the passage.
The smoking substitute apparatus may comprise an aerosol-generator. The aerosol generator may comprise a wick. The aerosol generator may further comprise a heater. The wick may comprise a porous material. A portion of the wick may be exposed to fluid flow in the passage. The wick may also comprise one or more portions in contact with liquid stored in the precursor reservoir. For example, opposing ends of the wick may protrude into the precursor reservoir and a central portion (between the ends) may extend across the passage so as to be exposed to fluid flow in the passage. Thus, fluid may be drawn (e.g. by capillary action) along the wick, from the precursor reservoir to the exposed portion of the wick.
The heater may comprise a heating element, which may be in the form of a filament wound about the wick (e.g. the filament may extend helically about the wick). The filament may be wound about the exposed portion of the wick. The heating element may be electrically connected (or connectable) to a power source. Thus, in operation, the power source may supply electricity to (i.e. apply a voltage across) the heating element so as to heat the heating element. This may cause liquid stored in the wick (i.e. drawn from the tank) to be heated so as to form a vapour and become entrained in fluid flowing through the passage. This vapour may subsequently cool to form an aerosol in the passage.
The smoking substitute apparatus (or main body engaged with the smoking substitute apparatus) may comprise a power source. The power source may be electrically connected (or connectable) to a heater of the smoking substitute apparatus (e.g. when engaged with the main body). The power source may be a battery (e.g. a rechargeable battery). A connector in the form of e.g. a USB port may be provided for recharging this battery.
When the smoking substitute apparatus is in the form of a consumable, the smoking substitute apparatus may comprise an electrical interface for interfacing with a corresponding electrical interface of the main body. One or both of the electrical interfaces may include one or more electrical contacts. Thus, when the main body is engaged with the consumable, the electrical interface may be configured to transfer electrical power from the power source to a heater of the consumable.
The electrical interface may also be used to identify the smoking substitute apparatus (in the form of a consumable) from a list of known types. For example, the consumable may have a certain concentration of nicotine and the electrical interface may be used to identify this. The electrical interface may additionally or alternatively be used to identify when a consumable is connected to the main body.
Again, where the smoking substitute apparatus is in the form of a consumable, the main body may comprise an interface, which may, for example, be in the form of an RFID reader, a barcode or QR code reader. This interface may be able to identify a characteristic (e.g. a type) of a consumable engaged with the main body. In this respect, the consumable may include any one or more of an RFID chip, a barcode or QR code, or memory within which is an identifier and which can be interrogated via the interface.
The smoking substitute apparatus or main body may comprise a controller, which may include a microprocessor. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the heater of the smoking substitute apparatus (e.g. via the electrical contacts). A memory may be provided and may be operatively connected to the controller. The memory may include non-volatile memory. The memory may include instructions which, when implemented, cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of a method.
The main body or smoking substitute apparatus may comprise a wireless interface, which may be configured to communicate wirelessly with another device, for example a mobile device, e.g. via Bluetooth®. To this end, the wireless interface could include a Bluetooth® antenna. Other wireless communication interfaces, e.g. WiFi®, are also possible. The wireless interface may also be configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote server.
A puff sensor may be provided that is configured to detect a puff (i.e. inhalation from a user). The puff sensor may be operatively connected to the controller so as to be able to provide a signal to the controller that is indicative of a puff state (i.e. puffing or not puffing). The puff sensor may, for example, be in the form of a pressure sensor or an acoustic sensor. That is, the controller may control power supply to the heater of the consumable in response to a puff detection by the sensor. The control may be in the form of activation of the heater in response to a detected puff. That is, the smoking substitute apparatus may be configured to be activated when a puff is detected by the puff sensor. When the smoking substitute apparatus is in the form of a consumable, the puff sensor may form part of the consumable or the main body.
The invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.

