JP7264987B2 - Device for generating an inhalable medium, use of the device for sustained delivery of nicotine, cartridges and tobacco composition pods suitable for use in the generating device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to, but is not limited to, an inhalable medium generator, a cartridge for use in an inhalable medium generator, a method of generating an inhalant medium, a kit and a tobacco composition pod.

Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco and produce smoke when used. Alternatives to these types of smoking articles include those that release compounds without combustion to form an inhalable medium.

Such products include e-cigarette/non-combustion heating hybrid devices, also known as e-cigarette hybrid devices. These hybrid devices contain a liquid that is vaporized by heating to produce an inhalable vapor or aerosol. This liquid may contain a flavorant and/or an aerosol-generating substance such as glycerin and optionally nicotine. The vapor or aerosol passes through the material within the device, entraining one or more components of the substrate to create an inhalable medium. The substrate may be, for example, a mixture such as tobacco, non-tobacco products or blended mixes with or without nicotine.

In some embodiments described herein, the invention provides a device for generating an inhalable medium, the device comprising:
a container for holding a liquid;
a heater for volatilizing the liquid held in the container;
a chamber containing a tobacco composition;
including an exit and
In use, an inhalable medium is configured to exit through the outlet, the medium comprising (i) volatilized liquid in vapor and/or aerosol form and (ii) one or more components of the tobacco composition. including
The tobacco composition includes tobacco material and an encapsulated base.

The devices described herein may be referred to as electronic cigarette hybrid devices.

The present invention also provides a cartridge for use in a device for generating an inhalable medium, the cartridge comprising a volatile liquid in a first chamber and a tobacco composition in a second chamber, the tobacco composition comprising: contains tobacco material and an encapsulated base.

The cartridge is preferably suitable for use with the aspirable medium generating devices described herein.

The present invention also provides a method of generating an inhalable medium using an apparatus comprising a container holding a liquid, a heater for volatilizing the liquid, a chamber containing a tobacco composition, and an outlet, the method comprising: teeth,
volatilizing the liquid held in the container;
forming an inhalable medium comprising (i) the volatilized liquid in vapor and/or aerosol form and (ii) one or more components of the tobacco composition;
and passing the aspirable medium through an outlet;
The tobacco composition includes tobacco material and an encapsulated base.

The present invention also provides the use of an encapsulated base in a tobacco composition for sustained nicotine delivery in use, the tobacco composition being provided to a device, the device comprising:
a container for holding a liquid;
a heater for volatilizing the liquid held in the container;
a chamber containing a tobacco composition;
including an exit and
In use, an inhalable medium is configured to exit through the outlet, the medium comprising (i) volatilized liquid in vapor and/or aerosol form and (ii) one or more components of the tobacco composition. including.

The present invention also provides a method of sustained release of nicotine from a device for generating an inhalable medium, the device comprising:
a container for holding a liquid;
a heater for volatilizing the liquid held in the container;
a chamber containing a tobacco composition;
including an exit and
In use, an inhalable medium is configured to exit through the outlet, the medium comprising (i) volatilized liquid in vapor and/or aerosol form and (ii) one or more components of the tobacco composition. including
The tobacco composition comprises tobacco material and an encapsulated base;
The method includes releasing a base from the capsule when in use to liberate nicotine from the tobacco material.

The invention also provides a kit, the kit comprising:
(i) a liquid pod containing a volatile liquid;
(ii) a tobacco composition pod comprising a tobacco composition comprising tobacco material and an encapsulated base;
The liquid and tobacco composition pod is configured for use in a device for use in generating an inhalable medium which, in use, (i) volatilizes from the liquid pod in vapor and/or aerosol form; An inhalable medium is generated that includes the liquid and (ii) one or more components of the tobacco composition.

The present invention also provides a tobacco composition pod containing a tobacco composition comprising tobacco material and an encapsulated base, the tobacco composition pod for use in a device for use in generating an inhalable medium. configured, the device is adapted to generate an inhalable medium in use, the medium comprising one or more of (i) a volatilized liquid in vapor and/or aerosol form; and (ii) a tobacco composition. Including ingredients.

Optionally, the device, cartridge or tobacco composition pod, in use, allows the liquid volatilized by the heater to pass through the tobacco composition in the form of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol, thereby removing one or more components from the tobacco composition. to produce an aspirable medium that exits through the outlet.

In some examples, the base includes one or more of sodium, potassium, or calcium hydroxides or carbonates, or other soluble bases.

In some examples, the base is encapsulated in an encapsulant that melts, decomposes, reacts, degrades, swells, dissolves, or deforms to release the base at temperatures above room temperature and below the temperature of use.

In some cases the base is encapsulated by an encapsulating material selected from polysaccharide or cellulosic barrier materials, gelatin, gums, gels, waxes or mixtures thereof. Optionally the encapsulating material is alginates, dextran, maltodextrin, cyclodextrin, pectin, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose ethers, gum arabic, gum ghatti, gum tragacanth, gum karaya, gum locust bean. , acacia gum, guar gum, quince seed gum, xanthan gum, agar gel , agarose gel, carrageenan, Freudan, furcelleran and carnauba wax.

In some cases only the base is encapsulated. In some cases the tobacco material is encapsulated together with the base. In some cases this may be the only tobacco material included in the tobacco composition. In other cases, the encapsulated tobacco material may be included with the non-encapsulated tobacco material of the tobacco composition.

Optionally, the methods of the invention include
volatilizing the liquid held in the container;
Passage of the vapor and/or aerosol formed from the volatilized liquid through the tobacco composition entrains the vapor and/or aerosol with one or more components from the tobacco composition to form an inhalable medium. forming a
and passing the aspirable medium through an outlet.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Some examples of devices for generating an inhalable medium according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of an aspirable medium generator; FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of another example of an inhalable medium generator; FIG. 10 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of another example of an inhalable medium generator; 1 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of a cartridge having integral containers for liquid containers and solid materials; FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of a cartridge having removable containers for liquid containers and solid material; FIG.

Tobacco may be treated with base and water to liberate nicotine from it. Nicotine in tobacco reacts with bases. This reaction deprotonates nicotine, making it more volatile and releasing it from its bound state within tobacco.

The inventors have discovered that when base-treated cigarettes are used in conventional electronic cigarette hybrid devices, nicotine delivery per puff is significantly reduced during use. The reaction between the base and nicotine occurs quickly and the deprotonated nicotine is liberated and thus immediately consumed the next time heating is initiated.

The present invention improves the precision of nicotine delivery per puff by encapsulating the base. The inventors have discovered that the amount of base released can be controlled through encapsulation of the base, which in turn controls the amount of pH treatment of the tobacco and thus the amount of nicotine liberated by pH treatment.

In addition, ammonia is liberated as a result of pH treatment of tobacco. Controlling the amount of pH treatment controls the amount of ammonia released, which can improve the organoleptic properties of the tobacco (because the ammonia smells weaker ).

