Aerosol provision system

Abstract

An aerosol provision system T comprising a reservoir (31) for containing an aerosolisable material (35), and further comprising an additive (203) for use with the aerosolisable material (35). Also provided is a vaporiser (40) for generating a vapour from the aerosolisable material (35) and / or additive (203). The aerosol provision system T is then changeable between a first configuration (C1) in which the aerosolisable material (35) is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser (40), and in which the additive (203) is prevented from reaching the vaporiser (40); and a second configuration (C2) in which the aerosolisable material (35) is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser (40), and in which the additive (203) is operable to reach the vaporiser (40).

Description

[0001] P20025837

[0002] AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM

[0003] Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates to aerosol provision systems such as, but not limited to, nicotine delivery systems (e.g. electronic cigarettes and the like).

[0005] Background

[0006] Electronic aerosol provision systems, often employ an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or more generally an aerosol provision device. Such an aerosol provision device typically contains aerosolisable material, such as a reservoir of fluid or liquid containing a formulation, typically but not necessarily including nicotine, or a solid material such as a tobacco-based product, from which a vapour / aerosol is generated for inhalation by a user, for example through heat vaporisation. Thus, an aerosol provision system will typically comprise a vaporiser, e.g. a heating element, arranged to vaporise a portion of aerosolisable material to generate a vapour.

[0007] Once a vapour has been generated, the vapour may be passed through flavouring material to add flavour to the vapour (if the aerosolisable material was not itself flavoured), after which the (flavoured) vapour may be then delivered to a user via a mouthpiece from the aerosol provision system.

[0008] In the context of such aerosol provision systems however, there is little ability to control the composition of the vapour which is provided to the user via the mouthpiece. In other words, to the extent that a different composition of vapour is required, this typically requires replacing the reservoir with a completely different aerosolisable material such to allow for the creation of the vapour with the requisite composition. Such aerosol provision systems can thus often be pretty inflexible, to the extent any customisation of the vapour which is provided to the user via the mouthpiece is thus required.

[0009] Various approaches are therefore described herein, which seek to help address or mitigate some of the issues discussed above. These approaches include allowing the composition of the vapour which is provided to the user to be customised and better controlled, and include allowing the addition of one or more additive(s) to be imparted into the vapour which is delivered to the user - in a variety of different ways, as will be described.

[0010] Summary

[0011] According to a first aspect of certain embodiments there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising:

[0012] a reservoir containing a first aerosolisable material;

[0013] an additive for use with the first aerosolisable material; andP20025837

[0014] a vaporiser for generating a vapour from the first aerosolisable material and / or additive;

[0015] wherein the aerosol provision system is changeable between:

[0016] a first configuration in which the aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, and in which the additive is prevented from reaching the vaporiser; and

[0017] a second configuration in which the aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, and in which the additive is operable to reach the vaporiser.

[0018] According to a second aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the cartridge comprises:

[0019] a reservoir containing a first aerosolisable material;

[0020] an additive for use with the first aerosolisable material; and

[0021] a vaporiser for generating a vapour from the first aerosolisable material and / or additive;

[0022] wherein the aerosol provision system is changeable between:

[0023] a first configuration in which the aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, and in which the additive is prevented from reaching the vaporiser; and a second configuration in which the aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, and in which the additive is operable to reach the vaporiser. According to a third aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a method of controlling the delivery of an additive to a vaporiser which is configured to generate a vapour from an aerosolisable material which is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, wherein the method comprises:

[0024] preventing the additive from reaching the vaporiser in a first configuration; and changing from the first configuration to a second configuration, wherein the second configuration the additive is operable to reach the vaporiser.

[0025] According to a fourth aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a composition for use in an aerosol provision system, wherein the composition comprises an additive and a carrier molecule, and wherein the carrier molecule is reversibly associated with the additive in the composition;

[0026] wherein the composition is configured such that upon reaching a predetermined temperature which is between 40°C - 60°C, the additive is configured to be disassociated from the carrier molecule;

[0027] wherein the additive comprises at least one of:P20025837

[0028] i) an aerosolisable material;

[0029] ii) a flavouring material;

[0030] iii) nicotine;

[0031] iv) one or more cannabinoids, preferably tetrahydrocannabinol and / or cannabidiol;

[0032] v) a sensate, preferably a cooling agent and / or a warming agent.

[0033] It will be appreciated that features and aspects of the invention described above in relation to the various aspects of the invention are equally applicable to, and may be combined with, embodiments of the invention according to other aspects of the invention as appropriate, and not just in the specific combinations described herein.

[0034] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0035] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 schematically represents in perspective view an aerosol provision device comprising a cartridge and control unit (shown separated) in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure;

[0037] Figure 2 schematically represents in exploded perspective view of components of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1;

[0038] Figures 3A to 3C schematically represent various cross-section views of a housing part of the cartridge of the aerosol provision device of Figure 1;

[0039] Figures 4A and 4B schematically represent a perspective view and a plan view of a dividing wall element of the cartridge of the aerosol provision device of Figure 1;

[0040] Figures 5A to 5C schematically represent two perspective views and a plan view of a resilient plug of the cartridge of the aerosol provision device of Figure 1;

[0041] Figures 6A and 6B schematically represent a perspective view and a plan view of a bottom cap of the cartridge of the aerosol provision device of Figure 1;

[0042] Figure 7A schematically represents a cross section view of a modified cartridge for use with the control unit shown in Figure 1 to form an aerosol provision system in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, wherein the modified cartridge contains an aerosolisable material and an additive for use with the aerosolisable material. Figure 7A shows the system / cartridge in a first configuration in which the aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to a vaporiser from the system / cartridge, but where the additive is prevented from reaching the vaporiser;P20025837

[0043] Figure 7B schematically represents the aerosol provision system from Figure 7A, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, and which shows the system / cartridge in a second configuration in which the aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, and in which the additive is also operable to reach the vaporiser; Figure 8A schematically represents a cross section view of a further modified cartridge for use with the control unit shown in Figure 1 to form an aerosol provision system in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, wherein the modified cartridge contains an aerosolisable material and an additive for use with the aerosolisable material. Figure 8A shows the system / cartridge in a first configuration in which the aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to a vaporiser from the system / cartridge, but where the additive is prevented from reaching the vaporiser;

[0044] Figure 8B schematically represents the aerosol provision system from Figure 8A, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, and which shows the system / cartridge in a second configuration in which the aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, and in which the additive is also operable to reach the vaporiser; Figure 9A schematically represents a cross section view of a further modified cartridge for use with the control unit shown in Figure 1 to form an aerosol provision system in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, wherein the modified cartridge contains an aerosolisable material and an additive for use with the aerosolisable material. Figure 9A shows the system / cartridge in a first configuration in which the aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to a vaporiser from the system / cartridge, but where the additive is prevented from reaching the vaporiser, and which shows the additive in this first configuration as part of a consumable;

[0045] Figure 9B schematically represents the aerosol provision system from Figure 9A, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, and which shows the system / cartridge in a second configuration in which the aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, and in which the additive is also operable to reach the vaporiser; Figure 10A schematically represents a cross section view of a further modified cartridge for use with the control unit shown in Figure 1 to form an aerosol provision system in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, wherein the modified cartridge contains an aerosolisable material and an additive for use with the aerosolisable material. Figure 10A shows the system / cartridge in a first configuration in which the aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to a vaporiser from the system / cartridge, but where the additive is prevented from reaching the vaporiser, as a result of there being a partitioning portionP20025837

[0046] comprising at least one aperture through which the additive cannot pass in this first configuration;

[0047] Figure 10B schematically represents the aerosol provision system from Figure 10A, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, and which shows the system / cartridge in a second configuration in which the aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, as a result of the size of each aperture from the partitioning portion being increased from the size shown in Figure 10A, such to allow the additive to pass through each aperture in this second configuration towards the vaporiser;

[0048] Figure 11A schematically represents a cross section view of a further modified cartridge for use with the control unit shown in Figure 1 to form an aerosol provision system in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, wherein the modified cartridge contains an aerosolisable material and an additive for use with the aerosolisable material. Figure 11A shows the system / cartridge in a first configuration in which the aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to a vaporiser from the system / cartridge, but where the additive is prevented from reaching the vaporiser as a result of a partitioning portion through which the additive cannot pass in this first configuration;

[0049] Figure 11B schematically represents the aerosol provision system from Figure 11 A, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, and which shows the system / cartridge in a second configuration in which heat is applied to the additive, which allows the additive to pass through the partitioning portion towards the vaporiser;

[0050] Figure 12A schematically represents a consumable, which may be used to control the delivery of an additive to a vaporiser, and which may be used in the context of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 9A-9B for example, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure; and

[0051] Figure 12B schematically represents a further consumable, which may be used to control the delivery of an additive to a vaporiser, and which may be used in the context of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 9A-9B for example, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.