SUMMARY OF THE FIGURES

So that the invention may be understood, and so that further aspects and features thereof may be appreciated, embodiments illustrating the principles of the invention will now be discussed in further detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a smoking substitute device and a main body in an engaged position;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a smoking substitute device and a main body in a disengaged position;

FIG. 3 is a section view of a smoking substitute device having a flavourant provider as a porous wick;

FIG. 4 is a section view of a smoking substitute device having a flavourant provider as a porous wick;

FIG. 5 is a section view of a main body of a smoking substitute system comprising a fluid passage therethrough;

FIG. 6 is a section view of an exemplary smoking substitute device having a flavourant provider positioned in the passage therethrough;

FIG. 7 is a section view of an exemplary smoking substitute device having multiple flavourant providers positioned in the passage therethrough;

FIG. 8 is an end-on view of an exemplary passageway of a smoking substitute device having a flavourant provider that occupies the entire cross-section of the passageway for a portion of the length of the passageway;

FIG. 9 is an end-on view of an exemplary passageway of a smoking substitute device having a flavourant provider having a parallel inner passageway;

FIG. 10 is an end-on view of an exemplary passageway of a smoking substitute device having a flavourant provider with four parallel inner passageways;

FIG. 11 is a reaction scheme showing the addition of a polyacid to polysaccharide fibres and then subsequent cross-linking with capsules under heat and catalysis;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of microcapsules in a high density emulsion synthesis;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of microcapsules in a low density emulsion synthesis;

FIG. 14 is a front view of a smoking substitute device, main body, and flavour part in an engaged position; and

