Aerosol generation

Abstract

To provide an aerosol-generating article where, in use, a wetting agent is combined with a solid basic material and an aerosolizable material on actuation of a combining mechanism by a user.SOLUTION: An aerosol-generating article comprises: (i) an aerosolizable material 10 comprising nicotine; (ii) a solid basic material 14; and (iii) a wetting agent. In use, the wetting agent is combined with the solid basic material 14 and the aerosolizable material 10 on actuation of a combining mechanism by a user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to, but is not limited to, aerosol generating articles, aerosol generating assemblies, kits, and methods of generating an inhalable medium.

Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco during use to generate smoke. Some alternatives to these types of smoking articles release compounds without burning to form an inhalable medium, and are sometimes referred to as aerosol generating devices.

[0003] Examples of such products include tobacco heating products or non-combustion heating products, also known as tobacco heating devices. In such devices, a solid aerosolizable material, which may or may not contain tobacco, is heated without burning to form an inhalable medium. Components of the solid aerosolizable material volatilize to form a vapor or aerosol. The inhalable medium may optionally contain nicotine.

[0004] Further examples of such products include electronic cigarette hybrid devices or electronic cigarette / non-combustion heating hybrid devices, also simply known as hybrid devices. These hybrid devices contain a vapor or aerosol precursor (such as a liquid or gel) that vaporizes upon heating to produce a vapor or aerosol. The vapor precursor may contain flavorants such as glycerin and in some examples nicotine and / or aerosol generating substances. The vapor or aerosol passes through a base material within the device and entrains one or more components of the base material to produce the inhaled medium. The base material may be, for example, a combination such as tobacco, other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine, or a blend mix.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] In some embodiments described herein, the present invention provides an aerosol-generating product comprising (i) an aerosolizable material containing nicotine, (ii) a solid basic material, and (iii) a wetting agent, wherein the wetting agent is mixed with the solid basic material and the aerosolizable material when the user initiates a mixing mechanism during use.

[0006] In some embodiments, the present invention provides an aerosol generating assembly comprising a heater and an aerosol generating product according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0007] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a kit comprising an aerosol generating product according to other embodiments of the present invention and an apparatus including a heater used to generate an aspirable medium.

[0008] The present invention also provides a method for generating an inhalable medium, which includes mixing a wetting agent and a solid basic material with an aerosolizable material containing nicotine to release nicotine from the aerosolizable material, and volatilizing the components of the aerosolizable material to form an inhalable medium.

[0009] The present invention also provides a method for sustained nicotine release from a nicotine-containing aerosolizable material, comprising: providing a composition comprising a wetting agent, a solid basic material, and an aerosolizable material; mixing the wetting agent and the composition to form a basic solution; and releasing nicotine from the aerosolizable material.

[0010] The present invention also provides the use of a wetting agent release for the sustained release of nicotine from an aerosolizable material containing nicotine, wherein the aerosolizable material is mixed with a solid basic material, and the wetting agent is brought into contact with the solid basic material and the aerosolizable material, resulting in the release of nicotine from the aerosolizable material, and the components of the aerosolizable material are volatilized to form an inhalable medium.

[0011] The present invention also provides a cartridge for use in a device for containing an aspirable medium, comprising a solid basic material and an aerosolizable material containing nicotine, the cartridge being configured for use in a device for which a wetting agent storage unit is included.

[0012] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which are merely illustrative examples and refer to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] An example of a generator for aspirable media according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of a device for generating an aspirable medium. [Figure 2] This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of another example of a generator for generating an aspirable medium. [Figure 3] This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of another example of a generator for generating an aspirable medium. [Figure 4] This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of a cartridge having an integrated container for liquids and solid materials. [Figure 5] This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an example of a cartridge having a removable container for liquids and solid materials. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Tobacco can be treated with a base and water to make it easier to release nicotine from the tobacco. Nicotine is released from the nicotine salts in the tobacco through a reaction with the base. Then, the nicotine vaporizes at low temperatures when used.

[0016] The inventors discovered that when base-treated tobacco is used in a conventional e-cigarette hybrid device, the amount of nicotine delivered per puff during use is significantly reduced. The reaction between the base and nicotine occurs immediately, and the pH-treated nicotine is quickly released thereafter, so the amount delivered during consumption decreases with each puff. The inventors also observed that the nicotine from base-pH-treated tobacco may be lost from the device before use due to its high volatility.

[0017] This invention improves the consistency of nicotine delivery per puff by delaying the pH treatment of aerosolizable materials containing nicotine (such as tobacco material). This invention uses a wetting agent and a solid basic material together with the aerosolizable material. During use, the wetting agent and solid basic material are mixed and come into contact with the aerosolizable material, forming a basic solution that releases nicotine. In some cases, the rate at which the wetting agent contacts the solid basic material is adjusted during use, thereby adjusting the amount of nicotine released by the pH treatment. The nicotine is not subjected to basic pH treatment before mixing the wetting agent, solid basic material, and aerosolizable material.

[0018] Furthermore, treating tobacco with a basic pH results in the release of ammonia. By adjusting the amount of basic pH treatment, the amount of ammonia released can be controlled, thereby improving the sensory characteristics of tobacco (because the ammonia odor is reduced).

[0019] In some embodiments described herein, the present invention relates to (i) aerosolization containing nicotine. The invention provides an aerosol-generating product comprising (ii) a solid basic material and (iii) a wetting agent, wherein the wetting agent is mixed with the basic material and the aerosolizable material when the user starts the mixing mechanism.

[0020] Aerosolizable materials are usually solids. In some cases, aerosolizable materials include tobacco materials. As used herein, the term "tobacco material" means any material including tobacco or its derivatives. 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 fibers, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stalks, reconstituted tobacco, agglomerated tobacco, spheronized tobacco and / or tobacco extracts.

[0021] In some cases, the moisture content of aerosolizable materials such as tobacco is 15 wt% or less, preferably 10 wt% or less. This reliably minimizes the reaction between the moisture present in the aerosolizable material and the solid basic material.

[0022] The tobacco used to make the tobacco material may be any suitable tobacco including virginia and / or burley and / or oriental, single grades or blends, cut scraps or whole leaves. It may also be other processed stalk materials such as tobacco particles "fine powder" or dust, expanded tobacco, stalks, expanded stalks and cut and rolled stalks. The tobacco material may be powdered tobacco or reconstituted tobacco material. The reconstituted tobacco material may be tobacco fibers and may be formed by casting, a Fourdrinier papermaking process with subsequent addition of tobacco extracts or extrusion.

[0023] The aerosolizable material may additionally contain flavorants and / or aerosol generators.

[0024] The aerosolizable material may additionally contain one or more casing such as invert sugar, molasses, cane sugar, honey, cocoa, licorice, polyols such as glycerin and propylene glycol and acids such as malic acid.

[0025] The aerosolizable material may additionally contain one or more binders such as alginates, celluloses or modified celluloses, starches or processed starches or natural rubbers. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material contains an alginate such as sodium alginate, calcium alginate, potassium alginate or ammonium alginate.

