Flavor delivery article for an aerosol-generating product

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flavor delivery article for an aerosol-generating product comprising: a housing comprising: a base (20) comprising a first part (21); one or more first air vent holes (22) arranged in the first part of the base; a cap (30) configured to releasably couple to the base, the cap comprising a second part (31) which is at least partially overlapped with the first part of the base when the cap and the base are coupled; and one or more second air vent holes (32) arranged in the second part of the cap; wherein the flavor delivery article further comprises: a flavor store (40) for receiving a flavor-generating substrate (41), the flavor store defined at least partially by the cap and the base when coupled, a guide structure configured to releasably and movably couple the cap to the base; wherein the guide structure is configured such that the cap (30) can substantially freely rotate relative to the base (20) around a rotation axis while maintaining an axial position of the cap relative to the base along the rotation axis, when the cap is coupled to the base, and wherein the first air vent (22) and the second air vent (32) are arranged to be at least partially aligned to form a flavor outlet opening for releasing a flavor from a flavor- generating substrate received in the flavor store, when the cap is arranged at one or more rotational positions relative to the base.

Description

[0001] December 5, 2025T International SA J177661WO CKA / Vgm / Kta

[0002] Flavor delivery article for an aerosol-generating product

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to a flavor delivery article for use with an aerosol generating product. The invention also relates to a flavor delivery system comprising the flavor delivery article and a method of flavor delivery.

[0005] Technical background

[0006] Aerosol generating products such as conventional combustible cigarettes and heat-not-burn products comprise an aerosol forming substrate based on which aerosols can be generated to be inhaled by users. The aerosol forming substrate typically comprises nicotine.

[0007] Conventional combustible cigarettes comprise a cylindrical aerosol-generating rod generally including a tobacco material and a filter rod. The aerosol-generating rod and the filter rod may be surrounded by a wrapping paper such that these rods are arranged in the wrapping paper to form the aerosol-generating article in the form of a stick.

[0008] Heat-not-burn products, or aerosol generating devices, which heat, rather than burn, an aerosol generating substrate to produce an aerosol for inhalation have become popular with consumers in recent years. The products of this type generate an aerosol or vapour by heating an aerosol generating substrate to a temperature typically in the range 15O°C to 3OO°C, and in some cases as high as 35O°C. This temperature range is lower compared to a conventional cigarette where the aerosol generating substrate is heated to a combustion temperature.

[0009] The aerosol generating substrate may be a solid, semi-solid (e.g., gel) or liquid. For example, the aerosol generating article may include a solid or semi-solid aerosol generating substrate comprising plant derived material, such as tobacco. The aerosol generating articles can take various forms, for example an elongate cylindrical stick or a flat-shaped cuboid. Alternatively, the aerosol generating article may include the liquid aerosol generating substrate. In such a case, the aerosol generating device or a cartridge for storing the aerosol generating material may include a heater configured to produce vapour from aerosol generating liquid transferred from a cartridge or tank to a wick arranged adjacent to the heater. The aerosol generating products often comprise flavorants as additives for improving the perception of a puff. The flavorants may be used to provide enhanced taste and flavor via combination of orthonasal and retronasal olfaction. The flavorants may also be mixed with aerosol generated to be inhaled to improve the user experience.

[0010] The flavorants are included in consumables such as cigarettes, heat-not-burn sticks, or cartridges. Therefore, users may need to purchase different consumables to change the flavor, and the flavor is normally not adjustable or customizable by users.

[0011] It is desirable to provide options to adjust and customize the delivery of flavorants by the user of the aerosol generating products. It is also desirable that the user may change delivery of flavorants during an aerosol generation session.

[0012] Against this backdrop, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a flavor delivery article which provides on-demand taste and flavor enhancement, in particular via combination of orthonasal and retronasal olfaction.

[0013] Summary of the Disclosure

[0014] The above-mentioned object and other objects, which become apparent from the following description, are solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are subject of the dependent claims.

