Electronic vapor inhalers

Abstract

To provide a cartridge having a flavor-release medium for use with an electronic vapor inhaler, in which the flavor-release medium can be heated to produce a vapor for inhalation by a user.SOLUTION: A cartridge 26 for an electronic vapor inhaler 10 comprises: an elongate induction-heatable element 28; and a flavor-release medium 30 adhering to the surface of the elongate induction-heatable element 28.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to electronic vapor inhalers, and more particularly to cartridges having a flavor-releasing medium for use with electronic vapor inhalers, the flavor-releasing medium being capable of being heated to produce a vapor for inhalation by a user. [Background technology]

[0002] Electronic vapor inhalers (also known as e-cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and personal vaporizers), which can be used as an alternative to traditional smoking products such as cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, are becoming increasingly common and popular. Electronic vapor inhalers, which are typically battery-powered, heat and atomize a nicotine-containing liquid to produce a nicotine-containing vapor that can be inhaled by the user. The vapor is inhaled through a mouthpiece to deliver the nicotine to the lungs, and the vapor exhaled by the user generally mimics the smoke form of traditional smoking products. Inhaling the vapor produces a physical sensation similar to traditional smoking, but because no combustion occurs, harmful chemicals such as carbon monoxide and tar are not produced or inhaled.

[0003] There are currently a variety of electronic vapor inhalers available, all of which have drawbacks related to them that the present disclosure seeks to overcome. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge for an electronic vapor inhaler, the cartridge comprising: an elongated inductively heatable element; a flavor-releasing medium attached to a surface of the elongated inductively heatable element; Equipped with.

[0005] The cartridges provide users with a convenient method of loading the electronic vapor inhaler with the flavor-releasing medium, thereby reducing the likelihood of spillage or waste. Because it is provided in the form of a pre-made cartridge, the integrity, safety, and quality of the flavor-releasing medium are also ensured. Accurate dosage of the flavor-releasing medium is also ensured.

[0006] By placing the inductively heatable element in close proximity to and in contact with at least a portion of the flavor-releasing medium, the flavor-releasing medium is heated rapidly and efficiently in the presence of an electromagnetic field, resulting in fast heating response and relatively low power requirements. The cartridge has no moving parts, and the heating element is positioned along the cartridge. Because the heating element is renewed each time the cartridge is replaced, it does not wear out or suffer from the buildup of residue formed by deposits from the heated flavor-releasing medium, and therefore does not suffer from performance degradation or flavor or aroma degradation over time. This is in contrast to, for example, existing electronic vapor inhalers that have a resistive heating element within the inhaler housing, which wears out or fails after a certain amount of use and is susceptible to the buildup of residue as the flavor-releasing medium heats up. In the event of a failure, the electronic vapor inhaler may need to be entirely discarded and replaced with a new one.

[0007] The flavor-releasing medium may be any material or combination of materials that may be heated to release a vapor for inhalation by a user. The flavor-releasing medium may be tobacco or a tobacco material, and may be impregnated with a vapor-forming medium such as propylene glycol or glycerol. However, the flavor-releasing medium is not limited to tobacco, and any flavor-releasing medium may be used.

[0008] The flavour releasing medium may be attached to the outer surface of the elongated inductively heatable element. The flavour releasing medium may, for example, comprise a granular material which may be attached to the outer surface of the inductively heatable element. Thus, the flavour releasing medium may be attached to the inductively heatable element in a simple manner.

[0009] The elongated inductively heatable element may comprise a rod or wire which may have a solid cross section.

[0010] The elongated inductively heatable element may alternatively comprise a tube having a wall with an inner wall surface and an outer wall surface. The tube may, for example, be cylindrical or elliptical, and the wall may be a circumferentially extending wall having an inner circumferential wall surface and an outer circumferential wall surface. A flavor-releasing medium may be attached to the inner and / or outer wall surface. In an arrangement in which a flavor-releasing medium is attached to both the inner and outer wall surfaces of the tubular inductively heatable element, a greater amount of flavor and aroma may be released.

[0011] The tubular inductively heatable element may comprise one or more openings in its wall for allowing air or gas to flow therethrough, for example the tubular inductively heatable element may comprise a tubular mesh or a tubular perforated foil.

