Generation of inhalable media

Abstract

To provide a device for generating an inhalable medium, a cartridge for use in the device for generating the inhalable medium, and a method of generating the inhalable medium, which provide a more consistent nicotine delivery amount profile.SOLUTION: Disclosed herein is a device 1 for generating an inhalable medium, the device including: a container 9 for holding a liquid 10; a heater 11 for volatilizing the liquid held in the container; a first chamber 13a containing a first tobacco composition 14a; a second chamber 13b containing a second tobacco composition 14b; and an outlet. The device is configured such that in use an inhalable medium passes out of the outlet, the medium including (i) a volatilized liquid in the form of a vapor and / or aerosol and (ii) one or more constituents of at least one of the tobacco compositions, and such that the relative fluid flow rate of fluids flowing through the first and second chambers changes during use.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1C

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to, but is not limited to, devices for generating inhalable medium, cartridges for use in devices for generating inhalable medium, methods for generating inhalable medium, kits and tobacco composition pods. [Background technology]

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, burn tobacco and produce smoke when used. There are alternatives to these types of smoking articles that release compounds without combustion to form an inhalable medium.

[0003] Such products include e-cigarette / non-combustion heating hybrid devices, also known as e-cigarette hybrid devices. These hybrid devices contain a liquid that is vaporized by heating to produce an inhalable vapor or aerosol. The liquid may contain flavorings and / or aerosol generating substances, such as glycerin and possibly nicotine. The vapor or aerosol passes through the material within the device, entraining one or more components of the substrate, producing an inhalable medium. The substrate may be a mixture, for example, tobacco, a non-tobacco product, or a blended mix with or without nicotine. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In some embodiments described herein, the present invention provides a device for generating a suckable medium, the device comprising: a container for holding a liquid; a heater for volatilizing the liquid held in the container; a first chamber containing a first tobacco composition; a second chamber containing a second tobacco composition; an exit, The device is configured such that in use an inhalable medium comprising (i) volatilized liquid in the form of a vapour and / or aerosol and (ii) one or more components of at least one of the tobacco compositions exits through an outlet, and the relative flow rates of fluids through the first and second chambers are configured to vary during use.

[0005] The devices described herein may be referred to as e-cigarette hybrid devices.

[0006] The present invention also provides a cartridge for use in an inhalable medium generating device comprising a volatile liquid in a first container, a first tobacco composition in a first chamber, and a second tobacco composition in a second chamber, the cartridge configured to gradually vary the relative flow rates of the fluids through the first and second chambers when in use with the device.

[0007] Preferably the cartridge is suitable for use in a respirable media generator as described herein.

[0008] The present invention also provides a tobacco composition pod comprising a first tobacco composition contained in a first chamber and a second tobacco composition contained in a second chamber, The tobacco composition pod is adapted for use in an inhalable medium generator such that the relative flow rates of fluid through the first and second chambers are altered during use.

[0009] In some cases the pod is configured such that when attached to the device the relative flow rates of fluid through the first and second chambers vary during use.

[0010] Preferably, the tobacco composition pod is adapted for use in an inhalable medium generator as described herein.

[0011] The present invention also provides a kit, the kit comprising: (i) a liquid pod containing a volatile liquid; (ii) a first tobacco composition in the first chamber and a second tobacco composition in the second chamber; and a tobacco composition pod containing the composition, The liquid and tobacco composition pods are configured for use in an inhalable medium generation device, the device being adapted to generate an inhalable medium during use, the medium comprising (i) liquid volatilized from the liquid pod in the form of a vapour and / or an aerosol and (ii) one or more components of the tobacco composition, the device being adapted such that the relative flow rates of the fluids through the first and second chambers are altered during use.

[0012] The present invention also provides a method of generating an inhalable medium using an apparatus including a container for holding a liquid, a heater for volatilizing the liquid, a first chamber containing a first tobacco composition, a second chamber containing a second tobacco composition, and an outlet, the method comprising: volatilizing the liquid held in the container; forming an inhalable medium comprising: (a) a volatilized liquid in the form of at least one of a vapor or an aerosol; and (b) one or more components of at least one of a tobacco composition; and expelling the suckable medium through an outlet. The method further comprises varying, in use, the relative flow rates of fluid through the first and second chambers.

[0013] The present invention also provides a method for sustained release of nicotine from an inhalable medium generator, the device comprising: a container for holding a liquid; a heater for volatilizing the liquid held in the container; a first chamber containing a first tobacco composition; a second chamber containing a second tobacco composition; an exit, The device is configured such that in use an inhalable medium comprising (i) volatilized liquid in the form of a vapour and / or aerosol and (ii) one or more components of at least one of the tobacco compositions exits through an outlet, and the relative flow rates of fluids through the first and second chambers are configured to vary during use.

[0014] In some cases, the device, cartridge or tobacco composition pod is configured such that, during use, liquid volatilized by the heater passes through the tobacco composition in the form of at least one of a vapor or aerosol, thereby entraining one or more components from the tobacco composition to produce an inhalable medium that exits through the outlet, and wherein the relative flow rates of at least one of the vapor and / or aerosol through the first and second chambers vary during use.

[0015] To the extent that they are compatible, features described with respect to one aspect of the invention are expressly disclosed in combination with any and all other aspects. For example, features described with respect to a device, cartridge, tobacco composition pod, or kit are expressly disclosed in combination with each of the other of the devices, cartridges, tobacco composition pods, and kits. In particular, the tobacco compositions, volatile liquids, and mechanisms for altering the relative flow rates through the first and second chambers during use as described herein are expressly disclosed in combination with the device, cartridge, tobacco pod, and kit embodiments of the invention. Similarly, features described with respect to a device are expressly disclosed in combination with the method aspects of the invention and vice versa.

[0016] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] An example of a suction medium generator, cartridge, according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1A] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a tobacco composition pod for use in an inhalable medium generator. [Figure 1B] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the same example tobacco composition pod after use in an inhalable medium generator. FIG. [Figure 1C] FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of a generator of a suctionable medium; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of another example of a device for generating a suction medium; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of another example of a device for generating a suction medium; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of a cartridge having a liquid container and an integrated container for a solid material. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of a cartridge having a liquid container and a removable container for a solid material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] The present invention relates to improving the nicotine delivery characteristics from hybrid devices on a puff-by-puff basis. The inventors have achieved rapid volatilization of nicotine with conventional devices early in the consumption period, and have observed that the majority of the nicotine is delivered to the user early in the consumption period, resulting in a significant reduction in nicotine on a puff-by-puff basis. Specially pH-treated nicotine may be included in conventional devices (pH treatment forms a nicotine salt), which liberates the nicotine so that it can be more easily volatilized by heating. However, such pH-treated tobacco is particularly susceptible to rapid volatilization, resulting in a significant reduction in the amount of nicotine delivered on a puff-by-puff basis.

[0020] The present invention provides a more consistent nicotine delivery profile, particularly where the nicotine is pH processed.