Release of the base from the encapsulation may be triggered by pressure, temperature or contact with a vapor or aerosol from the volatilized liquid. For example, if the release is temperature initiated, the base may be in an encapsulant that melts, decomposes, reacts, degrades, swells, dissolves or deforms to release the base at temperatures above room temperature and below the temperature of use. encapsulated.

Optionally, the present invention provides an inhalable medium generating device or a cartridge for use in an inhalable medium generating device, the device or cartridge containing the tobacco composition. The tobacco composition includes tobacco material and an encapsulated base.

In some cases, the tobacco composition may be porous to allow aerosols or vapors to pass through the tobacco composition. Accordingly, the components of the tobacco composition are effectively entrained with the aerosol/vapor as it passes through the tobacco composition.

As used herein, the term "tobacco material" means any material containing tobacco or derivatives thereof. The term "tobacco material" may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. The tobacco material may comprise one or more of powdered tobacco, tobacco fibres, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco petioles, reconstituted tobacco, clumped tobacco, spheronized tobacco and/or tobacco extract.

The tobacco used to make the tobacco material may be any suitable tobacco such as single grades or blends including Virginia and/or Burley and/or Oriental, chopped offal or whole leaf. It may also be tobacco particle "fine powder" or other treated petiole material such as dust, expanded tobacco, petioles, expanded petioles and cut and rolled petioles. The tobacco material may be powdered tobacco or reconstituted tobacco material. The reconstituted tobacco material may be tobacco fibers and may be formed by casting, a Fourdrinier papermaking process with subsequent addition of tobacco extract, or extrusion.

The tobacco composition may additionally contain flavorants and/or aerosol-generating agents.

The tobacco composition may additionally comprise one or more casings such as invert sugar, molasses, cane sugar, honey, cocoa, licorice, polyols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and acids such as malic acid.

A tobacco composition includes an encapsulated base. Any suitable base may be used. Suitable bases may be non-toxic and preferably tasteless or tasteful. GRAS water-soluble bases are particularly suitable. Other suitable bases may be oil soluble. Examples of suitable basic substances to be incorporated into tobacco compositions according to the invention include ammonia, sodium, potassium or calcium carbonates or hydroxides, preferably sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide.

Release of the base from the encapsulation as described above may be triggered by pressure, temperature or contact with a vapor or aerosol from a volatilized liquid. For example, if release is pressure-triggered, it may be done by the user applying direct pressure to the capsule or by actuating an actuator. If the release is temperature triggered, the base is encapsulated in an encapsulant that melts, decomposes, reacts, degrades, swells, dissolves or deforms to release the base at temperatures above room temperature and below the temperature of use. be done. When release is triggered by contact with a vapor or aerosol from a volatilized liquid, release may be by chemical reaction between the vapor/aerosol and the encapsulated material.

The base is optionally encapsulated with an encapsulating material selected from polysaccharide or cellulosic barrier materials, gelatin, gums, gels, waxes or mixtures thereof. Optionally the encapsulating material is alginates, dextran, maltodextrin, cyclodextrin, pectin, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose ethers, gum arabic, gum ghatti, gum tragacanth, gum karaya, gum locust bean. , acacia gum, guar gum, quince seed gum, xanthan gum, agar gel , agarose gel, carrageenan, Freudan, furcelleran and carnauba wax.

In some embodiments the encapsulant comprises a polysaccharide. Alginates are particularly preferred due to their encapsulating properties. The alginate may be, for example, a salt of alginic acid, an esterified alginate or glyceryl alginate. Salts of alginic acid include alginates of Group I or II metal ions such as ammonium alginate, triethanolamine alginate and sodium alginate, potassium alginate, calcium alginate and magnesium alginate. Esterified alginates include polypropylene glycol alginate and glyceryl alginate. Optionally the barrier material is sodium alginate and/or calcium alginate.

The release temperature of the encapsulated base may for example be above 50°C, suitably above 60°C, above 70°C, above 80°C or above 90°C. The release temperature of the encapsulated base may suitably be room temperature or above ambient temperature.

For example, the encapsulated base may be dispersed in the tobacco composition to stagger the release of the base during use such that different portions of the encapsulated base reach their release temperature at different times. Alternatively or additionally, the release of the base may be staggered by encapsulating different portions of the encapsulated base separately, e.g. It may be different in different parts and/or the encapsulant itself may be different in different parts of the encapsulated base.

The staggered release of the base further improves the accuracy of nicotine delivery, as the amount of nicotine pH treatment can be controlled. It also controls the amount of ammonia released and improves the organoleptic properties of tobacco.

The optionally encapsulated bases may be encapsulated in separate layers using, for example, two or more encapsulants.

Encapsulated bases are incorporated into tobacco compositions in a number of ways. The optionally encapsulated base may be applied to the tobacco material, which may be done, for example, by spray drying. Optionally, the encapsulated base may be provided as a film applied to a wrapper that is placed around other components of the tobacco composition. The optionally encapsulated base may be provided in the form of a particulate capsule, which may be dispersed among other components of the tobacco composition. The optionally encapsulated base may be provided as part of a tobacco processing process, for example, it may be included in a process for making extruded tobacco material or a process for making reconstituted tobacco material. Optionally encapsulated bases may be provided by a combination of these methods.

The tobacco composition may additionally contain unencapsulated base.

Optionally, other components of the tobacco composition may be encapsulated along with the base. For example, some or all of the tobacco material may be encapsulated. If flavorants and/or aerosol-generating agents are included, some or all of them may be encapsulated.

In some instances the tobacco material and base are encapsulated together. Suitably the tobacco composition may further comprise unencapsulated tobacco material. Alternatively, all of the tobacco material in the tobacco composition may be encapsulated along with the base.

In other instances no tobacco material is encapsulated with the base. Optionally no tobacco material is unencapsulated in the tobacco composition. Preferably only the base (optionally with solvent) is encapsulated.

The device of the invention includes a container for holding a volatile liquid. Optionally, the device of the invention includes a container that holds the volatile liquid. Suitable liquids include those conventionally used in electronic cigarettes. Optionally, the volatile liquid may include nicotine and/or tobacco extract and/or flavorants and/or aerosol-generating agents such as propylene glycol and/or glycerin. The liquid usually evaporates at about 150-250°C.

Devices according to some examples of the present invention, in use, pass liquid volatilized by the heater through the tobacco composition in the form of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol, thereby entraining one or more components from the tobacco composition. and produce an inhalable medium, which exits through an outlet.

In other examples, a flow path from the liquid container may be combined with another flow path extending from the tobacco composition to form an inhalable medium. In other words, in some devices volatilized liquid does not pass through the chamber holding the tobacco composition.

Optionally, the apparatus of the present invention includes means for heating the tobacco composition to volatilize tobacco constituents to form the first aerosol and/or vapor. The liquid may be volatilized to form a second vapor and/or aerosol, which may be combined with the first aerosol and/or vapor to form an inhalable medium. In some cases, one heater may heat both the liquid and the tobacco composition. Optionally, the device of the present invention is such that the heater directly heats only the liquid composition and the tobacco composition is heated by the warmth associated with the vapor/aerosol formed from the volatilized liquid (thereby subsequently volatilize components of the tobacco composition entrained in the vapor/aerosol stream).

