Removable flavored mouthpiece for aerosol-generating device

Abstract

The invention relates to a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device, comprising a peripheral wall defining an airflow passage. The mouthpiece is at least partially formed from a flavorized material comprising a crystalline copolymer matrix wherein flavour compounds are provided, said flavorized material comprising flavor compounds and the flavorized material is configured to deliver the flavour compounds via diffusion to the oral cavity of a consumer. The invention also relates to a cover for the mouthpiece. The invention also relates to an aerosol-generating device comprising the mouthpiece. The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing the mouthpiece.

Description

[0001] REMOVABLE FLAVORED MOUTHPIECE FOR AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE

[0002] The present invention relates to a flavored mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device. The present invention also relates to an aerosol-generating device comprising the flavored mouthpiece. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the flavored mouthpiece.

[0003] It is known to provide an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable vapor. Such devices may heat an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate are volatilised without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. For volatilizing the aerosol-forming substrate, a heating element may be provided. The inhalable vapor may be delivered to a consumer through an airflow channel and an air outlet. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise flavorants to provide desirable sensations. Such flavorants are typically vaporized together with the aerosol-forming substrate and are delivered to the consumer via the inhalable aerosol. However, for this process only specific flavorants are suitable. Flavorants with low volatility or flavorants that might degrade when mixed with an aerosol-forming substrate cannot be used in this way.

[0004] It is known to provide flavorants externally on consumables. For example, dextrines may be provided on the consumables. Dextrines may dissolve upon contact with saliva and may thereby release a flavorant. It is also known to provide flavorants on a tipping paper of aerosol-generating articles. Such flavorants are typically highly volatile and are released to be inhaled through the consumer’s nose. These flavorants are perceived by ortho-nasal olfaction.

[0005] It would be desirable to have a flavored mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device, which offers an improved consumer experience. It would be desirable to have a flavored mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device, which increases the range of suitable flavorants for use. It would be desirable to have a flavored mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device, which may provide a flavor sensation that is different from the flavor sensation obtained from aerosolization of the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating device.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device. The mouthpiece may comprise a peripheral wall defining an airflow passage. The mouthpiece may be formed from a flavorized material comprising flavor compounds. The flavorized material may be configured to deliver the flavour compounds via diffusion to the oral cavity of a consumer.

[0007] The flavorized material may comprise a crystalline copolymer matrix wherein flavour compounds are provided. The crystalline copolymer matrix may be Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) copolymer. Preferably, the flavorized material comprises Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) copolymer. The flavorized material may be EVA copolymer. It shall be appreciated that the EVA copolymer acts as a matrix, wherein suitable flavourants are provided, as the EVA copolymer has crystalline structure. In an exemplary embodiment the Vinyl Acetate (VA) content may be selected in a range between 9 percent and 40 percent. The VA content of the EVA copolymer may be selected in a range between 15 percent to 30 percent. It has been found that a higher VA content may decrease crystallinity and the melting point, but may have a positive effect on flexibility of the material as a whole. It has been further found that 15 percent or 28 percent VA content may result in a fast release (90 percent release during 24 hours) of the volatile flavours, compared to 9 percent (80 percent release during 24 hours). It is further found that for the same type of EVA copolymer, the higher loading results in a higher flavourant release. Advantageously, EVA can host up to 50 percent of its volume of active ingredients or flavours.

[0008] It has been found that a higher VA content may decrease crystallinity whereby the solubility and diffusivity of a drug are increased. It has been further found that a lower molecular weight of the EVA copolymer may decrease crystallinity whereby the permeability and solubility of a drug is increased.