[0052] Detailed Description

[0053] The present disclosure relates to non-combustible aerosol provision systems (such as an e-cigarette). According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosolisable material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery to a user.

[0054] Aerosolisable material, which also may be referred to herein as aerosol generating materialP20025837

[0055] or aerosol precursor material, is material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. The aerosolisable material may also be flavoured, in some embodiments.

[0056] Throughout the following description the term “e-cigarette” or “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with an aerosol provision system. An electronic cigarette may also be known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolisable material is not a requirement.

[0057] In some embodiments, the aerosol provision system is a hybrid device configured to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosolisable materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. In some embodiments, the hybrid device comprises a liquid or gel aerosolisable material and a solid aerosolisable material. The solid aerosolisable material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0058] Typically, the (non-combustible) aerosol provision system may comprise a cartridge part and a body / reusable / aerosol provision device part, which is configured to releasably engage with the cartridge part.

[0059] The aerosol provision system may be provided with a means for powering a vaporiser therein, and there may be provided an aerosolisable material transport element for receiving the aerosolisable material that is to be vaporised. The aerosol provision system may also be provided with a reservoir for containing aerosolisable material, and in some embodiments a further reservoir for containing an additive for use with the [first] aerosolisable material. As will be described, such an additive might comprise any combination of: a second aerosolisable material; a flavouring material; nicotine; one or more cannabinoids, such as optionally tetrahydrocannabinol and / or cannabidiol; and / or a sensate - such as a cooling agent and / or a warming agent.

[0060] In some embodiments, the vaporiser may be a heater / heating element capable of interacting with the aerosolisable material (or additive) so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosolisable material (or additive) to form a vapour / aerosol therefrom. In some embodiments, the vaporiser is capable of generating an aerosol from the aerosolisable material (or additive) without heating. For example, the vaporiser may be capable of generating a vapour / aerosol from the aerosolisable material (or additive) without applying heat thereto, for example via one or more of vibrational, mechanical, pressurisation or electrostatic means. In a further example, the vaporiser may be capable of generating a vapour / aerosol from the aerosolisable material without applying heat thereto.P20025837

[0061] As noted above, and where local regulations permit, an additive may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers, for use with any employed aerosolisable material. As desired, the additive in some embodiments may comprise, or be, any of: aerosolisable material, nicotine, flavours, flavourants, flavouring material, cooling agents, warming agents, and / or sweetening agents. Any employed additive may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, Wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas, or one or more of extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, Wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutesP20025837

[0062] (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, or powder.

[0063] In some embodiments, any employed flavouring material (flavour) may comprise menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and / or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco.

[0064] In some embodiments, the additive may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0065] Cannabinoids

[0066] For completeness as well, and in accordance with some embodiments, any combination of the herein described aerosolisable material or additive may comprise one or more cannabinoids, and / or at least one cannabinoid compound / species - for instance any of the compound / species as noted as follows. In that respect, cannabinoids are a class of natural or synthetic chemical compounds that act on cannabinoid receptors (i.e., CB1 and CB2) in cells that repress neurotransmitter release in the brain. Cannabinoids are cyclic molecules exhibiting particular properties such as the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier with ease. Cannabinoids may be naturally occurring (phytocannabinoids) from plants such as cannabis, (endocannabinoids) from animals, or artificially manufactured (synthetic cannabinoids). Cannabis species express at least 85 different phytocannabinoids, and these may be divided into subclasses, including cannabigerols, cannabichromenes, cannabidiols, tetrahydrocannabinols, cannabinols and cannabinodiols, and other cannabinoids, such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), including its isomers A6a’10a-tetrahydrocannabinol (A6a’10a-THC), A6a<7>-tetrahydrocannabinol (A6a<7>-THC), Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), Δ10-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ10-THC), Δ9,11-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9,11-THC), cannabinol (CBN) and cannabinodiol (CBDL), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarinP20025837

[0067] (CBDV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabinerolic acid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), Cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), cannabitriol (CBO), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), and tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCV A).

[0068] Sensates

[0069] In some instances, any combination of the herein described aerosolisable material or additive may comprise one or more sensate or sensate compound (or combination(s) thereof). By the term “sensate compound” or “sensate” - used interchangeably herein - this is meant as a compound that triggers a sensation mediated by the trigeminal nerve of a user. The use of sensate compounds is well-documented in the food and pharmaceutical industry, and the triggered sensations include cooling, warming, and tingling sensations. When used in an aerosolisable material, such sensations should be experienced in the oral cavity, the nasal cavity and / or by the skin of the user. The present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0070] In one embodiment, the one or more sensates are selected from cooling agents, warming agents or tingling agents. The terms “cooling”, “warming” and “tingling” are well-understood in the art.

[0071] Cooling agents, warming agents and tingling agents are each typically small organic molecules which deliver a cooling, warming or tingling sensation to a user upon contact with the oral cavity, nasal cavity and / or skin. This sensation falls under the category of chemesthetic sensations and arises because the small organic molecule activates certain receptors in the skin and / or mucous membranes. The experience of a cooling, warming and / or tingling sensation thus relies on chemesthesis of the user. Chemesthesis is also referred to in the art as the “common chemical sense” or trigeminal chemosensation because it typically refers to sensations that are mediated by the trigeminal nerve and which are elements of the somatosensory system, distinguishing them from olfaction (sense of smell) and taste.

[0072] In one embodiment, the one or more sensates comprise a cooling agent. The cooling agent is typically not menthol. In one embodiment the one or more sensates comprise a cooling agent which is a compound of formula (I) or a salt and / or solvate thereof:P20025837

[0073]

[0074] wherein X is hydrogen or OR’, wherein R’ is an alkyl group or an alkenyl group which may be taken together with Ri to form a three to five-membered heterocyclyl group, wherein the heterocyclyl group is optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from OH, O-alkyl, alkyl-OH, alkyl-O-alkyl, NH2, NH-alkyl, N-(alkyl)2, NO2and CN; and wherein R1 and R2 are each independently selected from hydrogen, OH, ORa, C(O)NRbRcand C(O)ORbRc; with the proviso that when R1 is OH the compound of formula (I) is not menthol; and when the double bond is present, R2 is absent;

[0075] wherein Rais an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, a C(O)Rf group, or a C(O)-alkyl-C(O)Rf group wherein the alkyl groups and alkenyl groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from OH, O-alkyl, NH2, NH-alkyl, N-(alkyl)2, NO2and CN; and wherein Rf is an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, OH, O-alkyl, NH2, NH-alkyl or N-(alkyl)2, wherein the alkyl groups and alkenyl groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from OH, O-alkyl, NH2, NH-alkyl, N-(alkyl)2, NO2and CN;

[0076] wherein Rband Rcare each independently hydrogen, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, a heteroaryl group, or a heteroaralkyl group, wherein the alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, aryl groups and heteroaryl groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from OH, O-alkyl, NH2, NH-alkyl, N-(alkyl)2, NO2, CN and C(O)Rf.

