EP4646945A1

EP4646945A1 - Aerosol provision device and system

Info

Publication number: EP4646945A1
Application number: EP24175284.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Richard Hepworth; Thomas LEAH; Charanjit Nandra
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2024-05-10
Filing date: 2024-05-10
Publication date: 2025-11-12
Also published as: WO2025233529A1

Abstract

An aerosol provision device (2) for use with an article comprising aerosol generating material (8) is disclosed. The device comprises an aerosol generation zone (4), and a passage (6) configured to transfer aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use from the aerosol generation zone to an aperture (12) at the end of the passage remote from the aerosol generation zone. At least one aerosol-modifying component (16) includes at least one non-encapsulated aerosol-modifying agent. The aerosol-modifying component is so configured that the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use does not pass through the aerosol-modifying component. The aerosol-modifying agent is configured to leave the aerosol-modifying component and enter the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use and to modify a user's sensory experience of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material.

Description

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision devices and systems, a method of providing an aerosol and an aerosol provision means.

Background

Aerosol provision systems which generate an aerosol for a user to inhale are well known in the art. Such systems are generally battery powered and contain an aerosol provision device comprising the battery and an aerosol generator, and an article which includes aerosol generating material. Such an article is sometimes known as a consumable. The aerosol can be generated in a variety of ways. For example, the aerosol may be generated by heating a substrate that includes or is formed from an aerosol generating material to form a vapour which subsequently condenses in passing air so to form a condensation aerosol. Alternatively, the aerosol might be generated by mechanical means, vibration etc., so that the substrate becomes dispersed in passing air so as to form an aerosol.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol provision device for use with an article comprising aerosol generating material. The device includes an aerosol generation zone, and a passage configured to transfer aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material when in use from the aerosol generation zone to an aperture at the end of the passage remote from the aerosol generation zone, and at least one aerosol-modifying component comprising at least one non-encapsulated aerosol-modifying agent. The aerosol-modifying component is so configured that the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material when in use does not pass through the aerosol-modifying component. The aerosol-modifying agent is configured to leave and / or separate from the aerosol-modifying component and to enter the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material and to modify a user's sensory experience of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material when in use.
According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol provision system for use by a user. The system includes an aerosol provision device, an article comprising aerosol generating material, an aerosol generation zone, and a passage defined at least in part by the device and/or article. The passage is configured to transfer aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material when in use from the aerosol generation zone to an aperture at the end of the passage remote from the aerosol generation zone. The system further includes an aerosol modifying component comprising at least one non-encapsulated aerosol-modifying agent. The aerosol-modifying component is so configured that the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use does not pass through the aerosol-modifying component. The aerosol-modifying agent is configured to leave the aerosol-modifying component and to enter the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material when in use and to modify the user's sensory experience of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material when in use.
According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of generating aerosol from an article using an aerosol provision device or aerosol provision system according to the first or second aspects of the present disclosure, with the aerosol provision device or aerosol provision system including at least one aerosol generator disposed to heat, but not burn, the discrete portions in use; wherein at least one aerosol generator includes a resistive heater element or a magnetic field generator and a susceptor.
Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the disclosure given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of an aerosol provision system according to the present disclosure;
Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of an aerosol provision system according to the present disclosure;
Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of an aerosol provision system according to the present disclosure;
Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of an aerosol provision system according to the present disclosure; and
Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a fifth embodiment of an aerosol provision system according to the present disclosure;