In some embodiments, the apparatus of the present invention may include a cooler or cooling region downstream of the heater and upstream of the chamber to cool the volatilized liquid to form an aerosol of droplets. positioned and the aerosol passes through the tobacco composition within the chamber during use. The cooler is actually configured to act as a heat exchanger and can recover heat from the steam. The recovered heat can be used, for example, to preheat the tobacco composition and/or assist in heating the liquid.

In some embodiments, the apparatus of the present invention may include a second heater for heating the tobacco composition within the chamber. This allows the tobacco composition to be heated by the heater, facilitating the release of components from the tobacco composition and optionally lowering the temperature used for the heated liquid.

In one embodiment, the device of the present invention is battery operated.

In one embodiment the or each heater is an electrical resistance heater.

In some embodiments the liquid container is removable. The liquid container may be in the form of a pot (which in some embodiments may be, for example, circular) or the like and/or cotton wool. The entire container containing the liquid may in fact be a disposable item that is wholly replaced after use. Alternatively, the user may remove the liquid container from the device, replace the used liquid or refill the container, and put the container back into the device.

In some cases the liquid container may not be removable from the device. In such embodiments, the user may simply replace the used liquid or refill the container as needed after use.

In some cases the liquid container and chamber are an integral unit. In some cases, this integral unit is a cartridge that is removable from the device.

In some cases the chamber can be removed from the device. The chamber may, for example, be in the form of a cartridge or pod containing the tobacco composition prior to use. The chamber containing the tobacco composition may in fact be a disposable item that is entirely replaced after use. Alternatively, the user may remove the chamber from the device, replace the used material in the chamber, and then return the chamber to the device.

In some embodiments described herein, the invention provides a cartridge for use in an inhalable medium generator, the cartridge containing a volatile liquid in a first chamber and tobacco in a second chamber. and a composition, wherein the tobacco composition comprises tobacco material and an encapsulated base. The cartridge is preferably adapted for use with the aspirable medium generating apparatus described herein.

Features described with respect to the device of the present invention to the extent they are interchangeable are expressly disclosed in combination with the cartridge and vice versa to the extent they are not inconsistent. Specifically, the tobacco compositions or volatile liquids described herein are expressly disclosed in combination with the device and cartridge embodiments of the present invention.

An example of an inhalable medium generator according to some embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring to FIG. 1, an example of an aspirable medium generator 1 is shown. In general, device 1 volatilizes a liquid to form a vapor or aerosol that passes through a material to create an inhalable medium containing one or more components derived from that material.

In this regard, it should be noted first that vapor is generally a substance in the gaseous phase below its critical temperature, i.e. vapor can be condensed into a liquid state by raising its pressure without lowering its temperature. means that it can be An aerosol, on the other hand, is generally a colloid of fine solid particles or droplets in air or another gas. A "colloid" is a substance in which microscopically dispersed insoluble particles are suspended throughout another substance.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the device 1 of this example has a generally hollow cylindrical outer housing 2 . Housing 2 has an open end 3 . A tubular mouthpiece 4 is provided at the open end 3 in this example. The mouthpiece 4 in this example is removable from the housing 2 by the user. An O-ring or other sealing member 5 helps seal the mouthpiece 4 within the housing 2 . At or toward the other end 6 of housing 2 is a battery 7 for powering the various components of device 1 as further described below. Battery 7 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. A controller 8 is also provided in housing 2 for controlling the operation of the various components of apparatus 1 as further described below.

Housing 2 has a container 9 for holding or containing liquid 10 . A variety of different shapes may be used for container 9 . In the example of FIG. 1 the container 9 is in the form of an annular chamber 9 provided in the housing 2 between the open end 3 and the other end 6 . In this particular example the housing 2 consists of two parts, a first part 2a towards the open end 3 and a second end 2b towards the other end 6 . The first and second parts 2a, 2b of the housing 2 may be connected to each other by threads, bayonet fittings or the like. In use, the user can separate the first and second portions 2a, 2b of the housing 2 to replenish or replace the liquid 10 as needed. Alternatively, it is possible to remove the mouthpiece 4 so that the container can be accessed. However, other configurations are of course possible. For example, the liquid 10 may be provided in a separate annular pot-like container that can be removed from the housing 2 as a whole. Such individual containers may be disposable so that the user can replace the liquid 10 by fitting a new container containing the liquid 10 into the housing 2 . Alternatively, such containers may be reusable. In such a case, the user may refill or replace the liquid 10 in the container while the container is removed from the housing 2 and return this refilled container to the housing. Naturally, the housing 2 need not consist of two parts, but may be of other constructions that allow the user to touch it, for example refillable on the spot.

The heater 11 is mounted approximately centrally in the housing 2, i.e. centrally along the length and width of the housing in this example. In this example the heater 11 is powered by the battery 7 and is therefore electrically connected to the battery 7 . Heater 11 may be an electrical resistive heater including, for example, Nichrome resistive heaters, ceramic heaters, and the like. The heater 11 may be, for example, a wire, which may be in the form of a coil, a plate (a multi-layer plate made of two or more different materials, one or more of which may be conductive and one or more of which may be non-conductive). ), mesh (which may be woven or non-woven, as well as multilayer structures), film heaters, and the like. Other heating devices such as non-electrical heating devices may be used.

A heater 11 is provided to volatilize the liquid 10 . In the illustrated example, an annular wick 12 surrounds the heater 11 and is in (thermal) contact with the heater 11 . The outermost surface of the annular wick 12 contacts the liquid 10 contained in the liquid container 9 . Wick 12 is generally absorbent and acts to draw liquid 10 from liquid container 9 by capillary action. The core 12 is preferably non-woven and may be, for example, a cotton or wool material or the like or a synthetic material, for example polyester, nylon, viscose, polypropylene. This will be explained in more detail later, but it should be noted here that in use the liquid 10 drawn by the wick is heated by the heater 11 . The liquid 10 may be volatilized to produce an aerosol of droplets or heated sufficiently to produce a vapor. The aerosol or vapor so produced exits the wick 12 and is moved toward the mouthpiece 4 as indicated by arrow A by the action of the user's suction on the mouthpiece 4 . The heater 11 and wick 12 may be provided as a single effectively integrated item, sometimes referred to as an "atomizer", so that heating and wicking are effectively performed in a single unit.