FIG. 15 is a front view of a smoking substitute device, main body and flavour part in a disengaged position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents mentioned in this text are incorporated herein by reference.
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a smoking substitute system in the form of an e-cigarette system 101. The system 101 comprises an e-cigarette device defining a reusable main body 102 of the system 101, and a smoking substitute device in the form of an e-cigarette consumable (or “pod”) 103, which may also be referred to as a precursor part. In the illustrated embodiment the consumable 103 (smoking substitute device) is removable from the main body (e-cigarette device), so as to be a replaceable component of the system 101. In other words, the e-cigarette system 101 is a closed system.
As is apparent from FIGS. 1 and 2 , the consumable 103 is configured to engage the main body 102. FIG. 1 shows the main body 102 and the consumable 103 in an engaged state, whilst FIG. 2 shows the main body 102 and the consumable 103 in a disengaged state. When engaged, a portion of the consumable 103 is received in a cavity of the main body 102 and is retained in the engaged position by way of a snap-engagement mechanism. In other embodiments, the main body 102 and consumable 103 may be engaged by screwing one into (or onto) the other, through a bayonet fitting, or by way of an interference fit.
The system 101 is configured to vaporise an aerosol-former or aerosol precursor, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is in the form of a nicotine-based e-liquid 104. The e-liquid 104 comprises nicotine and a base liquid including propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine. In the present embodiment, the e-liquid 104 is flavourless (and does not include any added flavourant). That is, if the e-liquid 104 were to be inhaled (i.e. in aerosol form) by a user, it would not have a particularly perceptible flavour or taste. It is to be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments the e-liquid 104 may comprise an inherent flavourant. In the present specification, the term flavourant may be understood as referring to one or more substances effective to activate at least one of an olfactory receptor in a human nasal cavity; and a taste receptor in a human oral cavity.
As is more apparent from FIG. 3 , the e-liquid 104 is stored within a precursor reservoir in the form of a tank 105 that forms part of the consumable 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the consumable 103 is a “single-use” consumable 103. That is, upon exhausting the e-liquid 104 in the tank 105, the intention is that the user disposes of the entire consumable 103. In other embodiments, the e-liquid (i.e. aerosol precursor 104) may be the only part of the system that is truly “single-use”. That is, the tank may be refillable with e-liquid or the e-liquid may be stored in a non-consumable component of the system. For example, the e-liquid may be stored in a tank located in the main body or stored in another component that is itself not single-use (e.g. a refillable cartomizer).
The tank 105 surrounds, and thus defines a portion of, a fluid flow passage 106 b that extends between an inlet 107 b and an outlet 108 b at opposing ends of the consumable 103. In this respect, the passage 106 b comprises an upstream end at the end of the consumable 103 that engages with the main body 102, and a downstream end at an opposing end of the consumable 103 that comprises a mouthpiece 109 of the system 101. The fluid flow passage 106 b comprises an inlet 107 b at its upstream end, and an outlet 108 b at its downstream end, the outlet 108 b thus forming part of, or being located at, the mouthpiece 109. When the consumable 103 is engaged with the main body 102, a user can inhale (i.e. take a puff) via the mouthpiece 109 so as to draw air through the passage 106 b, and so as to form an airflow (indicated by arrows) in a direction from the inlet 107 b to the outlet 108 b of the passage 106 b.
The passage 106 b may be partially defined by a tube (e.g. a metal tube or a tube formed from plastic material) extending through the consumable 103. At its upstream inlet end, the passage 106 b may be in fluid communication with a gap defined between the consumable 103 and the main body 102 when the consumable 103 and the main body 102 are interengaged such that when a user draws on the outlet 108 b at the mouthpiece 109, ambient air from outside of the system 101 is drawn into the passage 106 b via the inlet 107 b.
Alternatively, the main body 102 may additionally comprise a fluid passage 106 a, extending from a main body inlet 107 a to a main body outlet 108 a as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 5 . In such an arrangement, the main body outlet 108 a may be arranged such that when the main body 102 and consumable 103 are interengaged, a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed at the connection point between main body outlet 108 a and fluid inlet 107 b, meaning that main body fluid passage 106 a and consumable passage 106 b become interconnected to form a single passage 106 extending through the smoking substitute system 101 and fluidly connecting main body inlet 107 a and consumable outlet 108 b.
The configuration of the passage 106 a illustrated in FIG. 5 is for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to be limiting. For example, the fluid inlet 107 a might alternatively be located closer to or further away from the end of main body 102 which is configured to engage with the smoking substitute device 103 than illustrated, or may even be located on a different face of the main body 102. Other components of the main body 102 (e.g. the power source) are not illustrated in FIG. 5 for clarity, but may be arranged to be adjacent to or surround all or part of the fluid passage 106 a.
