Mouthpiece for inhaling an aerosol having flavor elements - Patents.com

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mouthpiece (10) for inhaling an aerosol comprising: a housing (12) including an airflow channel (16); and a flavoring element (14) for flavoring the aerosol, the flavoring element (14) being in fluid communication with the airflow channel (16), the flavoring element (14) being attached on an outer surface of the housing (12).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mouthpiece for inhaling an aerosol.The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating system comprising a mouthpiece. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol generating systems comprise either cartridges containing liquid aerosol-forming substrates or aerosol generating articles containing solid aerosol-forming substrates. These products can be consumed as heat-not-burn products or as traditional aerosol generating articles that generate aerosols when burned. Users can often only modify the volume of aerosol generated in these systems and the perception of the puff, including nicotine delivery, by inhaling at different intensities. These aerosol generating systems often contain flavors that cannot be altered while the cartridge or cigarette is in use. Similarly, users can purchase a complete set of aerosol generating articles, all of which contain the same flavor.

[0003] It would be desirable to provide the user with further options for customizing the volume of aerosol generated. It may further be desirable to provide the user with additional options for customizing nicotine delivery. It would be desirable to provide the user with the possibility to change the flavor of the aerosol generating system at the time of use or between uses. Furthermore, it may be desirable to provide the user with the possibility to change the flavor from the aerosol generated from the complete set of aerosol generating articles for the user's convenience. Furthermore, it would be desirable to provide an aerosol flavoring component that can provide additional flavors for the aerosol generating system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mouthpiece for inhaling an aerosol. The mouthpiece may comprise a housing, the housing may include an airflow channel. The mouthpiece may comprise a flavoring element for flavoring the aerosol. The flavoring element may be in fluid communication with the airflow channel. The flavoring element may be attached on an exterior surface of the housing.

[0005] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mouthpiece for inhaling an aerosol. The mouthpiece comprises a housing, the housing including an airflow channel. The mouthpiece further comprises a flavoring element for flavoring the aerosol. The flavoring element is in fluid communication with the airflow channel. The flavoring element is attached on an exterior surface of the housing.

[0006] Such a mouthpiece may provide the user with the option to further customize the inhaled aerosol. Attaching the flavor elements on the outer surface of the housing may provide the user with an opportunity to better recognize different flavor elements. This may also allow for better branding of the mouthpiece with the flavor elements. This may provide better marketing opportunities for such a mouthpiece. Different flavors of the flavor elements may be provided with different colors for easier recognition by the user. The attachment element may comprise an outer surface facing away from the mouthpiece. The user may be able to use this outer surface to further visually customize the mouthpiece for the user's convenience.

[0007] The mouthpiece of the present invention may be configured to further modify or customize the airflow or aerosol from the cartridge or aerosol generating device for the convenience of the user. In particular, at least one flavorant of the flavor element of the mouthpiece may be used to customize or modify the airflow or aerosol entering the mouthpiece from an upstream direction.

[0008] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to describe the relative positions of components or parts of components of a mouthpiece, cartridge, aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating device with respect to the direction in which air flows along an airflow path through the aerosol-generating device during its use. An aerosol-generating device or mouthpiece according to the present invention comprises a proximal end through which aerosol exits the device during use. The proximal end of the aerosol-generating device or mouthpiece may also be referred to as the downstream end. The oral end is downstream of the distal end. The distal end of the aerosol-generating device or mouthpiece may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components or parts of components of a mouthpiece, cartridge, aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating device may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative positions with respect to the airflow path through the aerosol-generating device or mouthpiece.

[0009] The flavor elements of the mouthpiece may be configured to be replaceable. This may provide the user with the option to replace consumed flavor elements with new flavor elements. The flavor elements may be easily replaceable since they are mounted on the outer surface of the housing. This may increase the accessibility of the flavor elements for the user. This may provide better handling of the flavor elements for the user.

[0010] The flavour elements may preferably be mounted on the outer surface of the housing, which may provide an easy option for the user to replace the flavour elements. Such flavour elements may occupy the majority of the outer surface of the housing of the mouthpiece available for flavour elements.

[0011] The housing of the mouthpiece may include a recess configured to accommodate the flavor element. This may facilitate attachment of the flavor element onto the outer surface of the housing. This may ensure the positioning of the flavor element on the outer surface of the housing. This may prevent the flavor element from being accidentally separated or displaced from the housing of the mouthpiece.