Housing 2 further includes chamber 13 that holds or contains tobacco composition 14 within device 1 . Tobacco composition 14 includes tobacco material and an encapsulated base. In use, the user accesses the chamber 13 for replacement or replenishment of the tobacco composition 14 through the open end 3 of the housing 2 by removing the mouthpiece 4 and/or separating the two portions 2a, 2b of the housing 2. can touch. A variety of different shapes may be used for chamber 13 . For example, chamber 13 may be a tube that is completely open at each end and contains tobacco composition 14 . As another example, chamber 13 may be a tube having one or more end walls with holes through which vapor or aerosol can pass. Chamber 13 may remain in its position within housing 2 while the user removes and replaces tobacco composition 14 . Alternatively, the chambers 13 containing the tobacco composition 14 may be separate items that are collectively inserted into and removed from the housing 2 during use. A removable chamber 13 of this type may be disposable so that the user can replace the tobacco composition 14 by fitting a new chamber 13 containing fresh tobacco composition 14 into the housing 2 . Alternatively, chamber 13 may be used repeatedly. In such cases, the user may replace the tobacco composition 14 in the chamber 13 while the chamber 13 is removed from the housing 2 and then return the filled chamber 13 to the housing 2 . In yet another example, chamber 13 is provided within housing 2 and may include a clip or the like to hold tobacco composition 14 in place. In some instances, tobacco compositions 14 are simply slip-fitted into their corresponding chambers 13 . As yet another example, container 9 containing liquid 10 may itself be positioned to support or support tobacco composition 14 . For example, container 9 may have one or more clips or tubes to contain and hold tobacco composition 14 in place. Such dual function container 9/chamber or receptacle 13 for containing liquid 10 and containing tobacco composition 14 may be in the form of a cartridge or the like and is a disposable item. may be used repeatedly, and the liquid 10 and tobacco composition 14 may be replaced or topped up as needed by the user. In some cases it may be that sufficient liquid 10 is provided for several uses and the user needs to top up or replace tobacco composition 14 from time to time. When the liquid 10 is consumed, the user discards the dual function container 9/receptacle 13 and uses a new one. It may also be that sufficient tobacco composition 14 is provided for several uses and that the user needs to top up or replace liquid 10 from time to time. When the tobacco composition 14 is consumed, the user discards the dual function container 9/receptacle 13 and uses a new one. A specific example of a dual function container 9/receptacle is described below.

A tobacco composition 14 is located within the housing 2 downstream from where the aerosol or vapor is produced from the liquid 10 and upstream of the open end 3 of the housing 2 and the mouthpiece 4 . In this particular example, tobacco composition 14 is effectively provided in the same portion or chamber of housing 2 . The aerosol or vapor produced from liquid 10 exits wick 12 and travels toward tobacco composition 14 by the action of the user's drawing at the mouthpiece as indicated by arrow A. In this particular embodiment, tobacco composition 14 is porous such that an aerosol or vapor passes through tobacco composition 14 and then through open end 3 of housing 2 and mouthpiece 4 . Heat carried by the aerosol or vapor releases the base from the capsules within the tobacco composition 14, preferably by melting or by the temperature dependent release mechanisms described above. Bases increase the pH of the tobacco, liberating nicotine and making it more likely to be entrained by passing vapors/aerosols.

In some embodiments, the tobacco composition 14 and/or chamber 13 thereof has a gap between the tobacco composition 14/chamber 13 and the interior of the housing 2 such that the aerosol or vapor flows throughout the tobacco composition 14. are arranged in such a way that

Liquid 10 is preferably a liquid that is volatile at reasonable temperatures, preferably in the range of 100-300° C., more preferably about 150-250° C., to help reduce power consumption of device 1 . Suitable materials include those conventionally used in electronic cigarette devices, such as propylene glycol and glycerol (also known as glycerine).

Tobacco composition 14 imparts flavor to the aerosol or vapor produced from liquid 10 as it passes through tobacco composition 14 . As the aerosol or vapor passes through and over the tobacco composition 14, the heated aerosol or vapor entrains the organics and other compounds or components from the tobacco material 14 that give the tobacco its organoleptic properties, thus forming an aerosol or vapor. As the vapor moves to the mouthpiece 4 it imparts flavor to them.

Device 1 provides the user with nicotine. The nicotine may be provided in the liquid 10, may be obtained from the tobacco composition 14, may be provided as a coating on the tobacco composition 14 or the like, and may be provided as any combination thereof. may be Flavorants may be added to tobacco composition 14 and/or liquid 10 as well.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the only source of heat for heating tobacco composition 14 within apparatus 1 required to generate organics and other compounds or components from tobacco composition 14 is from heating liquid 10. It is a hot aerosol or vapor produced.

Referring to FIG. 2, another example of an aspirable medium generator is shown. In the following description and in FIG. 2 parts and features that are the same or similar to corresponding parts and features of the example described with reference to FIG. For the sake of brevity, the description of these components and features in its entirety is not repeated here. Of course, the arrangements and alternatives etc. described above with respect to the example of FIG. 1 also apply to the example of FIG. Again in general terms, the device 201 of FIG. to manufacture.

The device 201 in this example has a generally hollow cylindrical outer housing 202 with an open end 203 and a tubular mouthpiece 204 . The mouthpiece 204 in this example is removable from the housing 202 by the user, and an O-ring or other sealing member 205 helps seal the mouthpiece 204 within the housing 202 . A battery 207 and a controller 208 are provided at or towards the other end 206 of the housing 202 for powering the various components of the device 201 . The housing 202 in this example consists of two parts, a first part 202 a towards the open end 203 and a second part 202 b towards the other end 206 .

Housing 202 has a container 209 for holding or containing liquid 210 . Container 209 may be of any of the types described above with respect to the example of FIG. A heater 211 is provided approximately in the center (in the longitudinal and width directions) of the housing 202 to volatilize the liquid 210 . In this example heater 211 is powered by battery 207 and is therefore electrically connected to battery 207 . Heater 211 may be an electrical resistive heater, a ceramic heater, or the like. The heater 211 may be, for example, a coiled wire, a plate (a multi-layer plate made of two or more different materials, one or more of which may be conductive and one or more of which may be non-conductive). ), mesh (which may be woven or non-woven, as well as multi-layer construction), film heaters, and the like. Other heating devices such as induction heating devices or non-electric heating devices may also be used. An annular wick 212 surrounds the heater 211 and is in (thermal) contact with the heater 211 . The outermost surface of annular wick 212 is in contact with liquid 210 in liquid container 209 . The liquid 210 is heated and may be heated sufficiently to produce an aerosol of droplets or to produce a vapor. The aerosol or vapor so produced exits the wick 212 and travels toward the mouthpiece 204 as indicated by arrow A by the action of the user's suction on the mouthpiece 204 . Heater 211 and wick 212 may be provided as a single, effectively integrated item so that heating and wicking are effectively performed in a single unit.

Housing 202 further includes chambers 213 that hold or contain tobacco composition 214 within device 201 . Tobacco composition 214 includes tobacco material and an encapsulated base. Chamber 213 may be of any of the types described above with respect to the example of FIG. A tobacco composition 214 is located within housing 202 downstream from where an aerosol or vapor is produced from liquid 210 and upstream of open end 203 of housing 202 and mouthpiece 204 . Tobacco composition 214 in this particular example is effectively provided in the same portion or chamber of housing 202 . The aerosol or vapor produced from liquid 210 exits wick 212 and travels toward tobacco composition 214 by the action of the user's drawing at mouthpiece 204 as indicated by arrow A. In certain embodiments, tobacco composition 214 is porous such that an aerosol or vapor passes through tobacco composition 214 and then through open end 203 of housing 202 and mouthpiece 204 . Heat carried by the aerosol or vapor releases the base from capsules within the tobacco composition 214, preferably by melting or by the temperature dependent release mechanism described above. Bases increase the pH of the tobacco, liberating nicotine and making it more likely to be entrained by passing vapors/aerosols.