[0021] The inventors have discovered that by providing at least two tobacco compositions to the hybrid device, uniform nicotine delivery can be achieved by varying the fluid flow rate through each tobacco composition during use, either via passive or active means. Volatile tobacco components such as nicotine are entrained in the passing fluid during use, and volatiles from the first tobacco composition, which has a faster initial relative fluid flow rate, are delivered to the user first, limiting the loss of volatiles from the second tobacco composition. Thus, volatiles from the second tobacco composition are retained and later delivered to the user, and when the relative flow rates of the fluids are changed, a greater proportion of the delivered volatiles originate from the second tobacco composition.

[0022] In some cases, the device of the present invention may include more than two chambers, each containing a tobacco composition. For example, the device of the present invention may include three chambers, four chambers, or five chambers. The relative flow rates of fluid through each chamber vary during use.

[0023] In some cases, the initial flow rate of the fluid through the second chamber is substantially zero. In some cases, the final flow rate of the fluid through the first chamber is substantially zero.

[0024] In some cases, the device (or cartridge or tobacco composition pod) of the present invention includes a valve operable to direct fluid flow through the first or second chamber. In some cases, the valve may be manually actuated by a user to divert flow from the first chamber to the second chamber. In some cases, the valve may be activated after a predetermined time has elapsed to divert flow from the first chamber to the second chamber. For example, the predetermined time may be a period of time after heating begins or a period of time after the first puff begins. In some cases, the valve may be activated after a predetermined number of puffs to divert flow from the first chamber to the second chamber.

[0025] In some cases, the device (or cartridge or tobacco composition pod) of the present invention includes a degradable material that initially blocks fluid flow through the second chamber, the degradable material being selected so that it disintegrates during use. For example, the degradable material may disintegrate in response to heat and / or humidity conditions to which it is exposed during use. For example, if the release is temperature-initiated, the degradable material may melt, dissolve, decompose, react, deteriorate, expand or deform above room temperature but below or at a maximum temperature reached during use. If the release is moisture-initiated (e.g., by contact with a vapor or aerosol formed from a volatile liquid), the release may occur by physical and / or chemical reaction of the vapor / aerosol with the degradable material. Suitable degradable materials include polysaccharides, cellulosic materials, gelatins, gums, gels, waxes and mixtures thereof. In some cases, the degradable material is selected from one or more of sucrose, alginates, dextran, maltodextrin, cyclodextrin, pectin, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose ethers, gum arabic, gum ghatti, gum tragacanth, gum karaya, locust bean gum, gum acacia, gum guar, quince seed gum, gum xanthan gum, agar gel, agarose gel, carrageenan, freudan, furcellan, menthol, and carnauba wax. The degradable material may degrade, for example, above 50° C., preferably above 60° C., 70° C., 80° C., or 90° C. The degradable material may degrade preferably at room temperature or above ambient temperature.

[0026] In some cases, the device (or cartridge or tobacco composition pod) of the present invention includes a first tobacco composition in a first chamber and a second tobacco composition in a second chamber, where the initial average particle size of the tobacco composition in the first chamber is greater than the initial average particle size of the tobacco composition in the second chamber. In such cases, upon drawing, the majority of the vapor / gas / aerosol is initially drawn through the first chamber (containing the larger particles), where there is a lower resistance to drawing. Over time, the larger particles absorb condensates (such as water) and expand, gradually increasing their resistance to flow, thereby allowing a greater proportion of the vapor / gas / aerosol to pass through the second chamber. Eventually, the larger particles expand to such an extent that the second chamber (containing the smaller tobacco particles) presents a lower resistance to flow, and the majority of the tobacco components drawn are derived from the second tobacco composition.

[0027] Optionally, the device (or cartridge or tobacco composition pod) of the present invention comprises a mesh in at least one of the chambers, which adjusts the resistance to draw within that chamber.

[0028] For example, in some cases, the mesh size is selected so that the initial resistance to draw through that chamber is set by the mesh and is greater than the initial resistance to draw through the other chambers. In such cases, upon inhalation, vapor / gas / aerosol is initially drawn through the first chamber, where there is less flow resistance. Over time, the tobacco particles absorb moisture in the first chamber and expand, gradually increasing the flow resistance and thus allowing a greater proportion of the vapor / gas / aerosol to pass through the second chamber. Eventually, the particles expand to such an extent that the second chamber presents less flow resistance and the majority of the tobacco components inhaled are derived from the second tobacco composition.

[0029] In another example, the mesh size may be selected so that when the tobacco particles in that chamber absorb condensates (such as moisture) and expand, the mesh becomes blocked, thereby increasing the flow resistance and thus the proportion of vapor / gas / aerosol that passes through to the other chamber.

[0030] In some cases, the device of the present invention may include independent fluid flow paths, each leading from the container to a chamber containing the tobacco composition. Fluid passes through each flow path from the chamber by the wick, and the relative flow rate of the fluid through the wick changes over time, thereby changing the flow rate of the fluid through the corresponding chamber. For example, a first wick has a faster initial flow rate than a second wick, but the second wick is positioned in the container such that it has longer wick contact with the liquid during use.

[0031] In some cases, the device of the present invention may include two or more containers containing liquid. Each container may be individually connected to a single container containing the tobacco composition, and after a predetermined time, volatilization of liquid from the first container may be terminated and volatilization of liquid from the second container may be initiated. This redirects the flow of fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber. In such cases, the volatile liquid may be different or the same in each container. The liquids may be heated by the same or different heating means.

[0032] The chambers containing the tobacco composition may be arranged in any suitable configuration. For example, the chambers may be arranged in a side-by-side configuration. In another example, a first chamber may be a central chamber with a second chamber disposed around its outer periphery.

[0033] In some cases, the tobacco compositions in the first and second chambers may have substantially the same composition. In other cases, the tobacco compositions in the first and second chambers may have different compositions. In some cases, the tobacco compositions in the first and second chambers may have substantially the same chemical composition. In other cases, the tobacco compositions in the first and second chambers may have different chemical compositions. These compositions may differ to provide desired puff characteristics, such as flavor or intensity that varies over time.

[0034] In some cases, at least one of the tobacco compositions may be a pH-treated tobacco composition. pH treatment includes treatment with a base to liberate nicotine. In some cases, the first and second tobacco compositions are pH-treated tobacco compositions.

[0035] In some cases, the tobacco composition may be porous to allow the aerosol or vapor to pass through the tobacco composition, such that components of the tobacco composition are efficiently entrained in the aerosol / vapor as it passes through the tobacco composition.

[0036] Each tobacco composition may include one or more tobacco materials. As used herein, the term "tobacco material" refers to any material that contains tobacco or a derivative thereof. The term "tobacco material" may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. The tobacco material may include one or more of powdered tobacco, tobacco fiber, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stem, reconstituted tobacco, agglomerated tobacco, spheronized tobacco and / or tobacco extract.