[0026] The aerosolizable material may additionally contain one or more fillers. Preferably, the filler may contain inorganic materials such as calcium carbonate, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate and magnesium carbonate. In some cases, the filler contains chalk. Preferably, the filler may contain organic fillers such as wood pulp, cellulose and cellulose derivatives.

[0027] In some cases, the aerosolizable material and the solid basic material are provided as a mixture, preferably a homogeneous mixture. In some cases, the density of the solid basic material is within the range of about 10% or 5% of the density of the aerosolizable material, thereby minimizing the separation of these members in the mixture.

[0028] In some cases, the weight ratio calculated on a dry weight basis of the solid basic material to the aerosolizable material may be in the range of about 0.05:1 to about 0.15:1, preferably 0.05:1 to 0.1:1.

[0029] In another case, the solid basic material may be provided separately from the aerosolizable material, and the solid basic material is provided upstream of the aerosolizable material (in this case, upstream means the direction of the aerosol flow during use). In such a case, the solid basic material may be provided in a separate chamber from the aerosolizable material, or both components may be provided in the same chamber having the solid basic material provided at the upstream end.

[0030] As used herein, the term "solid basic material" forms a basic solution when dissolved in a wetting agent. This refers to any material that forms a basic solution. Preferably, the material forms a basic solution with a pH greater than about 8. Preferably, the material forms a basic solution with a pH less than about 10. Preferably, the material forms a basic solution with a pH less than about 8. In some cases, solid basic materials include sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, calcium carbonate, or mixtures thereof.

[0031] In some cases, the wetting agent includes an aerosol generator and / or water. In some cases, the wetting agent includes at least one of water, glycerin, and propylene glycol.

[0032] In some cases, mixing a wetting agent with a solid basic material and an aerosolizable material containing nicotine is a puff starter. This means that the pH treatment of the aerosolizable material occurs only during the puff, and nicotine release is minimized during the puff (reducing unintended nicotine loss and providing a sustained release of nicotine throughout the consumption period). In other words, in some cases, the aerosol generating material is configured for use in an aerosol generating device that includes a puff detector.

[0033] In some cases, the wetting agent is encapsulated, and the capsule is to be ruptured upon use, releasing the wetting agent to mix with the solid basic material. In some such cases, the capsule may be crushable, and the release of the wetting agent is performed by the user crushing the capsule upon use. In some such cases, the capsule may be ruptured by a puncturing member. In one example, the puncturing member may be brought into contact with the capsule by the user, and such action may be, for example, button-activated. In another case, the puncturing member may be provided as part of a device into which an article is inserted, in which case the member ruptures the capsule when the article is inserted. In yet another case, the wetting agent is encapsulated by an encapsulating material that melts, decomposes, reacts, degrades, swells, dissolves or deforms, releasing the wetting agent at a temperature higher than room temperature but lower than the temperature reached during use. For example, the wetting agent may be encapsulated by an encapsulating material selected from polysaccharides or cellulose-based barrier materials, gelatin, rubber, gel, wax, or mixtures thereof. In some cases, the encapsulating material is selected from one or more of the following: alginates, dextran, maltodextrin, cyclodextrin, pectin, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose ethers, gum arabic, gum gatcha, gum tragacanth, gum karaya, gum carob, gum acacia, gum guar, gum quince, gum xanthanga, agar gel, agarose gel, carrageenan, freudan, ferceleran, and carnauba wax.

[0034] In some cases, the wetting agent is heated during use to form vapor and / or aerosol, and during use, the vapor and / or aerosol flows and comes into contact with the solid basic material. For example, the article may be configured for use in an e-cigarette hybrid device, and the wetting agent may be provided as a component of a vapor or aerosol precursor (such as a liquid or gel) that is vaporized by heating to produce vapor and / or aerosol. The assembly is configured to flow vapor and / or aerosol so as to come into contact with the solid basic material and the aerosolizable material. The flowing vapor / aerosol containing the wetting agent dissolves the solid basic material and the basic solution This process involves pH-treating the aerosolizable material, thereby releasing nicotine. In some cases, the volatilization of the wet material is initiated by the puff. This means that the pH treatment of the aerosolizable material occurs only during the puff, minimizing nicotine release during the puff (reducing unintended nicotine loss and providing a sustained release of nicotine throughout the consumption period).

[0035] In some cases, the wetting agent is pressurized into the pump by the user during operation and comes into contact with the basic material. The pump may be provided as part of the aerosolizer into which the aerosolizer is inserted. In some such cases, the pump may be started, for example, by a button, which allows the user to control the pH treatment rate of the aerosolizable material and thereby control the amount of nicotine released. In some other cases, the pump may be started by a puff, which causes the pH treatment of the aerosolizable material to occur only during the puff, minimizing nicotine release during the puff (reducing unintended nicotine loss and providing a sustained release of nicotine during consumption).

[0036] The aerosol-generating component may be provided as a single component or as two or more components. For example, the wetting agent may be provided as a first component, such as a liquid pod for use in an e-cigarette hybrid device, and the aerosolizable material and solid basic material may be provided together as a second component, such as a tobacco pod for use in an e-cigarette hybrid device. These components may optionally be clipped together for insertion into the device. In some examples, these separate components may be inserted into the device individually.

[0037] The present invention also provides an aerosol generating assembly comprising a heater and an aerosol generating product according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] In one embodiment, the heater is started by a battery. In another embodiment, the heater or each heater is an electrical resistance heater.

[0039] In some cases, the aggregate may be a non-combustible heated aggregate in which the aerosolizable material is heated during use to generate an aspirable medium.

[0040] In some cases, the assembly may be an e-cigarette hybrid assembly. In some such cases, the wetting agent may be provided as a component of the first volatile material. When this material is heated, the volatile material volatilizes, forming an aerosol and / or vapor containing the wetting agent. The aerosol and / or vapor flows through the assembly and comes into contact with the aerosolizable material and the solid basic material, releasing nicotine. In some other examples, the wetting agent may be incorporated into the e-cigarette hybrid assembly in other ways described herein, such as in an encapsulated form.

[0041] In some specific cases, the present invention A container for holding a first volatile material containing a wetting agent, A heater for evaporating the first volatile material held in the container, A chamber containing an aerosolizable material containing nicotine and a solid basic material, It provides an assembly that includes an exit, The system is configured such that, during use, a first volatile material containing a wetting agent is evaporated by a heater to form vapor and / or aerosol, which passes through a chamber containing an aerosolizable material and a solid basic material, entraining one or more components of the aerosolizable material, thereby forming an aspirable medium that passes through an outlet.

[0042] In some cases, the first volatile material includes a liquid or a gel. The first volatile material may also be referred to separately as a vapor / aerosol precursor. Preferably, the first volatile material includes a liquid, is substantially liquid, or consists of a liquid. Suitable liquids include components conventionally used in e-cigarette liquids.

[0043] The first volatile material may contain an aerosol-generating agent such as propylene glycol and / or glycerin. In addition, it may optionally contain a flavoring. The material typically evaporates at approximately 150-250°C.

[0044] In some cases, aerosolizable materials and / or solid basic materials may be porous to allow aerosols or vapors to pass through the material. This provides a large contact area for the material to come into contact with the aerosols and / or vapors.