[0015] A 1stembodiment of the present invention is directed to a flavor delivery article for an aerosolgenerating product. The aerosol-generating product may be an aerosol generating device, an aerosol generating stick (so called a heat-not-burn stick), combination of the aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating stick or a conventional cigarette stick. The flavor delivery article comprises: a housing comprising: a base comprising a first part; one or more first air vent holes arranged in the first part of the base; a cap configured to releasably couple to the base, the cap comprising a second part which is at least partially overlapped with the first part of the base when the cap and the base are coupled; and one or more second air vent holes arranged in the second part of the cap; wherein the flavor delivery article further comprises: a flavor store for receiving a flavor-generating substrate, the flavor store defined at least partially by the cap and the base when coupled, a guide structure configured to releasably and movably couple the cap to the base; wherein the guide structure is configured such that the cap can substantially freely rotate relative to the base around a rotation axis while maintaining an axial position of the cap relative to the base along the rotation axis, when the cap is coupled to the base, and wherein, preferably, the one or more first air vents and the one or more second air vents are arranged to be at least partially aligned to form a flavor outlet opening for releasing a flavor from a flavor-generating substrate received in the flavor store, when the cap is arranged at one or more rotational positions relative to the base.

[0016] In this manner, an improved flavor delivery article for an aerosol-generating product is provided which can provide on-demand taste and flavor enhancement, in particular via combination of orthonasal and retronasal olfaction.

[0017] The guide structure may be a part of the housing. The guide structure may be a part of one or more of the cap and the base.

[0018] The one or more first air vent holes and the one or more second air vent holes are arranged to be at least partially aligned to form a flavor outlet opening for releasing a flavor from a flavorgenerating substrate received in the flavor store, when the cap is arranged at one or more rotational positions relative to the base. The rotational positions maybe defined, for instance, by a degree of relative rotation. It is thus understood that a plurality of rotational positions is encompassed.

[0019] The flavor outlet opening refers to one or more openings formed by each of the at least partially aligned first and second air vent holes.

[0020] The degree of alignment of the one or more fist air vent holes and the one or more second air vent holes may vary when the relative position of the cap and the base is changed. This may determine the total size of flavor outlet opening, which corresponds to the amount of the flavor to be delivered. Such a rotation mechanism of the cap and the base advantageously provides a precise control of the flavor delivery. Such a configuration also simplifies manufacturing.

[0021] Preferably, the guide structure is a mechanical rotation guide.

[0022] According to a 2ndembodiment, the guide structure comprises a rail formed on the base, the rail providing a track along a path of movement, and an engaging part formed on the cap, the engaging part configured to slidably move along the rail.

[0023] According to a 3rdembodiment, the rail comprises a groove formed on an outer surface of the base. In some embodiment, the rail comprises a square groove. In some embodiment, the rail comprises a U-shaped or V-shaped groove.

[0024] According to some embodiment, the rail is a flat rail, profiled rail, such as a T-shaped rail and U- shaped rail, or a dovetail rail.

[0025] Alternatively, the guide structure may comprise magnet. The cap may be guided to rotate relative to the base around the rotation axis by magnetic traction and repulsion. The guide structure may comprise a magnetic linear slider or a magnetic conveyer belt. The guide structure may employ magnetic levitation.

[0026] According to a 4thembodiment, the engaging part may comprise an engaging protrusion.

[0027] According to a 5thembodiment, the base further comprises an insertion guide configured to guide the engaging part to the rail when the cap is coupled to the base.

[0028] The insertion guide may be a groove formed along the direction of coupling of the cap to the base, and extending from a top end of the base to the rail. The groove of the insertion guide is configured such that the engaging protrusion may be guided along the groove when the cap and the base are coupled.

[0029] According to some embodiment, the guide is omitted. In this case, the engaging part and / or the cap may be at least partially elastically deformable, and the engaging part is inserted to the guide, for example, by snap fit.

[0030] According to a 6thembodiment, the flavor delivery article may comprise an attachment portion releasably attachable to the aerosol-generating product. Preferably the attachment portion is configured to be attached to a peripheral surface of the aerosol generating product. This allows to an easy and instant attachment of the flavor delivery article to the aerosol generating product.

[0031] The attachment portion may be a part of the housing of the flavor delivery article, e.g., it may be part of the cap and / or the base of the flavor delivery article.

[0032] According to a 7thembodiment, the attachment portion is configured to be attached at least partially to a peripheral surface of the aerosol-generating product.

[0033] In this embodiment, the aerosol generating product may be an aerosol generating stick or a conventional cigarette stick. Alternatively, the aerosol generating product may be an aerosol generating device, which may have an elongated form. In such an alternative, the attachment portion is configured to be attached at least partially to an inner surface of the aerosol-generating product (e.g., the aerosol generating device).