[0012] The cartridge may further comprise an insulating layer between the inductively heatable element and the flavour releasing medium, which may usefully slow down the rate at which the flavour releasing medium heats up.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge for an electronic vapor inhaler, the cartridge comprising: an elongated inductively heatable element having a solid cross section; a flavor-releasing medium surrounding the elongated inductively heatable element; Equipped with.

[0014] The elongated inductively heatable element may comprise a rod, or may comprise one or more wires.

[0015] The cartridge may comprise a protective sleeve surrounding the flavour releasing medium. The use of a protective sleeve may be advantageous in arrangements where the flavour releasing medium comprises fibrous material or is in the form of fine pieces or pellets, or granular material, to hold the flavour releasing medium in place around the elongated inductively heatable element.

[0016] The protective sleeve may comprise a thermal insulating material, which may also be electrically insulating and non-magnetic. The protective sleeve may comprise a paper overwrap.

[0017] The protective sleeve may be tubular and may have an open end. The protective sleeve may be, for example, circular or oval in cross section.

[0018] The elongated inductively heatable element and the tubular protective sleeve may be coaxial.

[0019] The cartridge may further comprise an insulating layer between the inductively heatable element and the flavour releasing medium.

[0020] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge for an electronic vapor inhaler, the cartridge comprising: a tubular inductively heatable element; a flavor-releasing medium provided only to surround the periphery of the tubular inductively heatable element; a flavor-releasing medium not present inside the tubular inductively heatable element; Equipped with.

[0021] The tubular inductively heatable element may comprise one or more openings in its wall, which is surrounded by the flavour-releasing medium, to allow air and gas to flow through the wall. For example, the tubular inductively heatable element may comprise a tubular mesh or a tubular perforated foil.

[0022] The cartridge includes a protective sleeve surrounding the flavor-releasing medium.

[0023] The protective sleeve may comprise a thermal insulating material, which may also be electrically insulating and non-magnetic. The protective sleeve may comprise a paper overwrap.

[0024] The protective sleeve may be tubular and may have an open end. The protective sleeve may be, for example, circular or oval in cross section.

[0025] The tubular inductively heatable element and the tubular protective sleeve may be coaxial.

[0026] The cartridge may further comprise an insulating layer between the inductively heatable element and the flavour releasing medium.

[0027] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge for an electronic vapor inhaler, the cartridge comprising a flavor-releasing medium and an inductively heatable material dispersed in the flavor-releasing medium.

[0028] The inductively heatable material may be a particulate material. The particles are individually heated in the presence of an electromagnetic field, and heat is transferred locally from the heated particles to the flavor-releasing medium. Thus, rapid and efficient heating of the flavor-releasing medium is easily achieved.

[0029] The cartridge may include a protective sleeve surrounding the interspersed flavor-releasing medium and the inductively heatable material.

[0030] The protective sleeve may comprise a thermal insulating material, which may also be electrically insulating and non-magnetic. The protective sleeve may comprise a paper overwrap.

[0031] The protective sleeve may be tubular and may have an open end. The protective sleeve may be, for example, circular or oval in cross section.

[0032] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a housing having a proximal end and a distal end; a mouthpiece at the proximal end of the housing; a cartridge according to the present disclosure disposed within the housing; an induction heating device arranged to inductively heat the inductively heatable element and thereby heat the flavour-releasing medium; An electronic vapor inhaler comprising:

[0033] The housing may include a chamber in which the cartridge is removably disposed. The chamber may be thermally isolated from the external environment. The chamber may be located at any suitable position between the distal and proximal ends of the housing. In some embodiments, the chamber may be located at the proximal end. In other embodiments, the chamber may be located at the distal end. In the latter case, although there may be a slight increase in temperature at the exterior surface of the housing as the cartridge heats up during operation of the induction heating device, this increase in temperature does not occur at the proximal end of the housing where the mouthpiece is located.

[0034] The induction heating device may comprise an induction coil, which may extend around the chamber.

[0035] The housing may include an air inlet through which air can pass into the chamber. Multiple air inlets may be provided.

[0036] An airflow control mechanism may be provided on the housing to vary the flow through the or each air inlet, and thus through the cartridge, which may allow the user to influence the amount of flavor and aroma released from the heated flavor-releasing medium through the mouthpiece during inhalation.

