Mouthpieces and Devices

Abstract

To provide an apparatus and method for generating an inhalable medium.SOLUTION: The apparatus 100 includes a container 122 for holding a liquid 116, a heater 110 for volatilizing the liquid 116 held in the container 122 to produce, in use, a stream of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol, and a receptacle for containing a material 134. The receptacle is positioned adjacent to the heater such that, in use, the material 134 contained in the receptacle is heated by the heater. In use, one or more components of the material 134 contained in the receptacle are mixed with the stream of at least one of the vapor and aerosol to produce an inhalable medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mouthpiece, and more particularly to a mouthpiece for a device for producing a breathable medium. [Background technology]

[0002] While smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke when used, attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these smoking articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion.

[0003] Examples of such products include heating devices that release compounds by heating, rather than burning, a material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products. The non-tobacco products may or may not contain nicotine. Other examples include so-called e-cigarette devices. These devices typically contain a liquid that is heated and vaporized to produce an inhalable vapor or aerosol. The liquid may contain one or a combination of nicotine, flavorings, and aerosol-generating substances such as glycerin. Known e-cigarette devices are typically tobacco-free or tobacco-free. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a mouthpiece for a device for generating an inhalable medium, the mouthpiece defining a bore extending from a first opening at a first end of the mouthpiece to a second opening at an opposite end of the mouthpiece, the mouthpiece being configured such that a flavouring element is received in the bore through the first opening for imparting flavour to at least one of a flow of vapour and aerosol passing through the mouthpiece in use, the bore having a first radial dimension proximate the first opening and a second radial dimension proximate the second opening, the second radial dimension being smaller than the first radial dimension.

[0005] The second radial dimension may be adjusted to prevent passage of a perfume element contained in the hole through the first opening into the second opening in use.

[0006] The hole may be or comprise a stepped hole, the stepped hole comprising a first hole portion having a first radial dimension and a second hole portion having a second radial dimension.

[0007] The stepped portion of the stepped hole may be configured to prevent passage of the perfume element through the second opening.

[0008] At least a portion of the stepped hole adjacent the first opening may be cylindrical.

[0009] The stepped portion of the stepped bore is capable of supporting a perfume element contained in the bore through the first opening in use.

[0010] The mouthpiece may be configured such that the flavour element contained in the hole through the first opening protrudes beyond the first opening in use.

[0011] The first opening may be at the mouth end of the mouthpiece (the end that is closest to the user's mouth) and the second opening may be at the device end of the mouthpiece (the end that is closest to the device).

[0012] The mouthpiece may include a chamfer at the second opening for engaging a component of the device.

[0013] The first opening may be at an appliance end of the mouthpiece and the second opening may be at a mouth end of the mouthpiece.

[0014] The mouthpiece may include a chamfer at the first opening for engaging a component of the device.

[0015] The device end of the mouthpiece may be adapted for releasable connection to the device.

[0016] The mouthpiece may be configured such that when the flavoring element is received in the hole through the first opening in use, it can be removed from the hole through the first opening and / or replaced within the hole through the first opening.

[0017] The mouthpiece may include a flavouring element housed in a hole through the first opening.

[0018] The cross-section of the perfume element may coincide with the cross-section of the hole.

[0019] The perfume elements may be one or more of self-supporting, porous and cylindrical and / or may comprise a cylindrical portion.

[0020] The flavour element may be or include tobacco.

[0021] The perfume element may protrude beyond the first opening.

[0022] The perfume element may be configured to define a flow path for the flow of at least one of aerosol and vapour extending from one end of the perfume element to the other.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for generating an inhalable medium, the apparatus comprising a mouthpiece according to the first aspect.

[0024] The flavoring element is received in the hole through a first opening in the mouthpiece, and the device comprises a container for holding a liquid and a heater for volatilizing the liquid held in the container to generate at least one flow of vapour and aerosol in use, the at least one flow of vapour and aerosol passing through the flavoring element to be inhaled by a user in use.

[0025] The perfume element comprises one or more ingredients and, in use, the flow of vapour and / or aerosol through the perfume element can entrain one or more of the ingredients.

[0026] The first opening of the mouthpiece may be at the device end of the mouthpiece and the container for holding liquid may include a recess for receiving the flavouring element.

[0027] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a mouthpiece for a device for generating an inhalable medium, the mouthpiece defining a hole extending from a first opening at a mouth end of the mouthpiece to a second opening at an opposite device end of the mouthpiece, the mouthpiece configured such that a flavouring element is received in the hole in use for imparting flavour to at least one of a flow of vapour and aerosol passing through the mouthpiece, the mouthpiece configured such that in use the flavouring element received in the hole protrudes beyond the first opening for receipt in a user's mouth and protrudes beyond the second opening for contacting a component of the device.

[0028] The device end of the mouthpiece may be adapted for releasable connection to the device.

[0029] The mouthpiece may include a chamfer at the second opening for interfacing with a component of the device.

[0030] The mouthpiece may be configured such that the flavour element, when housed in the aperture, can be removed from the aperture and / or replaced within the aperture.

[0031] The mouthpiece may include a flavouring element housed in the aperture.

[0032] The perfume element may protrude beyond the first opening and may protrude beyond the second opening.

[0033] The cross-section of the perfume element may match the cross-section of the hole.

[0034] The perfume elements may be one or more of self-supporting, porous and cylindrical and / or may comprise a cylindrical portion.

[0035] The flavour element may be or include tobacco.

[0036] The perfume element may be configured to define a flow path for the flow of at least one of aerosol and vapour extending from one end of the perfume element to the other.

[0037] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for generating a inhalable medium, the apparatus comprising a mouthpiece according to the third aspect.

[0038] A flavoring element is housed in a hole in the mouthpiece, and the device comprises a container for holding a liquid and a heater for volatilizing the liquid held in the container to generate at least one flow of vapour and aerosol in use, the at least one flow of vapour and aerosol passing through the flavoring element to be inhaled by a user in use.

[0039] The perfume element comprises one or more ingredients and, in use, the flow of vapour and / or aerosol through the perfume element can entrain one or more of the ingredients.

[0040] The container for holding the liquid may comprise a recess for receiving the flavouring element.

[0041] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a mouthpiece for a device for generating an inhalable medium, the mouthpiece defining an aperture for accommodating a flavouring element for imparting flavour to at least one of a flow of vapour and aerosol passing through the mouthpiece in use, the aperture extending from a first opening at a mouth end of the mouthpiece to a second opening at an opposite device end of the mouthpiece, the mouthpiece comprising a chamfer at the second opening for abutting a component of the device thereby forming a seal between the component and the mouthpiece.

[0042] The device end of the mouthpiece may be adapted for releasable connection to the device.

[0043] The second opening may be circular.

[0044] The mouthpiece may be configured such that the flavour element, when housed in the aperture, can be removed from the aperture and / or replaced within the aperture.

[0045] The mouthpiece may include a flavouring element housed in the aperture.

[0046] The cross-section of the perfume element may coincide with the cross-section of the hole.

[0047] The perfume elements may be one or more of self-supporting, porous and cylindrical and / or may comprise a cylindrical portion.

[0048] The flavour element may be or include tobacco.

[0049] The perfume element may be configured to define a flow path for the flow of at least one of aerosol and vapour extending from one end of the perfume element to the other.

[0050] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a device comprising a mouthpiece according to the fifth aspect and a container for holding liquid, wherein a rim of the container abuts a chamfer of the mouthpiece to form a seal between the container and the mouthpiece.

[0051] The container may include a recess for receiving the perfume element.

[0052] The device may comprise a heater for volatilising liquid held in the container to generate at least one of a stream of vapour and an aerosol in use, the at least one stream of vapour and an aerosol flowing from an outlet of the container through the second opening in the mouthpiece and into the hole in use.

[0053] A flavouring element may be contained in the aperture such that, in use, a flow of at least one of vapour and aerosol flows from an outlet of the container through the flavouring element and into the mouth of the user.

[0054] The perfume element may comprise one or more ingredients, such that in use, flow of vapour and / or aerosol through the perfume element entrains one or more of the ingredients.