The smoking substitute device 101 is configured to vaporise the e-liquid 104 for inhalation by a user. To provide this function, the consumable 103 is provided with an aerosol generator comprising a flavourant provider with polysaccharide fibres that are cross-linked by a flavourant microcapsule and/or nanocapsule as a porous wick 110 and a resistive heating element in the form of a heating filament 111 that is helically wound around a portion of the porous wick 110. The aerosol generator is arranged between the inlet 107 a and the outlet 108 b of the smoking substitute system 101, and is in fluid communication with both the inlet 107 a and the outlet 108 b. The porous wick 110 extends across the passage 106 (e.g. transverse to a longitudinal axis of the passage 106) and opposing ends of the wick 110 extend into the tank 105 so as to be submerged in the e-liquid 104 and thus to draw e-liquid from the tank 105 via wicking or capillary action). In this way, e-liquid 104 contained in the tank 105 is conveyed from the opposing ends of the porous wick 110 to a central portion of the porous wick 110 so as to be exposed to the airflow in the passage 106 caused by a user inhaling or drawing on the mouthpiece 109. The helical filament 111 is wound about the exposed central portion of the porous wick 110 and is electrically connected to an electrical interface in the form of electrical contacts 112 mounted at the end of the consumable that is proximate the main body 102 (when engaged).
When the consumable 103 is engaged with the main body 102, the electrical contacts 112 make contact with corresponding electrical contacts (not shown) of the main body 102. The main body electrical contacts are electrically connected to a power source (not shown) of the main body 102, such that the filament 111 is electrically connected to the power source when the consumable 103 and the main body 102 are interengaged. In this way, power can be supplied by the main body 102 to the filament 111 in order to heat the filament 111. This heat is transferred from the filament 111 to the porous wick 110 which causes e-liquid 104 conveyed by the porous wick 110 to increase in temperature to a point at which it vaporises. The vaporised e-liquid becomes entrained in the airflow past the wick 110 and, between the vaporisation point at the filament 111 and the outlet 108 of the passage 106, condenses to form an aerosol. Additionally, heat and/or e-liquid in the flavourant provider porous wick 110 causes a portion of the micro and/or nanocapsules to rupture thereby releasing the flavourant 130. The released flavourant 130 mixes with the aerosol that is formed and is also entrained in the airflow. This aerosol is then inhaled, via the mouthpiece 109, by a user of the system 101.
The power source of the main body 102 may be in the form of a battery (e.g. a rechargeable battery). The main body 102 may comprise a connector in the form of e.g. a USB port for recharging this battery. The main body 102 may also comprise a controller that controls the supply of power from the power source to the main body electrical contacts (and thus to the filament 111). That is, the controller may be configured to control a voltage applied across the main body electrical contacts, and thus the voltage applied across the filament 111. In this way, the filament 111 may only be heated under certain conditions (e.g. during a puff and/or only when the system is in an active state). In this respect, the main body 102 may include a puff sensor (not shown) that is configured to detect a puff (i.e. inhalation). The puff sensor may be operatively connected to the controller so as to be able to provide a signal, to the controller, which is indicative of a puff state (i.e. puffing or not puffing). The puff sensor may, for example, be in the form of a pressure sensor or an acoustic sensor.
Although not shown, the main body 102 and consumable 103 may comprise a further interface which may, for example, be in the form of an RFID reader, a barcode or QR code reader. This interface may be able to identify a characteristic (e.g. a type) of a consumable 103 engaged with the main body 102. In this respect, the consumable 103 may include any one or more of an RFID chip, a barcode or QR code, or memory within which is an identifier and which can be interrogated via the interface.
In embodiments in which the e-liquid 104 contains an inherent flavourant, it will be appreciated that the release of flavourant 130 from the flavourant provider in the manner noted above will serve to supplement, and optionally blend with, the flavourant of the e-liquid 104 in use. For example, the flavourant 130 of the provider may have the same flavour as that in the e-liquid 104 in order to supplement the flavour provided within the e-liquid and thereby provide the user with an intensified flavour sensation. Alternatively, the flavourant 130 of the provider may be complementary to that in the e-liquid 104 (i.e. the flavours/aromas of the two flavourants, when mixed, provide a pleasing sensory combination to a user). Providing the flavourant 130 separately from the aerosol precursor 104 affords the user an opportunity to select from or change between different flavourants 130 without necessitating a change of e-liquid, for example during a vaping session.
Various arrangements within the smoking substitute device 101, and specific configurations of the flavourant provider are possible, some examples of which are described below.
For example, the embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 4 . Here the tank 105 comprising the e-liquid 104 is positioned further towards the end having the outlet 108 leaving more space at the end of the device having the inlet 107 for other components.
The main body 102 may have a fluid passage 106 a therethrough. Such a fluid passage is illustrated exemplarily in FIG. 5 . A flavourant provider is not typically provided in the fluid passage 106 a of the main body 102.
The position and configuration of the flavourant provider may vary. For instance, the flavourant provider 135 may be independently positioned in the passageway (see, e.g., FIGS. 6 and 7 ) rather than simultaneously functioning as the porous wick 110 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4 ).
Alternatively, with reference to FIG. 6 , it is envisaged that the flavourant provider 135 may be positioned in the passageway 106 b. Such a flavourant provider 135 may be received within the fluid flow passage 106, which may be shaped to provide a recess, receptacle, or chamber 120 within which the flavoured article 135 may be located.
It may be the case as in FIG. 7 that there are two flavourant providers 135 a and 135 b located in the passageway 106 b. They may contain the same or complimentary flavours and be independently configured to fully or partially eclipse the cross section of the passageway 106 b at any point. In another embodiment, the porous wick 110 is also a flavourant provider so that there are a total of three flavourant providers 135 and 110.
FIG. 8 shows an embodiment where a flavourant provider 135 is positioned and configured to eclipse the entire cross section of the passageway 106 b along a portion of its length. In this case the vapour must pass through the flavourant provider to reach the outlet 108 b for inhalation.