[0037] The housing may include a conduit for delivering heated air to the mouthpiece. The conduit may include at least one first inlet for ambient air and at least one second inlet for heated air from the chamber. The conduit may be arranged to provide a Venturi effect, such that, during use, as ambient air flows through the conduit past the at least one second inlet, heated air is drawn from the chamber into the conduit by the Venturi effect. With such a device, relatively cool ambient air and relatively warm air from the chamber may mix as they flow through the conduit, thereby providing a more gradual release of flavors and aromas during inhalation through the mouthpiece. An airflow control mechanism may be provided on the housing to vary the flow through the at least one first inlet. The conduit is typically an annular conduit surrounding the periphery of the chamber. The annular conduit may include a plurality of circumferentially spaced first inlets formed within the housing and a plurality of circumferentially spaced second inlets formed within the peripheral wall of the chamber.

[0038] The electronic vapor inhaler may include one or more temperature sensors for determining the cartridge temperature. Any suitable temperature sensor may be used, such as a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, a thermistor, or an infrared sensor. In one implementation, the temperature sensor(s) may determine the cartridge temperature by direct measurement of the cartridge. In another implementation, the temperature sensor(s) may be used to indirectly determine the cartridge temperature. For example, a temperature sensor may be used to measure the temperature of the airflow entering the chamber through the or each air inlet, and the cartridge temperature may then be mathematically determined as a function of the measured air inlet temperature, the characteristics of the cartridge, and the amount of energy supplied by the induction heating device.

[0039] The electronic vapor inhaler may further include a controller adapted to energize the induction heating device to maintain the cartridge at a substantially constant and predetermined temperature. The controller may be adapted to energize the induction heating device based on the determined temperature, thus creating a closed-loop feedback control system. However, it should be understood that temperature control may be provided without the use of a temperature sensor.

[0040] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a housing having a mouthpiece at one end; an induction heating device arranged to inductively heat an inductively heatable element of a cartridge or capsule inserted into the housing to heat a flavor-releasing medium within the cartridge or capsule; a control device arranged to energize the induction heating device to inductively heat the inductively heatable element and thereby heat the flavor-releasing medium; Equipped with the control device is further arranged to recognise the inserted capsule or cartridge by detecting a characteristic of the inductively heatable element, and to control operation of the induction heating device based on the detected characteristic; An electronic vapor inhaler is provided.

[0041] The inductively heatable element is effectively "read" when the cartridge or capsule is inserted into the housing, thereby providing automatic recognition of the cartridge or capsule.

[0042] A controller may be arranged to control operation of the induction heating device based on the detected characteristics to provide a desired heating profile, which may therefore be automatically adjusted upon recognition of the cartridge or capsule so that the flavour release medium is heated in an optimum manner to release flavours and aromas.

[0043] The control device may be adapted to detect changes in the electromagnetic field caused by interaction between the inductively heatable element and the induction heating device during insertion of the capsule or cartridge into the housing.

[0044] The cartridge may be as defined above, where the characteristic to be detected, such as the change in the electromagnetic field, may vary for different cartridges, for example by providing inductively heatable elements of different lengths, thicknesses or shapes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic vapor inhaler including a cartridge according to the present disclosure having an elongated rod-shaped inductively heatable element with a flavor-releasing medium attached to its outer surface. [Figure 1a] 2 is a diagram similar to FIG. 1 showing a portion of an alternative embodiment of an electronic vapor inhaler. [Figure 2] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the cartridge shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a cartridge having a tubular inductively heatable element with a flavor-releasing medium attached to its interior and exterior walls. [Figure 4a] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a cartridge similar to that shown in FIG. 3, but having a perforated tubular inductively heatable element. [Figure 4b] FIG. 1 is a side view of a perforated tubular inductively heatable element. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a cartridge having an elongated rod-shaped inductively heatable element surrounded by a flavor-releasing medium. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a cartridge having a tubular inductively heatable element surrounded by a flavor-releasing medium. [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a cartridge having particulate inductively heatable material dispersed in a flavor-releasing medium. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0047] 1, an electronic vapor inhaler 10 comprises a generally elongated housing 12 having a proximal end 14 and a distal end 16. The electronic vapor inhaler 10 includes a mouthpiece 18 at the proximal end 14 through which a user can inhale vapor generated by heating a flavor-releasing medium 30. The electronic vapor inhaler 10 includes a controller 20, e.g., in the form of a microprocessor, and a power supply 22, e.g., an inductively rechargeable battery. The power supply 22 includes a power source 22 in the form of one or more batteries.

