CN108697170B - Flavoring assembly for electronic vapor cigarette device - Google Patents

Abstract

A flavoring assembly (14) for an e-vaping device cartridge (70) surrounds a porous structure (202) that is capable of eluting a flavoring agent from the structure (202) to form a flavoring vapor. The structure (202) may comprise a three-dimensional material network. The flavouring agent may be impregnated in the material. The material may comprise plant material. The material may draw the flavouring agent from a reservoir (23). The flavoring assembly (14) may direct an original flavor vapor formed by a vaporizer assembly (22) through the porous structure (202) such that the flavoring agent elutes from the structure (202) into the vapor to form the flavoring vapor. The flavor assembly (14) may be removably coupled with a vaporizer assembly (22). The flavouring assembly (14) may be removably received in a flavouring assembly compartment (413). The flavoring assembly compartment (413) may be removably coupled to a vaporizer assembly (22). A flavoring assembly (14) is exchangeable from the e-vaping device (10) to enable replacement of a flavoring provided to an adult e-vaper during smoking of a vaping.

Description

Flavoring assembly for electronic vapor cigarette device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an electronic vaping device, a cartridge for an electronic vaping device, a flavoring assembly, and a flavoring assembly module for an electronic vaping device.

Background

An E-vaping device (EVD), also referred to herein as an electronic vaping device, is a device that adult vapers smoke and is portable. The flavoured vapour within the e-vaping device may be used to deliver a pleasant flavour along with the vapour that may be generated by the e-vaping device. The flavoring vapor may be delivered through a flavoring system.

In some cases, the flavor in the flavoring vapor may be lost from the flavoring system when the flavoring system is exposed to a heat source. In some cases, when the steam is at a sufficiently high temperature, the flavor in the flavoring steam may be lost due to a chemical reaction between the flavoring system and the steam.

This loss of flavor from the flavoring system may degrade the sensory experience provided by the e-vaping device in which the flavoring system is incorporated.

Disclosure of Invention

According to some example embodiments, a cartridge for an Electronic Vaping Device (EVD) includes a vaporizer assembly and a flavoring assembly. The vaporizer assembly can form an original flavor vapor. The flavoring assembly may be removably coupled to the vaporizer assembly such that the flavoring assembly is in flow communication with the vaporizer assembly. The flavor assembly may surround the porous structure. The porous structure may contain at least one flavoring agent. The flavor assembly can be configured to form a flavor vapor based on elution of the at least one flavoring agent into the primary flavor vapor. Elution may be based on passage of the original flavor vapor through the porous structure.

In some example embodiments, the porous structure may include a three-dimensional (3D) material network. The material may be substantially inert with respect to the original flavor vapor. The material may be at least partially impregnated with at least one flavoring agent. The material may comprise at least one plant matter comprising said at least one flavoring agent.

In some example embodiments, the flavor assembly may include a reservoir, and the porous structure may include a wicking material. The reservoir may be configured to contain at least one flavoring agent. The wicking material may be configured to wick the at least one flavoring agent from the reservoir.

In some example embodiments, the reservoir may be a hollow cylinder having an inner surface, and the porous structure may extend along the inner surface of the reservoir.

According to some example embodiments, the flavor assembly includes a porous structure that can be configured to be removably coupled to the vaporizer assembly. The porous structure may be configured to form a flavored vapor based on elution of a flavoring agent into the original flavor vapor passing from the vaporizer assembly through the porous structure. The porous structure may comprise a three-dimensional (3D) material network and at least one flavoring agent in flow communication with the environment external to the flavoring assembly through the 3D material network. The material may be substantially inert with respect to the original flavor vapor.

In some example embodiments, the material may be at least partially impregnated with at least one flavoring agent. The material may comprise at least one plant matter comprising at least one flavoring agent.

In some example embodiments, the flavoring assembly may include a reservoir configured to contain at least one flavoring agent. The porous structure may comprise a wicking material configured to wick the at least one flavoring agent from the reservoir.

In some example embodiments, the reservoir may be a hollow cylinder having an inner surface, and the porous structure may extend along the inner surface of the reservoir.

In some example embodiments, the flavouring assembly may be configured to be removably inserted into a flavouring assembly compartment of an e-vaping device such that the flavouring assembly is maintained in flow communication with a vaporizer assembly of the e-vaping device. The porous structure may be configured to direct the base vapor formed by the vaporizer assembly through the 3D material network such that the at least one flavoring agent elutes from the 3D material network into the base vapor to form a flavored vapor.

According to some example embodiments, a flavor assembly module for an Electronic Vaping Device (EVD) includes an interface, a flavor assembly compartment, and a sleeve extending between the interface and the flavor assembly compartment. The interface can be configured to removably couple with the vaporizer assembly. The flavor assembly compartment can be configured to house a flavor assembly. The sleeve may be configured to direct the raw steam from the steam assembly to the flavoring assembly compartment. The flavoring assembly compartment may be configured to direct the primary flavor vapor received from the sleeve through the flavoring assembly such that the primary flavor vapor elutes the at least one flavoring agent from the flavoring assembly to form the flavoring vapor.

In some example embodiments, the flavoring assembly compartment may be configured to removably receive a flavoring assembly.

According to some example embodiments, an e-vaping device includes a vaporizer assembly housing a vaporizer assembly, a flavor assembly compartment housing a flavor assembly in flow communication with the vaporizer assembly, and a power supply section configured to selectively power the vaporizer assembly. The vaporizer assembly can be configured to form an original flavor vapor. The flavor pack may surround a porous structure containing at least one flavoring agent. The flavor assembly compartment can be configured to direct the original flavor vapor through the flavor assembly such that the original flavor vapor elutes the at least one flavor agent from the porous structure to form the flavor vapor.

In some example embodiments, the porous structure may include a three-dimensional (3D) material network. The material may be substantially inert with respect to the original steam. The material may be at least partially impregnated with at least one flavoring agent. The material may comprise at least one plant matter comprising at least one flavoring agent.

In some example embodiments, the flavor assembly may include a reservoir, and the porous structure may include a wicking material. The reservoir may be configured to contain at least one flavoring agent. The wicking material may be configured to draw the at least one flavoring agent from the reservoir.

In some example embodiments, the e-vaping device may also include a partition located between the flavor assembly compartment and the vaporizer assembly compartment. The partition may comprise a sleeve. The sleeve may extend through the partition and may be in flow communication with both the flavor assembly compartment and the vaporizer assembly compartment.

In some example embodiments, the flavoring assembly compartment may be configured to removably receive a flavoring assembly.

In some example embodiments, the vaporizer assembly compartment may be configured to removably receive the vaporizer assembly.

Drawings

Various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein may be more readily understood upon review of the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed to limit the scope of the claims. The drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly shown. Various dimensions of the drawings may have been exaggerated for clarity.

Figure 1A is a side view of an e-vaping device, according to some example embodiments.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view along line IB-IB' of the e-vaping device of FIG. 1A.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a seasoning assembly, according to some example embodiments.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a porous structure of a seasoning assembly, according to some example embodiments.

Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a seasoning assembly module and a vaporizer assembly module, according to some example embodiments.

Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge formed by a flavoring assembly module and a vaporizer assembly module coupled, according to some example embodiments.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an e-vaping device, according to some example embodiments.

Detailed Description

Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Example embodiments may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only example embodiments set forth herein.

Accordingly, while example embodiments are capable of accepting various modifications and alternative forms, example embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit example embodiments to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of example embodiments. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," "coupled to" or "covering" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, coupled to or covering the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the specification.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers or sections, these elements, regions, layers or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, region, layer or section from another element, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms (e.g., "below," "lower," "above," "upper," etc.) may be used herein to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated for ease of description. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, or elements, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, or groups thereof.