[0012] The mouthpiece may have a cylindrical or tubular housing. The recess may be located at least partially circumferentially around the cylindrical housing of the mouthpiece. Preferably, the recess may be located completely around the circumference of the cylindrical housing. This may facilitate attachment of the flavor element onto the outer surface of the housing.

[0013] The flavor element may be ring-shaped. This may allow the flavor element to be easily attached to the outer surface of the housing of the mouthpiece. Ring-shaped flavor elements are preferably attached to the outer surface of a housing having a cylindrical shape. Ring-shaped flavor elements are particularly easy to attach and, if necessary, can be replaced on mouthpieces with cylindrical housings.

[0014] The flavor element may include a flavor portion including at least one flavoring agent. Further, the flavor element may comprise a handling portion configured to be handled by a user.

[0015] Separating the flavor element into a flavor part and a handling part may facilitate the handling of the flavor element, especially a replaceable flavor element, by a user. A user may handle the flavor element by gripping its handling part. This may allow the user to avoid contact with the flavor part. A user may avoid touching or gripping the flavor part. This may avoid adverse effects on the flavor effect of the flavor element on the aerosol.

[0016] The flavor portion of the flavor element may be located on the inner surface of the flavor element. This may facilitate the contact and fluid communication of the flavor portion with the mouthpiece when the ring-shaped flavor element is attached on the outer surface of the housing of the mouthpiece. The handling portion may be located on the outer surface of the flavor element. This may facilitate the handling of the flavor element by the user. This may allow the user to handle the flavor element without contacting the flavor portion located on the inner surface of the flavor element. The flavor element having an inner surface and an outer surface is preferably ring-shaped.

[0017] The flavor element may be elastic, which allows the flavor element to expand and slide over the outer surface of the mouthpiece and be mountable on the mouthpiece. The elastic flavor element may be configured to be expandable to a diameter larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the mouthpiece housing or larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the recess for receiving the flavor element. This allows the flavor element to be easily mountable on the mouthpiece, in particular within the recess of the mouthpiece.

[0018] The housing of the mouthpiece may include a porous section that includes an air intake for allowing ambient air to be drawn into the airflow channel.

[0019] This may facilitate fluid communication between the flavour element and the airflow channel of the mouthpiece. Preferably, the flavour element may be in fluid contact with the airflow channel through the porous section. The flavour element may be located adjacent to the porous section.

[0020] The porous section in the mouthpiece housing may comprise an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface may be adjacent to the airflow channel of the mouthpiece housing. The outer surface may be located on the outer surface of the housing. The outer surface of the porous section may be in direct contact with the flavor element when the flavor element is mounted on the outer surface of the mouthpiece. This may provide a certain reliable fluid communication between the flavor element and the airflow channel.

[0021] The porous section in the housing may be located in a recess configured to accommodate the flavor element, which may allow easy fluid communication of the flavor element with the airflow channel without the risk of the flavor element becoming separated from the mouthpiece.

[0022] The porosity of the porous section may be between 30 percent and 90 percent, preferably between 60 percent and 80 percent, which may provide a certain reliable fluid communication of the flavor elements with the airflow channels.

[0023] Porosity can be calculated by the method of gas expansion (Faldle's law). There are other techniques applicable to porosity measurement such as PALS measurements, neutron and X-ray scattering, mercury injection, density method, petrographic method, etc. To apply most of these methods, the bulk volume of the sample should also be measured. The porosity φ is the bulk volume V of the porous elements not occupied by solid material. b The volume not occupied by solid material is the pore volume, V p :φ=V p / V b Examples for determining the porosity of different materials can be found in the publication "Porosity of polymer materials by various techniques" by Dr. Paul Glover, J Porous Mater (2009) 16:691-698 and in "Formation Evaluation MSc Course Notes", Chapter 5: Porosity ( http: / / homepages.see.leeds.ac.uk / ~earpwjg / PG_EN / CD%20Contents / Formation%20Evaluation%20 English / Chapter%205.PDF (download at ) both of which are incorporated by reference.

[0024] The flavor element, when mounted on the outer surface of the housing, may cover, preferably completely cover, the porous section. The flavor element may be configured to be slidable over the porous section to regulate airflow through the porous section.

[0025] This may provide the user with additional options to adjust not only flavors to flavor the aerosol, but also airflow to generate or customize the inhaled aerosol.

[0026] The flavour element, which is configured to be slidable over the porous section, is preferably ring-shaped. This may provide an easy way to slide the flavour element relative to the housing of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece preferably has a cylindrical housing. The ring-shaped flavour element may be easily slid onto the cylindrical mouthpiece.