[0077] In one embodiment X is hydrogen.

[0078] In one embodiment X is OR’, wherein R’ is an alkyl group or an alkenyl group which is taken together with R1 to form a three to five-membered heterocyclyl group, wherein the heterocyclyl group is optionally substituted by OH, O-alkyl or alkyl-OH. In one embodiment X is OR’, wherein R’ is an alkyl group which is taken together with R1 to form a four or fivemembered heterocyclyl group, wherein the heterocyclyl group is optionally substituted by alkyl-OH. In one embodiment X is OR’, wherein R’ is an alkyl group which is taken together with R1 to form a four or five-membered heterocyclyl group, wherein the heterocyclyl group is optionally substituted by alkyl-OH, and wherein R1 is ORawherein Rais an alkyl group and wherein R2 is absent or hydrogen.P20025837

[0079] In one embodiment Ri is selected from OH, ORaand C(O)NRbRcand R2 is either absent or selected from OH and ORa. In one embodiment R1 is OH with the proviso that the compound of formula (I) is not menthol. In one embodiment R1 is OH and R2 is selected from OH and ORa.

[0080] In one embodiment X is hydrogen and R1 is selected from OH, ORaand C(O)NRbRc, with the proviso that, when R1 is OH, the compound of formula (I) is not menthol. R2is either absent or selected from OH and ORa. In one embodiment X is hydrogen, R1 is selected from ORaand C(O)NRbRcand R2is either absent or selected from OH and ORa.

[0081] In one embodiment R1 is ORaand Rais an alkyl group substituted by one or more OH substituents. R2may be hydrogen.

[0082] In one embodiment R1 is ORaand Rais a C(O)Rf group, or a C(O)-alkyl-C(O)Rf group, wherein Rfis an alkyl group optionally substituted by one or more OH substituents or Rfis OH. R2 may be hydrogen.

[0083] In one embodiment R1 is C(O)NRbRc, wherein Rband Rcare each independently hydrogen, an alkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, a heteroaryl group, or a heteroaralkyl group. In one embodiment R1 is C(O)NRbRcand at least one of Rband Rcis hydrogen. R2may be hydrogen.

[0084] In one embodiment R1 is C(O)NRbRc, wherein Rbis hydrogen and Rcis selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group and a heteroaralkyl group. R2 may be hydrogen.

[0085] As used herein, the term “alkyl” includes both saturated straight chain and branched alkyl groups which may be substituted (mono- or poly-) or unsubstituted. In one embodiment the alkyl group is a C1-10 alkyl group. In one embodiment the alkyl group is a C1-8 alkyl group. In one embodiment the alkyl group is a C1-6 alkyl group. In one embodiment the alkyl group is a C1-3 alkyl group. In one embodiment the alkyl groups include, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, pentyl and hexyl. In one embodiment the alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl or isopropyl.

[0086] As used herein, the term “alkenyl” includes both unsaturated straight chain and branched alkenyl groups which may be substituted (mono- or poly-) or unsubstituted. In one embodiment the alkenyl group is a C2-10 alkenyl group. In one embodiment the alkenyl group is a C2-8 alkenyl group. In one embodiment the alkenyl group is a C2-6 alkenyl group. In one embodiment the alkenyl group is a C2-3 alkenyl group.P20025837

[0087] As used herein, the term “aryl” refers to a C6-12 aromatic group which may be substituted (mono- or poly-) or unsubstituted. Typical examples include phenyl and naphthyl etc. In one embodiment the aryl group is phenyl.

[0088] The term “aralkyl” is used as a conjunction of the terms alkyl and aryl as given above. For example an aryl group may be bonded to the compound of formula (I) through a diradical alkylene bridge, (-CH2-)n, where n is 1-10 and where “aryl” is as defined above. Alternatively an alkyl group may be bonded to the compound of formula (I) through a diradical aryl bridge, e.g. phenyl, where “alkyl is as defined above. In one embodiment the term “aralkyl” refers to a phenyl-alkyl group where the phenyl is bonded to the compound of formula (I).

[0089] As used herein the term “heteroaryl” refers to a monovalent aromatic group of from 1 to 12 carbon atoms having one or more oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur heteroatoms within the ring. In one embodiment there are 1 to 4 oxygen, nitrogen and / or sulfur heteroatoms within the ring. In one embodiment there are 1 to 3 oxygen, nitrogen and / or sulfur heteroatoms within the ring. In one embodiment there are 2 oxygen and / or nitrogen heteroatoms within the ring. In one embodiment there is 1 oxygen or nitrogen heteroatom within the ring. The nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms may optionally be oxidized. Such heteroaryl groups can have a single ring (e.g., pyridyl or furyl) or multiple condensed rings provided that the point of attachment is through a heteroaryl ring atom.

[0090] In one embodiment the heteroaryl is selected from the group consisting of pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, triazinyl, pyrrolyl, indolyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinnyl, furanyl, thiophenyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyrazolyl benzofuranyl, and benzothiophenyl. Heteroaryl rings may be unsubstituted or substituted. In one embodiment the heteroaryl is selected from the group consisting of pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, triazinyl and pyrrolyl. In one embodiment the heteroaryl is pyridyl.

[0091] As used herein the term “heterocyclyl” refers to fully saturated or unsaturated, monocyclic groups, which have one or more oxygen, sulfur or nitrogen heteroatoms in the ring. In one embodiment the heterocyclyl has 1 to 3 heteroatoms in the ring. In one embodiment the heterocyclyl has 1 to 3 oxygen and / or nitrogen heteroatoms in the ring. In one embodiment the heterocyclyl has 1 to 3 oxygen heteroatoms in the ring. The nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms may optionally be oxidized and the nitrogen heteroatoms may optionally be quaternized. The heterocyclic group may be unsubstituted or substituted.P20025837

[0092] Exemplary monocyclic heterocyclic groups include, but are not limited to, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, oxiranyl, oxetanyl, pyrazolinyl, imidazolyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, oxazolyl, oxazolidinyl, isoxazolinyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, thiazolidinyl, isothiazolyl, isothiazolidinyl, furyl, tetrahydrofuryl, thienyl, oxadiazolyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, 2-oxopiperazinyl, 2-oxopiperidinyl, 2-oxopyrrolodinyl, 2-oxoazepinyl, azepinyl, 4-piperidonyl, pyridinyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, tetrahydropyranyl, morpholinyl, thiamorpholinyl, thiamorpholinyl sulfoxide, thiamorpholinyl sulfone, 1,3-dioxolane and tetrahydro- 1,1-dioxothienyl, triazolyl, and triazinyl.

[0093] In one embodiment the heterocycyl is selected from the group consisting of oxiranyl, oxetanyl, tetrahydrofuryl, tetrahydropyranyl, and 1,3-dioxolane. In one embodiment the heterocycyl is 1,3-dioxolane.

[0094] All embodiments include, where appropriate, all enantiomers, tautomers and geometric isomers of the compounds of formula (I). The person skilled in the art will recognise compounds that possess optical properties (one or more chiral carbon atoms) or tautomeric characteristics. The corresponding enantiomers and / or tautomers may be isolated / prepared by methods known in the art. Some of the compounds of formula (I) may also exist as stereoisomers and / or geometric isomers - e.g. they may possess one or more asymmetric and / or geometric centres and so may exist in two or more stereoisomeric and / or geometric forms. All embodiments include, where appropriate, the use of all the individual stereoisomers and geometric isomers of those compounds, and mixtures thereof. The terms used in the claims encompass these forms.