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views, which are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of example embodiments. Thus, it is expected that the shapes of the figures will vary due to, for example, manufacturing techniques or tolerances. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Fig. 1A is a side view of an e-vaping device 10, according to some example embodiments. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view along line IB-IB' of the e-vaping device of FIG. 1A. The e-vaping device 10 may include one or more of the features set forth in U.S. patent application publication No. 2013/0192623 to Tucker et al, filed on 31.1.2013, and U.S. patent application publication No. 2013/0192619 to Tucker et al, filed on 14.1.2013, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As used herein, the term "e-vaping device" includes all types of e-vaping devices, regardless of form, size, or shape.

Referring to fig. 1A and 1B, the e-vaping device 10 includes a replaceable cartridge (or first section) 70 and a reusable power supply section (or second section) 72. The segments 70, 72 may be coupled together at complementary interfaces 74, 84 of the respective segments 70, 72.

In some example embodiments, the interfaces 74, 84 are threaded connectors. It should be appreciated that the interfaces 74, 84 may be any type of connector including, but not limited to, a slip fit, a detent, a clamp, a detent, a snap, and combinations thereof. One or more of the interfaces 74, 84 may include a cathode connector, an anode connector, some combination thereof, or the like, such that when the interfaces 74, 84 are coupled together, one or more elements of the cartridge 70 are electrically coupled to one or more power sources 12 in the power source section 72. As shown in FIG. 1B, for example, the interface 74 includes a connector element 91 configured to electrically couple at least one of the leads 26-1, 26-2 to the heater 24 to the power source 12 when the interfaces 74, 84 are coupled together.

As shown in fig. 1A and 1B, in some example embodiments, the outlet end insert 19 may be positioned at the outlet end of the cartridge 70. The outlet end insert 19 includes at least one outlet port 21, which outlet port 21 may be located off-axis of the longitudinal axis of the e-vaping device 10. One or more of the outlet ports 21 may be angled outwardly relative to a longitudinal axis of the e-vaping device 10. The plurality of outlet ports 21 may be evenly or substantially evenly distributed around the perimeter of the outlet end insert 19 so as to substantially evenly distribute the vapor drawn through the outlet end insert 19 during smoking of a vap. Thus, as steam is drawn through the outlet end insert 19, the steam may move in different directions.

The cartridge 70 comprises an outer housing 16 extending in a longitudinal direction and an inner tube 62 positioned coaxially within the outer housing 16. The power supply section 72 includes an outer housing 17 extending in the longitudinal direction. In some example embodiments, the outer housing 16 may be a single tube that houses both the cartridge 70 and the power supply section 72, and the entire e-vaping device 10 may be disposable. The outer housing 16 may have a generally cylindrical cross-section. In some example embodiments, the outer housing 16 may have a substantially triangular cross-section along one or more of the barrel 70 and the power supply section 72. In some example embodiments, the circumference or dimension of the outer housing 16 at the top end may be larger than the circumference or dimension at the outlet end of the e-vaping device 10.

The cartridge 70 includes the vaporizer assembly 22 and the flavor assembly 14. The vaporizer assembly 22 can form an original flavor vapor, and the flavor assembly 14 can form a flavor vapor based on elution of one or more volatile flavor substances into the original flavor vapor formed by the vaporizer assembly 22.

The vaporizer assembly 22 may comprise an inner tube 62, a gasket 15, a gasket 27, a reservoir 23 configured to hold a pre-vapor formulation, a dispense interface 25 configured to draw the pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir 23, and a heater 24 configured to vaporize the drawn pre-vapor formulation.

At one end of the inner tube 62, the nose portion 29 of the seal (or seal) 15 is fitted into the end portion of the inner tube 62. The outer periphery of the gasket 15 may effect a substantially hermetic seal of the inner surface of the outer housing 16. The seal 15 contains a longitudinal passageway 64 leading to the interior of the inner tube 62 defining the channel 20. The space 35 at the back side portion of the gasket 15 ensures communication between the passage 64 and one or more air inlet ports 44 located between the gasket 15 and the connector element 91. The connector element 91 may be included in the interface 74.

In some example embodiments, the nose portion 18 of the seal 27 is fitted into the other end portion of the inner tube 62. The outer periphery of the gasket 27 may effect a substantially hermetic seal of the interior surface of the outer housing 16. The seal 27 comprises a passage 63, said passage 63 being disposed between the channel 20 of the inner tube 62 and the interior of the outlet end insert 19. Central passageway 63 may convey steam from central passage 20 to outlet end insert 19 through flavor assembly 14.

In some example embodiments, at least one air inlet port 44 is formed in the outer housing 16 adjacent the mouthpiece 74 to minimize the likelihood of one port being blocked by a finger of an adult vaper and to control resistance-to-draw (RTD) during smoking of the vapor smoke. In some example embodiments, the air inlet port 44 may be machined into the outer housing 16 with a precision machining tool such that its diameter is tightly controlled during manufacturing and is the same between each e-vaping device 10.

In some example embodiments, the gas inlet port 44 may be drilled with a carbide drill bit or other high precision tool or technique. In some example embodiments, the outer housing 16 may be formed from a metal or metal alloy such that the size and shape of the air inlet port 44 may not be altered during manufacturing operations, packaging, and smoking of the vapor smoke. Thus, the inlet port 44 may provide a consistent RTD. In some example embodiments, the air inlet port 44 may be sized and configured such that the e-vaping device 10 has an RTD in the range from about 60 millimeters of water to about 150 millimeters of water.

Still referring to fig. 1A and 1B, the reservoir 23 may contain a pre-vapor formulation. The space defined between the seals 27 and 15, the outer housing 16, and the inner tube 62 may form a boundary of the reservoir 23 such that the reservoir 23 may be contained in the outer annular region between the inner tube 62, the outer housing 16, and the seals 27 and 15. Thus, the reservoir 23 may at least partially surround the channel 20.

Dispense interface 25 is coupled to reservoir 23 such that dispense interface 25 may extend across channel 20 between opposing portions of reservoir 23. The dispense interface 25 is configured to draw the pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir 23.

The heater 24 is coupled to the dispense interface 25 and is configured to generate heat. As shown in the example embodiment illustrated in fig. 1B, the heater 24 may extend across the channel 20 between opposing portions of the reservoir 23. In some example embodiments, the heater 24 may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the central passage 20.

The dispense interface 25 is configured to draw the pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir 23 such that the pre-vapor formulation can be vaporized from the dispense interface 25 based on heating of the dispense interface 25 by the heater 24.

During the drawing of the vapor smoke, the pre-vapor formulation may be transferred from at least one of the reservoir 23 and the storage medium in the vicinity of the heater 24 by capillary action of the dispense interface 25. The dispense interface 25 may include a first end portion and a second end portion. The first and second end portions of the dispense interface 25 may extend into opposite sides of the reservoir 23. The end portion of the dispense interface 25 may be referred to herein as a root. The heater 24 may at least partially surround a central portion of the dispense interface 25 such that when the heater 24 is activated to generate heat, the pre-vapor formulation in the central portion of the dispense interface 25 may be vaporized by the heater 24 to form a vapor. The central portion of the distribution interface 25 may be referred to herein as a backbone.

