EP3692815A1

EP3692815A1 - Flavour delivery article for a smoking substitute apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP3692815A1
Application number: EP19155909.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Samantha MURRAY; Chris Lord; Ian Stuart; Stephen Jones
Original assignee: Nerudia Ltd
Current assignee: Nerudia Ltd
Priority date: 2019-02-07
Filing date: 2019-02-07
Publication date: 2020-08-12

Abstract

A flavour delivery article (340) for use with a smoking substitute apparatus, comprising:
a flavourant (344);
a shell (342) encapsulating the flavourant;
wherein the shell is configured to disintegrate upon contacting an aerosol generated from the smoking substitution apparatus, and thereby releases the flavourant encapsulated therein.

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a flavour delivery article for use with a smoking substitute apparatus and, in particular, a flavour delivery article that is able to deliver flavour to a user during the use of the smoking substitute apparatus.

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 byproducts. 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 prefilled 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.
An alternative to the "vaping" approach is the so-called Heated Tobacco ("HT") approach in which tobacco (rather than an e-liquid) is heated or warmed to release vapour. HT is also known as "heat not burn" ("HNB"). The tobacco may be leaf tobacco or reconstituted tobacco. In the HT approach the intention is that the tobacco is heated but not burned, i.e. the tobacco does not undergo combustion.
The heating, as opposed to burning, of the tobacco material is believed to cause fewer, or smaller quantities, of the more harmful compounds ordinarily produced during smoking. Consequently, the HT approach may reduce the odour and/or health risks that can arise through the burning, combustion and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco.
A typical HT smoking substitute system may include a device and a consumable. The consumable may include the tobacco material. The device and consumable may be configured to be physically coupled together. In use, heat may be imparted to the tobacco material by a heating element of the device, wherein airflow through the tobacco material causes components in the tobacco material to be released as vapour. A vapour may also be formed from a carrier in the tobacco material (this carrier may for example include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine) and additionally volatile compounds released from the tobacco. The released vapour may be entrained in the airflow drawn through the tobacco.
As the vapour passes through the consumable (entrained in the airflow) from the location of vaporisation to an outlet of the consumable (e.g. a mouthpiece), the vapour cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user. The aerosol may contain nicotine and/or flavour compounds.
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, e-liquid is often sold as a flavoured product, e.g. a specific blend of flavour compounds are already homogeneously mixed with the e-liquid during the manufacturing process. As such, the user would have to purchase flavoured consumables that are available on the market, with limited opportunities to personalise the vaping experience according to their preferences. In addition, the flavour compounds that are contained in the e-liquid that is heated to form a flavoured aerosol. 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.
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 a flavour delivery article that releases a flavourant in the presence of an aerosol generated from a smoking substitution apparatus. This may allow the flavourant to be released when the user puffs on the smoking substitute apparatus. Therefore, this may allow a user to personalise and/or improve the vaping experience, without needing to add a flavourant to an aerosol former.
According to a first aspect there is provided a flavour delivery article for use with a smoking substitute apparatus, comprising:

a flavourant;
a shell encapsulating the flavourant;
wherein the shell is configured to disintegrate upon contacting an aerosol generated from the smoking substitution apparatus, and thereby releases the flavourant encapsulated therein.

