Aerosol delivery device providing fragrance control

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a cartridge for an aerosol delivery device and an aerosol delivery device having the cartridge. The cartridge includes a first reservoir configured to contain an aerosol precursor composition, an atomizer having a liquid delivery element in fluid communication with the first reservoir, and a heating element configured to evaporate the aerosol precursor composition delivered by the liquid delivery element. The cartridge further includes a second reservoir that includes two or more separate chambers, wherein at least one chamber contains a flavorant. An air flow is configured to pass near the atomizer to entrain particles of the aerosol precursor composition evaporated by the heating element. The air flow is further configured to pass through at least one chamber of the second reservoir to entrain the flavorant of the corresponding chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, and more particularly to an aerosol delivery device including a reservoir and an evaporation assembly that utilizes electricity to heat an aerosol precursor composition to produce an aerosol. The aerosol precursor composition may include materials and / or components that may be made of, derived from, or otherwise incorporate tobacco, and the aerosol precursor composition may be heated by the evaporation assembly to produce an inhalable substance for human consumption. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, many smoking articles have been proposed as improvements or alternatives to combustion-based tobacco smoking products. Exemplary alternatives have included devices in which a solid or liquid fuel is burned to transfer heat to tobacco, or in which a chemical reaction is used to provide such a heat source. Examples include the smoking article described in U.S. Patent No. 9,078,473 to Worm et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The purpose of improvements or alternatives to smoking articles is generally to provide the sensations associated with cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking without delivering large amounts of incompletely combusted and pyrolyzed products. To this end, many cigarette products, flavor generators, and drug inhalers have been proposed that use electrical energy to vaporize or heat volatile materials or attempt to provide the sensation of smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe without burning the tobacco to a significant extent. For example, see the various alternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and heat sources described in the background art in U.S. Patent No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 to Griffith Jr. et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096781 to Sears et al., which are incorporated herein by reference. For example, also see the various types of smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and electric heat sources with reference to trademark names and commercial sources in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0216232 to Bless et al., which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Additional types of smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices, and electric heat sources with reference to trademark names and commercial sources are listed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0245659 to DePiano et al., which is also incorporated herein by reference.Other representative cigarettes or smoking articles that have been described and are in some cases commercially available include those described in the following documents: U.S. Patent No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al.; U.S. Patents Nos. 4,922,901, 4,947,874, and 4,947,875 to Brooks et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,060,671 to Counts et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,249,586 to Morgan et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,388,594 to Counts et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,666,977 to Higgins et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,053,176 to Adams et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,164,287 to White; U.S. Patent No. 6,196,218 to Voges; U.S. Patent No. 6,810,883 to Fleter et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,854,461 to Nichols; U.S. Patent No. 7,832,410 to Hon; U.S. Patent No. 7,513,253 to Kobayashi; U.S. Patent No. 7,896,006 to Hamano; U.S. Patent No. 6,772,756 to Shayan; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0095311 to Hon; U.S. Patent Application Publications Nos. 2006 / 0196518, 2009 / 0126745, and 2009 / 0188490 to Hon; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0272379 to Thorens et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publications Nos. 2009 / 0260641 and 2009 / 0260642 to Monsees et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publications Nos. 2008 / 0149118 and 2010 / 0024834 to Oglesby et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0307518 to Wang; and WO2010 / 091593 to Hon, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] Representative products that are similar in many attributes to traditional types of cigarettes, cigars, or pipes are marketed under the following brands: those sold by Philip Morris Incorporated ALPHA sold by InnoVapor, LLC TM 、JOYE 510 TM and M4 TM ; CIRRUS TM and FLING sold by White Cloud Cigarettes TM; BLU sold by Lorillard Technologies, Inc. TM ; Sold by International Inc. ; COHITA sold by TM ; COLIBRI TM ; ELITE CLASSIC TM ; MAGNUM TM ; PHANTOM TM ; and SENSE TM ; DUOPRO sold by Electronic Cigarettes, Inc. TM ; STORM TM ; and ; EGAR sold by Egar Australia TM ; eGo-C sold by Joyetech TM ; and eGo-T TM ; ELUSION sold by Elusion UK Ltd TM ; Sold by Eonsmoke LLC ; FINTM sold by FIN Branding Group, LLC; Sold by GreenSmoke Inc. USA ; GREENARETTE sold by Greenarette LLC TM ; HALLIGAN sold by SMOKE TM ; HENDU TM ; JET TM ; MAXXQ TM ; PINK TM ; and PITBULL TM ; HEATBAR sold by Philip Morris International, Inc. TM ; HYDRO IMPERIAL sold by Crown7 TM ; LOGIC sold by LOGIC Technology TMand THE CUBAN TM ; sold by Luciano Smokes Inc. sold by Nicotek, LLC sold by Sottera, Inc. and ONEJOY TM ; NO.7 sold by SS Choice LLC TM ; PREMIUM ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE sold by PremiumEstore LLC TM ; RAPP E-MYSTICK sold by Ruyan America, Inc. TM ; RED DRAGON sold by Red Dragon Products, LLC TM ; sold by Ruyan Group (Holdings) Ltd. sold by Smoker Friendly International GREEN SMART sold by The Smart Smoking Electronic Cigarette Company Ltd. SMOKE sold by Coastline Products LLC SMOKING sold by Smoking Everywhere, Inc. V2 CIGS sold by VMR Products LLC TM ; VAPOR NINE sold by VaporNine LLC TM ; sold by Vapor 4Life, Inc. VEPPO sold by E-Cigarette Direct, LLC TM; provided by R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company Mistic Menthol sold by Mistic Ecigs; and Vype products sold by CN Creative Limited. Other electric aerosol delivery devices, specifically those that have been referred to as so-called electronic cigarettes, have been sold under the following trade names: COOLER VISIONS TM ; DIRECT E-CIG TM ; DRAGONFLY TM ; EMIST TM ; EVERSMOKE TM ; HYBRID FLAME TM ; KNIGHT STICKS TM ; ROYAL BLUES TM ; SOUTH BEACH SMOKE TM .

[0005] Some existing embodiments of the aerosol delivery device include a control body (i.e., a power supply assembly) and a cartridge (cartomizer) (i.e., a reservoir housing). A power source (e.g., a battery) may be positioned in the control body, and the aerosol precursor composition may be held and / or stored within the cartridge. It would be desirable to provide a cartridge capable of adding one or more flavors to the aerosol precursor composition according to the user's desire. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a cartridge for an aerosol delivery device. In one embodiment, the cartridge includes a first reservoir configured to contain an aerosol precursor composition, an atomizer including a liquid delivery element in fluid communication with the first reservoir, and a heating element configured to vaporize the aerosol precursor composition delivered by the liquid delivery element. In an exemplary embodiment, the cartridge may further include a second reservoir including two or more separate chambers, wherein at least one of the chambers contains a flavorant. The cartridge is configured to direct an air flow to pass near the atomizer to entrain particles of the aerosol precursor composition vaporized by the heating element. The cartridge is configured to direct an air flow to pass through at least one of the chambers of the second reservoir to entrain the flavorant of the corresponding chamber.

[0007] In some embodiments, the cartridge may further include at least one mask on one side of the second reservoir, the mask being configured to allow an air flow to pass therethrough, wherein the mask and the second reservoir are configured to be movable relative to each other such that the mask selectively and alternatively directs the air flow through a selected one or more chambers of the second reservoir.

[0008] In some embodiments, the chamber of the second reservoir includes a housing that defines an inner surface surrounding an internal passage formed by a porous tube, wherein the housing contains a fragrance, and wherein the internal passage is configured to allow air to flow through the chamber and entrain the fragrance from the inner surface.

[0009] In some embodiments, a visual marker is provided on the cartridge to indicate the chamber of the second reservoir.

[0010] In some embodiments, the chamber includes a hopper for staging the fragrance. In one example, the chamber further includes an actuator for selectively releasing the fragrance from the hopper. In one embodiment, the fragrance is encapsulated in a plurality of capsules. In one embodiment, the actuator is configured to rupture at least one capsule to release the fragrance. In one embodiment, the actuator includes a pair of gears. The teeth of the gears can cooperate such that rotation of the gears is configured to release at least one capsule from the hopper and release the fragrance from the capsule, wherein the fragrance is then entrained away by an air stream. In one example, the actuator is triggered by a mechanical button.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cartridge further includes a window leading to the hopper such that the amount of fragrance remaining in the hopper can be determined.

[0012] In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides an aerosol delivery device. In one embodiment, the aerosol delivery device includes a control body and a cartridge. In various embodiments, the cartridge includes a first reservoir configured to contain an aerosol precursor composition, an atomizer including a liquid delivery element in fluid communication with the first reservoir, and a heating element configured to evaporate the aerosol precursor composition delivered by the liquid delivery element. The cartridge of the exemplary embodiment may further include a second reservoir that includes two or more separate chambers, wherein at least one of the chambers contains a fragrance. The cartridge is configured to direct an air flow to pass near the atomizer to entrain particles of the aerosol precursor composition evaporated by the heating element. The cartridge is configured to direct an air flow to pass through at least one of the chambers of the second reservoir to entrain the fragrance of the corresponding chamber.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cartridge further includes at least one mask on one side of the second reservoir, the mask being configured to allow an air flow to pass therethrough, wherein the mask and the second reservoir are configured to be movable relative to each other such that the mask selectively and alternatively directs the air flow through a selected one or more chambers of the second reservoir.

