RU2800012C2 - Aerosol generation - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking accessories.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a device for creating an inhaled medium, a cartridge for use in a device for creating an inhaled medium, a method for creating an inhaled medium and a kit. The expected result is achieved by the fact that the device for creating an inhaled medium contains a container with the first volatile material having a pH of more than 7; a heater for volatilizing the first volatile material contained in the container; a chamber containing an aerosolized material containing nicotine in its composition; and an outlet; in this case, the device is designed with the possibility of volatilization of the first volatile material by a heater with the formation of steam and/or aerosol, which passes through the chamber containing the aerosolized material and carries with it one or more components of the aerosolized material, thereby forming an inhaled medium that passes through the outlet, also the result is achieved by a cartridge for use in such a device, a kit containing such a device, a method for creating an inhaled environment containing such a device, a method for ensuring the delayed release of nicotine from such a device, the use of an aerosol in such a device and the use of volatile material in such a device.

EFFECT: improved stability of nicotine delivery for one pull due to the postponement of the pH treatment of tobacco.

16 cl, 5 dwg

Description

The technical field to which the invention belongs

The invention relates, without limitation, to a device for creating an inhalable medium, a cartridge for use in a device for creating an inhalable medium, a method for creating an inhalable medium, and a kit.

State of the art

Smoking products such as cigarettes, cigars, and the like burn tobacco during use, creating tobacco smoke. Alternatives to these types of products release compounds without burning, forming an inhalable environment.

Examples of such products are heating devices, including electronic cigarettes/non-burning hybrid heating devices, also known as hybrid e-tobacco devices. Such hybrid devices contain a vapor or aerosol precursor (such as a liquid or gel) that evaporates when heated to form a respirable vapor or aerosol. The vapor precursor may contain flavorings and/or aerosol forming substances such as glycerol and, in some cases, nicotine. The vapor or aerosol passes through the substrate material in the device and entraps one or more components of that substrate material to form an inhalable environment. The substrate material may be, for example, tobacco, other non-tobacco products, or a combination thereof, such as a blended mixture, which may or may not contain nicotine.

Disclosure of invention

In some embodiments of the invention described herein, a device for creating an inhalable environment is provided, including:

a container containing a first volatile material having a pH greater than 7;

a heater for volatilizing the first volatile material contained in the container;

a chamber containing an aerosolizable material containing nicotine; And

outlet;

arranged in such a way that, in use, the first volatile material is volatilized by the heater to form vapor and/or an aerosol that passes through a chamber containing the aerosolizable material and carries away with it one or more components of the aerosolizable material, thereby forming an inhalable medium passing through the outlet.

The device described herein may be referred to as a hybrid e-tobacco device.

In some embodiments of the invention described in this document, a cartridge is proposed for use in a device for creating an inhaled environment, containing (i) the first volatile material with a pH of more than 7, in a container, and (II) aerosolized material in its composition of nicotine, in the chamber, and the cartridge is configured that when using steam and/or aerobic, formed from the first -aimed materials La passes through a camera containing aerosolized material, and captivates one or more components of the aerosolized material.

Accordingly, the cartridge may be adapted for use in the inhalable environment device described herein.

In some embodiments of the invention described in this document, a kit is provided that includes:

(i) a first container containing a first volatile material, said material having a pH greater than 7; And

(ii) a second container containing an aerosolizable material containing nicotine; wherein the first and second containers are configured for use in the device such that vapor and/or aerosol generated from the first volatile material during use passes through the aerosolizable material and captures one or more components of the aerosolizable material.

In some embodiments of the invention described in this document, a method for creating an inhalable environment is proposed, including:

volatilizing the first material having a pH greater than 7 to form a vapor and/or aerosol;

contacting the vapor and/or aerosol with an aerosolizable material containing nicotine, which results in the release of nicotine from the aerosolizable material and the capture of one or more components of the aerosolizable material by the vapor and/or aerosol.

In some embodiments of the invention described herein, a method of providing a sustained release of nicotine from a device for creating an inhalable environment is provided, the device including:

a container containing a first volatile material having a pH greater than 7;

a heater for volatilizing the first volatile material contained in the container;

a chamber containing an aerosolizable material containing nicotine; And

outlet;

wherein the method comprises volatilizing the first volatile material with a heater to form a vapor and/or aerosol and contacting the vapor and/or aerosol with the aerosolizable material to release nicotine from the aerosolizable material.

Some embodiments of the invention described herein provide for the use of an aerosol and/or steam having a pH greater than 7 to pH treat an aerosolized nicotine-containing material in an aerosol generating device during use.

In some embodiments of the invention described herein, the use of a volatile material having a pH greater than 7 is proposed to provide stable delivery of nicotine from an aerosolizable material containing nicotine, while the volatile substance volatilizes to form a vapor and/or aerosol that contacts the aerosolizable material, which leads to the release of nicotine from the aerosolizable material and the capture of one or more components of the aerosolizable material by the vapor and/or aerosol.

In some cases, the first volatile material contains a liquid or gel. In some cases, the first volatile material contains, essentially consists of, or consists of a liquid.

In some instances, the first aerosolizable material is sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium hydrogen carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, calcium carbonate, or mixtures thereof, or other soluble bases.

Additional 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.

Brief description of the drawings

Examples of devices for creating an inhalable environment proposed in the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show:

in fig. 1 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of an example of a device for creating an inhalable environment;

in fig. 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of another exemplary device for creating an inhalable environment;

in fig. 3 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of another example of a device for creating an inhalable environment;

in fig. 4 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of one example of a cartridge having a liquid container and an integral solid material container; And

in fig. 5 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of one example of a cartridge having a liquid container and a removable solid material container.

Implementation of the invention

The tobacco may be treated with base and water to facilitate the release of nicotine from the tobacco. Nicotine is released from the nicotine salts found in tobacco by reacting with a base. In this case, the nicotine is volatilized at a lower use temperature.

The inventors have found that when base-treated tobacco is used in known hybrid e-tobacco devices, nicotine delivery per puff is significantly reduced during use. The reaction between the base and nicotine is fast; The pH-treated nicotine is then rapidly released and its delivery during consumption may decrease from puff to puff. The inventors also noted that pH-treated nicotine may be lost from the device prior to use due to its high volatility.