In some embodiments, the tobacco composition 214 and/or its chamber 213 is spaced between the tobacco composition 214/chamber 213 and the interior of the housing 202 such that aerosol or vapor flows throughout the tobacco composition 214. are arranged in such a way that As the aerosol or vapor passes through and over the tobacco composition 214 , the heated aerosol or vapor entrains organics and other compounds or components from the tobacco composition 214 , thereby driving the aerosol or vapor into the mouthpiece 204 . Gives them flavor as they move.

Container 209 containing liquid 210 may itself be positioned to support or support tobacco composition 214 . For example, container 209 may have one or more clips or tubes to contain and hold tobacco composition 214 in place. Such dual function container 209/chamber or receptacle 213 for containing liquid 210 and containing tobacco composition 214 may be in the form of a cartridge or the like and is a disposable item. may be used repeatedly, and the liquid 210 and tobacco composition 214 may be replaced or topped up as needed by the user. In some cases it may be that sufficient liquid 210 is provided for several uses and the user needs to top up or replace tobacco composition 214 from time to time. When the liquid 210 is consumed, the user discards the dual function container 209/receptacle 213 and uses a new one. It may also be that enough tobacco composition 214 is provided for several uses and that the user needs to top up or replace liquid 210 from time to time. When the tobacco composition 214 is consumed, the user discards the dual function container 209/receptacle 213 and uses a new one.

In the example apparatus 201 of FIG. 2, a second heater 215, such as an oven heater, is provided in thermal contact with the tobacco composition 214 to preheat the tobacco composition 214 and/or heat the tobacco during use of the apparatus 201. The composition 214 is additionally heated. In use, this facilitates release of components from tobacco composition 214 as vapor or aerosol passes through tobacco composition 214 . Less liquid 210 is heated to achieve the desired heating of tobacco composition 214 . The second heater 215 may be, for example, an electrical resistance heater powered by the battery 207, a ceramic heater, or the like. The heater 215 may be, for example, a wire, which may be in the form of a coil, a plate (a multi-layer plate made of two or more different materials, one or more of which may be conductive and one or more of which may be non-conductive). ), mesh (which may be woven or non-woven, as well as multilayer structures), film heaters, and the like. The second heater 215 may be an induction heater powered by the battery 207, for example. Tobacco composition 214 may include materials that are susceptible to induction heating. Other heating devices may be used for the second heater 215, such as non-electrical heating devices.

Heater 215 may also release base from capsules within tobacco composition 214, preferably by melting or by the temperature dependent release mechanism described above. Bases increase the pH of the tobacco, liberating nicotine and making it more likely to be entrained by passing vapors/aerosols.

In the example of the apparatus 201 of FIG. 2, the heater 215 for heating the tobacco composition 214 is provided outside the tobacco composition 214 and heats the tobacco composition 214 by heat conduction from the outside of the tobacco composition 214. The heater 215 in this example is generally cylindrical. Heater 215 is actually an integral part of device 201 and may be provided as part of housing 202 . Alternatively, heater 215 may be integral with chamber 213 that holds or contains tobacco composition 214 . In this alternative, if chamber 213 is disposable, heater 215 is replaced when a new chamber 213 with fresh tobacco is loaded into device 201 by the user.

Referring now to FIG. 3, another example of an aspirable medium generator is shown. In the following description and in FIG. 3 parts and features that are the same or similar to corresponding parts and features of the example described with reference to FIG. For the sake of brevity, the description of these components and features in its entirety is not repeated here. Of course, the arrangements and alternatives etc. described above with respect to the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2 are also applicable to the example of FIG. Again in general terms, the device 301 of FIG. to manufacture.

The device 301 in this example also has a generally hollow cylindrical outer housing 302 with an open end 303 and a tubular mouthpiece 304 . An O-ring or other sealing member 305 helps seal the mouthpiece 304 within the housing 302 . A battery 307 and a controller 308 are provided at or towards the other end 306 of the housing 302 for powering the various components of the device 301 . The housing 302 in this example consists of two parts, a first part 302 a towards the open end 303 and a second part 302 b towards the other end 306 .

Housing 302 has a container 309 for holding or containing liquid 310 . Container 309 may be of any of the types described above with respect to the examples of FIGS. A heater 311 is provided approximately in the center of the housing 302 to volatilize the liquid 310 . Heater 311 may be of any of the types described above. In this example heater 311 is powered by battery 307 and is therefore electrically connected to battery 307 . An annular wick 312 surrounds the heater 311 and is in (thermal) contact with the heater 311 . The outermost surface of annular wick 312 is in contact with liquid 310 in liquid container 309 . The liquid 310 is heated and may be heated sufficiently to produce an aerosol of droplets or to produce a vapor. The aerosol or vapor so produced exits the wick 312 and travels toward the mouthpiece 304 as indicated by arrow A by the action of the user's suction on the mouthpiece 304 . Heater 311 and wick 312 may be provided as a single, effectively integrated item so that heating and wicking are effectively performed in a single unit.

Housing 302 further includes chamber 313 , which holds or contains tobacco composition 314 within device 301 . Tobacco composition 314 includes tobacco material and an encapsulated base. Chamber 313 may be of any of the types described above with respect to the examples of FIGS. (In the example shown in Figure 3, the chamber 313 is in the shape of a tube with an end wall 316 having a through hole 317 through which the vapor or aerosol can pass, which is an option above. ) A tobacco composition 314 is located within the housing 302 downstream from where the aerosol or vapor is produced from the liquid 310 and upstream of the open end 303 of the housing 302 and the mouthpiece 304 . Again in this particular example, tobacco composition 314 is effectively provided in the same portion or chamber of housing 302 . The aerosol or vapor produced from liquid 310 exits wick 312 and travels toward tobacco composition 314 by the action of the user's drawing at mouthpiece 304 as indicated by arrow A. In certain embodiments, tobacco composition 314 is porous such that an aerosol or vapor passes through tobacco composition 314 and then through open end 303 of housing 302 and mouthpiece 304 . Heat carried by the aerosol or vapor preferably releases the base from the capsules within the tobacco composition 314 by melting or by the temperature dependent release mechanism described above. Bases increase the pH of the tobacco, liberating nicotine and making it more likely to be entrained by passing vapors/aerosols.