[0095] Suitable salts of the compounds of formula (I) include suitable acid addition or base salts thereof. Such salts and solvates thereof will be known in the art. Suitable acid addition salts include carboxylate salts (e.g. formate, acetate, trifluoroacetate, propionate, isobutyrate, heptanoate, decanoate, caprate, caprylate, stearate, acrylate, caproate, propiolate, ascorbate, citrate, glucuronate, glutamate, glycolate, a-hydroxybutyrate, lactate, tartrate, phenylacetate, mandelate, phenylpropionate, phenyl butyrate, benzoate, chlorobenzoate, methylbenzoate, hydroxy benzoate, methoxybenzoate, dinitrobenzoate, o-acetoxybenzoate, salicylate, nicotinate, isonicotinate, cinnamate, oxalate, malonate, succinate, suberate, sebacate, fumarate, malate, maleate, hydroxymaleate, hippurate, phthalate or terephthalate salts), halide salts (e.g. chloride, bromide or iodide salts), sulfonate salts (e.g. benzenesulfonate, methyl-, bromo- or chloro-benzenesulfonate, xylenesulfonate, methanesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, propanesulfonate, hydroxyethanesulfonate, 1- or 2- naphthalene-sulfonate or 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonate salts) or sulfate, pyrosulfate, bisulfate, sulfite, bisulfite,P20025837

[0096] phosphate, monohydrogenphosphate, dihydrogenphosphate, metaphosphate, pyrophosphate or nitrate salts.

[0097] In one embodiment, the one or more sensates comprise a cooling agent which is selected from the group consisting of:

[0098] N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl) cyclohexanecarboxamide,

[0099] ethyl-2-(5-methyl-2-propan-2-yl cyclohexanecarbonyl amino) acetate,

[0100] N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-p-menthanecarboxamide,

[0101] N-2,3-trimethyl-2-propan-2-yl butanamide,

[0102] N-(2-pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthyl carboxamide,

[0103] menthone-1,2-glycerol ketal,

[0104] menthyl lactate,

[0105] isopulegol,

[0106] 3-menthoxypropan-1,2-diol, and

[0107] menthyl succinate.

[0108] In one embodiment the cooling agent is selected from the group consisting of:

[0109] N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl) cyclohexanecarboxamide,

[0110] ethyl-2-(5-methyl-2-propan-2-yl cyclohexanecarbonyl amino) acetate,

[0111] N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-p-menthanecarboxamide,

[0112] N-2,3-trimethyl-2-propan-2-yl butanamide,

[0113] N-(2-pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthyl carboxamide,

[0114] menthone-1,2-glycerol ketal,

[0115] menthyl lactate,

[0116] 3-menthoxypropan-1,2-diol, and

[0117] menthyl succinate.

[0118] In one embodiment the cooling agent may be selected from the group consisting of:

[0119] N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl) cyclohexanecarboxamide,

[0120] ethyl-2-(5-methyl-2-propan-2-yl cyclohexanecarbonyl amino) acetate,

[0121] N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-p-menthanecarboxamide,

[0122] N-(2-pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthyl carboxamide,

[0123] menthone-1,2-glycerol ketal,

[0124] menthyl lactate,

[0125] isopulegol,

[0126] 3-menthoxypropan-1,2-diol, and

[0127] menthyl succinate,

[0128] orP20025837

[0129] from the group consisting of:

[0130] N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl) cyclohexanecarboxamide,

[0131] ethyl-2-(5-methyl-2-propan-2-yl cyclohexanecarbonyl amino) acetate,

[0132] N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-p-menthanecarboxamide,

[0133] N-(2-pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthyl carboxamide,

[0134] menthone-1,2-glycerol ketal,

[0135] menthyl lactate,

[0136] 3-menthoxypropan-1,2-diol, and

[0137] menthyl succinate.

[0138] In one embodiment, the cooling agent is selected from the group consisting of:

[0139]

[0140] EvercooJ 180 (-J-I&opuiegol FrescGiat®ML ( J-Menthyi suc nate tGoiart® 10 FresroJat® MGA

[0141] In one embodiment the cooling agent is not WS-23, i.e. N,2,3-trimethyl-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide.

[0142] In one embodiment the cooling agent is WS-23, i.e. N,2-3-trimethyl-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide.

[0143] In one embodiment the cooling agent is selected from the group consisting of (1S,2R,5S)-N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexanecarboxamide, ethyl-2-[[(1R,2S,5R)-5-methyl-2- propan-2-ylcyclohexanecarbonyl]amino] acetate, (1 R,2S,5R)-N-(4-methoxyphenyl-p- menthanecarboxamide, (1 R,2S,5R)-N-(2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthylcarboxamide, (-)- menthone 1,2-glycerol ketal, (-)-menthyl lactate, (-)-isopulegol, 3-((-)-menthoxy)propane-1,2-diol, and (-)-menthyl succinate.

[0144] In one embodiment the cooling agent is selected from the group consisting of (1S,2R,5S)-N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexanecarboxamide, ethyl-2-[[(1R,2S,5R)-5-methyl-2- propan-2-ylcyclohexanecarbonyl]amino] acetate, (1 R,2S,5R)-N-(4-methoxyphenyl-p- menthanecarboxamide, (1 R,2S,5R)-N-(2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthylcarboxamide, (-)- menthone 1,2-glycerol ketal, (-)-menthyl lactate,, 3-((-)-menthoxy)propane-1,2-diol, and (-)-P20025837

[0145] menthyl succinate.

[0146] In one embodiment the cooling agent is selected from the group consisting of (1S,2R,5S)-N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexanecarboxamide, ethyl-2-[[(1R,2S,5R)-5-methyl-2-propan-2-ylcyclohexanecarbonyl]amino] acetate, (1 R,2S,5R)-N-(4-methoxyphenyl-p-menthanecarboxamide, (1 R,2S,5R)-N-(2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthylcarboxamide, (-)-menthone 1,2-glycerol ketal, (-)-menthyl lactate, (-)-isopulegol, and 3-((-)-menthoxy)propane-1,2-diol.

[0147] In one embodiment the cooling agent is selected from the group consisting of (1S,2R,5S)-N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexanecarboxamide, ethyl-2-[[(1R,2S,5R)-5-methyl-2-propan-2-ylcyclohexanecarbonyl]amino] acetate, ((1 R,2S,5R)-N-(2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthylcarboxamide, (-)-menthone 1,2-glycerol ketal, (-)-menthyl lactate, (-)-isopulegol, and 3-((-)-menthoxy)propane-1,2-diol.

[0148] In one embodiment the cooling agent is selected from the group consisting of (1S,2R,5S)-N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexanecarboxamide, ethyl-2-[[(1R,2S,5R)-5-methyl-2-propan-2-ylcyclohexanecarbonyl]amino] acetate, ((1 R,2S,5R)-N-(2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthylcarboxamide, (-)-menthone 1,2-glycerol ketal, (-)-menthyl lactate, and 3-((-)-menthoxy) propane- 1,2-diol.

[0149] In one embodiment the cooling agent is (1 R,2S,5R)-N-(2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthylcarboxamide.

[0150] In another embodiment the cooling agent is (1S,2R,5S)-N-ethyl-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexanecarboxamide.

[0151] As noted above, all embodiments include, where appropriate, all enantiomers and tautomers of the compounds. All embodiments include, where appropriate, the use of all the individual stereoisomers and geometric isomers of those compounds, and mixtures thereof. The terms used in the claims encompass these forms.

[0152] In one embodiment, the one or more sensates, where employed, comprise a warming agent or a tingling agent. In one embodiment, the warming agent or tingling agent is selected from the group consisting of vanilloids, sanshools, piperine, allyl isothiocyanate, cinnamyl phenylpropyl compounds, ethyl esters, and combinations thereof, or the warming agent or tingling agent is an extract from at least one of horseradish oil, ginger oil, black pepper, long pepper, Szechuan pepper, cayenne pepper, Uzazi or mustard oil.