[0037] The tobacco used to make the tobacco material may be any suitable tobacco, such as single grades or blends, including Virginia and / or Burley and / or Oriental, shredded kudzu or whole leaf, or may be tobacco particle "fine powder" or dust, expanded tobacco, other processed stem materials, such as stems, expanded stems and cut and rolled stems. The tobacco material may be powdered tobacco or reconstituted tobacco material. The reconstituted tobacco material may be tobacco fiber, formed by casting, Fourdrinier-type papermaking with subsequent addition of tobacco extract, or extrusion.

[0038] Each tobacco composition may additionally include a flavorant and / or an aerosol generating agent.

[0039] Each tobacco composition may additionally include one or more casings such as invert sugar, molasses, cane sugar, honey, cocoa, licorice, polyols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and acids such as malic acid.

[0040] The device of the invention includes a container for holding a volatile liquid. Optionally, the device of the invention includes a container for holding a volatile liquid. Suitable liquids include those conventionally used in electronic cigarettes. Optionally, the volatile liquid may include nicotine and / or flavorings and / or an aerosol generating agent such as propylene glycol and / or glycerin. Liquids typically evaporate at about 150-250°C.

[0041] In use, devices according to some embodiments of the present invention allow liquid volatilized by a heater to pass through the tobacco composition in at least one of the forms of a vapor or aerosol, thereby entraining one or more components from the tobacco composition and creating an inhalable medium, which exits through an outlet.

[0042] In other instances, a flow path from a liquid reservoir may be combined with another flow path extending from the tobacco composition to form a inhalable medium, in other words, in some devices the volatilized liquid does not pass through a chamber holding the tobacco composition.

[0043] In some cases, the device of the invention includes a means for heating the tobacco composition to volatilize components of the tobacco to form a first aerosol and / or vapor. A liquid may be volatilized to form a second vapor and / or aerosol, which may combine with the first aerosol and / or vapor to form an inhalable medium. In some cases, a single heater may heat both the liquid and the tobacco composition. In some cases, the device of the invention may be configured such that the heater directly heats only the liquid composition, and the tobacco composition is heated by the warmth associated with the vapor / aerosol formed from the volatilized liquid (which in turn volatilizes components of the tobacco composition entrained in the vapor / aerosol stream).

[0044] In one embodiment, the device of the present invention may include a cooler or cooling zone downstream of the heater and upstream of the chamber, the cooler or cooling zone being arranged to cool the volatilized liquid to form an aerosol of droplets which, in use, passes through the tobacco composition in the chamber. The cooler may be configured to actually act as a heat exchanger and may recover heat from the vapor. The recovered heat may be used, for example, to preheat the tobacco composition and / or to assist in heating the liquid.

[0045] In some embodiments, the device of the present invention may include a second heater for heating the tobacco composition within the chamber, such that the tobacco composition can be heated by the heater to enhance release of components from the tobacco composition, and optionally, to allow a lower temperature to be used for the heated liquid.

[0046] In some embodiments, the devices of the present invention are battery powered.

[0047] In some embodiments the or each heater is an electrical resistance heater.

[0048] In some embodiments, the liquid container is removable. The liquid container may be in the form of a pot (which in some embodiments may be, for example, a ring) and / or cotton wool. The entire container containing the liquid may in fact be a disposable item that is replaced in its entirety after use. Alternatively, the user may remove the liquid container from the device, replace the used liquid or top up the container with liquid, and then replace the container back into the device.

[0049] In some cases, the liquid container may not be removable from the device, in which case the user may simply replace used liquid or top up the container as needed after use.

[0050] In some cases, the fluid container and the chamber are an integral unit. In some cases, the integral unit is a cartridge that is removable from the device.

[0051] In some cases, the chambers are removable from the device. The chambers may be in the form of, for example, a cartridge or pod that contains the tobacco composition prior to use. The chamber containing the tobacco composition may actually be a disposable item that is replaced in its entirety after use. Alternatively, the device may be configured so that a user can remove one or both chambers from the device, replace the used material in one or both chambers, and then replace one or both chambers back into the device.

[0052] Cartridges, tobacco compositions and devices for generating inhalable media according to some embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] 1A and 1B, an example of a tobacco composition pod for use in an inhalable medium generator is shown. The pod includes two chambers 13a, 13b, each containing a tobacco composition 14a, 14b. Initially, the tobacco composition 14a in the first chamber 13a has a larger average particle size than the second tobacco composition 14b in the second chamber 13b. As a result, the initial resistance to draw (RTD) of the first chamber 13a is smaller than that of the second chamber 13b, and therefore the initial fluid flow A1 through the first chamber 13a is greater than the flow A2 in the second chamber. Over time, the tobacco composition particles expand, as shown in FIG. 1B, to the extent that the tobacco composition 14a in the first chamber 13a has expanded to the extent that the RTD of the first chamber 13a is greater than that of the second chamber 13b, and therefore more fluid flows through the second chamber 13b (A2>A1).

[0054] Referring to Figure 1C, there is shown an example of an inhalable medium generator 1 incorporating a tobacco composition pod of the type shown in Figures 1A and 1B. In general, the device 1 volatilizes a liquid to form a vapor or aerosol that passes through a material to produce an inhalable medium containing one or more components derived from the material.

[0055] In this regard, the first thing to note is that a vapor is generally a substance in the gas phase below its critical temperature, meaning that, for example, a vapor can be condensed to a liquid by increasing its pressure without decreasing its temperature. An aerosol, on the other hand, is generally a colloid of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas. A "colloid" is a substance in which microscopically dispersed insoluble particles are suspended throughout another substance.

[0056] Referring again to FIG. 1, the device 1 in this example has a generally hollow cylindrical outer housing 2. The housing 2 has an open end 3. A tubular mouthpiece 4 is provided at the open end 3 in this example. The mouthpiece 4 in this example is removable from the housing 2 by a user. An O-ring or other sealing member 5 helps seal the mouthpiece 4 within the housing 2. At or towards the other end 6 of the housing 2 is a battery 7 for powering the various components of the device 1 as described further below. The battery 7 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. A controller 8 is also provided in the housing 2 for controlling the operation of the various components of the device 1 as described further below.

[0057] The housing 2 has a reservoir 9 for holding or containing the liquid 10. A variety of different configurations may be used for the reservoir 9. In the example of FIG. 1 the reservoir 9 is in the form of an annular chamber 9 provided in the housing 2 between the open end 3 and the other end 6. In this particular example the housing 2 comprises two parts, a first part 2a towards the open end 3 and a second part 2b towards the other end 6. The first and second parts 2a, 2b of the housing 2 may be connected to each other by a screw thread, a bayonet fit or the like. In use, the user can separate the first and second parts 2a, 2b of the housing 2 to refill or replace the liquid 10 as required. Alternatively, the mouthpiece 4 may be removed to allow access to the reservoir. However, it will be appreciated that other configurations are possible. For example the liquid 10 may be provided in a separate annular pot-like reservoir which can be totally removed from the housing 2. Such a separate reservoir may be disposable so that the user can replace the liquid 10 by fitting a new reservoir containing the liquid 10 into the housing 2. Alternatively such a reservoir may be reusable. In such a case, the user may refill or replace the liquid 10 in the container while it is removed from the housing 2 and then return the refilled container to the housing. Of course, the housing 2 need not be constructed in two parts but may have other configurations that allow it to be accessed by the user, for example to allow for in situ refilling.