[0009] It is further found that the release of the flavourant from the copolymer can be tuned by providing various additives in its volume. For example, humectants are found to significantly accelerate a drug release. Humectants may comprise but are not limited to glycerin, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyethylene oxide, cellulose acetate phthalate and hydroxylpropylmethylcellulose phthalate. Gelling agents are found to substantially increase the release of the flavourant. Suitable gelling agents may be selected from the group comprising croscarmellose sodium, low-substituted hydroxylpropylcellulose (L- HPC), crospovidone and sodium starch glycolate.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device. The mouthpiece comprises a peripheral wall defining an airflow passage. The mouthpiece is at least partially formed from a flavorized material comprising flavor compounds. The flavorized material is configured to deliver the flavor compounds via diffusion to the oral cavity of a consumer.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device. The mouthpiece comprises a peripheral wall defining an airflow passage. The mouthpiece is at least partially formed from a flavorized material comprising flavor compounds. The flavorized material is configured to deliver the flavor compounds via diffusion to the oral cavity of a consumer. The flavorized material comprises, essentially consists of, or consists of a crystalline copolymer matrix wherein flavour compounds are provided. According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device. The mouthpiece comprises a peripheral wall defining an airflow passage. The mouthpiece is at least partially formed from a flavorized material comprising flavor compounds. The flavorized material is configured to deliver the flavor compounds via diffusion to the oral cavity of a consumer. The flavorized material comprises, essentially consists of, or consists of a crystalline copolymer matrix wherein flavour compounds are provided. The crystalline copolymer is Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) copolymer.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device. The mouthpiece comprises a peripheral wall defining an airflow passage. The mouthpiece is at least partially formed from a flavorized material comprising flavor compounds. The flavorized material is configured to deliver the flavor compounds via diffusion to the oral cavity of a consumer. The flavorized material comprises, essentially consists of, or consists of a crystalline copolymer matrix wherein flavour compounds are provided. The crystalline copolymer is EVA copolymer. The VA content of the EVA copolymer is selected in a range between 9 percent and 40 percent.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device. The mouthpiece comprises a peripheral wall defining an airflow passage. The mouthpiece is at least partially formed from a flavorized material comprising flavor compounds. The flavorized material is configured to deliver the flavor compounds via diffusion to the oral cavity of a consumer. The flavorized material comprises, essentially consists of, or consists of a crystalline copolymer matrix wherein flavour compounds are provided. The crystalline copolymer is EVA copolymer. The VA content of the EVA copolymer is selected in a range between 9 percent and 40 percent. The EVA copolymer comprises additives being one or both of humectants and gelling agents.

[0014] The flavor compounds released by the flavorized material may enrich the sensory experience of a consumer. It is noted, that according to an aspect of the invention, the flavourants do not merge with the airflow, but are provided on a suitable surface of the mouthpiece so that their action, such as release from the EVA matrix, is triggered by interaction with a person’s saliva. The flavor compounds released by the flavorized material may provide the consumer with an additional consumption experience to the consumption experience of consuming the aerosol. The flavor compounds released may stimulate gustatory perception via the tongue.

[0015] The flavor of inhaled aerosols is mainly perceived by retro nasal olfaction of the volatized components of the aerosol-forming substrate. The simultaneous stimulation of the consumer’s olfactory sense and gustatory sense may lead to a more complete taste experience. The flavor compounds released by the flavorized material, which stimulate the gustatory perception, may be flavor compounds that stimulate one or more of the sweet, sour, saltiness, bitterness, spiciness, cooling, kokumi, tingling and / or umami taste receptors on the tongue.

[0016] Flavor delivery via the mouthpiece to the tongue may be accomplished independent from the aerosol forming process. The flavor compounds do not need to be aerosolized. In particular the flavorized material does not need to be heated to release the flavor compounds and / or to transfer the flavor compounds to the aerosol. Instead, the delivery process of the flavor compounds released from the flavorized material is by diffusion of flavor compounds from the flavorized material to the consumer’s lips and / or saliva and then by dispersion through the mouth cavity and contact with the tongue.

[0017] The additional sensory experience provided by the flavorized material of the mouthpiece may be delivered to the consumer separately and independently from the consumption experience provided by the aerosol forming process. In particular, due to the differing delivery channels of the flavorized material and the aerosol, no or at least less limitations arise with respect to the aerosol forming process of the aerosol-generating system. The risk of flavor and flavor source degradation during production of the aerosol-generating article is avoided or reduced. In addition, flavor and flavor source may be adapted more easily to external requirements, such as user preference and legislative requirements.

[0018] The mouthpiece may define a mouthpiece inlet at a distal end and a mouthpiece outlet at the proximal end of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may comprise a peripheral wall defining an airflow passage through the mouthpiece extending from the mouthpiece inlet to the mouthpiece outlet. The mouthpiece may have a generally tubular shape.

[0019] The mouthpiece may be attached to or may form part of an aerosol-generating device. In use of the aerosol-generating device, the mouthpiece is to be taken into the mouth of the consumer. The aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device may be inhaled by the consumer through the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be shaped such as to a allow for good contact with the consumer’s lips. In particular, the proximal end of the mouthpiece may be shaped to establish a good contact with the consumer’s lips. The proximal end of the mouthpiece may be shaped to define an increased contact surface for contact with the consumer’s lips. By shaping the mouthpiece to allow for a good contact with the consumer’s lips, in particular with the consumer’s wetted lips, the invention advantageously ensures that the user’s saliva comes into contact with the flavorized material of the mouthpiece.