[0014] In some embodiments of the aerosol delivery device, the chamber of the second storage portion of the cartridge includes a housing that defines an inner surface surrounding an internal passage formed by a porous tube, wherein the housing contains a flavorant, and wherein the internal passage is configured to allow air to flow through the chamber and entrain the flavorant from the inner surface.

[0015] In some embodiments of the aerosol delivery device, a visual marker is provided on at least one of the cartridge and the control body to indicate the chamber of the second storage portion.

[0016] In some embodiments of the aerosol delivery device, the chamber of the cartridge includes a hopper for staging the flavorant. In some examples, the chamber further includes an actuator for selectively releasing the flavorant from the hopper. In some examples, the flavorant is encapsulated in a plurality of capsules. In some embodiments, the actuator is configured to rupture at least one capsule to release the flavorant. In one embodiment, the actuator includes a pair of gears, wherein the teeth of the gears cooperate such that rotation of the gears is configured to release at least one capsule from the hopper and release the flavorant from the capsule, wherein the flavorant is then entrained away by an air stream. In one example, the actuator is triggered by a mechanical button.

[0017] In some embodiments of the aerosol delivery device, the cartridge has a window providing access to the hopper such that the amount of flavorant remaining in the chamber can be determined.

[0018] It should be understood that the above Summary of the Invention is provided merely to summarize some example aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Thus, it should be understood that the above example aspects are merely examples of some aspects and should not be construed as narrowing the scope or spirit of the present disclosure in any way. It should be understood that the scope of the present disclosure includes many potential aspects in addition to those summarized herein, some of which will be further described below. Further, other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings that illustrate the principles of the invention by way of example.

[0019] The present invention includes, without limitation, the following examples:

[0020] Example 1: A cartridge for an aerosol delivery device, comprising: a first storage portion configured to contain an aerosol precursor composition; an atomizer comprising: a liquid delivery element in fluid communication with the first storage portion; and a heating element configured to evaporate the aerosol precursor composition delivered by the liquid delivery element; and a second storage portion including two or more separate chambers, wherein at least one of the chambers contains a flavor, wherein the cartridge is configured to direct an air flow to pass near the atomizer to entrain particles of the aerosol precursor composition evaporated by the heating element, and wherein the cartridge is configured to direct an air flow to pass through at least one of the chambers of the second storage portion to entrain the flavor of the corresponding chamber.

[0021] Example 2: The cartridge according to any one of the preceding examples, further comprising: at least one mask on one side of the second storage portion, the mask being configured to allow an air flow to pass therethrough, wherein the mask and the second storage portion are configured to be movable relative to each other such that the mask selectively and alternatively directs the air flow through one or more chambers of the second storage portion.

[0022] Example 3: The cartridge according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the chambers of the second storage portion include a housing defining an inner surface surrounding an internal passage, wherein the housing contains the flavor, and wherein the internal passage includes a porous tube configured to allow an air flow to pass through the chamber and entrain the flavor from the inner surface.

[0023] Example 4: The cartridge according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein a visual marker is provided on the cartridge to indicate the chambers of the second storage portion.

[0024] Example 5: The cartridge according to any one of the preceding examples, further comprising a hopper for grading the flavor.

[0025] Example 6: The cartridge according to any one of the preceding examples, further comprising an actuator for selectively releasing the flavor from the hopper.

[0026] Example 7: The cartridge according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the flavor is encapsulated in a plurality of capsules.

[0027] Example 8: The cartridge according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the actuator is configured to rupture at least one capsule to release the flavor.

[0028] Example 9: The cartridge according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the actuator includes a pair of gears, wherein the teeth of the gears are coordinated such that the rotation of the gears is configured to release at least one capsule from the hopper and release the flavor from the capsule, and wherein the flavor is subsequently entrained by the air flow.

[0029] Example 10: The cartridge as described in any of the preceding examples, wherein the actuator is triggered by a mechanical button.

[0030] Example 11: The cartridge as described in any of the preceding examples, including a window leading to the hopper such that the amount of flavor remaining in the hopper can be determined.

[0031] Example 12: An aerosol delivery device comprising: a control body; and a cartridge including: a first storage portion configured to contain an aerosol precursor composition; an atomizer including: a liquid delivery element in fluid communication with the first storage portion; and a heating element configured to evaporate the aerosol precursor composition delivered by the liquid delivery element; and a second storage portion including two or more separate chambers, wherein at least one of the chambers contains flavor, wherein the cartridge is configured to direct an air flow to pass near the atomizer to entrain particles of the aerosol precursor composition evaporated by the heating element, and wherein the cartridge is configured to direct an air flow to pass through at least one of the chambers of the second storage portion to entrain the flavor of the corresponding chamber.

[0032] Example 13: The aerosol delivery device as described in any of the preceding examples, wherein the cartridge further includes: at least one mask on one side of the second storage portion, the mask being configured to allow an air flow to pass therethrough, wherein the mask and the second storage portion are configured to be movable relative to each other such that the mask selectively and alternatively directs the air flow through one or more chambers of the second storage portion.

[0033] Example 14: The aerosol delivery device as described in any of the preceding examples, wherein the chambers of the second storage portion of the cartridge include a housing defining an inner surface surrounding an internal passage, wherein the housing contains flavor, and wherein the internal passage includes a porous tube configured to allow an air flow to pass through the chamber and entrain flavor from the inner surface.

[0034] Example 15: The aerosol delivery device as described in any of the preceding examples, wherein a visual marker is provided on at least one of the cartridge and the control body to identify the chambers of the second storage portion.

[0035] Example 16: The aerosol delivery device as described in any of the preceding examples, further including a hopper for grading the flavor.

[0036] Example 17: The aerosol delivery device as described in any of the preceding examples, further including an actuator for selectively releasing flavor from the hopper.

[0037] Example 18: The aerosol delivery device as described in any of the preceding examples, wherein the flavor is encapsulated in a plurality of capsules.

[0038] Example 19: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the preceding examples, wherein the actuator is configured to rupture at least one capsule to release a fragrance.

[0039] Example 20: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the preceding examples, wherein the actuator includes a pair of gears,

[0040] wherein the teeth of the gears cooperate such that rotation of the gears is configured to release at least one capsule from the hopper and release the fragrance from the capsule,

[0041] wherein the fragrance is subsequently entrained by an air stream.

[0042] Example 21: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the preceding examples, wherein the actuator is triggered by a mechanical button.

[0043] Example 22: An aerosol delivery device as described in any of the preceding examples, wherein the cartridge has a window leading to the hopper such that the amount of fragrance remaining in the chamber can be determined.

[0044] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent by reading the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings briefly described hereinafter. The present invention includes combinations of any two, three, four, or more of the above-described examples in the present disclosure, as well as combinations of any two, three, four, or more features or elements, whether or not these features or elements are explicitly combined in the specific example descriptions herein. Unless otherwise explicitly specified in the context, the present disclosure is intended to be read as a whole, such that any separable feature or element of the present invention should be considered capable of being combined in any one of its various aspects and embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] To assist in understanding aspects of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which like reference numerals refer to like components. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 1 is a side view of an aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol delivery device including a cartridge and a control body in an assembled configuration;

[0047] Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the Figure 1 control body according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the Figure 1 cartridge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 4 Shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge for an aerosol delivery device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 5 Shows according to Figure 4 An exploded view of a flavor addition component of an exemplary embodiment of the cartridge of;

[0051] Figure 6 Shows according to Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a flavor storage portion of an exemplary embodiment of the flavor addition component of;

[0052] Figure 7 Shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge for an aerosol delivery device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 8 Shows according to Figure 7 An exploded schematic view of a flavor addition module of an exemplary embodiment of the cartridge of;

[0054] Figure 9A And 9B Shows an exemplary embodiment of a flavor addition module for actuating Figure 8 of. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0055] The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are described so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. In fact, the present disclosure may be embodied in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Unless clearly stated otherwise in the text, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" as used in this specification and the appended claims include plural variations.

[0056] The present disclosure provides a description of an aerosol delivery device. The aerosol delivery device can utilize electrical energy to heat a material to form an inhalable substance; such an article can be compact enough to be considered a "handheld" device. The aerosol delivery device can provide some or all of the sensations of smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe (e.g., the habit of inhaling and exhaling, the types of flavors or scents, the sensory effects, the physical sensations, the usage habits, the visual cues provided by the visible aerosol, etc.) without burning any of the components in the above article or device to a significant extent. In terms of the aerosol produced by the by-products of the combustion or pyrolysis of tobacco, the above aerosol delivery device may not produce smoke. Instead, the above article or device can generate a vapor (including the vapor in the aerosol that can be considered a visible aerosol, and the visible aerosol can be considered smoky) produced by the volatilization or vaporization of a specific component of the article or device. Although in other embodiments, such an aerosol may be invisible. In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device can contain tobacco and / or tobacco-derived components. Therefore, the aerosol delivery device can be characterized as an electronic smoking article such as an electronic cigarette or "e-cigarette".