[0058] The heater 11 is disposed approximately in the center of the housing 2, i.e., in this example, centrally along the length and width of the housing. In this example, the heater 11 is powered by and thus electrically connected to the battery 7. The heater 11 may be an electrical resistive heater, including, for example, a nichrome resistive heater, a ceramic heater, etc. The heater 11 may be, for example, a wire, which may be in the form of a coil, a plate (which may be a multi-layer plate made of two or more different materials, one or more of which may be conductive and one or more of which may be non-conductive), a mesh (which may be woven or non-woven, and may be multi-layered as well), a film heater, etc. Other heating devices, such as non-electrical heating devices, may also be used.

[0059] A heater 11 is provided for volatilizing a liquid 10. In the illustrated embodiment, an annular wick 12 surrounds the heater 11 and is in (thermal) contact with the heater 11. The outermost surface of the annular wick 12 is in contact with the liquid 10 contained in the liquid container 9. The wick 12 is typically an absorbent material and acts to draw the liquid 10 from the liquid container 9 by capillary action. The wick 12 is preferably non-woven and may be, for example, a cotton or wool material or the like or a synthetic material, for example, polyester, nylon, viscose, polypropylene, etc. Alternatively, the wick may be a ceramic or metallic material. As will be explained in more detail below, it is noted here that in use, the liquid 10 drawn up by the wick is heated by the heater 11. The liquid 10 may be volatilized to produce an aerosol of droplets or may be heated sufficiently to produce vapour. The aerosol or vapour so produced leaves the wick 12 and travels towards the mouthpiece 4 as shown by arrow A by the user's drawing on the mouthpiece 4. The heater 11 and wick 12 may be provided as a single, effectively integrated item, sometimes referred to as an "atomizer," such that heating and wicking are effectively accomplished in a single unit.

[0060] The housing 2 further includes two chambers 13a, 13b that hold or contain the tobacco compositions 14a, 14b within the device 1. In use, a user can access the chambers 13a, 13b to replace or replenish the tobacco compositions 14a, 14b through the open ends 3 of the housing 2 by removing the mouthpiece 4 and / or separating the two parts 2a, 2b of the housing 2. A variety of different shapes may be used for the chambers 13a, 13b. For example, the chambers 13a, 13b may each be a tube that is completely open at both ends and contains the tobacco compositions 14a, 14b. As another example, the chambers 13a, 13b may each be a tube (as shown in Figures 1A and 1B) with one or more end walls having holes through which vapor or aerosol can pass. The chambers 13a, 13b may remain in their position within the housing 2 while the user removes and replaces the tobacco compositions 14a, 14b. Alternatively, the chambers 13a, 13b containing the tobacco compositions 14a, 14b may be separate entities that are inserted together into the housing 2 and removed from the housing when in use. Such removable chambers 13a, 13b may be disposable, allowing the user to replace the tobacco compositions 14a, 14b by inserting a new chamber 13a, 13b containing a fresh tobacco composition into the housing 2. Alternatively, the chambers 13a, 13b may be used repeatedly. In such a case, the user may replace the tobacco compositions 14a, 14b in the chambers 13a, 13b while removing the chambers from the housing 2, and then replace the filled chambers 13 back into the housing 2. In yet another example, the chambers 13a, 13b may be provided inside the housing 2 and include clips or the like to hold the tobacco compositions in place. In some examples, the tobacco compositions are simply slip-fitted into their corresponding chambers 13a, 13b. As yet another example, the container 9 containing the liquid 10 may itself be positioned to support or support the tobacco compositions 14a, 14b. For example, the container 9 may have one or more clips or tubes for containing and holding the tobacco compositions 14a, 14b in place.Such a dual function container 9 / chamber or receptacle 13a, 13b for containing the liquid 10 and for housing the tobacco composition may be in the form of a cartridge or the like and may be a disposable item and may be used repeatedly, the liquid 10 and the tobacco composition 14a, 14b being replaced or replenished as required by the user. In some cases it may be that sufficient liquid is provided for several uses and the user needs to replenish or replace the tobacco composition 14a, 14b from time to time. Once the liquid 10 is consumed, the user discards the dual function container 9 / receptacle 13a, 13b and uses a new one. Similarly, it may be that sufficient tobacco composition is provided for several uses and the user needs to replenish or replace the liquid 10 from time to time. Once the tobacco composition is consumed, the user discards the dual function container 9 / receptacle 13a, 13b and uses a new one. Examples of dual function containers 9 / receptacles are described below.

[0061] The tobacco compositions 14a, 14b are located within the housing 2 downstream of where the aerosol or vapor is produced from the liquid 10 and upstream of the open end 3 and mouthpiece 4 of the housing 2. In this particular example, the tobacco compositions 14a, 14b are effectively provided in the same portion or chamber of the housing 2. The aerosol or vapor produced from the liquid 10 exits the wick 12 and travels toward the tobacco compositions 14a, 14b by the action of the user's drawing on the mouthpiece, as shown by arrow A. In this particular embodiment, the tobacco composition is porous such that the aerosol or vapor passes through the tobacco composition and then through the open end 3 and mouthpiece 4 of the housing 2. Heat carried by the aerosol or vapor enhances the volatilization of nicotine and other volatile substances from the tobacco composition, which are entrained in the passing aerosol / vapor. The relative flow rates through the tobacco compositions 14a, 14b change during use, which may be by any of the mechanisms described herein, such as those described and illustrated with respect to Figures 1A and 1B above.

[0062] In some embodiments, the tobacco compositions 14a, 14b and / or their chambers 13a, 13b are positioned such that there are no voids between the tobacco compositions / chambers and the interior of the housing 2, allowing aerosol or vapor to flow throughout the entire tobacco composition.

[0063] Suitably, the liquid 10 is one that is vaporizable at a reasonable temperature, preferably in the range of 100-300° C., more preferably about 150-250° C., to help reduce power consumption of the device 1. Suitable materials are conventionally used in e-cigarette devices, such as propylene glycol and glycerol (also known as glycerin).

[0064] The tobacco compositions 14a, 14b impart flavor to the aerosol or vapor produced from the liquid 10 as it passes through them. As the aerosol or vapor passes through and over the tobacco compositions 14a, 14b, the heated aerosol or vapor entrains organic and other compounds or components from the materials that give tobacco its organoleptic properties, thus imparting flavor to the aerosol or vapor as it travels to the mouthpiece 4.