The aerosol may be generated by heating an aerosol former, e.g. an e-liquid, at the smoking substitution apparatus. The e-liquid may, for example, comprise a base liquid and nicotine. The nicotine may comprise free base 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 flavourant and may consist solely of a base liquid of propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine and nicotine. Therefore the aerosol may be flavourless.
The flavour delivery article may be an orally applied capsule applicable to a user's oral cavity, and wherein the flavour delivery article may be configured to release flavourant to the user's oral cavity when the user inhales the aerosol. For example, the orally applied capsule may be inserted and retained in the user's oral cavity when the user puffs on the smoking substitute apparatus.
The flavourant may be in the form of a solid, a gel or a liquid. It 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 modify a flavour of saliva and/or aerosol upon contacting or mixing with the saliva and/or aerosol in the user's oral cavity.
In use the flavour delivery article, or the orally applied capsule, may be received in a user's oral cavity and may activate upon contacting the aerosol generated by the smoking substitute apparatus. In other words, the shell may remain intact in the absence of the aerosol. That is, the shell may form a barrier for inhibiting, or at least reducing, contact between the flavourant and saliva in the user's oral cavity. For example, the shell may remain intact, e.g., it may not disintegrate or soften, or at least it does not immediately disintegrate, once the flavour delivery article is received in a user's oral cavity and in contact with saliva. In other words, the shell may shield the flavourant from moisture. Such arrangement may prolong the longevity of flavour delivery article because the shell is not susceptible to moisture during storage. Advantageously, the shell may allow controlled release of the flavourant by only releasing the flavourant once the flavour deliver article interacts with the aerosol in the user's oral cavity. For example, it may reduce the likelihood of flavourant consumption by an unauthorised person or minors. That is, the flavourant may only be released when the user puffs on the smoking substitute apparatus to draw out an aerosol.
The shell may be a hydrogel coated onto a surface of the flavourant, or it may be a shell with substantial mechanical strength containing a body of flavourant. Either way, the shell may fully contains the flavourant and forms a capsule. The shell may comprise a flexible and/or elastic wall or it may comprise a rigid wall. The shell may be configured to disintegrate as it comes into contact with the aerosol. In other words, the shell may break down in the presence of the aerosol. Advantageously, such arrangement may ensure the flavourant is completely encapsulated in the shell.
Once the shell disintegrates in the user's oral cavity and exposing the flavourant to saliva, the flavourant may dissolve in the saliva. Therefore optionally, the flavourant comprises a water soluble flavourant. For example, the flavourant may have a strong hydrophilic properties. Advantageously, this may allow the flavourant to be released from the disintegrated shell more readily, thus allowing the flavourant to be promptly delivered to taste receptors at the user's tongue. The flavourant may alternatively be a liquid flavourant or a flavourant in the form of a solid-liquid suspension that leaks into the user's oral cavity upon shell disintegration.
Optionally, the shell comprises one or more of chitosan, hyaluronic acid, dextran, poly-acrylamide, polyacrylic acid, guar gum succinate, kappa-carrageenan, poly(vinyl alcohol). Optionally, the shell is formed from a hydrogel composite comprising chitosan. For example, the shell may comprise chitosan with a degree of deacetylation (DDT%) ranging from 75% to 99%. The shell may comprise chitosan with a degree of deacetylation (DDT%) of any one of 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% and 99%. Further, the shell may comprise chitosan at a concentration between 0.1%w/w and 20%w/w. The shell may comprise chitosan at a concentration of any one of 0.1%w/w, 0.5%w/w, 1%w/w, 2%w/w, 3%w/w, 4%w/w, 5%w/w, 6%w/w, 7%w/w, 8%w/w, 9%w/w, 10%w/w, 11%w/w, 12%w/w, 13%w/w, 14%w/w, 15%w/w, 16%w/w, 17%w/w, 18%w/w, 19%w/w and 20%w/w.
Optionally, the shell is configured to disintegrate in response to a change in pH value induced by the aerosol. For example, chitosan in a hydrogel composite may swell or shrink depending on the pH value of its surroundings, e.g. the pH of saliva and/or aerosol in the user's oral cavity. Therefore advantageously, exposing the shell to the aerosol may increase the alkalinity (e.g. increasing a pH value) of the shell and thereby it may cause the shell to disintegrate.
Optionally, the aerosol comprises a freebase nicotine for effecting the change in pH value. More specifically, an increase in pH value in the user's oral cavity may be caused by freebase nicotine contained in the aerosol. Advantageously, varying the pH with the use of the freebase nicotine may allow the change in pH to be precisely controlled. Advantageously, the freebase nicotine may be precisely dosed in the aerosol former, and therefore the nicotine content in each of the puff may be consistent.
Optionally, wherein the shell is configured to disintegrate at a pH value at or above 7.5, or to disintegrate at a pH value at or above 7.8. More specifically, below a pH value of 7.5 the shell may remain intact, e.g. it does not disintegrate instantaneously. Advantageously, this may allow the flavour delivery article to remain stable upon exposing to saliva in a user's oral cavity. This is because the pH value of saliva is usually at 7.4, and therefore insufficient to cause the shell to promptly disintegrate.
Optionally, the rate of shell disintegration increases with pH value. Optionally, the shell is configured to promptly disintegrate at a pH value at or above 7.8. For example, the aerosol containing freebase nicotine may have a pH value of 7.8, or above 7.8. Therefore, exposing the shell to an aerosol that contains freebase nicotine may cause the shell to rapidly disintegrate. Advantageously, this may allow the flavourant to be promptly released as the user puffs on the smoking substitute apparatus.