[0055] 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: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0056] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary apparatus for generating a suckable medium. [Figure 2a] FIG. 2 is a side view showing an exemplary mouthpiece and a portion of an apparatus for generating a inhalable medium. [Figure 2b] 2b is a cross-sectional view taken along line PP of a portion of the exemplary mouthpiece and apparatus for generating a inhalable medium shown in FIG. 2a. FIG. [Figure 2c]FIG. 2b is a plan view of a portion of the exemplary mouthpiece and apparatus for generating a inhalable medium shown in FIG. 2a. [Figure 2d] FIG. 2b is a detailed view of the cross section of FIG. 2b with some elements removed for clarity. [Figure 3a] FIG. 2 is a side view showing an exemplary mouthpiece and a portion of an apparatus for generating a inhalable medium. [Figure 3b] 3b is a cross-sectional view taken along line QQ of a portion of the exemplary mouthpiece and apparatus for generating a inhalable medium shown in FIG. 3a. FIG. [Figure 3c] FIG. 3b is a plan view of a portion of the exemplary mouthpiece and apparatus for generating a inhalable medium shown in FIG. 3a. [Figure 3d] FIG. 3b is a detailed view of the cross section of FIG. 3b with some elements removed for clarity. [Figure 4a] FIG. 2 is a side view showing an exemplary mouthpiece and a portion of an apparatus for generating a inhalable medium. [Figure 4b] 4b is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary mouthpiece and portion of the apparatus for generating a inhalable medium shown in FIG. 4a along line RR. [Figure 4c] FIG. 4b is a plan view of a portion of the exemplary mouthpiece and apparatus for generating a inhalable medium shown in FIG. 4a. [Figure 4d] FIG. 4b is a detailed view of the cross section of FIG. 4b with some elements removed for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0057] 1, a schematic diagram of one example of a device 100 for generating an inhalable medium is shown. In this example, the device 100 is a so-called "electronic cigarette" device. Generally, the device 100 volatilizes a liquid to form a vapor or aerosol that passes through a flavor element 134 contained in a mouthpiece 102 of the device 100. The flavor element 134 imparts flavor to the vapor or aerosol that passes through the mouthpiece 102 for inhalation by a user.

[0058] In this regard, a vapor is a state of matter that is in the gas phase below its critical temperature, meaning that, for example, the vapor can be condensed into a liquid by increasing the pressure without decreasing the temperature. An aerosol, on the other hand, generally refers to a colloid of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or other gas. A colloid is a state of matter in which microscopically dispersed insoluble particles of that substance are suspended in another substance.

[0059] 1, the device 100 comprises an outer body 1118 consisting of an upper portion 106 that houses the cartridge 104 and a lower portion 105 that houses the battery portion 112. The cartridge 104 is removably connected to the battery portion 112. At least the upper portion 106 of the outer body 118 is removable to expose the cartridge 104, thereby allowing the cartridge 104 to be installed, removed and / or replaced. The cartridge 104 has a liquid reservoir 122 that contains the liquid 116.

[0060] The device 100 has a mouthpiece 102 (one example of which is described in detail below) that is removably connected to an upper portion 106 of the outer body 118. The mouthpiece 102 houses a flavoring element 134 for imparting flavor to the aerosol or vapor flow passing through the mouthpiece 102. The flavoring element 134 can be or include, for example, tobacco or other flavoring materials that can be used to produce a desired taste, odor, or other characteristic, such as a nicotine content.

[0061] The device 100 is configured such that when the liquid 116 is volatilized to produce an aerosol of droplets, or when the liquid 116 is heated sufficiently to produce a vapor, at least a portion of the aerosol or vapor, and preferably all or substantially all of it, passes through a flavoring element 134 contained in the mouthpiece 102, e.g., to entrain components of the flavoring element 134 therein.

[0062] The liquid reservoir 122 is located generally in the center of the cartridge 104. The liquid reservoir 122 is frusto-conical in shape, but may have different shapes, such as conical or cylindrical. The liquid reservoir 122 is annular in shape and forms a cylindrical channel (not shown) that runs the entire length of the liquid reservoir 122. The liquid reservoir 122 may be formed from a rigid, waterproof and airtight material, such as metal or a suitable plastic.

[0063] The cartridge 104 is provided with a heater 110 and a wick (not shown) in (thermal) contact with the heater 110. In this example, the heater 110 and the wick are provided as a single unit 108, also known as an "atomizer" 108. In this case, if the cartridge 104 includes the atomizer 108, such a cartridge 104 may also be called a "cartomiser" 104. The orientation of the heater 110 is shown diagrammatically, for example, the heater 110 may be a coil whose longitudinal axis is perpendicular or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 104. The wick (not shown) is in contact with the liquid 116. This may be achieved, for example, by a wick (not shown) inserted through a through hole (not shown) in the end wall 122b of the liquid container 122. Alternatively or additionally, the end wall 122b may be a porous member that allows liquid to pass from the liquid container 122, and the wick (not shown) may be in contact with the porous end wall 122b. The end wall 122b may be in the form of a porous ceramic disk, for example. Such a porous end wall 122b helps to regulate the flow of liquid into the wick (not shown). The wick (not shown) is typically absorbent and acts to draw the liquid 116 from the liquid container 122 by capillary action (indicated by arrow A in FIG. 1). The wick is preferably a non-woven fabric, and may be a synthetic material, such as, for example, a cotton or wool material, such as, for example, polyester, nylon, viscose, polypropylene, or a ceramic material.

[0064] The cartridge 104 is connected to a battery in the battery portion 116 so as to provide power to the heater 110. When power is provided to the heater 130 (which may be activated, for example, by a user operating a button (not shown) on the device 100 or by a puff detector (not shown) on the entire device, as is known), liquid 116 is drawn from the liquid container 122 by the wick (indicated by arrow A in FIG. 1) and heated by the heater 110 to volatilize or vaporize the liquid to generate a stream of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol. When the user draws on the mouthpiece 102, air is drawn through the air inlet 120. The liquid 116 is volatilized or vaporized by the heater 110 into the air from the air inlet 120, thereby generating one of a vapor and an aerosol. The vapor or aerosol stream is drawn through a channel (not shown) in the liquid container 122, through a flavoring element 134 housed in the mouthpiece 102, and out of the device 100 for inhalation by the user (indicated by arrow B in FIG. 1). The vapor or aerosol picks up (entrains) flavoring (and / or other ingredients) from the flavoring element 134. This causes one or more ingredients of the flavoring element 134 to mix with at least one of the vapor and aerosol streams. In examples where the flavoring element 134 includes or contains nicotine, the vapor or aerosol may also include nicotine entrained from the flavoring element. A one-way valve (not shown) may be provided at or near the top end 122a of the liquid container 122 to ensure that the vapor or aerosol only flows out of the cartridge 104 and cannot flow back into the heater 110 or electronics (not shown) of the device 1.

[0065] The flavoring element 134 may be or include a material that can be used to impart a flavoring (and / or one or more other ingredients) to the aerosol or vapor. In some examples, one or more ingredients of the flavoring element 134 may include ingredients inherent to the material itself. The material may, for example, consist of or include tobacco. As the aerosol or vapor passes through the tobacco, it entrains organic and other compounds or ingredients from the tobacco that impart organoleptic properties to the tobacco, thereby imparting flavor to the aerosol or vapor. However, it will be appreciated that materials other than tobacco may be used to impart a different flavoring (and / or one or more other ingredients) to the aerosol or vapor stream. The flavoring element 134 may include ingredients that are added to the material of the flavoring element 134.

[0066] Nicotine may be provided in the liquid 116. Thus, if the device 100 is intended to provide nicotine to the user, the nicotine may be provided in the liquid 116, obtained from the flavoring element 134, or a combination of both. Similarly, flavoring agents may be added to the flavoring element 134 (whether the flavoring element 134 is or contains tobacco) and / or to the liquid 116. The material of the flavoring element 134 may be a solid material or a mixture of solid materials, one or more of each of which includes one or more components that can mix with the vapor or aerosol stream. It will be understood that the flavoring element 134 may include one or more other components that are not entrained in the aerosol or vapor passing therethrough.