The reservoir 23 may include a pre-vapor formulation that is free of flavoring such that when the vaporizer assembly 22 vaporizes the pre-vapor formulation through the heater 24 to form the vapor 95, the vapor 95 may be substantially free of any flavor, and thus be a "plain vapor". The absence of flavoring in the reservoir 23 of such vaporizer assembly 22 may inhibit chemical reactions between the pre-vapor formulation material and the flavoring in the reservoir 23 after vaporization due to the heater 24 heating the pre-vapor formulation.

Still referring to fig. 1A and 1B, the flavor assembly 14 is positioned between the vaporizer assembly 22 and the outlet port insert 19. The flavoring assembly 14 is configured to form a flavoring vapor 97 based on elution of the flavoring agent into the original flavor vapor 95 formed by the vaporizer assembly 22.

The flavor assembly 14 is positioned in flow communication with both the vaporizer assembly 22 and the outlet end insert 19. The cartridge 70 may be configured to direct the primary flavor vapor 95 formed by the vaporizer assembly 22 to exit the cartridge 70 through the outlet 21. Cartridge 70 may be further configured to direct primary flavor vapor 95 to pass in flow communication with flavoring assembly 14 toward outlet 21. Passing in flow communication with seasoning assembly 14 may include passing through at least a portion of seasoning assembly 14.

As discussed further below, flavoring assembly 14 may include a porous structure. The porous structure may contain a flavoring agent and be in flow communication with the vaporizer assembly 22 such that the raw flavor vapor 95 formed by the vaporizer assembly 22 and passing through the flavoring assembly 14 may pass at least partially through the porous structure and be in flow communication with the flavoring agent contained by the porous structure. The primary flavor vapor 95 can serve as an eluent, eluting the flavor from the porous structure into the primary flavor vapor 95 to form an eluate. The eluate may contain the original flavor vapors and flavoring agents. Such eluate may be referred to as flavor vapor 97.

In some example embodiments, the flavoring agent that elutes into the primary flavor vapor 95 is in a particulate phase. The particulate phase may comprise a liquid phase, a solid phase, and the like. In some example embodiments, the flavoring agent that elutes into the primary flavor vapor 95 is in the vapor phase, gas phase, or the like. The flavoring agent may comprise a volatile flavoring substance, and the volatile flavoring substance may be eluted into the primary flavor vapor 95. In some example embodiments, the flavoring agent that elutes into the primary flavor vapor 95 comprises a non-volatile flavoring substance.

In some example embodiments, when the flavor assembly 14 contains a flavoring agent and is separate from the vaporizer assembly 22, and the cartridge 70 is configured to direct the original flavor vapor through the flavor assembly 14 after the original flavor vapor 95 is formed, the original flavor vapor 95 can be cooled from an initial temperature when formed in the vaporizer assembly 22. As the primary flavor vapor 95 passing through the flavor assembly 14 cools from the initial temperature, chemical reactions between the flavor eluting into the primary flavor vapor 95 and the constituents of the primary flavor vapor 95 can be at least partially inhibited, thereby reducing the loss of desired flavor in the flavor vapor 97.

In some example embodiments, when the e-vaping device 10 includes a flavoring assembly 14 that houses a flavoring agent and is separate from the vaporizer assembly 22, the e-vaping device 10 may be configured to reduce the likelihood of a chemical reaction between the flavoring agent and one or more elements in the vaporizer assembly 22. The absence of such chemical reactions may result in the absence of reaction products in the flavoring vapor 97. Such reaction products can reduce the sensory experience provided by the flavoring vapor 97. Accordingly, the e-vaping device 10, which is configured to reduce the likelihood of such chemical reactions occurring, may provide a more coordinated and improved sensory experience through the flavoring vapor 97.

In some example embodiments, flavoring assembly 14 is configured to cool the plain vapor 95 passing through flavoring assembly 14. The flavoring assembly 14 may cool the primary flavor vapor 95 based on heat transfer from the primary flavor vapor 95 to at least one of the flavoring agent eluted into the primary flavor vapor 95 and the material contained in the flavoring assembly 14. In some example embodiments, the transfer of heat from the primary flavor vapor 95 into at least one of the flavoring agent and the material contained in the flavoring assembly 14 increases the amount of flavoring agent that elutes into the primary flavor vapor 95. Flavoring vapor 97 with increased amounts of eluted flavoring agents can provide an improved sensory experience. In some example embodiments, flavoring vapor 97 exiting flavoring assembly 14 may be cooler than original flavor vapor 95 entering flavoring assembly 14. Flavoring vapor 97 that is cooler than the original flavor vapor entering flavoring assembly 14 may provide an improved sensory experience based on the low temperature of flavoring vapor 97.

In some example embodiments, the flavoring included in the e-vaping device 10 may be replaced separately from the pre-vapor formulation in the cartridge 70 because the flavoring is included in the flavoring assembly 14 separate from the vaporizer assembly 22 in which the pre-vapor formulation is included. The flavouring assembly 14 may be replaced by another flavouring assembly 14 for an adult vaper to replace the flavouring agent contained in the e-vaping device 10 as desired. The flavor assembly 14 may be replaced by another flavor assembly 14 to supplement flavors in the e-vaping device 10 instead of replacing the vaporizer assembly 22, wherein the vaporizer assembly 22 may include sufficient pre-vapor formulation to support additional vapor.

Still referring to fig. 1A and 1B, the cartridge 70 contains a connector element 91, the connector element 91 configured to at least partially establish an electrical connection between the elements in the cartridge 70 and one or more elements in the power supply section 72. In some example embodiments, the connector element 91 includes an electrode element configured to electrically couple at least one electrical lead to the power source 12 in the power source section when the interfaces 74, 84 are coupled together. For example, in the example embodiment illustrated in fig. 1A and 1B, electrical lead 26-1 is coupled to connector element 91. The electrode element may be one or more of a cathode connector element and an anode connector element. When the interfaces 74, 84 are coupled together, the connector element 91 may be coupled with at least a portion of the power source 12, as shown in FIG. 1B.

In some example embodiments, one or more of the interfaces 74, 84 includes one or more of a cathode connector element and an anode connector element. For example, in the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1B, electrical lead 26-2 is coupled to interface 74. As further shown in fig. 1B, the power supply section 72 includes a lead 92 that couples the control circuit 11 to the interface 84. When the interfaces 74, 84 are coupled together, the coupled interfaces 74, 84 may electrically couple the leads 26-2 and 92 together.

When the components in the cartridge 70 are coupled to the leads 26-1 and 26-2 simultaneously, an electrical circuit may be established through the cartridge 70 and the power supply section 72. The circuit established may include at least the components in the cartridge 70, the control circuit 11 and the power source 12. The circuit may include leads 26-1 and 26-2, lead 92, and interfaces 74, 84.

In the example embodiment illustrated in fig. 1A and 1B, the heater 24 is coupled to the interface 74 and the connector element 91 such that when the interfaces 74, 84 are coupled together, the heater 24 may be electrically coupled to the power source 12 through the interface 74 and the connector element 91.

The control circuit 11, described further below, is configured to be coupled to the power source 12 such that the control circuit 11 can control the supply of power from the power source 12 to one or more elements of the cartridge 70. The control circuit 11 may control the supply of power to the elements based on controlling the established circuit. For example, the control circuit 11 may selectively open or close a circuit, adjustably control current through a circuit, and so forth.

Still referring to fig. 1A and 1B, the power supply section 72 includes a sensor 13, at least one power supply 12, and a control circuit 11, the sensor 13 being responsive to drawing air into the power supply section 72 through an air inlet port 44a adjacent the free or top end of the e-vaping device 10. The power source 12 may comprise a rechargeable battery. The sensor 13 may be one or more of a pressure sensor, a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) sensor, and the like.