[0034] Preferably the attachment portion is configured to removably attach the flavor delivery article by friction fit. The friction fit allows to hold the flavor delivery article essentially stably on the aerosol generating product such that the attachment portion does not rotate relative to the aerosol generating product when the cap is rotated relative to the base.

[0035] The attachment portion may be in the form of a wall configured to surround at least partially, including essentially completely or completely, the peripheral surface of the aerosol generating product. An internal space formed by the wall of the attachment portion may be designed and sized to match to at least a part of the peripheral surface of the aerosol generating product, so that the flavor delivery article may be removably but stably held by the aerosol generating product, the aerosol generating product may be an aerosol generating stick or a conventional cigarette stick. Alternatively, the aerosol generating product may be an aerosol generating device having an elongated form. In some embodiment, the attachment portion may comprise a hole configured to surround the peripheral surface of at least a part of the aerosol generating product, such that the aerosol generating product may be inserted in the hole to be coupled with the flavor delivery article. This way, the flavor delivery article may be removably attached to the aerosol generating product via friction fit.

[0036] According to an 8thembodiment, the cap and the base are configured such that the cap and the base form an annular cylinder when the cap and the base are coupled, wherein, preferably, a central bore of the annular cylinder is configured such that at least a part of the central bore forms at least a part of the attachment portion.

[0037] Additionally, or alternatively, the attachment portion may comprise an engagement mechanism for engaging to the aerosol generating product. The engagement mechanism may provide mechanical coupling of the flavor delivery device to the aerosol generating product.

[0038] Alternatively, or additionally, the engagement mechanism may provide magnetic coupling of the flavor delivery device to the aerosol generating product.

[0039] For example, the engagement mechanism comprises a tubular part having a screw threaded surface formed on its peripheral sidewall. The engagement mechanism may be arranged on the base and configured to be attached to the aerosol generating product having a threaded hole corresponding to the screw thread of the engagement mechanism. The aerosol generating product may be an aerosol generating device. The threaded hole may be arranged on one of extremities, i.e., a proximal end or a distal end, of the aerosol generating device.

[0040] In one exemplary embodiment of the flavor delivery device, the attachment portion is configured to be attached to both an aerosol generating stick and an aerosol generating device. In such a case, the base comprises the attachment portion. The attachment comprise a first attachment portion configured to be attached to a peripheral surface of the aerosol generating stick and a second attachment portion comprising the engagement mechanism configured to be attached to the aerosol generating device. As described above, the second attachment portion (the engagement mechanism) may be the screw-thread tubular portion. In such a case, the aerosol generating device comprises the threaded hole for coupling to the engagement mechanism. When the flavor delivery article is in the form of the annular cylinder, the engagement mechanism (the screw threaded portion) and the threaded hole of the aerosol generating device are arranged such that the central bore of the flavor delivery article is aligned with an opening of a heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. In this way, the aerosol generating stick may be inserted in the heating chamber through the central bore of the flavor delivery article. This configuration allows to stabilize the relative position of the flavor delivery article and the aerosol generating products (i.e., the aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating stick). Consequently, the operation of the flavor delivery device, i.e., rotation of the cap relative to the base, may be more easily and precisely controlled. According to a 9thembodiment, the flavor delivery article is in the form of the annular cylinder, the base comprises an annular cylindrical vessel.

[0041] An inner peripheral wall of the annular cylindrical vessel defines the central bore of the annular cylinder of the flavor delivery device. The central bore is sized to fit to the cigarette / HnB sticks, for example.

[0042] The flavor generating substrate may be an annular shaped and sized to fit in the inner volume vessel of the base. Preferably the flavor generating substrate is substantially same size as the inner volume of the vessel but designed to keep a small gap between the inner wall of the vessel and the flavor substrate. In this way, the flavor generating substrate may be easily received in and removed from the flavor delivery article.

[0043] According to a iothembodiment, the flavor delivery article is in the form of the annular cylinder, the cap is a cylindrical cap comprising: an annular cap base provided with a central cap opening aligned with the central bore; and a curved sidewall configured to surround an outer sidewall of the base when the cap and the base are coupled. In this case, the cap comprises the engaging part extending from an inner side wall of the cap, and the base comprises the rail formed on an outer side wall (the peripheral wall) of the base. For example, the rail may be a groove, and the engaging part may be a protrusion to engage with the groove. In this configuration, the cap is rotatable relative to the base around the central axis of the flavor deliver article, i.e., the rotation axis corresponds to the central axis of the annular cylinder.