[0153] Vanilloids are compounds which possess a vanillyl group, and a number of vanilloids bind to the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 or TRPV1 receptor, an ion channel which naturally responds to stimuli. TRPV1 is therefore an element of the mammalianP20025837

[0154] somatosensory system. Vanilloids include capsaicin (8-methyl- / V-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) and nonivamide as well as 3-phenylpropyl homovanillate, the major component of SymHeat PV used in the Examples herein. Other vanilloids include gingerols, zingerone, and shogaols as well as vanillyl ethyl ether, vanillyl propyl ether, vanillyl butyl ether and vanillyl butyl ether acetate.

[0155] Sanshools are exemplified by hydroxy-alpha-sanshool, a compound responsible for the numbing and tingling sensation caused by eating food cooked with Szechuan peppercorns and llzazi. The term “sanshool” is derived from the Japanese term for the Japanese pepper and the suffix “ol” meaning “alcohol”. It is an agonist of TRPV1 and TRPA1 (an ion channel best known as a sensor for pain, cold, and itch in humans and other mammals).

[0156] Cinnamyl phenylpropyl compounds have a common structural characteristic of an aryl substituted primary alcohol / aldehyde / ester. They include 3-phenylpropyl cinnamate and 3-phenyl-1 -propanol, which each have a spicy taste and balsamic odour, as well as 3-phenylpropyl isobutyrate which has a fruity taste and odour. In one embodiment, the cinnamyl phenylpropyl compounds are selected from 3-phenylpropyl cinnamate, 3-phenyl-1-propanol and combinations thereof.

[0157] In one embodiment, the warming agent or tingling agent is selected from the group consisting of vanilloids, sanshools, piperine, cinnamyl phenylpropyl compounds, ethyl esters, and combinations thereof, or the warming agent or tingling agent is an extract from at least one of ginger oil, black pepper, long pepper, Szechuan pepper, cayenne pepper, or Uzazi. In one embodiment, the warming agent or tingling agent is selected from the group consisting of sanshools, allyl isothiocyanate, cinnamyl phenylpropyl compounds, ethyl esters, and combinations thereof, or the warming agent or tingling agent is an extract from at least one of horseradish oil, Szechuan pepper, cayenne pepper, Uzazi or mustard oil.

[0158] In one embodiment, the warming agent or tingling agent is selected from the group consisting of vanilloids, piperine, cinnamyl phenylpropyl compounds, ethyl esters, and combinations thereof, or the warming agent or tingling agent is an extract from at least one of ginger oil, black pepper, long pepper, or cayenne pepper.

[0159] In one embodiment, the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a combination of a vanilloid and a cinnamyl phenylpropyl compound. In one embodiment, the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a combination of a vanilloid and 3-phenylpropyl cinnamate, 3-phenyl-1 -propanol, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a combination of a vanilloid and 3-phenylpropan-1-ol, such as 3-phenylpropyl homovanillate and 3-phenylpropan-1-ol.P20025837

[0160] In one embodiment, the warming agent or tingling agent is a combination of a vanilloid, an ethyl ester and a cinnamyl phenylpropyl compound. In one embodiment, the warming agent or tingling agent is a combination of a vanilloid, an ethyl ester, and 3-phenylpropyl cinnamate, 3-phenyl-1-propanol, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the warming agent or tingling agent comprises a combination of a vanilloid, an ethyl ester and 3-phenylpropan-1-ol, such as 3-phenylpropyl homovanillate and 3-phenylpropan-1-ol. The ethyl ester may, in any of these embodiments, be ethyl acetate.

[0161] In one embodiment, the warming agent or tingling agent is selected from the group consisting of vanillyl ethyl ether, vanillyl propyl ether, capsaicinoids, gingerols (e.g. [6], [8],

[0010] and / or

[0012] -gingerol), vanillyl butyl ether, vanillyl butyl ether acetate, sanshools, piperine, zingerone, shogaols (e.g. (6)-shogaol), allyl isothiocyanate, and combinations thereof, or the warming agent or tingling agent is an extract from at least one of horseradish oil, ginger oil, black pepper, long pepper, Szechuan pepper, cayenne pepper, llzazi or mustard oil.

[0162] In one embodiment, the warming agent or tingling agent is selected from the group consisting of vanillyl ethyl ether, vanillyl propyl ether, vanillyl butyl ether, vanillyl butyl ether acetate, and combinations thereof.

[0163] In one embodiment, the warming agent or tingling agent is selected from the group consisting of capsaicinoids, gingerols (e.g. [6], [8],

[0010] and / or

[0012] -gingerol), sanshools, piperine, zingerone, shogaols (e.g. (6)-shogaol), allyl isothiocyanate, and combinations thereof, or the warming agent or tingling agent is an extract from at least one of horseradish oil, ginger oil, black pepper, long pepper, Szechuan pepper, cayenne pepper, llzazi or mustard oil.

[0164] In one embodiment, the warming agent or tingling agent is selected from the group consisting of gingerols (e.g. [6], [8],

[0010] and / or

[0012] -gingerol), zingerone, shogaols (e.g. (6)-shogaol), and combinations thereof, or the warming agent or tingling agent is an extract from ginger oil.

[0165] In one embodiment, the warming agent or tingling agent is selected from the group consisting of vanillyl ethyl ether, capsaicinoids (e.g. capsaicin), gingerols, hydroxy-al pha-sanshool, piperine, zingerone, shogaols, allyl isothiocyanate, and combinations thereof, or the warming agent or tingling agent is an extract from at least one of horseradish oil, ginger oil, black pepper, long pepper, Szechuan pepper, cayenne pepper, llzazi or mustard oil.

[0166] As noted above, all embodiments include, where appropriate, all enantiomers and tautomers of the compounds. The person skilled in the art will recognise compounds that possess optical properties (one or more chiral carbon atoms) or tautomeric characteristics. TheP20025837

[0167] corresponding enantiomers and / or tautomers may be isolated / prepared by methods known in the art.

[0168] Some of the compounds may also exist as stereoisomers and / or geometric isomers - e.g. they may possess one or more asymmetric and / or geometric centres and so may exist in two or more stereoisomeric and / or geometric forms. All embodiments include, where appropriate, the use of all the individual stereoisomers and geometric isomers of those compounds, and mixtures thereof. The terms used in the claims encompass these forms. Piperine has, for example, four geometric isomers including chavicine, isochavicine and isopiperine. The term “piperine” is used herein to refer to all the individual geometric isomers, and mixtures thereof.

[0169] In one embodiment the one or more sensates consist of cooling agents.

[0170] In one embodiment the one or more sensates consist of warming agents.

[0171] In one embodiment the one or more sensates consist of tingling agents.

[0172] In one embodiment the one or more sensates consist of cooling agents and warming agents. In one embodiment the one or more sensates consist of cooling agents and tingling agents. In one embodiment the one or more sensates consist of warming agents and tingling agents. The above definitions of cooling agents, warming agents and tingling agents apply to each of the embodiments herein described. For example, the one or more sensates may consist of cooling agents wherein the cooling agents are compounds of formula (I) or a salt and / or solvate thereof. In one embodiment the one or more sensates are cooling agents selected from the group consisting of a compound of formula (I) or a salt and / or solvate thereof or N,2,3-trimethyl-2-propan-2-ylbutanamide. Alternatively, as an example, the one or more sensates may consist of warming agents or tingling agents as defined above. In one embodiment the one or more sensate is a warming agent selected from the group consisting of hydroxy-alpha sanshool, capsaicin, piperine, zingerone, gingerol, a shogaol, allyl isothiocyanate and combinations thereof, or an extract from horseradish oil, ginger oil, black pepper, long pepper, Szechuan pepper, cayenne pepper, mustard oil or llzazi. In one embodiment the one or more sensate is a tingling agent which is a combination of a vanilloid such as 3-phenylpropyl homovanillate, an ethyl ester such as ethyl acetate, and 3-phenylpropan-1-ol.