[0020] Conventional mouthpieces may have a generally cylindrical cross-section which allows for good contact with the consumer’s lips. However, in order to increase the contact area with the consumer’s lips, the cross-section, in particular the outer cross-section of the proximal end of the mouthpiece may have an elliptical or polygonal cross-section. Mouthpieces with polygonal cross-sections may particular have flat or rounded edges. In this way an enlarged contact surface between the consumer’s lips and the mouthpiece may be establishes. Mouthpieces having flat or rounded edges may enable good contact with an internal, wetted surface of the lips for maximizing an area of contact with the wetted tissue.

[0021] In use, delivery of the one or more flavored compounds may be activated by contact of the flavorized material of the mouthpiece with a consumer’s lips. Flavor delivery is automatically activated when the consumer is taking the mouthpiece into their mouth. There is no need for any additional action to trigger flavor delivery. In addition, without contact to the lips, the flavor components will largely remain within the flavorized material of the mouthpiece.

[0022] The flavorized material may be a flavorized polymeric material, wood, paper or gel. The flavorized material may be made from one or more of flavorized polymeric material, wood, paper or gel. The flavorized material may be made from mixtures of such materials.

[0023] The mouthpiece may be made from flavorized polymeric material, in particular from flavorized thermoplastic material. Such materials may include polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), or silicone.

[0024] The mouthpiece may be made from a polymeric material being a thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene (PP) or high density or low density polyethylene (PE), or silicone, and the crystalline copolymer matrix wherein flavour compounds are provided may be provided as a coating onto the polymeric material.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device. The mouthpiece comprises a peripheral wall defining an airflow passage. The mouthpiece is at least partially formed from a flavorized material comprising flavor compounds. The flavorized material is configured to deliver the flavor compounds via diffusion to the oral cavity of a consumer. The flavorized material comprises, essentially consists of, or consists of a crystalline copolymer matrix wherein flavour compounds are provided. The crystalline copolymer is EVA copolymer. The VA content of the EVA copolymer is selected in a range between 9 percent and 40 percent. The EVA copolymer may comprise additives being one or both of humectants and gelling agents. The mouthpiece is made from a polymeric material being a thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene (PP) or high density or low density polyethylene (PE), or silicone, and the crystalline copolymer matrix wherein flavour compounds are provided is provided as a coating onto the polymeric material.

[0026] In most aerosol-generating devices, flavoring is achieved by adding flavorants to the aerosol-forming substrate. The flavorants are then co-vaporized together with the aerosolforming substrate and are transferred into the aerosol for inhalation. A requirement for this process is that the flavorants need to have a suitable volatility. Accordingly, such processes may be limited to certain volatile compounds. Low volatility molecules might be poorly transferred into the aerosol and could be degraded in the aerosol-forming substrate. Since the flavor components from the flavorized material of the mouthpiece do not to be aerosolized to be delivered to the mouth of the consumer, the present invention allows to broaden the range of suitable flavorants. There are flavor compounds which are not allowed to be used for inhalation, but which are safe to be used for oral delivery. Thus, with the present invention the range of suitable flavorants may for example be extended to such compounds that are safe for oral delivery.

[0027] In particular, the flavor compounds used in the flavorized material may have low volatility. Flavorized material with low volatility may not be aerosolizable and may therefore not be suitable with conventional inhalation-based delivery devices. The flavor compounds may comprise menthol, eugenol, or chocolate flavor, citrus flavor, berry flavor, and fruit flavor or mixtures thereof.

[0028] The flavor compounds may comprise one or more taste active compounds. The taste active compounds may be compounds that deliver sensations of for example sweet, salty, bitter, sour, spicy, umami, kokumi, tingling, or cooling.

[0029] The taste active compounds may comprise chemically functional groups, such as acids, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketones, or combinations thereof.

[0030] The present invention is also directed to a cover for a mouthpiece for an aerosolgenerating device. The mouthpiece may be generally shaped as described herein. The cover may be formed from a flavorized material comprising flavor compounds. The flavorized material is configured to deliver the flavour compounds via diffusion to the oral cavity of a consumer.

[0031] With a cover made from flavorized material, a conventional mouthpiece may be modified such as to provide the flavoring capabilities as described above. The cover may be made from flexible material such as to be able to conform to various shapes of mouthpieces.

[0032] The present invention is also directed to an aerosol-generating device comprising a mouthpiece or a cover as described above.

[0033] The mouthpiece may be configured to be removably attached to the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to receive the mouthpiece.

[0034] The mouthpiece may be configured as a consumable. The mouthpiece may comprise a liquid storage portion. Liquid aerosol-forming substrate comprised in the liquid storage portion of the mouthpiece may be used to generate an inhalable aerosol. For this purpose the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be transported towards an vaporization unit. The vaporization unit may be a heating element. The heating element may be part of the aerosolgenerating device. The heating element may be part of the mouthpiece.