The present invention provides improved stability of nicotine delivery per puff by delaying the pH treatment of the tobacco. The inventors have determined that the vapor/aerosol obtained from the base passing through a chamber containing an aerosolizable material containing nicotine can be used to pH treat the material; the steam/aerosol flow rate controls the pH treatment rate of the material and therefore controls the nicotine release rate during the pH treatment. No pH treatment is carried out before vapor/aerosol formation. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it can be assumed that the base present in the vapor/aerosol may condense on the material during the pH treatment.

In addition, the treatment of tobacco (which is an aerosolizable material containing nicotine) with a high pH material results in the release of ammonia. Controlling the rate of pH treatment controls the rate of release of ammonia, and this can improve the organoleptic properties of the tobacco (because the smell of ammonia is less strong).

In some cases, the invention provides a device for creating an inhalable environment, including:

a container containing a first volatile material having a pH greater than 7;

a heater for volatilizing the first volatile material contained in the container;

a chamber containing an aerosolizable material containing nicotine; And

outlet;

arranged so that, in use, the first volatile material is volatilized by the heater to form vapor and/or an aerosol that passes through a chamber containing the aerosolizable material and carries away one or more components of the aerosolizable material, thereby forming an inhalable medium that passes through the outlet.

The device described herein may be referred to as a hybrid e-tobacco device.

In some instances, an aerosolizable material containing nicotine may be porous so that an aerosol or vapor can pass through the material. Thus, the components of the aerosolizable material are effectively captured by the aerosol/vapour as it passes through the material.

The aerosolizable material containing nicotine is usually a solid material. In some cases, it may be a tobacco material, which may also be referred to as a tobacco composition. Discussion herein specifically relating to the pH treatment of tobacco material is explicitly disclosed in conjunction with any nicotine-containing aerosolizable material, to the extent that they are compatible.

As used herein, the term "tobacco material" refers to any material containing tobacco or its derivatives. The term "tobacco material" may mean one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The tobacco material may include one or more of cut tobacco, tobacco fiber, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stem, reconstituted tobacco, agglomerated tobacco, spheronized tobacco, and/or tobacco extract.

The tobacco used to produce the tobacco material may be any suitable tobacco such as single or blended tobaccos, cut tobacco fiber or whole leaf, including Virginia and/or Burley and/or Oriental varieties. It can also be tobacco particles or dust, expanded tobacco, stalks, expanded stalks and other processed stalks such as cut rolled stalks. The tobacco material may be ground tobacco or reconstituted tobacco material. The reconstituted tobacco material may contain tobacco fibers and may be formed by a casting process, a Fourdrinier papermaking process, a reverse addition of tobacco extract, or an extrusion process.

The aerosolizable material containing nicotine may additionally contain flavors and/or aerosol forming agents.

The nicotine-containing aerosolizable material may additionally have one or more shell materials such as invert sugar, molasses, cane sugar, honey, cocoa, licorice, polyols such as glycerol and propylene glycol, and acids such as malic acid.

The aerosolizable material may further comprise one or more binders such as alginates, cellulose or modified cellulose, starch or modified starch, or natural gums. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material includes an alginate, such as sodium alginate, calcium alginate, potassium alginate, or ammonium alginate.

The aerosolizable material may further comprise one or more excipients. Accordingly, the filler may be an inorganic material such as calcium carbonate, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate and magnesium carbonate. In some cases, the filler is chalk. Accordingly, the filler may be an organic material such as wood pulp, cellulose and cellulose derivatives.

Accordingly, an aerosolizable material containing nicotine (before use) may have a pH of less than about 7, measured in accordance with the CORESTA protocol for measuring the pH of tobacco.

The device contains a container that contains the first volatile material, which can volatilize during use with the formation of vapor and/or aerosol. The first volatile material may alternatively be referred to as a vapor/aerosol precursor. The first volatile material may, in some instances, comprise a gel or liquid. Suitably, the first volatile material comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a liquid. Suitable liquids include components commonly used in electronic cigarette liquids.

The first volatile material may contain aerosolizing agents such as propylene glycol and/or glycerin. In addition, in some cases, it may contain flavors. The material usually volatilizes at a temperature of approximately 150-250°C.

The first volatile material has a pH greater than about 7. Accordingly, the pH may be less than about 10. Suitably, the pH may be from 8 to 9. In some cases, the first aerosolizable material contains a base. Suitable bases may be non-toxic and preferably tasteless or palatable. Particularly suitable are water-soluble bases from the list of substances recognized as completely harmless (GRAS). Other suitable bases may be oil soluble. Examples of a suitable base to include in the first volatile material of the present invention are ammonia, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, calcium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium hydrogen carbonate, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide.

In some cases, the first volatile material does not contain nicotine.

In some cases, during use, the device heats an aerosolizable material containing nicotine, facilitating the release of material components into the inhaled environment. In some cases, a single heater may heat both the first volatile material and the aerosolizable material containing nicotine. In some cases, a second heater may be provided that heats the nicotine-containing aerosolizable material. In some instances, the device does not heat the nicotine-containing aerosolizable material, relying on the heat carried by the vapor/aerosol to heat the aerosolizable material (thereby volatilizing components of the aerosolizable material which are then entrained in the vapor/aerosol stream).

In one embodiment, the device comprises a cooler or cooling zone located downstream of the heater and upstream of the chamber containing the aerosolizable material having nicotine in its composition, and the cooler or cooling zone is adapted to cool the vaporized material to form an aerosol of liquid droplets, which, in use, passes through the aerosolizable material located in the chamber. As such, the cooler can be configured to act as a heat exchanger to extract heat from the steam. The recovered heat can be used, for example, to preheat the aerosolizable material and/or to assist in heating the first volatile material.

In one embodiment, the device is battery operated.

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

In one embodiment, the heater is puff activated. That is, the device includes a puff detector and only when a puff is detected heats the first volatile material. This means that vapor/aerosol is generated in the device only during the puff, thereby ensuring that the pH treatment of the nicotine-containing aerosolizable material only occurs during the puff. This further delays the pH processing of the aerosolized material, reducing unintentional loss of nicotine and ensuring a stable delivery of nicotine during consumption.