[0027] The slidable flavor element in the mouthpiece may be configured to be incrementally slidable from a first position to a second position. The slidable flavor element may completely cover the porous section in the first position. The slidable flavor element may completely retract from the porous section in the second position. In the first position of the slidable flavor element, no additional ambient air may be drawn through the porous section and into the airflow channel of the mouthpiece. In the second position of the slidable flavor element, a maximum amount of ambient air may be drawn through the porous section and into the airflow channel of the mouthpiece.

[0028] In an intermediate position between the first and second positions, the slidable flavor element may partially cover the porous section, which may allow an amount of air to be drawn into the airflow channel of the mouthpiece, which may be less than the maximum amount of ambient air drawn into the airflow channel in the second position of the slidable flavor element.

[0029] This may provide the user with a variety of options to further customize the aerosol for their convenience.

[0030] The recess for accommodating the flavour element may have a width greater than the width of the slidable flavour element, which may be configured to be slidable within said recess, such that the slidable flavour element may be configured to be slidable within the recess without the risk of being separated from the mouthpiece.

[0031] The mouthpiece may further include a longitudinal axis. The slidable flavor element may be configured to be slidable along the longitudinal axis.

[0032] This may provide easy translation along the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece for sliding. The longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece may be a central longitudinal axis. The mouthpiece may comprise a cylindrical housing. Sliding the flavor element, in particular a ring-shaped flavor element, along the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical housing may provide a simple way of sliding the flavor element along the mouthpiece.

[0033] The slidable flavour element may at least partially surround the periphery of the mouthpiece. Preferably, the slidable flavour element may completely surround the periphery of the mouthpiece. It may be preferred that the slidable flavour element is ring-shaped.

[0034] The slidable flavor element may include an outer surface layer and an inner surface layer. The inner surface layer may be in fluid communication with the porous section. The inner surface layer may include at least one flavoring agent. The inner surface layer may be located on the inner surface of the ring-shaped slidable flavor element. This inner layer may be adjacent to the aforementioned porous section. This inner layer may preferably be the aforementioned flavoring portion. This may provide a certain and reliable fluid communication of the at least one flavoring agent with the airflow channel of the mouthpiece.

[0035] The inner surface layer may include an absorbent layer. At least one flavoring agent may be absorbed in the absorbent layer. The absorbent layer may include a superabsorbent polymer. The superabsorbent polymer may be, for example, an alkali metal polyacrylate. An example of a superabsorbent polymer that may be used is potassium polyacrylate [-CH2-CH(CO2K)-]. n , and sodium polyacrylate [-CH2-CH(CO2Na)-] n The absorption of the at least one flavoring agent into the absorbent layer may allow the flavoring element to be easily preserved, which may provide a long shelf life for the flavoring element without the risk of accidental evaporation of the at least one flavoring agent.

[0036] The outer surface layer may be located on the outer surface of the flavor element. The outer surface layer may include an elastic polymer for handling the flavor element by a user. The outer surface layer may preferably be the handling part of the flavor element described above.

[0037] Elastic polymers may allow the user to easily grasp and handle the flavor element. The elastomeric polymeric compound may include silicone, polyurethane, rubber, or thermoplastic elastomer compounds. Commercially available elastic polymers such as Cawiton, Thermoplast K, Thermoplast M, Arnitel, Hytrel, Dryflex, Mediprene, Kraton, Pibiflex, Sofprene, and Laprenemay are used. The thermoplastic material should have an elastic modulus of about 1200 to 3800 megapascals, preferably about 1800 to 2500 megapascals.

[0038] The slidable flavor element may be configured to be replaceable. The replaceable slidable flavor element may include a first half and a second half. The first half and the second half may be connectable to each other so as to be mounted on the outer surface of the housing. In particular, the slidable replaceable flavor element may be ring-shaped. The first half and the second half may be connectable to form a ring-shaped flavor element.

[0039] The flavour elements may also include protruding flavour members, which may for example be flavour pins.

[0040] The housing of the mouthpiece may include a mounting hole for mounting a protruding flavor member on the housing. Such a protruding flavor member may be easily configured to be replaceable by mounting the protruding flavor member in the mounting hole and removing the protruding flavor member from the mounting hole after use.

[0041] The mounting hole may include a screw thread. The protruding flavor member may include a screw thread for easy attachment to the screw thread of the mounting hole. This may allow the protruding flavor member to be easily fastened and attached to the mounting hole. This may also allow the protruding flavor member to be easily removed from the mounting hole after use.