[0048] The housing 12 includes a chamber 24 into which a cartridge 26 can be removably inserted. The chamber 24 is located at the proximal end 16 of the housing 12, adjacent the mouthpiece 18, although this is not strictly required and the chamber 24 may be located at any suitable location between the proximal end 14 and the distal end 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the chamber 24 is formed within the housing 12 and is accessed by removing a cover 25, with which the mouthpiece 18 is integrally formed, from the proximal end 14 of the housing 12. In alternative embodiments, the chamber 24 itself may be formed as a removable component and may be accessed by removing the component from the housing 12. In either case, the cartridge 26 is easily insertable into or easily removable from the chamber 24.

[0049] The cartridge 26, shown separated in FIG. 2 for clarity, includes an elongated rod-shaped inductively heatable element 28, typically, but not limited to, a circular cross section. The cartridge 26 further includes a flavor-releasing medium 30 that is attached to a surface 32 of the inductively heatable element 28, for example, as a coating. The flavor-releasing medium 30 is a granular or particulate material that may be treated or processed so as to be attachable to the inductively heatable element 28. The flavor-releasing medium 30 typically includes tobacco or tobacco material that may be impregnated with a vapor-forming medium, such as propylene glycol or glycerol, so that it may be heated to produce a vapor for inhalation by a user through the mouthpiece 18 of the electronic vapor inhaler 10. When tobacco or tobacco material is used, the electronic vapor inhaler 10 may be used as an electronic cigarette. However, as previously described herein, materials other than tobacco may also be used.

[0050] The inductively heatable element 28 is in intimate contact with the flavor-releasing medium 30 because the flavor-releasing medium 30 is attached to the inductively heatable element 28. As a result, when the inductively heatable element 28 is heated in the presence of an electromagnetic field, the flavor-releasing medium 30 is heated rapidly and uniformly.

[0051] 1, the electronic vapor inhaler 10 includes an induction heating device 34 that includes an induction coil 36 that can be energized by the power supply 22. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, when the induction coil 36 is energized, it generates an electromagnetic field that generates eddy currents within the inductively heatable element 28, causing the inductively heatable element 28 to heat. Heat is then transferred from the inductively heatable element 28 to the flavor-releasing medium 30 by, for example, conduction, radiation, and convection.

[0052] Operation of induction heating device 34 is typically controlled by controller 20 to maintain flavor release medium 30 at a temperature that is optimal for flavor and aroma release.

[0053] 1, the electronic vapor inhaler 10 may include a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature inside the chamber 24, in which case the controller 20 is arranged to control the operation of the induction heating device 34 based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor. However, as previously described herein, other devices for determining the temperature inside the chamber 24 are possible.

[0054] When a user wishes to use the electronic vapor inhaler 10 to inhale vapor, the user may need to gain access to the chamber 24, for example, by first removing (e.g., by unscrewing) the cover 25 from the proximal end 14 of the housing 12. The user then places a pre-made cartridge 26 into the chamber 24. Pre-made cartridges 26 are typically supplied in packs that can be purchased separately. Thus, loading the cartridge 26 into the chamber 24 is an extremely simple procedure for the user. do.

[0055] The user then closes the chamber 24, for example, by reattaching the cover 25 to the proximal end 14 of the housing 12 (eg, by screwing it onto the housing 12).

[0056] The electronic vapor inhaler 10 is then switched on by the intended user, which energizes the induction coil 36 and heats the inductively heatable element 28 and the flavor-releasing medium 30, as described above, without burning the flavor-releasing medium 30.

[0057] When a user places their mouth over mouthpiece 18 and inhales, ambient air is drawn into chamber 24 through air inlet 38, as indicated by arrow 40. As the air flows past granular or particulate flavor-releasing medium 30 in chamber 24, it is heated, and heated air having the appropriate aroma and flavor flows out of chamber 24. The heated air then flows through mouthpiece 18, and in doing so, cools and condenses to form a vapor or aerosol that may be inhaled by the user through mouthpiece 18, as indicated by arrow 42. Control device 20 may include a temperature selector that allows the user to select a desired vapor inhalation temperature to select a desired user experience, as the optimal inhalation temperature may be a matter of personal choice.