[0067] The flavoring element 134 may be porous, for example, to allow vapor or aerosol to pass through the flavoring element. The flavoring element 134 may also be self-supporting, for example, the flavoring element 134 may include a material partially or entirely covered by a covering and / or may be supported within a resilient housing, for example, a plastic housing (not shown). The flavoring element 134 may be configured to form a flow path for at least one of the flow of aerosol and vapor, extending from one end of the flavoring element 134 to the other end. The flavoring element 134 may be cylindrical and / or include a cylindrical portion, for example, to fit snugly into a correspondingly shaped hole in the mouthpiece 102.

[0068] Figures 2a-d show a mouthpiece 202 according to a first example. In particular, Figure 2a shows a side view of the mouthpiece 202 and the upper part 206 of the outer body of the device (100 in Figure 1). In this first example, Figure 2b shows a cross section along line PP in Figure 2a, Figure 2c shows a top view of what is shown in Figure 2a, and Figure 2d shows a detail of the cross section of Figure 2b with the flavouring element 234 and the liquid reservoir 222 removed for clarity.

[0069] In Figures 2a-2d, the mouthpiece 202 is connected to a portion 206 of the outer body 218 of the overall device (100 in Figure 1). The exemplary mouthpiece 202, portion 206 of the outer body 218 and liquid container 222 of Figures 2a-2d can be used in the device 100 of Figure 1, for example, as a replacement for the mouthpiece 102, the upper portion 106 of the outer body 118 and the liquid container 122. For the sake of brevity, features of Figures 2a-2d that are identical or similar to features already described with reference to Figure 1 and their functions are given the same reference numbers as in Figure 1, but increased by 100, and they will not be described again in detail.

[0070] 2a-2d, the mouthpiece 202 defines a hole or aperture 223 extending from a first opening 224 at a first end 202a of the mouthpiece 202 to a second opening 226 at an opposite end 202b of the mouthpiece 202. The mouthpiece 202 accommodates within the aperture 223 through the first opening 224 a flavoring element 234 for imparting flavor to at least one of a stream of vapor and aerosol passing through the mouthpiece 202 in use. The flavoring element 234 may be the same as or similar to the flavoring element 134 as described above with reference to FIG. 1. The aperture 223 has a first radial dimension d1 adjacent the first opening 224 and a second, smaller radial dimension d2 adjacent the second opening 226, thereby preventing the flavoring element 234 accommodated within the aperture 223 from passing through the first opening 224 to the second opening 226. Thus, the user may insert the flavoring element 234 into the hole 223, for example, through the first opening 224 of the mouthpiece 202, but only within a certain and / or predetermined range.

[0071] The bore 223 comprises stepped bores 230, 232, consisting of a first bore 230 having a first radial dimension d1 and a second bore 232 having a second radial dimension d2. The stepped portions 228 of the stepped bores 230, 232 prevent the perfume element 234 from entering the second bore 232 and thus proceeding towards the second opening 226. The stepped portions 228 of the stepped bores 230, 232 also support the perfume element 234 contained within the first bore 230.

[0072] The cross section of the perfume element 234 and the cross section of at least a portion of the first hole 230 (and the first opening 224) may match so that the perfume element 234 can be easily accommodated in the first hole 230. For example, as shown in Fig. 2a-2d, the first hole 230 is cylindrical to receive the cylindrical perfume element 234 therein. The diameter of the perfume element 234 may be approximately equal to, e.g., slightly smaller than, the diameter d1 of the first hole 230 to ensure that the perfume element 234 can be easily fitted into the first hole 230. In another example, the diameter of the perfume element 234 may be slightly larger than the diameter d1 of the first hole 230 to ensure, e.g., a tight (snug) fit of the perfume element 234 into the first hole 230. In this case, the perfume element 234 may be or include an elastic and / or deformable material. The flavoring element 234 may be retained within the mouthpiece 202, for example, by friction with the wall of the mouthpiece 202 that defines the first hole 230. The first radial dimension d1 may be, for example, in the range of 7-9 mm, for example, at or near 8 mm, for example, 7.7 mm. The second radial dimension d2 may be, for example, in the range of 4-6 mm, for example, at or near 5 mm. The first hole 230 may be cylindrical or tapered from the first opening 224 to the stepped portion 228. For example, the diameter of the first hole may taper from, for example, 7.8 mm at the first opening 224 to 7.5 mm at the stepped portion 228. The diameter of the flavoring element 234 may be, for example, in the range of 7-9 mm, for example, at or near 8 mm, for example, 7.64 mm.

[0073] In this first example, the first opening 224 is at the user's mouth end 202 a of the mouthpiece 202 and the second opening 226 is at the appliance end 202 b of the mouthpiece 202 .

[0074] The flavoring element 234 extends beyond the first opening 224 of the mouthpiece 202. For example, the length of the first hole 230 from the first opening 224 to the step 228 may be at or near 11 millimeters, and the length of the flavoring element may be at or near 22 millimeters, for example, with an 11 millimeter rod portion protruding beyond the first opening 224 of the mouthpiece 202.

[0075] The flavoring element 234 protruding beyond the first opening 224 of the mouthpiece 202, for example, allows the user to suck on the flavoring element 234 rather than the mouthpiece 202. This may improve the user's operating experience, for example, because the flavoring element 234 may be manufactured to have a diameter of, for example, 7-9 millimeters (e.g., about 8 millimeters or thereabouts). This may also improve the user's operating experience, for example, because the flavoring element 234 may be manufactured to be made of or include a material that is more favorable for a user to place in their mouth, such as cellulose acetate and / or paper, such as coated paper. Furthermore, this may be more hygienic, since the user may dispose of and replace the flavoring element 234, i.e., that part of the device 100 that comes into contact with the user's mouth (if necessary) may be replaced frequently. This may also make it more attractive and / or convenient to share a single device between multiple users. Furthermore, by having the flavor element 234 protrude beyond the first opening 224 of the mouthpiece 202, the flavor element 234 can be easily removed from the mouthpiece 202, for example by a user manually pulling the flavor element 234 out of the first opening 224, for example against friction between the flavor element 234 and the wall of the mouthpiece 202 that forms the first hole 230. The user may do this, for example, when the flavor and / or other ingredients of the flavor element 234 have expired or deteriorated. The user can then easily insert a replacement flavor element 234, for example, by taking the replacement flavor element 234 and manually pushing it into the first hole 230 until the flavor element abuts the step 228.

[0076] The device end 202b of the mouthpiece 202 is configured to be releasably connected to the top portion 206 of the outer body 218 of the device (100 in FIG. 1). The device end 202b of the mouthpiece 202 has a connecting element 240 that connects with a reciprocal connecting element 238 of the top portion 206 of the outer body 218. The connecting element 240 of the mouthpiece 202 includes a protrusion 240 for snap-fitting against a shelf 238 of the top portion 206 of the outer body 218. The mouthpiece 202 is disconnected from the top portion 206 of the outer body 218 by a user manually pushing the mouthpiece 202 widthwise, thereby disengaging the protrusion 240 from the shelf 238 and allowing the user to lift the mouthpiece 202 away from the top portion 206 of the outer body 218. It will be appreciated that any other releasable connecting element and / or mechanism may be used. For example, the mouthpiece 202 may be releasably connected to the portion 206 of the outer body 218 by a frictional connection, a push-fit connection, a threaded connection using interrelated threads, etc. The mouthpiece 202 being releasably connectable to the outer body 218 may, for example, allow a user to easily access the liquid reservoir 222 and / or the second opening 226 of the mouthpiece 202, such as for cleaning purposes.