[0042] The protruding flavour member of the mouthpiece may comprise a head portion and a shaft protruding from the head portion. The protruding flavour member may be configured to be attachable to a mounting hole of the mouthpiece such that the shaft protrudes into an airflow channel of the mouthpiece. The shaft may include at least one flavourant. In particular, the shaft may already form the flavour portion described above.

[0043] This may enable the protruding flavour member to provide flavour in a simple manner to the airflow channel of the mouthpiece.

[0044] The head of the protruding flavour member may be the handling portion of the flavour element described above. The head of the protruding flavour member may comprise an elastic polymer for handling by the user.

[0045] This may enable a user to easily handle the protruding flavour member by gripping it by its head portion.

[0046] The mouthpiece may further comprise a Venturi element located in the airflow channel, the Venturi element being preferably located downstream of the flavour element, in particular the Venturi element may be located downstream of either a recess configured to receive the flavour element or a mounting hole for mounting a protruding flavour member.

[0047] This may enable the venturi element to provide additional mixing of the aerosol with at least one flavorant from the flavor element.

[0048] The Venturi element may include an inlet portion, a central portion, and an outlet portion, The inlet portion may be configured to converge toward the central portion and the outlet portion may be configured to diverge from the central portion, This may provide a particular good mixing of the aerosol with the at least one flavorant.

[0049] The mouthpiece may include an inlet portion configured to receive the airflow. The inlet portion may be configured to receive the airflow from one or more of a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate, an aerosol-generating article, and an aerosol-generating device. The mouthpiece may further include an outlet portion configured for the exit of the aerosol. The outlet portion may provide the aerosol to a user for inhalation. The flavor element may be located between the inlet portion and the outlet portion of the mouthpiece.

[0050] The mouthpiece may be configured to be reusable. The mouthpiece may be configured to be removably connectable to one or more of the aerosol-generating article, a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate, or an aerosol-generating device.

[0051] The inlet portion of the mouthpiece may include a connecting element configured to be connectable to one or more of the aerosol generating article, cartridge, or aerosol generating device, which may provide a simple method of removably connecting the mouthpiece to other components of the aerosol generation system.

[0052] The flavor element may include at least one volatile flavoring agent. The at least one flavoring agent may be a liquid or a gel. The at least one flavoring agent may be selected from the group consisting of fruits, mint oil, menthol, lavender, bergamot, frankincense, cinnamon, isomenthone, and menthyl acetate.

[0053] The housing of the mouthpiece may include or be made of a polymeric compound, such as a PMMA-based polymer that is alcohol and nicotine resistant. These polymeric compounds may have good impact resistance and may be translucent.

[0054] Examples of PMMA based polymers are CYROLITE®, marketed by Evonik, Tripartite, CYROLITE® Protect and CYROLITE® Protect 2, and Vu-Stat™ Y-20.

[0055] Another aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol generation system comprising a mouthpiece as described herein. Additionally, the aerosol generation system may comprise one or more of a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate, an aerosol generation device or an aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece may be configured to be removably connectable to one of the cartridge, the aerosol generation device or the aerosol-generating article.

[0056] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a substrate section. The substrate section may include an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may generate an aerosol by igniting the article and heating the aerosol-forming substrate above its combustion temperature. The mouthpiece of the present invention may function to add flavor to the aerosol generated by burning the aerosol-generating article.

[0057] Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article may be configured to provide an aerosol or gas stream by being heated to a temperature below the combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0058] The mouthpiece of the present invention may be configured to be connectable to a cartridge. Preferably, the mouthpiece may be configured to be detachably connectable to the cartridge. The cartridge may contain a reservoir that includes an aerosol-forming substrate, preferably a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The reservoir of the cartridge may at least partially surround a central hollow portion. The central hollow portion of the cartridge may be configured to be a cartridge airflow channel. The cartridge may comprise a heating element for evaporating the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element may, for example, comprise a wick in fluid communication with the reservoir of the cartridge. The wick may be surrounded by a resistive wire for heating the liquid aerosol-forming substrate contained within the wick. The cartridge may comprise an electrical connection configured to be electrically connected to an aerosol generating device. The heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature below the combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate, but above the temperature at which one or more volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate are released to form an inhalable aerosol or airflow for inhalation by a user.

[0059] The liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge reservoir may include at least one aerosol former. The aerosol former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of a dense, stable aerosol in use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the system. Suitable aerosol formers are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin, etc.), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, etc.). The aerosol former may be a polyhydric alcohol or a mixture thereof (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin, etc.). The aerosol former may be propylene glycol. The aerosol former may include both glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0060] The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include other additives and ingredients, such as flavorants. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, and a natural or artificial flavorant. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include nicotine. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine concentration of about 0.5% to about 10% (e.g., about 2%).