In one embodiment, the container containing the first volatile material is removable. The container may be in the form of a cup or the like (in some embodiments, the container may be, for example, in the form of a ring) and/or absorbent wadding or the like. In fact, the container may be a disposable item that is replaced entirely after use. Alternatively, the design of the device may be such that the user removes the container from the device, replaces the used volatile material or refills the container, and then places the container back into the device.

In some cases, the container may be non-removable. In such an embodiment, the user can simply replace the used material or top up the material in the container after use as needed.

In some cases, the container and the chamber are a single unit. In some cases, the integral unit is a cartridge that can be removed from the device.

In some cases, the camera is removable. The chamber may, for example, be in the form of a cartridge or the like containing an aerosolizable material containing nicotine before use. The entire chamber containing the nicotine-containing aerosolizable material may, in fact, be a disposable item that is entirely replaced after use. Alternatively, the design may be such that the user removes the camera from the device, replaces the used material in the camera, and then places the camera back into the device.

In some embodiments of the invention described herein, there is provided a cartridge for use in a device for providing an inhalable environment, comprising (i) a first volatile material having a pH greater than 7 in a container, and (ii) an aerosolizable material comprising nicotine in a chamber, wherein the cartridge is configured such that, in use, vapor and/or aerosol generated from the first volatile material passes through a chamber containing an aerosolizable material comprising nicotine and captures one or more components of the aerosolized material. Accordingly, the cartridge may be adapted for use in a device for providing an inhalable environment as described herein.

To the extent that they are compatible, the features described in relation to the device are explicitly disclosed in combination with the cartridge and vice versa. In particular, the features of the nicotine-containing aerosolizable material or volatile material described herein are explicitly disclosed in conjunction with the apparatus and cartridge of the embodiments of the invention.

Proposed in some embodiments of the invention, examples of devices for creating an inhalable environment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In FIG. 1 shows one example of a device 1 for creating an inhalable environment. In general terms, the device 1 volatilizes a liquid to form a vapor or aerosol that passes through a material to form an inhalable medium that contains one or more components derived from the material.

In this regard, on the one hand, it can be noted that vapor is generally a substance in the gas phase at a temperature below its critical temperature, which means, for example, that vapor can be condensed into a liquid by increasing the pressure without lowering the temperature. On the other hand, an aerosol is typically a colloid of small solid particles or liquid droplets in air or other gas. "Colloid" is a substance in which microscopically dispersed insoluble particles are suspended in another substance.

Returning to FIG. 1, the device 1 in this example has a generally hollow cylindrical outer casing 2. The casing 2 has an open end 3. In this example, a tubular mouthpiece 4 is provided at the open end 3. The mouthpiece 4 in this example can be removed from the casing 2 by the user. described below. The battery 7 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. The housing 2 also provides a controller 8 for controlling the operation of the various components of the device 1, as will be described below.

The body 2 has a container 9 for holding or storing the volatile material, which in this case is liquid 10. The volatile material has a pH greater than 7. Various shapes of the container 9 may be used. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the container 9 has the form of an annular chamber 9 located in the body 2 between the open end 3 and the other end 6. In this particular example, the body 2 consists of two parts: the first part 2a is directed towards the open end 3 and the second part 2b is directed towards the other end 6. The first and second parts 2a, 2b of the body 2 can be connected to each other by screw thread, bayonet connection, etc. In use, the user can separate the first and second parts 2a, 2b of the housing 2 to replenish or replace the fluid 10 as needed. Alternatively, the mouthpiece 4 can be removed to provide access to the container 9. However, it should be understood that other designs are possible. For example, liquid 10 may be in a separate pot-shaped annular container that can be completely removed from body 2. Such a separate container may be disposable such that the user replaces liquid 10 by placing a new container of liquid 10 in body 2. Alternatively, such a container may be reusable. In such a case, the user may replenish or replace the liquid 10 in the container when the container is removed from the body 2 and then reinstall the filled container into the body 2. It will be understood that the body 2 need not be in two parts, and that other structures may be provided to allow user access, for example, to allow the container to be refilled on site.

The heater 11 is located, as a rule, in the center of the housing 2, that is, in the center along the length and width of the housing 2 in this example. In this example, heater 11 is powered by battery 7 and is therefore electrically connected to battery 7. Heater 11 may be an electrical resistance heater, including, for example, a nichrome resistance heater, a ceramic heater, etc. The heater 11 may be, for example, a wire wound, for example in the form of a coil, a plate (which may be a multilayer plate consisting of two or more different materials, one or more of which may be electrically conductive and one or more of which may be electrically non-conductive), a mesh (which may be, for example, woven or non-woven and which may also be, by analogy, a multilayer), film heater, etc. Other heating devices may be used, including non-electric heating devices.

Said heater 11 is intended to volatilize the liquid 10. In the example shown, the annular wick 12 surrounds and is in (thermal) contact with the heater 11. The outer surface of the annular wick 12 is in contact with the liquid 10 contained in the liquid container 9. The wick 12 is typically absorbent and draws liquid 10 from the liquid container 9 by capillary action. The wick 12 is preferably non-woven and may be made of, for example, cotton or wool or the like, or a synthetic material, including, for example, polyester, nylon, rayon, polypropylene, or the like. Although this will be described in more detail below, it may be noted here that in use the liquid 10 sucked into the wick 12 is heated by the heater 11. The liquid 10 may volatilize to form an aerosol of liquid droplets or may be sufficiently heated to form vapor. The aerosol or vapor thus formed exits the wick 12 and, under the influence of the user, puffing through the mouthpiece 4, passes to the mouthpiece 4, as indicated by arrows A. The heater 11 and the wick 12 are presented as a single, essentially one-piece element, sometimes referred to as a "nebulizer", so that heating and capillary absorption are actually carried out in one unit.

