EP3692824A1 - Appareil de substitution au tabac - Google Patents

Appareil de substitution au tabac Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3692824A1
EP3692824A1 EP19155945.9A EP19155945A EP3692824A1 EP 3692824 A1 EP3692824 A1 EP 3692824A1 EP 19155945 A EP19155945 A EP 19155945A EP 3692824 A1 EP3692824 A1 EP 3692824A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
mouthpiece
flavourant
liquid
smoking substitute
channels
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP19155945.9A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
designation of the inventor has not yet been filed The
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nerudia Ltd
Original Assignee
Nerudia Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nerudia Ltd filed Critical Nerudia Ltd
Priority to EP19155945.9A priority Critical patent/EP3692824A1/fr
Priority to PCT/EP2020/053194 priority patent/WO2020161330A1/fr
Publication of EP3692824A1 publication Critical patent/EP3692824A1/fr
Priority to US17/395,276 priority patent/US20220022537A1/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/30—Devices using two or more structurally separated inhalable precursors, e.g. using two liquid precursors in two cartridges
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
    • A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
    • A24C5/60—Final treatment of cigarettes, e.g. marking, printing, branding, decorating
    • A24C5/608—Treating cigarettes with a liquid or viscous solution
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F7/00—Mouthpieces for pipes; Mouthpieces for cigar or cigarette holders
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F42/00—Simulated smoking devices other than electrically operated; Component parts thereof; Manufacture or testing thereof
    • A24F42/20—Devices without heating means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a mouthpiece for a smoking substitute apparatus, and to a flavourant dispenser for applying flavourant to the mouthpiece.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • vaping 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.
  • 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.
  • a power source typically a battery
  • a tank for containing e-liquid as well as a heating device.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 mybluTM e-cigarette.
  • the mybluTM 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.
  • HT Heated Tobacco
  • HNB heat not burn
  • the tobacco may be leaf tobacco or reconstituted tobacco.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the vapour passes through the consumable (entrained in the airflow) from the location of vapourisation 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.
  • a smoking substitute device it is desirable to deliver nicotine into the user's lungs, where it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
  • 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.
  • flavour compounds are contained in the e-liquid that is heated.
  • 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.
  • providing a flavourant as part of the e-liquid such that the flavourant is vaporised with the e-liquid, may be disadvantageous.
  • the present invention relates to a mouthpiece for a smoking substitute apparatus that is arranged to receive a liquid flavourant applied thereto, and to distribute the flavourant over an area of the mouthpiece.
  • flavourant located on the mouthpiece may produce a flavour for the user.
  • flavour may be delivered to the user via flavourant on the mouthpiece, rather than through a flavourant contained in an aerosol-former (e.g. e-liquid or tobacco material) of the of the smoking substitute apparatus.
  • an aerosol-former e.g. e-liquid or tobacco material
  • a flavourant may be applied to the mouthpiece when the user wishes to experience flavour.
  • the user may also apply an amount of flavourant to the mouthpiece according to their taste, e.g. depending on whether they want to experience a strong flavour or not.
  • Flavourants having different flavours may be applied to the mouthpiece, so that the user may experience different flavours, without having to otherwise modify the smoking substitute apparatus. This may improve a versatility of the smoking substitute apparatus.
  • a mouthpiece for a smoking substitute apparatus comprising: an outlet for conveying an aerosol generated by the smoking substitute apparatus to a user; and a textured outer surface configured to receive a liquid flavourant and distribute the liquid flavourant over the textured outer surface through capillary action of the liquid flavourant on the textured outer surface.
  • liquid flavourant may be retained on the surface of the mouthpiece.
  • the textured outer surface may further serve to distribute the liquid flavourant over an area of the mouthpiece via capillary action of the liquid flavourant on the textured outer surface, e.g. the liquid flavourant may be wicked across the textured outer surface.
  • liquid flavourant may be present over an area corresponding to the textured outer surface. This may serve to provide a large contact area between the flavourant on the mouthpiece and the user's tongue when the user puts the mouthpiece in their mouth. As a result, flavour delivery to the user may be enhanced.
  • the textured outer surface may also enable a larger amount of liquid flavourant to be carried by the mouthpiece than without any textured outer surface, which may enable flavourant to be delivered to the user for a longer period of time.
  • flavourant is used to describe a compound or combination of compounds that provide flavour and/or aroma.