[0035] As the mouthpiece is configured to be removably mounted at the housing, the mouthpiece may be easily exchanged. The consumer may easily install a new mouthpiece when a previous mouthpiece has been damaged or the flavorized material of the mouthpiece is fully consumed. The mouthpiece may enable the consumer to adjust the consumption experience delivered by the aerosol-generating device to the consumer’s preferences. The consumer may exchange the mouthpiece if a different consumption experience is desired. As the mouthpiece is configured to be removably mounted at the housing of an aerosol-generating device, the mouthpiece may be used with different types of aerosol-generating devices. As the mouthpiece is configured to be removably mounted at the housing of an aerosol-generating device, the mouthpiece may be used with different types of existing aerosol-generating devices without modifying or without substantially modifying such existing devices. The mouthpiece may enable versatile use.

[0036] In a preferable configuration the mouthpiece may comprise the liquid storage portion and the heating element. The mouthpiece may be removably connected with the aerosolgenerating device. Upon connection of the mouthpiece with the aerosol-generating device an electrical connection between a power source of the aerosol-generating device and the heating element in the mouthpiece is established.

[0037] In configurations in which the mouthpiece comprises the liquid storage portion, it may be necessary to ensure that the flavorized material of the mouthpiece does not come into contact with the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion. Otherwise flavor cpmpounds from the flavorized material may migrate or transfer into the stored liquid substrate. In order to avoid such undesired contact, the liquid storage portion may be made from a different, non-flavored material. In addition or alternatively, the liquid storage portion may comprise an internal coating or cover. With these modifications undesired transfer of flavour compounds into the stored liquid substrate may be avoided.

[0038] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a distal end opposed to the proximal or mouth end. The proximal or mouth end of the aerosol-generating device may also be referred to as the downstream end and the distal end of the aerosol-generating device may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components, or portions of components of the aerosolgenerating device may be described as being upstream or downstream of one another based on their relative positions between the proximal, downstream or mouth end and the distal or upstream end of the aerosol-generating device.

[0039] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing, a mouth end, and an airflow channel for delivering an aerosol from an aerosol generating article to the mouth-end of the aerosol-generating device to a consumer. The airflow channel may be arranged within the housing.

[0040] As used herein, an “aerosol-generating device” relates to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article. An aerosol-generating device may interact with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user’s lungs through the consumer's mouth. An aerosol-generating device may be a holder. The device may be an electrically heated device. The aerosolgenerating device may comprise a housing, electric circuitry, a power supply, a heating chamber and a heating element. The aerosol-generating device may be cylindrically-shaped.

[0041] The aerosol-generating device of the present invention may be arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature below a combustion temperature of the aerosolforming substrate, but at or above a temperature at which one or more volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate are released to form an inhalable aerosol.

[0042] The aerosol-generating device may comprise electric circuitry. The electric circuitry may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of a controller. The electric circuitry may comprise further electronic components. The electric circuitry may be configured to regulate a supply of power to the heating element. Power may be supplied to the heating element continuously following activation of the aerosol-generating device or may be supplied intermittently, such as on a puff- by-puff basis. The power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of pulses of electrical current. The electric circuitry may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element, and preferably to control the supply of power to the heating element dependent on the electrical resistance of the heating element.

[0043] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power supply, typically a battery, within a main body of the aerosol-generating device. In one embodiment, the power supply is a Lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be a Nickel-metal hydride battery, a Nickel cadmium battery, or a Lithium based battery, for example a Lithium-Cobalt, a Lithium- Iron-Phosphate, Lithium Titanate or a Lithium-Polymer battery. As an alternative, the power supply may be another form of charge storage device such as a capacitor. The power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity that enables to store enough energy for one or more usage experiences; for example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate aerosol for a period of around six minutes or for a period of a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the heating element.

[0044] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a cavity. The cavity of the aerosolgenerating device may be configured to receive the aerosol-generating article. The cavity of the aerosol-generating device may have an open end into which the aerosol-generating article is inserted. The open end may be a proximal end. The cavity may have a closed end opposite the open end. The closed end may be the base of the cavity. The closed end may be closed except for the provision of air apertures arranged in the base. The airflow channel may comprise the apertures arranged in the base. The apertures arranged in the base may be the air outlet of the airflow channel. The base of the cavity may be flat. The base of the cavity may be circular. The base of the cavity may be arranged upstream of the cavity. The open end may be arranged downstream of the cavity. The cavity may have an elongate extension. The cavity may have a longitudinal central axis. A longitudinal direction may be the direction extending between the open and closed ends along the longitudinal central axis. The longitudinal central axis of the cavity may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

[0045] The cavity of the aerosol-generating device may be configured as a heating chamber. The cavity may have a cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the aerosol-generating article to be received in the cavity. The cavity may have a circular cross-section. The cavity may have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The cavity may have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0046] At least a portion of the airflow channel may run through the cavity of the aerosolgenerating device. Ambient air may be drawn into the aerosol-generating device, into the cavity and towards the user through the airflow channel. Downstream of the cavity a mouthpiece may be arranged. The airflow channel may extend through the mouthpiece.