[0044] In one exemplary embodiment of the annular cylindrical flavor delivery article, the first part of the base having the one or more first air vent holes is arranged in the outer sidewall of the base and the second part of the cap having the one or more second air vent holes are arranged in the outer sidewall of the cap. When the cap is rotated relative to the base, the flavor outlet may be formed on the outer sidewall of the cylinder or the top surface of the cylinder. The size of the flavor outlet (the total area where the one or more first air vent holes and the one or more second air vent holes are aligned) may be adjustable dependent on the rotational position of the cap relative to the base.

[0045] According to some embodiment related to the annular cylindrical flavor delivery article, the one or more first air vent holes are arranged to have a uniform rotational distribution along the outer sidewall of the base, and the one or more second air vent holes are also arranged to have a uniform rotational distribution along the sidewall of the cap. In some embodiment, each of the one or more first air vent holes and the one or more second air vent holes has an identical size and shape.

[0046] According to an 11thembodiment, the flavor delivery article further comprises a dispensing mechanism for applying mechanical pressure on the flavor substrate included in the flavor store.

[0047] According to a 12thembodiment, the dispensing mechanism comprises a plunger configured to be actuated to reduce a volume of the flavor store.

[0048] For example, the housing of the flavor delivery device may comprise an elastically deformable part configured to move the plunger to apply mechanical stress to the flavor generating substrate when the deformable part is pressed by a user. In another embodiment, the plunger may be a piston for being pressed by a user to apply a mechanical stress on the flavor delivery article.

[0049] A 13thembodiment of the present invention is directed to a flavor-generating substrate dimensioned to be received within the flavor store of the flavor delivery article according to any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0050] The flavor-generating substrate may comprise at least one flavorant (e.g., an aromatic substatnce) and a carrier substrate configured to retain the at least one flavorant at least partially. The carrier substrate may comprise a solid, in particular a rigid material.

[0051] To be “dimensioned” may mean that the substrate (or any other part to which the term “dimensioned” refers to) is sized and / or shaped.

[0052] The flavor-generating substrate comprising a carrier substrate and at least one flavorant (aromatic substance). The flavor generating substance of the flavor-generating substrate comprises botanicals, powders, liquids, gels, capsules, flavor immobilized in plastic or a combination thereof.

[0053] The flavor substrate is configured to releases flavor when the one or more first vent holes of the base and the one or more second vent holes of the cap are aligned to form the flavor outlet opening

[0054] The flavor-generating substrate may comprise a carrier substrate and at least one flavorant (or aromatic substance). The flavor generating substance of the flavor-generating substrate may comprises botanicals, powders, liquids, gels, capsules, flavor immobilized in plastic or a combination thereof, as the at least one flavorant.

[0055] According to some embodiment, the flavor substrate may comprise capsules of flavor substance. The capsules are crushable e.g. by applying mechanical force before use. The capsules prevent the flavor generating substrate from loss and degradation of the flavorants contained therein before use, thereby improving a shelflife.

[0056] A 14thembodiment of the present invention is directed to an aerosol-generating system comprising the flavor delivery article according to any one of the preceding embodiments and an aerosol-generating product.

[0057] Here, the aerosol generating product may be a conventional cigarette stick, an aerosol generating device, e.g., a heat-not-burn device, an aerosol generating stick (a heat-not-burn stick) or a cartridge for the aerosol generating device.

[0058] A 15thembodiment of the present invention is directed to a method of flavor delivery comprising steps of: providing the aerosol-generating system according to the embodiment described above; and rotating the cap to adjust a position of the cap relative to the base before or during use of the aerosol-generating system.

[0059] According to some embodiment, the method of flavor delivery may further comprise a step of providing the flavor delivery article of any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0060] This may include a step of placing a flavor substrate in the flavor store.

[0061] In some embodiment, the base may be in the form of a vessel which partially defines the flavor store. Before coupling the flavor delivery article to the aerosol generating product, the user may install the aerosol generating substrate in the vessel of the base. Then, the user may couple the cap and the base.