[0065] The device 1 provides nicotine to a user, which may be provided in a liquid, derived from a tobacco composition, provided as a coating on a tobacco composition or the like, or any combination thereof. Similarly, flavorings may be added to the tobacco composition and / or the liquid.

[0066] In the example shown in FIG. 1C, the only heat source for heating the tobacco compositions 14a, 14b within the apparatus 1 required to generate organic and other compounds or components from the tobacco compositions is the hot aerosol or vapor produced from heating the liquid 10.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 2, another example of a device for generating a suction medium is shown. In Figures 2 and 3, parts and features that are the same as or similar to corresponding parts and features of the example described with reference to Figures 1A-1C have the same reference numerals, but with the addition of 200. For the sake of brevity, the description of these parts and features will not be repeated here in their entirety. It will be appreciated that the configurations and variations discussed above with respect to the example of Figures 1A-1C also apply to the example of Figure 2. Again, in broad terms, the device 201 of Figure 2 heats a liquid to form a vapor or aerosol that passes through tobacco compositions 214a, 214b to produce an inhalable medium that includes one or more components derived from the tobacco composition.

[0068] The device 201 in this example has a generally hollow cylindrical outer housing 202 with an open end 203 and a tubular mouthpiece 204. The mouthpiece 204 in this example is removable from the housing 202 by the user, and an O-ring or other sealing member 205 helps seal the mouthpiece 204 within the housing 202. A battery 207 for powering the various components of the device 201 and a controller 208 are located at or toward the other end 206 of the housing 202. The housing 202 in this example is made up of two sections, a first section 202a at the open end 203 and a second section 202b at the other end 206.

[0069] The housing 202 has a container 209 for holding or containing the liquid 210. The container 209 may be of any of the types described above with respect to the example of FIG. 1C. A heater 211 is provided approximately in the center (in the lengthwise and widthwise directions) of the housing 202 for volatilizing the liquid 210. In this example, the heater 211 is powered by the battery 207 and is therefore electrically connected to the battery 207. The heater 211 may be an electrical resistive heater, a ceramic heater, or the like. The heater 211 may be, for example, a coiled wire, a plate (which may be a multi-layer plate made of two or more different materials, one or more of which may be conductive and one or more of which may be non-conductive), a mesh (which may be woven or non-woven, as well as multi-layered), a film heater, or the like. Other heating devices, such as induction heating devices or non-electrical heating devices, may also be used. An annular wick 212 surrounds the heater 211 and is in (thermal) contact with the heater 211. The outermost surface of the annular wick 212 is in contact with the liquid 210 in the liquid container 209. The liquid 210 is heated and may be heated sufficiently to form an aerosol of droplets or to form a vapor. The aerosol or vapor so formed exits the wick 212 and travels toward the mouthpiece 204 as shown by arrow A due to the user's inhalation on the mouthpiece 204. The heater 211 and wick 212 may be provided as a single, effectively integrated item such that heating and wicking are effectively accomplished in a single unit.

[0070] The housing 202 further includes two chambers 213a, 213b, which hold or contain tobacco compositions 214a, 214b within the device 201. The chambers 213a, 213b may be of any of the types described above with respect to the example of FIG. 1C. The tobacco compositions 214a, 214b are located within the housing 202 downstream of where the aerosol or vapor is produced from the liquid 210 and upstream of the open end 203 and mouthpiece 204 of the housing 202. In this particular example, the tobacco compositions 214a, 214b are effectively disposed in the same portion or chamber of the housing 202. The aerosol or vapor produced from the liquid 210 exits the wick 212 and travels toward the tobacco composition by the action of the user's drawing at the mouthpiece 204, as shown by arrow A. In certain embodiments, the tobacco compositions 214a, 214b are porous to allow aerosol or vapor to pass through the tobacco composition and then through the open end 203 and mouthpiece 204 of the housing 202. Heat carried by the aerosol or vapor volatilizes nicotine and other volatile substances from the tobacco composition, which are entrained in the passing aerosol / vapor. The relative flow rates through the tobacco compositions 214a, 214b change during use, and may be by any of the mechanisms described herein, such as those described and illustrated with respect to Figures 1A and 1B above.

[0071] In some embodiments, the tobacco compositions 214a, 214b and / or their chambers 213a, 213b are positioned such that the aerosol or vapor flows throughout the tobacco compositions such that there are no voids between the tobacco compositions / chambers and the interior of the housing 202. As the aerosol or vapor passes through and over the tobacco compositions 214a, 214b, the heated aerosol or vapor entrains organic and other compounds or components from the materials that give tobacco its organoleptic properties, thus imparting flavor to the aerosol or vapor as it travels to the mouthpiece 204.

[0072] In the example device 201 of FIG. 2, a second heater 215, such as an oven heater, is provided in thermal contact with the tobacco composition 214a, 214b to preheat the tobacco composition and / or additionally heat the tobacco composition during use of the device 201. This promotes the release of components from the tobacco composition as vapor or aerosol passes through the tobacco composition during use. Less liquid is heated to achieve the desired heating of the tobacco composition. The second heater 215 may be, for example, an electrical resistance heater powered by a battery 207, a ceramic heater, or the like. The heater 215 may be, for example, a wire, which may be in the form of a coil, a plate (which may be a multi-layer plate made of two or more different materials, one or more of which may be conductive and one or more of which may be non-conductive), a mesh (which may be woven or non-woven, as well as multi-layered), a film heater, or the like. The second heater 215 may be, for example, an induction heater powered by a battery 207. The tobacco composition 214a, 214b may include a material susceptible to induction heating. Other heating devices may also be used for the second heater 215, such as non-electrical heating devices.

[0073] The heater 215 may volatilize nicotine or other volatile substances from the tobacco compositions 214a, 214b.

[0074] In the example of device 201 of Figure 2, a heater 215 for heating the tobacco composition is provided external to the tobacco composition and heats the tobacco composition by thermal conduction from the exterior of the tobacco composition. In this example, heater 215 is generally cylindrical. Heater 215 may actually be an integral part of device 201 and may be provided as part of housing 202. Alternatively, heater 215 may be provided integrally with chambers 213a, 213b that hold or contain tobacco compositions 214a, 214b. In this alternative example, if chambers 213a, 213b are disposable, heater 215 is replaced when a new chamber with fresh tobacco is loaded into device 201 by the user.

[0075] Referring now to Figure 3, another example of a generator of a suction medium is shown. In the following description and in Figure 3, corresponding parts and features of the example described with reference to Figure 1C are the same or similar. Like parts and features have the same reference numerals but with the increment 300. For the sake of brevity, the description of these parts and features will not be repeated here in their entirety. It will be appreciated that the configurations and alternatives discussed above with respect to the examples of Figures 1C and 2 are also applicable to the example of Figure 3. Again, in broad terms, the device 301 of Figure 3 heats a liquid to form a vapor or aerosol that is passed through tobacco compositions 314a, 314b to produce an inhalable medium that includes one or more components derived from the tobacco composition.