[0047] In any of the aspects of the disclosure, the heating element may comprise an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically resistive materials include but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically "conductive" ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys and composite materials made of a ceramic material and a metallic material. Such composite materials may comprise doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum platinum, gold and silver. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminium- titanium- zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese-, gold- and iron-containing alloys, and super-alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetai® and iron-manganese-aluminium based alloys. In composite materials, the electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated or coated with an insulating material or vice-versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the external physicochemical properties required.

[0048] As described, in any of the aspects of the disclosure, the heating element may be part of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an internal heating element or an external heating element, or both internal and external heating elements, where "internal" and "external" refer to the aerosol-forming substrate. An internal heating element may take any suitable form. For example, an internal heating element may take the form of a heating blade. Alternatively, the internal heater may take the form of a casing or substrate having different electro-conductive portions, or an electrically resistive metallic tube. Alternatively, the internal heating element may be one or more heating needles or rods that run through the center of the aerosol-forming substrate. Other alternatives include a heating wire or filament, for example a Ni-Cr (Nickel-Chromium), platinum, tungsten or alloy wire or a heating plate. Optionally, the internal heating element may be deposited in or on a rigid carrier material. In one such embodiment, the electrically resistive heating element may be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track on a suitable insulating material, such as ceramic material, and then sandwiched in another insulating material, such as a glass. Heaters formed in this manner may be used to both heat and monitor the temperature of the heating elements during operation.

[0049] An external heating element may take any suitable form. For example, an external heating element may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate, such as polyimide. The flexible heating foils can be shaped to conform to the perimeter of the substrate receiving cavity. Alternatively, an external heating element may take the form of a metallic grid or grids, a flexible printed circuit board, a molded interconnect device (MID), ceramic heater, flexible carbon fibre heater or may be formed using a coating technique, such as plasma vapour deposition, on a suitable shaped substrate. An external heating element may also be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track between two layers of suitable insulating materials. An external heating element formed in this manner may be used to both heat and monitor the temperature of the external heating element during operation.

[0050] As an alternative to an electrically resistive heating element, the heating element may be configured as an induction heating element. The induction heating element may comprise an induction coil and a susceptor. In general, a susceptor is a material that is capable of generating heat, when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. When located in an alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is conductive, then typically eddy currents are induced by the alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is magnetic, then typically another effect that contributes to the heating is commonly referred to hysteresis losses. Hysteresis losses occur mainly due to the movement of the magnetic domain blocks within the susceptor, because the magnetic orientation of these will align with the magnetic induction field, which alternates. Another effect contributing to the hysteresis loss is when the magnetic domains will grow or shrink within the susceptor. Commonly all these changes in the susceptor that happen on a nano-scale or below are referred to as “hysteresis losses”, because they produce heat in the susceptor. Hence, if the susceptor is both magnetic and electrically conductive, both hysteresis losses and the generation of eddy currents will contribute to the heating of the susceptor. If the susceptor is magnetic, but not conductive, then hysteresis losses will be the only means by which the susceptor will heat, when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. According to the invention, the susceptor may be electrically conductive or magnetic or both electrically conductive and magnetic. An alternating magnetic field generated by one or several induction coils heat the susceptor, which then transfers the heat to the aerosol-forming substrate, such that an aerosol is formed. The heat transfer may be mainly by conduction of heat. Such a transfer of heat is best, if the susceptor is in close thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0051] As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating article’ refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, an aerosol-generating article may generate an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user’s lungs through the user's mouth. An aerosol-generating article may be disposable.

[0052] As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-forming substrate’ relates to a substrate capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. An aerosol-forming substrate may conveniently be part of an aerosol-generating article.

[0053] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosolforming substrate may comprise both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol former that facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerine and propylene glycol.

[0054] The aerosol-generating substrate preferably comprises homogenised tobacco material, an aerosol-former and water. Providing homogenised tobacco material may improve aerosol generation, the nicotine content and the flavour profile of the aerosol generated during heating of the aerosol-generating article. Specifically, the process of making homogenised tobacco involves grinding tobacco leaf, which more effectively enables the release of nicotine and flavours upon heating.