[0058] It will be appreciated that during inhalation and as air flows into and through chamber 24, induction coil 36 may be energized as needed to maintain a predetermined, e.g., substantially constant, temperature inside chamber 24. This ensures that the temperature of the vapor inhaled by the user through mouthpiece 18 is optimized, e.g., substantially constant. However, to maintain flavor-releasing medium 30, controller 20 may be arranged to control induction heating device 34 such that induction coil 36 is energized such that the temperature inside chamber 24 decreases between inhalation cycles and increases just before or at the start of the next inhalation cycle.

[0059] When the flavor and aroma of the vapor delivered to the mouthpiece 18 reaches a level deemed unacceptable to the user, the chamber 24 may be accessed, for example, by removing the cover 25 from the proximal end 14 of the housing 12. The used cartridge 26 may then be removed and discarded, and a new cartridge 26 may be installed in the chamber 24 before the cover 25 is reinstalled, as described above, to prepare the electronic vapor inhaler 10 for use.

[0060] It is understood that the contents of the cartridge 26, particularly the composition of the flavor-releasing medium, may vary, and that the operation of the induction heating device 34 may need to be varied, ideally to optimize the release of flavors and aromas from the flavor-releasing medium. For example, the contents of a particular cartridge 26 may prefer a heating profile with a relatively slow heating rate, while the contents of another cartridge 26 may prefer a heating profile with a relatively fast heating rate. To accommodate this, in one embodiment, the controller 20 is arranged to recognize the inserted cartridge 26 by detecting characteristics of the inductively heatable element 28 and to control the operation of the induction heating device 34 to provide a desired heating profile, for example, based on the detected characteristics. In one possible implementation, when the cartridge 26 is inserted into the chamber 24, the controller 20 detects changes in the electromagnetic field caused by the interaction between the inductively heatable element 28 and the induction coil 36. In practice, different electromagnetic signatures may be provided for different cartridges 26 by providing one or more inductively heatable elements 28 of different lengths, thicknesses, or shapes.

[0061] Figure 1a shows an alternative embodiment of a portion of an electronic vapor inhaler 110. The electronic vapor inhaler 110 shares many common features with the electronic vapor inhaler 10 shown in Figure 1, and therefore corresponding features are indicated with corresponding reference numerals.

[0062] The electronic vapor inhaler 110 has an annular conduit 112 that surrounds the chamber 24. The annular conduit 112 is formed between a peripheral wall of the housing 12, in which the induction coil 36 is embedded, and a peripheral wall 114 of the chamber 24. The annular conduit 112 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced first inlets 116 formed within the housing 12 at a distal end of the annular conduit 112 to allow ambient air to enter the annular conduit 112. The annular conduit 112 also includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced second inlets 118 formed within the peripheral wall 114 of the chamber 24 to allow heated air to enter the annular conduit 112 from the chamber 24. The second inlets 118 are formed within the peripheral wall 114 at approximately the midpoint between the distal and proximal ends of the annular conduit 112, although other locations are, of course, entirely feasible and within the scope of the present disclosure. Circumferentially spaced passages 120, 122 may also be provided within the housing 12 for directing a portion of the ambient air from the first inlet 116 along a passage 124 into the chamber 24.

[0063] During inhalation through mouthpiece 18, ambient air is drawn into annular conduit 112 through circumferentially spaced first inlets 116, as indicated by arrows 140. The ambient air flows along annular conduit 112 from the distal end toward the proximal end and toward mouthpiece 18, as indicated by arrows 142. As air flows through circumferentially spaced second inlets 118 into peripheral wall 114, a Venturi effect occurs, causing ambient air to be drawn into chamber 24 through passages 120, 122, 124, as indicated by dashed arrows, and then drawn out of chamber 24 through second inlets 118. As can be seen, air entering the chamber through passages 120, 122, 124 is heated as it flows through the granular or particulate flavor-releasing medium 30 within the chamber 24, and accordingly, heated air having the appropriate aroma and flavor is drawn out of the chamber 24 through the second inlet 118. The heated air mixes with the ambient air flowing within the annular conduit 112, which tends to reduce the temperature of the heated air to a more acceptable level. The heated air then further cools and condenses to form a vapor or aerosol that can be inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece 18, as indicated by arrow 42.