FIG. 9 shows an embodiment where a flavourant provider 135 is positioned in the passageway 106 b and configured as a hollow cylinder with an outer diameter similar to the inner diameter of the passageway 106 b. An inner passageway 106 c of the flavourant provider 135 is fluidly connected at each end to the passageway 106 b of the smoking substitute device, thereby forming a continuous passageway without full obstruction of the cross section at any point. In this case the vapour can pass through or over the flavourant provider 135 to reach the outlet 108 b for inhalation.
FIG. 10 shows an embodiment where a flavourant provider 135 is positioned in the passageway 106 b and configured to have four equal sized and equally spaced inner passageways 106 c. The flavourant provider 135 is configured to have an outer diameter similar to the inner diameter of the passageway 106 b. The four inner passageways 106 c of the flavourant provider 135 are fluidly connected at each end to the passageway 106 b of the smoking substitute device, thereby forming a continuous passageway without full obstruction of the cross section at any point. In this case, the vapour can pass through or over the flavourant provider 135 to reach the outlet 108 b for inhalation. By providing four smaller inner passageway 106 c (as opposed to a single large inner passageway 106 c in FIG. 9 ) the amount of vapour passing through, rather than over, the flavourant provider 135 can be increased.
FIG. 11 shows an exemplary process of forming a flavourant provider 135 including the steps of (i) preparing flavourant micro and/or nanocapsules and (ii) crosslinking the fibres using those capsules. In a first step, the flavourant is added to deionised water/ethanol (one or more solvents) and polysorbate (a non-ionic surfactant). The resulting flavourant solution is stirred with the pH being monitored and adjusted accordingly. Chitosan (a capsule material) is then added to the stirred solution. A polymerisation reaction subsequently occurs and is kept at 25° C. while pH is monitored and kept constant. The obtained fragranced micro/nano capsule emulsion, such as shown in FIG. 12 or FIG. 13 , is stored at 25° C.
In a second step, the cotton fibres for cross-linking are immersed in the chosen aroma/flavour emulsion prepared in step 1 above with citric acid as the cross-linker. In the case where an inorganic acid is used, for example hydrochloric acid, the cross-linking occurs without an organic polyacid bridging group being present in the final flavourant provider 135. The emulsified solution is then stirred at a temperature range of 40° C. for 120 mins. The cotton fibres are then washed in warm water and dried under vacuum at 70° C. for 24 h.
The flavourant provider 135 may be a removable, replaceable, and/or consumable flavour part 140 of the smoking substitute system 101. The flavourant provider 135 may be releasably attached to the consumable 103, for example anywhere in the passageway 106 b of the smoking substitute device. Various means of attachment between the flavourant provider 135 and the consumable 103 may be possible, including, but not limited to, an interference fit, a snap fit comprising one or more raised bumps and corresponding recesses on the interfacial surface between the two components, or through physically coupling together by screwing one onto the other, through a bayonet fitting, through a latching mechanism, or through a clip or clasp. If the flavourant provider 135 is attached via a latching mechanism, this may further include a button by which the latch may be released. A clip or clasp may be fixed in position relative to the consumable 103, or hingedly, rotatably, or slidably attached to the consumable so as to be movable to allow the flavourant provider 135 to be fitted and released.
The flavourant provider 135 may alternatively be comprised within a flavour part 140 of the smoking system, in the manner illustrated schematically in FIGS. 14 and 15 . Said flavour part 140 may be located between the consumable 103 and main body 102, such that each engages with an opposing end or side of the flavour part 140, but not directly with each other. The flavour part 140 in such an embodiment may further comprise an electrical contact 112 b and connection therethrough, so that power may be conveyed from the contacts of the main body 102 to the contacts 112 of the consumable 103 via the flavour part 140. The interface between the consumable 103 and flavour part 140 may be configured to be the same as the interface between the flavour part 140 and main body 102, such that the user is afforded the option of choosing to use the smoking substitute device 101 either with or without the flavour part 140.
A flavourant provider 135 may therefore be provided as a stand-alone consumable, independent of the consumable 103 comprising the aerosol generator. One or more flavourant providers 135 may be provided in a retail pack. Each flavourant provider 135 within a pack may comprise the same flavourant 130. Alternatively, the pack may comprise flavourant providers 135 containing different flavourants 130, in order to provide a user with a selection of possible flavourants 130.
Alternatively, in embodiments where the flavourant provider 135 is comprised within a consumable 103 b, one or more consumables 103 b may be provided in a retail pack. Each consumable 103 b within a pack may comprise the same flavourant 130. Alternatively, the pack may comprise consumables 103 b containing different flavourants 130 in order to provide a user with a selection of possible flavourants 130.
The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.
Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.
Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “have”, “comprise”, and “include”, and variations such as “having”, “comprises”, “comprising”, and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.
It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” in relation to a numerical value is optional and means, for example, +/−10%.
The words “preferred” and “preferably” are used herein refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits under some circumstances. It is to be appreciated, however, that other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different circumstances. The recitation of one or more preferred embodiments therefore does not mean or imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, or from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A flavourant provider for a smoking substitute device comprising polysaccharide fibres that are cross-linked by a flavourant microcapsule and/or nanocapsule.