[0055] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a container, cartridge or reservoir holding the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The mouthpiece may comprise the container, cartridge or reservoir holding the liquid aerosolforming substrate.

[0056] The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device, wherein the mouthpiece is at least partially formed from a flavorized material comprising flavor compounds, and wherein the flavorized material is configured to deliver the flavour compounds via diffusion to the oral cavity of a consumer. The flavorized material may comprise a crystalline copolymer matrix wherein flavour compounds are provided. The crystalline copolymer matrix may be EVA copolymer, preferably the flavorized material may be EVA copolymer.

[0057] The flavorized material may be obtained from adding a flavor compound to a polymeric material. The flavorized material may be obtained from adding a flavor compound to a thermoplastic material.

[0058] The mouthpiece may be formed by injection molding. The mouthpiece may be formed by injection molding, wherein at least one flavor compound is added and mixed to the polymeric material before the injection molding process.

[0059] Below, there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0060] Example 1 . A mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device, comprising a peripheral wall defining an airflow passage, wherein the mouthpiece is at least partially formed from a flavorized material comprising flavor compounds, and wherein the flavorized material is configured to deliver the flavour compounds via diffusion to the oral cavity of a consumer.

[0061] Example 2. The mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the mouthpiece defines a mouthpiece inlet at a distal end and a mouthpiece outlet at the proximal end of the mouthpiece.

[0062] Example 3. The mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein delivery of the flavored compounds is activated by contact of the flavorized material of the mouthpiece with a consumer’s saliva in use.

[0063] Example 4. The mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein delivery of the flavored compounds is activated by contact of the flavorized material of the mouthpiece with a consumer’s lips.

[0064] Example 5. The mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flavorized material is a flavorized polymeric material, wood, paper or gel.

[0065] Example 6. The mouthpiece according to any one of examples 1 to 4, wherein the flavorized material comprises a crystalline copolymer matrix wherein flavour compounds are provided.

[0066] Example 7. The mouthpiece according to example 6, wherein the crystalline copolymer matrix is Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) copolymer, preferably wherein the flavorized material is EVA copolymer.

[0067] Example 8. The mouthpiece according to example 7, wherein the Vinyl Acetate (VA) content of the EVA copolymer is selected in a range between 9 percent and 40 percent, preferably between 15 percent to 30 percent. Example 9. The mouthpiece according to any of examples 7 or 8, wherein the EVA copolymer comprises additives, preferably wherein the additives are one or both of humectants and gelling agents, more preferably wherein the humectants are selected from the group comprising glycerin, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyethylene oxide, cellulose acetate phthalate and hydroxylpropylmethylcellulose phthalate, and wherein the gelling agents are selected from the group comprising croscarmellose sodium, low- substituted hydroxylpropylcellulose (L-HPC), crospovidone and sodium starch glycolate.

[0068] Example 10. The mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the mouthpiece is made from polymeric material and wherein the polymeric material is a thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene (PP) or high density or low density polyethylene (PE), or silicone, and wherein the crystalline copolymer matrix is provided as a coating onto the polymeric material, preferably wherein the crystalline copolymer matrix is EVA copolymer.

[0069] Example 11 . The mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the flavor compounds comprise menthol, eugenol, or chocolate flavor, citrus flavor, berry flavor, and fruit flavor or mixtures thereof.

[0070] Example 12. The mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the flavor compounds comprise one or more taste active compounds.

[0071] Example 13. The mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the taste active compounds are compounds delivering sensations of for example sweet, salty, bitter, sour, spicy, umami, kokumi, tingling, or cooling.

[0072] Example 14. The mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the taste active compounds comprise chemically functional groups, such as acids, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketones, or combinations thereof.

[0073] Example 15. The mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the proximal end of the mouthpiece is shaped to define an increased contact surface for contact with the consumer’s lips.

[0074] Example 16. The mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a liquid storage portion and / or a heating element.

[0075] Example 17. A cover for a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a peripheral wall defining an airflow passage, and wherein the cover is formed from a flavorized material comprising flavor compounds, and wherein the flavorized material is configured to deliver the flavour compounds via diffusion to the oral cavity of a consumer.

[0076] Example 18. The cover according to example 17, wherein the flavorized material comprises a crystalline copolymer matrix wherein flavour compounds are provided. Example 19. The cover according to example 18, wherein the crystalline copolymer matrix is EVA copolymer, more preferably wherein the flavorized material is EVA copolymer.

[0077] Example 20. The cover according to example 19, wherein the VA content of the EVA copolymer is selected in a range between 9 percent and 40 percent, preferably between 15 percent to 30 percent.