[0062] In some embodiment, the base of the flavor delivery article comprises the insertion guide and the engaging part of the cap of the flavor delivery article may be at least partially inserted in the insertion guide. Thereafter, then the engaging part can be slid along the insertion guide to the rail to couple the cap to the base.

[0063] According to some embodiment, the method of flavor delivery may further comprise a step of attaching the flavor delivery article to the aerosol generating product.

[0064] In some embodiment, the flavor deliver article comprises the attachment portion so as to releasably attach the flavor deliver article to the aerosol-generating product, and the attachment portion may be configured to be attached at least partially to a peripheral surface of the aerosolgenerating product, and the flavor delivery article may be coupled with the peripheral surface of the aerosol generating product. In such a case, the aerosol generating product may be an aerosol generating stick or a conventional cigarette stick. Alternatively, the aerosol generating product may be an aerosol generating device, e.g., a device having an elongated form.

[0065] In some embodiment, the base comprises the engagement portion, and the flavor delivery article may be engaged to more than one aerosol-generating products. For example, the flavor delivery article may be attached to an aerosol generating device (i.e., a first aerosol-generating product) and an aerosol generating stick (i.e., a second aerosol-generating product). In use, for example, the user may attach the flavor delivery article to the aerosol generating device by means of the engagement mechanism of the base. The central bore of the flavor delivery article may thereby be aligned with an opening of a heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. In this way, the aerosol generating stick may be inserted in the heating chamber through the central bore of the flavor delivery article. As described elsewhere herein, the central bore may serve as the attachment portion so as to releasably attach the flavor delivery article to the periphery of the aerosol-generating product, specifically the aerosol-generating stick. This way, the relative position of the flavor delivery article and the aerosol-generating products (i.e., the aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating stick) may be stabilized.

[0066] Consequently, the operation of the flavor delivery device, i.e., rotation of the cap relative to the base, may be more easily and precisely controlled.

[0067] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0068] In the following, preferred embodiments are described, by way of example only. Reference is made to the following accompanying figures: Fig. 1 illustrates a flavor delivery article according to an embodiment of the invention and an aerosol-generating product;

[0069] Fig. 2 illustrates two cross-sections of elements shown in Fig. 1, the cross-sections being along a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation in Fig. 1;

[0070] Fig. 3 illustrates elements shown in Fig. 1 from the top;

[0071] Fig. 4 illustrates two cross-sections of elements shown in Fig. 1, the cross-sections being along a plane parallel to the axis of rotation in Fig. 1.

[0072] Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0073] In the following, the invention is described with reference to the accompanying figures in more detail. However, the present invention can also be used in other embodiments not explicitly disclosed hereafter. As detailed below, the embodiments are compatible with each other, and individual features of one embodiment may also be applied to another embodiment.

[0074] Throughout the figures and description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements, unless stated otherwise. The figures may not be drawn to scale, and the relative size, proportions, and depiction of elements in the figures maybe exaggerated for the purpose of clarity, illustration, and convenience. The figures do not limit the scope of the claims but merely support the understanding of the invention.

[0075] Fig. 1 illustrates a flavor delivery article 1 according to an embodiment of the invention and an aerosol-generating product 2.

[0076] The aerosol-generating product 2 maybe an aerosol generating device, an aerosol generating stick (so called a heat-not-burn stick), combination of the aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating stick or a conventional cigarette stick. In this example, the product 2 maybe an aerosol generating stick 2. The flavor deliveiy article i comprises a housing comprising a base 20 comprising a first part 21, one or more first air vent holes 22 arranged in the first part 21 of the base 20. The housing also comprises a cap 30 configured to be releasably couplable to the base 20, the cap 30 comprising a second part 31 which is at least partially overlapped with the first part 21 of the base 20 when the cap 30 and the base 20 are coupled. The cap 30 further comprises one or more second air vent 32 holes arranged in the second part 31 of the cap 30.