The housing 2 further includes a chamber 13 which holds or contains the tobacco composition 14 in the device 1. The tobacco composition 14 is a tobacco material. In use, a user can access the chamber 13 to replace or refill the tobacco composition 14 through the open end 3 of the body 2 by removing the mouthpiece 4 and/or separating the two parts 2a, 2b of the body 2 apart. ok with through holes through which steam or aerosol can pass. The chamber 13 may remain in place within the housing 2 when the user removes and replaces the tobacco composition 14. Alternatively, the chamber 13 containing the tobacco composition 14 may be a separate element that, in use, is inserted into and removed from the housing 2 as a unit. This type of removable chamber 13 may be disposable, such that the user replaces the tobacco composition 14 by inserting a new chamber 13 containing fresh tobacco composition 14 into the housing 2. Alternatively, the chamber 13 may be reusable. In such a case, the user may replace the tobacco composition 14 in the chamber 13 when the chamber 13 is removed from the housing 2, and then reinsert the filled chamber 13 into the housing 2. In yet another example, the chamber 13 may include clips or the like located within the housing 2 and holding the tobacco composition 14 in place. In some examples, the tobacco composition 14 may simply fit snugly against the chamber 13. As another alternative, the liquid storage container 9 itself 10 may be configured to support or carry the tobacco composition 14. For example, the container 9 may have one or more clips, a tube, or the like. to receive and hold the tobacco composition 14 in place. Such a dual-functional container 9/chamber or container 13 for storing liquid 10 and receiving tobacco composition 14 may be in the form of a cartridge or the like. and may be a disposable product or may be reusable, with liquid 10 and tobacco composition 14 replaced or replenished by the user as needed. In some cases, it may be that the user only needs to replenish or replace the tobacco composition 14 from time to time, with the liquid 10 provided in an amount sufficient for several uses. After the liquid 10 is used up, the user discards the dual function container 9/receptacle 13 and uses a new one. Similarly, it may be that the user only needs to top up or replace the liquid 10 from time to time, with the tobacco composition 14 provided in an amount sufficient for several applications. After the tobacco composition 14 is used up, the user discards the dual-function container 9/receptacle 13 and uses a new one. Specific examples of dual function containers/receivers are discussed below.

Tobacco composition 14 is located in body 2 downstream of the point where liquid 10 produces an aerosol or vapor and upstream of the open end 3 of body 2 and mouthpiece 4. In this particular example, tobacco composition 14 is actually housed in the same portion or chamber of body 2 as wick 12. The aerosol or vapor generated from liquid 10 exits wick 12 and is acted upon by the user puffing through the mouthpiece 4 extends, as indicated by arrows A, to the tobacco composition 14. In specific embodiments, the tobacco composition 14 is porous such that the aerosol or vapor passes through the tobacco composition 14 and then through the open end 3 of the body 2 and the mouthpiece 4. The aerosol or vapor obtained from the base solution contacts the tobacco and releases nicotine. The base increases the pH of the tobacco, releasing the nicotine, which is then more easily captured by the passing vapor/aerosol.

In some embodiments, the tobacco composition 14 and/or its chamber 13 are configured such that no air gap exists between the tobacco composition 14/chamber 13 and the interior of the housing 2 so that all of the aerosol or vapor passes completely through the tobacco composition 14.

The liquid 10 is a suitable liquid that volatilizes at reasonable temperatures, preferably in the range of 100-300°C, or more specifically about 150-250°C, as this helps reduce the power consumption of the device 1. Suitable materials include those commonly used in electronic cigarettes, including, for example, propylene glycol and glycerol (also known as glycerin).

The tobacco composition 14 imparts flavor to the aerosol or vapor produced from the liquid 10 as the aerosol or vapor passes through the tobacco composition 14. As the aerosol or vapor passes through and over the tobacco composition 14, the hot aerosol or vapor carries with it the organic and other compounds or constituents of the tobacco material 14 that give the tobacco its organoleptic properties, thereby imparting flavor to the aerosol or vapor as it passes to the mouthpiece 4.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the only heat source for heating the tobacco composition 14 in the device 1 that is required to generate organic and other compounds or components from the tobacco composition 14 is the hot aerosol or vapor produced by heating the liquid 10.

In FIG. 2 shows another example of a device for creating an inhalable environment. In the following description and in FIG. 2 components and features identical or similar to the corresponding components and features of the example described with reference to FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, but increased by 200. For brevity, the description of these components and functions will not be completely repeated here. It should be understood that the devices, alternatives, etc. described above with respect to the example shown in FIG. 1 are also applicable to the example shown in FIG. 2. Again, in general terms, the device 201 shown in FIG. 2 heats a liquid to form a vapor or aerosol that passes through the tobacco composition 214 to provide an inhalable medium containing one or more components derived from the tobacco composition 214.

The device 201 in this example has a generally hollow cylindrical outer body 202 with an open end 203 and a tubular mouthpiece 204. The mouthpiece 204 in this example is removable from the body 202 by the user, and an o-ring or other seal 205 helps seal the mouthpiece 204 in the body 202. A battery 207 for powering the various components of the device 201 and controller 20 8 are provided at or near the other end 206 of housing 202. The housing 202 in this example consists of two parts, the first part 202a is located towards the open end 203 and the second part 202b is located towards the other end 206.

Housing 202 has a container 209 for storing or containing a first volatile material, which in this case is liquid 210. The volatile material has a pH greater than 7. Container 209 may be any of the types described above with respect to the example shown in FIG. 1. Heater 211 for evaporating liquid 210 is typically located generally centrally (lengthwise and widthwise) of housing 202. In this example, heater 211 is powered by battery 207 and is therefore electrically connected to battery 207. Heater 211 may be an electrical resistance heater, a ceramic heater, etc.

The heater 211 may be, for example, a wire wound, for example in the form of a coil, a plate (which may be a laminated plate of two or more different materials, one or more of which may be electrically conductive and one or more of which may be electrically non-conductive), a mesh (which may be, for example, woven or non-woven and which may also be, by analogy, a multilayer), a film heater, etc. Other heating devices may be used, including induction heating devices or non-electric heating devices. The annular wick 212 surrounds the heater 211 and is in (thermal) contact with the heater 211. The outer surface of the annular wick 212 is in contact with the liquid 210 contained in the liquid container 209. Liquid 210 may be heated to form an aerosol of liquid droplets, or heated enough to form vapor. The aerosol or vapor thus formed exits the wick 212 and, under the influence of the user puffing through the mouthpiece 204, passes to the mouthpiece 204, as shown by arrows A. The heater 211 and the wick 212 can be formed as a single element, so that heating and capillary absorption are actually carried out by one element.