[0057] Although the system is generally described herein in terms of embodiments related to aerosol delivery devices such as so-called e-cigarettes, it should be understood that the mechanisms, components, features, and methods can be implemented in many different forms and associated with various articles. For example, the descriptions provided herein can be used in combination with traditional smoking articles (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc.), heat-not-burn cigarettes, and embodiments of related packaging for any of the products disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the mechanisms, components, features, and methods disclosed herein are discussed only by way of example in terms of embodiments related to aerosol delivery devices and can be implemented as and used in a variety of other products and methods.

[0058] The aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure can also be characterized as a vapor-generating article or a medicament-delivery article. Therefore, such an article or device can be modified to provide one or more substances (e.g., flavors and / or pharmaceutically active ingredients) in an inhalable form or state. For example, the inhalable substance can be substantially in the form of a vapor (i.e., a substance in the gas phase at a temperature below the critical point). Alternatively, the inhalable substance can be in the form of an aerosol (i.e., a suspension of fine solid particles or droplets in a gas). For the purpose of simplicity, the term "aerosol" as used herein is intended to include forms or types of vapor, gas, or aerosol suitable for human inhalation, whether visible or not, and whether or not considered to be in a smoky form.

[0059] In use, the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure can withstand many of the body movements employed by an individual when using a traditional type of smoking article (e.g., a cigarette, cigar, or pipe for lighting and inhaling tobacco). For example, a user of the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure can hold the device in the same manner as holding a traditional type of smoking article, inhale at one end of the device to inhale the aerosol generated by the device, and inhale at selected time intervals, etc.

[0060] The aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure generally includes a plurality of components disposed within a housing or body. The overall design of the housing or outer body can vary, and the form or configuration of the outer body that defines the overall size and shape of the aerosol delivery device can vary. Typically, an elongated body similar in shape to a cigarette or cigar can be formed from a single housing; or the elongated body can be formed from two or more separable pieces. For example, the aerosol delivery device can include an elongated housing or body that can be generally tubular in shape and thus similar in shape to a traditional cigarette or cigar. However, various other shapes and configurations (e.g., rectangular or keychain-shaped) can also be employed in other embodiments.

[0061] In one embodiment, all of the components of the aerosol delivery device are housed within a single outer body or housing. Alternatively, the aerosol delivery device can include two or more housings that are connected and separable. For example, the aerosol delivery device can have a control body at one end that includes a housing containing one or more reusable components (e.g., a rechargeable battery and various electronic components for controlling the operation of the device), and the aerosol delivery device can be removably attached at the other end to a housing containing a disposable portion (e.g., a disposable scented cartridge). Based on the further disclosure provided herein, the more specific forms, configurations, and arrangements of the components within a single-housing type unit or a multi-piece separable housing type unit will be apparent. Additionally, considering commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices, the designs and component arrangements of various aerosol delivery devices can be understood.

[0062] The aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure may include some combinations of the following: a power source (i.e., a power supply); at least one controller (e.g., a device for actuating, controlling, regulating, and / or stopping the power for heating by controlling the current flowing from the power source (power supply) to other components of the aerosol delivery device); a heater or heating component (e.g., a resistive heating element or component that is typically part of what is commonly referred to as an "atomizer"); an aerosol precursor composition (e.g., a liquid that is typically capable of generating an aerosol when sufficient heat is applied, such as ingredients commonly referred to as "e-juice", "e-liquid", and "electronic juice"); and a mouth end region or tip that allows inhalation of the aerosol on the aerosol delivery device (e.g., through a defined air flow path through the article such that the generated aerosol can be withdrawn from the air flow path during inhalation).

[0063] The alignment of the components within the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure can vary. In a specific embodiment, the aerosol precursor composition can be located near an end of the aerosol delivery device, which end can be configured to be positioned near the user's mouth to maximize the aerosol delivered to the user. However, other configurations are not excluded. Generally, the heating element can be positioned close enough to the aerosol precursor composition such that heat from the heating element can cause the aerosol precursor (which itself can contain one or more flavorants, drugs, or other additives) to volatilize and form an aerosol for delivery to the user. When the heating element heats the aerosol precursor composition, the aerosol is formed, released, or generated in a physical form suitable for consumer inhalation. It should be noted that the foregoing terms are intended to be interchangeable such that the release, will release, would release, or after release includes form or generate, will form or will generate, would form or would generate, and after form or after generate. Specifically, the inhalable substance is released in the form of a vapor, or an aerosol, or a mixture of a vapor and an aerosol, where, unless otherwise stated, these terms may also be used interchangeably herein.

[0064] As described above, the aerosol delivery device can include a battery and / or other power sources (e.g., capacitors) to provide sufficient current to supply various functions of the aerosol delivery device, such as powering the heater, powering the control system, and powering the indicator, etc. The power source can take various embodiments. In one example, the power source is capable of delivering sufficient power to rapidly heat the heating element to provide aerosol formation and power the aerosol delivery device for a desired duration. The size of the power source can be designed to be conveniently assembled within the aerosol delivery device such that the aerosol delivery device can be easily handled. Additionally, in one embodiment, the preferred power source is light enough in weight so as not to detract from the desired smoking experience.

[0065] Based on the further disclosure provided below, more specific forms, configurations, and arrangements of the components within the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure will be apparent. Additionally, considering commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices, the selection of various aerosol delivery device components can be understood. Further, considering commercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices, the arrangement of the components within the aerosol delivery device can also be understood. Examples of commercially available products that may include their components, their methods of operation, the materials included therein and / or their other properties, and the components that can be employed in the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure, as well as the manufacturers, designers, and / or assignees of the related art, are described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 222,615, filed on July 28, 2016, by Watson et al., the entire text of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0066] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of the aerosol delivery device 100 is shown. Specifically, Figure 1 An aerosol delivery device 100 including a control body 200 and a cartridge 300 is shown. The control body 200 and the cartridge 300 can be permanently or removably aligned in a functional relationship. Various mechanisms can connect the cartridge 300 to the control body 200 to create a threaded fit, a press fit, an interference fit, a magnetic fit, etc. In some embodiments, when the cartridge 300 and the control body 220 are in an assembled configuration, the aerosol delivery device 100 can be substantially rod-shaped, substantially tubular, or substantially cylindrical. However, in other embodiments, various other configurations such as rectangular or keychain-shaped can also be employed. Further, although the aerosol delivery device is generally described herein as being similar in size and shape to a traditional smoking article, in other embodiments, different configurations and larger-capacity storage portions that can be referred to as "reservoirs" can be employed.

[0067] In a particular embodiment, one or both of the cartridge 300 and the control body 200 may be referred to as disposable or reusable. For example, the control body 200 may have a replaceable or rechargeable battery and / or capacitor and, thus, be combined with any type of charging technology, including: connection to a wall charger, connection to a vehicle charger (e.g., a cigarette lighter socket), and connection to a computer, a photovoltaic cell (sometimes referred to as a solar cell) or a solar panel of a photovoltaic cell, or a wireless charger such as a charger using inductive wireless charging (e.g., including wireless charging according to the Qi wireless charging standard of the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC)), or a charger based on radio frequency (RF), via a universal serial bus (USB) cable or connector (e.g., USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, USB Type-C). An example of an inductive wireless charging system is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0112196 to Sur et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Further, in some embodiments, the cartridge 300 may include a disposable cartridge, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,910,639 to Chang et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For example, the cartridge 300 may include a limited amount of an aerosol precursor composition therein to provide many sensations (e.g., inhalation and exhalation habits, types of flavors or scents, sensory effects, etc.) of smoking a particular amount of a traditional type of smoking article (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc.). In some aspects, the cartridge 300 may include a particular amount of an aerosol precursor composition, the amount of the aerosol precursor composition being equal to the amount of a traditional type of smoking article that a person would consume to obtain the sensation of smoking a typical amount of a traditional type of smoking article (e.g., a typical pack of cigarettes - i.e., twenty (20) cigarettes).

[0068] Figure 2 is a exploded view of a control body 200 of an aerosol delivery device 100 (see Figure 1 ) showing an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure. As shown, the control body 200 may include a coupling member 202; an outer body 204; a sealing member 206; an adhesive member 208 (e.g., a tape); a flow sensor 210 (e.g., a suction sensor or a pressure switch); a control component 212; a spacer 214; a power source 216 (e.g., a rechargeable capacitor and / or a battery); a circuit board having at least one indicator 218 such as a light-emitting diode (LED), and the at least one indicator can communicate with a consumer about the state of the battery, the fragrance, the liquid, and / or their combination using different types of sensors (pressure, resistance, humidity, etc.); a connector circuit 220; and an end cap 222. Examples of the power source are described in U.S. Patent No. 9,484,155 to Peckerar et al., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0069] Regarding the flow sensor 210, representative current regulation components and other current control components for aerosol delivery devices including various microcontrollers, sensors, and switches are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,922,901 to Brooks et al., Nos. 4,947,874 and 4,947,875, U.S. Patent No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,040,314 to Nguyen et al., and U.S. Patent No. 8,205,622 to Pan, the entire disclosures of all of the above documents are incorporated herein by reference. Reference may also be made to the control scheme described in U.S. Patent No. 9,423,152 to Ampolini et al., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0070] In one embodiment, the indicator 218 may include one or more light-emitting diodes. The indicator 218 can communicate with the control component 212 through the connector circuit 220 and is lit, for example, during inhalation by the user on the cartridge coupled to the coupler 202 detected by the flow sensor 210. The end cap 222 may be adapted to make the light emitted through the indicator 218 visible under the end cap 222. Thus, the indicator 218 can be lit during the use of the aerosol delivery device 100 to simulate the lit end of a smoking article. However, in other embodiments, the indicator 218 can be provided in various numbers and can adopt different shapes, and can even be an opening within the outer body (such as for releasing sound when there is such an indicator as described above).