In some example embodiments, the power source 12 includes a battery disposed in the e-vaping device 10 such that the anode is downstream of the cathode. The connector element 91 contacts the downstream end of the cell.

The power source 12 may be a lithium ion battery or one of its variants, such as a lithium ion polymer battery. Alternatively, the power source 12 may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a lithium-manganese battery, a lithium-cobalt battery, or a fuel cell. The e-vaping device 10 may be used by an adult e-vaper until the energy in the power source 12 is exhausted, or in the case of a lithium polymer battery, a minimum voltage cutoff level is reached.

Additionally, the power source 12 may be rechargeable and may include circuitry configured to allow the battery to be charged by an external charging device. To recharge the e-vaping device 10, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) charger or other suitable charger assembly may be used.

After completing the connection between the cartridge 70 and the power supply section 72, the at least one power supply 12 may be electrically connected with the heater 24 of the cartridge 70 after activating the sensor 13. Air is drawn into the cartridge 70 primarily through the one or more air inlet ports 44. The one or more intake ports 44 may be located along the outer housings 16, 17 of the first and second sections 70, 72 or at one or more of the coupled interfaces 74, 84.

The sensor 13 may be configured to sense a drop in air pressure and begin applying voltage from the power supply 12 to the heater 24. As shown in the example embodiment illustrated in fig. 1B, some example embodiments of the power supply section 72 include a heater activation light 48, the heater activation light 48 configured to emit light when the heater 24 is activated. The heater activation light 48 may include a Light Emitting Diode (LED). Further, the heater activation light 48 may be arranged to be visible to an adult e-cigarette smoker during puffing of a vap. In addition, the heater activation light 48 may be used for e-vaping system diagnostics or to indicate that recharging is in progress. The heater activation light 48 may also be configured such that an adult e-cigarette smoker may activate, deactivate, or both activate and deactivate the heater activation light 48 for privacy. As shown in fig. 1A and 1B, a heater activation light 48 may be located on the top end of the e-vaping device 10. In some example embodiments, heater activation light 48 may be located on a side portion of outer housing 17.

Further, at least one air inlet port 44a may be located adjacent to the sensor 13 such that the sensor 13 may sense an air flow indicative of steam drawn through the outlet end of the e-vaping device. The sensor 13 may activate the power source 12 and the heater activation light 48 to indicate that the heater 24 has been activated.

In addition, the control circuit 11 may control the supply of power to the heater 24 in response to the sensor 13. In some example embodiments, the control circuit 11 may include a maximum time period limiter. In some example embodiments, the control circuit 11 may include a manually operable switch for an adult e-cigarette smoker to manually initiate smoking of a vap. The period of time for the supply of current to the heater 24 may be preset depending on the amount of pre-vapor formulation to be vaporized. In some example embodiments, the control circuit 11 may control the supply of power to the heater 24 as long as the sensor 13 detects a voltage drop.

To control the supply of electrical power to the heater 24, the control circuit 11 may execute one or more instances of computer-executable program code. The control circuit 11 may include a processor and a memory. The memory may be a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable code.

Control circuit 11 may comprise Processing circuitry including, but not limited to, a processor, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a controller, an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a System-on-Chip (SoC), a programmable logic Unit, a microprocessor, or any other device capable of responding to and executing instructions in a well-defined manner. In some example embodiments, the control circuit 11 may be at least one of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and an ASIC chip.

The control circuit 11 may be configured as a special purpose machine by executing computer readable program code stored on a storage device. The program code may include programs or computer readable instructions, software elements, software modules, data files, data structures, etc. that can be implemented by one or more hardware devices, such as one or more of the control circuits mentioned above. Examples of program code include both machine code, generated by a compiler, and higher level program code, executed using an interpreter.

The control circuit 11 may include one or more memory devices. The one or more storage devices may be a tangible or non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, such as Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), a permanent mass storage device (e.g., a disk drive), a solid state (e.g., NAND flash) device, or any other similar data storage mechanism capable of storing and recording data. The one or more storage devices may be configured to store computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof, and for one or more operating systems, to implement the example embodiments described herein, or for both. The drive mechanism may also be used to load a computer program, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof, from a single computer-readable storage medium into one or more storage devices, one or more computer processing devices, or both. Such separate computer-readable storage media may include a USB disk, memory stick, Blu-ray/DVD/CD-ROM drive, memory card, or other similar computer-readable storage media. The computer program, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof, may be loaded from a remote data storage device into one or more storage devices, one or more computer processing devices, or both, via a network interface, rather than via a local computer-readable storage medium. Further, the computer program, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof, may be loaded over a network to one or more storage devices, one or more processors, or both, from a remote computing system configured to communicate, distribute, or both the computer program, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof. The remote computing system may communicate, distribute, or both communicate and distribute computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof via a wired interface, an air interface, or any other similar medium.

The control circuit 11 may be a dedicated machine configured to execute computer executable code to control the supply of electrical power to the heater 24. Controlling the supply of electrical power to the heater 24 is interchangeably referred to herein as activating the heater 24.

Still referring to fig. 1A and 1B, when the heater 24 is activated, the activated heater 24 may heat a portion of the dispense interface 25 surrounded by the heater 24 for less than about 10 seconds. Thus, the period of time of the power cycle (or maximum puff length) may range from about 2 seconds to about 10 seconds (e.g., about 3 seconds to about 9 seconds, about 4 seconds to about 8 seconds, or about 5 seconds to about 7 seconds).

A pre-vapor formulation is a material or combination of materials that can be converted to a vapor. For example, the pre-vapor formulation may be at least one of a liquid, solid, or gel formulation, including but not limited to water, beads, solvents, actives, alcohols, plant extracts, natural or artificial flavors, pre-vapor formulations such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and combinations thereof. The pre-vapor formulation may include those described in U.S. patent application publication No. 2015/0020823 to lipopwicz et al, filed on day 7, month 16 2014, and U.S. patent application publication No. 2015/0313275 to Anderson et al, filed on day 21, month 1 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In some example embodiments, the pre-vapor formulation is one or more of propylene glycol, glycerin, and combinations thereof.

The pre-vapor formulation may or may not include nicotine. The pre-vapor formulation may include one or more tobacco flavors. The pre-vapor formulation may include one or more flavorants separate from the one or more tobacco flavorants.

In some example embodiments, the pre-vapor formulation comprising nicotine may also comprise one or more acids. The one or more acids may be one or more of the following: pyruvic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, glycolic acid, acetic acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, propionic acid, caprylic acid, lactic acid, levulinic acid, sorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, oleic acid, aconitic acid, butyric acid, cinnamic acid, capric acid, 3, 7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, 1-glutamic acid, heptanoic acid, hexanoic acid, 3-hexenoic acid, trans-2-hexenoic acid, isobutyric acid, lauric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, 2-methylvaleric acid, myristic acid, pelargonic acid, palmitic acid, 4-pentenoic acid, phenylacetic acid, 3-phenylpropionic acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, and combinations thereof.

In some example embodiments, the raw vapor 95 formed at the vaporizer assembly 22 may be substantially free of one or more materials in the gas phase. For example, the primary flavor vapor 95 can comprise one or more materials that are substantially in a particulate phase and not substantially in a gas phase.