The housing 202 further includes a chamber 213 that holds or contains the tobacco composition 214 in the device 201. The tobacco composition 214 is a tobacco material. Chamber 213 may be any of the types described above with respect to the example shown in FIG. 1. Tobacco composition 214 is located in housing 202 downstream of the location where aerosol or vapor is generated from liquid 210 and upstream of the open end 203 of housing 202 and mouthpiece 204. In this particular example, tobacco composition 214 is substantially located in the same portion or chamber of housing 202 as wick 212. Aerosol or vapor generated from liquid 210 exits from the wick 212 and under the influence of the user puffing through the mouthpiece 204, passes, as indicated by arrows A, to the tobacco composition 214. In specific embodiments, the tobacco composition 214 is porous, so that the aerosol or vapor passes through the tobacco composition 214, and then through the open end 203 of the body 202 and the mouthpiece 204. The aerosol or vapor obtained from the base contacts with tobacco and emits nicotine. The base increases the pH of the tobacco, releasing the nicotine, which is then more easily captured by the passing vapor/aerosol.

In some embodiments, the tobacco composition 214 and/or its chamber 213 is configured such that no air gap exists between the tobacco composition 214/chamber 213 and the interior of the housing 202 so that all of the aerosol or vapor passes completely through the tobacco composition 214. As the aerosol or vapor passes through and over the tobacco composition 214, the hot aerosol or vapor carries away organic and other compounds or components of the tobacco composition 214 which give the tobacco its organoleptic properties, thereby imparting flavor to the aerosol or vapor as it passes to the mouthpiece 204.

Liquid storage container 209 210 may itself be adapted to support or carry tobacco composition 214. For example, container 209 may have one or more clips, a tube, or the like. to receive and hold the tobacco composition 214 in place. Such dual function container 209/chamber or receptacle 213, configured to both store liquid 210 and receive tobacco composition 214, may be in the form of a cartridge or the like and may be a disposable item or may be reused with liquid 210 and tobacco composition 214 replaced or refilled by the user as needed. In some cases, it may be that the user only needs to replenish or replace the tobacco composition 214 from time to time, while the liquid 210 is provided in an amount sufficient for several uses. After the liquid 210 is used up, the user discards the dual function container 209/receptacle 213 and uses a new one. Similarly, it may be that the user only needs to add or replace the liquid 210 from time to time, while the tobacco composition 214 is provided in sufficient quantities for several uses. After the tobacco composition 214 is used up, the user discards the dual-function container 209/receptacle 213 and uses a new one.

In the example device 201 shown in FIG. 2, to preheat the tobacco composition 214 and/or provide additional heat to the tobacco composition 214 during use of the device 201, a second heater 215, such as an oven heater, is provided in thermal contact with the tobacco composition 214. This facilitates the release of components from the tobacco composition 214 as the vapor or aerosol passes through the tobacco composition 214 during use. The amount of heated liquid 210 required to achieve the desired heating of the tobacco composition 214 can be reduced. The second heater 215 may be an electrical resistance heater, a ceramic heater, etc. powered by, for example, a battery 207. The second heater 215 may be, for example, a wire wound, for example, in the form of a coil, a plate (which may be a laminated plate of two or more different materials, one or more of which may be electrically conductive and one or more of which may be electrically non-conductive), a mesh (which may be, for example, woven or non-woven, and which can also be, by analogy, multilayer), film heater, etc. Second heater 215 may be an induction heater powered by battery 207, for example. Tobacco composition 214 may include induction heat sensitive materials. Other heating devices may be used as the second heater 215, including non-electrical heating devices.

In the example device 201 shown in FIG. 2, a heater 215 for heating tobacco composition 214 is located on the outside of tobacco composition 214 and heats tobacco composition 214 by conduction from the outside of tobacco composition 214. Heater 215 in this example is typically cylindrical in shape. Heater 215 may actually be an integral part of device 201 and 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 the user installs a new fresh tobacco chamber 213 into device 201.

Let us now turn to FIG. 3, which shows another example of a device for creating an inhalable environment. In the following description and in FIG. 3 components and features that are identical or similar to the corresponding components and features of the example described with reference to FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals but increased by 300. For brevity, the description of such components and features will not be repeated here in full. It should be understood that the devices, alternatives, etc. described above with respect to the examples shown in FIG. 1 and 2 also apply to the example shown in FIG. 3. Again, in general terms, the device 301 shown in FIG. 3 heats a liquid to form a vapor or aerosol that passes through the tobacco composition 314 to provide an inhalable medium containing one or more components derived from the tobacco composition 314.

The device 301 in this example again has a generally hollow cylindrical outer body 302 with an open end 303 and a tubular mouthpiece 304 that can be removed from the body 302 by the user. controller 308. The housing 302 in this example also consists of two parts, the first part 302a is directed towards the open end 303 and the second part 302b is directed towards the other end 306.

The body 302 has a container 309 for holding or storing the volatile material, which in this case is liquid 310. The volatile material has a pH greater than 7. The container 309 may be any of the types described above with respect to the examples shown in FIG. 1 and 2. Heater 311 for heating fluid 310 is typically located centrally in housing 302. Heater 311 may be 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 and is in (thermal) contact with heater 311. The outer surface of the annular wick 312 is in contact with the liquid 310 contained in the liquid container 309. Liquid 310 may be heated to form an aerosol of liquid droplets, or heated enough to form vapor. The aerosol or vapor thus formed exits the wick 312 and, under the influence of the user puffing through the mouthpiece 304, passes to the mouthpiece 304, as shown by arrows A. The heater 311 and the wick 312 can be made as a single unit, so that heating and capillary absorption are actually carried out in one unit.