[0077] It should be understood that in some examples, the mouthpiece 202 and the upper portion 206 of the outer body 218 may not be releasably connectable to each other. For example, the mouthpiece 202 and the upper portion 206 of the outer body 218 may be co-molded parts that cannot be separated by a user. For example, the connection element 240 of the mouthpiece 202 may be co-molded with the connection element 238 of the upper portion 206 of the outer body 218. In this case, for example, a user removes the mouthpiece 202 and the upper portion 206 of the outer body 218 as one part from the lower portion (105 in FIG. 1) of the outer body 218 of the device (100 in FIG. 1) in order to access the liquid container 216, for example to remove and / or replace the liquid container 216 from the device (100 in FIG. 1).

[0078] The mouthpiece 202 includes a chamfer 236 at the opening 226 at the device end 202b of the mouthpiece 202 for contacting the liquid container 222. The chamfer 236 extends around the entire circumference of the second opening 226 of the mouthpiece 202. The rim 225 (i.e., the top or corner 225) at the upper end 222a of the liquid container 222 can press against the chamfer 236 of the mouthpiece 202 in use, thereby forming a seal between the liquid container 222 and the mouthpiece 202. This allows all or substantially all of the vapour or aerosol exiting a channel (not shown) in the liquid container 222 at the upper end 222a of the liquid container 222 in use to flow into the hole 223 of the mouthpiece 202 and then through the flavouring element 243. The opening 226 at the device end 202b of the mouthpiece 202 is circular so that a seal can be easily and reliably formed between the mouthpiece 202 and the circular rim 225 of the liquid container 222. It will be understood that in other examples, the mouthpiece 202 may not include such a chamfer 236. For example, a face (not shown) of the mouthpiece 202 at the opening 226 at the device end 202b may be in flush contact with a face (i.e., head on arrangement) of the liquid container 222, thereby forming a seal between the mouthpiece 202 and the liquid container 222. In another example, the mouthpiece 202 may alternatively or additionally include a protruding peripheral wall or lip at the opening 226 at the device end 202b of the mouthpiece 202 that contacts the liquid container 222, for example, a protruding peripheral wall or lip that contacts an inner surface of a corresponding protruding peripheral wall or lip at the rim 225 of the liquid container 222.

[0079] The upper portion 206 of the housing (outer body) 218 ​​includes one or more second connection elements 239 for releasably connecting the upper portion 206 of the housing 218 to the lower portion (105 in FIG. 1) of the housing 218. The second connection elements 239 can be, for example, protrusions on the upper portion 206 that are received in corresponding recesses in the lower portion (105 in FIG. 1) of the housing 218. It will be appreciated that any releasable connection element or mechanism may be used instead, for example, a friction connection, a push-fit connection, a threaded connection using corresponding threads, etc.

[0080] In use, the upper portion 206 of the outer body 218 and the liquid container 222 are connected to the rest of the device (e.g., as shown diagrammatically in device 100 in FIG. 1) and when a user inhales on the flavoring element 234, air is drawn in through the air inlet (120 in FIG. 1). The heater (110 in FIG. 1) volatilizes the liquid 216 held in the liquid container 222 into the inhaled air to generate a vapor or aerosol stream that passes through a channel (not shown) in the liquid container 222, exits the upper end 222a of the liquid container 222, passes through the second hole 232, the flavoring element 243, and exits the upper end 234a of the flavoring element 234 to be inhaled by the user. If the flavoring element 234 includes one or more ingredients, the vapor or aerosol stream passing through the flavoring element 234 entrains the one or more ingredients.

[0081] Figures 3a-3d show a mouthpiece 302 according to a second example. Specifically, Figure 3a shows a side view of the mouthpiece 302 and the upper portion 306 of the outer body 318 of the device (100 in Figure 1), Figure 3b shows a cross section along line QQ in Figure 3a, Figure 3c shows a top view of what is shown in Figure 3a, and Figure 3d shows a detail of the cross section of Figure 3b with the flavoring element 334 and liquid container 322 removed for clarity.

[0082] In Figures 3a-3d, the mouthpiece 302 is connected to an upper part 306 of the outer body 318 of the overall device (100 in Figure 1). The exemplary mouthpiece 302, upper part 306 of the outer body 318 and liquid container 322 of Figures 3a-3d can be used, for example, in place of the mouthpiece 102, part 106 of the outer body 118, mouthpiece 102 and liquid container 122, respectively, in the device 100 in Figure 1. For the sake of brevity, features of Figures 3a-3d that are identical or similar to features already described with reference to Figures 1-2d and their functions are given the same reference numbers as in Figures 2a-2d, but increased by 100, and will not be described in detail again.

[0083] 3a-3d, the mouthpiece 302 defines a hole or aperture 323 extending from a first opening 324 at a first end 302b of the mouthpiece 302 to a second opening 326 at an opposite end 302a of the mouthpiece 302. In this second example, the first opening 324 is at the device end 302b of the mouthpiece 302 and the second opening 326 is at the mouth end 302a of the mouthpiece 302. The mouthpiece 302 contains within the aperture 323, through the first opening 324, a flavoring element 334 for imparting flavor to at least one of the streams of vapour and aerosol passing through the mouthpiece 302 in use. The flavoring element 334 may be similar or identical to the flavoring elements 234 and / or 134 described above. The hole 323 has a first radial dimension d1' near the first opening 324 and a second, smaller radial dimension d2' near the second opening 326, thereby preventing passage of the flavoring element 334 contained therein from the first opening 324 to the second opening. The flavoring element 334 is thus retained within the device (100 in FIG. 1) by the mouthpiece 302.

[0084] The hole 323 comprises stepped holes 330, 332, which consist of a first hole 330 having a first radial dimension d1' and a second hole 332 having a second radial dimension d2'. The stepped portion 328 of the stepped holes 330, 332 prevents the perfume element 334 from entering the second hole 332 and passing through in the direction of the second opening 326. The cross section of the perfume element 334 and the cross section of at least a portion of the first hole 330 (and the first opening 324) can match to easily accommodate the perfume element 334 within the first hole 330. For example, as shown in Figures 3a-3d, the first hole 330 (and the first opening 324) is cylindrical to receive the cylindrical perfume element 334 therein. The diameter of the flavor element 334 may be approximately equal to, e.g., slightly smaller than, the diameter d1' of the first hole 330 to ensure an easy fit of the flavor element 334 in the first hole 330. In another example, the diameter of the flavor element 334 may be slightly larger than the diameter d1' of the first hole 230 to ensure a tight (snug) fit of the flavor element 334 in the first hole 330. In this case, the flavor element 334 may be or include a resilient and / or deformable material. The flavor element 334 may be held in the mouthpiece 302, e.g., by friction. The first radial dimension d1' may be, e.g., in the range of 7-9 mm, e.g., at or near 8 mm, e.g., 7.7 mm. The second radial dimension d2' may be, e.g., in the range of 4-6 mm, e.g., at or near 5 mm. The first bore 330 may be cylindrical or may taper from the first opening 324 to the stepped portion 328. For example, the diameter of the first bore may taper from, for example, 7.8 millimeters at the first opening 224 to 7.5 millimeters at the stepped portion 228. The diameter of the scent element 334 may be, for example, in the range of 7-9 millimeters, such as at or near 8 millimeters, for example 7.64 mm.

[0085] The flavoring element 334 extends (protrudes) beyond the first opening 324 of the mouthpiece 302. For example, this allows a user to easily manually remove and / or replace the flavoring element 324 in the first hole 330 of the mouthpiece 302 (through the first opening 234) when the mouthpiece 302 is removed from the top portion 306 of the housing 318. For example, the length of the first hole 330 from the first opening 324 to the step 328 may be about 12 millimeters or thereabouts, and the length of the flavoring element may be 22 millimeters or thereabouts, with, for example, a 10 millimeter rod portion protruding beyond the first opening 324 of the mouthpiece 302. In examples in which the mouthpiece 302 and the upper portion 306 of the outer body 318 are not releasably connectable to one another, a user can remove the mouthpiece 302 and the upper portion 306 of the outer body 318 as one piece from the lower portion (105 in FIG. 1) of the outer body 318 of the device (100 in FIG. 1), thereby exposing the fragrance element 304 and allowing the user to easily remove and / or replace the fragrance element 304.