[0071] Further other components may be employed in the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,154,192 to Sprinkel et al. discloses an indicator for a smoking article; U.S. Patent No. 5,261,424 to Sprinkel, Jr. discloses a piezoelectric sensor that may be associated with the mouth end of the device to detect user lip activity associated with taking a puff and subsequently triggering heating of the heating device; U.S. Patent No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al. discloses a puff sensor for controlling the flow of energy into a heating load array in response to a pressure drop through the mouthpiece; U.S. Patent No. 5,967,148 to Harris et al. discloses a receptacle in a smoking device that includes an identification member and a controller, the identification member detecting non-uniformities in the infrared transmissivity of an inserted component, and the controller executing a detection program when the component is inserted into the receptacle; U.S. Patent No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al. describes a defined executable power cycle having multiple differential phases; U.S. Patent No. 5,934,289 to Watkins et al. discloses a photon - optoelectronic component; U.S. Patent No. 5,954,979 to Counts et al. discloses means for varying the draw resistance through a smoking device; U.S. Patent No. 6,803,545 to Blake et al. discloses a specific battery configuration for use in a smoking device; U.S. Patent No. 7,293,565 to Griffen et al. discloses various charging systems for use with a smoking device; U.S. Patent No. 8,402,976 to Fernando et al. discloses computer interaction means for a smoking device to facilitate charging and allow computer control of the device; U.S. Patent No. 8,689,804 to Fernando et al. discloses an identification system for a smoking device; and WO2010 / 003480 of Flick discloses a fluid flow sensing system for indicating puffing in an aerosol generating system; the entire disclosures of all of the above are incorporated herein by reference.Further examples of components related to electronic aerosol delivery articles and materials or components that can be used in the articles of the present disclosure, as disclosed in the following documents, include U.S. Patent No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,249,586 to Morgan et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,666,977 to Higgins et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,053,176 to Adams et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,164,287 to White; U.S. Patent No. 6,196,218 to Voges; U.S. Patent No. 6,810,883 to Fleter et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,854,461 to Nichols; U.S. Patent No. 7,832,410 to Hon; U.S. Patent No. 7,513,253 to Kobayashi; U.S. Patent No. 7,896,006 to Hamano; U.S. Patent No. 6,772,756 to Shayan; U.S. Patent Nos. 8,156,944 and 8,375,957 to Hon; U.S. Patent No. 8,794,231 to Thorens et al.; U.S. Patent No. 8,851,083 to Oglesby et al.; U.S. Patent Nos. 8,915,254 and 8,925,555 to Monsees et al.; and U.S. Patent No. 9,220,302 to Depiano et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006 / 0196518 and 2009 / 0188490 to Hon; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0024834 to Oglesby et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0307518 to Wang; WO2010 / 091593 to Hon; and WO2013 / 089551 to Foo, each of the foregoing documents being incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The various materials disclosed in the foregoing documents can be incorporated into the devices of the present disclosure in various embodiments, and the foregoing disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0072] Figure 3 An aerosol delivery device 100 in a disassembled configuration is shown (see Figure 1 ). As shown, the cartridge 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a base 302, a control component terminal 304, an electronic component 306, a diverter 308, an atomizer 310, a storage portion 312 (such as a liquid tank or a storage substrate), an outer body 314, a mouthpiece 316, a label portion 318, and a first heating terminal 320 and a second heating terminal 321. A marker 330 may be applied to the label 318 or the outer body 314 to provide an indicator to the user of internal components or functions, such as a flavor storage portion as described below.

[0073] In some embodiments, the first heating terminal 320 and the second heating terminal 321 may be embedded in or otherwise coupled to the flow director 308. For example, the first heating terminal 320 and the second heating terminal 321 may be insert molded in the flow director 308. Accordingly, the flow director 308 together with the first and second heating terminals are collectively referred to herein as the flow director assembly 322. Additional description of the first heating terminal 320, the second heating terminal 321, and the flow director 308 is provided in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0335071 to Brinkley et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0074] The atomizer 310 of the depicted embodiment may include a liquid delivery element 324 and a heating element 326. For example, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,220,302 to Depiano et al., the cartridge may additionally include a base transport plug that mates with the base and / or a mouthpiece transport plug that mates with the mouthpiece to protect the base and the mouthpiece and prevent contaminants from entering prior to use, and the above patent is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0075] The base 302 may be coupled to the first end of the outer body 314 and the mouthpiece 316 may be coupled to the opposite second end of the outer body to enclose substantially or completely other components of the cartridge 300 therein. For example, the control component terminal 304, the electronic component 306, the flow director 308, the atomizer 310, and the reservoir 312 may be substantially or completely retained within the outer body 314. The label portion 318 may at least partially surround the outer body 314 and optionally the base 302, and include information such as product identification on the label portion 318. The base 302 may be configured to mate with the coupling member 202 of the control body 200 (see, for example Figure 2 ). In some embodiments, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261495 to Novak et al., the cartridge 302 may include anti-rotation features that substantially prevent relative rotation between the cartridge and the control body, and the above patent is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0076] The storage unit 312 can be configured to hold an aerosol precursor composition. The components and constitutions of some representative types of aerosol precursors are also described and characterized in U.S. Patent No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al., U.S. Patent No. 8,881,737 to Collett et al., U.S. Patent No. 9,254,002 to Chong et al.; and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0008457 to Zheng et al.; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0030823 to Lipowicz et al.; and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0020830 to Koller, and WO 2014 / 182736 to Bowen et al., the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other aerosol precursors that can be used include aerosol precursors already included in the following products: BLU from Lorillard Technologies, MISTIC MENTHOL from Mistic Ecigs, and VYPE from CN Creative Ltd. It is also desirable to have the so-called "e-juice" for electronic cigarettes that is already available from Johnson Creek Enterprises LLC. The embodiments of the effervescent material can be used with the aerosol precursor and are described by way of example in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0055494 to Hunt et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. Further, the use of the effervescent material is described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,639,368 to Niazi et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,178,878 to Wehling et al.; U.S. Patent No. 6,974,590 to Pather et al.; U.S. Patent No. 7,381,667 to Bergquist et al.; U.S. Patent No. 8,424,541 to Crawford et al.; U.S. Patent No. 8,627,828 to Strickland et al.; and U.S. Patent No. 9,307,787 to Sun et al., as well as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010 / 0018539 to Brinkley et al.; and PCT WO 97 / 06786 to Johnson et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Additional descriptions of embodiments of the aerosol precursor composition are provided in U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 15 / 216,582 and 15 / 216,590, both filed on July 21, 2016, by Davis et al., which include descriptions of tobacco or components derived therefrom, and the entire disclosures of these documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0077] The reservoir 312 can include multiple layers of non-woven fibers formed in a tubular shape around the inner side of the outer body 314 of the cartridge 300. Thus, liquid components can be held by adsorption, for example, by the reservoir 312. The reservoir 312 is in fluid communication with the liquid delivery element 324. Thus, the liquid delivery element 324 can be configured to transport liquid from the reservoir 312 to the heating element 326 via capillary action or other liquid transport mechanisms. The reservoir 312 is not limited to the type of absorbent reservoir substrate. The reservoir 312 can include a housing or tank that holds the aerosol precursor in a free-flowing liquid form. The reservoir 312 may or may not be refillable.

[0078] As shown, the liquid delivery element 324 can be in direct contact with the heating element 326. As Figure 3Further shown, the heating element 326 may include an electrical wire that defines a plurality of coils wound around the liquid delivery element 324. In some embodiments, as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,210,738 to Ward et al., the heating element 326 may be formed by winding an electrical wire around the liquid delivery element 324. Further, in some embodiments, the electrical wire may define a variable coil spacing, as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,277,770 to DePiano et al., the entire text of which is incorporated herein by reference. Various embodiments of materials configured to generate heat when an electric current is passed therethrough may be used to form the heating element 326. Exemplary materials that may form the wire coils include Kanthal (FeCrAl), nichrome, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), molybdenum (silicon, aluminum) disilicide (Mo(Si,Al)2), graphite and graphite-based materials; and ceramics (e.g., positive temperature coefficient ceramics or negative temperature coefficient ceramics).