The housing 302 further includes a chamber 313 which holds or contains the tobacco composition 314 in the device 301. The chamber 313 may be any of the types described above in connection with the examples shown in FIG. 1 and 2. (In the example shown in FIG. 3, the chamber 313 is in the form of a tube that has end walls 316 with through holes 317 through which vapor or aerosol can pass, as mentioned above as an option.) The tobacco composition 314 is located in the body 302 downstream of where the aerosol or vapor is formed from the liquid 310 and upstream of the open end 303 of the body 30 2 and the mouthpiece 304. In this particular example, the tobacco composition 314 is again located in essentially the same portion or chamber of the body 302 as the wick 312. The aerosol or vapor generated from the liquid 310 exits the wick 312 and, under the influence of the user puffing through the mouthpiece 304, passes to the tobacco composition 314, as indicated by arrows A. In particular embodiments, the tobacco composition 314 is porous so that the aerosol or vapor passes through the tobacco composition 314 and then through the open end 303 of the body 302 and the mouthpiece 304. The aerosol or vapor obtained from the base contacts the tobacco and releases the nicotine. The base raises the pH of the tobacco, releasing nicotine, which is then more easily captured by the passing vapor/aerosol.

In some embodiments, the tobacco composition 314 and/or its chamber 313 is configured such that no air gap exists between the tobacco composition 314/chamber 313 and the interior of the housing 302 such that all of the aerosol or vapor passes through the tobacco composition 314. thereby imparting a tobacco flavor to the aerosol or vapor that passes to the mouthpiece 304. The liquid storage container 309 310 may itself be configured to support or carry the tobacco composition 314. For example, the container 309 may have one or more clips, a tube, or the like. to receive and hold the tobacco composition 314 in place. Such dual function container 309/chamber or receptacle 313 configured to both contain liquid 310 and receive tobacco composition 314 may be in the form of a cartridge or the like and may be a disposable item or may be reused with liquid 310 and tobacco composition 314 replaced or refilled by the user as needed. In some cases, it may be that the user only needs to replenish or replace the tobacco composition 314 from time to time, while the liquid 310 is sufficient for several applications. After the liquid 310 is used up, the user discards the dual function container 309/receptacle 313 and uses a new one. Similarly, it may be that the user only needs to add or replace the liquid 310 from time to time, but the tobacco composition 314 is provided in an amount sufficient for several applications. After the tobacco composition 314 is used up, the user discards the dual-function container 309/receptacle 313 and uses a new one.

In the example device 301 shown in FIG. 3, the second heater 318 is also in thermal contact with the tobacco composition 314 to heat it to promote the release of components from the tobacco composition 314 as the vapor or aerosol passes through the tobacco composition 314 during consumption. The second heater 318 may be an electrical resistance heater, a ceramic heater, etc. powered by a battery 307, for example. Other heating devices, including non-electrical heating devices, may be used as the second heater 318.

In the example device 301 shown in FIG. 3, a heater 318 for heating tobacco composition 314 is located within tobacco composition 314 and heats tobacco composition 314 by conduction from within tobacco composition 314. Heater 318 in this example is generally in the form of a cylindrical rod located along the central longitudinal axis of tobacco composition 314. In other configurations, heater 318 may be a wire wound, for example, in the form of a coil, a plate (which may be a one or more different materials, one or more of which may be electrically conductive and one or more of which may be electrically non-conductive), mesh (which may be, for example, woven or non-woven, and which may also be, by analogy, multilayer), film heater, etc. The tobacco composition 314 in this case is typically tubular or otherwise has an internal opening to receive the heater 318. The heater 318 may actually be an integral part of the device 301 and be part of the housing 302. In this case, when the tobacco composition 314 is loaded into the device 301 (for example, when the chamber 313 containing the tobacco composition 314 is inserted into the device 301), the 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 embodiment, if chamber 313 is disposable, heater 318 is replaced when a new fresh tobacco chamber 313 is inserted into device 301 by the user.

In another example, multiple internal heaters 318 may be provided to provide more efficient heating of tobacco composition 314. In yet another example, tobacco composition 314 may be heated by both one or more external heaters (e.g., second heater 215 in the example shown in FIG. 2) and one or more internal heaters (e.g., similar to second heater 318 in the example shown in FIG. 3).

Let us now turn to FIG. 4, which shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of an example of a cartridge 600 having a first container 601 containing a first volatile material, in this case a liquid 602 having a pH greater than 7, and a container or container 603 for tobacco composition 604. In this example, the first container 601 and container 603 for tobacco composition are made as a single component, either initially formed as a single unit, or initially formed in two parts, which are then essentially assembled. , inseparable. Cartridge 600 is configured such that as liquid 602 volatilizes to form an aerosol of liquid droplets or sufficient heat to produce vapor, at least a portion, and preferably all or substantially all of the aerosol or vapor passes through the tobacco composition 604 to (i) increase the pH of the tobacco and release nicotine, and (ii) capture flavor and nicotine from the tobacco composition 604.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the first container 601 is typically centered on the cartridge 600. The first container 601 in the example shown is truncated in shape, but may be in other shapes such as conical, cylindrical, etc. The first container 601 is surrounded by an outer shell 605 which defines an annular channel 606 around the outer length of the first container 601 and extends from one end of the first container 601 to the other. The outer shell 605 extends beyond the first end wall 607 of the first container 601 to form a chamber 608 outside the first end wall 607 of the first container 601. In the example shown, both the chamber 608 and the annular channel 606 contain the tobacco composition 604 and can therefore be considered as co-forming the container 603 for the tobacco composition 604. In other examples, the tobacco composition 604 may be present in the chamber alone. 608 which respectively defines the container 603 for the tobacco composition 604 and the annular channel 606 is empty. The chamber 608 is closed by an end wall 609 that is spaced from the end wall 607 of the first container 601. The end wall 609 may be part of the outer shell 605 or may be a separate plastic or rubber cap or the like. In other examples, the annular channel 606 contains the tobacco composition 604, and there is no material in the chamber 608, and the chamber 608 may actually be omitted, and the channel 606 actually ends at the end wall 609. The channel 606 and/or the chamber 608 may be completely filled with the tobacco composition 604, or may contain only a portion or plug of the tobacco composition 604. The end wall 609 is porous and/or has one or more through holes 610 allowing the aerosol or vapor to exit the cartridge 600 for inhalation by the user. Each of the first container 601 and the solid material container 603 may be made of rigid, waterproof and airtight materials such as metal, suitable plastics, etc.