  • the flavourant may be configured to interact with a sensory receptor of a user (such as an olfactory or taste receptor).
  • the flavourant may include one or more volatile substances.
  • the liquid flavourant may be a flavourant that is provided in liquid form.
  • the flavourant may be natural or synthetic.
  • the flavourant may include menthol, liquorice, chocolate, fruit flavour (including e.g. citrus, cherry etc.), vanilla, spice (e.g. ginger, cinnamon) and tobacco flavour.
  • the flavourant may be evenly dispersed or may be provided in isolated locations and/or varying concentrations.
  • the textured outer surface may include a plurality of channels arranged to conduct the liquid flavourant through capillary action of the liquid flavourant in the channels.
  • the channels may, for example, be in the form of grooves in the outer surface of the mouthpiece. Liquid flavourant may be retained in the channels due to a surface tension of the liquid flavourant in the channels.
  • the plurality of channels may extend over an area of the mouthpiece, so that liquid flavourant is distributed over that area, via wicking (capillary action) of the flavourant through the channels.
  • the channels may be referred to as capillary channels.
  • the textured outer surface may include a plurality of protrusions arranged to form the plurality of channels.
  • the channels may be formed between adjacent protrusions on the surface of the mouthpiece.
  • the plurality of protrusions may include a set of identically shaped protrusions that are arranged in a regular array on the surface of the mouthpiece. This may result in a set of channels which are all oriented in the same direction. This may serve to conduct the liquid flavourant in a preferential direction.
  • the protrusions may be arranged in a substantially random manner, which may result in random channel orientations.
  • the plurality of channels may include a first set of channels arranged in parallel along a first direction.
  • the first set of channels may conduct liquid flavourant along the first direction. This may serve to conduct liquid flavourant towards an area of the mouthpiece that is likely to come into contact with the user's tongue during use. This may also serve to provide an even distribution of the liquid flavourant over an area of the mouthpiece.
  • the first direction may be substantially perpendicular to a flow direction of aerosol through the outlet of the mouthpiece.
  • aerosol may flow through the outlet in a direction that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the smoking substitute apparatus.
  • the longitudinal axis of the smoking substitute apparatus may often be tilted downwards.
  • the first set of channels may be interconnected by a further channel, e.g. by a channel extending along the longitudinal axis.
  • the plurality of channels may include a second set of channels arranged in parallel along a second direction different from the first direction, the second set of channels intersecting the first set of channels.
  • liquid flavourant may be conducted along both the first and second directions, which may result in a more even distribution of the flavourant over the mouthpiece.
  • the first and second sets of channels may define a grid pattern on the surface of the mouthpiece.
  • the second set of channels may be in fluid communication with the first set of channels, so that liquid flavourant present in the first and/or second set of channels may be wicked into the other set of channels.
  • the textured outer surface may include a fluid receiving portion for receiving the liquid flavourant, the fluid receiving portion being fluidly connected to the plurality of channels.
  • liquid flavourant deposited in the fluid receiving portion of the mouthpiece may be wicked through the plurality of channels so that it is distributed over an area of the mouthpiece.
  • a user may only need to apply a liquid flavourant to a single area on the mouthpiece, i.e. to the fluid receiving portion.
  • the fluid receiving portion may be a reservoir (e.g. cavity or recess) defined in a surface of the mouthpiece, with one or more of the plurality of channels being arranged to conduct fluid (e.g. liquid flavourant) out of the reservoir.
  • the mouthpiece may include an absorbent material for absorbing liquid flavourant.
  • flavourant applied to the mouthpiece may be absorbed by the absorbent material on the mouthpiece. This may enable the mouthpiece to absorb a larger amount of flavourant, so that the mouthpiece may deliver flavourant to the user for a longer period of time.
  • the absorbent material may define the textured outer surface of the mouthpiece, e.g. an outer surface of the absorbent material may correspond to the textured outer surface.
  • the absorbent material may be a cloth material, or a sponge-like material.
  • the absorbent material may be a porous plastic. This may facilitate cleaning of the mouthpiece. This may also facilitate making of the mouthpiece, as the porous plastic may be formed into a mouthpiece using a moulding technique. As an example, porous plastics manufactured by Porex corporation may be used.
  • the mouthpiece may further include an engagement portion arranged to engage a dispensing portion on a flavourant dispenser.