Detailed Description

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol provision device for use with an article comprising aerosol generating material. The device includes an aerosol generation zone, and a passage configured to transfer aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material when in use from the aerosol generation zone to an aperture at the end of the passage remote from the aerosol generation zone, and at least one aerosol-modifying component comprising at least one non-encapsulated aerosol-modifying agent. The aerosol-modifying component is so configured that the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material when in use does not pass through the aerosol-modifying component. The aerosol-modifying agent is configured to leave and / or separate from the aerosol-modifying component and to enter the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material and to modify a user's sensory experience of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use.
It is to be understood that "in use" or "when in use" references a time when the device is being used by a user to generate an aerosol, at least a portion of which aerosol the user intends to inhale.
In an embodiment of the above embodiment, the aerosol generating zone includes a chamber which is configured to at least partially surround the article when the device is in use.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating zone is configured to allow an article to be inserted into and removed from the aerosol generating zone.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aperture at the end of the passage remote from the aerosol generation zone is configured to allow a mouthpiece to be removably engaged with the aperture.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments the passage is configured to allow an unimpeded flow of aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material when in use from the aerosol generation zone to an aperture at the end of the passage remote from the aerosol generation zone.
In an embodiment of the above embodiment, the configuration of the passage to provide an unimpeded flow of aerosol is a configuration that does not include any structure or structures that influences or disrupts the flow of the aerosol other than the wall or walls that define the passage.
In an embodiment of the above embodiment, the configuration of the passage to provide an unimpeded flow of aerosol is a configuration that does not include any porous or permeable structure through which the aerosol may pass.
In an embodiment of the above embodiment, the configuration of the passage to provide an unimpeded flow of aerosol is a configuration that does not include any porous or permeable structure through which the aerosol is required to pass to allow the flow of the aerosol along the passage.
In an embodiment of the above embodiment, the configuration of the passage to provide an unimpeded flow of aerosol is a configuration that is free from any structure or structures that influences or disrupts the flow of the aerosol other than the wall or walls that define the passage.
In an embodiment of the above embodiment, the configuration of the passage to provide an unimpeded flow of aerosol is a configuration that is free from any porous or permeable structure through which the aerosol may pass.
In an embodiment of the above embodiment, the configuration of the passage to provide an unimpeded flow of aerosol is a configuration that is free from any porous or permeable structure through which the aerosol is required to pass to allow the flow of the aerosol along the passage.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the device comprises a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece comprises a portion of the passage and the aperture at the end of the passage remote from the aerosol generation zone. The mouthpiece is configured to allow a user to place their lips around the mouthpiece when the device is in use.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the mouthpiece comprises an aerosol-modifying component.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-modifying component is located in or on a surface of the mouthpiece which will be contacted by the user's lips or tongue when the device is in use.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent is activated by contact between the user's lips or tongue and the aerosol-modifying component. In this context, activated is to be understood to mean that aerosol-modifying agent is caused to leave or separate from the aerosol-modifying component.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent leaves or separates from the aerosol-modifying component in the form of one or more of a gas, a vapour, or a fluid.
In an embodiment of the above embodiment, moisture from a user's lips or tongue activates the aerosol-modifying agent.
In an embodiment of the above embodiment, heat from a user's lips or tongue activates the aerosol-modifying agent.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, an aerosol-modifying component is located in a portion of the passage in the mouthpiece, and at least a portion of the aerosol-modifying component is exposed to aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material passing from the aerosol generation zone to the aperture when the device is in use.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, an aerosol-modifying component is located in a portion of the passage which is not in the mouthpiece, and at least a portion of the aerosol-modifying component is exposed to the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material passing from the aerosol generation zone to the aperture when the device is in use.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent is activated by the flow of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material along the passage from the aerosol generation zone to the aperture when the device is in use.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the device comprises a sensor configured to detect a user using the device, and an activating element, in which the activating element is configured to activate the aerosol-modifying agent.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the activating element is configured to operate on receipt of a signal that represents an indication that a user is using the device.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the activating element is configured to heat the aerosol-modifying component. In this embodiment the heating of the aerosol-modifying component leads to the activation of the aerosol-modifying agent.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the activating element is configured to expel the aerosol-modifying agent from the aerosol-modifying component.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the expulsion of the aerosol-modifying agent from the aerosol-modifying component is the result of the activating element placing the aerosol-modifying component or a part thereof under one or more of stress and strain.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-modifying component comprises a porous material and the aerosol-modifying agent is supported in the porous material.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-modifying component comprises at least one of paper, card, a sponge, a woven textile, and a matrix of intertwined fibres, and the aerosol-modifying agent is supported in that material or those materials.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-modifying component comprises a gel and the aerosol-modifying agent is supported in the gel.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent is a liquid.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the liquid aerosol-modifying agent is stored in an absorbent or adsorbent material prior to use of the device.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent is supported in a solid.