[0173] Structural Examples

[0174] As noted above, aerosol provision systems (e-cigarettes) may often comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable part (body - or aerosol provision device) and aP20025837

[0175] replaceable cartridge part. Devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part devices. It is also common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure described herein may comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part device employing two parts. However, it will be appreciated the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for other electronic cigarette configurations, for example modular devices comprising more than two parts, as devices conforming to other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a more boxy shape.

[0176] From the foregoing therefore, and with reference to Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example aerosol provision system (e-cigarette) 1 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure. Terms concerning the relative location of various aspects of the electronic cigarette (e.g. terms such as upper, lower, above, below, top, bottom etc.) are used herein with reference to the orientation of the electronic cigarette as shown in Figure 1 (unless the context indicates otherwise). However, it will be appreciated this is purely for ease of explanation and is not intended to indicate there is any required orientation for the electronic cigarette in use.

[0177] The e-cigarette 1 (aerosol provision system 1) comprises two main components, namely a cartridge 2 and an aerosol provision device 4. The aerosol provision device 4 and the cartridge 2 are shown separated in Figure 1, but are coupled together when in use.

[0178] The cartridge 2 and aerosol provision device 4 are coupled by establishing a mechanical and electrical connection between them. The specific manner in which the mechanical and electrical connection is established is not of primary significance to the principles described herein and may be established in accordance with conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, bayonet, latched or friction-fit mechanical fixing with appropriately arranged electrical contacts / electrodes for establishing the electrical connection between the two parts as appropriate. For example electronic cigarette 1 represented in Figure 1, the cartridge comprises a mouthpiece 33, a mouthpiece end 52 and an interface end 54 and is coupled to the aerosol provision device by inserting an interface end portion 6 at the interface end of the cartridge into a corresponding receptacle 8 / receiving section of the aerosol provision device. The interface end portion 6 of the cartridge is a close fit to be receptacle 8 and includes protrusions 56 which engage with corresponding detents in the interior surface of a receptacle wall 12 defining the receptacle 8 to provide a releasable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the aerosol provision device. An electrical connection is established between the aerosol provision device and the cartridge via a pair of electrical contacts on the bottom of the cartridge (notP20025837

[0179] shown in Figure 1) and corresponding sprung contact pins in the base of the receptacle 8 (not shown in Figure 1). As noted above, the specific manner in which the electrical connection is established is not significant to the principles described herein, and indeed some implementations might not have an electrical connection between the cartridge and an aerosol provision device at all, for example because the transfer of electrical power from the reusable part to the cartridge may be wireless (e.g. based on electromagnetic induction techniques).

[0180] The electronic cigarette 1 (aerosol provision system) has a generally elongate shape extending along a longitudinal axis L. When the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol provision device, the overall length of the electronic cigarette in this example (along the longitudinal axis) is around 12.5 cm. The overall length of the aerosol provision device is around 9 cm and the overall length of the cartridge is around 5 cm (i.e. there is around 1.5 cm of overlap between the interface end portion 6 of the cartridge and the receptacle 8 of the aerosol provision device when they are coupled together). The electronic cigarette has a crosssection which is generally oval and which is largest around the middle of the electronic cigarette and tapers in a curved manner towards the ends. The cross-section around the middle of the electronic cigarette has a width of around 2.5 cm and a thickness of around 1.7 cm. The end of the cartridge has a width of around 2 cm and a thickness of around 0.6 mm, whereas the other end of the electronic cigarette has a width of around 2 cm and a thickness of around 1.2 cm. The outer housing of the electronic cigarette is in this example is formed from plastic. It will be appreciated the specific size and shape of the electronic cigarette and the material from which it is made is not of primary significance to the principles described herein and may be different in different implementations. That is to say, the principles described herein may equally be adopted for electronic cigarettes having different sizes, shapes and I or materials.

[0181] The aerosol provision device 4 may in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure be broadly conventional in terms of its functionality and general construction techniques. In the example of Figure 1, the aerosol provision device 4 comprises a plastic outer housing 10 including the receptacle wall 12 that defines the receptacle 8 for receiving the end of the cartridge as noted above. The outer housing 10 of the aerosol provision device 4 in this example has a generally oval cross section conforming to the shape and size of the cartridge 2 at their interface to provide a smooth transition between the two parts. The receptacle 8 and the end portion 6 of the cartridge 2 are symmetric when rotated through 180° so the cartridge can be inserted into the aerosol provision device in two different orientations. The receptacle wall 12 includes two aerosol provision device air inlet openings 14 (i.e. holes in the wall). These openings 14 are positioned to align with an air inlet 50 forP20025837

[0182] the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol provision device. A different one of the openings 14 aligns with the air inlet 50 of the cartridge in the different orientations. It will be appreciated some implementations may not have any degree of rotational symmetry such that the cartridge is couplable to the aerosol provision device in only one orientation while other implementations may have a higher degree of rotational symmetry such that the cartridge is couplable to the aerosol provision device in more orientations.

[0183] The aerosol provision device further comprises a power source, such as a battery 16, for providing operating power for the electronic cigarette, control circuitry 18 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the electronic cigarette, a user input button 20, an indicator light 22, and a charging port 24.

[0184] The battery 16 in this example is rechargeable and may be of a conventional type, for example of the kind normally used in electronic cigarettes and other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods. The battery 16 may be recharged through the charging port 24, which may, for example, comprise a USB connector.

[0185] The input button 20 in this example is a conventional mechanical button, for example comprising a sprung mounted component which may be pressed by a user to establish an electrical contact in underlying circuitry. In this regard, the input button may be considered an input device for detecting user input, e.g. to trigger aerosol generation, and the specific manner in which the button is implemented is not significant. For example, other forms of mechanical button or touch-sensitive button (e.g. based on capacitive or optical sensing techniques) may be used in other implementations, or there may be no button and the device may rely on a puff detector for triggering aerosol generation.

[0186] The indicator light 22 is provided to give a user with a visual indication of various characteristics associated with the electronic cigarette, for example, an indication of an operating state (e.g. on I off I standby), and other characteristics, such as battery life or fault conditions. Different characteristics may, for example, be indicated through different colours and I or different flash sequences in accordance with generally conventional techniques. The control circuitry 18 is suitably configured I programmed to control the operation of the electronic cigarette to provide conventional operating functions in line with the established techniques for controlling electronic cigarettes. The control circuitry (processor circuitry) 18 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units I circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the electronic cigarette's operation. For example, depending on the functionality provided in different implementations, the control circuitry 18 may comprises power supply control circuitry for controlling the supply of power from the battery / powerP20025837

[0187] supply to the cartridge in response to user input, user programming circuitry for establishing configuration settings (e.g. user-defined power settings) in response to user input, as well as other functional units I circuitry associated functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and conventional operating aspects of electronic cigarettes, such as indicator light display driving circuitry and user input detection circuitry. It will be appreciated the functionality of the control circuitry 18 can be provided in various different ways, for example using one or more suitably programmed programmable computer(s) and I or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuit(s) I circuitry I chip(s) I chipset(s) configured to provide the desired functionality.

[0188] Figure 2 is an exploded schematic perspective view of the cartridge 2 (exploded along the longitudinal axis L). The cartridge 2 comprises a housing part 32, an air channel seal 34, a dividing wall element 36, an outlet tube 38, a vaporiser / heating element 40, an aerosolisable material transport element 42, a plug 44, and an end cap 48 with contact electrodes 46. Figures 3 to 6 schematically represents some of these components in more detail.