In some embodiments, the tobacco composition 314 and/or its chamber 313 are spaced between the tobacco composition 314/chamber 313 and the interior of the housing 302 such that aerosols or vapors flow throughout the tobacco composition 314. are arranged in such a way that As the aerosol or vapor passes through and over the tobacco composition 314, the heated aerosol or vapor entrains organics and other compounds or components from the tobacco composition 314, thereby moving the aerosol or vapor to the mouthpiece 304. imparts a tobacco flavor to them when Container 309 containing liquid 310 may itself be positioned to support or support tobacco composition 314 . For example, container 309 may have one or more clips or tubes to contain and hold tobacco composition 314 in place. Such dual function container 309/chamber or receptacle 313 for containing liquid 310 and containing tobacco composition 314 may be in the form of a cartridge or the like and is a disposable item. may be used repeatedly, and the liquid 310 and tobacco composition 314 may be replaced or topped up as needed by the user. In some cases, it may simply be that enough liquid 310 is provided for several uses and the user needs to top up or replace tobacco composition 314 from time to time. When the liquid 310 is consumed, the user discards the dual function container 309/receptacle 313 and uses a new one. It may also be that enough tobacco composition 314 is provided for several uses and that the user needs to top up or replace liquid 310 from time to time. When the tobacco composition 314 is consumed, the user discards the dual function container 309/receptacle 313 and uses a new one.

In the example of apparatus 301 of FIG. 3, a second heater 318 is provided in thermal contact with tobacco composition 314 to heat tobacco composition 314 through which vapor or aerosol passes through in use. facilitating the release of components from the tobacco composition 314 at the time. The second heater 318 may be, for example, an electrical resistance heater powered by the battery 307, a ceramic heater, or the like. Other heating devices, such as non-electrical heating devices, may be used for the second heater 318 .

In the apparatus 301 of the example of FIG. 3, a heater 318 for heating the tobacco composition 314 is provided inside the tobacco composition 314, and the tobacco composition 314 is heated by heat conduction from the inside of the tobacco composition 314. . Heater 318 in this example is in the form of a cylindrical rod generally positioned along the central longitudinal axis of tobacco composition 314 . In other configurations, the heater 318 may be a wire, plate (of two or more different materials, one or more of which may be conductive and one or more of which may be non-conductive), which may be in the form of a coil. multi-layer plate), mesh (which may be woven or non-woven, as well as multi-layer construction), film heaters, and the like. The tobacco composition 314 in this case is generally tubular and otherwise has an internal opening for receiving the heater 318 . Heater 318 is actually an integral part of device 301 and may be provided as part of housing 302 . In this case, when tobacco composition 314 is loaded into device 301 (eg, when chamber 313 containing tobacco composition 314 is loaded into device 301 ), tobacco composition 314 surrounds second heater 318 . Alternatively, heater 318 may be integral with chamber 313 that holds or contains tobacco composition 314 . In this alternative, if chamber 313 is disposable, heater 318 is replaced when a new chamber 313 with fresh material is loaded into device 301 by the user.

In another example, multiple internal heaters 318 may be provided to heat the tobacco composition 314 more efficiently. In another example, the tobacco composition 314 is combined with one or more external heaters (such as the second heater 215 in the example of FIG. 2) and one or more internal heaters (such as the second heater 318 in the example of FIG. 3). ) may be heated by

One or more heaters 318 configured to heat the tobacco composition may release the base from capsules within the tobacco composition 314, preferably by melting or the temperature dependent release mechanism described above. Bases increase the pH of the tobacco, liberating nicotine and making it more likely to be entrained by passing vapors/aerosols.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a schematic longitudinal cross-section of an example cartridge 600 having a liquid container 601 for containing a liquid 602 and a receptacle or container 603 for a tobacco composition 604 is shown. In this example, the liquid container 601 and the tobacco composition container 603 are one piece, either initially formed in one piece, or first formed in two parts and then substantially permanently assembled. Provided as a component. Cartridge 600 ensures that when liquid 602 is volatilized to produce an aerosol of droplets or heated sufficiently to produce a vapor, at least a portion, preferably all or substantially all, of the aerosol or vapor is tobacco composition. configured to capture flavor from these tobacco compositions 604 through the article 604 .

In the example of FIG. 4, the liquid container 601 is provided substantially in the center of the cartridge 600 . The liquid container 601 in the illustrated example has a frusto-conical shape, but it may have a different shape such as conical or cylindrical. The liquid container 601 is surrounded by an outer shell 605 which defines an annular channel 606 longitudinally outwardly of the liquid container 601 and extends from one end of the liquid container 601 to the other. Outer shell 605 extends beyond first end wall 607 of liquid container 601 to define chamber 608 beyond first end wall 607 of liquid container 601 . In the illustrated example, both chamber 608 and annular channel 606 contain tobacco composition 604 and thus can be considered together to provide container 603 for tobacco composition 604 . In other examples, tobacco composition 604 may be provided only in chamber 608, thus defining container 603 for tobacco composition 604, and annular channel 606 being empty. Chamber 608 is closed by an end wall 609 spaced from end wall 607 of liquid container 601 . End wall 609 may be part of outer shell 605 or may be a separate plastic or rubber cap or the like. In yet another example, annular channel 606 contains tobacco composition 604 and no material is contained in chamber 608, thus chamber 608 may be omitted and channel 606 effectively ends at end wall 609. terminate. Channel 606 and/or chamber 608 may be completely filled with tobacco composition 604 or may contain only a portion or mass of tobacco composition 604 . End wall 609 is porous and/or has one or more through holes 610 that allow aerosol or vapor to exit cartridge 600 to be inhaled by a user. Liquid container 601 and solid chamber 603 may each be formed of a rigid, watertight and airtight material, such as metal, suitable plastic, or the like.

The example cartridge 600 shown in FIG. 4 is provided with a heater 611 and a wick 612 in (thermal) contact with the heater 611 . In this example the heater 611 and wick 612 are provided as a single unit, sometimes referred to as an "atomizer". In this case, when cartridge 600 includes an atomizer, such cartridge is sometimes referred to as a "cartomizer." The orientation of heater 611 is shown schematically, for example heater 622 may have a coil with a longitudinal axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of cartridge 600 rather than parallel as shown in FIG.

Wick 612 is in contact with liquid 602 . This may be done, for example, by inserting the wick 612 into a through hole (not shown) in the second end wall 613 of the liquid container 601 . Alternatively or additionally, the second end wall 613 may be a porous member (as shown schematically in dashed lines in FIG. may contact the porous second end wall 613 . The second end wall 613 may be in the form of a porous ceramic disc, for example. A porous second end wall 613 of this kind serves to control the flow of liquid to the wick 612 . Wick 612 is generally absorbent and acts to draw liquid 602 from liquid container 601 by capillary action. The core 612 is preferably non-woven and may be, for example, cotton or wool, or synthetic materials including, for example, polyester, nylon, viscose, polypropylene, and the like.