Optionally, the shell is configured to disintegrate in response to a change in temperature induced by the aerosol. For example, the shell may break up upon being cooled or heated by the aerosol. Optionally, the shell is configured to disintegrate at a temperature above 37°C, or to disintegrate at a temperature above 40°C. That is, the flavour delivery article may remain stable, e.g. not disintegrating instantaneously, in a user's oral cavity until it is heated by a stream of aerosol having a temperature exceeding 37°C. For example, the aerosol generated by a heated tobacco apparatus, e.g. a heat not burn apparatus, may be exhausted at a temperature above 40°C, and therefore sufficient to cause the shell to disintegrate rapidly. Advantageously, this may allow the flavour delivery article to remain stable at room temperature during storage. The shell may comprise any one or more of polaxamers, cellulose and xyloglucan.
Optionally, the flavourant comprises a solid flavourant. Optionally, the flavourant comprises a freeze dried flavourant, wherein said freeze dried flavourant is configured to activate upon exposing to moisture. More specifically, when exposed to the saliva in the user's oral cavity, the freeze dried flavourant may rehydrate and thereby it may form a reconstituted flavourant. Advantageously, this may allow the flavourant to activate only in the presence of moisture, e.g. saliva in the user's oral cavity.
Optionally, the flavourant comprises a liquid flavourant. More specially, the liquid flavourant may be configured to flow or leak out of the disintegrated shell. Advantageously, this may enable the flavourant to be delivered directly to the user's taste receptors without the need of rehydration.
Optionally, the flavourant comprises a gaseous flavourant. Optionally, said gaseous flavourant is configured to be absorbed into the saliva to form a reconstituted flavourant. Advantageously, the use of a gaseous flavourant may allow the flavourant to be delivered olfactorily, in additional to the taste receptors.
Optionally, the flavourant comprises a mixture of any of solid flavourant, liquid flavourant, and gaseous flavourant. For example, the flavourant may comprise a solid / liquid suspension. Optionally, the solid flavourant, liquid flavourant, and/or gaseous flavourant may each be released at a different rate. Advantageously, this may allow the profile of flavourant release to be tailored to a user's needs. For example, the flavourant may comprise a mixture of solid flavourant and a liquid flavourant carrying different flavours. For example, upon shell disintegration, the liquid flavourant may be promptly released, such that the user may immediately perceive a first flavour. Thereafter, the user may perceive a second flavour which is caused by a more gradual release of a solid flavourant. That is, such arrangement may allow different flavourant to be released sequentially.
The flavour delivery article may take any shape or form. For example, the flavour delivery article may be a capsule, or a microcapsule, having a spherical shell for encapsulating the flavourant. Alternatively, the flavour delivery article may have a planar form, for example a sheet or a composite sheet, and may form from a planar flavourant sandwiched in between two planar barrier elements. The flavour delivery article may be a cylindrical or polygonal rod. The flavour delivery article may take the form of a block.
Optionally, the shell is formed from one or more shell elements. For example, the flavour delivery article may be a capsule formed from a single shell element, which may be spherical or non-spherical, for encapsulating the flavourant. Optionally, the shell is formed from bonding a plurality of shell elements, whereby the flavourant is encapsulated between the plurality of shell elements. For example, the flavour delivery article may be a tablet, in the form of a cuboid, and may be formed from a cuboid flavourant sandwiched in between two shell elements. The two shell elements may be sealed by a peripheral seam. The flavour delivery article may alternatively be a cylindrical or polygonal rod.
Optionally, the shell is formed from multiple layers of shell elements. For example, the flavour delivery article may comprise multiple layers of shell elements each configured to disintegrate under the same or different conditions. For example, the flavourant may be encapsulate in an inner layer of shell element which disintegrates at a pH value of or above 7.8 and an outer layer of shell element which disintegrates at temperature at or above 40°C. Thus, when the user inhale an aerosol satisfying the above requirements, e.g. having a pH exceeding 7.8 and a temperature of above 40°C, said outer layer and inner layer may disintegrate sequentially, and thereby releasing the flavour encapsulated therein. Advantageously, such multilayer shell arrangement may provide an additional degree of security, whereby the flavourant may only be released if a particular type of aerosol is presented.
Optionally, the flavour delivery article may be delivered to a user's oral cavity using a dispenser.
According to a second aspect there is provided smoking substitute kit, comprising a flavour delivery article and a smoking substitute apparatus, wherein the smoking substitute apparatus is configured to generate an aerosol for contacting the shell of the flavour delivery article and thereby causes the shell to disintegrate and releases the flavourant encapsulated therein.
According to a third aspect there is provided a dispenser for dispensing the flavour delivery article, wherein the dispenser is configured to dispense the flavour delivery article to a user's oral cavity.
Optionally, the dispenser is configured to dispense a predetermined quantity of flavour delivery article.
According to a fourth aspect there is provided a method of delivering flavour to a user of a smoking substitute apparatus, the method comprising:

applying a flavour delivery article to a user's oral cavity;
inhaling, by the user, an aerosol generated by a smoking substitute apparatus;
wherein the flavour delivery article is configured to release flavourant upon contacting the aerosol generated by the smoking substitute apparatus.

According to a fifth aspect there is provided a method of producing a flavour delivery article for a smoking substitute apparatus, comprising the steps of:

i) preparing a flavourant; and
ii) encapsulating the flavourant in a shell.

For example, the method may comprise producing the flavourant and subsequently drying the flavourant to produce a solid flavourant, e.g. a flavour cake. The drying process may comprise a freeze drying process. Advantageously, the use of freeze drying process may reduce or minimise a high temperature the flavourant may otherwise expose to in other drying processes. The freeze drying process may take place in moulds in order to form solid flavourant of a desired shape, or it can be carried out to produce a free flowing powder flavourant.
The method may further comprise forming a shell by mixing chitosan, along with other excipients, such as xanthan gum, water, and optionally propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine. The mixture may be dried to produce a shell in the form of a gel, or a hydrogel.
The method may further comprise encapsulating the flavourant in a shell using a mould. For example, the method may comprise i) layering the gel in a mould; ii) inserting the flavourant; and (iii) rolling the gel to form a sphere or a capsule.
The method may further comprise sandwiching the flavourant between layers of shell in a mould, and thereby encapsulates the flavourant in the shell. Advantageously, this may allow the flavour delivery article to be formed as a block.
The method may further comprise injecting a flavourant in the form of a liquid, a gel, or a paste into the shell of the flavour delivery article, and thereby encapsulates the flavourant.
The smoking substitute apparatus 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 former (e.g. e-liquid) may be replenished by replacing a used consumable with an unused consumable.
Alternatively, the smoking substitute apparatus may be a non-consumable apparatus (e.g. that is in the form of an open smoking substitute system). In such embodiments an aerosol former (e.g. e-liquid) of the system may be replenished by re-filling e.g. a reservoir of the smoking substitute apparatus with the aerosol former (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 reservoir configured to store an aerosol former, 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 flavourant and may consist solely of a base liquid of propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine and nicotine.
The 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 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 reservoir. For example, opposing ends of the wick may protrude into the 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 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:

Figure 1A is a front view of a smoking substitute system, according to a first embodiment, in an engaged position;
Figure 1B is a front view of smoking substitute system of the first embodiment in a disengaged position;
Figure 1C is a section view of a smoking substitute apparatus of the first embodiment;
Figure 2A is a front view of a second embodiment of a smoking substitute system with a consumable of the system engaged with a device of the system;
Figure 2B is a front view of the second embodiment of the smoking substitute system with the consumable of the system disengaged from the device;
Figure 2C is a schematic of the consumable of the second embodiment of the substitute smoking system; and
Figure 3A is a sectional view of a flavour delivery article, in the form of a capsule, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3B is a sectional view of a flavour delivery article, in the form of a composite sheet, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3C is a sectional view of a flavour delivery article, in the form of an oral tablet, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

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.
Figures 1A and 1B illustrate a smoking substitute system in the form of an e-cigarette system 101. The system 101 comprises an e-cigarette device defining a main body 102 of the system 101, and an smoking substitute apparatus in the form of an e-cigarette consumable (or "pod") 103. The smoking substitute apparatus is a smoking substitute apparatus. In the illustrated embodiment the consumable 103 (smoking substitute apparatus) 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 Figures 1A and 1B, the consumable 103 is configured to engage the main body 102. Figure 1A shows the main body 102 and the consumable 103 in an engaged state, whilst Figure 1B 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, 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.
As is more apparent from Figure 1C, this e-liquid 104 is stored within a 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 former) 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 passage 106 that extends between an inlet 107 and an outlet 108 at opposing ends of the consumable 103. In this respect, the passage 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. 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, and so as to form an airflow (indicated by arrows) in a direction from the inlet 107 to the outlet 108 of the passage 106. Although not illustrated, the passage 106 may be partially defined by a tube (e.g. a metal tube) extending through the consumable 103. The passage 106 is in fluid communication with a gap defined between the consumable 103 and the main body 102 (when engaged) such that air outside of the system 101 is drawn into the passage 106 (during an inhale).
The smoking substitute system 101 is configured to vaporise the e-liquid 104 for inhalation by a user. To provide this, the consumable 103 comprises a heater having of 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 porous wick 110 extends across the passage 106 (i.e. transverse to a longitudinal axis of the passage106) and opposing ends of the wick 110 extend into the tank 105 (so as to be submerged in the e-liquid 104). 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 (i.e. caused by a user inhaling).
The helical filament 111 is wound about this 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 contact 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 (in the engaged position) the filament 111 is electrically connected to the power source. 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 and, between the vaporisation point at the filament 111 and the outlet 108 of the passage 106, condenses to form an aerosol. 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.
Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a smoking substitute system the form of a heated tobacco (HT) system 201. The system 201 comprises an HT device 202 and an aerosol-forming article in the form of a HT consumable 203.
The consumable 203 is configured to engage the device 202 by way of an interference fit. Figure 2A shows the device 202 and the consumable 203 in an engaged state, and Figure 2B shows the device 202 and the consumable 203 in a disengaged state.
Returning now to the device 201, Figure 2C illustrates a detailed view of the end of the device 201 that is configured to engage with the consumable 203. The cap of the device 202 includes an opening to an internal cavity defined by the cap. The opening and the cavity are formed so as to receive at least a portion of the consumable 203. During engagement of the consumable 203 with the device 202, a portion of the consumable 203 is received through the opening and into the cavity. After engagement, the downstream end of the consumable 203 protrudes from the opening and thus also protrudes from the device 202. The opening includes laterally disposed notches. When a consumable 203 is received in the opening, these notches remain open and could, for example, be used for retaining a cover in order to cover the end of the device 202.