The storage medium of the reservoir 23 may be a fibrous material comprising at least one of cotton, polyethylene, polyester, rayon, and combinations thereof. The fibers can have diameters ranging in size from about 6 microns to about 15 microns (e.g., about 8 microns to about 12 microns or about 9 microns to about 11 microns). The storage medium may be sintered, porous or foamed. Also, the fibers may be sized to be non-respirable, and may have a cross-section that is Y-shaped, cross-shaped, clover-shaped, or any other suitable shape. In some example embodiments, the reservoir 23 may include a fill tank that does not have any storage medium and only contains the pre-vapor formulation.

The reservoir 23 may be sized and configured to contain sufficient pre-vapor formulation such that the e-vaping device 10 may be configured such that the vaping may be smoked for at least about 200 seconds. The e-vaping device 10 may be configured to allow each puff of vaping for a maximum of about 5 seconds.

The dispense interface 25 may comprise a core. The dispense interface 25 may comprise a filament (or wire) capable of aspirating the pre-vapor formulation. For example, dispense interface 25 may be a wick that is a bundle of glass (or ceramic) filaments, a bundle comprising a group of windings of glass filaments, or the like, all of which arrangements may be capable of drawing the pre-vapor formulation via capillary action through the interstitial spacing between the filaments. The filaments may be generally aligned in a direction perpendicular (transverse) to the longitudinal direction of the e-vaping device 10. In some example embodiments, the dispense interface 25 may include one to eight filament cords, each cord comprising a plurality of glass filaments twisted together. The end portion of the dispense interface 25 may be flexible and may be crimped into the confines of the reservoir 23. The filaments may have a cross-section that is generally cruciform, clover-shaped, Y-shaped, or in any other suitable shape.

The dispense interface 25 can comprise any suitable material or combination of materials, which are also referred to herein as wicking materials. Examples of suitable materials may be, but are not limited to, glass, ceramic, or graphite based materials. The dispense interface 25 may have any suitable capillary pumping action to accommodate pre-vapor formulations having different physical properties, such as density, viscosity, surface tension, and vapor pressure.

In some example embodiments, the heater 24 may include a coil at least partially surrounding the dispense interface 25 in the vaporizer assembly 22. The wire may be a metal wire. The spool may extend fully or partially along the length of the dispense interface. The wire coil may further extend completely or partially around the circumference of the dispense interface 25. In some example embodiments, the wire coil may not be in direct contact with the dispense interface 25.

The heater 24 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. Examples of suitable resistive materials may include, but are not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and metals from the platinum group. Examples of suitable metal alloys include, but are not limited to, stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum-titanium-zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, and iron-containing alloys, and superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel. For example, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the desired external physicochemical properties, the heater 24 may be formed from nickel aluminide, materials having an aluminum oxide layer on the surface, iron aluminide, and other composite materials, and the resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated or coated with an insulating material, or vice versa. The heater 24 may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of: stainless steel, copper alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, superalloys, and combinations thereof. In some example embodiments, the heater 24 may be formed from a nickel-chromium alloy or an iron-chromium alloy. In some example embodiments, the heater 24 may be a ceramic heater having a resistive layer on its outer surface.

The heater 24 may heat the pre-vapor formulation in the dispense interface 25 by thermal conduction. Alternatively, heat from the heater 24 may be conducted to the pre-vapor formulation through a thermally conductive element, or the heater 24 may transfer heat to incoming ambient air drawn through the e-vaping device 10 during smoking of a vapor, which in turn heats the pre-vapor formulation by convection.

It should be appreciated that rather than using the dispense interface 25, the vaporizer assembly 22 may include a heater 24, the heater 24 being a porous material incorporating a resistive heater formed of a high electrical resistance material capable of rapidly generating heat.

In some example embodiments, the cartridge 70 may be replaceable. In other words, once one of the pre-vapor formulations of the flavor or cartridge is depleted, only the cartridge 70 may be replaced. In some example embodiments, once one of the reservoir 23 or the flavoring assembly 14 is depleted, the entire e-vaping device 10 may be discarded.

In some example embodiments, the e-vaping device 10 may be about 80 millimeters to about 110 millimeters long, and may be about 7 millimeters to about 8 millimeters in diameter. For example, in some example embodiments, the e-vaping device 10 may be about 84 millimeters long and may have a diameter of about 7.8 millimeters.

As used herein, the term "flavoring agent" is used to describe a compound or combination of compounds that can provide flavor, aroma, or both to an adult electronic cigarette smoker. In some example embodiments, the flavoring agent is configured to interact with sensory receptors of at least one adult e-cigarette smoker. The flavoring agent may be configured to interact with the sensory receptor through at least one of a pre-nasal stimulation and a post-nasal stimulation. The flavouring agent may comprise one or more volatile flavouring substances.

The at least one flavoring agent may comprise one or more of a natural flavoring agent or an artificial ("synthetic") flavoring agent. The at least one flavoring agent may comprise one or more plant extract materials. In some example embodiments, the at least one flavoring agent is one or more of tobacco flavor, menthol, wintergreen, peppermint, herbal flavor, fruit flavor, nut flavor, wine flavor, and combinations thereof. In some example embodiments, the flavoring agent is contained in the plant material. The plant material may comprise material of one or more plants. The plant material may comprise one or more herbs, spices, fruits, roots, leaves, grasses, and the like. For example, the plant material may comprise orange peel material and vanilla material. In another example, the plant material may comprise tobacco material. In some example embodiments, the flavoring agent that is a tobacco flavor ("tobacco flavoring agent") comprises at least one of a synthetic material and a plant extract material. The plant extract material contained in the tobacco flavour may be an extract from one or more tobacco materials.

In some example embodiments, the tobacco material may comprise material from any member of the genus Nicotiana (Nicotiana). In some example embodiments, the tobacco material comprises a mixture of two or more different tobacco varieties. Examples of suitable types of tobacco materials that may be used include, but are not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, black tobacco, maryland tobacco, oriental tobacco, rare tobacco, specialty tobacco, mixtures thereof, and the like. The tobacco material may be provided in any suitable form, including, but not limited to, a tobacco sheet, a processed tobacco material (e.g., volume expanded or puffed tobacco), a processed tobacco stem (e.g., cut rolled or cut blown stems), a reconstituted tobacco material, mixtures thereof, and the like. In some example embodiments, the tobacco material is in the form of a substantially dry tobacco mass.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of seasoning assembly 14 according to some example embodiments. The seasoning assembly 14 shown in fig. 2 may be included in any of the embodiments included herein, including the seasoning assembly 14 shown in fig. 1B.

In some example embodiments, the flavoring assembly comprises a closed structure surrounding a porous structure comprising one or more flavoring agents therein. The flavoring agent may be impregnated in the material of the porous structure. The porous structure may draw flavoring from the one or more reservoirs into the porous structure. The flavor assembly can be configured to direct the plain vapor through the porous structure to elute a flavoring agent from the porous structure into the plain vapor to form the flavored vapor.

For example, in the example embodiment illustrated in fig. 2, the flavouring assembly 14 includes a closed structure 201, the closed structure 201 at least partially surrounding a porous structure 202. In some example embodiments, the containment structure 201 may be a bag containing the porous structure 202 and one or more flavoring agents. The closed structure 201 may be a porous closed structure 201. The material of the closed structure 201 (e.g., bag) may comprise at least one of porous aluminum, perforated aluminum foil, nylon, filter paper, silk, plastic, and cellulose acetate. The material of the containment structure 201 may be porous, perforated, or both porous and perforated.

The porous structure 202 may contain one or more flavoring agents. The porous structure 202 may be configured to enable vapor containing the primary flavor vapor 95 to pass through the porous structure 202, thereby enabling the primary flavor vapor 95 to pass in flow communication with the flavor contained in the porous structure 202 to elute the flavor. Porous structure 202 and closed structure 201 may comprise different materials.