2. The flavourant provider according to claim 1, wherein the or each link between the polysaccharide fibres and the flavourant microcapsule and/or nanocapsule comprises a bridging group formed from an organic polyacid.

3. The flavourant provider according to claim 2, wherein the organic polyacid is a polycarboxylic acid.

4. The flavourant provider according to claim 1, wherein the polysaccharide fibres comprise or consist of cellulose, optionally wherein the polysaccharide fibres comprise or consist of cotton.

5. A smoking substitute device comprising a flavourant provider of claim 1, the smoking substitute device having a fluid inlet that is fluidly connected to a fluid outlet by a passageway in which an aerosol generator is positioned.

6. The smoking substitute device according to claim 5, wherein the flavourant provider is positioned in the passageway between the fluid outlet and the aerosol generator.

7. The smoking substitute device according to claim 6, wherein the flavourant provider is frictionally disposed in the passageway.

8. The smoking substitute device according to claim 5, wherein the flavourant provider is positioned between a reservoir for an aerosol precursor and a heating element, such that the flavourant provider acts as a wick for delivering aerosol precursor to the heating element.

9. The smoking substitute device according to claim 5, wherein there are a plurality of flavourant providers.

10. The smoking substitute device according to claim 5, comprising an aerosol precursor that is substantially free of flavourant.

11. (canceled)

12. A method of forming a flavourant provider for a smoking substitute device comprising a step of cross-linking polysaccharide fibres with a flavourant microcapsule and/or nano capsule.

13. The method of forming a flavourant provider according to claim 12, wherein the cross-linking step is performed under acidic conditions.

14. The method of forming a flavourant provider according to claim 12 wherein, before the step of cross-linking the polysaccharide fibres with the flavourant microcapsule and/or nano capsule, there is a step of functionalising the polysaccharide fibres with an organic polyacid such that at least one acid group of the organic polyacid remains available.

15. The method according to claim 12 wherein the flavourant provider comprises polysaccharide fibres that are cross-linked by a flavourant microcapsule and/or nano capsule is.