[0078] Example 21. The cover according to any of examples 19 or 20, wherein the EVA copolymer comprises additives, preferably wherein the additives are one or both of humectants and gelling agents, more preferably wherein the humectants are selected from the group comprising glycerin, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyethylene oxide, cellulose acetate phthalate and hydroxylpropylmethylcellulose phthalate, and wherein the gelling agents are selected from the group comprising croscarmellose sodium, low- substituted hydroxylpropylcellulose (L-HPC), crospovidone and sodium starch glycolate.

[0079] Example 22. An aerosol-generating device comprising a mouthpiece according to any one of examples 1 to 16, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to be received by the aerosol-generating device.

[0080] Example 23. The aerosol-generating device according to example 22, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to be removably attached to the aerosol-generating device.

[0081] Example 24. A method of manufacturing a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device, wherein the mouthpiece is at least partially formed from a flavorized material, and wherein the flavorized material is configured to deliver the flavour compounds via diffusion to the oral cavity of a consumer.

[0082] Example 25. The method of example 24, wherein the flavorized material comprises a crystalline copolymer matrix wherein flavour compounds are provided, preferably wherein the crystalline copolymer matrix is EVA copolymer, more preferably wherein the flavorized material is EVA copolymer.

[0083] Features described in relation to one embodiment may equally be applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0084] The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0085] Fig. 1 shows an aerosol-generating device with a mouthpiece;

[0086] Fig. 2 shows an aerosol-generating device with consumables each comprising a mouthpiece;

[0087] Fig. 3 shows details of the consumable of Fig. 2; and

[0088] Fig. 4 shows a mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating device. Figure 1 shows an aerosol-generating device 10 comprising a main body 12 and a mouthpiece 14. The main body 12 of the aerosol-generating device comprises a liquid storage portion 15, a vaporization unit 16, a power supply 18 in the form of a battery and a controller 20. The vaporization unit 16 comprises an electrical heater for evaporating liquid aerosolforming substrate 22 from the liquid storage portion 15. The controller 20 is configured for controlling the supply of electrical energy from the power supply 18 to the electric heater of the vaporization unit 16.

[0089] An air inlet (not shown) is provided in the main body 12 allowing ambient air to be drawn into the main body 12. The ambient air is guided past the electrical heater of the vaporization unit 16 and is mixed with vaporized aerosol-forming substrate 22. Thereby an aerosol is formed that may be inhaled by a consumer taking a puff at the proximal end of the mouthpiece 14.

[0090] The mouthpiece 14 can be at least partially or fully formed from flavorized material. In more detail the mouthpiece 14 is formed from low density polyethylene (LDPE) that is flavorized with menthol. Alternatively, the mouthpiece can be at least partially formed from Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) as is set forth above. When the user puts the mouthpiece 14 between their lips, flavor compounds from the mouthpiece 14 diffuse to the consumer’s lips, triggered by the consumer’s saliva, afterwards they disperse through the mouth cavity and come into contact with the tongue and stimulate the gustatory perception thereof. The proceed of diffusion of the flavourant from the polymer matrix is also referred to as release.

[0091] Thus, when a consumer inhales an aerosol through the mouthpiece 14, a simultaneous stimulation of the consumer’s olfactory and gustatory senses is obtained, which may lead to a more complete taste experience.

[0092] Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosolgenerating device depicted in Fig. 2, comprises a main body 12 and a removable mouthpiece 14. The removable mouthpiece is configured as a consumable, comprises a mouthpiece portion 30 a liquid storage portion 15 and a vaporizing unit 16. In Fig. 2A three different mouthpieces 14 are depicted. The mouthpieces 14 have the same dimensional structure, but are each made from flavorized material that comprises different flavor compounds. In order to distinguish between the mouthpieces 14, each mouthpiece 14 carries a color-coded ring 32. In the present example, the mouthpieces 14 are each made from silicone and are provided with menthol, chocolate flavor and citrus flavor, respectively.

[0093] The consumer can choose which mouthpiece 14 is to be used with a main device 12 as depicted in Fig. 2B. Thus, by changing the mouthpiece 14, the user may choose which kind of flavor should be delivered via the gustatory system.

[0094] Fig. 3A shows a cross sectional view of a mouthpiece 14 of Fig. 2A in an assembled state. The mouthpiece 14 comprises a mouthpiece portion 30 and a bottom portion 40. The mouthpiece portion 30 comprises a mouth-end 36 and an airflow channel 38. The bottom portion 40 comprises a liquid wicking material 42 in contact with a mesh heater 44. The mouthpiece portion 30 and the bottom portion 40 enclose a liquid storage portion 15. Between the mouthpiece portion 30 and the bottom portion 40 a seal-joint 46 is positioned. The sealjoint 46 seals the liquid storage portion 15.