The consumable 203 generally resembles a cigarette. In this respect, the consumable 203 has a generally cylindrical form with a diameter of approximately 7 mm and an axial length of approximately 70 mm. The consumable 203 comprises an outer wrapping layer 213 defining a passage 206 extending between openings at opposing ends of the consumable 203. Thus, the passage comprises an upstream end (and opening) 207 at the end of the consumable 203 that engages with the device 202, and a downstream end (and opening) 208 at an opposing end of the consumable 203 that projects from the device 202 (when engaged) and defines a mouth end 209 of the system 201. When the consumable 203 is engaged with the device 202, a user can inhale (i.e. take a puff) via the mouth end 209 so as to draw air through the passage 206, and so as to form an airstream in a direction from the upstream end 207 to the downstream end 208 of the passage 206.
The consumable 203 comprises an aerosol former in the form of an aerosol-forming substrate 204 (see Figure 2C) that is disposed at the upstream end 207 of the passage 206. The consumable 203 further comprises an upstream filter 214 adjacent the aerosol-forming substrate 204, a terminal filter 215 at the downstream end 208, and a spacer 216 interposed between the terminal 215 and upstream 214 filters.
The aerosol forming substrate 204 comprises tobacco material that may, for example, include any suitable parts of the tobacco plant (e.g. leaves, stems, roots, bark, seeds and flowers). In order to generate an aerosol, the aerosol forming substrate 204 comprises at least one volatile compound that is intended to be vaporised/aerosolised and that may provide the user with a recreational and/or medicinal effect when inhaled. The aerosol-forming substrate 204 may further comprise one or more additives. For example, such additives may be in the form of humectants (e.g. propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine), flavourants, fillers, aqueous/non-aqueous solvents and/or binders.
The device comprises a heating element 211 that projects into the aerosol-forming substrate 204 when the consumable 203 is engaged with the device 202. This heating element 211 is electrically connected to a power supply (not shown) of the device 202 and, when activated, heats the aerosol-forming substrate 204 such that vapour is released from the aerosol-forming substrate 204. When a user inhales via the mouth end 209, air is drawn through the heated aerosol-forming substrate 204 and the vapour becomes entrained in the resultant airflow. As the vapour flows from the aerosol-forming substrate 204 to the downstream end 208 of the passage 206 (through the filters 214, 215 and the spacer 216), it condenses into an aerosol and the aerosol is inhaled by the user.
As is apparent from Figure 2C, when engaged, the consumable 203 is received in a cavity 217 formed in a housing 218 of the device 202. Whilst not shown in the figures, the housing 218 accommodates (in addition to the abovementioned power supply) a controller for controlling power supply to the heating element 211. Control of the heating element 211 may be performed in response to a user input (e.g. via a button 219 disposed on the housing 218) and/or a signal received from a puff sensor (configured to indicate a puff state).
Figure 3A is a cross sectional view of a flavour delivery article according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flavour delivery article as shown in Figure 3A is a capsule, or a microcapsule 340. The capsule 340 comprises a barrier or shell 342 for encapsulating a flavourant 344. In the illustrated embodiment, the flavourant 344 is a freeze dried flavourant. The freeze dried flavourant 344 having hydrophilic properties and therefore it readily forms a reconstituted flavourant 344 upon contacting water, e.g. saliva in a user's oral cavity. The flavourant 344 is shielded from the environment by the shell 342. More specifically, the shell 342 forms an impermeable barrier to stop moisture ingress, as well as the release of flavourant. That is, the shell 342 is insoluble in water or saliva. Thus, the shell 340 remains stable once it is received in the user's oral cavity.
The capsule 340 is spherical and may have a particle size ranged from 1mm to 20mm. In this example, a single capsule 340 with a 5mm diameter is sufficient to provide the required flavourant release over a vaping session. In some other embodiments, a plurality of microcapsules 340, having a particle size of or less than 1 mm, may be required to provide the same flavourant release. For example, the plurality of microcapsules 340 may resemble a free flowing powder, and the user may control the flavour release by varying the number of microcapsules to apply to his/her oral cavity.
In some embodiment, a single application of the capsule 340 to a user's oral cavity is sufficient to provide flavourant release over a vaping session. In some other embodiments, a plurality of applications of capsule 340 to a user's oral cavity may be required throughout a vaping session. For example, the user may require a plurality of doses of capsule 340 through the vaping session.
In the illustrated embodiment, the shell 342 is formed of a hydrogel composite comprising chitosan. The chitosan contained in the hydrogel composite causes the shell to disintegrate, leak or break down, when it is exposed to an alkaline environment. For example, the shell containing chitosan may gradually disintegrate when the pH value of the oral cavity exceeds 7.5. Furthermore, said chitosan component may cause the shell 342 to disintegrate more rapidly upon exposing to highly alkaline environment. For example, when puffing on the smoking substitute apparatus, the aerosol containing free base nicotine increases the alkalinity of the oral cavity to a level at or above pH 7.8. At such alkaline environment, the chitosan in the shell 342 disintegrates or breaks down rapidly, and thereby exposing the flavourant to the saliva in the oral cavity.