In use, the cartridge 600 is connected by the user to the battery section of the device (not shown) so that the heater 611 can be powered. When the atomizer's heater 611 is energized (which may be triggered, for example, by operating a button throughout the device or by a puff detector throughout the device known per se), the wick 612 removes the liquid from the container 601 . Drawn liquid 602 is heated by heater 611 to volatilize or vaporize the liquid. Upon inhalation through the mouthpiece of the user-wide device, vapor or aerosol moves as indicated by arrow A into annular channel 606 and chamber 608 around the outer circumference of the length of liquid container 601 . The vapor or aerosol captures flavor from tobacco composition 604 . Heat carried by the aerosol or vapor releases the base from capsules within tobacco composition 604, preferably by melting or by the temperature dependent release mechanism described above. Bases increase the pH of the tobacco, liberating nicotine and making it more likely to be entrained by passing vapors/aerosols. The vapor or aerosol can then exit cartridge 600 through end wall 609 as indicated by arrow B. FIG. Optionally, a one-way valve 614 may be provided inside the end wall 609 to allow vapors or aerosols to only exit the cartridge and not backflow to the heater 611 or the electronics of the device as a whole.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of another example cartridge 700 that includes a liquid container 701 containing a liquid 702 and a container 703 defining a chamber 708 containing a tobacco composition 704. have. In the following description and in FIG. 5, parts and features that are the same or similar to corresponding parts and features of the example described with reference to FIG. For the sake of brevity, the description of these components and features in its entirety is not repeated here.

In this example, the liquid container 701 and tobacco composition container 703 of the cartridge 700 are provided as separate pieces that are removably connected together during use. The liquid container 701 and the tobacco composition container 703 may be clipped or removably secured to each other, for example, or the tobacco composition container 703 may simply rest on the liquid container 701 or be a tight friction fit, for example. Cartridge 700 ensures that when liquid 702 is volatilized to produce an aerosol of droplets or heated sufficiently to produce a vapor, at least a portion, preferably all or substantially all, of the aerosol or vapor is tobacco composition. 704 to capture flavor from these tobacco compositions 704 .

In this example, the liquid container 701 is surrounded by an outer shell 705 that defines an annular channel 706 on the outer length of the liquid container 701 and extends from one end of the liquid container 701 to the other. there is Outer shell 705 extends beyond first end wall 707 of liquid container 701 and terminates in end wall 709 . End wall 709 may be a separate plastic or rubber cap or the like. End wall 709 is porous and/or has one or more through holes 710 to allow aerosol or vapor to exit annular channel 706 . A one-way valve 714 is provided inside the end wall 709 to allow vapor or aerosol to only exit the annular channel 706 at the end remote from the heater 711 and wick 712, and not the heater 711 or the electronic components of the apparatus as a whole. may be prevented from backflowing into Tobacco composition container 703 is positioned across end wall 709 in use such that vapor or aerosol exiting end wall 709 travels into tobacco composition container 703 . Tobacco composition container 703 has an exit opening and/or porous end wall 715 to allow the aerosol or vapor to exit cartridge 700 and be inhaled by the user.

In use, the cartridge 700 is connected by the user to the battery section of the device (not shown) so that the heater 711 can be powered. When the atomizer's heater 711 is energized (which may be triggered, for example, by operating a button throughout the device or by a puff detector known per se in the device as a whole), the wick 712 draws light from the liquid container 701 . Liquid 702 drawn through end wall 713 is heated by heater 711 to volatilize or evaporate the liquid. When the user inhales through the mouthpiece of the overall device, the vapor or aerosol is forced into the annular channel 706 around the outside circumference of the length of the liquid container 701 as indicated by arrow A and toward the end wall 709 of the outer shell 705 . move to The vapor or aerosol then travels through end wall 709 (via a one-way valve, if present) into tobacco composition container 703 where it captures flavor from tobacco composition 704 contained in container 703 . Heat carried by the aerosol or vapor releases the base from capsules within the tobacco composition 704, preferably by melting or the temperature dependent release mechanisms described above. Bases increase the pH of the tobacco, liberating nicotine and making it more likely to be entrained by passing vapors/aerosols. The vapor or aerosol can then exit cartridge 700 through end wall 715 of tobacco composition container 703 as indicated by arrow B.

The examples shown in Figures 4 and 5 are particularly useful in so-called modular or "e-go" products where the cartomizer is typically fitted to the battery section (not shown) by screw threads, bayonet fitting, etc. suitable for use. The cartomizer as a whole is normally discarded after use and a new replacement cartomizer is used. Alternatively, the user may replenish the liquid and/or replace the solid material from time to time as needed.

The examples shown in Figures 4 and 5 are easily adapted for use with other types of electronic cigarette hybrid devices known per se. For example, there are so-called "e-cigarette-like" or "cigarette-like" devices that are generally small and similar in shape and appearance to conventional cigarettes. In such devices, the liquid container usually includes some padding material, for example cotton, to hold the liquid. Although the cartridges or cartomizers of such conventional devices are typically entirely disposable, they allow liquid replenishment and/or solid material replacement in instances using embodiments of the present invention. Another example is the so-called tank system or personal vaporizer, which generally has a large liquid container for holding relatively large amounts of liquid and offers advanced user control over many aspects of the system.

As an alternative to any of the atomizer devices described above, a liquid atomizer (ie, heater and wick) may be provided separately from the liquid and material containers. The atomizer may, for example, be provided as part of the battery section of the overall device into which the cartridge is removably fitted by the user during use.

In any of the examples described above with respect to Figures 4 and 5, a tobacco composition heater may be provided to "pre-heat" the tobacco composition. This heater may be provided as part of the cartridge or as part of the battery section of the device in which the cartridge is fitted in use. This heater for the tobacco composition preferably releases the base from the capsules within the tobacco composition by melting or the temperature dependent release mechanism described above. Bases increase the pH of the tobacco, liberating nicotine and making it more likely to be entrained by passing vapors/aerosols.

As used herein, an "aerosol-generating agent" is a compound or mixture that facilitates the generation of an aerosol. Aerosol-generating agents may facilitate aerosol generation by promoting the initial vaporization and/or coalescence of gases into an inhalable solid and/or liquid aerosol.

Generally, any suitable aerosol-generating agent or agents may be included in the aerosol-generating materials of the present invention. Suitable aerosol generators include polyols such as sorbitol, glycerin and glycols such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol, non-polyols such as monohydric alcohols, high boiling hydrocarbons, acids such as lactic acid, glycerin derivatives, diacetin, Esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, myristates including triethyl citrate or ethyl myristate and isopropyl myristate and aliphatic carboxylic acid esters such as methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate Examples include, but are not limited to.

As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavoring agent" refer to ingredients that are permitted by local regulations and that can be used to add a taste or aroma to a product desired by adult consumers. Such materials include extracts (for example, licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaves, chamomile, fenugreek, cloves, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, licorice, cherries, berries, peaches, apples, Drambuie, bourbon, Scotch, Whiskey, Spearmint, Peppermint, Lavender, Cardamom, Celery, Cascarilla, Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Bergamot, Geranium, Honey Extract, Rose Oil, Vanilla, Lemon Oil, Orange Oil, Cassia, Caraway, Cognac, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, sage, fennel, pimento, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), seasonings, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars. and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, mannitol, etc.), charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plant breath fresheners, etc. Other additives and the like are included. These materials may be imitations, synthetic or natural ingredients, or blends thereof. These materials may be in any suitable form, such as oils, liquids, powders, and the like.