[0076] The device 301 in this example also has a generally hollow cylindrical outer housing 302 with an open end 303 and a tubular mouthpiece 304. An O-ring or other sealing member 305 helps seal the mouthpiece 304 within the housing 302. A battery 307 for powering the various components of the device 301 and a controller 308 are located at or toward the other end 306 of the housing 302. The housing 302 in this example is made up of two sections, a first section 302a at the open end 303 and a second section 302b at the other end 306.

[0077] The housing 302 has a reservoir 309 for holding or containing a liquid 310. The reservoir 309 may be of any of the types described above with respect to the examples of Figures 1 and 2. A heater 311 is provided approximately centrally in the housing 302 for vaporizing the liquid 310. The heater 311 may be of any of the types described above. In this example, the heater 311 is powered by, and therefore electrically connected to, a battery 307. An annular wick 312 surrounds and is in (thermal) contact with the heater 311. The outermost surface of the annular wick 312 is in contact with the liquid 310 in the liquid reservoir 309. The liquid 310 is heated and may be heated sufficiently to produce an aerosol of droplets or to produce a vapor. The aerosol or vapor so produced exits the wick 312 and travels towards the mouthpiece 304 as shown by arrow A by the user's inhalation on the mouthpiece 304. The heater 311 and wick 312 may be provided as a single, effectively integrated item such that heating and wicking are effectively accomplished in a single unit.

[0078] The housing 302 further includes two chambers 313a, 313b, which hold or contain tobacco compositions 314a, 314b within the device 301. The chambers may be of any of the types described above with respect to the examples of Figures 1C and 2. (In the example shown in Figure 3, the chambers 313a, 313b are in the shape of a tube having an end wall 316, which has a through hole 317 through which vapor or aerosol can pass, as mentioned above as an option.) The tobacco compositions 314a, 314b are located within the housing 302 downstream of where the aerosol or vapor is produced from the liquid 310 and upstream of the open end 303 and mouthpiece 304 of the housing 302. Again, in this particular example, the tobacco compositions are effectively provided in the same portion or chamber of the housing 302. The aerosol or vapor produced from the liquid 310 exits the wick 312 and travels towards the tobacco composition by the action of the user's drawing on the mouthpiece 304, as shown by arrow A. In certain embodiments, the tobacco compositions 314a, 314b are porous to allow aerosol or vapor to pass through the tobacco composition and then through the open end 303 of the housing 302 and the mouthpiece 304. Heat carried by the aerosol or vapor volatilizes nicotine and other volatile substances from the tobacco composition, which are entrained in the passing aerosol / vapor. The relative flow rates through the tobacco compositions 314a, 314b change during use, and may be by any of the mechanisms described herein, such as those described and illustrated with respect to Figures 1A and 1B above.

[0079] In some embodiments, the tobacco compositions and / or chambers thereof are aerosol. Alternatively, the container 309 containing the liquid 310 may be positioned so that there are no gaps between the tobacco composition / chamber and the interior of the housing 302, allowing the vapor to flow throughout the entire tobacco composition. As the aerosol or vapor passes through and over the tobacco composition, the heated aerosol or vapor entrains organic and other compounds or components from the material that gives tobacco its organoleptic properties, thus imparting flavor to the aerosol or vapor as it travels to the mouthpiece 304. The container 309 containing the liquid 310 may itself be positioned to support or support the tobacco composition.

[0080] In the example device 301 of Figure 3, a secondary heater 318 is provided in thermal contact with the tobacco compositions 314a, 314b for heating the tobacco compositions 314a, 314b to promote the release of components from the tobacco compositions as vapor or aerosol passes through the tobacco compositions in use. The secondary heater 318 may be, for example, an electrical resistance heater powered by a battery 307, a ceramic heater, or the like. Other heating devices, such as non-electrical heating devices, may also be used for the secondary heater 318.

[0081] In the example device 301 of FIG. 3, a heater 318 for heating the tobacco composition 314a, 314b is provided inside the tobacco composition, and heats the tobacco composition by thermal conduction from within the tobacco composition. The heater 318 in this example is in the form of a cylindrical rod located generally along the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco composition. In other configurations, the heater 318 may be a wire, which may be in the form of a coil, a plate (which may be a multi-layer plate of two or more different materials, one or more of which may be conductive and one or more of which may be non-conductive), a mesh (which may be woven or non-woven, as well as multi-layered), a film heater, or the like. The tobacco composition is generally tubular or otherwise has an internal opening for receiving the heater 318. The heater 318 may actually be an integral part of the device 301 or may be provided as part of the housing 302. In this case, when the tobacco composition 314a, 314b is loaded into the device 301 (e.g., when the chambers 313a, 313b containing the tobacco composition are loaded into the device 301), the tobacco composition surrounds the second heater 318. Alternatively, the heater 318 may be integral with the chambers 313a, 313b. In this alternative, if the chambers are disposable, the heater 318 is replaced when a new chamber with fresh material is loaded into the device 301 by the user.

[0082] In another example, multiple internal heaters 318 may be provided to heat the tobacco composition more efficiently. In another example, the tobacco composition may be heated by one or more external heaters (such as second heater 215 in the example of FIG. 2) and one or more internal heaters (such as second heater 318 in the example of FIG. 3).

[0083] One or more heaters 318 configured to heat the tobacco composition may volatilize nicotine or other volatile substances from the tobacco composition.

[0084] 4, there is shown a schematic longitudinal cross-section of an example cartridge 600 having a liquid reservoir 601 for containing a liquid 602 and reservoirs 603a, 603b for tobacco compositions 604a, 604b. In this example, the liquid reservoir 601 and the tobacco composition reservoir 603 are provided as one integral member, either by being initially formed integrally, or by being initially formed in two or three pieces and then substantially permanently assembled. The cartridge 600 is configured such that when the liquid 602 is volatilized to produce an aerosol of droplets or heated sufficiently to produce vapor, at least a portion, and preferably all or substantially all, of the aerosol or vapor passes through the tobacco compositions 604a, 604b to capture flavor from those tobacco compositions.