[0086] The liquid container 322 has a recess 360 at the upper end 222a of the liquid container 322, in which the lower portion 334b ​​of the flavoring element 324 is received. The flavoring element 324 extends (protrudes) from the recess 360 beyond the liquid container 332, so that the flavoring element 324 is received in the first hole 330 of the mouthpiece 302 when the mouthpiece 302 and the upper portion 306 of the outer body 318 are connected to each other. The cross section of the flavoring element 334 and the cross section of the recess 360 may match so that the flavoring element 334 can be easily received in the recess 360. For example, as shown in Figures 3a to 3d, the recess 360 is cylindrical to receive the cylindrical flavoring element 334 therein. The diameter of the flavoring element 334 may be approximately equal to, for example slightly smaller than, the diameter of the recess 360 so that the flavoring element 334 can be easily received in the recess 360. In other examples, the diameter of the perfume element 334 may be slightly larger than the diameter of the recess 360, for example to ensure a tight (snug) fit of the perfume element 334 into the recess 360. In this case, the perfume element 334 may be or include an elastic and / or deformable material.

[0087] Similar to that described above with respect to the first example, the device end 302b of the mouthpiece 302 is adapted for releasable connection to the upper portion 306 of the outer body 318 of the device, for example via a connecting element 340 for connection with a corresponding connecting element 338 of the upper portion 306 of the outer body 318. As described above, the connecting element 340, 338 or connecting mechanism may comprise any releasable connection means, for example by a snap fit, a frictional connection, a push-fit connection, a threaded connection using corresponding threads, etc.

[0088] The mouthpiece 302 can be releasably connected to the top portion 306 of the outer body 318, which allows a user to easily access the flavoring element 324 housed in one of the hole 330 of the mouthpiece 302 and the recess 360 of the liquid container 322, for example, when the mouthpiece 302 is removed from the top portion 306 of the outer body 318. For example, the user can manually pull the flavoring element 334 out of the first opening 324 of the mouthpiece 302 (or the recess 360 of the liquid container 322), for example, against friction between the flavoring element 234 and the wall of the mouthpiece 202 forming the first hole 230 (or the wall of the liquid container 322 forming the recess 360). The user can do this, for example, when the flavor and / or other ingredients of the flavoring element 334 have expired or deteriorated. A replacement flavor element 334 can then be easily inserted, for example, by the user holding the upper end 334a of the replacement flavor element 334 and pushing the lower end 334b ​​of the flavor element 334 into the recess 360 of the liquid container 322. The user can then lower the mouthpiece 302 over the upper end 334a of the flavor element 334 so that the flavor element 334 is received within the first hole 330 of the mouthpiece 302 (through the first opening 324). The user can then connect the mouthpiece 302 to the upper portion 306 of the outer body 318, where the upper end 334a of the flavor element 334 abuts or nearly abuts the step 328 of the stepped holes 330, 332 of the mouthpiece 302. Thus, the flavor element 302 is held securely in place between the mouthpiece 302 and the liquid container 322.

[0089] As mentioned above, it will be appreciated that in some examples, the mouthpiece 302 and the upper portion 306 of the outer body 318 are not releasably connectable to each other. For example, the mouthpiece 302 and the upper portion 306 of the outer body 318 can be co-molded parts that cannot be separated by a user. For example, the connection element 340 of the mouthpiece 302 may be co-molded with the connection element 338 of the upper portion 306 of the outer body 318. In this case, in order for a user to access the flavoring element 304, for example to remove and / or replace the flavoring element 304 from the recess 360 of the liquid container 322, the user removes the mouthpiece 302 and the upper portion 306 of the outer body 318 as one piece from the base portion (105 in FIG. 1) of the outer body 318 of the device (100 in FIG. 1). Then, for example, if the flavor and / or other ingredients of the flavor element 334 have expired or deteriorated, or if the user wishes to change the flavor of the aerosol or vapor being generated, the user may, for example, manually pull the flavor element 334 out of the recess 360 of the liquid container 322. The user may then easily insert a replacement flavor element 334 by holding the upper end 334a of the replacement flavor element and pushing the lower end 334b ​​of the flavor element 334 into the recess 360 of the liquid container 322. The user then lowers the mouthpiece 302 and the upper portion 306 of the outer body 318 as one piece to cover the upper end 334a of the flavor element 334, such that the flavor element 334 is received within the first hole 330 of the mouthpiece 302 (through the first opening 324). The user can then connect the upper portion 306 of the outer body 318 to the lower portion of the outer body (105 in FIG. 1) where the upper end 334a of the flavoring element 334 abuts or nearly abuts the stepped portions of the stepped holes 330, 332 of the mouthpiece 302. In this manner, the flavoring element 302 is held securely in place between the mouthpiece 302 and the liquid container 322.

[0090] In either case, the flavoring element 324 extends into the recess 360 of the liquid container 332 and into the first hole 330 of the mouthpiece 302, which, for example, allows the flavoring element 334 to be relatively long without increasing the length of the overall device (100 in FIG. 1), thus potentially imparting more flavor and / or other ingredients to the vapor or aerosol during use.

[0091] As in the first example, the mouthpiece 303 includes a chamfer 336 at the opening 326 at the device end 302b of the mouthpiece 302 for contacting a rim 335 at the upper end 322a of the liquid container 322, thereby forming a seal between the liquid container 322 and the mouthpiece 302.

[0092] Similar to the first example, the upper portion 306 of the housing 318 includes one or more second connection elements 339 for releasably connecting the upper portion 306 of the housing 318 to the lower portion of the housing 318 (105 in FIG. 1).

[0093] In use, the portion 306 of the outer body 318 and the liquid container 322 are connected to the rest of the overall device (e.g., as shown diagrammatically for device 100 in FIG. 1) and a user draws on the mouth end 302a of the mouthpiece 302, causing air to be drawn in through the air inlet (120 in FIG. 1). The heater (110 in FIG. 1) volatilizes the liquid 316 held in the liquid container 322 into the inhaled air to produce a vapor or aerosol stream that flows through a channel (not shown) in the liquid container 322 and into the recess 360 of the liquid container 322, through the flavoring element 334 and out the top end 334a of the flavoring element 334, into the second hole 332 of the mouthpiece 302, and out the second hole 322 at the mouth end 302a of the mouthpiece 302 to be inhaled by the user. When the perfume element 334 includes one or more ingredients, the flow of vapor or aerosol through the perfume element 334 entrains the one or more ingredients.

[0094] Figures 4a-4d show a mouthpiece 402 according to a third example. Specifically, Figure 4a shows a side view of the mouthpiece 402 and the upper portion 406 of the outer body 418 of the device (100 in Figure 1), Figure 4b shows a cross section along line RR in Figure 4a, Figure 4c shows a top view of what is shown in Figure 4a, and Figure 4d shows a detail of the cross section of Figure 4b with the flavoring element 434 and liquid reservoir 422 removed for clarity.

[0095] In Figures 4a-4d, the mouthpiece 402 is connected to an upper part 406 of the outer body 418 of the overall device (100 in Figure 1). The exemplary mouthpiece 402, upper part 406 of the outer body 418 and liquid container 422 of Figures 3a-3d can be used, for example, in place of the mouthpiece 102, the upper part 106 of the outer body 118, the mouthpiece 102 and the liquid container 122, respectively, in the device 100 in Figure 1. For the sake of brevity, features of Figures 4a-4d that are identical or similar to features already described with reference to Figures 1-3d and their functions are given the same reference numbers as in Figures 3a-3d, but increased by 100, and they will not be described again in detail.

[0096] 4a-4d, the mouthpiece 402 defines a hole or aperture 423 extending from a first opening 424 at the mouth end 402a of the mouthpiece 402 to a second opening 426 at the opposite device end 402b of the mouthpiece 402. The mouthpiece 402 receives within the aperture 423 through the first opening 424 a flavoring element 434 for imparting flavor to at least one of the vapor and aerosol flows passing through the mouthpiece 402 in use. The flavoring element 434 may be similar or identical to the flavoring element 334 of the second example described above or the flavoring element 234 of the first example described above. In this third example, the flavoring element 434 extends (projects) beyond the first opening 424 to be received in the mouth of a user and extends (projects) beyond the second opening 426 to contact the liquid container 422 (an example of a component of the device (100 in FIG. 1)). For example, the length of the perfume element may be at or near 36 millimeters and the length of the hole 423 from the first opening 424 to the second opening 426 may be at or near 11 millimeters.