In some example embodiments, encapsulating one or more flavoring agents in the enclosed structure 201 may reduce the movement of flavoring agents into other portions of the cartridge 70, e-vaping device 10, etc., in which the flavoring assembly 14 is included. Thus, in some example embodiments, by using the flavoring assembly 14 to store at least one flavoring separate from the pre-vapor formulation in the vaporizer assembly 22, the shelf life of the cartridge 70, e-vaping device 10, etc., may be extended and movement of the flavoring in the cartridge 70, e-vaping device 10, etc., may be reduced.

Seasoning assembly 14 may include a reservoir 204. The reservoir 204 may contain one or more flavoring agents, and optionally a storage medium configured to store the one or more flavoring agents therein. The storage medium may comprise windings of a cotton web or other fibrous material around a portion of the cartridge 70 illustrated in fig. 1A and 1B.

The storage medium of the reservoir 204 may be a fibrous material comprising at least one of cotton, polyethylene, polyester, rayon, and combinations thereof. The fibers can have diameters ranging in size from about 6 microns to about 15 microns (e.g., about 8 microns to about 12 microns or about 9 microns to about 11 microns). The storage medium may be sintered, porous or foamed. Also, the fibers may be sized to be non-respirable, and may have a cross-section that is Y-shaped, cross-shaped, clover-shaped, or any other suitable shape. In some example embodiments, the reservoir 204 may include a fill tank that does not have any storage medium and only contains one or more flavorants.

In some example embodiments, one or more portions of the porous structure 202 extend into the reservoir 204 and are configured to draw flavoring agent from the reservoir into the porous structure 202. The porous structure 202 may include a wicking material configured to draw the flavoring agent from the reservoir 204 such that the flavoring agent is held within the wicking material and may elute from the wicking material based on the original flavor vapor passing through the porous structure. During smoking of the vapor, the flavoring agent may be transferred from the reservoir 204, the storage medium, or both the reservoir 204 and the storage medium to the porous structure 202 by capillary action of the wicking material of the porous structure 202.

The porous structure 202 may comprise a filament (or thread) configured to draw flavoring from the reservoir 204. For example, the porous structure 202 may comprise a wicking material, which may be a bundle of glass (or ceramic) filaments, a bundle comprising a group of windings of glass filaments, or the like, all of which arrangements may be capable of drawing flavoring via capillary action through the interstitial spaces between the filaments. In some example embodiments, the wicking material may comprise one to eight filament cores, each core comprising a plurality of glass filaments twisted together. The filaments may have a cross-section that is generally cruciform, clover-shaped, Y-shaped, or in any other suitable shape.

The porous structure 202 may comprise glass, ceramic, or graphite-based materials. In some example embodiments, the porous structure comprises a material that is substantially inert to chemical reactions with one or more of the flavoring agents. In some example embodiments, the porous structure 202 comprises a material that is substantially inert to chemical reactions with the original flavor vapor. The porous structure 202 may have any suitable capillary pumping action to accommodate flavorants having different physical properties, such as density, viscosity, surface tension, and vapor pressure.

In some example embodiments, reservoir 204 is not present in flavoring assembly 14, and porous structure 202 includes one or more flavoring agents impregnated into one or more materials of porous structure 202. In some example embodiments, the porous structure 202 comprises a plant material comprising one or more flavorants, and the one or more flavorants are eluted into the plain vapor in response to the plain vapor passing by: in flow communication with the plant material contained in the porous structure 202, through the plant material contained in the porous structure 202, and the like.

In some example embodiments, flavoring assembly 14 is configured to direct primary flavor vapor 95 through porous structure 202. For example, as shown in fig. 2, the flavoring assembly 14 may include a reservoir 204 having a tube with a hollow core 206 extending longitudinally through the reservoir 204. As shown, the seasoning assembly 14 may include a tube 207, the tube 207 extending along an inner surface of the reservoir 204 such that the inner surface of the tube 207 at least partially defines an outer boundary of the hollow space 206. The tube 207 may comprise one or more materials configured to inhibit the passage of flavoring agent from the reservoir 204 through the tube 207 to the hollow space 206. The tube 207 may limit the flavoring contained in the reservoir 204 to be drawn into the porous structure 202, rather than permeating directly from the reservoir 204 to the primary flavor vapor 95 passing through the hollow space 206.

As further shown, the porous structure 202 may extend laterally along one end of the reservoir 204 such that the porous structure 202 extends over one end of the hollow core 206. The hollow core 206 may establish a sleeve through the flavor assembly 14 from the vaporizer assembly 22 to the opening of the e-vaping device 10 such that the raw flavor vapor 95 formed at the vaporizer assembly 22 is directed to flow through the hollow core 206 to be drawn through the one or more outlet ports 21 of the e-vaping device 10. Based on the porous structure 202 extending over the end of the hollow core 206, the primary flavor vapor 95 can be directed through the porous structure 202 to pass through the hollow core 206, thereby enabling the flavor contained in the porous structure 202 to elute into the primary flavor vapor 95 to form the flavor vapor 97.

In some example embodiments, tube 207 is not present in flavoring assembly 14, and porous structure 202 extends around an inner surface of reservoir 204 rather than around tube 207 shown in fig. 2, such that porous structure 202 at least partially defines an outer boundary of hollow space 206. The primary flavor vapor 95 can pass through the hollow space 206 and elute the flavor from the porous structure 202.

In some example embodiments, flavoring assembly 14 is configured to direct primary flavor vapor 95 to pass along an outer surface of porous structure 202. For example, the hollow core 206 may not be present such that the original flavor vapor 95 may be directed to pass along the outer surface of the porous structure 202 through one or more flow paths 241A and 241B.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a porous structure 202 of a seasoning assembly, according to some example embodiments. The porous structure 202 shown in fig. 3 may be included in any of the embodiments included herein, including the porous structure 202 shown in fig. 2.

In some example embodiments, the porous structure 202 included in the flavoring assembly includes a three-dimensional (3D) material network. The 3D network of material may comprise a network of material, a loose-packed structure of material, and the like. The material may retain one or more flavoring agents within the material, on one or more surfaces of the material, and the like. The material may be substantially inert to one or more flavoring agents, raw steam, and the like.

For example, in the example embodiment illustrated in fig. 3, porous structure 202 may include a 3D network structure of material 310. The material 310 may be substantially inert to chemical reactions with one or more of the primary flavor vapors 95, one or more of the flavoring agents 320, and so forth. The one or more flavoring agents 320 may be retained by one or more portions of the material 310. In the illustrated example embodiment, the flavoring agent 320 is held on the outer surface of the material 310. It is to be understood that in some example embodiments, one or more flavoring agents 320 may be retained within the material 310. For example, one or more flavoring agents 320 may be impregnated within the material 310.

As shown in fig. 3, the porous structure 202 is permeable to the original flavor vapor 95. The primary flavor vapor 95 may pass through the porous structure 202 such that the primary flavor vapor 95 passes in flow communication with some or all of the material 310 contained in the 3D network. For example, the primary flavor vapor 95 may be delivered in contact with at least some of the material 310. The primary flavor vapor 95 passing in flow communication with the material 310 can elute at least some of the flavoring agents 320 held by the material 310 such that the primary flavor vapor 95 exits the porous structure 202 as an eluate of the flavoring vapor 97, the flavoring vapor 97 comprising constituents of the primary flavor vapor 95 and the flavoring agents 320. In some example embodiments, the eluted flavoring agent 320 is associated with one or more particles 332 contained in the primary flavor vapor 95. In some example embodiments, the eluted flavoring agent 320 is in the gas or vapor phase independent of the one or more particles 332 contained in the raw steam 95, such that the flavoring steam 97 is a mixture of the particles 332 of the raw steam 95 and the flavoring agent 320.

Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a flavor assembly module 410 and a vaporizer assembly module 420, according to some example embodiments. Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge formed by a flavoring assembly module and a vaporizer assembly module coupled, according to some example embodiments. The cartridge 70 shown in fig. 4A and 4B may be incorporated into any of the embodiments incorporated herein, including the cartridge 70 of the e-vaping device 10 shown in fig. 1A and 1B. In some example embodiments, the cartridge 70 shown in fig. 4A and 4B may be coupled with the power section 72 illustrated in fig. 1A and 1B to form the e-vaping device 10.

In some example embodiments, the cartridge 70 may include a plurality of modules that may be coupled together to configure the cartridge to provide the flavoring vapor. The seasoning assembly may be included in a seasoning assembly module. The flavor assembly module can be configured to be removably coupled to the vaporizer assembly module. The vaporizer assembly module may include a vaporizer assembly. The flavor assembly module can be decoupled from the vaporizer assembly module, exchanged for a different flavor assembly module, and so forth. Different flavor assembly modules may contain different flavor assemblies, different flavoring agents, different volatile flavoring substances, some combination thereof, and so forth. Different flavoring assemblies can be configured to form different flavoring vapors associated with different fragrances. Thus, changing out the different flavor packs in the cartridge may enable an adult e-cigarette smoker to change out the flavors associated with the flavored vapor provided to them during a puff on the cigarette, separate from the replacement of the entire cartridge, thereby improving the sensory experience of the adult e-cigarette smoker during the puff on the cigarette.

As shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the cartridge 70 may include a flavor assembly module 410 and a vaporizer assembly module 420. The modules 410, 420 may be coupled together by complementary interfaces 416, 426. It should be understood that interfaces 416, 426 may include any of the types of interfaces described herein. Each module 410, 420 may include a respective housing 411, 421.

The vaporizer assembly module 420 can include the vaporizer assembly 22 within a housing 421. The vaporizer assembly 22 shown in fig. 4A and 4B may be the vaporizer assembly 22 illustrated in fig. 1B.

As shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the interface 426 of the module 420 can include a sleeve 427 to maintain the vaporizer assembly 22 housed within the housing 421 of the module 420 in flow communication with the exterior of the module 420. The vaporizer assembly module 420 may include a cartridge interface 74 at one end distal from the interface 426. The cartridge interface 74 may be configured to electrically couple to the vaporizer assembly 22, with the power source included in a separate power source section of the e-vaping device.

Seasoning assembly module 410 may contain seasoning assembly 14 within housing 411. The seasoning assembly 14 shown in fig. 4A and 4B may be the seasoning assembly 14 shown in any of fig. 1, 2, and 3.

As shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the interface 416 of the module 410 may include a bushing 417. A sleeve 417 may extend between the interface 416 and the interior of the housing 411 such that the flavor assembly 14 housed within the housing 411 of the module 410 is held in flow communication with the exterior of the module 410 by the sleeve 417. The interior of housing 411 may be referred to herein as flavoring assembly compartment 413. Seasoning assembly module 410 may include an outlet port insert 19 at the outlet end of module 410 and a set of one or more outlet ports 21 in the insert 19.

As shown in fig. 4B, when the modules 410, 420 are coupled by the interfaces 416, 426, the modules 410, 420 may form a cartridge 70, wherein the cartridge includes the outlet end insert 19 at the outlet end and the electrical interface 74 at the top end. The cartridge 70 may also include a flavor assembly 14 held in flow communication with the vaporizer assembly 22 by a sleeve 437 in the coupled interfaces 416, 426. In some example embodiments, the boot 437 can be a combination of boots 417 and 427. In some example embodiments, the boot 437 is one or more of the boots 417 and 427. For example, in some example embodiments, sleeve 437 is a sleeve 417 extending between interface 416 and flavoring assembly compartment 413 within housing 411. The cartridge 70 may also include a flavoring assembly 14, the flavoring assembly 14 being in flow communication with the outlet port 21 such that the plain vapor generated by the vaporizer assembly 22 may exit the cartridge 70 along a path extending through the flavoring assembly 14 to the outlet port 21. A flavoring assembly compartment 413 within the housing 411 may direct the plain vapor received into the flavoring assembly compartment 413 through the sleeve 437 through the flavoring assembly 14.

As shown, the flavoring assembly module 410 may be configured to restrict flow communication through the module 410 to through the flavoring assembly 14 such that the original flavor passing from the vaporizer assembly 22 to the outlet port 21 in the formed cartridge 70 is restricted from passing through the flavoring assembly 14. Housing 411 of module 410 may be sized to physically contact the outer surface of seasoning assembly 14.

In some example embodiments, cartridge 70 includes an opening through which seasoning assembly 14 may be inserted into module 410 or removed from module 410. Cartridge 70 may include a hatch (not shown) that may be used to selectively expose or seal the interior of module 410 from the external environment to enable flavoring assembly 14 to selectively seal the interior of module 410 from the external environment based on the insertion of flavoring assembly 14 into the interior of module 410.

Seasoning assembly module 410 may be configured to removably couple with module 420 such that seasoning assembly module 410 may be swapped out of module 420.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an e-vaping device, according to some example embodiments. The e-vaping device 10 shown in figure 5 may include any of the embodiments included herein, including the e-vaping device 10 shown in figures 1A and 1B.

In some example embodiments, the e-vaping device 10 may include a flavor assembly compartment 510 and a vaporizer assembly compartment 520. The e-vaping device 10 may be configured to removably receive the flavoring assembly 14 into the flavoring assembly compartment 510. The e-vaping device 10 may be configured to removably receive the vaporizer assembly 22 into the vaporizer assembly compartment 520.

The e-vaping device 10 may include a partition 525 located between the compartments 510, 520. Partition 525 may include a sleeve 530 that extends through partition 525 and is in flow communication with both flavor assembly compartment 510 and vaporizer assembly compartment 520 such that flavor assembly 14 inserted into flavor assembly compartment 510 is maintained in flow communication with vaporizer assembly 22 inserted into vaporizer assembly compartment 22.

In some example embodiments, one or more of the compartments 510, 520 comprise a hatch (not shown in fig. 5) in the outer housing 501 of the e-vaping device. A hatch in the outer housing 501 may communicate with a particular one of the compartments 510, 520. A hatch in communication with a given compartment 510, 520 may selectively seal or expose the interior of the compartment 510, 520. The hatch may be opened to permit the insertion or removal of the flavor assembly 14 or vaporizer assembly 22 into or from a given compartment.

In some example embodiments, one or more of the flavor assembly 14 and the vaporizer assembly 22 are molded to complete the sealing of the compartments 510, 520 when one or more of the flavor assembly 14 and the vaporizer assembly 22 are inserted into the respective compartments 510, 520.

The e-vaping device 10 may include a power section 72, wherein the power section 72 includes the power source 12. The cartridge 70 and the power supply section 72 may be coupled by complementary interfaces 74, 84. The vaporizer assembly compartment 520 may include an electrical interface 541 that is coupled to the power source 12 by one or more of the interfaces 74, 84. The compartment 520 may electrically couple the vaporizer assembly 22 to the power source 12 through an electrical interface 541.

In some example embodiments, interfaces 74, 84 are not present, and sections 70, 72 are non-removably coupled together.