[0064] Alternate cartridges may be used with the electronic vapor inhalers 10, 110, or indeed any other suitably configured electronic vapor inhaler, as described below.

[0065] 3, there is shown a cartridge 44 comprising a tubular (which may be cylindrical) inductively heatable element 46. The tubular inductively heatable element 46 has a wall 48 with interior and exterior wall surfaces 50, 52, and a flavor-releasing medium 54 is attached to both the interior wall surface 50 and the exterior wall surface 52. In other embodiments, the flavor-releasing medium 54 is attached to only one of the interior wall surface 50 and the exterior wall surface 52.

[0066] Figures 4a and 4b show a cartridge 56 that is similar to cartridge 44 of Figure 3, with corresponding components identified with corresponding reference numerals. In cartridge 56 of Figures 4a and 4b, tubular inductively heatable element 46 (which is cylindrical in the illustrated embodiment) includes perforations 58 to allow air to flow through wall 48 between interior wall surface 50 and exterior wall surface 52.

[0067] 5, there is shown a cartridge 60 comprising an elongated rod-shaped inductively heatable element 62, typically, but not exclusively, circular in cross section. Further included is a flavor-releasing medium 64 surrounding the inductively heatable element 62. A thermally insulating, electrically insulating, and non-magnetic protective sleeve 66, for example in the form of an open-ended paper overwrap, may surround the flavor-releasing medium 64 and advantageously hold it in place, particularly if the flavor-releasing medium 64 includes fine flakes or particles of material. In other embodiments, the flavor-releasing medium 64 may comprise interwoven fibers, which may be sufficient to keep the fibrous flavor-releasing medium 64 in place around the inductively heatable element 62 without the need for a protective sleeve 66.

[0068] 6 shows a cartridge 68 comprising a tubular (which may be cylindrical) inductively heatable element 70. The tubular inductively heatable element 70 comprises a wall 72 having inner and outer wall surfaces 74, 76, with a flavour-releasing medium 78 provided only around the outer wall surface 76 to surround the periphery of the tubular inductively heatable element 70. Thus, an interior 80 of the tubular inductively heatable element 70 is free of flavour-releasing medium 78.

[0069] A thermally insulating, electrically insulating, and non-magnetic protective sleeve 82, for example in the form of an open-ended paper overwrap, may surround the flavor-releasing medium 78 and advantageously hold it in place, particularly if the flavor-releasing medium 78 includes fine flakes or particles of material. In other embodiments, the flavor-releasing medium 78 may comprise interwoven fibers, which may be sufficient to keep the fibrous flavor-releasing medium 78 in place around the inductively heatable element 70 without the need for a protective sleeve 82.

[0070] In an alternative implementation (not shown) of cartridge 68, tubular inductively heatable element 70 includes perforations to allow air to flow through wall 72 between inner wall surface 74 and outer wall surface 76.

[0071] 7, a cartridge 84 is shown comprising a flavor-releasing medium 86 in the form of fine fragments or pellets, particles, flakes, or fibers. In the illustrated embodiment, a paper overwrap is provided to act as a protective sleeve 88, although as described for the above embodiment, the protective sleeve may be omitted if, for example, the flavor-releasing medium 86 includes interwoven fibers or the like that allow it to retain its shape without the support structure provided by the protective sleeve 88.

[0072] The cartridge 84 further comprises inductively heatable material 90 in the form of particles of material that are individually inductively heated in the presence of an electromagnetic field. The particles of inductively heatable material 90 are typically, but not exclusively, uniformly dispersed in the flavor-releasing medium.

[0073] Although exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that various modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. Each feature disclosed in this specification, including the claims and drawings, may be replaced with an alternative feature serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0074] Although the cartridges 26, 44, 56, 60, 68, 84 have been described for use with the electronic vapor inhalers 10, 110, it will be appreciated that they may be used with electronic vapor inhalers having alternative configurations.

[0075] Although not shown, an airflow control mechanism may be provided in either electronic vapor inhaler 10, 110 to allow a user to control the airflow through inlets 38, 116. For example, the airflow control mechanism may be configured to restrict the flow of air into inlets 38, 116. 38, 116 may include means for varying the size of the opening.