  • the engagement portion may serve to align the flavourant dispenser over the textured surface of the mouthpiece, to facilitate dispensing of liquid flavourant onto the textured surface using the flavourant dispenser.
  • the engagement portion may include a protrusion on the mouthpiece which is arranged to engage the dispensing portion of the flavourant dispenser.
  • the engagement portion may include a recess or cavity in the surface of the mouthpiece, which is arranged to receive a protrusion on the dispensing portion of the flavourant dispenser.
  • the engagement portion may be in the form a key on the mouthpiece which is arranged to engage a corresponding interface in the dispensing portion of the flavourant dispenser.
  • the dispensing portion may be configured to dispense flavourant onto the mouthpiece. This may serve to prevent dispensing of the liquid flavourant by the flavourant dispenser when a mouthpiece having the appropriate key is not present.
  • the engagement portion of the mouthpiece may include a wall that is arranged to define part of a receptacle on the mouthpiece for receiving liquid flavourant from the flavourant dispenser.
  • the wall may serve to define part of the fluid receiving portion of the textured outer surface.
  • a smoking substitute apparatus including a mouthpiece according to the first aspect of the invention.
  • the mouthpiece may be removably mounted on the smoking substitute apparatus.
  • the mouthpiece may be integrally formed as part of the smoking substitute apparatus.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • the aerosol former e.g. e-liquid
  • the smoking substitute apparatus may be a non-consumable apparatus (e.g. that is in the form of an open smoking substitute system).
  • an aerosol former e.g. e-liquid
  • the smoking substitute apparatus 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).
  • 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).
  • the main body and the consumable may be configured to be physically coupled together.
  • 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.
  • the main body and the consumable may be physically coupled together by screwing one onto the other, or through a bayonet fitting.
  • the smoking substitute apparatus may comprise one or more engagement portions for engaging with a main body.
  • 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 flavourants 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the smoking substitute apparatus 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.
  • the electrical interface 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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®.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a flavourant dispenser for dispensing liquid flavourant onto an outer surface of a mouthpiece of a smoking substitute apparatus, the flavourant dispenser comprising: a reservoir for holding a liquid flavourant; and a dispensing portion arranged to engage the outer surface of the mouthpiece and to dispense a predetermined volume of liquid flavourant from the reservoir onto the outer surface of the mouthpiece when the dispensing portion engages the outer surface of the mouthpiece.
  • a user may engage the dispensing portion of the flavourant dispenser with the outer surface of the mouthpiece to dispense a predetermined volume of liquid flavourant thereon, so that flavourant may be delivered to the user when they use the mouthpiece. This may avoid the liquid flavourant being accidentally dispensed when the dispensing portion is not engaged with the mouthpiece.
  • Dispensing a predetermined volume of liquid flavourant may avoid an excessive amount of liquid flavourant being applied to the mouthpiece, which could result in liquid flavourant dripping off the mouthpiece.
  • the predetermined volume may be set to a volume of liquid flavourant that the mouthpiece is capable of holding.
  • the predetermined volume may correspond to an amount of liquid flavourant that the textured outer surface is capable of holding.
  • the reservoir may be any suitable container for receiving and holding liquid flavourant.
  • the reservoir may be in fluid communication with the dispensing portion, so that liquid flavourant from the reservoir may be dispensed by the dispensing portion.
  • the dispensing portion may include an outlet through which liquid flavourant may be dispensed.
  • the dispensing portion may include a valve that is openable to dispense liquid flavourant from the reservoir; the dispensing portion may be arranged to engage an engagement portion of the outer surface of the mouthpiece; and the valve may be opened by engagement between the dispensing portion and the engagement portion on the outer surface of the mouthpiece.
  • the engagement portion of the outer surface of the mouthpiece may engage the dispensing portion (e.g. a corresponding engagement portion of the dispensing portion), which causes the valve to open so that liquid flavourant may be dispensed onto the outer surface of the mouthpiece.
  • liquid flavourant may be automatically dispensed onto the outer surface of the mouthpiece when the dispensing portion is engaged with the mouthpiece. This may facilitate applying liquid flavourant to the mouthpiece.
  • the valve may be movable between an open and a closed position.
  • the valve may be disposed between the reservoir and the outlet of the dispensing portion.
  • the reservoir when the valve is in the open position, the reservoir may be in fluid communication with the outlet so that liquid flavourant from the reservoir may be dispensed; when the valve is in the closed position, the valve may block liquid flavourant from exiting the reservoir via the outlet of the dispensing portion.