[0045] Preferably, the aerosolizable material (before use) may have a pH of less than approximately 7, as measured according to the CORESTA protocol for measuring the pH of tobacco.

[0046] The first volatile material may contain an aerosol-generating agent such as propylene glycol and / or glycerin. In addition, it may optionally contain a flavoring. The material typically evaporates at approximately 150-250°C.

[0047] In some cases, the assembly heats the aerosolizable material during use to facilitate the release of its components into the inhaled medium. In some cases, a single heater may heat both the first volatile material and the aerosolizable material. In some cases, a second heater may be provided to heat the aerosolizable material. In some cases, the device does not heat the aerosolizable material, but relies on the heat carried by the vapor / aerosol to warm the material (thus volatilizing the components of the material subsequently entrained in the vapor / aerosol stream).

[0048] In one embodiment, the assembly includes a cooler or cooling region downstream of a heater and upstream of a chamber containing an aerosolizable material, the cooler or cooling region cooling the evaporated material to form an aerosol of droplets that pass through the chamber of the aerosolizable material when in use. The cooler is positioned to actually act as a heat exchanger and can recover heat from the vapor. The recovered heat can be used, for example, to preheat the aerosolizable material and / or to assist in heating a first volatile material.

[0049] In one embodiment, the heater is activated by a puff. That is, the device of the present invention includes a puff detector that heats the first volatile material only when a puff is detected. This forms vapor / aerosol in the device only while puffing, thereby ensuring that the pH treatment of the tobacco material occurs only during the puff. This further delays the pH treatment of the tobacco, reduces unintended nicotine loss, and sustains nicotine delivery throughout consumption.

[0050] In one embodiment, the container holding the first volatile material is removable. The container may be in the form of a pot (which may be, for example, annular in some embodiments) and / or cotton wool. In practice, the container may be a disposable item that is replaced entirely after use. Alternatively, the device may be configured so that the user removes the container from the device, replaces the used volatile material or refills the container with volatile material, and then returns the container to the device.

[0051] In some cases, the container may not need to be removed from the device. In such embodiments, the user only needs to replace or refill the container with used material as needed after use.

[0052] In some cases, the container and chamber are an integrated unit. In other cases, this integrated unit is a cartridge that can be removed from the device. Such a unit is an aerosol generating product according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] In some cases, the chamber can be removed from the device. The chamber may be in the form of a cartridge containing, for example, an aerosolizable material (and optionally a solid basic material) before use. The entire chamber containing the aerosolizable material (and optionally a solid basic material) may actually be a disposable item that is replaced as a whole after use. Alternatively, the device may be configured so that the user removes the chamber from the device, replaces the used material in the chamber, and then returns the chamber to the device.

[0054] The present invention also provides a cartridge for use in a device for containing an aspirable medium, comprising a solid basic material and an aerosolizable material containing nicotine, the cartridge being configured for use in a device including a wetting agent storage section. Preferably, the cartridge is intended for use in a device for generating an aspirable medium as described herein.

[0055] The present invention also provides a kit comprising an aerosol generating product according to an embodiment of the present invention and a device used to generate an aspirable medium, the device including a heater. The features described above with respect to the assembly are more clearly disclosed in combination with embodiments of the kit of the present invention, and the features described with respect to the assembly may also be features of the device. Thus, for example, the device may include one or more of the following: a puff actuator, a cooling member or cooling area, an actuation means such as a button, an additional heater, a pump for a wetting agent, etc.

[0056] The features described with respect to the aerosol generating assembly of the present invention are clearly disclosed in combination with the aerosol generating product and vice versa, to the extent that they do not contradict each other. Similarly, the features described with respect to the aerosol generating assembly or the aerosol generating product are clearly disclosed in combination with the cartridge embodiment of the present invention and vice versa.

[0057] Specifically, the characteristics of the aerosolizable materials, solid basic materials, and wetting agents described herein are clearly disclosed in combination with each embodiment of the present invention (to the extent that they do not conflict).

[0058] Examples of aspirable medium generators according to several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring to Figure 1, an example of an aspirable medium generator 1 is shown. In general, the device 1 volatilizes a liquid containing a wetting agent to form a vapor or aerosol, which passes through a mixture of a solid basic material and tobacco material to produce an aspirable medium containing one or more components obtained from the tobacco material.

[0059] In this regard, the first thing to note is that vapor is generally a gaseous substance at temperatures below its critical temperature, which means that, for example, vapor can condense into a liquid by increasing its pressure without lowering its temperature. On the other hand, aerosols are generally colloids of fine solid particles or droplets in air or another gas. A "colloid" is a substance in which microscopically dispersed insoluble particles are suspended throughout another substance.

[0060] Referring again to Figure 1, the device 1 in this example has a substantially hollow cylindrical outer housing 2. The housing 2 has an open end 3. In this example, a tubular mouthpiece 4 is provided at the open end 3. The mouthpiece 4 in this example can be removed by the user from the housing 2. An O-ring or other sealing member 5 assists in sealing the mouthpiece 4 within the housing 2. At the other end 6 of the housing 2 or towards the other end is a battery 7 for supplying power to various components of the device 1, as will be further described below. The battery 7 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. A controller 8 is also provided in the housing 2 to control the operation of various components of the device 1, as will be further described below.

[0061] The housing 2 has a container 9 that holds or contains a volatile material, which in this example is a liquid 10. The volatile material includes a wetting agent such as water. Various different shapes may be used for the container 9. In the example in Figure 1, the container 9 is a shape 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 has two parts, namely a first part 2a on the open end 3 side and a second part on the other end 6 side portionIt consists of 2b. The first and second parts 2a and 2b of the housing 2 may be connected to each other by screw threads, bayonet fittings, etc. When in use, the user can separate the first and second parts 2a and 2b of the housing 2 and replenish or replace the liquid 10 as needed. Alternatively, the mouthpiece 4 may be removed to allow access to the container. However, other configurations are certainly possible. For example, the liquid 10 may be provided in a separate annular pot-shaped container that can be removed entirely from the housing 2. Such a separate container may be disposable so that the user can replace the liquid 10 by fitting a new container containing the liquid 10 into the housing 2. Alternatively, such a container may be reusable. In such a case, the user may replenish or replace the liquid 10 in the container while the container is removed from the housing 2 and then return the replenished container to the housing. Of course, the housing 2 does not have to consist of two parts and may have other configurations that allow the user to access it, such as allowing on-the-spot replenishment.

[0062] The heater 11 is located approximately in the center of the housing 2, that is, in this example, along the length and width of the housing. In this example, the heater 11 is powered by the battery 7 and is therefore electrically connected to the battery 7. The heater 11 may be an electrically resistive heater, including, for example, a nichrome resistive heater or a ceramic heater. The heater 11 may also be a wire, which may be in the shape of a coil, a plate (which may be a multilayer plate made of two or more different materials, one or more of which may be conductive and one or more which may be non-conductive), a mesh (which may be woven or unwoven and have a similar multilayer structure), a film heater, etc. Other heating devices, such as non-electric heating devices, may also be used.