[0079] However, various other implementations of the method can also be employed to form the heating element 326, and various other implementations of the heating element can also be employed in the atomizer 310. For example, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0270729 to DePiano et al., a stamping-formed heating element can be employed in the atomizer, and the above-mentioned document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In addition to the above, additional representative heating elements and materials used herein are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,060,671 to Counts et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,093,894 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,224,498 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,228,460 to Sprinkel Jr. et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,322,075 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,353,813 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,468,936 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,498,850 to Das; U.S. Patent No. 5,659,656 to Das; U.S. Patent No. 5,498,855 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,530,225 to Hajaligol; U.S. Patent No. 5,665,262 to Hajaligol; U.S. Patent No. 5,573,692 to Das et al.; and U.S. Patent No. 5,591,368 to Fleischhauer et al., and the disclosures of the above-mentioned documents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Further, chemical heating can also be employed in other implementations. Various additional examples of heaters and materials for forming heaters are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,881,737 to Collett et al., and the above-mentioned document is incorporated herein by reference as described above.

[0080] Various heater components can be employed in the aerosol delivery device of the present disclosure. In various implementations, one or more micro heaters or similar solid-state heaters can be used. Micro heaters and atomizers including micro heaters for the currently disclosed devices are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,881,737 to Collett et al., and the above-mentioned document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0081] The first heating terminal 320 and the second heating terminal 321 (e.g., a negative heating terminal and a positive heating terminal) are configured to mate with opposite ends of the heating element 326 and form a connection between the cartridge 300 and the control body 200 when the cartridge 300 is connected to the control body 200 (see, for example Figure 2) electrical connection. Further, when the control body 200 is coupled to the cartridge 300, the electronic component 306 can form an electrical connection with the control body through the control component terminal 304. The control body 200 can thus employ an electronic control component 212 (see Figure 2 ) to determine whether the cartridge 300 is genuine and / or to perform other functions. Further, various examples of electronic control components and the functions implemented thereby are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0096781 to Sears et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0082] During use, the user can inhale on the mouthpiece 316 of the cartridge 300 of the aerosol delivery device 100 (see Figure 1 ). This can draw air through an opening within the control body 200 (see, for example Figure 2 ) or an opening within the cartridge 300. For example, in one embodiment, as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,220,302 to DePiano et al., the opening can be defined between the coupler 202 of the control body 200 (see, for example Figure 2 ) and the outer body 204, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. However, in other embodiments, the air flow can be received through other portions of the aerosol delivery device 100. As described above, in some embodiments, the cartridge 300 can include a diverter 308. The diverter 308 can be configured to direct the received air flow from the control body 200 to the heating element 326 of the atomizer 310.

[0083] A sensor in the aerosol delivery device 100 (e.g., the flow sensor 210 in the control body 200; see Figure 2 ) can sense the inhalation. When an inhalation is sensed, the control body 200 can direct current to the heating element 326 through a circuit including a first heating terminal 320 and a second heating terminal 321. Thus, the heating element 326 can cause the aerosol precursor composition guided from the reservoir 312 by the liquid delivery element 324 to evaporate in the aerosolization region. Thus, the mouthpiece 326 can allow air and the entrained vapor (i.e., the components of the aerosol precursor composition in an inhalable form) to flow from the cartridge 300 to a consumer inhaling on the cartridge 300.

[0084] For example, various other details regarding components that may be included within cartridge 300 are provided in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0261495 to DePiano et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. For example, additional components that may be included within cartridge 300 and details related thereto are provided in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0335071 to Brinkley et al. filed on May 23, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0085] The various components of the aerosol delivery device according to the present disclosure may be selected from components described in the prior art and commercially available components. For example, reference is made to the reservoir and heater for controlled delivery of multiple aerosolizable materials in an electronic smoking article disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0000638 to Sebastian et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0086] In another embodiment, substantially the entire cartridge may be formed of one or more carbon materials, which may provide advantages in terms of biodegradability and wire-free. In this regard, the heating element may include carbon foam, the reservoir may include carbonized fabric, and graphite may be used to form the electrical connection to the power source and control components. Exemplary embodiments of carbon-based cartridges are provided in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255702 to Griffith et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0087] However, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide an aerosol delivery device having an alternative configuration, specifically a cartridge for an aerosol delivery device. In this regard, Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge 500 for an aerosol delivery device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In the absence of otherwise being described and / or shown, the components of the aerosol delivery device according to this embodiment, specifically the control body used in conjunction with the illustrated cartridge, may be substantially similar or identical to the corresponding components described above.

[0088] As Figures 4 - 6 shown and as will be discussed in more detail below, the illustrated cartridge 500 of the depicted embodiment includes the following components: a mouthpiece 504, a main reservoir 508, an atomizer 510 (which includes a liquid delivery element 512 and a heating element 514), a flavor addition assembly 520 including a flavor reservoir 522 and a flavor selector in the form of a mask 524 that provides an air flow path controller, and a cartridge base 530 configured to provide a mechanical and electrical connection between the cartridge and the control body. As can be understood from the above discussion, Figures 4 - 6The cartridge 500 can be configured to releasably mate the control body with the cartridge base 530 to produce an aerosol delivery device. In various embodiments, the control body can be similar or identical to the above-described control body 200 (see Figure 2 ), and thus its description will not be repeated. However, it should be noted that in other embodiments, the control body can be different from the above-described control body. Additionally, in some embodiments, the control body of the aerosol delivery device can have a shape different from that described above, such as, for example, a handheld keychain-shaped control body.

[0089] In various embodiments, the main reservoir 508 can be a canister reservoir constructed of one or more of a variety of materials, including, for example, metallic materials, glass materials, ceramic materials, and / or plastic materials, such as, by way of example, acrylic materials (e.g., polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene, polyester, etc.). In some embodiments, the main reservoir 508 can include a translucent or transparent material such that a user can view the amount of aerosol precursor composition remaining therein. In one embodiment, the main reservoir 508 is constructed of polycarbonate or polypropylene or Tritan TM . In some examples, the main reservoir 508 is in the form of a canister for containing a liquid aerosol precursor composition in a free-flowing manner. In alternative examples, the main reservoir 508 can include a porous material to hold the aerosol precursor composition as discussed above with respect to reservoir 312 ( Figure 3 ).

[0090] The corresponding connectors of the cartridge base 530 of the cartridge 500 and the control body 200 ( Figure 2 ) are configured such that when the cartridge base and the control body are installed together, they are not prone to movement relative to each other. It should be noted that any suitable connecting means as described above can be used to create this relationship. For example, in some embodiments, the cartridge base and the control body can be connected using a threaded connection, a magnetic connection, a snap connection, and / or a bayonet connection, where the cartridge base (or the control body) can include one or more pins, and the control body (or the cartridge base) can include one or more corresponding L-shaped slots.

[0091] As described above, one aspect of the cartridge base 530 can be to provide an electrical connection to the power supply 216 of the control body 200 ( Figure 2 ) such that current can be selectively supplied to the atomizer 510, and more specifically to the heating element 514.

[0092] In various embodiments, the liquid delivery element 512 may include a porous monomer. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the liquid delivery element 512 may include a ceramic material such that an aerosol precursor composition delivered to the liquid delivery element 512 can be absorbed therein for aerosolization. In another example, the delivery element 512 may be formed of silica fibers, cotton, mesh, other porous metals, or other cellulose-based materials. In one embodiment, additive manufacturing or 3D printing techniques may be used to fabricate a ceramic liquid delivery element having a precise shape. The liquid delivery element 512 may be directly secured to a hole formed in the main reservoir 508. Alternatively, an additional spongy disk such as a porous pad made of, for example, a highly absorbent polymer, ceramic, etc. may interface between the liquid delivery element 512 and the main reservoir 508. In various embodiments, the heating element 514 may be wound or coiled around the liquid delivery element 512 as shown. In some embodiments, the wire of the heating element 514 may include titanium, Kanthal (FeCrAl), nichrome, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), molybdenum disilicide doped with aluminum (Mo(Si,Al)2), graphite and graphite-based materials; ceramics (e.g., positive temperature coefficient ceramics or negative temperature coefficient ceramics), tungsten and tungsten-based alloys, or any other suitable material, such as materials mentioned elsewhere herein. Tungsten and tungsten-based alloys may be useful because these materials may define a coefficient of expansion suitable for use with many ceramics that may be used in the liquid delivery element 512.

[0093] As noted, according to some embodiments, as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,210,738 to Ward et al., the atomizer 510 can be formed by winding a wire around a liquid delivery element, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. However, various other methods can be employed to form the atomizer 510, and various other embodiments of heating elements can be used in the atomizer. For example, a metal mesh can be positioned around a cylindrical wick, or a strip of metal mesh can be positioned on a strip or sheet of wicking material. For example, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0020193, filed on December 3, 2015, the heating element can be configured to heat an aerosol precursor composition disposed within the liquid delivery element via radiative heating, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. In another embodiment, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0127722, filed on November 6, 2015, the heating element can be configured to heat an aerosol precursor composition disposed within the liquid delivery element via inductive heating, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Various heater components can be employed in the aerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, one or more micro heaters or similar solid-state heaters can be used. Micro heaters and atomizers incorporating micro heaters for use in the presently disclosed devices are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,881,737 to Collett et al., the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0094] Although not depicted in this manner, in some embodiments, the wire of the heating element 514 can be at least partially embedded within the liquid delivery element 512. In this regard, in the case of a ceramic liquid delivery element 512, the wire of the heating element 514 can be embedded within the liquid delivery element 512 prior to firing the liquid delivery element in a high-temperature furnace known as a kiln. For example, prior to firing the material, the wire can be wound around a long section of base material that forms the ceramic. Examples of such base materials for forming the ceramic in the liquid delivery element 512 can include clays, oxides, non-oxides, and composites. Thereby, the wire can be at least partially embedded within the base material during winding around the base material. The base material and wire can then be fired in a kiln. Thereafter, a saw or other cutting device can divide the product into individual atomizers having a desired length. In another example, the heating element can be at least partially placed within the wick after the ceramic is fired, where the heating element is within a channel of the ceramic formed using additive manufacturing or 3D printing techniques.