[0097] The cross section of the perfume element 434 and the cross section of the hole 423 may match to easily accommodate the perfume element 434 in the hole 423. For example, as shown in Fig. 4a-4d, the hole 434 is cylindrical to accommodate the cylindrical perfume element 434 therein. The diameter of the perfume element 434 may be approximately equal to, e.g., slightly smaller than, the diameter of the hole 434 to ensure an easy fit of the perfume element 434 into the hole 434. In another example, the diameter of the perfume element 434 may be slightly larger than the diameter of the hole 434 to ensure, e.g., a tight (snug) fit of the perfume element 434 into the hole 434. In this case, the perfume element 434 may be or may include an elastic and / or deformable material. The perfume element 434 may be held in the opening 434 by friction.

[0098] As described in the second example, the liquid container 422 has a recess 460 at the upper end 422a of the liquid container 422, in which the lower portion 434b of the flavor element 424 is received. The flavor element 424 extends (protrudes) beyond the recess 460 so as to be received in the hole 423 of the mouthpiece 402 as well. The cross section of the flavor element 434 and the cross section of the recess 460 may match so that the flavor element 434 can be easily received in the recess 460. For example, as shown in Figures 4a-4d, the recess 460 is cylindrical so as to receive the cylindrical flavor element 434 therein. The diameter of the flavor element 434 may be approximately equal to, for example slightly smaller than, the diameter of the recess 460 to ensure easy fitting of the flavor element 434 into the recess 460. In another example, the diameter of the perfume element 434 may be slightly larger than the diameter of the recess 460, for example to ensure a tight (snug) fit of the perfume element 434 into the recess 460. In this case, the perfume element 434 may be or may include a resilient and / or deformable material. The perfume element 434 may be held in the recess 460, for example by friction. For example, the diameter of the hole 423 may be in the range of 7-9 millimeters, such as at or near 8 millimeters, for example 7.7 millimeters. The hole 423 may be cylindrical or may taper slightly from the first opening 424 to the second opening 426. For example, the diameter of the hole 423 may taper from, for example, 7.9 millimeters at the first opening 424 to 7.5 millimeters at the second opening 426. The diameter of the perfume element 234 may be in the range of 7-9 millimeters, such as at or near 8 millimeters, for example 7.64 millimeters.

[0099] Similar to that described in the first example, the flavoring element 434 extending beyond the first opening 424 of the mouthpiece 402 allows, for example, a user to use the flavoring element 434 rather than the mouthpiece 402. This allows, for example, a user to suck on the flavoring element 434 alone. This can improve the user's operating experience, for example, since the flavoring element 434 can have a more suitable diameter and / or be made of a more suitable material for the user to place in their mouth. Furthermore, this can improve the hygienic properties of the device 100, since the user can dispose of and replace the flavoring element 434, i.e., frequently replace that part of the device (100 in FIG. 1) that comes into contact with the user's mouth (if desired). Furthermore, the flavor element 434 extends beyond the first opening 424 of the mouthpiece 402, thereby allowing the flavor element 434 to be easily removed from the mouthpiece 402, for example by the user manually pulling the flavor element 434 from the recess 436 and the hole 423 through the first opening 424, against friction between the flavor element 434 and the wall of the mouthpiece 402 forming the hole 423 and / or the wall of the liquid container 422 forming the recess 436. The user may do this, for example, when the flavor and / or ingredients of the flavor element 434 have expired or deteriorated. The user may then easily insert the replacement flavor element 434, for example, by the user holding the replacement flavor element 434 and pushing it from the first opening 424 through the hole 423 into the recess 460 of the liquid container 422 until the flavor element 434 abuts the liquid container 422. The flavoring element 434 extends (protrudes) beyond the second opening 426 of the mouthpiece 402 (and beyond the first opening 424 of the mouthpiece 402) into the recess 460 of the liquid container 432, which allows the flavoring element 434 to be relatively long and therefore capable of imparting more flavor and / or other ingredients to the vapor or aerosol during use without increasing the length of the overall device (100 in FIG. 1).

[0100] Similar to the first and second examples, the device end 402b of the mouthpiece 402 is configured to be releasably connected to the top portion 406 of the outer body 418, for example, via a connecting element 440 (for connecting with a reciprocal connecting element 438 of the top portion 406 of the outer body 418 of the device). As mentioned above, the connecting element 440, 438 and / or the connecting mechanism may include any releasable connecting means, for example, a snap fit, a frictional connection, a push-fit connection, a threaded connection using reciprocal threads, etc. As mentioned above, it will be understood that in some examples, the mouthpiece 402 and the top portion 406 of the outer body 418 are not releasably connected to each other. For example, the mouthpiece 402 and the top portion 406 of the outer body 318 may be co-molded parts that cannot be separated by a user. For example, the connecting element 440 of the mouthpiece 402 may be co-molded with the connecting element 438 of the top portion 406 of the outer body 418.

[0101] As with the first and second examples, the mouthpiece 402 can have a chamfer 436 at the opening 426 at the device end 402b of the mouthpiece 402 for abutting with a rim 435 at the upper end 422a of the liquid container 422, thereby forming a seal between the liquid container 422 and the mouthpiece 402.

[0102] As with the first and second examples, the upper portion 406 of the housing 418 includes one or more second connection elements 439 for releasably connecting the upper portion 406 of the housing 418 to the lower portion of the housing 418 (105 in FIG. 1).

[0103] In use, the top portion 406 of the outer body 418 and the liquid container 422 are connected to the rest of the device (e.g., as shown diagrammatically for device 100 in FIG. 1) and when a user inhales on the flavoring element 434, air is drawn in through the air inlet (120 in FIG. 1). The heater (110 in FIG. 1) volatilizes the liquid 416 held in the liquid container 422 into the inhaled air to produce a vapor or aerosol stream that flows through a channel (not shown) in the liquid container 422 into a recess 460 in the liquid container 422, through the flavoring element 434, and out the top end 434a of the flavoring element 434 to be inhaled by the user. If the flavoring element 434 includes one or more ingredients, the vapor or aerosol stream through the flavoring element 434 will entrain the one or more ingredients.

[0104] In the above examples, the liquid reservoir 122, 222, 322, 422 is annular and defines a cylindrical channel (not shown) that runs through the length of the liquid reservoir 122, 222, 322, 422. However, in other examples, the liquid reservoir may not be annular in shape and / or the cartridge 104 may include an outer shell that defines an annular channel for vapor or aerosol flow between the outer shell and the liquid reservoir.

[0105] Although the above examples refer to the use of a cartridge 104, it will be appreciated that there are many configurations of so-called e-cigarettes (some of which do not have such a cartridge, e.g., a refillable liquid container integral to the device 100), and that the above examples may be applicable to these or other configurations.

[0106] Although the above examples refer to flavor elements that are cylindrical or have cylindrical portions to be received within a cylindrical hole or aperture in the mouthpiece and / or a recess in the liquid container, the cross-section of the flavor element may be of any shape (e.g., oval, square, polygonal) and the hole or portion thereof in the mouthpiece and / or the recess or portion thereof in the liquid container may be of any cross-sectional shape that corresponds to the cross-section of the flavor container.

[0107] In the above examples, the mouthpiece is provided with a chamfer at the opening of the hole at the device end of the mouthpiece for contacting the liquid container, but this is not necessarily the case. In other examples, the mouthpiece may not include such a chamfer. For example, the surface of the mouthpiece at the opening at the device end may be flush with the surface of the liquid container (i.e., the head of the structure), thereby forming a seal between the mouthpiece and the liquid container. In another example, the mouthpiece is alternatively or additionally provided with a protruding annular wall or lip at the opening of the hole at the device end of the mouthpiece for contacting the liquid container, for example a corresponding protruding annular wall or lip for contacting the inner surface of the protruding annular wall or lip at the rim of the liquid container. In still other examples, there may be no such seal between the liquid container and the mouthpiece. For example, in the first and third examples above, where the user can suck on the flavoring element rather than the mouthpiece itself, there may be an alternative or additional seal between the flavoring element and the liquid container.