[0063] The heater 11 is provided to volatilize the liquid 10. In the illustrated example, an annular core 12 surrounds the heater 11 and is in (thermal) contact with the heater 11. The outermost surface of the annular core 12 is in contact with the liquid 10 contained in the liquid container 9. The core 12 is generally an absorbent material and acts to draw the liquid 10 from the liquid container 9 by capillary action. The core 12 is preferably nonwoven, and may be, for example, cotton or wool, or a synthetic material including, for example, polyester, nylon, viscose, polypropylene, etc. This will be explained in more detail later, but it is important to note here that when used, the liquid 10 drawn in by the core is heated by the heater 11. The liquid 10 may be volatilized to produce aerosol droplets, or it may be heated sufficiently to produce vapor. The aerosol or vapor thus produced leaves the core 12 and moves toward the mouthpiece 4 by the suction action of the user's mouthpiece 4, as shown by arrow A. The heater 11 and the wick 12 may be provided as a single, effectively integrated item, possibly referred to as an "atomizer," so that heating and suction are effectively performed in a single unit.

[0064] The housing 2 further includes a chamber 13 that holds or contains a solid substrate 14 within the device 1. The substrate 14 is a granular mixture containing tobacco material and a solid basic material such as calcium carbonate. During use, the user can access the chamber 13 to replace or replenish the solid substrate 14 through the open end 3 of the housing 2 by removing the mouthpiece 4 and / or separating the two parts 2a, 2b of the housing 2. Various different shapes may be used for the chamber 13. For example, the chamber 13 may be a tube with both ends completely open and containing the solid substrate 14. As another example, the chamber 13 may be a tube with one or more end walls, these end walls may have through holes through which vapor or aerosol can pass. The chamber 13 remains in the housing 2 and the user removes and replaces the solid substrate 14. Separately, the chamber 13 containing the solid substrate 14 may be a separate item that is inserted into the housing 2 as a whole and removed during use. This type of removable chamber may be disposable for the user to replace the solid substrate 14 by fitting a new chamber 13 containing fresh solid substrate 14 into the housing 2. Apart from this, the chamber 13 may be reusable. In such a case, the user may remove the chamber 13 from the housing 2, replace the solid substrate 14 inside the chamber 13, and replace the chamber 13 with a replenished one in the housing 2. In yet another example, the chamber 13 may include clips provided inside the housing 2 to hold the solid substrate 14 in place. In some examples, the solid substrate 14 may simply slide into the chamber 13. In yet another example, the container 9 for containing the liquid 10 may be configured itself to support or carry the solid substrate 14. For example, the container 9 may have one or more clips or tubes, etc., to receive and hold the solid substrate 14 in place. Such a dual-function container 9 / chamber or receiving part 13 for both containing the liquid 10 and receiving the solid substrate 14 may be in the form of a cartridge, etc., may be a disposable item, or may be reusable in which the liquid 10 and solid substrate 14 are replaced or refilled by the user as needed.In some cases, the user only needs to occasionally top up or replace the solid base material 14 so that there is enough liquid 10 for several uses. When the liquid 10 is consumed, the user discards the container 9 / receiving section 13 with these two functions and uses a new one. Similarly, there may be enough solid base material 14 for several uses, and the user only needs to top up or replace the liquid 10 from time to time. When the solid base material 14 is consumed, the user discards the container 9 / receiving section 13 with these two functions and uses a new one. Specific examples of the container 9 / receiving section 13 with these two functions are described below.

[0065] The solid substrate 14 is located within the housing 2, downstream of where the aerosol or vapor is produced from the liquid 10, and upstream of the opening end 3 and mouthpiece 4. In this particular example, the solid substrate 14 is effectively provided as a wick 12 in the same part or chamber of the housing 2. The aerosol or vapor produced from the liquid 10 exits the wick 12 and moves toward the solid substrate 14 by the user's inhalation action through the mouthpiece 4, as indicated by arrow A. In certain embodiments, the solid substrate 14 is porous, so that the aerosol or vapor passes through the material 14 and then through the opening end 3 and mouthpiece 4 of the housing 2. The wetting agent of the aerosol or vapor form comes into contact with the solid basic material to form a basic solution. The base increases the pH of the tobacco, releasing nicotine, which is more easily entrained by the passing vapor / aerosol.

[0066] In some embodiments, the solid substrate 14 and / or its chamber 13 are configured such that there is no gap between the solid substrate 14 / chamber 13 and the inside of the housing 2, and an aerosol or vapor flows through the entire solid substrate 14.

[0067] Preferably, the liquid 10 is a liquid that can volatilize at a reasonable temperature, preferably in the range of 100 to 300°C, more preferably about 150 to 250°C, so as to help reduce the power consumption of the device 1. Suitable materials include those conventionally used in e-cigarette devices, such as propylene glycol and glycerol (known as glycerin).

[0068] The solid substrate 14 imparts flavor to the aerosol or vapor produced from the liquid 10 as the aerosol or vapor passes through the solid substrate 14. As the aerosol or vapor passes through the solid substrate 14, the hot aerosol or vapor carries organic matter and other compounds or components from the solid substrate 14 that give the tobacco its irritating properties, and imparts flavor to the aerosol or vapor as it passes through the mouthpiece 4.

[0069] In the example shown in Figure 1, the only heat source for heating the solid substrate 14 in the apparatus 1 required to generate organic matter and other compounds or components from the solid substrate 14 is a hot aerosol or vapor produced from the liquid 10.

[0070] Referring to Figure 2, another example of a generator for aspirable medium is shown. In the following description and in Figure 2, parts and features that are the same or similar as the corresponding parts and features in the example described with reference to Figure 1 have the same reference numerals but are numbered 200. For brevity, the descriptions of these parts and features as a whole will not be repeated here. Naturally, the configurations and substitutions described above for the example in Figure 1 are also applicable to the example in Figure 2. Here again, the apparatus 201 in Figure 2 broadly heats a liquid to form a vapor or aerosol, which passes through a solid substrate 214 to produce an aspirable medium containing one or more components derived from the solid substrate.

[0071] The device 201 in this example has a substantially hollow cylindrical outer housing 202 having an open end 203 and a tubular mouthpiece 204. The mouthpiece 204 in this example can be removed by the user from the housing 202, and an O-ring or other sealing member 205 assists in sealing the mouthpiece 204 within the housing 202. A battery 207 and a controller 208 for powering various components of the device 201 are provided at the other end 206 or the other end of the housing 202. The housing 202 in this example consists of two parts: the first part 202a is the open end 203 end, and the second part 202b is the other end 206 end.