[0061] The cartridge may be configured to be connectable to an aerosol generating device. Preferably, the cartridge may be configured to be removably connectable to an aerosol generating device.

[0062] The aerosol generating device may include electrical connections for providing power to a heating element contained within the cartridge.

[0063] The aerosol generating device may include a power source (typically a battery) within the casing of the aerosol generating device. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium polymer battery). Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows it to store sufficient energy for one or more use experiences, for example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to continuously generate aerosol for a period of about six minutes, or a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to provide a predetermined number of puffs, or separate activation of a heating element.

[0064] The aerosol generating device may comprise an electric circuit. The electric circuit may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of the control unit. The electric circuit may comprise further electronic components. The electric circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of power to the heating element. Power may be supplied to the heating element continuously following activation of the aerosol generating device, or may be supplied intermittently, such as for puffs on a multiple puff basis. Power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of current pulses. The electric circuit may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element, and preferably to control the supply of power to the heating element depending on the electrical resistance of the heating element.

[0065] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples, any one or more of the features of which may be combined with any one or more features of the other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0066] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0067] [Figure 1] The top half shows a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece 10 and the bottom half shows a perspective view of the mouthpiece including the flavor element 14. [Diagram 2] A cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system including a mouthpiece 10, a cartridge 22, and an aerosol generation device 42 is shown. [Diagram 3] The top half shows a cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece 10 including a slidable flavor element 14, and the bottom half shows a perspective view of each mouthpiece. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece 10 shown in FIG. 3, where a slidable flavor element 14 slides over the mouthpiece to allow ambient air to be drawn into the mouthpiece, and the bottom half shows a perspective view of the respective mouthpiece shown in the top half. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece illustrating inlet and outlet portions of the mouthpiece in further detail. [Figure 6] 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece of FIG. 5 without the flavor element 14. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the mouthpiece shown in FIG. [Figure 8] The top half shows a perspective view of a ring-shaped flavour element for use in a mouthpiece as shown in Figures 5 to 7, and the bottom half shows a perspective view of a first half of the ring-shaped flavour element. [Figure 9] The top half shows a cross-section of a mouthpiece 10 with a connecting element, and the bottom half shows a cross-section of a cartridge 22 configured to be connectable to the mouthpiece. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece 10 and cartridge 22 shown in FIG. 9 after they have been connected. [Figure 11] A cross-sectional view of the connected mouthpiece 10 and cartridge 22 is shown in FIG. 10, further illustrating the generation of aerosol 24. [Figure 12] A perspective view of an aerosol generation system is shown, including a mouthpiece 10, a cartridge 22 and an aerosol generation device 42. [Figure 13]A perspective view of a mouthpiece 10 connected to a cartridge is shown, the mouthpiece including protruding flavour elements in the form of flavour pins. [Figure 14] A perspective view of a mouthpiece 10 including a flavor pin 14 is shown. [Figure 15] A cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece is shown including mounting holes 58 for mounting flavor pins. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a flavor pin configured to be mounted within the mouthpiece shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0068] In the following, identical elements are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the figures.

[0069] FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece 10 according to the present invention in its upper half. The mouthpiece 10 comprises a housing 12 and an airflow channel 16. In the outer surface of the housing there is a recess 18 configured to accommodate a flavor element (flavor element not shown in the upper half of FIG. 1). In the recess 18 a porous section 20 can be found in the housing 12 of the mouthpiece. The porous section 20 comprises an air inlet that allows ambient air to be drawn from the outside into the airflow channel 16 of the mouthpiece. In the lower half of FIG. 1 a perspective view of the mouthpiece 10 is shown. In the lower half of FIG. 1 the porous section 20 is no longer visible since a ring-shaped flavor element 14 is present in the recess 18. The flavor element 14 is attached to the recess 18 and adjacent to the porous section 20, which allows the flavor element to be in fluid communication with the airflow channel of the mouthpiece 10. The mouthpiece 10 has a tubular or cylindrical shape.

[0070] 2 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generation system including the mouthpiece 10, the cartridge 22, and the aerosol generation device 42. The flavor element 14, which is mounted on the outer surface of the housing, is clearly visible.