[0095] In the depicted embodiment, an atomizer chamber 540 is formed around atomizer 510. The atomizer chamber 540 is in fluid communication with an aerosol passage 546 that passes through main reservoir 508 and terminates at an opening 548 through mouthpiece 504 of cartridge 500.

[0096] Figure 5 Additional details of the flavor addition assembly 520 are shown in an exploded perspective view. In the illustrated embodiment, the flavor addition assembly 520 is positioned upstream of the atomizer chamber 540. In other embodiments, the flavor addition assembly 520 may be positioned downstream of the atomizer chamber 540. The flavor addition assembly 520 includes a flavor reservoir 522 and a mask 524. The flavor reservoir 522 may include a housing 556 and a lid 558. The housing 556 and the lid 558 may be made of a polymer (such as acetate, PE, PP, silicone, polyester, polyurethane, etc.), or ceramic (such as alumina), or metal (such as aluminum). The housing 556 may be provided in the form of a tray that is configured to be removable from the cartridge 500. The flavor reservoir 522 and the mask 524 may be formed as a module that can be easily assembled as part of the cartridge 500 or alternatively provided as an interchangeable part of the cartridge.

[0097] In the illustrated embodiment, the flavor reservoir 522 is divided into four separate chambers or flavor segments 560. The present disclosure is not limited to four flavor segments 560, but may have fewer or more flavor segments. Each flavor segment 560 is configured to fractionate a fragrance that can be selectively added to the aerosol exiting the opening 548 in the mouthpiece 504. Each flavor segment 560 may contain a fragrance, although one of the flavor segments 560 in the flavor reservoir 522 of the flavor reservoir 522 may be intentionally left empty to allow the user to receive an aerosol containing only an aerosol precursor composition in the main reservoir 508. The empty flavor segment 560 may be referred to as a bypass segment of the flavor reservoir 522.

[0098] Each flavor segment 560 may constitute its own reservoir. In one example, the user will be able to construct their own unique combination of flavor segments 560, including the possibility of selecting each flavor segment to contain the same fragrance.

[0099] In some embodiments, the flavor portion 560 may include a segment of the flavor reservoir 522 that includes a fragrance. The fragrance may be provided in the form of a liquid, solid, or gel, which may be in the form of separate beads or particles. In other embodiments, the flavor segment 560 may include a substrate or other material in which the fragrance is absorbed or otherwise contained. For example, in some embodiments, the flavor segment 560 may include a carbon material, ceramic, polymer, composite material, metal, cellulose, etc.

[0100] As Figure 6As shown, the fragrance section 560 may include a housing 562 formed by the shell 556 and defining an inner surface surrounding an internal passage 566. The housing 562 is configured to contain a fragrance. The internal passage 566 is configured to allow the inhaled air to pass through the fragrance section 560 and entrain the fragrance from the inner surface. The inner surface may be defined by a wicking portion 570, specifically a tubular wicking portion, which provides an interface between the internal passage 566 and the contents of the housing 562. The wicking portion 570 may be a nanoporous, microporous, and / or macroporous tube made of a polymer (such as polyethylene or polyester fiber, etc.) or a ceramic (such as alumina, silica, zirconia, etc.). The above-mentioned ceramic absorbs a fragrance such as a liquid fragrance from inside the housing 562 and transports the liquid fragrance into fluid contact with the internal passage 566 by capillary action, wherein the air inhaled through the internal passage may entrain fragrance particles. The material of the wicking portion 570 is not particularly limited and may include any material suitable for the fluid transfer element 324( Figure 3 ).

[0101] In various embodiments, the aerosol precursor composition maintained within the main reservoir 508 can include a flavorless aerosol precursor composition, although flavored aerosol precursor compositions (i.e., aerosol precursor compositions including one or more flavorants) are also contemplated. The flavor section 560 then includes one or more flavorants, which can themselves be provided in the form of a composition having aerosol precursor components. As used herein, the term "flavorant" refers to a compound or component that can be aerosolized and delivered to a user and that imparts a sensory experience in terms of taste and / or aroma. Exemplary flavorants include, but are not limited to, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, cheese, tea, coffee, fruits (e.g., apple, cherry, strawberry, peach, and citrus flavors, including lime and lemon), maple, menthol, mint, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, nutmeg, clove, lavender, cardamom, ginger, honey, anise, sage, rosemary, hibiscus, rosehip, yerba mate, wintergreen tea, honeybush tea, rooibos tea, yerba paraguayensis, bacopa monnieri, ginkgo biloba, withania somnifera, cinnamon, sandalwood, jasmine, amyris balsamifera, cacao beans, licorice; and flavorings and flavor packs of the types and characteristics conventionally used to flavor cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobaccos. Syrups such as high fructose corn syrup can also be used. Suitable exemplary plant-derived compositions are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,107,453 to Dube et al. and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0152265, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The selection of these additional components is variable based on factors such as the sensory characteristics desired for the smoking article, and the present disclosure is intended to cover any such additional components that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in the field of tobacco and tobacco-related or tobacco-derived products. See, for example, Gutcho's "Tobacco Flavoring Substances and Methods" (1972) and Leffingwell et al.'s "Tobacco Flavoring for Smoking Products" (1972) by Noyes Data Corp., the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. It should be noted that the reference to flavorants should not be limited to any single flavorant as described above, and can in fact represent a combination of one or more flavorants.

[0102] Return Figure 5 , the mask 524 can be formed of a polymer, ceramic, or metal. The mask 524 serves as an air flow controller to direct the air flow selectively through the internal channels 566 of one or more flavor sections 560 such that the flavorants are entrained by the air flow before reaching the atomizer chamber 540 ( Figure 4 ), which air flow can be with the user at the mouthpiece 504 ( Figure 4) is associated with inhalation. In one embodiment, the air flow begins at an opening between the base 530 and the mask 524 in the cartridge 300 to reach the inlet 574 of the mask. In another embodiment, the path of the air flow may begin at an opening in the connector 202 of the control body 200( Figure 2 ). The air flow may then exit the mask 524 through the outlet 578( Figure 4 ). In the illustrated example, the inlet 574 and the outlet are directly opposite each other on opposite faces of the disk-shaped mask 524. In another embodiment (not shown), the inlet may be centrally located within the first side of the disk-shaped mask. The outlet may be located on the opposite second side of the mask at an off-center position. Those skilled in the art will understand that the formed mask 524 may be substantially hollow or otherwise provide a passage from the inlet 574 to the outlet. The arrangement of the inlet 574 and the outlet of the mask 524 is not particularly limited as long as at least one inlet 574 can receive the air flow, regardless of the position of the mask 524 relative to the fluid reservoir 522. Further, the arrangement of the outlet is configured to selectively direct the air flow through or past one or more desired fragrance sections 560.

[0103] In another embodiment, the mask 524 may be located downstream of the fragrance reservoir 522. In this embodiment, instead of flowing directly into the desired fragrance section 560, the mask may serve to only allow the air flow to exit from the desired fragrance section.

[0104] In another embodiment (not shown), a second mask may be installed between the fragrance reservoir 522 and the atomizer chamber 540. The second mask may rotate together with the mask 525 to help prevent fragrance particles from accidentally being released from the fragrance section 560 into the atomizer chamber 540.

[0105] In another example (not shown), the mask 524 may be an annular shape around the cartridge 500. The air flow may begin at the inlet 574 of the mask 524, and the outlet 578 of the mask 524 may be selectively arranged relative to a plurality of openings into the cartridge body, where each opening facilitates the air flow to and through an internal channel 566 of one of the selected fragrance sections 560.

[0106] In various embodiments, the mask 524 may be configured to be rotatably attached relative to the fragrance reservoir 522. In operation (refer to Figure 4) The cartridge 500 is removably attached to the control body 200 via the cartridge base 530. The mask 524 is assembled with the cartridge 500 to be adjustable, e.g., rotatable, relative to the fragrance reservoir 522 to selectively direct the air flow F through a desired fragrance section 560 or a bypass section of the fragrance reservoir. Thus, the consumer can selectively align the outlet 578 of the mask 524 with a selected fragrance section 560 by adjusting the mask to an appropriate position relative to the fragrance reservoir 522. In one example, the fragrance reservoir 522 is fixed in the cartridge 500. Then, the mask 524 can be fixed relative to the control body 200 or be capable of rotating relative to the control body 200. Thus, the mask 524 can rotate independently, or the selection of the fragrance section 560 can be made by rotating the control body 200 relative to the cartridge 500.