  • the valve may be biased towards to closed position, to prevent liquid flavourant from leaking when the flavourant dispenser is not in use.
  • the valve may be biased using any suitable mechanism, e.g. via a spring or the like.
  • the dispensing portion may include an interface which is configured to receive the engagement portion of the mouthpiece in the form of a key. When the key is engaged in the interface of the dispensing portion, the dispensing portion may be configured to dispense flavourant onto the mouthpiece. This may serve to prevent dispensing of the liquid flavourant by the flavourant dispenser when a mouthpiece having the appropriate key is not present.
  • the dispensing portion may include a wall arranged to form part of a receptacle for receiving liquid flavourant when the dispensing portion of the flavourant dispenser is engaged with the engagement portion of the mouthpiece.
  • the wall of the dispensing portion together with a wall of the engagement portion of the mouthpiece, may form a receptacle for receiving liquid flavourant dispensed by the flavourant dispenser.
  • the receptacle may have a volume corresponding to the predetermined volume of liquid flavourant dispensed by the dispensing portion.
  • the valve is opened so that liquid flavourant is dispensed from the dispensing portion into the receptacle on the mouthpiece formed by the wall of the dispensing portion and a wall of the engagement portion of the mouthpiece. Then, when the dispensing portion is removed from the mouthpiece, liquid flavourant that was dispensed into the receptacle may exit the receptacle to be distributed across the surface of the mouthpiece, e.g. via a textured outer surface of the mouthpiece.
  • a smoking substitute kit including a smoking substitute apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention, and a flavourant dispenser according to the third aspect of the invention.
  • the dispensing portion of the flavourant dispenser may be arranged to engage the outer surface of the mouthpiece of the smoking substitute apparatus and to dispense a predetermined volume of liquid flavourant from the reservoir onto the outer surface of the mouthpiece when the dispensing portion engages the outer surface of the mouthpiece.
  • the dispensing portion includes a valve
  • the outer surface of the mouthpiece includes an engagement portion
  • the dispensing portion may be arranged to engage an engagement portion of the outer surface of the mouthpiece; and the valve may be opened by engagement between the dispensing portion and the engagement portion on the outer surface of the mouthpiece.
  • the engagement portion of the mouthpiece may be in the form a key on the mouthpiece which is arranged to engage a corresponding interface in the dispensing portion of the flavourant dispenser.
  • the dispensing portion may be configured to dispense flavourant onto the mouthpiece. This may serve to prevent dispensing of the liquid flavourant by the flavourant dispenser when a mouthpiece having the appropriate key is not present.
  • the engagement portion of the mouthpiece may include a first wall that is arranged to define a first part of a receptacle on the mouthpiece for receiving liquid flavourant from the flavourant dispenser, and the dispensing portion may include a second wall arranged to form a second part of the receptacle.
  • the first and second walls may together form the receptacle in which liquid flavourant is dispensed by the dispensing portion.
  • a volume of the receptacle may correspond to the predetermined volume of liquid flavourant dispensed by the dispensing portion.
  • a method of delivering flavour to a user of a smoking substitute apparatus including: applying a liquid flavourant to an outer surface of a mouthpiece of the smoking substitute apparatus; using, by the user, the smoking substitute apparatus.
  • flavourant applied to the outer surface of the mouthpiece may be delivered to the user when they use the smoking substitute apparatus.
  • Using the smoking substitute apparatus may include inhaling, by the user, an aerosol generated by the smoking substitute apparatus.
  • the method of the fifth aspect of the invention may be used with any of the previous aspects of the invention.
  • Applying the liquid flavourant to the outer surface of the mouthpiece may include using a flavourant dispenser of the third aspect of the invention.
  • the dispensing portion of the flavourant dispenser may be engaged with the outer surface of the mouthpiece to dispense a predetermined volume of flavourant onto the outer surface of the mouthpiece.
  • applying the liquid flavourant may include engaging the dispensing portion with the engagement portion of the outer surface of the mouthpiece, to open the valve and dispense liquid flavourant onto the outer surface of the mouthpiece.
  • applying the liquid flavourant may include engaging the dispensing portion with the engagement portion of the outer surface of the mouthpiece to form, with the first wall and second wall, a receptacle for receiving liquid flavourant dispensed by the dispensing portion.