In an embodiment of the above embodiment, the solid is a volatile solid.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the modification of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material when in use by the aerosol-modifying agent comprises the addition of at least one aroma to that aerosol.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the modification of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material when in use by the aerosol-modifying agent comprises the addition of at least one flavour to that aerosol.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-modifying component comprises one or more of combusted tobacco, pyrolyzed tobacco, a substance extracted from combusted tobacco, a substance extracted from pyrolyzed tobacco, and a substance that gives a tobacco smoke like sensory experience to a user.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent comprises one or more compounds originating from one or more of combusted tobacco, pyrolyzed tobacco, a substance extracted from combusted tobacco, a substance extracted from pyrolyzed tobacco, and a substance that gives a tobacco smoke like sensory experience to a user
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent causes a first amount of modification to the user's sensory experience of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use when the aerosol is below a predetermined temperature, and a second amount of modification to the user's sensory experience of the aerosol when the aerosol is at or above a predetermined temperature.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the device comprises a carbon patch, and the carbon patch is located in the passage between the aerosol-modifying component and the aperture. In some embodiments the carbon patch includes charred charcoal. The presence of the patch can provide a user with an aerosol that provides an aroma and mouthfeel that is at least reminiscent of smoking a factory made cigarette (FMC).
According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol provision system for use by a user. The system includes an aerosol provision device, an article comprising aerosol generating material, an aerosol generation zone, and a passage defined at least in part by one or both of the device and article. The passage is configured to transfer aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material when in use from the aerosol generation zone to an aperture at the end of the passage remote from the aerosol generation zone. The system further includes an aerosol modifying component comprising at least one non-encapsulated aerosol-modifying agent. The aerosol-modifying component is so configured that the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use does not pass through the aerosol-modifying component. The aerosol-modifying agent is configured to leave the aerosol-modifying component and enter the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material when in use and to modify the user's sensory experience of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material when in use.
In an embodiment of the above embodiment, the aerosol generating zone includes a chamber which is configured to at least partially surround the article when the device is in use.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating zone is configured to allow the article to be inserted into and removed from the aerosol generating zone.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aperture at the end of the passage remote from the aerosol generation zone is configured to allow a mouthpiece to be removably engaged with the aperture.
In an embodiment of the above embodiment, the system comprises a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece comprises a portion of the passage and the aperture at the end of the passage remote from the aerosol generation zone, and the mouthpiece is configured to allow a user to place their lips around the mouthpiece when the system is in use.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the mouthpiece comprises an aerosol-modifying component.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-modifying component is in or on a surface of the mouthpiece which will be contacted by the user's lips or tongue when the system is in use.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent is activated by contact between the user's lips or tongue and the aerosol-modifying component.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, an aerosol-modifying component is located in the portion of the passage in the mouthpiece, and at least a portion of the aerosol-modifying component is exposed to aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use passing from the aerosol generation zone to the aperture.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, aerosol-modifying agent leaves the aerosol-modifying component in the form of one or more of a gas, a vapour, or a fluid.
In an embodiment of the above embodiment, moisture from a user's lips or tongue activates the aerosol-modifying agent.
In an embodiment of the above embodiment, heat from a user's lips or tongue activates the aerosol-modifying agent.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, an aerosol-modifying component is located in a portion of the passage which is not in the mouthpiece, and at least a portion of the aerosol-modifying component is exposed to the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use passing from the aerosol generation zone to the aperture.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-modifying component is activated by the flow of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use along the passage from the aerosol generation zone to the aperture.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the system comprises a sensor configured to detect a user using the system, and an activating element. The activating element is configured to activate the aerosol-modifying agent.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the activating agent is configured to operate on receipt of a signal that represents an indication that a user is using the device.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the activating element is configured to heat the aerosol-modifying component. In this embodiment the heating of the aerosol-modifying component leads to the activation of the aerosol-modifying agent.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the activating element is configured to expel the aerosol-modifying agent from a material or structure supporting the aerosol-modifying agent.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the expulsion of the aerosol-modifying agent from the aerosol-modifying component is the result of the activating element placing the aerosol-modifying component or a part thereof under one or more of stress and strain.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-modifying component comprises a porous material, and the aerosol-modifying agent is supported in the porous material.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-modifying component comprises at least one of paper, card, a sponge, a woven textile, and a matrix of intertwined fibres, and the aerosol-modifying agent is supported in that material or those materials.