[0072] The housing 202 has a container 209 that holds or contains a first volatile material, which in this case is a liquid 210. The volatile material includes a wetting agent such as water. The container 209 may be any of the types described in relation to the example in Figure 1. A heater 211 is located approximately in the center (in the longitudinal and widthwise directions) of the housing 202 to volatilize the liquid 210. In this example, the heater 211 is powered by a battery 207 and is therefore electrically connected to the battery 207. The heater 211 may be an electrical resistance heater, a ceramic heater, etc. The heater 211 may be, for example, a coiled wire, a plate (which may be a multilayer plate made of two or more different materials, one or more of which may be conductive and one or more which may be nonconductive), a mesh (which may be woven or nonwoven and have a similar multilayer structure), a film heater, etc. Other heating devices, such as induction heating devices or non-electric heating devices, may also be used. An annular core 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 may be heated to produce droplet aerosols or vapors. The aerosols or vapors thus produced exit the wick 212 and move toward the mouthpiece 204 by the suction action at the user's mouthpiece 204, as shown by arrow A. The heater 211 and the wick 212 may be provided as a single, effectively integrated item so that heating and suction are effectively performed in a single unit.

[0073] The housing 202 further includes a chamber 213 that holds or contains the solid substrate 214 of the apparatus 201. The substrate 214 is a granular mixture containing tobacco material and a solid basic material such as calcium carbonate. The chamber 213 may be any of the types described in relation to Figure 1. The solid substrate 214 is located downstream of the position where the aerosol or vapor is produced from the liquid 210 and between the open end 203 of the housing 202 and the mouthpiece 204. UpstreamIt is placed inside the housing 202. In this particular example, the solid substrate 214 is effectively provided as a wick 212 in the same part or chamber of the housing 202. The aerosol or vapor produced from the liquid 210 exits the wick 212 and moves toward the solid substrate 214 by the inhalation action of the user's mouthpiece 204, as indicated by arrow A. In certain embodiments, the solid substrate 214 is porous, so that the aerosol or vapor passes through the solid substrate 214 and then through the open end 203 of the housing 202 and the mouthpiece 204. The wetting agent of the aerosol or vapor form comes into contact with the solid basic material to form a basic solution. The base increases the pH of the tobacco, releasing nicotine, which is more easily entrained by the passing vapor / aerosol.

[0074] In some embodiments, the solid substrate 214 and / or its chamber 213 are configured such that there is no gap between the solid substrate 214 / chamber 213 and the inside of the housing 202, and the aerosol or vapor flows through the entire solid substrate 214. As the aerosol or vapor passes through the solid substrate 214, the hot aerosol or vapor entrains organic matter and other compounds or components from the solid substrate 214 that give the tobacco its irritating properties, and as the aerosol or vapor passes through the mouthpiece 204, it imparts flavor to the aerosol or vapor.

[0075] A container 209 containing the liquid 210 may itself be positioned to support or carry a solid substrate 214. For example, the container 209 may have one or more clips or tubes, etc., for receiving and holding the solid substrate 214 in place. Such a dual-function container 209 / chamber or receiving section 213 for both containing the liquid 210 and receiving the solid substrate 214 may be in the form of a cartridge, a disposable item, or a reusable item in which the liquid 210 and solid substrate 214 are replaced or refilled by the user as needed. In some cases, the user only needs to occasionally refill or replace enough solid substrate 214 so that there is enough liquid 210 for several uses. When the liquid 210 is consumed, the user discards the dual-function container 209 / receiving section 213 and uses a new one. Similarly, there may be enough solid substrate 214 for several uses, and the user only needs to occasionally refill or replace the liquid 210. When the solid substrate 214 is consumed, the user discards the container 209 / receiving unit 213, which has these two functions, and uses a new one.

[0076] In the example apparatus 201 in Figure 2, a second heater 215, such as an oven heater, is provided in thermal contact with the solid substrate 214 to preheat the solid substrate 214 and / or additionally heat the solid substrate 214 while the apparatus 201 is in use. This facilitates the release of components from the solid substrate 214 as vapor or aerosol passes through the solid substrate 214 during use. The amount of heated liquid 210 required to achieve the desired heating of the solid substrate 214 may be reduced. The second heater 215 may be, for example, an electric resistance heater or a ceramic heater powered by a battery 207. The heater 215 may be, for example, a wire in the shape of a coil, a plate (which may be a multilayer plate made of two or more different materials, one or more of which are conductive and one or more which are non-conductive), a mesh (which may be woven or non-woven and have a similar multilayer structure), a film heater, etc. The second heater 215 may be, for example, an induction heater powered by a battery 207. The solid substrate 214 may contain a material that is easily induction heated. Other heating devices, such as non-electric heating devices, may be used for the second heater 215.

[0077] In the example apparatus 201 in Figure 2, the heater 215 for heating the solid substrate 214 is located outside the solid substrate 214 and heats the solid substrate 214 by heat conduction from outside the solid substrate 214. The heater 215 in this example is substantially cylindrical. The heater 215 is actually an integral part of the apparatus 201 and may be provided as part of the housing 202. Alternatively, the heater 215 may be provided integrally with the chamber 213 that holds or contains the solid substrate 214. In this alternative example, if the chamber 213 is disposable, the heater 215 is replaced when a new chamber 213 with fresh solid substrate is loaded into the apparatus 201 by the user.

[0078] Referring here to Figure 3, another example of a generator for aspirable medium is shown. In the following description and in Figure 3, parts and features that are the same or similar as the corresponding parts and features in the example described with reference to Figure 1 have the same reference numerals but with the number 300 added. For brevity, the descriptions of these parts and features as a whole will not be repeated here. Naturally, the configurations and substitutions described above for the examples in Figures 1 and 2 are also applicable to the example in Figure 3. Here again, in general terms, the apparatus 301 in Figure 3 heats a liquid to form a vapor or aerosol, which passes through the solid substrate 314 to produce an aspirable medium containing one or more components derived from the solid substrate 314.

[0079] The device 301 in this example also has a substantially hollow cylindrical outer housing 302 having an open end 303 and a tubular mouthpiece 304. An O-ring or other sealing member 305 assists in sealing the mouthpiece 304 within the housing 302. A battery 307 and a controller 308 for supplying power to various components of the device 301 are located at the other end 306 or the other end of the housing 302. The housing 302 in this example consists of two parts: the first part 302a is the open end 303 and the second part 302b is the other end 306.

[0080] The housing 302 has a container 309 for holding or containing a volatile material, which in this case is a liquid 310. The volatile material includes a wetting agent such as water. The container 309 may be any of the types described above with respect to the examples in Figures 1 and 2. A heater 311 is located approximately in the center of the housing 302 to volatilize the liquid 310. The heater 311 may be any of the types described above. In this example, the heater 311 is powered by a battery 307 and is therefore electrically connected to the battery 307. An annular wick 312 surrounds the heater 311 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 container 309. The liquid 310 may be heated to produce a droplet aerosol or vapor. The aerosol or vapor thus produced exits the wick 312 and moves toward the mouthpiece 304 by the user's suction action at the mouthpiece 304, as shown by arrow A. The heater 311 and the wick 312 may be provided as a single, effectively integrated item so that heating and suction are effectively performed in a single unit.