[0071] FIG. 3, the top half of which shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece 10, further details the generation of the aerosol 24 that is inhaled by the user. The flavor element 14 is in fluid communication with the airflow channel 16 through the porous section 20, which allows the flavorant to be entrained in the airflow or aerosol drawn into the mouthpiece from its upstream end, as shown by the dashed line 56. The at least one flavorant is mixed with the existing airflow or aerosol present in the mouthpiece to generate a modified aerosol 24 containing the flavorant. The flavor element 14 in this embodiment of the invention is configured to be slidable over the porous section to adjust the airflow through the porous section. In the top and bottom halves of FIG. 3, the flavor element completely covers the porous section. This prevents any ambient air from being drawn into the mouthpiece 10 through the porous section.

[0072] The top half of FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece 10 including a slidable ring-shaped flavor element 14, similar to the mouthpiece shown in FIG. 3. In this case, the flavor element 14 has been slid at least partially away from the porous section 20, as indicated by arrow 26. This allows ambient air to be drawn into the mouthpiece through the porous section, as indicated by arrow 28. This results in an aerosol 30 inhaled by the user that additionally includes ambient air 28, in contrast to the aerosol 24 of FIG. 3. Thus, by sliding the flavor element 14 to different positions on the porous section, the user can customize the aerosol generation for the user's convenience. The bottom half of FIG. 4 illustrates the mouthpiece in a perspective view with the ring-shaped flavor element at least partially moved away from the porous section 20 so that ambient air 28 can be drawn into the mouthpiece.

[0073] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece 10 in more detail. The mouthpiece housing 12 includes an inlet portion 32 configured to be connectable to one or more of a cartridge or an aerosol generating device. The inlet portion 32 includes a mouthpiece connecting element 36, e.g., a rim. The mouthpiece connecting element 36 is configured to be connectable to another connecting element of one or both of the cartridge or the aerosol generating device. In particular, the mouthpiece connecting element 36 may be connected to a connecting element having a complementary shape, which allows the mouthpiece connecting element to be appropriately engaged with the other connecting element to provide a connection. The mouthpiece 10 further includes a porous section 20 at least partially surrounding the circumference of the tubular or cylindrical mouthpiece housing. The porous section is adjacent to a ring-shaped flavor element 14 to provide a fluid connection to the airflow channel of the mouthpiece. At the downstream end of the mouthpiece housing 12 is an outlet portion 34 for providing the aerosol to the user.

[0074] Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-section of the mouthpiece of Figure 5 without the flavour element 14. This cross-section clearly shows the recess 18 for accommodating the flavour element 14.

[0075] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the mouthpiece shown in cross section in Figure 6. The recess 18 and the porous section 20 surrounding the periphery of the mouthpiece are clearly visible.

[0076] The top half of FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the ring-shaped flavor element 14. The bottom half of FIG. 8 shows a first half of the ring-shaped flavor element 14, which can be connected to a second half to form the ring-shaped flavor element. The bottom half of FIG. 8 shows the inner surface 38 of the flavor element. The inner surface 38 of the flavor element includes a flavoring absorbed therein. The outer surface layer 40 of the flavor element includes a durable polymer, e.g., an elastic polymer, which facilitates the handling of the ring-shaped flavor element by the user. Thus, the outer surface layer 40 is configured as the handling portion of the flavor element. In contrast, the inner surface layer 38 of the flavor element is configured to be the flavor portion of the flavor element. The clear separation of the flavor element into the handling portion and the flavor portion allows the user to properly handle the flavor element without affecting the flavor portion.

[0077] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece 10 with the top half equipped with the flavor element 14. The inlet portion of the mouthpiece 10 includes a mouthpiece connection element 36, which can be connected to a cartridge connection element 44 having a complementary shape, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 9. The cartridge 22 includes a reservoir 46 that contains a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The reservoir 46 surrounds a central hollow portion, which is the cartridge airflow channel 23. In addition, the cartridge 22 includes a heating element 48 with a wick surrounded by wires for vaporizing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge 22 also includes an electrical connection 50 configured to be connectable to an aerosol generating device.

[0078] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece 10 connected to the cartridge 22 .

[0079] 11 shows a cross-sectional view of mouthpiece 10 connected to cartridge 22, further detailing the formation of aerosol 24 that is inhaled by a user. Ambient air 52 is drawn into the cartridge from the outside or from an aerosol generating device and mixes in the cartridge airflow channel with aerosol-forming substrate vaporized by heating element 48, as shown by the dashed line with reference numeral 54. This airflow 54 or aerosol 54 is drawn further downstream into mouthpiece 10, and flavorants 56 are entrained in the aerosol to provide flavor-altered aerosol 24 to the user.

[0080] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generation system including mouthpiece 10, cartridge 22 and aerosol generation device 42.