[0107] In various embodiments, the cartridge 500 and / or the control body may include one or more indicators to assist the consumer in determining the rotational position. For example, in some embodiments, the cartridge 500 and / or the control body may include visual indicators, such as a plurality of markings 330 ( Figure 3 ) on it to indicate the positions of the respective fragrance sections of the fragrance reservoir 522. Alternatively or additionally, the cartridge 500 and / or the control body may include one or more audible or tangible indicators, such as, for example, a series of ratchets (which may also include sounds in certain embodiments), which indicate the positions of the respective fragrance sections. For example, ratchets may be provided to ensure proper alignment between the outlet 578 of the mask 524 and the fragrance section 560. In the case where there are four fragrance sections 560, the markings 330 and the ratchets may be spaced 90 degrees apart equidistantly around the circumference of the cartridge 300 to provide a predetermined rotational degree for each fragrance section. It should be noted that in some embodiments, one or more of any of the above components can move relative to other components without affecting the operation of the device.

[0108] The control body 200 ( Figure 1 ) and the atomizer 510 ( Figure 5 ) The electrical connection between the two ends of the heating element 514, for example, including an electrical connection through an electrical connector arranged to pass through the mask 524, allows the control body 200 to direct current to the atomizer 510, for example, when actuated by the user (e.g., via a button) and / or when a puff is detected on the aerosol delivery device. The puff can be detected by a change in the resistance of a material that can be folded or bent by the air flow F generated by the consumer's inhalation. When the user inhales on the mouthpiece 504 of the cartridge 500, the air flow F (see Figure 4) can be drawn from the environment through one or more air inlets in the cartridge base 530. Then, as facilitated by the mask 524, an air stream F drawn through the (one or more) air inlets can be drawn through one or more internal channels 566 of one or more fragrance segments 560 of the fragrance reservoir 522.

[0109] Meanwhile, a flow sensor (e.g., see Figure 2 ) can detect the inhalation. Thereby, the control body 200 can direct an electric current through the heating element 514 to heat the atomizer 510. When the atomizer 510 is heated, the aerosol precursor composition from the main reservoir 508 can be directly evaporated at the atomizer 510 or evaporated via heating of the liquid delivery element 512. Thus, the resulting vapor or aerosol A can be generated within the atomizer chamber 540, mixed with the entrained fragrance that is picked up as the air stream F passes through the internal channels 566 of the selected fragrance segment 560, then passes through the aerosol channel 546, and exits through the opening 548 of the mouthpiece 504 to the user.

[0110] The use of the cartridge 500 in association with the control body 200 ( Figure 2 ) can be characterized by a method of forming an aerosol for user consumption according to one or more of the following steps. Provide a cartridge that includes a main reservoir 508 containing an aerosol precursor composition, a mask 524, and a fragrance reservoir 522 that includes a plurality of fragrance segments 560. The method can also include adjusting the mask 524 relative to the fragrance reservoir 522 to select one or more fragrance segments 560. In some embodiments, adjusting the mask can include aligning an outlet 578 in the mask 524 with the internal channels 566 of the selected fragrance segment 560 of the fragrance reservoir 522. The method can also include directing an air stream F through the selected fragrance segment 560 and to the atomizer chamber 540. When inhaling through the internal channels 566, the fragrance is carried into the air stream F. The method also includes adding particles of the aerosol precursor composition from the main reservoir 508 that have been evaporated by the atomizer 510 to the air stream F. Evaporating the aerosol precursor composition can include directing an electric current from the control body 200 to the atomizer 510 to aerosolize the aerosol precursor composition. In various embodiments, aerosolizing the aerosol precursor composition can include heating a heater coil 514 that heats a liquid delivery element 512 containing the aerosol precursor composition to evaporate the aerosol precursor composition.

[0111] Now turning to an embodiment of another cartridge, Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge 700 for an aerosol delivery device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As Figure 7As shown in FIGS. -9, and as will be discussed in more detail below, the cartridge 700 of the depicted embodiment includes the following components: a mouthpiece 704, a main reservoir 708, an atomizer 710 (which includes a liquid delivery element 712 and a heating element 714), a cartridge base 718, and one or more flavor addition modules 720. The flavor addition module 720 can be considered to provide a function similar to the flavor section 560 of the cartridge 500 ( Figure 4 ), where multiple flavor addition modules 720 can be combined to form a flavor reservoir that selectively incorporates flavorants into the aerosol drawn through the mouthpiece 704. Figure 7 The illustrated embodiment of FIG. shows two flavor addition modules 720, but it should be understood that additional modules are possible.

[0112] As can be understood from the above discussion, Figure 7 the cartridge 700 of FIGS. -9 can be configured to releasably mate the control body 200 ( Figure 2 ) with the cartridge base 718 to produce an aerosol delivery device. In various embodiments, the control body can be similar or identical to the control body 200 described above (see Figure 2 ), and thus its description will not be repeated. However, it should be noted that in other embodiments, the control body can be different from the above control body. Additionally, in some embodiments, the control body of the aerosol delivery device can have a different shape than the above, such as for example a handheld keychain-shaped control body.

[0113] In principle, the cartridge 700 follows the same operating principle as the cartridge 500 ( Figure 4 ). In particular, the aerosol precursor composition staged in the main reservoir 708 is wicked by the liquid delivery element 712 to the vicinity of the heating element 714. When the heating element is activated, the particles of the aerosol precursor are evaporated into the atomizer chamber 724, where the particles are mixed with the air drawn into the cartridge 700 and the atomizer chamber 724. Further, like the cartridge 500, the air D drawn through the cartridge 700 is also intended to selectively entrain flavorant T from the flavor reservoir or flavor addition module 720, particularly in cases where the particles of the flavorant have not been thermally evaporated by the atomizer 710. As Figure 7 shown, the flavor addition module 720 can be positioned upstream of the atomizer chamber 724 to receive the air stream before entraining the aerosol precursor. Alternatively, the flavor addition module 720 can be located downstream of the atomizer chamber to impinge on the air stream that already includes aerosol precursor particles. Figure 8Shows a detailed schematic diagram of the fragrance addition module 720 according to an embodiment of the present embodiment. The fragrance addition module 720 may include a housing 730 having an air inlet 732 and an air outlet 734, thereby providing a chamber through which an air stream can pass. In other embodiments, the air stream may pass adjacent to a selected fragrance addition module 720 rather than through the selected fragrance addition module 720, from which the fragrance released from the fragrance addition module is released. In the illustrated embodiment, the air outlet 734 may lead to an atomizer chamber 724. In another embodiment not shown, the air inlet 732 may be configured to communicate with an aerosol passage 738 that passes from the atomizer chamber 724 and through the main reservoir 708 to terminate at the air inlet 732. Then, the air outlet 734 may communicate with an opening 740 in the mouthpiece 704 through which a consumer receives an aerosol including air D, particles of the aerosol precursor composition, and optionally particles of a flavoring T.

[0114] The fragrance addition module 720 provides the function of a fragrance reservoir by staging the fragrance, which can be selectively added to the air stream D passing through the cartridge 700. The illustrated embodiment of the fragrance addition module 720 may be well suited for use with fragrances provided in encapsulated form, such as fragrances microencapsulated within a rupturable housing.

[0115] Representative microcapsule embodiments have an outer covering, shell, or coating that encloses a liquid or solid core region, and in some embodiments, the microcapsules may be generally spherical. When the outer shell undergoes some type of physical destruction, disruption, or other loss of physical integrity (e.g., by dispersion, softening, crushing, application of pressure, etc.), the core region or "payload" such as a fragrance is typically released.

[0116] Exemplary ways and methods of providing encapsulations such as microcapsules of flavors are set forth in Gutcho's "Microcapsules and Microencapsulation Techniques" (1976) and Gutcho's "Microcapsules and Other Capsules Advances Since 1975" (1979). Exemplary types of microcapsules can have a diameter of less than 100 microns and typically can have a shell based on gelatin, based on cyclodextrin, or the like. Microcapsules are commercially available, and exemplary types of microcapsule technology are those presented by Iwamoto et al. in the AAPS Pharm SCI scientific journal in March 2002 (3): Article No. 25 "Kondo, Microcapsule Processing and Technology" (1979); and U.S. Patent No. 3,550,598 to McGlumphy and U.S. Patent No. 6,117,455 to Takada et al.

[0117] Suitable larger capsules are commercially available from Mane Aromatic Flavours of Nice, France as a mixture of medium-chain triglycerides and gelatin encapsulated flavors.

[0118] The shell of the capsule can be composed of a polymer or food-grade gelatin derived from bovine, fish, or porcine sources. A variety of gelatins can be used, and the selection of gelatin for the outer surface of the capsule is considered a matter of design choice for those of ordinary skill in the art. See, Kirk-Othmer's "Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology", (4th Edition) 12, pp. 406-416 (1994), which is incorporated herein by reference. The type of gelatin used to construct the capsule shell enables the capsule to be exposed to triacetin (a plasticizer commonly used in cigarette filter manufacturing) or 1,2-propanediol (a common tobacco coating component) for a relatively long time without adverse interactions (e.g., the gelatin dissolving therein). Since the gelatin used in some embodiments will dissolve in water over time, it is desirable to use an effectively anhydrous payload (or a payload with a very small amount of water) for capsules having a gelatin outer coating.