[0076] In any of the foregoing embodiments, it may be desirable to provide an insulating material between the inductively heatable element and the flavor-releasing medium to reduce the rate of heat transfer to the flavor-releasing medium.

[0077] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, in the specification and claims, the terms "comprises," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in their inclusive sense, i.e., "including but not limited to," as opposed to exclusive or exhaustive.

[0078] Any combination of the above-described features in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

[0079] Further embodiments are described as embodiment 1 to embodiment 43 below. Embodiment 1 1. A cartridge for an electronic vapor inhaler, said cartridge comprising: an elongated inductively heatable element; a flavor releasing medium attached to a surface of the elongated inductively heatable element. Embodiment 2 2. The cartridge of embodiment 1, wherein the flavor-releasing medium is attached to an outer surface of the elongated inductively heatable element. Embodiment 3 3. The cartridge of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the elongated inductively heatable element comprises a rod or wire having a solid cross section. Embodiment 4 2. The cartridge of embodiment 1, wherein the elongated inductively heatable element comprises a tube having a wall with an inner wall surface and an outer wall surface. Embodiment 5 5. The cartridge of embodiment 4, wherein the flavor-releasing medium is attached to the interior wall surface. Embodiment 6 6. A cartridge according to embodiment 4 or 5, wherein the flavour releasing medium is attached to the outer wall surface. Embodiment 7 7. A cartridge according to any one of embodiments 4 to 6, wherein the tubular inductively heatable element comprises one or more openings in the wall for allowing air to flow therethrough. Embodiment 8 8. The cartridge of any one of embodiments 1 to 7, further comprising an insulating layer between the inductively heatable element and the flavor releasing medium. Embodiment 9 1. A cartridge for an electronic vapor inhaler, said cartridge comprising: an elongated inductively heatable element having a solid cross section; a flavor-releasing medium surrounding the elongated inductively heatable element. Embodiment 10 10. The cartridge of embodiment 9, wherein the elongated inductively heatable element comprises a rod or wire. Embodiment 11 11. A cartridge as described in embodiment 9 or 10, wherein the cartridge comprises a protective sleeve surrounding the flavor releasing medium. Embodiment 12 12. The cartridge of embodiment 11, wherein the protective sleeve comprises a thermal insulating material that is also electrically insulating and non-magnetic. Embodiment 13 13. A cartridge according to embodiment 11 or 12, wherein the protective sleeve is tubular and has an open end. Embodiment 14 14. The cartridge of embodiment 13, wherein the elongated inductively heatable element and the tubular protective sleeve are coaxial. Embodiment 15 15. A cartridge according to any one of embodiments 9 to 14, further comprising an insulating layer between the inductively heatable element and the flavour releasing medium. Embodiment 16 1. A cartridge for an electronic vapor inhaler, said cartridge comprising: a tubular inductively heatable element; A cartridge comprising: a flavor releasing medium that is provided only to surround the periphery of said tubular inductively heatable element, whereby the flavor releasing medium is not present inside said tubular inductively heatable element. Embodiment 17 A cartridge as described in embodiment 16, wherein the tubular inductively heatable element has one or more openings in its wall surrounding the flavor-releasing medium to allow air to flow through the wall. Embodiment 18 18. A cartridge as described in embodiment 16 or 17, wherein the cartridge comprises a protective sleeve surrounding the flavor releasing medium. Embodiment 19 19. The cartridge of embodiment 18, wherein the protective sleeve comprises a thermal insulating material that is also electrically insulating and non-magnetic. Embodiment 20 20. A cartridge according to embodiment 18 or 19, wherein the protective sleeve is tubular and has an open end. Embodiment 21 28. The cartridge of embodiment 20 or 17, wherein the tubular inductively heatable element and the tubular protective sleeve are coaxial. Embodiment 22 22. A cartridge according to any one of embodiments 16 to 21, further comprising an insulating layer between the inductively heatable element and the flavour releasing medium. Embodiment 23 A cartridge for an electronic vapor inhaler, said cartridge comprising a flavor-releasing medium and an inductively heatable material dispersed in said flavor-releasing medium. Embodiment 24 24. The cartridge of embodiment 23, wherein the inductively heatable material is a particulate material. Embodiment 25 25. A cartridge as described in embodiment 23 or 24, wherein the cartridge comprises a protective sleeve surrounding the flavor release medium, and an inductively heatable material