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-modifying component comprises a gel, and the aerosol-modifying agent is supported in the gel.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent is a liquid.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the liquid is stored in an absorbent material prior to use of the system.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-modifying component comprises a solid, and the aerosol-modifying agent is supported in the solid.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the solid is a volatile solid.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the modification of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use by the aerosol-modifying agent comprises the addition of at least one aroma to the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the modification of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use by the aerosol-modifying agent comprises the addition of at least one flavour to the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-modifying component comprises one or more of combusted tobacco, pyrolyzed tobacco, a substance extracted from combusted tobacco, a substance extracted from pyrolyzed tobacco, and a substance that gives a tobacco smoke like sensory experience to a user.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent comprises one or more compounds originating from one or more of combusted tobacco, pyrolyzed tobacco, a substance extracted from combusted tobacco, a substance extracted from pyrolyzed tobacco, and a substance that gives a tobacco smoke like sensory experience to a user
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent causes a first amount of modification to the user's sensory experience of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use when the aerosol is below a predetermined temperature, and a second amount of modification to the user's sensory experience of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use when the aerosol is at or above a predetermined temperature.
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the system comprises a carbon patch, the carbon patch is received in the passage, and the carbon patch is located in the passage between the aerosol-modifying component and the aperture. In some embodiments the carbon patch includes charred charcoal. The presence of the patch can provide a user with an aerosol that provides an aroma and mouthfeel that is at least reminiscent of smoking a factory made cigarette (FMC).
In an embodiment of any of the above embodiments, the article comprises a portion of the passage and the aerosol generation zone.
As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. Aerosol-generating material may include any plant based material, such as tobacco-containing material and may, for example, include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating material also may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosol-generating material may for example be in the form of a solid, a liquid, a gel, a wax or the like. Aerosol-generating material may for example also be a combination or a blend of materials. Aerosol-generating material may also be known as "smokable material".
The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active and/or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.
The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an "amorphous solid". The amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid". In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may, for example, comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.
The aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may be substantially tobacco free.
According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
An aerosol generating device can receive an article comprising aerosol-generating material for heating. An "article" in this context is a component that includes or contains in use the aerosol-generating material, which is heated to volatilise the aerosol-generating material, and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into the aerosol generating device before it is heated to produce an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales. The article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device which is sized to receive the article. In the context of this description, the terms "article" and "consumable", are interchangeable.
In the following discussions of the accompanying drawings, where the same element is present in a more than one embodiment the same reference numeral is used for that element throughout, where there are similar elements similar reference numerals (the same numeral plus a multiple of 100) are used.
With reference to Figure 1, an aerosol provision system 1 comprises an aerosol provision device 2 and an article 10.
The article 10 includes aerosol generating material 8 and a substrate 30 on which the aerosol generating material 8 is supported. In the illustrated embodiment of the article 10 the substrate 30 is or includes a susceptor, for example the susceptor is aluminum foil but other suitable materials could be used. In some non-illustrated embodiments, the substrate 30 is a laminate and one of the sheets of that laminate is a susceptor, for example aluminum foil.
The aerosol provision device 2 includes an aerosol generation zone 4, and a passage 6. The passage 6 is configured to transfer aerosol generated from the article 10, when located in the aerosol generation zone 4, to an aperture 12 at the end 14 of the passage 6 remote from the aerosol generation zone 4.
The aerosol provision device 2 also includes a device body 22 which encloses the aerosol generation zone 4, an aerosol generator 28, a power source 24, a controller 26, and at least a portion of the passage 6.
The power source 24 is, in the illustrated embodiment, a rechargeable battery of suitable capacity and associated wiring and electrical connections that are configured to allow the recharging of the battery.
The aerosol generator 28 is powered by the power source 24. The aerosol generator 28 is, in the illustrated embodiment, a source of an alternating magnetic field which causes the susceptor in the substrate 30 in the article 10 to heat the aerosol generating material 8. The supply of power to the aerosol generator 28 is controlled by the controller 26.
In some non-illustrated embodiments, the aerosol generator is a resistive heater. In such embodiments the substrate 30 may be comprised of or include one or more of paper, card or a plastics material.
The passage 6 comprises a first and second portion 6A, 6B. The first portion 6A is defined by a conduit 6C extending between the aerosol generating zone 4 and an engagement socket 18.
The engagement socket 18 is configured to receive a mouthpiece 20. The mouthpiece 20 defines the second portion 6B of the passage 6 which extends between the interface with the first passage portion 6A and the aperture 12.
The mouthpiece 20 is configured to allow a user of the device 2 to place their lips around the mouthpiece 20 and to draw aerosol from the aerosol generation zone 4 and along the passage 6.
In the illustrated embodiment the mouthpiece 20 is releasably engaged with the engagement socket 18 by a suitable engagement method, for example a friction fit, a screw thread, or a bayonet fitting.
In a non-illustrated embodiment the mouthpiece 20 is integral with the conduit 6C and the passage 6 is a single continuous passage.