[0108] The liquid 116, 216, 316, 416 is preferably a liquid that volatilizes at a suitable temperature, such as a temperature in the range of 100-300°C, more preferably about 150-250°C, thereby helping to reduce power consumption of the device in which the cartridge is used. Suitable materials include those conventionally used in e-cigarette devices, including, for example, propylene glycol and glycerol (also known as glycerin). Also, as described in connection with the above examples, the flavoring element may be or include a material that can be used to impart flavoring (or other ingredients) to the aerosol or vapor generated from the liquid as the aerosol or vapor passes through the flavoring element. For example, the material may include an ingredient that provides a cooling sensation, a heating sensation, a nutritional benefit, a stimulating benefit, or an ingredient that produces or induces another sensation or benefit to the user. The material may, for example, consist of or include tobacco. When the aerosol or vapor passes through the tobacco material, it entrains organic and other compounds or components from the tobacco material that give tobacco its organoleptic properties and thus impart flavor as the aerosol or vapor passes through the mouthpiece. Materials other than tobacco can also be used to impart different flavors to the aerosol or vapor stream. For example, materials other than tobacco can be mixed with tobacco or other materials, such as blends of vanilla pods, star anise, mint leaves, other herbs, etc. For example, flavorings can be included in the material or the liquid, or both. In examples where flavorings are included in both the flavoring element and the liquid, the vapor or aerosol generated can be flavored with a first flavoring and the flavoring element can impart a second flavoring to the vapor or aerosol passing through the flavoring element. The first and second flavorings can be the same, in which case the flavoring element functions to enhance the flavor of the vapor or aerosol passing through the flavoring element. The first flavor and the second flavor may be different, in which case the flavor element functions to change the flavor of the vapor or aerosol passing through it, thus allowing the user to easily customize the flavor of the vapor or aerosol that exits the device for inhalation.

[0109] In any of the above examples, the device controller can control the operation of the entire device. The controller can, for example, power the heater when required and switch off the heater when heating is not required. The operation of the heater can be controlled so that the liquid and / or the material of the perfume element is heated to an optimal temperature. Particular considerations are to ensure that the perfume element does not burn, to ensure that proper vaporization of the liquid is achieved, to ensure that the vaporized liquid or aerosol is at a suitable temperature to liberate the compounds from the vapor, and to ensure that the vapor or aerosol reaching the user is at a comfortable and safe temperature, etc. A puff detector (a device known per se) may be provided to signal the controller when the heater needs to be energized. Alternatively or additionally, the user may control the device via an external interface (not shown) of the controller or the entire device, for example via a wireless control signal or Bluetooth from a separate control device such as a smartphone.

[0110] In use, the material of the perfume element may be heated by a vapor or aerosol having a higher temperature than the material, it being understood that any temperature above the ambient temperature of the material and / or any temperature above the ambient temperature of the entire device will increase the release of ingredients from the solid material.

[0111] In use, the liquid may be heated to a temperature within the range of about 100-300°C, more preferably about 150-250°C. Suitable liquid materials 116, 216, 316, 416 include materials that upon heating emit volatile components, typically in the form of an aerosol. Suitable materials for or contained in the flavouring element include any tobacco-containing material, such as one or more of tobacco itself, different types of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, pelleted tobacco, extruded tobacco, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, ground tobacco, tobacco extracts, homogenized tobacco or tobacco substitutes, etc. In the case of tobacco, the material may be in the form of tobacco rods, tobacco pods or plugs, loose tobacco, agglomerates, etc., and may be in a relatively dry or relatively moist form. The tobacco may be modified, for example to modify its pH, or modified, for example chemically, to enhance the release of selected components of the tobacco, such as nicotine. Suitable solid materials may include other non-tobacco products, such as those that contain nicotine or not, depending on the product.The tobacco rod may be formed using a wrapping material.

[0112] As used herein, the terms "flavoring agent" and "flavoring agent" refer to materials that may be used (where permitted by local regulations) to impart a desired flavor or aroma to products for adult consumers. These materials 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 essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang ylang, and the like). , sage, fennel, pepper, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or 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, or mannitol), and other additives (e.g., charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners). These may be imitation, synthetic, or natural materials, or mixtures thereof. They may take any suitable form, such as oils, liquids, or powders. For example, liquids, oils, or other such liquid flavorings may be impregnated into the porous solid material to impart aroma and / or other properties to the porous solid material. Thus, the liquid or oil is a component of the solid material in which it is impregnated.