  • the method may further include mounting the mouthpiece on the smoking substitute apparatus (e.g. prior to applying the liquid flavourant).
  • the invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.
  • FIGS 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 consumable 103 is removable from the main body (e-cigarette device), so as to be a replaceable component of the system 101.
  • the e-cigarette system 101 is a closed system.
  • 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
  • Figure 1B shows the main body 102 and the consumable 103 in a disengaged state.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • this e-liquid 104 is stored within a reservoir in the form of a tank 105 that forms part of the consumable 103.
  • 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.
  • the e-liquid i.e. aerosol former
  • the tank may be refillable with e-liquid or the e-liquid may be stored in a non-consumable component of the system.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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).
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the mouthpiece 109 of the consumable 103 includes a textured outer surface 120 which is arranged to receive a liquid flavourant and distribute the liquid flavourant across the textured outer surface 120.
  • the textured outer surface 120 includes a plurality of criss-crossing channels. The channels are formed as fine grooves in the outer surface of the mouthpiece 109. Liquid flavourant applied to textured outer surface 120 may be retained in the channels due to surface tension of the liquid flavourant in the channels, and may be distributed across the textured outer surface 120 via capillary action of the liquid flavourant in the channels. In this manner, when a drop of liquid flavourant is applied to the textured outer surface 120, the liquid flavourant may be distributed over an area corresponding to the textured outer surface 120.
  • the textured outer surface 120 is disposed adjacent to the outlet 108 of the mouthpiece, so that it may come into contact with the user's tongue in use. In this manner, liquid flavourant held on the textured outer surface 120 may produce a flavour in the user's mouth.
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic side view of a smoking substitute apparatus, in the form of consumable 200 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the consumable 200 may be similar in configuration to the mouthpiece 103 described above, e.g. it may be configured for engagement with a main body to form a smoking substitute system.
  • the consumable 200 includes a mouthpiece 202 having an outlet 204 for conveying an aerosol generated by the smoking substitute system to a user. Adjacent to the outlet 204 is a textured outer surface 206 for receiving a liquid flavourant.
  • the textured outer surface 206 includes a plurality of channels formed as fine grooves in the outer surface of the mouthpiece 202.
  • the plurality of channels includes a first set of channels 208 which are arranged in parallel and oriented along a first direction that is substantially perpendicular to a flow direction of aerosol through the outlet 204 of the mouthpiece 202.
  • the direction of flow of aerosol through the outlet 204 is illustrated by arrow 210, and corresponds to a longitudinal direction of the consumable 200.
  • the first set of channels 208 are interconnected by a longitudinal channel 212 which extends in the longitudinal direction of the consumable 200, i.e. the first set of channels 208 are in fluid communication via the longitudinal channel 212.
  • the textured outer surface 206 further includes a fluid receiving portion 214 which is arranged at an intersection between the longitudinal channel 212 and a first one of the first set of channels 208.
  • the fluid receiving portion 214 may be a shallow cavity or recess formed in the outer surface of the mouthpiece 202.
  • the fluid receiving portion 214 is in fluid communication with the longitudinal channel 212 and the first one of the first set of channels 208.
  • the longitudinal channel 212 and the channels in the first set of channels 208 may be similar to the channels described above in relation to the textured outer surface 120. In particular, they are arranged to receive a liquid flavourant, and to wick liquid flavourant along their length through capillary action. Liquid flavourant deposited in the fluid receiving portion 214 may be wicked out of the fluid receiving portion 214 and into the plurality of channels.
  • the longitudinal channel 212 may serve to convey liquid flavourant from the fluid receiving portion to each of the first set of channels 208. Thus, liquid flavourant may be substantially evenly distributed throughout the plurality of channels. In this manner, liquid flavourant deposited in the flavourant receiving portion 214 may be distributed throughout the plurality of channels (including the longitudinal channel 212 and the first set of channels).
  • the textured outer surface 206 may provide a large area containing flavourant which may come into contact with the user's mouth (e.g. tongue), which may enable effective delivery of flavourant to the user.
  • the consumable may typically be held so that the longitudinal direction of the consumable 200 (i.e. the direction indicated by arrow 210) is tilted along a downwards angle.
  • the first set of channels 208 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the consumable 200, this may serve to prevent liquid flavourant in the first set of channels 208 from dripping downwards, which could cause liquid flavourant to drip off the mouthpiece 202. This may avoid liquid flavourant coming into contact with electrical components in the smoking substitute apparatus.