[0119] In one embodiment, the payload is a mixture of a fragrance and a diluent. The diluent can be a triglyceride, such as a medium-chain triglyceride, more specifically a food-grade mixture of medium-chain triglycerides. See, for example, Porim Bulletin by Radzuan et al. (Bulletin of the Malaysian Palm Oil Institute), 39, 33 - 38 (1999). Exemplary fragrances for the payload have been discussed above.

[0120] The amounts of fragrance and diluent within the capsule can vary. In some cases, the diluent can be completely eliminated, and the entire payload can consist of the fragrance. Alternatively, the payload can consist almost entirely of the diluent and contain only a very small amount of a relatively potent fragrance. In one embodiment using, for example, a capsule having a diameter of about 3.5 mm, the weight of the liquid payload (e.g., fragrance and diluent) can range from about 15 milligrams to about 25 milligrams, and can be in the range of about 20 milligrams to about 22 milligrams. An exemplary composition of the mixture of fragrance and diluent is in the range of about 5% to about 25% fragrance by weight, based on the total weight of the payload, and may be in the range of about 10% to about 15% by weight, with the balance being the diluent.

[0121] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the capsules 746 of the fragrance can be staged in a portion of the fragrance addition module 720, which can be referred to as a hopper 750. The hopper 750 can be defined by a baffle 754 that is angled to direct the movement of the capsules 746 towards one or more outlets 756. The baffle 754 can be formed of a porous material such as porous polyethylene, polyester fiber, or porous ceramic, the pores of which are small enough to hold the capsules 746. The pores in the baffle 754 can also minimize the restriction to the airflow from the inlet 732 to the outlet 734.

[0122] Each fragrance addition module 720 can include an actuator 760. Alternatively, a single actuator 760 can be operatively communicable with more than one fragrance addition module 720. The actuator 760 can be provided to selectively release the fragrance from the hopper 750. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 760 releases the capsules 746 from the hopper 750. Then, the actuator 760 releases the fragrance by applying pressure to rupture the cladding of the capsules 746. In one embodiment, the actuator 760 includes one or more pairs of gears 766. When the pairs of gears 766 rotate in opposite directions as shown by the arrows in Figure 8 one or more capsules 746 can be pulled or dropped into the area between the gears. Then, the teeth 770 of the gears 766 can work together to apply a crushing force to the capsules 746, thereby releasing their payloads to be absorbed by the porous baffle 754.

[0123] The capsule 746 and its payload can be designed to accommodate the desired strength of the fragrance and the duration of the fragrance incorporated into the air stream. For example, the fragrance addition module can be configured such that releasing the payload of one capsule using a single-use actuator 760 provides sufficient fragrance to enhance multiple inhalations on the aerosol delivery device, such as the number of inhalations associated with a conventional cigarette. In other embodiments, the capsule 746 can be configured to have the intention that the user will operate the actuator 760 to release a small amount of fragrance before or during an inhalation on the device. Those skilled in the art will understand that the user can increase the strength of the fragrance incorporated into the aerosol by triggering the actuator 760 multiple times to release the payloads of multiple capsules 746. Similarly, the design of the actuator 760 and the capsule 746 can be configured such that each operation of the actuator releases the payload from a desired number of capsules.

[0124] The fragrance addition module 720 can also be designed to have one or more reservoirs 776 that are configured to receive and hold the overwrap material of the capsule 746 after the fragrance is released. The boundaries of the reservoir 776 can be at least partially defined by a porous wall 780. Like the baffle 754, the wall 780 can be designed to have pores that are too small to allow the overwrap material of the capsule to pass through. However, the pores of the wall 780 will be large enough to allow the air stream to pass through, as well as the fragrance particles intended to be entrained in the air stream D passing through the fragrance addition module 720. The porous wall 780 can also serve as a secondary structure for absorbing the fragrance released by the capsule 746 that would otherwise bypass the baffle 754.

[0125] Turning to Figure 9A and 9B , an exemplary embodiment for rotating the gear 766 is shown. The mechanical button 782 can extend from the fragrance addition module 720 ( Figure 8 ) to a position accessible to the user. The button 782 can be mechanically linked to at least one of the gears 766 such that pressing the button causes rotation of the gear. Figure 9A The initial position of the system is shown, and Figure 9B The depressed position of the system is shown. Due to the mating between their respective teeth 770, driving one gear 766 of a pair of gears can cause the other gear of the pair to rotate in the opposite direction. In cases where more than one pair of gears 766 is provided as part of the actuator 760, these gear pairs can be operably linked by additional gears, drive belts, or one or more other known motion transmission elements.

[0126] The button 782 can be mechanically linked to at least one gear 766 by a drive rod 784 configured to convert the linear movement of the button 782 into rotational movement of the gear 766. The drive rod 784 can terminate in a plunger 786. A spring 788 can be provided to act on the plunger 786 and assist in returning the button 782 to its initial position.

[0127] Return Figure 7 , in one embodiment, the air D can be configured to pass through each fragrance addition module 720 simultaneously, wherein the fragrance entrained by the air D mainly includes the fragrance most recently released by the actuator 760. However, when the user switches between modules, this method may result in unwanted residual fragrance. In another embodiment, an air flow controller 789 can be used to direct the air flow through or only through the desired fragrance addition module 720. The air flow controller 789 can be provided in the form of a cover plate or door, which can be controlled by various actuation means such as a mechanical button. In other embodiments, the air flow controller 789 can take the form of a mask, such as the rotatable mask discussed above with reference to Figures 4 - 6 the rotatable mask discussed above.

[0128] As Figure 7 shown, the body of the fragrance addition module 720 and the cartridge 700 can be formed at least partially of a transparent or translucent material, for example, at least in the region corresponding to the hopper 750, to provide a window 790 into the hopper, such that the amount of the capsules 746 remaining in the hopper can be determined.

[0129] Based on the further disclosures provided herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above-described device usage descriptions can be applied to the various embodiments with some modifications. However, the above usage descriptions are not intended to limit the use of the article, but rather to provide all the necessary requirements for disclosure in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0130] Many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure will come to the mind of those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that various modifications and other embodiments will be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used in a general and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A cartridge for an aerosol delivery device, comprising: An air flow path through the cartridge; A storage portion configured to contain an aerosol precursor composition; An atomizer configured to vaporize the aerosol precursor composition to form a vapor entrained in air passing through the atomizer chamber; And A flavor addition assembly including a plurality of separate chambers surrounded by a housing, at least one of the plurality of separate chambers containing a porous tube that forms an interface between an internal channel in at least one chamber of the plurality of separate chambers and a flavoring agent surrounding the internal channel, the internal channel being locatable in the air flow path, and the porous tube being effective to absorb the flavoring agent by capillary action and transport the flavoring agent into the internal channel such that the flavoring agent is entrained in air passing through the internal channel of the flavor addition assembly, Wherein the air flow path is configured such that air passing through the air flow path is entrained with the flavoring agent by the flavor addition assembly before being entrained with the vapor by the atomizer.

2. The barrel according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further comprising at least one mask configured with the flavor addition assembly to selectively and alternatively allow air to pass through the internal channel of at least one of the plurality of separate chambers.

3. The barrel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mask effectively allows air to flow through only one of the plurality of separate chambers at a time.

4. The barrel according to claim 1, characterized in that, Visual markings are provided on the cartridge to identify the chambers of the second storage portion.

5. The barrel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flavor addition assembly includes at least three chambers containing flavoring agent and at least one chamber not containing flavoring agent.

6. The barrel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The porous tube is nanoporous or microporous.

7. A cartridge for an aerosol delivery device, comprising: An air flow path through the cartridge; A storage portion configured to contain an aerosol precursor composition; An atomizer configured to vaporize the aerosol precursor composition to form a vapor entrained in air passing through the air flow path; A flavor addition assembly including a plurality of separate chambers, wherein at least one of the plurality of separate chambers contains a flavoring agent; and A hopper for grading the flavoring agent, the hopper being defined by baffles positioned to direct the movement of the flavoring agent toward one or more outlets; Wherein the flavor addition assembly is configured to selectively add graded flavoring agent to the air flow path such that air passing through the air flow path passes through at least one of the plurality of separate chambers, at least one of the plurality of separate chambers containing a flavoring agent to entrain the flavoring agent in the air.

8. The barrel according to claim 7, wherein, Further comprising an actuator for selectively releasing flavoring agent from the hopper.

9. The barrel according to claim 8, characterized in that, The flavoring agent is encapsulated in a plurality of capsules.

10. The barrel according to claim 9, characterized in that, The actuator is configured to break at least one of the capsules to release the flavoring agent.

11. The barrel according to claim 10, characterized in that, The actuator includes a pair of gears, Wherein the teeth of the gears cooperate such that rotation of the gears is configured to release at least one capsule from the hopper and release the flavoring agent from the capsule, Wherein the flavoring agent is subsequently entrained away by an air stream.

12. The barrel according to claim 8, characterized in that, The actuator is triggered by a mechanical button.

13. The barrel according to claim 7, characterized in that, including a window leading into the hopper, enabling determination of the amount of perfume remaining in the hopper.

14. The barrel according to claim 7, characterized in that, Air in the airflow path entrains the perfume before entraining the vapor.

15. An aerosol delivery device, comprising: a control body; and a cartridge as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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