[0081] The housing 302 further includes a chamber 313 that holds or contains a solid substrate 314 within the apparatus 301. The substrate 314 is a granular mixture containing tobacco material and a solid basic material such as calcium carbonate. The chamber 313 may be any of the types described above with respect to Figures 1 and 2. (In the example of Figure 3, the chamber 313 is in the shape of a tube with an end wall 316, which has a through hole 317 through which vapor or aerosol can pass, as mentioned above as one option.) The solid substrate 314 is located downstream of the location where the aerosol or vapor is produced from the liquid 310 and between the open end 303 of the housing 302 and the mouthpiece 304. UpstreamIt is placed inside the housing 302. In this particular example, the solid substrate 314 is effectively provided as a wick 312 in the same part or chamber of the housing 302. The aerosol or vapor produced from the liquid 310 exits the wick 312 and moves toward the solid substrate 314 by the action of the user's inhalation at the mouthpiece 304, as indicated by arrow A. In certain embodiments, the solid substrate 314 is porous, so that the aerosol or vapor passes through the material 314 and then through the open end 303 of the housing 302 and the mouthpiece 304. The wetting agent of the aerosol or vapor form comes into contact with the solid basic material to form a basic solution. The base increases the pH of the tobacco, releasing nicotine, which is more easily entrained by the passing vapor / aerosol.

[0082] In some embodiments, the solid substrate 314 and / or its chamber 313 are configured such that there is no gap between the solid substrate 314 / chamber 313 and the inside of the housing 2, and the aerosol or vapor flows through the entire solid substrate 314. As the aerosol or vapor passes through the solid substrate 314, the hot aerosol or vapor entrains organic matter and other compounds or components from the solid substrate 314 that give the tobacco its stimulating properties, and imparts flavor to the aerosol or vapor as it passes through the mouthpiece 304. The container 309 containing the liquid 310 may itself be positioned to support or carry the solid substrate 314. For example, the container 309 may have one or more clips or tubes, etc., for receiving and holding the solid substrate 314 in place. Such a dual-functioning container 309 / chamber or receiving section 313 for both containing the liquid 310 and receiving the solid substrate 314 may be in the form of a cartridge, a disposable item, or a liquid 310The solid substrate 314 may be reusable and can be replaced or refilled by the user as needed. In some cases, the user only needs to occasionally refill or replace enough solid substrate 314 so that there is enough liquid 310 for several uses. When the liquid 310 is consumed, the user discards the container 309 / receiving section 313 with these two functions and uses a new one. Similarly, there may be enough solid substrate 314 for several uses, and the user only needs to occasionally refill or replace the liquid 310. When the solid substrate 314 is consumed, the user discards the container 309 / receiving section 313 with these two functions and uses a new one.

[0083] In the example apparatus 301 in Figure 3, the second heater 318 is provided in thermal contact with the solid substrate 314 to heat the solid substrate 314, and promotes the release of components from the solid substrate 314 when vapor or aerosol passes through the solid substrate 314 during use. The second heater 318 may be, for example, an electric resistance heater powered by a battery 307, a ceramic heater, or the like. Other heating devices, such as non-electric heating devices, may also be used for the second heater 318.

[0084] In the example apparatus 301 in Figure 3, a heater 318 for heating the solid substrate 314 is provided inside the solid substrate 314, and the solid substrate is heated by heat conduction from within the solid substrate. In this example, the heater 318 is generally in the form of a cylindrical rod located along the central longitudinal axis of the solid substrate 314. In other configurations, the heater 318 may be a wire, which may be in the shape of a coil, a plate (which may be a multilayer plate consisting of two or more different materials, one or more of which may be conductive and one or more which may be non-conductive), a mesh (which may be woven or unwoven and have a similar multilayer structure), a film heater, etc. In this case, the solid substrate 314 is substantially tubular or has an internal opening to receive the heater 318. The heater 318 is actually an integral part of the apparatus 301 and may be provided as part of the housing 302. In this example, when the solid substrate 314 is loaded into the apparatus 301 (for example, when a chamber 313 containing the solid substrate 314 is loaded into the apparatus 301), the solid substrate 314 surrounds the second heater 318. Alternatively, the heater 318 may be integrated with the chamber 313 that holds or contains the solid substrate 314. In this alternative, if the chamber 313 is disposable, the heater 318 is replaced when a new chamber 313 with fresh material is loaded into the device 301 by the user.

[0085] In another example, multiple internal heaters 318 may be provided to heat the solid substrate 314 more efficiently. In yet another example, the solid substrate 314 may be heated by one or more external heaters (such as the second heater 215 in the example in Figure 2) and one or more internal heaters (such as the second heater 318 in the example in Figure 3).

[0086] Referring here to Figure 4, a schematic longitudinal cross-section is shown of an example of a cartridge 600 having a first container 601 for holding a first volatile material, which in this case is a liquid 602 containing a wetting agent such as water, and a receiving part or container 603 for a solid substrate 604. The substrate 604 is a granular mixture containing tobacco material and a solid basic material such as calcium carbonate. In this example, the first container 601 and the solid substrate container 603 are provided as a single integrated component, either formed as a single unit from the outset or initially formed from two or three parts and then substantially permanently assembled. The cartridge 600 is configured such that, when the liquid 602 is vaporized to produce a droplet aerosol or heated sufficiently to produce vapor, at least a portion, preferably all or almost all, of the aerosol or vapor passes through the solid substrate 604 to (i) come into contact with the solid substrate, dissolving the solid substrate to form a basic solution that raises the pH of the tobacco and releases nicotine, and (ii) capture flavor and nicotine from the tobacco material.

[0087] In the example shown in Figure 4, the first container 601 is located approximately in the center of the cartridge 600. In the illustrated example, the first container 601 is frustoconical in shape, but it may have other shapes such as conical or cylindrical. The first container 601 is surrounded by an outer shell 605, which defines an annular flow path 606 on the longitudinal outer side of the first container 601 and extends from one end to the other. The outer shell 605 extends beyond the first end wall 607 of the first container 601 and defines a chamber 608 beyond the first end wall 607 of the first container 601. In the illustrated example, both the chamber 608 and the annular flow path 606 contain a solid substrate 604, and therefore can be considered to together provide a container 603 of the solid substrate 604. In other examples, the solid substrate 604 may be provided only in the chamber 608, so that this chamber defines a container 603 for the solid substrate 604 and the annular channel 606 is empty. The chamber 608 is closed by an end wall 609 located away from the end wall 607 of the first container 601. The end wall 609 may be part of the outer shell 605, or it may be a separate plastic or rubber cap, etc. In yet another example, the annular channel 606 contains the solid substrate 604 and there is no material in the chamber 608, but of course the chamber 608 may be omitted, and the channel 606 is effectively terminated at the end wall 609. The channel 606 and / or the chamber 608 may be completely filled with the solid substrate 604, or they may contain only part or a lump of the solid substrate 604. The end wall 609 is porous and / or has one or more through holes 610 that allow aerosols or vapors to escape from the cartridge 600 so that they can be drawn in by the user. The liquid container 601 and the solid substrate container 603 may each be formed from a rigid, watertight, and airtight material, such as metal or a suitable plastic.

[0088] The example of cartridge 600 shown in Figure 4 includes a heater 611 and a wick 612 that is in (thermal) contact with the heater 611. In this example, the heater 611 and wick 612 are supplied as a separate unit sometimes referred to as an "atomizer". In this case, if cartridge 600 includes an atomizer, such cartridge may be referred to as a "cartomizer". The orientation of the heater 611 is shown in a simplified manner, for example, the heater 611 As shown in Figure 4, the coil may have a longitudinal axis that is perpendicular to, rather than parallel to, the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 600.