[0081] 13 shows a cross-sectional view of another mouthpiece 10 including a protruding flavor element in the form of a flavor pin 14 mounted on the outer surface of the housing, which is connected to a cartridge. The flavor pin includes a shaft that protrudes into the airflow channel of the mouthpiece for emitting at least one flavorant. An aerosol or airflow 54 is formed by evaporating a liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the cartridge. This airflow or aerosol 54 is drawn further downstream into the mouthpiece, and additionally, flavorant 56 is entrained in the airflow or aerosol. Finally, the flavor-altering aerosol 24 can be inhaled by the user.

[0082] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the mouthpiece 10 including the outlet portion 34 within the housing 12 shown in cross section in Figure 13. The flavour elements 14 can be seen mounted on the outer surface of the housing. In particular, the heads 60 of the flavour pins are visible.

[0083] Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece 10 shown in Figure 13 without the flavor pin 14. The recess 18 is visible to include an attachment hole 58 configured to attach a flavor pin to the outer surface of the mouthpiece 10.

[0084] 16 shows a perspective view of a flavor element 14, which is a flavor pin. It includes a head portion 60 that forms the handling portion of the flavor pin, configured to be handled by a user. A shaft 62 contains absorbed flavor and therefore functions as the flavor portion. The clear separation of the flavor pin into the head portion that forms the handling portion and the shaft that forms the flavor portion allows for easy handling by the user. EXAMPLES

[0085] Example A: A mouthpiece for inhaling an aerosol, comprising: a housing including an airflow channel; a flavoring element for flavoring the aerosol, the flavoring element being in fluid communication with the airflow channel; The flavor element is mounted on the outer surface of the housing, the mouthpiece. Example B: The mouthpiece of embodiment A, wherein the flavor element is configured to be replaceable, preferably the flavor element is mounted on an outer surface of the housing. Example C: The mouthpiece of any of Examples A and B, wherein the housing comprises a recess configured to accommodate a flavor element. Example D: The flavour elements are a flavouring part comprising at least one flavouring agent; - a handling portion configured to be handled by a user. The mouthpiece of any one of Examples A to C. Example E: A mouthpiece as described in any of Examples A-D, wherein the housing comprises a porous section including an air intake for allowing ambient air to be drawn into the airflow channel, and preferably the flavor element is in fluid contact with the airflow channel through the porous section, and more preferably the flavor element is located adjacent to the porous section. Example F: The mouthpiece of example E, wherein the flavor element covers the porous section, and preferably the flavor element is configured to be slidable over the porous section to adjust airflow through the porous section. Example G: The mouthpiece of Example F, wherein the slidable flavor element is configured to be incrementally slidable from a first position to a second position, the slidable flavor element completely covering the porous section at the first position, and the slidable flavor element is completely retracted from the porous section at the second position. Example H: The mouthpiece of example F or G, further comprising a longitudinal axis, wherein the slidable flavor element is configured to be slidable along the longitudinal axis. Example I: The mouthpiece of any of Examples AH, wherein the housing of the mouthpiece has a tubular shape and the slidable flavor element is ring-shaped. Example J: The mouthpiece of embodiment I, wherein the slidable flavor element at least partially surrounds the periphery of the mouthpiece, preferably the slidable flavor element completely surrounds the periphery of the mouthpiece. Example K: A mouthpiece as described in any of Examples F to J, wherein the slidable flavor element comprises an outer surface layer and an inner surface layer, the inner surface layer being in fluid communication with the porous section, the inner surface layer comprising at least one flavorant, preferably the inner layer being adjacent to the porous section, and more preferably the inner surface layer being the flavor portion as described in Example D. Example L: The mouthpiece of embodiment K, wherein the inner surface layer comprises an absorbent layer, and wherein the at least one flavoring agent is absorbed into the absorbent layer, preferably the absorbent layer comprises a superabsorbent polymer such as an alkali metal polyacrylate. Example M: A mouthpiece described in any of Examples K and L, wherein the outer surface layer comprises an elastic polymer for handling of flavor elements by the user, and preferably the outer surface layer is a handling portion for the flavor elements described in Example D. Example N: A mouthpiece as described in any of Examples F to M, wherein the slidable flavor element is configured to be replaceable, preferably the replaceable slidable flavor element comprises a first half and a second half, the first half and the second half being connectable to each other for being mounted on the outer surface of the housing. Example O: The mouthpiece of any of Examples A-N, wherein the flavor element comprises a protruding flavor member and the housing comprises a mounting hole for mounting the protruding flavor member on the housing. Example P: A mouthpiece as described in Example O, wherein the protruding flavor member comprises a head portion and a shaft protruding from the head portion, preferably the protruding flavor member is attached to the mounting hole such that the shaft protrudes into the airflow channel, more preferably the shaft comprises at least one flavorant, and more preferably the shaft forms the flavor portion as described in Example D. Example Q: The mouthpiece of Example P, wherein the head portion comprises an elastic polymer for handling by the user, preferably the head portion is a handling portion of the flavor element of Example D. Example R: The mouthpiece of any of Examples A-Q, further comprising a Venturi element located in the airflow channel, preferably the Venturi element being located downstream of the flavor element. Example S: The mouthpiece of embodiment R, wherein the Venturi element has an inlet portion, a central portion, and an outlet portion, the inlet portion configured to converge toward the central portion, and the outlet portion configured to diverge from the central portion. Example T: A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples A to S, an inlet portion configured to receive an airflow; a mouthpiece comprising: an outlet portion configured for the outflow of an aerosol, the airflow channel being disposed between the inlet portion and the outlet portion, and the flavor element being located between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. Example U: A reusable mouthpiece as described in any of Examples A to T, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to be removably connected to one or more of an aerosol-generating article, a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate, or an aerosol generating device, and preferably, the inlet portion of the mouthpiece is provided with a connecting element configured to be connectable to one or more of an aerosol-generating article, a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate, or an aerosol generating device. Example V: The mouthpiece of any one of Examples A to U, wherein the flavor element comprises at least one flavorant, preferably the at least one flavorant is volatile, preferably the at least one flavorant is a liquid or gel, more preferably the at least one flavorant is selected from the group consisting of fruits, mint oil, menthol, lavender, bergamot, frankincense, cinnamon, isomenthone, and menthyl acetate. Example W: 1. An aerosol generation system comprising: A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples A to V, a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate, an aerosol generating device or an aerosol-generating article, an aerosol generating system, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to be removably connectable to one of a cartridge, an aerosol generating device, or an aerosol generating article.