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 formed as a single unit, often referred to as a "nebulizer". Where cartridge 600 includes an atomizer, such cartridge is often referred to as a "cartomizer". The orientation of the heater 611 is shown schematically and, for example, the heater 611 may be a coil whose longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 600 rather than parallel to it as shown in FIG. 4.

The wick 612 is in contact with the liquid 602. This can be achieved, for example, by inserting the wick 612 through a through hole (not shown) in the second end wall 613 of the first container 601. Alternatively or in addition, the second end wall 613 may be a porous element (shown schematically in Fig. 4 in dashed lines), which allows liquid to pass through it from the first container 601, and the wick 61 2 may contact the porous second end wall. 613. The second end wall 613 may be in the form of a porous ceramic disk, for example. A porous second end wall 613 of this type helps control the flow of liquid to the wick 612. The wick 612 is typically absorbent and draws liquid 602 from the first container 601 by capillary action. The wick 612 is preferably non-woven and may be made of, for example, cotton, wool, or the like, or a synthetic material, including, for example, polyester, nylon, rayon, polypropylene, or the like.

In use, the cartridge 600 is connected by the user to a battery section of the device (not shown) to provide power to the heater 611. When the atomizer heater 611 is turned on (which can be triggered, for example, by the user pressing the button of the entire device or by a puff detector of the entire device, known per se), the liquid 602 drawn from the first container 601 by the wick 612 is heated by the heater 611 to volatilize or evaporate. As the user puffs through the mouthpiece of the entire device, the vapor or aerosol passes into an annular channel 606 along the outside of the liquid container 601 into the chamber 608 as indicated by arrows A. The vapor or aerosol captures the flavor and nicotine from the tobacco composition 604. The aerosol or vapor obtained from the base contacts the tobacco composition 604 and releases the nicotine. The base increases the pH of the tobacco, releasing the nicotine, which is then more easily carried along by the passing vapor/aerosol. Vapor or aerosol may then exit cartridge 600 through end wall 609 as indicated by arrow B. Optionally, a check valve 614 may be provided within end wall 609 so that vapor or aerosol may only exit cartridge 600 and no backflow to heater 611 or the electronics of the device as a whole can take place.

Let us now turn to FIG. 5, which shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of another example of a cartridge 700 having a first container 701 with a first volatile material, which in this case is a liquid 702 having a pH greater than 7, and a container 703 that defines a chamber 708 for storing tobacco composition 704. In the following description and in FIG. 5 components and features that are identical or similar to the corresponding components and features of the example described with reference to FIG. 4 are designated by the same reference numerals, but increased by 100. For brevity, the description of these components and functions will not be completely repeated here.

In this example, the first container 701 and the tobacco composition container 703 of the cartridge 700 are provided as separate components that are removably connected to each other in use. The first container 701 and the tobacco composition container 703 may, for example, be snapped or otherwise releasably attached to each other, or, for example, the tobacco composition container 703 may simply rest on or frictionally fit the first container 701. Cartridge 700 is positioned such that as liquid 702 volatilizes to form an aerosol of liquid droplets or is heated enough to form vapor, at least a portion, and preferably all or substantially all of the aerosol or vapor passes through tobacco composition 704 to (i) increase the pH of the tobacco and release nicotine, and (ii) capture flavor and nicotine from tobacco composition 704.

In this example, the first container 701 is surrounded by an outer shell 705 which defines an annular channel 706 around the outer length of the first container 701 and which extends from one end of the first container 701 to the other. The outer shell 705 extends beyond the first end wall 707 of the first container 701 and ends with an end wall 709. The 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 escape from annular channel 706. A check valve 714 may be provided within end wall 709 so that vapor or aerosol can only exit annular channel 706 at the end remote from heater 711 and wick 712 and cannot flow back to heater 711 or the electronics of the device as a whole. The tobacco composition container 703 is positioned over the end wall 709 in use so that vapor or aerosol passing through the end wall 709 enters the tobacco composition container 703. The tobacco composition container 703 has an outlet and/or a porous end wall 715 to allow aerosol or vapor to exit the cartridge 700 for inhalation by the user.

In use, the cartridge 700 is connected by the user to the battery section of the device (not shown) to provide power to the heater 711. When the heater 711 of the atomizer is energized (which can be initiated, for example, by the user pressing the button of the entire device or by a puff detector of the entire device, known per se), liquid 702 is sucked from the first container 701 through the end wall 713 by the wick 712, heated by the heater 711 for volatilization or evaporation of a liquid. As the user puffs through the mouthpiece of the entire device, the vapor or aerosol passes into the annular channel 706 along the outside of the first container 701 towards the end wall 709 of the outer shell 705, as indicated by arrows A. The vapor or aerosol then passes through the end wall 709 (through the check valve 714, if present) into the tobacco composition container 703, where it traps the flavor and nicotine from the tobacco composition 7 04 contained in container 703. The aerosol or vapor obtained from the base solution contacts the tobacco composition 704 and releases nicotine. The base increases the pH of the tobacco, releasing the nicotine, which is then more easily captured by the passing vapor/aerosol. The vapor or aerosol may then exit the cartridge 700 through the end wall 715 of the container 703 of the tobacco composition, as indicated by arrow B.

The examples shown in FIG. 4 and 5 are particularly suitable for use with so-called modular or "e-go" products, in which the cartomizer is attached to a battery section (not shown) usually by a screw thread or bayonet connection or the like. The cartomizer as a whole is usually discarded after use and a new replacement cartomizer inserted. Alternatively, the user may reuse the cartridge by topping up the liquid and/or replacing the solid material from time to time as needed.

The examples shown in FIG. 4 and 5 can be readily adapted for use with other types of hybrid e-tobacco devices known per se. There are, for example, so-called "cigarette-looking electronic cigarettes" or "cigarette-like" devices, which are generally small in size, shape and appearance similar to a conventional cigarette. In such devices, the first container usually contains some kind of wadded material, such as cotton or the like, to hold the liquid. The cartridge or cartomizer in such prior art devices is usually disposable, but it is possible to replenish liquid and/or replace solid material in examples using one of the embodiments of the present invention. As another example, there are so-called reservoir devices or personal vaporizers, which typically have large containers for storing relatively large volumes of liquid, and also provide advanced features that allow users to control a number of aspects of the device.