[0089] The core 612 is in contact with the liquid 602. This may be done, for example, by inserting the core 612 into a through hole (not shown) in the second end wall 613 of the first container 601. Separately or in addition, the second end wall 613 may be a porous member (roughly shown by a dashed line in Figure 4) that allows the liquid to pass from the first container 601, and the core 612 may be in contact with this porous second end wall 613. The second end wall 613 may be, for example, in the form of a porous ceramic disc. This type of porous second end wall 613 plays a role in controlling the flow of liquid to the core 612. The core 612 is usually an absorbent material that acts to draw the liquid 602 from the first container 601 by capillary action. The core 612 is preferably nonwoven and may be, for example, cotton or wool, or a synthetic material including, for example, polyester, nylon, viscose, polypropylene, etc.

[0090] When in use, the cartridge 600 is connected by the user to the battery section of the device (not shown) so that the heater 611 can be powered. When the atomizer's heater 611 is powered (for example, by operating a button on the entire device or which may be triggered by the puff detector of the entire device, which is known to be itself), the liquid 602 drawn from the first container 601 by the wick 612 is heated by the heater 611 to volatilize or vaporize the liquid. When the user inhales through the mouthpiece of the entire device, the vapor or aerosol moves into the annular channel 606 and chamber 608 around the outside of the liquid container 601 for the length of the outside, as indicated by arrow A. The vapor or aerosol captures flavor and nicotine from the tobacco material of the solid substrate 604. The wetting agent of the aerosol or vapor form comes into contact with the solid basic material to form a basic solution. The base increases the pH of the tobacco, releasing nicotine, which is more easily entrained by the passing vapor / aerosol. The vapor or aerosol can then exit the cartridge 600 through the end wall 609, as indicated by arrow B. A one-way valve 614 may be optionally provided to ensure that vapor or aerosol only exits the cartridge and does not backflow into the heater 611 or the electronic components of the entire device.

[0091] Referring here to Figure 5, a simplified longitudinal cross-sectional view of another example of cartridge 700 is shown, which has a first container 701 holding a first volatile material, which in this case is a liquid 702 containing a wetting agent such as water, and a container 703 defining a chamber 708 for containing a solid substrate 704. The substrate 704 is a granular mixture containing tobacco material and a solid basic material such as calcium carbonate. In the following description and in Figure 5, parts and features that are the same or similar as the corresponding parts and features of the example described with reference to Figure 4 have the same reference numerals but are denoted by the addition of 100. For brevity, the descriptions of these parts and features as a whole will not be repeated here.

[0092] In this example, the first container 701 and the solid substrate container 703 of the cartridge 700 are provided as separate parts, which are detachably connected to each other when in use. The first container 701 and the solid substrate 703 may be, for example, clipped together or detachably fixed to each other, or the tobacco composition container 703 may simply rest on the first container 701 or be tightly friction-fitted. The cartridge 700 is configured such that when the liquid 702 is volatilized to produce a droplet aerosol or heated sufficiently to produce vapor, at least a portion, preferably all or substantially all, of the aerosol or vapor passes through the solid substrate 704 to (i) come into contact with the solid substrate, dissolving the solid substrate to form a basic solution that raises the pH of the tobacco and releases nicotine, and (ii) capture flavor and nicotine from the tobacco material.

[0093] In this example, the first container 701 is surrounded by an outer shell 705 that defines an annular channel 706 along the longitudinal outward side of the first container 701, extending from one end to the other. The outer shell 705 extends beyond the first end wall 707 of the first container 701 and terminates at an end wall 709. The end wall 709 may be a separate plastic or rubber cap, etc. The end wall 709 is porous and / or has one or more through holes 710 to allow aerosol or vapor to exit the annular channel 706. A one-way valve 714 may be provided inside the end wall 709 to ensure that vapor or aerosol can only exit the annular channel 706 at the end away from the heater 711 and wick 712, and cannot backflow into the heater 711 or the electronic components of the device as a whole. The solid substrate container 703 is positioned along the end wall 709 during use, so that vapor or aerosol exiting the end wall 709 moves into the solid substrate container 703. The solid substrate container 703 has an outlet opening and / or a porous end wall 715 through which the aerosol or vapor exits the cartridge so that it can be drawn in by the user.

[0094] When in use, the cartridge 700 is connected by the user to the battery section of the device (not shown) so that the heater 711 can be powered. When the atomizer's heater 711 is powered (for example, by operating a button on the entire device or which may be triggered by the puff detector of the entire device, which is known to be itself), the liquid 702 drawn by the wick 712 from the first container 701 through the end wall 713 is heated by the heater 711, causing the liquid to volatilize or evaporate. When the user inhales through the mouthpiece of the entire device, the vapor or aerosol moves towards the end wall 709 of the outer shell 705 into an annular channel 706 around the outer length of the first container 701 as indicated by arrow A. The vapor or aerosol then moves through the end wall 709 (and through a one-way valve, if present) to the solid substrate container 703, where it captures flavor and nicotine from the tobacco material of the solid substrate 704 contained in the container 703. The wetting agent of the aerosol or vapor form comes into contact with a solid basic material to form a basic solution. The base increases the pH of the tobacco, releasing nicotine, which is more easily entrained by passing vapor / aerosol. The vapor or aerosol can then exit the cartridge 700 through the end wall 715 of the solid substrate container, as indicated by arrow B.

[0095] The examples shown in Figures 4 and 5 are particularly suitable for use in so-called modular or "e-go" products where the cartomizer is typically fitted into the battery section (not shown) by threads, bayonet fittings, etc. The cartomizer as a whole is usually discarded after use, and a new replacement cartomizer is used. Alternatively, the user may occasionally replenish the liquid and / or replace the solid material as needed.

[0096] The examples shown in Figures 4 and 5 are readily adaptable for use with other known types of e-cigarette hybrid devices. For example, there are so-called "similar e-cigarettes" or "cigarette-like" devices, which are generally small and have a shape and appearance similar to conventional cigarettes. In such devices, the first container usually contains some packing material, such as cotton, for holding the liquid. While the cartridge or cartomizer of such conventional devices is usually disposable as a whole, in examples using embodiments of the present invention it becomes possible to refill the liquid and / or replace the solid substrate. As an alternative example, there are 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 the user can adjust in many respects of the device.

[0097] As an alternative to any of the above-described atomizer devices, a liquid atomizer may be provided separately from the liquid and tobacco containers. The atomizer may be provided, for example, as part of the battery section of the entire device into which the cartridge is removable by the user during use.

[0098] In any of the examples described in relation to Figures 4 and 5, a heater for the solid substrate may be provided for “preheating” the solid substrate. This 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 when in use.

[0099] In this specification, “aerosol generator” refers to a compound or mixture that promotes aerosol generation. Aerosol generators may promote aerosol generation by promoting the initial vaporization of a gas and / or aggregation into aspirable solid and / or liquid aerosols.