[0077] The flavor delivery article 1 further comprises a flavor store 40 for receiving a flavor-generating substrate 41, the flavor store 40 defined at least partially by the cap 30 and the base 20 when coupled. The article i also comprises a guide structure (e.g., comprising a groove 25 as described elsewhere herein in greater detail), configured to releasably and movably couple the cap 30 to the base 20. The guide structure is configured such that the cap 30 can substantially freely rotate relative to the base 20 around a rotation axis (running parallel from the top to bottom direction of Fig. 1, i.e., along the longitudinal axis of article 1) while maintaining an axial position of the cap 30 relative to the base 20 along the rotation axis, when the cap 30 is coupled to the base 20. The one or more first air vents 21 and the one or more second air vents 31 are arranged to be at least partially aligned to form a flavor outlet opening for releasing a flavor from a flavor-generating substrate 41 received in the flavor store 40, when the cap 30 is arranged at one or more rotational positions relative to the base 20.

[0078] The guide structure may comprise a rail formed on the base 20, the rail providing a track along a path of movement, and an engaging part (e.g., an engaging protrusion 33 shown in Figs. 2 and 4) formed on the cap 30, the engaging part configured to slidably move along the rail. The rail can comprise a groove 25 formed on an outer surface of the base 20. As best seen in in Figs. 2 and 4, the engaging part comprises an engaging protrusion 33.

[0079] As best seen in Fig. 2, the base 20 may further comprise an insertion guide configured to guide the engaging part (e.g., 33) to the rail when the cap 30 is coupled to the base 20.

[0080] Moreover, the flavor delivery article 1 comprises an attachment portion (referenced herein as 10’, 10”) releasably attachable to the aerosol-generating product 2. The attachment portion may comprise a first attachment portion 10’ and a second attachment portion 10”.

[0081] The attachment portion 10’, 10” is configured to be attached at least partially to a peripheral surface 3 of the aerosol-generating product 2. Thereby, the aerosol generating product 2 may be an aerosol generating stick or a conventional cigarette stick. It is also feasible that the aerosol generating product 2 may be an aerosol generating device, which may have an elongated form. In such an alternative, the attachment portion 10’, 10” may be configured to be attached at least partially to an inner surface of the aerosol-generating product 2 (e.g., the aerosol generating device).

[0082] As can be gathered from Fig. 1, the cap 30 and the base 20 may be configured such that the cap 30 and the base 20 form an annular cylinder when the cap 30 and the base 20 are coupled, Preferably, a central bore of the annular cylinder is configured such that at least a part of the central bore forms at least a part of the attachment portion to”, indicated as the second attachment portion to” in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0083] The base 20 may comprise an annular cylindrical vessel, as best seen on the left-hand side of Fig. 2.

[0084] The cap 30 can be a cylindrical cap 30 comprising an annular cap base provided with a central cap opening aligned with the central bore and a curved sidewall configured to surround an outer sidewall of the base 20, e.g., when they are coupled.

[0085] The flavor delivery article 1 further comprises a dispensing mechanism for applying mechanical pressure on a flavor-generating substrate 41 when received in the flavor store 40. The dispensing mechanism can comprise a plunger 35 configured to be actuated to reduce a volume of the flavor store 40.

[0086] As also shown in Fig. 1, there is provided a flavor-generating substrate 41 dimensioned to be received within the flavor store 40 of the flavor delivery article 1.

[0087] As also shown in Fig. 1, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising a flavor flavorgenerating substrate 41 and a flavor delivery article 1. Preferably, the system also comprises the aerosol-generating product 2.

[0088] As can be gathered from Fig. 1, a method of flavor delivery is provided, the method comprising steps of: (i) providing the aerosol-generating system (1, 41); and (ii) rotating the cap 30 to adjust a position of the cap 30 relative to the base 20 before or during use of the aerosol-generating system.

[0089] Fig. 2 illustrates two cross-sections of elements shown in Fig. 1, the cross-sections being along a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation in Fig. 1. On the left-hand side of Fig. 2, a cross-section of the base 20 is shown. On the right-hand side of Fig. 2, a cross-section of the cap 30 is shown.

[0090] Fig. 3 illustrates elements shown in Fig. 1 from the top. Specifically, Fig. 3 shows the base 20 and the cap 30 not in a cross-sectional view.

[0091] Fig. 4 illustrates two cross-sections of elements shown in Fig. 1, the cross-sections being along a plane parallel to the axis of rotation in Fig. 1. Specifically, Fig. 4 shows the base 20 and the cap 30. In particular, Fig. 4 shows the engaging protrusion 33 of the engaging part of the cap 30 and it shows the plunger 35 of the dispending mechanism of the cap 30.