[0095] Fig. 3B shows a cross sectional view of the mouthpiece portion 30 and the bottom portion 40 in a disassembled state. The mouthpiece portion 30 comprises a distal end 48. The distal end 48 comprises a first connection element as a recess 50 extending along the inner surface of the distal end 48. The bottom portion 40 comprises a proximal end 52. The proximal end 52 comprises as a second connection element a protrusion 54 extending around the proximal end 52. When the proximal end 52 of the bottom portion 40 is inserted into the distal end 48 of the mouthpiece portion 30 the protrusion 54 is inserted into the recess 50. Thereby an irreversible snap-fit connection is provided.

[0096] Upon connection to the main body 12 of the aerosol-generating device, an electrical contact is established between the mouthpiece 14 and the main body 12. Via this electrical contact, electrical power can be supplied from the power supply 18 of the main body 12 towards the heating element of the vaporizing unit 16.

[0097] Figures 4A and 4B show a mouthpiece 56 of an aerosol-generating device. The mouthpiece 56 is comprised of an inner volume and a coating. The inner volume is made of a polymeric material used for mouthpieces in the field of art, like, for example, thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene (PP) or high density or low density polyethylene (PE), or silicone. It can be seen in Figs. 4A and 4B that the inner volume of the mouthpiece has an opaque granular structure. The inner volume is coated with a flavorized material comprising a crystalline copolymer matrix having flavour compounds embedded therewithin. In other words, the mouthpiece 56 is at least partially formed from a flavorized material. The mouthpiece 56 is made of an inner volume made of polymeric material coated with a crystalline copolymer matrix wherein flavour compounds are provided, said flavourized material is configured to deliver the flavour compounds via diffusion to the oral cavity of a consumer. The crystalline copolymer matrix may be EVA copolymer. The VA content of the EVA copolymer may be selected in a range between 9 percent and 40 percent.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device, comprising a peripheral wall defining an airflow passage, wherein the mouthpiece is at least partially formed from a flavorized material comprising flavor compounds, and wherein the flavorized material comprises a crystalline copolymer matrix wherein flavour compounds are provided, said flavourized material is configured to deliver the flavour compounds via diffusion to the oral cavity of a consumer.

2. The mouthpiece according to claim 1 , wherein the mouthpiece defines a mouthpiece inlet at a distal end and a mouthpiece outlet at the proximal end of the mouthpiece.

3. The mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein delivery of the flavored compounds is activated by contact of the flavorized material of the mouthpiece with a consumer’s saliva in use.

4. The mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the crystalline copolymer matrix is EVA copolymer, preferably wherein the flavorized material is EVA copolymer.

5. The mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mouthpiece is made from polymeric material, wherein the polymeric material is a thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene (PP) or high density or low density polyethylene (PE), or silicone, and wherein the crystalline copolymer matrix is provided as a coating onto the polymeric material, preferably wherein the crystalline copolymer matrix is EVA copolymer.

6. The mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flavor compounds comprise menthol, eugenol, or chocolate flavor, citrus flavor, berry flavor, and fruit flavor or mixtures thereof.

7. The mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flavor compounds comprise one or more taste active compounds.

8. The mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the taste active compounds are compounds delivering sensations of for example sweet, salty, bitter, sour, spicy, umami, kokumi, tingling, or cooling.

9. The mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the taste active compounds comprise chemically functional groups, such as acids, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketones, or combinations thereof.

10. The mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the proximal end of the mouthpiece is shaped to define an increased contact surface for contact with the consumer’s lips.11 . The mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a liquid storage portion and / or a heating element.

12. A cover for a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a peripheral wall defining an airflow passage, and wherein the cover is formed from a flavorized material comprising flavor compounds, and wherein the flavorized material comprises a crystalline copolymer matrix wherein flavour compounds are provided, said flavourized material is configured to deliver the flavour compounds via diffusion to the oral cavity of a consumer, preferably wherein the crystalline copolymer matrix is EVA copolymer, more preferably wherein the flavorized material is EVA copolymer.

13. An aerosol-generating device comprising a mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the mouthpiece is configured to be received by the aerosol-generating device.

14. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 13, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to be removably attached to the aerosol-generating device.

15. A method of manufacturing a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device, wherein the mouthpiece is at least partially formed from a flavorized material comprising a crystalline copolymer matrix wherein flavour compounds are provided, andwherein the flavorized material is configured to deliver the flavour compounds via diffusion to the oral cavity of a consumer, preferably wherein the crystalline copolymer matrix is EVA copolymer, more preferably wherein the flavorized material is EVA copolymer.

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