The chitosan contained in the hydrogel may be provided with a degree of deacetylation (DDT%) ranging from 75% to 99%. In this example, the hydrogel comprises chitosan with a degree of deacetylation (DDT%) of 85%.
Furthermore, the hydrogel may comprise chitosan at a concentration between 0.1%w/w and 20%w/w. In this example, the hydrogel comprises chitosan at a concentration of 10%w/w.
For example, when the shell 342 is breached as it contacts the aerosol, the saliva may ingress or leach into the shell 342, and thereby dissolves the freeze dried flavourant 344 stored therein. The dissolved flavourant 344 may then be released from the capsule 340 and to the user's taste receptor in the oral cavity.
Therefore, the presence of an aerosol enables the rapid release of flavourant 344 from the capsule 340. On the other hand, in the absence of an aerosol the capsule 340 may remain stable, or at least does not rapidly disintegrate, when it is received in the user's oral cavity.
The capsule 340 in this example is produced by first preparing the flavourant before freeze drying the flavourant in a mould. This produces a solid spherical flavourant 344 block.
The shell 342, on the other hand, may be produced by mixing chitosan, along with other excipients, such as xanthan gum, water, and optionally propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine. The mixture is dried to produce a shell in the form of a gel, or a hydrogel.
Subsequently, the spherical flavourant 344 is inserted into the shell or gel 342 in a mould, and thereby encapsulates the flavourant in the shell. For example, the method includes i) layering the gel 342 in a mould; ii) inserting the spherical flavourant 344; and (iii) rolling the gel 342 to form a capsule 340.
Figure 3B is a cross sectional view of a flavour delivery article according to another embodiment of the present invention. The flavour delivery article as shown in Figure 3B is a composite sheet 350. Similar to the capsule 340 as shown in Figure 3A, the composite sheet 350 comprises a shell 352 for encapsulating a planar shaped flavourant 354. In the illustrated embodiment, the flavourant 354 is a freeze dried flavourant. The freeze dried flavourant 354 having hydrophilic properties and therefore it readily forms a reconstituted flavourant 354 upon contacting water, e.g. saliva in a user's oral cavity. The flavourant 354 is shielded from the environment by the shell 352. More specifically, the barrier 352 forms an impermeable barrier to stop moisture ingress, as well as the release of flavourant. That is, the barrier 352 is insoluble in water or saliva. The use of composite sheet 350 is beneficial because of its large surface area. For example, a single composite sheet 350 covers a significant portion of a user's tongue and therefore allows flavourant to uniformly released across the many taste receptors thereat.
The composite sheet 350 may be formed in a similar manner to the capsule 340. In this case, the flavourant is freeze-dried in a planar mould, which forms a planar shaped flavourant 354. The flavourant 354 is then sandwiched in between two layers of barrier gel 352 to form the composite sheet 350.
Figure 3C is a section view of a flavour delivery article according to another embodiment of the present invention. The flavour delivery article is in the form of an orally applied tab, or an oral tab 360. Similar to the composite sheet as shown in Figure 3B, the oral tab is formed by placing a solid flavourant block 364 in between two shell elements 362a, 362b, so as to from a shell 362 to encapsulate the flavourant block 364. The tab 360 comprises a peripheral seal 366 for bonding the two shell elements 362a, 362b together to improve the structural integrity of the oral tab 360. The peripheral seal 360 may be formed by applying an adhesive or heat to the peripheral interface between the two seal elements 362a, 362b.
The oral tab 360 may alternatively contain a liquid flavourant or a flavourant in the form of a gel. For example, the peripheral seal 366 may be watertight and thereby prevents the liquid flavourant or gel from leaking out of the oral tab 360 prior to contacting the aerosol.
Using the capsule 340 as an example, the flavour delivery article can be applied directly to a user's oral cavity. For example, the user may manually place one or more of the capsules 340 into his/her oral cavity manually, or the user may use a suitable dispenser (not shown) for dispensing a predetermined number or volume of capsules. The use of dispenser allows a precise quantity of capsules 340 to be dispensed, thereby allowing a repeatable vaping experience. The dispenser may be an adjustable dispenser which allows the user to vary the quantity of capsules to dispense.
Alternatively, the shell 342, 352, 362 in any one of the flavour delivery article 340, 350, 360 shown in Figures 3a to 3c is configured to disintegrate in response to a change in temperature induced by the aerosol. For example, the shell 342, 352, 362 may disintegrate at a temperature above 40°C. That is, the flavour delivery article 340, 350, 360 may remain stable, e.g. not disintegrating instantaneously, in a user's oral cavity until it is heated by a stream of aerosol having a temperature exceeding 40°C. For example, the aerosol generated by a heated tobacco apparatus, e.g. a heat not burn apparatus, may be exhausted at a temperature above 40°C, and therefore sufficient to cause the shell 342, 352, 362 to disintegrate rapidly. The barrier 342, 352, 742 in these cases may comprise any one or more of polaxamers, cellulose and xyloglucan.
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