As an alternative to any of the cartomizer designs described above, the liquid atomizer (ie, heater and wick) may be provided separately from the liquid and tobacco containers. The nebulizer may, for example, be part of the battery section of the entire device, to which the cartridge is removably attached by the user during use.

In any of the examples described above with respect to FIG. 4 and 5, a heater may also be provided to "preheat" the tobacco composition. This heater may be provided as part of the cartridge or as part of the battery section of the device into which the cartridge is inserted in use.

As used herein, the term "aerosol generating agent" refers to a compound or mixture that promotes the formation of an aerosol. The aerosol generating agent may assist in the formation of the aerosol by causing the gas to initially vaporize and/or condense into a solid and/or liquid aerosol for inhalation.

In general, any suitable aerosol generating agent or agents may be included in the aerosol generating material of the present invention. Suitable aerosol forming agents include, but are not limited to: a polyol such as sorbitol, glycerol and glycols such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; a non-polyol such as monohydric alcohols, high boiling point hydrocarbons, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as diacetin, triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate or myristates including ethyl myristate and isopropyl myristate, and aliphatic carboxylic acid esters such as methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

As used herein, the terms "flavor" and "flavor" refer to materials that, if local regulations permit, may be used to impart a desired flavor or aroma to a product for adult consumers. They may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese magnolia leaves, chamomile, fenugreek, cloves, menthol, Japanese mint, anise, cinnamon, marijuana, wintergreen, cherry, fleshy fruit, peach, apple, drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, mint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, cumin, cognac, jasmine, ylang ylang, sage, fennel, pepper, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee or mint oil of any kind from the genus Mentha), flavor enhancers, block bitterness receptors, sensory receptor activators or stimulants, sugar and/or sugar substitutes (e.g. sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol or mannitol) and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals or breath freshening agents. They may be imitations, synthetic or natural ingredients, or mixtures thereof. They may be in any suitable form, such as an oil, liquid or powder.

For the avoidance of doubt, where the term "comprises" is used throughout this specification in defining the invention or features of the invention, embodiments are also disclosed in which the invention or feature can be defined using the terms "consists essentially of" or "consists of" instead of the term "comprises".

The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention are contemplated. It should be understood that any feature described with respect to any of the embodiments may be used alone or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other embodiment or any combination of any other embodiments. In addition, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be used without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

The various embodiments described herein are provided only to aid understanding and understanding of the claimed features. These embodiments are presented only as a representative example of embodiments and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, features, features, constructions and/or other aspects described herein should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments may be used and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may contain, consist of, or consist essentially of appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, the present invention may include other inventions not currently claimed, but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims (31)

1. A device for creating an inhalable environment, containing: a container with a first volatile material having a pH greater than 7; a heater for volatilizing the first volatile material contained in the container; a chamber containing an aerosolizable material containing nicotine; And outlet; wherein the device is configured to volatilize the first volatile material with the heater to form vapor and/or aerosol, which passes through the chamber containing the aerosolizable material and carries away with it one or more components of the aerosolizable material, thereby forming an inhalable medium that passes through the outlet. 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the first volatile material is a liquid or gel. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first volatile material is sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium hydrogen carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, calcium carbonate, or mixtures thereof, or other soluble bases. 4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first volatile material does not contain nicotine. 5. A cartridge for use in a device for creating an inhalable environment, containing (i) a first volatile material having a pH greater than 7, in a container, and (ii) an aerosolizable material containing nicotine in its composition, in a chamber, wherein the cartridge is configured such that, when used, vapor and/or aerosol generated from the first volatile material passes through the chamber containing the aerosolizable material and captures one or more components of the aerosolizable material. 6. The cartridge of claim 5, wherein the first volatile material is a liquid or gel. 7. The cartridge according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first volatile material is sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium hydrogen carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, calcium carbonate, or mixtures thereof, or other soluble bases. 8. Cartridge according to any one of paragraphs. 5-7, in which the first volatile material does not contain nicotine. 9. Kit containing: (i) a first container containing a first volatile material having a pH greater than 7; And (ii) a second container containing an aerosolizable material containing nicotine; wherein the first and second containers are configured for use in a device configured to heat the first container to generate vapor and/or aerosol formed by volatilization of the first volatile material contained in the first container, which passes through the aerosolizable material in the second container and captures one or more components of the aerosolizable material, thereby forming an inhalable environment. 10. The kit of claim 9 wherein the first volatile material is a liquid or gel. 11. The kit according to claim 9 or 10, further including a device for use in creating an inhalable environment, and the device includes a heater. 12. The kit of claim 11 wherein the heater in the device is configured to volatilize the first volatile material during use. 13. A method for creating an inhalable environment, including: volatilization of the first material having a pH greater than 7, with the formation of vapor and/or aerosol; contacting the vapor and/or aerosol with an aerosolizable material containing nicotine, which results in the release of nicotine from the aerosolizable material and the capture of one or more components of the aerosolizable material by the vapor and/or aerosol. 14. A method for providing sustained release of nicotine from a device for creating an inhalable environment, including: a container with a first volatile material having a pH greater than 7; a heater for volatilizing the first volatile material contained in the container; a chamber containing an aerosolizable material containing nicotine; And outlet; wherein the method comprises volatilizing the first volatile material with a heater to form vapor and/or aerosol and contacting the vapor and/or aerosol with the aerosolizable material to release nicotine from the aerosolizable material. 15. Use of an aerosol and/or steam having a pH greater than 7 to pH treat an aerosolizable material containing nicotine in an aerosol generating device during use. 16. The use of a volatile material having a pH greater than 7 to ensure stable delivery of nicotine from an aerosolizable material containing nicotine, wherein during use the volatile material volatilizes to form a vapor and/or aerosol that contacts the aerosolizable material, which leads to the release of nicotine from the aerosolizable material, and the capture of one or more components of the aerosolizable material by the vapor and/or aerosol.

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