[0113] The above embodiments should be understood as exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Any feature described in connection with any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features described, or in combination with one or more features of any other embodiment or in combination with any other embodiment. Moreover, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. [Item of invention] [Item 1] 1. A mouthpiece for a device for generating a breathable medium, comprising: the mouthpiece defining a bore extending from a first opening at a first end of the mouthpiece to a second opening at an opposite end of the mouthpiece; the mouthpiece is configured such that a flavoring element is received in the hole through the first opening for imparting flavor to at least one of a flow of vapor and aerosol passing through the mouthpiece in use; The hole has a first radial dimension near the first opening and a second radial dimension near the second opening, the second radial dimension being smaller than the first radial dimension. [Item 2] 2. The mouthpiece according to item 1, wherein the second radial dimension is adjusted to prevent the flavoring element contained in the hole from passing through the first opening to the second opening during use. [Item 3] 3. The mouthpiece of claim 1 or 2, wherein the hole is or comprises a stepped hole, the stepped hole comprising a first hole portion having the first radial dimension and a second hole portion having the second radial dimension. [Item 4] 4. The mouthpiece according to item 3, wherein the stepped portion of the stepped hole is configured to prevent the flavoring element from passing through the second opening. [Item 5] 5. The mouthpiece of claim 3 or 4, wherein at least a portion of the stepped hole adjacent the first opening is cylindrical. [Item 6] 6. The mouthpiece according to any one of items 3 to 5, wherein the stepped portion of the stepped hole supports the flavor element housed in the hole through the first opening during use. [Item 7] The mouthpiece according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the flavoring element accommodated in the hole through the first opening protrudes beyond the first opening during use. [Item 8] 8. The mouthpiece according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the first opening is at a mouth end of the mouthpiece and the second opening is at a device end of the mouthpiece. [Item 9] Item 9. The mouthpiece of item 8, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a chamfer at the second opening for engaging a component of the device. [Item 10] 8. The mouthpiece according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the first opening is at an apparatus end of the mouthpiece and the second opening is at a mouth end of the mouthpiece. [Item 11] Item 11. The mouthpiece of item 10, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a chamfer at the first opening for engaging a component of the device. [Item 12] 12. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the device side end of the mouthpiece is configured to be releasably connectable to the device. [Item 13] 13. The mouthpiece according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the mouthpiece is configured such that, when the fragrance element is housed in the hole through the first opening during use, the fragrance element can be removed from the hole through the first opening and / or replaced by being placed into the hole through the first opening. [Item 14] Item 14. The mouthpiece according to any one of items 1 to 13, comprising the flavoring element accommodated in the hole through the first opening. [Item 15] Item 15. The mouthpiece according to item 14, wherein a cross-section of the flavor element coincides with a cross-section of the hole. [Item 16] 16. The mouthpiece according to item 14 or 15, wherein the flavour element is one or more of self-supporting, porous and cylindrical and / or comprises a cylindrical portion. [Item 17] 17. The mouthpiece according to any one of items 14 to 16, wherein the flavor element is tobacco or contains tobacco. [Item 18] Item 18. The mouthpiece according to any one of items 14 to 17, wherein the flavoring element protrudes beyond the first opening. [Item 19] Item 19. The mouthpiece according to any one of items 14 to 18, wherein the flavoring element is configured to form a flow path for at least one of aerosol and vapor, the flow path extending from one end of the flavoring element to the other end. [Item 20] 20. A device for generating a inhalable medium, comprising a mouthpiece according to any one of items 1 to 19. [Item 21] The flavoring element is received in the hole through the first opening of the mouthpiece, The device comprises: a container for holding a liquid; a heater for volatilizing a liquid held within the container to generate a stream of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol in use; Equipped with 21. The device of claim 20, wherein the flow of at least one of vapour and aerosol passes through the perfume element for inhalation by a user in use. [Item 22] 22. The device according to item 21, wherein the perfume element comprises one or more ingredients, and in use the flow of at least one of vapour and aerosol through the perfume element entrains one or more of the ingredients. [Item 23] 23. The device according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the first opening of the mouthpiece is at a device end of the mouthpiece and the container for holding a liquid comprises a recess for accommodating the flavoring element. [Item 24] 1. A mouthpiece for a device for generating a breathable medium, comprising: the mouthpiece defines a bore extending from a first opening at a mouth end of the mouthpiece to a second opening at an opposite appliance end of the mouthpiece; the mouthpiece is configured such that a flavoring element is received in the aperture for imparting flavor to at least one of a flow of vapor and aerosol passing through the mouthpiece in use; The mouthpiece is configured such that, in use, the flavoring element contained in the hole protrudes beyond the first opening to be received in a user's mouth and protrudes beyond the second opening to contact a component of the device. [Item 25] Item 25. The mouthpiece of item 24, wherein the device end of the mouthpiece is configured to be releasably connectable to the device. [Item 26] 26. The mouthpiece according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the second opening is provided with a chamfer for interface with the component of the device. Mouthpiece . [Item 27] 27. The mouthpiece according to any one of items 24 to 26, wherein the mouthpiece is configured so that the flavor element, when housed in the hole, can be removed from the hole and / or placed in the hole and replaced. [Item 28] 28. The mouthpiece according to any one of items 24 to 27, comprising the flavor element housed in the hole. [Item 29] Item 29. The mouthpiece according to item 28, wherein the flavor element protrudes beyond the first opening and protrudes beyond the second opening. [Item 30] 30. The mouthpiece according to item 28 or 29, wherein a cross-section of the flavoring element coincides with a cross-section of the hole. [Item 31] 31. The mouthpiece according to any one of items 28 to 30, wherein the flavor element is one or more of self-supporting, porous and cylindrical, and / or comprises a cylindrical portion. [Item 32] 32. The mouthpiece according to any one of items 28 to 31, wherein the flavor element is tobacco or contains tobacco. [Item 33] Item 33. The mouthpiece according to any one of items 28 to 32, wherein the flavoring element is configured to form a flow path for at least one of aerosol and vapor, the flow path extending from one end of the flavoring element to the other end. [Item 34] 34. A device for generating a inhalable medium, comprising a mouthpiece according to any one of items 24 to 33. [Item 35] The flavoring element is accommodated in the hole of the mouthpiece, The device comprises: a container for holding a liquid; a heater for volatilizing a liquid held within the container to generate a stream of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol in use; Equipped with Item 35. The device of item 34, wherein in use, the flow of at least one of vapour and aerosol passes through the perfume element to be inhaled by a user. [Item 36] Item 36. The device according to item 35, wherein the perfume element comprises one or more ingredients, and wherein in use the flow of at least one of vapour and aerosol through the perfume element entrains one or more of the ingredients. [Item 37] 37. The device according to item 35 or 36, wherein the container for holding a liquid comprises a recess for accommodating the perfume element. [Item 38] 1. A mouthpiece for a device for generating a breathable medium, comprising: the mouthpiece defining an aperture for receiving a flavoring element for imparting flavor to at least one of a flow of vapor and aerosol passing through the mouthpiece in use; the aperture extends from a first opening at a mouth end of the mouthpiece to a second opening at an opposite appliance end of the mouthpiece; The mouthpiece includes a chamfer at the second opening for abutting a component of the device to form a seal between the component and the mouthpiece. [Item 39] Item 39. The mouthpiece of item 38, wherein the device end of the mouthpiece is configured to be releasably connectable to the device. [Item 40] 40. The mouthpiece of claim 38 or 39, wherein the second opening is circular. [Item 41] 41. The mouthpiece according to any one of items 38 to 40, wherein the flavor element, when housed in the hole, is configured so that it can be removed from the hole and / or placed in the hole and replaced. [Item 42] Item 42. The mouthpiece according to any one of items 38 to 41, comprising the flavor element housed in the hole. [Item 43] Item 43. The mouthpiece according to item 42, wherein a cross-section of the flavor element coincides with a cross-section of the hole. [Item 44] 44. The mouthpiece according to item 42 or 43, wherein the flavour element is one or more of self-supporting, porous and cylindrical and / or comprises a cylindrical portion. [Item 45] 45. The mouthpiece according to any one of items 42 to 44, wherein the flavor element is tobacco or contains tobacco. [Item 46] Item 46. The mouthpiece according to any one of items 42 to 45, wherein the flavoring element is configured to form a flow path for the flow of at least one of aerosol and vapor extending from one end of the flavoring element to the other end of the flavoring element. [Item 47] 47. A device comprising the mouthpiece according to any one of items 38 to 46 and a container for holding a liquid, wherein a rim of the container contacts the chamfer of the mouthpiece to form a seal between the container and the mouthpiece. [Item 48] Item 48. The device according to item 47, wherein the container comprises a recess for accommodating the perfume element. [Item 49] a heater for volatilizing a liquid held in the container to generate, in use, the stream of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol; Item 49. A device according to item 47 or 48, wherein in use the flow of at least one of vapour and aerosol flows from the outlet of the container through the second opening in the mouthpiece and into the hole. [Item 50] A perfume element is provided in the hole, 50. The device of claim 49, wherein in use, the flow of at least one of vapour and aerosol flows from the outlet of the container through the flavouring element and into the mouth of a user. [Item 51] 51. A device according to item 50, wherein the perfume element comprises one or more ingredients, and in use the flow of at least one of vapour and aerosol through the perfume element entrains one or more of the ingredients.

Claims

1. 1. A mouthpiece for a device for generating a breathable medium, comprising: the mouthpiece defining a bore extending from a first opening at a mouth end of the mouthpiece to a second opening at an opposite appliance end of the mouthpiece; the mouthpiece comprising a flavouring element received in the aperture for imparting flavour to at least one of a flow of vapour and aerosol passing through the mouthpiece in use; The mouthpiece is configured such that the flavoring element contained in the hole protrudes beyond the first opening to be received in a user's mouth and protrudes beyond the second opening to contact a component of the device.

2. The mouthpiece of claim 1 , wherein the device end of the mouthpiece is configured for releasable connection to the device.

3. 3. The mouthpiece of claim 1 or 2, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a chamfer at the second opening for abutting the component of the device.

4. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mouthpiece is configured such that, when the fragrance element is housed in the hole, it can be removed from the hole and / or inserted into the hole and replaced.

5. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a cross section of the flavouring element coincides with a cross section of the hole.

6. A mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flavour element is one or more of self-supporting, porous and cylindrical and / or comprises a cylindrical portion.

7. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the flavouring element is tobacco or contains tobacco.

8. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the flavouring element is configured to form a flow path for at least one of aerosol and vapour flow extending from one end of the flavouring element to the other end.

9. A device for generating a suctionable medium, comprising a mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The apparatus comprises: a container for holding a liquid; a heater for volatilizing a liquid held within the container to generate a stream of at least one of a vapor and an aerosol in use; Equipped with 10. The device of claim 9, wherein, in use, the flow of at least one of vapour and aerosol passes through the perfume element to be inhaled by a user.

11. 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the perfume element comprises one or more ingredients, and wherein in use the flow of at least one of vapour and aerosol through the perfume element entrains one or more of the ingredients.

12. 12. A device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the container for holding a liquid comprises a recess for accommodating the perfume element.

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