[0086] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A mouthpiece for inhaling an aerosol, comprising: a housing including an airflow channel; a flavoring element in fluid communication with the airflow channel for flavoring the aerosol; the flavor elements are mounted on an outer surface of the housing; The mouthpiece, wherein the housing includes a porous section including an air intake port for ambient air to be drawn into the airflow channel, the flavor element covers the porous section, and the flavor element is configured to be slidable on the porous section to adjust the airflow through the porous section.

2. The mouthpiece of claim 1 , wherein the flavor element is configured to be replaceable, and preferably the flavor element is mounted on an outer surface of the housing.

3. The mouthpiece of claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a recess configured to receive the flavor element.

4. The flavor elements are a flavor portion comprising at least one flavoring agent; 10. The mouthpiece of claim 1, further comprising: a handling portion configured to be handled by a user.

5. The mouthpiece of claim 1 , wherein the flavor element is in fluid contact with the airflow channel through the porous section, and preferably the flavor element is located adjacent to the porous section.

6. 2. The mouthpiece of claim 1, wherein the slidable flavor element is configured to be incrementally slidable from a first position to a second position, wherein the slidable flavor element completely covers the porous section at the first position and the slidable flavor element is completely retracted from the porous section at the second position.

7. The mouthpiece of claim 1, wherein the slidable flavor element comprises an outer surface layer and an inner surface layer, the inner surface layer being in fluid communication with the porous section, the inner surface layer comprising the at least one flavoring agent, preferably the inner layer being adjacent to the porous section, and more preferably the inner surface layer being the flavor portion of claim 4.

8. 8. The mouthpiece of claim 7, wherein the outer surface layer comprises an elastic polymer for handling of the flavor element by a user, and preferably the outer surface layer is the handling portion of the flavor element.

9. 10. The mouthpiece of claim 1, further comprising a venturi element located within the airflow channel, preferably the venturi element being located downstream of the flavor element.

10. 2. The mouthpiece of claim 1, wherein the flavor element comprises at least one flavoring agent, preferably the at least one flavoring agent is volatile, preferably the at least one flavoring agent is a liquid or a gel, and more preferably the at least one flavoring agent is selected from the group consisting of fruits, mint oil, menthol, lavender, bergamot, frankincense, cinnamon, isomenthone, and menthyl acetate.

11. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 10, one or more of a cartridge, an aerosol-generating device, or an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate; An aerosol generation system, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to be removably connectable to one of the cartridge, the aerosol generation device, or the aerosol generating article.

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