[0085] In the example of FIG. 4, the liquid container 601 is located approximately in the center of the cartridge 600. The liquid container 601 in the illustrated example is frusto-conical in shape, but may be of a different shape, such as conical or cylindrical. The liquid container 601 is surrounded by an outer shell 605, which defines an annular passage 606 on the outer longitudinal side of the liquid container 601 and extends from one end of the liquid container 601 to the other. The outer shell 605 extends beyond a first end wall 607 of the liquid container 601 and defines a chamber 608 beyond the first end wall 607 of the liquid container 601. The annular passage 606 and the chamber 608 are partitioned to divide the recess into two containers 603a, 603b containing tobacco compositions 604a, 604b. In another example, the tobacco composition may be located only in the chamber 608 partitioned from the containers 603a, 603b, and the annular passage 606 is empty. The chamber 608 is closed by an end wall 609 located away from the end wall 607 of the liquid container 601. The end wall 609 may be part of the outer shell 605 or may be a separate plastic or rubber cap or the like. In yet another example, the annular passage 606 may be partitioned to form the containers 603a, 603b, and the tobacco composition is provided in the passage 606 and no material is contained in the chamber 608, so that the chamber 608 may be omitted and the passage 606 effectively terminates at the end wall 609. The passage 606 and / or the chamber 608 may be completely filled with the tobacco composition or may contain only a portion or mass of material. The end wall 609 is porous and / or has one or more through holes 610 that allow aerosol or vapor to exit the cartridge 600 to be inhaled by the user. The liquid container 601 and solid chambers 603a, 603b may each be formed from a rigid, watertight and airtight material, such as metal, a suitable plastic, or the like.

[0086] The example cartridge 600 shown in Figure 4 includes a heater 611 and a wick 612 in thermal contact with the heater 611. In this example, the heater 611 and wick 612 are provided as a single unit, sometimes referred to as an "atomizer." In this case, when the cartridge 600 includes an atomizer, such a cartridge may also be referred to as a "cartomizer." The orientation of the heater 611 is shown in a simplified manner; for example, the heater 611 may have a coil with a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 600, rather than parallel to it as shown in Figure 4.

[0087] The wick 612 is in contact with the liquid 602. This may be done, for example, by the wick 612 being inserted into a through hole (not shown) in the second end wall 613 of the liquid container 601. Alternatively or additionally, the second end wall 613 may be a porous member (as shown diagrammatically in dashed lines in FIG. 4) that allows liquid to pass through the liquid container, and the wick 612 may be in contact with the porous second end wall 613. The second end wall 613 may be, for example, in the form of a porous ceramic disc. Such a porous second end wall 613 serves to control the flow of liquid to the wick 612. The wick 612 is generally absorbent and acts to draw the liquid 602 from the liquid container 601 by capillary action. The wick 612 is preferably non-woven and may be, for example, cotton or wool or a synthetic material including, for example, polyester, nylon, viscose, polypropylene, etc.

[0088] In use, the cartridge 600 is connected by a user to a battery section of the device (not shown) such that the heater 611 can be powered. When the atomizer heater 611 is powered (which may be triggered, for example, by operating a button on the device or by a puff detector on the device, as known per se), the liquid 602 drawn from the liquid reservoir 601 by the wick 612 is heated by the heater 611 causing the liquid to volatilize or vaporize. When the user draws on the mouthpiece of the device, vapor or aerosol travels into the annular passage 606 and chamber 608 around the outside of the length of the liquid reservoir 601, as shown by arrow A. The vapor or aerosol picks up flavor from the tobacco compositions 604a, 604b. The relative flow rates through the tobacco compositions 604a, 604b change during use, which may be by any of the mechanisms described herein, such as those described and illustrated with respect to Figures 1A and 1B above.

[0089] The heat carried by the aerosol or vapor volatilizes nicotine and other volatiles from the tobacco composition, which are entrained in the passing aerosol / vapor. The vapor or aerosol can then exit the cartridge 600 through end wall 609, as shown by arrow B. An optional one-way valve 614 may be provided to allow the vapor or aerosol to only exit the cartridge and not backflow into the heater 611 or the electronic components of the device as a whole.

[0090] Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of another example of a cartridge 700 having a liquid reservoir 701 containing a liquid 702 and two reservoirs 703a, 703b defining a partitioned chamber 708. The reservoirs hold tobacco compositions 704a, 704b, respectively. In the following description and in Figure 5, parts and features that are the same as or similar to corresponding parts and features of the example described with reference to Figure 4 bear the same reference numerals but with the increment of 100. For the sake of brevity, the description of these parts and features will not be repeated here in their entirety.

[0091] In this example, the liquid container 701 and the tobacco composition container 703a, 703b of the cartridge 700 are provided as separate components that are removably connected to each other during use. The liquid container 701 and the tobacco composition container 703a, 703b may be, for example, clipped or removably secured to each other, or, for example, the tobacco composition container may simply rest or have a tight friction fit on the liquid container 701. The cartridge 700 is configured such that when the liquid 702 is volatilized to produce an aerosol of droplets or heated sufficiently to produce vapor, at least a portion, and preferably all or substantially all, of the aerosol or vapor passes through the tobacco compositions 704a, 704b to capture flavor from these tobacco compositions. The relative flow rates through the tobacco compositions 704a, 704b change during use, which may be by any of the mechanisms described herein, such as those described and illustrated with respect to Figures 1A and 1B above.

[0092] In this example, the liquid container 701 is surrounded by an outer shell 705 that defines an annular flow passage 706 on the exterior length of the liquid container 701 and extends from one end of the liquid container 701 to the other. The outer shell 705 extends beyond a first end wall 707 of the liquid container 701 and terminates in an end wall 709. The end wall 709 may be a separate plastic or rubber cap or the like. The end wall 709 is porous and / or has one or more through holes 710 to allow the aerosol or vapor to exit the annular flow passage 706. A one-way valve 714 may be provided inside the end wall 709 to allow the vapor or aerosol to only exit the annular flow passage 706 at the end away from the heater 711 and wick 712 and not backflow into the heater 711 or the electronics of the device as a whole. In use, the tobacco composition containers 703a, 703b are positioned across the end wall 709 such that vapour or aerosol exiting the end wall 709 travels into the tobacco composition container. The tobacco composition container has an exit opening and / or a porous end wall 715 to allow the aerosol or vapour to exit the cartridge 700 and be inhaled by the user.

[0093] In use, the cartridge 700 is connected by a user to a battery section of the device (not shown) such that the heater 711 can be powered. When the atomizer heater 711 is powered (which may be triggered, for example, by operating a button on the device or by a puff detector on the device, as known per se), the liquid 702 drawn by the wick 712 from the liquid container 701 through the end wall 713 is heated by the heater 711, causing the liquid to volatilize or vaporize. When the user draws on the mouthpiece of the device, the vapor or aerosol travels as shown by arrow A into an annular passage 706 around the outside of the length of the liquid container 701 towards the end wall 709 of the outer shell 705. The vapor or aerosol then travels through the end wall 709 (or through a one-way valve, if present) to the tobacco composition containers 703a, 703b where it captures flavor from the tobacco compositions 704a, 704b. The heat carried by the aerosol or vapor volatilizes nicotine and other volatile substances from the tobacco composition, which are entrained in the passing aerosol / vapor. The vapor or aerosol can then exit the cartridge 700 through the end wall 715 of the tobacco composition container, as shown by arrow B.

[0094] The examples shown in Figures 4 and 5 are particularly suitable for use in so-called modular or "electronically actuated (e-go)" products where the cartomizer is fitted to a battery section (not shown), typically by a screw thread, bayonet fit, etc. The cartomizer as a whole is typically discarded after use and a new replacement cartomizer is used. Alternatively, the liquid can be refilled and / or solid material replaced by the user from time to time as needed.