[0092] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and variations of the described examples and embodiments are possible in light of the above teaching. The disclosed examples and embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration only. Other embodiments may include some or all of the features disclosed herein. Therefore, it is the intent to cover all such modifications and alternate embodiments as may come within the true scope of this invention.

[0093] List of reference numerals

[0094] 1 flavor delivery article

[0095] 2 aerosol-generating product, such as an aerosol-generating device and / or an aerosol - generating stick

[0096] 3 peripheral surface of the aerosol generating product

[0097] 10’ first attachment portion

[0098] 10” second attachment portion

[0099] 20 base

[0100] 21 first part

[0101] 22 first air vent holes

[0102] 25 groove of the rail of the guide structure of the flavor deliveiy article

[0103] 30 cap

[0104] 31 second part

[0105] 32 second air vent holes

[0106] 33 engaging protrusion of the engaging part of the cap

[0107] 35 plunger of a dispensing mechanism

[0108] 40 flavor store

[0109] 41 flavor-generating substrate

Claims

December 5, 2025T International SA J177661WO CKA / Vgm / KtaClaims1. A flavor delivery article for an aerosol-generating product comprising: a housing comprising: a base (20) comprising a first part (21); one or more first air vent holes (22) arranged in the first part of the base; a cap (30) configured to releasably couple to the base, the cap comprising a second part (31) which is at least partially overlapped with the first part of the base when the cap and the base are coupled; and one or more second air vent holes (32) arranged in the second part of the cap; wherein the flavor delivery article further comprises: a flavor store (40) for receiving a flavor-generating substrate (41), the flavor store defined at least partially by the cap and the base when coupled, a guide structure configured to releasably and movably couple the cap to the base; wherein the guide structure is configured such that the cap (30) can substantially freely rotate relative to the base (20) around a rotation axis while maintaining an axial position of the cap relative to the base along the rotation axis, when the cap is coupled to the base, and wherein the one or more first air vents (22) and the one or more second air vents (32) are arranged to be at least partially aligned to form a flavor outlet opening for releasing a flavor from a flavor-generating substrate received in the flavor store, when the cap is arranged at one or more rotational positions relative to the base.

2. The flavor delivery article according to claim 1, wherein the guide structure comprises a rail formed on the base, the rail providing a track along a path of movement, and an engaging part formed on the cap, the engaging part configured to slidably move along the rail.

3. The flavor delivery article according to the preceding claim, wherein the rail comprises a groove (25) formed on an outer surface of the base (20).

4. The flavor delivery article according to claims 2 or 3, wherein the engaging part comprises an engaging protrusion (33).

5. The flavor delivery article according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the base further comprises an insertion guide configured to guide the engaging part to the rail when the cap is coupled to the base.

6. The flavor delivery article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flavor delivery article comprises an attachment portion (10’, 10”) releasably attachable to the aerosol-generating product.

7. The flavor delivery article according to the preceding claim, wherein the attachment portion is configured to be attached at least partially to a peripheral surface (3) of the aerosolgenerating product.

8. The flavor delivery article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cap and the base are configured such that the cap and the base form an annular cylinder when the cap and the base are coupled, wherein, preferably, a central bore of the annular cylinder is configured such that at least a part of the central bore forms at least a part of the attachment portion.

9. The flavor deliveiy article according to claim 8, wherein the base comprises an annular cylindrical vessel.

10. The flavor delivery article according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the cap is a cylindrical cap comprising: an annular cap base provided with a central cap opening aligned with the central bore; and a curved sidewall configured to surround an outer sidewall of the base.

11. The flavor delivery article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flavor delivery article further comprises a dispensing mechanism for applying mechanical pressure on a flavor-generating substrate (41) when received in the flavor store (40).

12. The flavor delivery article according to the preceding claim, wherein the dispensing mechanism comprises a plunger (35) configured to be actuated to reduce a volume of the flavor store.

13. A flavor-generating substrate dimensioned to be received within the flavor store of the flavor delivery article according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. An aerosol-generating system comprising a flavor-generating substrate according to claim 13 and a flavor delivery article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and preferably an aerosolgenerating product.

15. A method of flavor delivery comprising steps of: (i) providing the aerosol-generating system according to claim 14; and(ii) rotating the cap to adjust a position of the cap relative to the base before or during use of the aerosol-generating system.

Images