[0100] In general, one or more suitable aerosol generating agents may be included in the aerosol generating product of the present invention. Suitable aerosol generating agents include, but are not limited to, sorbitol, glycerin, polyols such as propylene glycol or glycols such as triethylene glycol, non-polyols such as monohydric alcohols, high-boiling hydrocarbons, acids such as lactic acid, glycerin derivatives, esters such as diacetin, triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate or myristic acid esters including ethyl myristate and isopropyl myristate, and aliphatic carboxylic acid esters such as methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanediate and dimethyl tetradecanediate.

[0101] In this specification, the terms “flavor” and “flavoring” refer to materials that are permitted by local regulations and can be used to add flavors and aromas desired by adult consumers to a product. Such materials include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, dwarf spice, 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). Examples include ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, pimento, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, peppermint oil from any species of the Mentha genus, seasonings, bitter taste 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), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plants, and breath fresheners. These materials may be imitations, synthetic or natural ingredients, or blends thereof. These materials may be in any preferred form, such as oil, liquid, or powder.

[0102] To avoid misunderstanding, in this specification, "comprises" does not mean the present invention or its features. When used in the definition of the invention, the invention or features include "comprises" instead of "comprises". Embodiments that can be defined using "consists essentially of" or "consists of" are also disclosed.

[0103] The embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative examples useful for explaining the present invention. Further embodiments of the present invention are conceivable. Naturally, any feature described for 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 any combination of any other embodiment. Furthermore, equivalents and modifiers not described above may also be adopted without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0104] The various embodiments described herein are provided solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are merely representative examples and are neither comprehensive nor exclusive. Naturally, the merits, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of this disclosure should not be considered as limiting this disclosure to the claims or equivalents thereof, but rather as being able to utilize and modify other embodiments without deviating from the scope and / or idea of ​​this disclosure. The various embodiments may appropriately comprise, consist of, or be essentially composed of, the disclosed components, components, features, parts, processes, means, and other combinations. This disclosure also includes other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. (i) A material that can be aerosolized containing nicotine, (ii) A solid basic material wherein the weight ratio of the solid basic material to the aerosolizable material, calculated on a dry weight basis, is in the range of 0.05:1 to 0.15:1, (iii) Wetting agent, Aerosol-generating product containing, The aerosol generating product is provided as one component. This aerosol-generating product is mixed with a solid basic material and an aerosolizable material when the user initiates the mixing mechanism during use, which also contains a wetting agent.

2. The aerosol-generating product according to claim 1, characterized in that the aerosolizable material includes a tobacco material, the tobacco material includes one or more of the following: powdered tobacco, tobacco fibers, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco leaf stalks, recycled tobacco, flocculated tobacco, sphered tobacco and / or tobacco extract.

3. The aerosol-generating product according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the aerosolizable material has a moisture content of 15 wt% or less, or 10 wt% or less, before the wetting agent is mixed with the aerosolizable material.

4. The aerosol-generating product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the aerosolizable material comprises one or more casings containing invert sugar, molasses, cane sugar, honey, cocoa, licorice, polyol, or acids.

5. The aerosol-generating product according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the aerosolizable material and the solid basic material are provided as a mixture.

6. The aerosol-generating product according to claim 5, characterized in that the density of the solid basic material is within the range of 10% or 5% of the density of the aerosolizable material.

7. The aerosol-generating product according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the weight ratio of the solid basic material to the aerosolizable material, calculated on a dry weight basis, is in the range of 0.05:1 to 0.1:

1.

8. The aerosol generating product according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the solid basic material comprises sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, calcium carbonate, or a mixture thereof.

9. The aerosol generating product according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the wetting agent comprises water, glycerin, propylene glycol, or a mixture thereof.

10. The aerosol generating product according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the wetting agent is encapsulated, the capsule can be crushed, and the wetting agent is released when the user crushes the capsule during use.

11. The aerosol generating product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the wetting agent is encapsulated by an encapsulation material selected from polysaccharides or cellulose-based barrier materials, gelatin, rubber, gel, wax, or mixtures thereof.

12. The aerosol generating product according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the wetting agent is heated during use to form vapor and / or aerosol, and the vapor and / or aerosol flows in contact with a solid basic material during use.

13. The aerosol generating product according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the wetting agent is pumped in contact with a solid basic material by the user starting a pump.

14. An aerosol generating assembly comprising an aerosol generating product according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and a heater.

15. A container for holding a first volatile material containing a wetting agent, A heater for evaporating the first volatile material held in the container, A chamber containing a mixture of a nicotine-containing aerosolizable material and a solid basic material, Including the exit, The assembly according to claim 14, wherein a first volatile material containing a wetting agent is configured to evaporate by a heater during use to form vapor and / or aerosol, and this vapor and / or aerosol passes through a chamber containing an aerosolizable material and a solid basic material, encompassing one or more components of the aerosolizable material, thereby forming an aspirable medium that passes through an outlet.

16. The aggregate according to claim 15, characterized in that the first volatile material includes an aerosol generating agent.

17. The aggregate according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the first volatile material comprises a liquid or a gel.

18. A kit comprising an aerosol generating product according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and an apparatus for generating an aspirable medium, the apparatus comprising a heater.

19. To provide an aerosol generating product comprising a nicotine-containing aerosolizable material, a solid basic material, and a wetting agent, provided as one component, The wetting agent is mixed with a composition comprising a solid basic material and an aerosolizable material, wherein the weight ratio of the solid basic material to the aerosolizable material, calculated on a dry weight basis, is in the range of 0.05:1 to 0.15:1, thereby releasing nicotine from the aerosolizable material. A method for generating an aspirable medium, comprising volatilizing components of an aerosolizable material to form an aspirable medium.

20. Volatilizing a first material containing a wetting agent to form vapor and / or aerosol, A method for generating an inhalable medium according to claim 19, characterized by comprising contacting a vapor and / or aerosol with a solid basic material and an aerosolizable material containing nicotine, thereby releasing nicotine from the aerosolizable material and encompassing one or more components of the aerosolizable material with the vapor and / or aerosol.

21. An aerosol generating product comprising a nicotine-containing aerosolizable material, a solid basic material, and a wetting agent, wherein the weight ratio of the solid basic material to the aerosolizable material, calculated on a dry weight basis, is in the range of 0.05:1 to 0.15:1, and the aerosol generating product is provided as one component. A basic solution is formed by mixing a composition containing a wetting agent, a solid basic material, and an aerosolizable material. A method for sustained nicotine release from a nicotine-containing aerosolizable material, comprising releasing nicotine from the aerosolizable material.

22. Use of a wetting agent as part of an aerosolizing product for continuously delivering nicotine from an aerosolizable material containing nicotine, wherein the aerosolizing product further comprises a solid basic material, and the aerosolizing product is provided as a single component. A mixture of an aerosolizable material and a solid basic material whose weight ratio, calculated on a dry weight basis, is in the range of 0.05:1 to 0.15:1, is used to determine the aerosolizable material. The use of a wetting agent involves contacting the wetting agent with a solid basic material and an aerosolizable material, resulting in the release of nicotine from the aerosolizable material and the volatilization of components of the aerosolizable material to form an inhalable medium.

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