  • a comparatively small amount of liquid flavourant may be held in the longitudinal channel 208 relative to the first set of channels 208. This may reduce the risk of flavourant liquid dripping out of the longitudinal channel 208.
  • Figure 3 illustrates a series of different textured outer surfaces that may be included in a mouthpiece 300 according to the invention.
  • the mouthpiece 300 forms part of a consumable 302, which may be similar in configuration to the consumable 103 described above.
  • the mouthpiece 300 may have a textured outer surface comprising a plurality of randomly arranged protrusions.
  • the randomly arranged protrusions form a series of channels (gaps) between them, the channels being dimensioned to wick liquid flavourant deposited on the surface of the mouthpiece 300.
  • liquid flavourant may be substantially evenly distributed across a surface of the mouthpiece 300.
  • the mouthpiece 300 may have a textured outer surface comprising a regular array of protrusions.
  • the protrusions are substantially cylindrical in shape.
  • the array of protrusions forms a series of channels between the protrusions, the channels being dimensioned to wick liquid flavourant deposited on the surface of the mouthpiece 300. In this manner, liquid flavourant may be substantially evenly distributed across a surface of the mouthpiece 300.
  • the mouthpiece 300 may include a series of criss-crossing channels which are formed as grooves in the outer surface of the mouthpiece 300.
  • the criss-crossing channels are formed by a first set of parallel channels oriented along a first direction, and a second set of parallel channels oriented along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
  • the criss-crossing channels form a grid on the outer surface of the mouthpiece 300.
  • liquid flavourant may be wicked along the channels in the first and second directions, to provide a substantially even distribution of liquid flavourant over an area of the mouthpiece.
  • FIGS 4A-4C show schematic cross-sectional views of a flavourant dispenser 400 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the flavourant dispenser 400 may be used to dispense flavourant onto a mouthpiece of a smoking substitute apparatus, for flavour delivery to a user.
  • the flavourant dispenser 400 includes a reservoir 402 for holding a liquid flavourant 404.
  • the reservoir 402 is disposed in an outer housing 418 of the flavourant dispenser 400, the outer housing 418 forming a sidewall of the reservoir 402.
  • the flavourant dispenser further includes a dispensing portion 406 for dispensing liquid flavourant from the reservoir 402.
  • the dispensing portion 406 includes an outlet 408 through which liquid flavourant 404 may be dispensed, and a ball valve 410.
  • the ball valve 410 is movable between a closed position in which the ball valve 410 blocks the outlet 408 ( Figures 4A, 4C ), and an open position where the ball valve 410 does not block the outlet 408 ( Figure 4B ), so that liquid flavourant 404 from the reservoir can exit via the outlet 408.
  • the outlet 408 is defined by a ring 409, in which the ball valve 410 is held when it is in the closed position.
  • the ball valve 410 is mounted on a plate 412 disposed in the outer housing 418, the plate 412 forming a first end of the reservoir 402 adjacent the dispensing portion 406.
  • the plate 412 is movable with the ball valve 410 between the open and closed positions.
  • the plate includes a series of apertures 413.
  • the plate 412 abuts against a surface of the ring 409, so that the apertures 413 are blocked.
  • the plate 412 is spaced from the ring 409, so that the apertures 413 are no longer blocked, and liquid flavourant 404 from the reservoir can exit the flavourant dispenser via the apertures 413 and the outlet 408.
  • the flavourant dispenser 400 further includes a piston 414 mounted in the outer housing 418 of the flavourant dispenser 400, such that the piston 414 forms a second end of the reservoir 402, opposite the first end of the reservoir 402.
  • the piston 414 is movable within the reservoir 402 along a longitudinal direction of the reservoir 402.
  • a spring 416 is mounted between an outer housing 418 of the flavourant dispenser 400 and the piston 414, and arranged to push the piston 414 towards the outlet 408. In this manner, liquid flavourant 404 in the reservoir is urged towards the outlet 408 by the piston 414, under a biasing force of the spring 416.
  • the outer housing 418 further includes an aperture 420 arranged to allow pressure equalisation inside the housing 418 due to movement of the piston 414.
  • the flavourant dispenser 400 is designed for use with a mouthpiece 426.