The passage 6 is configured to allow an unimpeded flow of aerosol generated from the article 10 to an aperture 12 in that there are no porous or permeable structures through which the aerosol may or is required to pass in the passage 6.
Located on the end 14 of the passage 6B / mouthpiece 20 is an aerosol-modifying component 16. The aerosol-modifying component 16 is so positioned that when a user places their lips or tongue on or in contact with the mouthpiece 20 the user's lips or tongue may contact the aerosol-modifying component 16. Such contact with the aerosol-modifying agent transfers moisture to the aerosol-modifying component 16 and activates the aerosol-modifying agent. In other embodiments the temperature of the user's lips or tongue may activate the aerosol-modifying component 16.
With reference to Figure 2, an aerosol provision device 102 is shown. The aerosol provision device 102 is as the aerosol provision device 2 of Figure 1 with the exception that a carbon patch 40 is positioned in the passage 6. The carbon patch 40 includes charred charcoal and is configured and positioned to allow the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in the aerosol generation zone 4 to pass through the carbon patch 40. The carbon patch 40 can provide a user with an aerosol that provides an aroma and mouthfeel at least reminiscent of smoking a factory made cigarette (FMC).
With reference to Figure 3, an aerosol provision device 202 is shown. The aerosol provision device 202 is as the aerosol provision device 2 of Figure 1 with the exception that the aerosol-modifying component 216 is positioned on the surface of the conduit 6C that defines the passage portion 6A. In this embodiment, the aerosol-modifying agent of the aerosol-modifying component 216 is activated by the passage of aerosol generated in the aerosol generation zone 4 along the passage 6.
With reference to Figure 4, an aerosol provision device 302 is shown. The aerosol provision device 302 is as the aerosol provision device 202 of Figure 3 with the following exception: surrounding the conduit 6C in a position that is radially outward from the aerosol-modifying component 316 is a heater 332. The heater is activated when a sensor 334 detects that a user is drawing aerosol from the aerosol generation zone 4 and along the passage 6. In this embodiment, the aerosol-modifying agent of the aerosol-modifying component 316 is activated by the heating of the heater 332.
In some non-illustrated embodiments the aerosol-modifying component 316 is located on at least part of the surface that defines passage portion 6B and the heater 332 is located accordingly.
With reference to Figure 5, an aerosol provision device 402 is shown. The aerosol provision device 402 is as the aerosol provision device 202 of Figure 3 with the following exception: the aerosol-modifying component 416 is located within a perforated holder 438. Also located in the holder 438 is an expanding element 436. The expanding element 436 is configured to be expandable and to, as a result, squeeze or place under stress the aerosol-modifying component 416. Placing the aerosol-modifying component 416 under stress causes aerosol-modifying agent (not shown) to be expelled from the aerosol-modifying component 416. The expelled aerosol-modifying agent enters the passage 6 through the perforations in the holder 438 and comes in to contact with the aerosol in the passage 6. The expanding element 436 is activated when the sensor 434 detects that a user is drawing aerosol from the aerosol generation zone 4 and along the passage 6.
The aerosol-modifying component 16, 116, 216, 316, 416 comprises at least one non-encapsulated aerosol-modifying agent (not shown), and is so configured that aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material 8 when the device 2, 102, 202, 302, 402 is in use does not pass through the aerosol-modifying component 16, 116.
The aerosol-modifying agent is configured to leave or separate from the aerosol-modifying component 16, 116, 216, 316, 416 and enter the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material 8 (when the device 2, 102, 202, 302, 402 is in use) and to modify a user's sensory experience of that aerosol.
In some embodiments the aerosol-modifying component 16, 116, 216, 316, 416 comprises a porous material and the aerosol-modifying agent is supported in the porous material.
In some embodiments the aerosol-modifying component 16, 116, 216, 316, 416 includes at least one of paper, card, a sponge, a woven textile, and a matrix of intertwined fibres and the aerosol-modifying agent is supported in that material / those materials.
In some embodiments the aerosol-modifying component 16, 116, 216, 316, 416 includes a gel and the aerosol-modifying agent is supported in the gel.
In some embodiments the aerosol-modifying agent is a liquid.
In some embodiments the liquid aerosol-modifying agent is stored in an absorbent material prior to use of the system.
In some embodiments the aerosol-modifying agent is supported in a solid.
In some embodiments the solid in which the aerosol-modifying agent is supported is a volatile solid.
In some embodiments the modification of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material 8 when the device 2, 102, 202, 302, 402 is in use includes the addition of at least one aroma to that aerosol.
In some embodiments the modification of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material 8 when the device 2, 102, 202, 302, 402 is in use includes the addition of at least one flavour to the aerosol.
In some embodiments the aerosol-modifying component 16, 116, 216, 316, 416 comprises one or more of combusted tobacco, pyrolyzed tobacco, a substance extracted from combusted tobacco, a substance extracted from pyrolyzed tobacco, and a substance that gives a tobacco smoke like sensory experience to a user.
In some embodiments the aerosol-modifying agent comprises one or more compounds originating from one or more of combusted tobacco, pyrolyzed tobacco, a substance extracted from combusted tobacco, a substance extracted from pyrolyzed tobacco, and a substance that gives a tobacco smoke like sensory experience to a user.
In some embodiments the aerosol-modifying agent causes a first amount of modification to the user's sensory experience of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use when the aerosol is below a predetermined temperature, and a second amount of modification to the user's sensory experience of the aerosol when the aerosol is at or above a predetermined temperature.
The above description is meant to be exemplary only, and one skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the disclosure disclosed. Still other modifications which fall within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in light of a review of this disclosure.
Various aspects of the aerosol provision devices and systems disclosed in the various embodiments may be used alone, in combination, or in a variety of arrangements not specifically discussed in the embodiments described above. This disclosure is therefore not limited in its application to the details and arrangement of components set forth in the foregoing description or illustrated in the drawings. For example, aspects described in one embodiment may be combined in any manner with aspects described in other embodiments. Although particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from this disclosure in its broader aspects. The scope of the following claims should not be limited by the embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