A flavour delivery article for use with a smoking substitute apparatus, comprising:
a flavourant;

a shell encapsulating the flavourant;

wherein the shell is configured to disintegrate upon contacting an aerosol generated from the smoking substitution apparatus, and thereby releases the flavourant encapsulated therein.
The flavour delivery article of any one of the claims 1, wherein the shell comprises one or more of chitosan, hyaluronic acid, dextran, poly-acrylamide, polyacrylic acid, guar gum succinate, kappa-carrageenan, poly(vinyl alcohol).
The flavour delivery article of any one of the claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the shell is configured to disintegrate in response to a change in pH value induced by the aerosol.
The flavour delivery article of claim 3, wherein the aerosol comprises a freebase nicotine for effecting the change in pH value.
The flavour delivery article of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the shell is configured to disintegrate at a pH value at or above 7.5, or to disintegrate at a pH value at or above 7.8.
The flavour delivery article of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the shell is configured to disintegrate in response to a change in temperature induced by the aerosol.
The flavour delivery article of claim 6, wherein the shell is configured to disintegrate at a temperature above 37°C, or to disintegrate at a temperature above 40°C.
The flavour delivery article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flavour delivery article is an orally applied capsule applicable to a user's oral cavity, and wherein the flavour delivery article is configured to release flavourant to the user's oral cavity when the user inhales the aerosol from the smoking substitute apparatus.
The flavour delivery article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shell is formed from one or more shell elements.
The flavour delivery article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shell is formed from bonding a plurality of shell elements, whereby the flavourant is encapsulated between the plurality of shell elements.
The flavour delivery article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flavourant may be in the form of any one of a solid, a gel, a liquid or a gas.
A smoking substitute kit comprising a flavour delivery article of any one of the preceding claims and a smoking substitute apparatus, wherein the smoking substitute apparatus is configured to generate an aerosol for contacting the shell of the flavour delivery article and thereby causes the shell to disintegrate and releases the flavourant encapsulated therein.
A method of delivering flavour to a user of a smoking substitute apparatus, the method comprising:
applying a flavour delivery article of any one of the claims 1 to 11 to a user's oral cavity;

inhaling, by the user, an aerosol generated by a smoking substitute apparatus;

wherein the flavour delivery article is configured to release flavourant upon contacting the aerosol generated by the smoking substitute apparatus.
A method of producing a flavour delivery article for a smoking substitute apparatus, comprising the steps of:
i) preparing a flavourant; and

ii) encapsulating the flavourant in a shell.