  • the flavourant dispenser 400 is configured to dispense flavourant 404 onto the mouthpiece 426 when the mouthpiece 428 is brought into engagement with the flavourant dispenser 400, as described below.
  • the mouthpiece 426 may, for example, be similar to mouthpiece 109 described above. For illustration purposes, only a portion of the mouthpiece 426 is shown in Figures 4A-4C .
  • the mouthpiece 426 may be mounted on, or form part of, a smoking substitute apparatus.
  • the mouthpiece 426 includes an engagement portion 428 which includes a plurality of sidewalls 430 arranged in a ring around a central protrusion 432.
  • Figures 5A and 5B show top views of possible configurations of the engagement portion 428.
  • Figure 5A shows a top view of an engagement portion 428a including a plurality of sidewalls 430a arranged in a circular ring around central protrusion 432a. As can be seen, some of the sidewalls 430a have different thicknesses.
  • Gaps 434a are formed between adjacent sidewalls 430a.
  • Figure 5B shows a top view of an engagement portion 428b including a plurality of sidewalls 430b arranged in a hexagonal ring around central protrusion 432b. As can be seen, some of the sidewalls 430b have different thicknesses. Gaps 434b are formed between adjacent sidewalls 430b.
  • the dispensing portion 406 of the flavourant dispenser 400 includes a set of recesses 422 defined between the ring 409 and a sidewall 424 of the outer housing 418.
  • the recesses 422 are arranged to receive the engagement portion 428 of the mouthpiece 426.
  • the recesses 422 are arranged to receive the plurality of sidewalls 430 of the engagement portion 428 of the mouthpiece 426.
  • the set of recesses 422 may be shaped and arranged to receive a specific engagement portion 428, e.g. engagement portion 428a or 428b.
  • the recesses 422 may be arranged in a circular or a hexagonal ring, and the set of recesses 422 may include recesses having different widths to accommodate sidewalls 430 having different widths.
  • the ring 409 is configured to receive the central protrusion 432 when the sidewalls 430 are engaged in the recesses 422.
  • the dispensing portion 406 is arranged such that, when the sidewalls 430 are received in the recesses 422, the sidewalls 430 abut against the plate 412 to press the plate 412 away from the ring 409. This enables flavourant to flow through the apertures 413 in the plate 412 and through the outlet 408, so that flavourant may be dispensed. In this manner, engagement between the dispensing portion 406 and the engagement portion 428 on the mouthpiece 426 causes flavourant 404 to be dispensed from the flavourant dispenser 400.
  • the dispensing portion 426 is configured for engagement with a mouthpiece having a specifically arranged engagement portion.
  • the dispensing portion 426 and engagement portion of the mouthpiece may be arranged so that the dispensing portion 426 and the engagement portion can only be engaged when they are in a specific orientation.
  • the engagement portion of the mouthpiece may be considered as a key which is arranged for engagement with the dispensing portion.
  • flavourant dispenser 400 we will now describe a process of dispensing flavourant onto the mouthpiece 426 using flavourant dispenser 400, with reference to Figures 4A-4C .
  • the ball valve 410 is in the closed position and the reservoir 402 contains liquid flavourant 404.
  • the ball valve 410 is maintained in the closed position, via the piston 414 which presses the liquid flavourant 404 against the plate 412, under action of the spring 416.
  • the flavourant dispenser 400 is approached towards the engagement portion 428 of the mouthpiece 426, as indicated by arrow 440.
  • the dispensing portion 406 of the flavourant dispenser 400 is engaged with the engagement portion 428 of the mouthpiece 426.
  • the sidewalls 430 of the engagement portion 428 are received in the recesses 422 of the dispensing portion 406, and the central protrusion 432 is received in the ring 409.
  • the sidewalls 430 abut against the plate 412 so that the plate 412 is spaced apart from the ring 409.
  • the ball valve 410 is lifted out of the ring 409 so that the outlet 408 is no longer blocked, and the apertures 413 in the plate 412 are no longer blocked by the surface of the ring 409. Accordingly, liquid flavourant 404 may flow out of the reservoir 402 via the apertures 413 and the outlet 408.
  • the sidewalls 430 of the engagement portion 428 and the sidewall 424 of the outer housing 418 together define a receptacle (cavity) into which liquid flavourant 404 dispensed by the dispensing portion 406 is received.