An aerosol provision device for use with an article comprising aerosol generating material, in which the device comprises an aerosol generation zone, and a passage configured to transfer aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use from the aerosol generation zone to an aperture at the end of the passage remote from the aerosol generation zone, and at least one aerosol-modifying component comprising at least one non-encapsulated aerosol-modifying agent, in which
the aerosol-modifying component is so configured that the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use does not pass through the aerosol-modifying component,

the aerosol-modifying agent is configured to leave the aerosol-modifying component and enter the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use and to modify a user's sensory experience of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use.
A device according to claim 1 in which the device comprises a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece comprises a portion of the passage and the aperture at the end of the passage remote from the aerosol generation zone, and the mouthpiece is configured to allow a user to place their lips around the mouthpiece when the device is in use.
A device according to claim 2 in which the mouthpiece comprises an aerosol-modifying component.
A device according to claim 2 or 3 in which the aerosol-modifying component is in or on a surface of the mouthpiece which will be contacted by the user's lips or tongue when the system is in use.
A device according to claim 4 in which the aerosol-modifying agent is activated by contact of the user's lips or tongue with the aerosol-modifying component.
A device according to any of claims 2 to 5 in which an aerosol-modifying component is located in the portion of the passage in the mouthpiece, and at least a portion of the aerosol-modifying component is exposed to aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use passing from the aerosol generation zone to the aperture.
A device according to any of claims 1 to 6 in which an aerosol-modifying component is located in a portion of the passage which is not in the mouthpiece, and at least a portion of the aerosol-modifying component is exposed to the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use passing from the aerosol generation zone to the aperture.
A device according to claim 6 or 7 in which the aerosol-modifying agent is activated by the flow of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use along the passage from the aerosol generation zone to the aperture.
A device according to any of claims 1 to 8 in which the device comprises a sensor configured to detect a user using the device, and an activating element, in which the activating element is configured to activate the aerosol-modifying agent.
A device according to claim 9 in which the activating element is configured to heat the aerosol-modifying component, or to expel the aerosol-modifying agent from the aerosol-modifying component.
A device according to any of claims 1 to 10 in which the modification of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use by the aerosol-modifying agent comprises the addition of one or more of at least one aroma to the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use, and at least one flavour to the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use.
A device according to any of claims 1 to 11 in which the device comprises a carbon patch, the carbon patch is received in the passage, and the carbon patch is located in the passage between the aerosol-modifying component and the aperture.
An aerosol provision system for use by a user, the system comprising an aerosol provision device, an article comprising aerosol generating material, an aerosol generation zone, and a passage defined at least in part by the device and/or article and configured to transfer aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use from the aerosol generation zone to an aperture at the end of the passage remote from the aerosol generation zone, and an aerosol modifying component comprising at least one non-encapsulated aerosol-modifying agent, in which
the aerosol-modifying component is so configured that the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use does not pass through the aerosol-modifying component,

the aerosol-modifying agent is configured to leave the aerosol-modifying component and enter the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use and to modify the user's sensory experience of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material in use.
A system according to claim 13 in which the article comprises a portion of the passage and the aerosol generation zone.