dispersed within the protective sleeve. Embodiment 26 26. The cartridge of embodiment 25, wherein the protective sleeve comprises a thermal insulating material that is also electrically insulating and non-magnetic. Embodiment 27 27. The method of claim 25 or 26, wherein the protective sleeve is tubular and has an open end. cartridge. Embodiment 28 1. An electronic vapor inhaler, comprising: a housing having a proximal end and a distal end; a mouthpiece at the proximal end of the housing; A cartridge according to any one of embodiments 1 to 27, which is disposed in the housing; an induction heating device arranged to inductively heat the inductively heatable element, thereby heating the flavor-releasing medium. Embodiment 29 29. The electronic vapor inhaler of embodiment 28, wherein the induction heating device comprises an induction coil. Embodiment 30 30. The electronic vapor inhaler of embodiment 28 or 29, wherein the housing includes a chamber in which the cartridge is disposed. Embodiment 31 An electronic vapor inhaler as described in any one of embodiments 28 to 30, further comprising a control device adapted to excite the induction heating device to maintain the cartridge substantially at a predetermined temperature. Embodiment 32 32. The electronic vapor inhaler of embodiment 31, further comprising a temperature sensor for determining the cartridge temperature, wherein the control device is adapted to excite the induction heating device based on the determined temperature. Embodiment 33 33. An electronic vapor inhaler according to any one of embodiments 30 to 32, wherein the housing includes a conduit for delivering heated heat to the mouthpiece, the conduit including at least one first inlet for ambient air and at least one second inlet for heated air from the chamber, the conduit being arranged to provide a Venturi effect, whereby, during use, when ambient air flows through the conduit past the at least one second inlet, the heated air is drawn from the chamber into the conduit by the Venturi effect. Embodiment 34 34. The electronic vapor inhaler of embodiment 33, wherein the conduit is an annular conduit surrounding the periphery of the chamber. Embodiment 35 An electronic vapor inhaler as described in embodiment 34, wherein the annular conduit includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced first inlets formed in the housing and a plurality of circumferentially spaced second inlets formed in the peripheral wall of the chamber. Embodiment 36 1. An electronic vapor inhaler, comprising: a housing having a mouthpiece at one end; an induction heating device arranged to inductively heat an inductively heatable element of a cartridge or capsule inserted into said housing so as to heat a flavour-releasing medium within said cartridge or capsule; a control device arranged to energize the induction heating device to inductively heat the inductively heatable element and thereby heat the flavour release medium; The control device is further arranged to recognize an inserted capsule or cartridge by detecting a characteristic of the inductively heatable element and to control operation of the inductive heating device based on the detected characteristic. Embodiment 37 The controller controls the operation of the induction heating device to provide a predetermined heating profile. The electronic vapor inhaler of embodiment 36, wherein the electronic vapor inhaler is configured to control: Embodiment 38 An electronic vapor inhaler as described in embodiment 36 or 37, wherein the control device is arranged to detect changes in the electromagnetic field caused by interaction between the inductively heatable element and the inductive heating device while a capsule or cartridge is inserted into the housing. Embodiment 39 39. The electronic vapor inhaler according to any one of embodiments 36 to 38, wherein the induction heating device comprises an induction coil. Embodiment 40 An electronic vapor inhaler according to any one of embodiments 36 to 39, wherein the housing comprises a chamber in which the cartridge is placed. Embodiment 41 The electronic vapor inhaler according to any one of embodiments 36 to 40, wherein the cartridge is as defined in any one of embodiments 1 to 27. Embodiment 42 10. A cartridge for an electronic vapor inhaler substantially as hereinbefore described in any one or more of the preceding embodiments and / or as shown in any one or more of the accompanying drawings. Embodiment 43 10. An electronic vapor inhaler substantially as hereinbefore described in any one of embodiments 1 to 42 and / or as shown in Figure 1 or Figure 1a of the accompanying drawings.

Claims

[Claim 1] a chamber configured to allow a user to place a cartridge into the chamber; an induction coil disposed to extend around the chamber; a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature inside the chamber; a controller configured to control operation of the induction coil based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor to maintain the interior of the chamber at a predetermined temperature.

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