  • the sidewall 424 of the outer housing 418 may serve to prevent liquid flavourant 404 from escaping via gaps 434a, 434b between the sidewalls 430 of the engagement portion.
  • dispensed liquid flavourant may be contained within the sidewalls 430.
  • the receptacle defined by the sidewalls 430 and sidewall 424 may have a predetermined volume, so that only a predetermined volume of liquid flavourant 404 may be dispensed when the dispensing portion 406 is engaged with the engagement portion 428.
  • the dispensing portion 406 may be disengaged from the mouthpiece, as shown in Figure 4C and indicated by arrow 442.
  • the ball valve 410 once again returns to the closed position due to the pressure exerted by the spring 416.
  • a volume 438 of liquid flavourant 404 corresponding to the predetermined volume dispensed by the dispensing portion 406 is left on the mouthpiece 426.
  • the volume 438 of liquid flavourant may spread over a surface of the mouthpiece 426.
  • the mouthpiece includes a textured outer surface
  • the textured outer surface may serve to distribute the volume 438 of liquid flavourant over an area of the mouthpiece 426.
  • the flavourant dispenser 400 may serve to dispense a predetermined volume of liquid flavourant 404 onto the surface of the mouthpiece 426 in a controlled manner. Specificity between the dispensing portion 406 and the engagement portion 428 of the mouthpiece 426 may ensure that the flavourant dispenser 400 is only used to dispense liquid flavourant onto the mouthpiece 426. This may prevent accidental dispensing of liquid flavourant, or dispensing of liquid flavourant on devices which are not intended for use with the flavourant dispenser 400.
  • the mouthpiece 426 and flavourant dispenser 400 may be provided as a kit.

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  • Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
EP19155945.9A 2019-02-07 2019-02-07 Appareil de substitution au tabac Ceased EP3692824A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19155945.9A EP3692824A1 (fr) 2019-02-07 2019-02-07 Appareil de substitution au tabac
PCT/EP2020/053194 WO2020161330A1 (fr) 2019-02-07 2020-02-07 Appareil à fumer de substitution
US17/395,276 US20220022537A1 (en) 2019-02-07 2021-08-05 Smoking substitute apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19155945.9A EP3692824A1 (fr) 2019-02-07 2019-02-07 Appareil de substitution au tabac

Publications (1)

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EP3692824A1 true EP3692824A1 (fr) 2020-08-12

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19155945.9A Ceased EP3692824A1 (fr) 2019-02-07 2019-02-07 Appareil de substitution au tabac

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EP (1) EP3692824A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2020161330A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN114451587A (zh) * 2021-03-18 2022-05-10 北京温致科技有限公司 雾化输出结构及电子雾化器
CN115211591A (zh) * 2021-04-19 2022-10-21 浙江恒芯电子有限公司 一种雾化芯和气雾弹

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4116571A (en) * 1976-04-27 1978-09-26 David Maxwell Disposable fluid dispenser
US5799663A (en) * 1994-03-10 1998-09-01 Elan Medical Technologies Limited Nicotine oral delivery device
EP2481306A1 (fr) * 2011-01-30 2012-08-01 Abraham Dahan Procédé et dispositif d'aromatisation d'une cigarette
EP2589306A1 (fr) * 2011-11-01 2013-05-08 Philip Morris Products S.A. Dispositif pour le traitement d'un article à fumer
US20170273360A1 (en) * 2017-05-17 2017-09-28 Rai Strategic Holdings, Inc. Aerosol delivery device
US9943107B2 (en) * 2012-12-17 2018-04-17 Sis Resources, Ltd. Cartomizer flavor enhancement

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4116571A (en) * 1976-04-27 1978-09-26 David Maxwell Disposable fluid dispenser
US5799663A (en) * 1994-03-10 1998-09-01 Elan Medical Technologies Limited Nicotine oral delivery device
EP2481306A1 (fr) * 2011-01-30 2012-08-01 Abraham Dahan Procédé et dispositif d'aromatisation d'une cigarette
EP2589306A1 (fr) * 2011-11-01 2013-05-08 Philip Morris Products S.A. Dispositif pour le traitement d'un article à fumer
US9943107B2 (en) * 2012-12-17 2018-04-17 Sis Resources, Ltd. Cartomizer flavor enhancement
US20170273360A1 (en) * 2017-05-17 2017-09-28 Rai Strategic Holdings, Inc. Aerosol delivery device

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