For the avoidance of doubt, when "comprises" is used herein to define an invention or inventive feature, the invention or feature "comprises" instead of "substantially from Embodiments are also disclosed that can be defined using the words "consists essentially of" or "consists of."

The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Further embodiments of the invention are envisaged. It will be appreciated that any feature described for any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features described, and may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment or other implementation. Any combination of any of the aspects may be used in combination. Additionally, equivalents and modifications not described above may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

The various embodiments described herein are provided merely as an aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are merely representative examples and are neither all-inclusive nor exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, embodiments, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure limit the disclosure as defined in the claims or equivalents of the claims. should not be considered as limiting, and it should be considered that other embodiments may be utilized and modified without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the present disclosure. The various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, and so on. The present disclosure also includes other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims (15)

a container for holding a liquid;
a heater for volatilizing the liquid held in the container;
a chamber containing a tobacco composition;
an aspirable medium generator comprising an outlet,
The device is configured, in use, to pass an inhalable medium through the outlet, the medium being one or more of (i) a volatilized liquid in vapor and/or aerosol form and (ii) a tobacco composition. and the ingredients of
The tobacco composition comprises tobacco material and an encapsulated base;
The device, in use, causes the liquid volatilized by the heater to pass through the tobacco composition in the form of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol, thereby entraining one or more components, including nicotine, from the tobacco composition to exit configured to produce an aspirable medium that exits through the
The base releases the base at a temperature above room temperature and below the temperature of use, whereby the base contacts the tobacco material and liberates nicotine from the tobacco material to melt, decompose, react, degrade, swell. , encapsulated in an encapsulant that dissolves or deforms,
Suctionable medium generator. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the base comprises one or more of sodium, potassium or calcium hydroxides or carbonates, or other soluble bases. 3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the base is encapsulated by an encapsulating material selected from polysaccharide or cellulosic barrier materials, gelatin, gums, gels, waxes or mixtures thereof. Encapsulating materials include alginates, dextran, maltodextrin, cyclodextrin, pectin, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose ethers, gum arabic, gum ghatti, gum tragacanth, gum karaya, gum locust bean gum, gum acacia, 4. The device of claim 3 , selected from one or more of guar gum, quince seed gum, xanthan gum, agar gel, agarose gel, carrageenan, Freudan, furcelleran and carnauba wax. 5. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that the tobacco material is encapsulated together with the base. 2. A cartridge for use in the inhalable medium generator of claim 1, comprising a volatile liquid in the first chamber and a tobacco composition in the second chamber. 7. The cartridge of claim 6 , wherein the base comprises one or more of sodium, potassium or calcium hydroxides or carbonates, or other soluble bases. 8. Cartridge according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the base is encapsulated by an encapsulating material selected from polysaccharide or cellulosic barrier materials, gelatin, gums, gels, waxes or mixtures thereof. Encapsulating materials include alginates, dextran, maltodextrin, cyclodextrin, pectin, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose ethers, gum arabic, gum ghatti, gum tragacanth, gum karaya, gum locust bean gum, gum acacia, 9. The cartridge of claim 8 , selected from one or more of guar gum, quince seed gum, xanthan gum, agar gel, agarose gel, carrageenan, Freudan, furcelleran and carnauba wax. 10. Cartridge according to any one of claims 6 to 9 , characterized in that the tobacco material is encapsulated together with the base. A method of generating an inhalable medium using an apparatus comprising a container holding a liquid, a heater for volatilizing the liquid, a chamber containing a tobacco composition, and an outlet, the method comprising:
volatilizing the liquid held in the container;
forming an inhalable medium comprising (i) the volatilized liquid in vapor and/or aerosol form and (ii) one or more components of the tobacco composition;
and passing the aspirable medium through an outlet;
The tobacco composition comprises tobacco material and an encapsulated base;
The device, in use, causes the liquid volatilized by the heater to pass through the tobacco composition in the form of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol, thereby entraining one or more components, including nicotine, from the tobacco composition to exit configured to produce an aspirable medium that exits through the
The base releases the base at a temperature above room temperature and below the temperature of use, whereby the base contacts the tobacco material and liberates nicotine from the tobacco material to melt, decompose, react, degrade, swell. , encapsulated in an encapsulant that dissolves or deforms,
Method. Use of an encapsulated base in a tobacco composition for sustained delivery of nicotine in use, the tobacco composition being provided to a device, the device comprising:
a container for holding a liquid;
a heater for volatilizing the liquid held in the container;
A chamber containing a tobacco composition comprising a base encapsulated in an encapsulant that melts, decomposes, reacts, degrades, swells, dissolves or deforms to release the base at temperatures above room temperature and below the temperature of use. and,
including an exit and
In use, the base is incorporated into the capsule such that an inhalable medium comprising (i) volatilized liquid in the form of a vapor and/or aerosol and (ii) nicotine released from the tobacco composition exits through the outlet. releasing nicotine from the tobacco material ,
The liquid volatilized by the heater passes through the tobacco composition in the form of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol, thereby entraining one or more components, including nicotine, from the tobacco composition and exiting through the outlet. to produce a medium capable of
Use of bases. A method for sustained release of nicotine from a device for generating an inhalable medium is provided, the device comprising:
a container for holding a liquid;
a heater for volatilizing the liquid held in the container;
a chamber containing a tobacco composition;
including an exit and
In use, an inhalable medium is configured to exit through the outlet, the medium comprising (i) volatilized liquid in vapor and/or aerosol form and (ii) one or more components of the tobacco composition. including
The tobacco composition comprises tobacco material and an encapsulated base;
The device, in use, causes the liquid volatilized by the heater to pass through the tobacco composition in the form of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol, thereby entraining one or more components, including nicotine, from the tobacco composition to exit configured to produce an aspirable medium that exits through the
the base is encapsulated in an encapsulant that melts, decomposes, reacts, degrades, swells, dissolves or deforms to release the base at temperatures above room temperature and below the temperature of use;
The method includes releasing a base from the capsule when in use to liberate nicotine from tobacco material. 1. A kit comprising: (i) a liquid pod containing a volatile liquid; and (ii) a tobacco composition pod containing a tobacco composition comprising tobacco material and an encapsulated base, wherein
The liquid and tobacco composition pod is configured for use in a device for use in generating an inhalable medium according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the device, in use, comprising (i) vapor and/or A kit adapted to generate an inhalable medium comprising volatilized liquid from a liquid pod in aerosol form and (ii) one or more components of a tobacco composition. A tobacco composition pod containing a tobacco composition comprising tobacco material and an encapsulated base, said pod for use in generating an inhalable medium according to any one of claims 1 to 5. wherein the device is adapted in use to generate an inhalable medium comprising (i) a volatilized liquid in vapor and/or aerosol form and (ii) a tobacco composition and one or more components of

Images