[0189] Figure 3A is a schematic cut-away view of the housing part 32 through the longitudinal axis L where the housing part 32 is thinnest. Figure 3B is a schematic cut-away view of the housing part 32 through the longitudinal axis L where the housing part 32 is widest. Figure 3C is a schematic view of the housing part along the longitudinal axis L from the interface end 54 (i.e. viewed from below in the orientation of Figures 3A and 3B).

[0190] Figures 4A is a schematic perspective view of the dividing wall element 36 as seen from below. Figure 4B is a schematic cross-section through an upper part of the dividing wall element 36 as viewed from below.

[0191] Figure 5A is a schematic perspective view of the plug 44 from above and Figure 5B is a schematic perspective view of the plug 44 from below. Figure 5C is a schematic view of the plug 44 along the longitudinal axis L seen from the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge (i.e. viewed from above for the orientation in Figures 1 and 2).

[0192] Figure 6A is a schematic perspective view of the end cap 48 from above. Figure 6B is a schematic view of the end cap 48 along the longitudinal axis L seen from the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge (i.e. from above).

[0193] The housing part 32 in this example comprises a housing outer wall 64 and a housing inner tube 62 which in this example are formed from a single moulding of polypropylene. The housing outer wall 64 defines the external appearance of the cartridge 2 and the housing inner tube 62 defines a part the air channel through the cartridge. The housing part is open at the interface end 54 of the cartridge and closed at the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge except for a mouthpiece opening / aerosol outlet 60, from the mouthpiece 33, which is inP20025837

[0194] fluid communication with the housing inner tube 62. The housing part 32 includes an opening in a sidewall which provides the air inlet 50 for the cartridge. The air inlet 50 in this example has an area of around 2 mm2. The outer surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing part 32 includes the protrusions 56 discussed above which engage with corresponding detents in the interior surface of the receptacle wall 12 defining the receptacle 8 to provide a releasable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the aerosol provision device. The inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing part includes further protrusions 66 which act to provide an abutment stop for locating the dividing wall element 36 along the longitudinal axis L when the cartridge is assembled. The outer wall 64 of the housing part 32 further comprises holes which provide latch recesses 68 arranged to receive corresponding latch projections 70 in the end cap to fix the end cap to be housing part when the cartridge is assembled.

[0195] The outer wall 64 of the housing part 32 includes a double-walled section 74 that defines a gap 76 in fluid communication with the air inlet 50. The gap 76 provides a portion of the air channel through the cartridge. In this example the doubled-walled section 74 of the housing part 32 is arranged so the gap defines an air channel running within the housing outer wall 64 parallel to the longitudinal axis with a cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of around 3 mm2. The gap I portion of air channel 76 defined by the doublewalled section of the housing part extends down to the open end of the housing part 32. The air channel seal 34 is a silicone moulding generally in the form of a tube having a through hole 80. The outer wall of the air channel seal 34 includes circumferential ridges 84 and an upper collar 82. The inner wall of the air channel seal 34 also includes circumferential ridges, but these are not visible in Figure 2. When the cartridge is assembled the air channel seal 34 is mounted to the housing inner tube 62 with an end of the housing inner tube 62 extending partly into the through hole 80 of the air channel seal 34. The through hole 80 in the air channel seal has a diameter of around 5.8 mm in its relaxed state whereas the end of the housing inner tube 62 has a diameter of around 6.2 mm so that a seal is formed when the air channel seal 34 is stretched to accommodate the housing inner tube 62. This seal is facilitated by the ridges on the inner surface of the air channel seal 34.

[0196] The outlet tube 38 comprises a tubular section, for instance made of ANSI 304 stainless steel or polypropylene, with an internal diameter of around 8.6 mm and a wall thickness of around 0.2 mm. The bottom end of the outlet tube 38 includes a pair of diametrically opposing slots 88 with an end of each slot having a semi-circular recess 90. When the cartridge is assembled the outlet tube 38 mounts to the outer surface of the air channel seal 34. The outer diameter of the air channel seal is around 9.0 mm in its relaxed state so that a seal is formed when the air channel seal 34 is compressed to fit inside the outlet tube 38.P20025837

[0197] This seal is facilitated by the ridges 84 on the outer surface of the air channel seal 34. The collar 80 on the air channel seal 34 provides a stop for the outlet tube 38.

[0198] The aerosolisable material transport element 42 comprises a capillary wick and the vaporiser (aerosol generator) 40 comprises a resistance wire heater wound around the capillary wick. In addition to the portion of the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick, the vaporiser comprises electrical leads 41 which pass through holes in the plug 44 to contact electrodes 46 mounted to the end cap 54 to allow power to be supplied to the vaporiser via the electrical interface the established when the cartridge is connected to an aerosol provision device. The vaporiser leads 41 may comprise the same material as the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick, or may comprise a different material (e.g. lower-resistance material) connected to the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick. In this example the heater coil 40 comprises a nickel iron alloy wire and the wick 42 comprises a glass fibre bundle. The vaporiser and aerosolisable material transport element may be provided in accordance with any conventional techniques and is may comprise different forms and I or different materials. For example, in some implementations the wick may comprise fibrous or solid a ceramic material and the heater may comprise a different alloy. In other examples the heater and wick may be combined, for example in the form of a porous and a resistive material. More generally, it will be appreciated the specific nature aerosolisable material transport element and vaporiser is not of primary significance to the principles described herein.

[0199] When the cartridge is assembled, the wick 42 is received in the semi-circular recesses 90 of the outlet tube 38 so that a central portion of the wick about which the heating coil is would is inside the outlet tube while end portions of the wick are outside the outlet tube 38.

[0200] The plug 44 in this example comprises a single moulding of silicone, may be resilient. The plug comprises a base part 100 with an outer wall 102 extending upwardly therefrom (i.e. towards the mouthpiece end of the cartridge). The plug further comprises an inner wall 104 extending upwardly from the base part 100 and surrounding a through hole 106 through the base part 100.

[0201] The outer wall 102 of the plug 44 conforms to an inner surface of the housing part 32 so that when the cartridge is assembled the plug in 44 forms a seal with the housing part 32. The inner wall 104 of the plug 44 conforms to an inner surface of the outlet tube 38 so that when the cartridge is assembled the plug 44 also forms a seal with the outlet tube 38. The inner wall 104 includes a pair of diametrically opposing slots 108 with the end of each slot having a semi-circular recess 110. Extended outwardly (i.e. in a direction away from the longitudinal axis of the cartridge) from the bottom of each slot in the inner wall 104 is a cradle sectionP20025837

[0202] 112 shaped to receive a section of the aerosolisable material transport element 42 when the cartridge is assembled. The slots 108 and semi-circular recesses 110 provided by the inner wall of the plug 44 and the slots 88 and semi-circular recesses 90 of the outlet tube 38 are aligned so that the slots 88 in the outlet tube 38 accommodate respective ones of the cradles 112 with the respective semi-circular recesses in the outlet tube and plug cooperating to define holes through which the aerosolisable material transport element passes. The size of the holes provided by the semi-circular recesses through which the aerosolisable material transport element passes correspond closely to the size and shape of the aerosolisable material transport element, but are slightly smaller so a degree of compression is provided by the resilience of the plug 44. This allows aerosolisable material to be transported along the aerosolisable material transport element by capillary action while restricting the extent to which aerosolisable material which is not transported by capillary action can pass through the openings. As noted above, the plug 44 includes further openings 114 in the base part 100 through which the contact leads 41 for the vaporiser pass when the cartridge is assembled. The bottom of the base part of the plug includes spacers 116 which maintain an offset between the remaining surface of the bottom of the base part and the end cap 48. These spacers 116 include the openings 114 through which the electrical contact leads 41 for the vaporiser pass.