The e-vaping device 10 may include an outlet end insert 19 at the outlet end of the e-vaping device 10. The outlet end insert 19 may be in flow communication with the compartment 510 such that the flavoring vapor exiting the flavoring assembly 14 in the compartment 510 may exit the e-vaping device 10 through a set of one or more outlets 21 in the outlet end insert 19.

In some embodiments, the compartments 510, 520 are configured to complete the sealing of the flavor assembly 14 and vaporizer assembly 22 within the housing of the e-vaping device 10 to prevent raw and flavor vapors passing through portions of the e-vaping device 10 from exiting the e-vaping device through the sleeve except for the outlet-end insert 19.

The flavoring assembly 14 and vaporizer assembly 22 can be individually replaced in the respective compartments 510, 520 with additional respective flavoring assemblies 14 and vaporizer assemblies 22. Thus, different flavoring assemblies 14 can be swapped out of the flavoring assembly compartment 510 as needed, the different flavoring assemblies 14 including different flavoring agents and thus being configured to form different flavoring vapors.

An adult e-cigarette smoker can replace the flavoring assembly 14 in response to the flavoring agent in the flavoring assembly 14 being depleted, in response to the adult e-cigarette smoker wanting to exchange the flavoring vapor provided by the flavoring assembly 14 for another flavoring vapor provided by another vapor assembly 14, in response to some combination thereof, and so forth. Moreover, because the flavor assembly 14 can separately swap out the e-vaping device 10 from the vaporizer assembly 22, the vaporizer assembly 22 can remain in use in the e-vaping device 10 as long as the vaporizer assembly 22 includes sufficient pre-vapor formulation to form a vapor.

While a number of example embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations are possible. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the scope of the disclosure, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (19)

1. A cartridge for an e-vaping device, the cartridge comprising:

a vaporizer assembly configured to form an original flavor vapor; and

a flavor assembly removably coupled to the vaporizer assembly such that the flavor assembly is in flow communication with the vaporizer assembly, the flavor assembly surrounding a porous structure that houses at least one flavor agent, the flavor assembly configured to form a flavor vapor based on elution of the at least one flavor agent into the raw flavor vapor, the elution being based on the raw flavor vapor passing through the porous structure, wherein the flavor assembly includes a reservoir configured to house the at least one flavor agent, the reservoir comprising a tube having a hollow core extending longitudinally through the reservoir, wherein the porous structure includes a wicking material configured to draw the at least one flavor agent from the reservoir, and wherein the porous structure extends laterally along an end of the reservoir, such that the porous structure extends over one end of the hollow core.

2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the porous structure comprises a three-dimensional material network.

3. The cartridge of claim 2, wherein the three-dimensional material network is inert with respect to the primary flavor vapor.

4. The cartridge of claim 2 or 3, wherein the three-dimensional material network is at least partially impregnated with the at least one flavoring agent.

5. The cartridge of claim 2 or 3, wherein the three-dimensional material network comprises at least one botanical substance comprising the at least one flavoring agent.

6. A flavouring assembly comprising:

a porous structure configured to be removably coupled to a vaporizer assembly, the porous structure configured to form a flavored vapor based on elution of a flavoring agent into an original flavor vapor passing from the vaporizer assembly through the porous structure, the porous structure comprising,

a three-dimensional material network that is inert with respect to the primary flavor vapor; and

at least one flavoring agent in flow communication with an environment external to the flavoring assembly through the three-dimensional material network;

a reservoir configured to contain the at least one flavoring agent and comprising a tube having a hollow core extending longitudinally through the reservoir,

wherein the porous structure comprises a wicking material configured to draw the at least one flavoring agent from the reservoir, and wherein the porous structure extends laterally along an end of the reservoir such that the porous structure extends over one end of the hollow core.

7. The seasoning assembly of claim 6, wherein the three-dimensional material network is at least partially impregnated with the at least one seasoning agent.

8. The flavouring assembly of claim 6 or 7, wherein said three-dimensional material network comprises at least one plant substance comprising said at least one flavouring agent.

9. The flavoring assembly of claim 6 or 7, configured to be removably inserted into a flavoring assembly compartment of an e-vaping device such that the flavoring assembly is in flow communication with a vaporizer assembly of the e-vaping device, and

the porous structure is configured to direct an original flavor vapor formed by the vaporizer assembly through the three-dimensional material network such that the at least one flavoring agent elutes from the three-dimensional material network into the original flavor vapor to form a flavored vapor.

10. A flavoring assembly module for an electronic vaping device, the flavoring assembly module comprising:

an interface configured to removably couple with a vaporizer assembly;

a flavor assembly compartment containing a flavor assembly, the flavor assembly surrounding a porous structure, the porous structure containing at least one flavoring agent; and

a sleeve extending between the mouthpiece and the flavor assembly compartment, the sleeve configured to direct an original flavor vapor from the vaporizer assembly to the flavor assembly compartment;

the flavoring assembly compartment configured to direct the primary flavor vapor received from the sleeve through the flavoring assembly such that the primary flavor vapor elutes the at least one flavoring agent from the flavoring assembly to form a flavoring vapor,

wherein the flavouring assembly comprises a reservoir configured to contain the at least one flavouring agent, the reservoir comprising a tube having a hollow core extending longitudinally through the reservoir, wherein the porous structure comprises a wicking material configured to draw the at least one flavouring agent from the reservoir, and wherein the porous structure extends laterally along an end of the reservoir such that the porous structure extends over one end of the hollow core.

11. The seasoning assembly module of claim 10, wherein the seasoning assembly compartment is configured to removably receive the seasoning assembly.

12. An electronic vaping device, comprising:

a vaporizer assembly compartment housing a vaporizer assembly configured to form a primary flavor vapor;

a flavor assembly compartment housing a flavor assembly in flow communication with the vaporizer assembly, the flavor assembly surrounding a porous structure, the porous structure housing at least one flavoring agent;

wherein the flavor assembly compartment is configured to direct the plain vapor through the flavor assembly such that the plain vapor elutes the at least one flavoring agent from the porous structure to form a flavor vapor; and is provided with

A power section configured to selectively supply power to the vaporizer assembly,

wherein the flavoring assembly further includes a reservoir configured to contain the at least one flavoring agent, the reservoir comprising a tube having a hollow core extending longitudinally through the reservoir, wherein the porous structure includes a wicking material configured to draw the at least one flavoring agent from the reservoir, and wherein the porous structure extends laterally along an end of the reservoir such that the porous structure extends over one end of the hollow core.

13. The e-vaping device of claim 12, wherein the porous structure includes a three-dimensional material network.

14. The e-vaping device of claim 13, wherein the three-dimensional material network is inert with respect to the raw vapor.

15. The e-vaping device of claim 13 or 14, wherein the three-dimensional material network is at least partially impregnated with the at least one flavorant.

16. The e-vaping device of claim 13 or 14, wherein the three-dimensional material network comprises at least one botanical substance comprising the at least one flavoring agent.

17. The e-vaping device of any of claims 12-14, further comprising:

a partition located between the flavor assembly compartment and the vaporizer assembly compartment, the partition including a sleeve extending through the partition and in flow communication with both the flavor assembly compartment and the vaporizer assembly compartment.

18. The e-vaping device of any of claims 12-14, wherein the e-vaping device is in a liquid state

The flavoring assembly compartment is configured to removably receive the flavoring assembly.

19. The e-vaping device of any of claims 12-14, wherein the e-vaping device is in a liquid state

The vaporizer assembly compartment is configured to removably receive the vaporizer assembly.

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