[0095] The examples shown in Figures 4 and 5 are easily adapted for use with other types of e-cigarette hybrid devices known per se. For example, there are so-called "e-cigarette look-alike" or "cigarette-like" devices, which are generally small and have a shape and appearance similar to a conventional cigarette. In such devices, the liquid container usually includes some kind of filling material, for example cotton, to hold the liquid. The cartridges or cartomizers of such conventional devices are usually entirely disposable, but in the example using the embodiments of the present invention, it becomes possible to refill the liquid and / or replace the solid material. Another example is the so-called tank devices or personal vaporizers, which generally have a large liquid container for holding a relatively large amount of liquid and offer advanced features that allow the user to adjust many aspects of the device.

[0096] As an alternative to any of the cartomizer devices described above, an atomizer (i.e., heater and wick) for the liquid may be provided separate from the liquid and material containers, or the atomizer may be provided as part of the battery section of the overall device, for example a cartridge into which a cartridge may be removably fitted by a user during use.

[0097] In any of the examples described above with respect to Figures 4 and 5, a heater for the tobacco composition may be provided to "preheat" the tobacco composition. The heater may be provided as part of the cartridge or as part of the battery section of the device into which the cartridge is fitted during use. The heater for the tobacco composition volatilizes the nicotine and other volatile substances of the tobacco composition which are then entrained in the passing vapor / aerosol.

[0098] As used herein, an "aerosol generating agent" is a compound or mixture that facilitates the generation of an aerosol. An aerosol generating agent may facilitate the generation of an aerosol by promoting the initial evaporation of a gas and / or condensation into an inhalable solid and / or liquid aerosol.

[0099] As used herein, "resistance to draw" refers to the pressure required to force air through the length of an object under a test of 17.5 millimeters per second flow rate at 101 kilopascals (760 Torr) at 22° C. Resistance to draw is measured in accordance with ISO 6565:201 1.

[0100] As used herein, the "fluid" passing through the tobacco chamber may be any liquid and / or gas. In some cases, the fluid may be air that is drawn through the chamber and then mixes with the aerosol and / or vapor generated from the volatile liquid. In some cases, the fluid may include the aerosol and / or vapor generated from the volatile liquid.

[0101] In general, any suitable aerosol generating agent or agents may be included in the aerosol generating materials of the present invention. Suitable aerosol generating agents include polyols, such as glycols, such as sorbitol, glycerin, and propylene glycol or triethylene glycol, non-polyols, such as monohydric alcohols, high boiling point hydrocarbons, acids, such as lactic acid, glycerin derivatives, esters, such as diacetin, triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate or myristates, including ethyl myristate and isopropyl myristate, and methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedioate, and tetrahydrofuran. These include, but are not limited to, aliphatic carboxylic acid esters such as dimethyl ladecane diacid.

[0102] As used herein, the terms "flavor" and "flavoring agent" refer to ingredients permitted by local regulations that may be used to impart a taste or aroma desired by adult consumers to a product. Such ingredients include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, Scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey extract, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, etc.) , ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, pimento, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, peppermint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, mannitol, etc.), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanical breath fresheners, etc. These materials may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients, or may be blends thereof. These materials may be in any suitable form, for example, oils, liquids, powders, etc.

[0103] For the avoidance of doubt, in this specification "comprises" means the invention or a feature of the invention. When used in the definition of "comprises," the invention or feature may be replaced with "comprises." Also disclosed are embodiments that can be defined using "consists essentially of" or "consists of."

[0104] For the avoidance of doubt, when the terms "first" and "second" are used herein to refer to compositions / chambers, there is no express disclosure of an order of use. "First" and "second" are merely used as a means of describing different compositions or chambers. Features discussed with respect to one chamber or composition shall be expressly disclosed with respect to each chamber or composition, as appropriate.

[0105] The above-described embodiments should be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. Further embodiments of the present invention are envisioned. It should be understood that any feature described with respect to any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features described, and may be used in combination with one or more features of any of the other embodiments or in any combination of any of the other embodiments. Moreover, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[0106] The various embodiments described herein are provided merely to aid in understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are merely representative examples and are not intended to be comprehensive or exclusive. It is to be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure to the claims as set forth herein or to the equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized or modified without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the present disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, or other combinations. The present disclosure also includes other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. a container for holding a liquid; a heater for volatilizing the liquid held in the container; a first and a second chamber; an outlet; A device for generating inhalable medium, the device being configured such that in use, inhalable medium comprising volatilized liquid in the form of vapour and / or aerosol passes through the first and / or second chambers and exits through an outlet, and the relative flow rates of fluid through the first and second chambers are varied in use via passive means, such that resistance to flow through the first chamber changes as a result of exposure to vapour and / or aerosol, causing the relative flow rates of fluid through the first and second chambers to vary in use.

2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an initial flow rate of the fluid through the second chamber is substantially zero.

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the net flow rate of the fluid through the first chamber is substantially zero.

4. 4. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a degradable material that initially blocks fluid flow through the second chamber, the degradable material being selected such that it breaks down during use.

5. 5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, characterized in that a mesh is provided in at least one of the first and / or second chambers and arranged to adjust the resistance to draw within that chamber.

6. 6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first chamber contains a first composition and the second chamber contains a second composition.

7. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the initial average particle size of the first composition is greater than the initial average particle size of the second composition.

8. 1. A cartridge for use in an inhalable medium generating device comprising a volatile liquid for forming a vapour and / or aerosol contained in a first container, a first composition contained in a first chamber, and a second composition contained in a second chamber, the cartridge being configured such that during use in the device, the relative flow rates of fluid through the first and second chambers are gradually changed via passive means, such that resistance to flow through the first chamber changes as a result of exposure to the vapour and / or aerosol, thereby changing the relative flow rates of fluid through said first and second chambers during use.

9. 9. A cartridge as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that in use, a suckable medium comprising liquid volatilised by the heater is adapted to pass through the first and / or second chambers and exit through the outlet in the form of at least one of a vapour and / or aerosol, and the relative flow rates of at least one of the vapour and / or aerosol through the first and second chambers vary during use.

10. 10. A cartridge according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, in use, the initial flow rate of fluid through the second chamber is substantially zero and / or the final flow rate of fluid through the first chamber is substantially zero.

11. 11. A cartridge according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising a degradable material that initially blocks fluid flow through the second chamber, the degradable material being selected such that it breaks down during use.

12. 12. The cartridge of any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the initial average particle size of the composition in the first chamber is greater than the initial average particle size of the composition in the second chamber.

13. 13. A cartridge according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that a mesh is provided in at least one of the chambers to adjust the resistance to draw within that chamber.

14. A pod comprising a first composition in a first chamber and a second composition in a second chamber, A pod configured for use with an apparatus according to any preceding claim.

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