[0203] The end cap 48 comprises a polypropylene moulding with a pair of gold-plated copper electrode posts 46 mounted therein.

[0204] The ends of the electrode posts 44 on the bottom side of the end cap are close to flush with the interface end 54 of the cartridge provided by the end cap 48. These are the parts of the electrodes to which correspondingly aligned sprung contacts in the aerosol provision device 4 connect when the cartridge 2 is assembled and connected to the aerosol provision device 4. The ends of the electrode posts on the inside of the cartridge extend away from the end cap 48 and into the holes 114 in the plug 44 through which the contact leads 41 pass. The electrode posts are slightly oversized relative to the holes 114 and include a chamfer at their upper ends to facilitate insertion into the holes 114 in the plug where they are maintained in pressed contact with the contact leads for the vaporiser by virtue of the plug.

[0205] The end cap has a base section 124 and an upstanding wall 120 which conforms to the inner surface of the housing part 32. The upstanding wall 120 of the end cap 48 is inserted into the housing part 32 so the latch projections 70 engage with the latch recesses 68 in the housing part 32 to snap-fit the end cap 48 to the housing part when the cartridge is assembled. The top of the upstanding wall 120 of the end cap 48 abuts a peripheral part of the plug 44 and the lower face of the spacers 116 on the plug also about the base sectionP20025837

[0206] 124 of the plug so that when the end cap 48 is attached to the housing part it presses against the resilient part 44 to maintain it in slight compression.

[0207] The base portion 124 of the end cap 48 includes a peripheral lip 126 beyond the base of the upstanding wall 112 with a thickness which corresponds with the thickness of the outer wall of the housing part at the interface end of the cartridge. The end cap also includes an upstanding locating pin 122 which aligns with a corresponding locating hole 128 in the plug to help establish their relative location during assembly.

[0208] The dividing wall element 36 comprises a single moulding of polypropylene and includes a dividing wall 130 and a collar 132 formed by projections from the dividing wall 130 in the direction towards the interface end of the cartridge. The dividing wall element 36 has a central opening 134 through which the outlet tube 38 passes (i.e. the dividing wall is arranged around the outlet tube 38). In some embodiments, the dividing wall element 36 may be integrally formed with the outlet tube 38. When the cartridge is assembled, the upper surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44 engages with the lower surface of the dividing wall 130, and the upper surface of the dividing wall 130 in turn engages with the projections 66 on the inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing part 32. Thus, the dividing wall 130 prevents the plug from being pushed too far into the housing part 32 - i.e. the dividing wall 130 is fixedly located along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge by the protrusions 66 in the housing part and so provides the plug with a fixed surface to push against. The collar 132 formed by projections from the dividing wall includes a first pair of opposing projections I tongues 134 which engage with corresponding recesses on an inner surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44. The protrusions from the dividing wall 130 further provide a pair of cradle sections 136 configured to engage with corresponding ones of the cradle sections 112 in the part 44 when the cartridge is assembled to further define the opening through which the aerosolisable material transport element passes.

[0209] When the cartridge 2 is assembled an air channel extending from the air inlet 50 to the aerosol outlet 60 through the cartridge is formed. Starting from the air inlet 50 in the side wall of the housing part 32, a first section of the air channel is provided by the gap 76 formed by the double-walled section 74 in the outer wall 64 of the housing part 32 and extends from the air inlet 50 towards the interface end 54 of the cartridge and past the plug 44. A second portion of the air channel is provided by the gap between the base of the plug 44 and the end cap 48. A third portion of the air channel is provided by the hole 106 through the plug 44. A fourth portion of the air channel is provided by the region within the inner wall 104 of the plug and the outlet tube around the vaporiser 40. This fourth portion of the air channel may also be referred to as an aerosol / aerosol generation region, it being the primary region in which aerosol is generated during use. The air channel from the air inlet 50 to the aerosolP20025837

[0210] generation region may be referred to as an air inlet section of the air channel. A fifth portion of the air channel is provided by the remainder of the outlet tube 38. A sixth portion of the air channel is provided by the outer housing inner tube 62 which connects the air channel to the aerosol outlet 60, which is located at an end of the mouthpiece 33. The air channel from the aerosol generation region to be the aerosol outlet may be referred to as an aerosol outlet section of the air channel.

[0211] Also, when the cartridge is assembled a reservoir 31 for aerosolisable material is formed by the space outside the air channel and inside the housing part 32. This may be filled during manufacture, for example through a filling hole which is then sealed, or by other means. The specific nature of the aerosolisable material, for example in terms of its composition, is not of primary significance to the principles described herein, and in general any conventional aerosolisable material of the type normally used in electronic cigarettes may be used. The present disclosure may refer to a liquid as the aerosolisable material, which as mentioned above may be a conventional e-liquid. However, the principles of the present disclosure apply to any aerosolisable material which has the ability to flow, and may include a liquid, a gel, a gas or a solid phase material, where for a solid phase material a plurality of solid particles may be considered to have the ability to flow when considered as a bulk.

[0212] The reservoir is closed at the interface end of the cartridge by the plug 44. The reservoir includes a first region above the dividing wall 130 and a second region below the dividing wall 130 within the space formed between the air channel and the outer wall of the plug. The aerosolisable material transport element (capillary wick) 42 passes through openings in the wall of the air channel provided by the semi-circular recesses 108, 90 in the plug 44 and the outlet tube 38 and the cradle sections 112, 136 in the plug 44 and the dividing wall element 36 that engage with one another as discussed above. Thus, the ends of the aerosolisable material transport element extend into the second region of the reservoir from which they draw aerosolisable material through the openings in the air channel to the vaporiser 40 for subsequent vaporisation.

[0213] In normal use, the cartridge 2 is coupled to the aerosol provision device 4 and the aerosol provision device activated to supply power to the cartridge via the contact electrodes 46 in the end cap 48. Power then passes through the connection leads 41 to the vaporiser 40. The vaporiser is thus electrically heated and so vaporises a portion of the aerosolisable material from the aerosolisable material transport element in the vicinity of the vaporiser. This generates aerosol in the aerosol generation region of the air path. Aerosolisable material that is vaporised from the aerosolisable material transport element is replaced by more aerosolisable material drawn from the reservoir by capillary action. While the vaporiser is activated, a user inhales on the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge. This causes air to beP20025837

[0214] drawn through whichever aerosol provision device air inlet 14 aligns with the air inlet 50 of the cartridge (which will depend on the orientation in which the cartridge was inserted into the aerosol provision device receptacle 8). Air then enters the cartridge through the air inlet 50, passes along the gap 76 in the double-walled section 74 of the housing part 32, passes between the plug 44 and the end cap 48 before entering the aerosol generation region surrounding the vaporiser 40 through the hole 106 in the base part 100 of the plug 44. The incoming air mixes with aerosol generated from the vaporiser to form a condensation aerosol, which is then drawn along the outlet tube 38 and the housing part inner 62 before exiting through the mouthpiece outlet / aerosol outlet 60 for user inhalation.

[0215] From the above Figures 1-6B, it can be seen a possible embodiment construction of aerosol provision system 1 which is configured for generating an aerosol, which is suitable for use in the context of the present disclosure (alongside potentially other forms of aerosol provision system).

[0216] Turning now to Figures 7-12, the present disclosure focuses on modified cartridges 2’; control units 4’; and aerosol provision systems T in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure. The cartridge 2’; control unit 4’ and / or aerosol provision systems T shown in any of Figures 7-12 are based on the construction of the corresponding cartridge 2; control unit 4 and / or aerosol provision systems 1 shown in Figures 1-6B, and comprises a number of similar components as set out by the reference numerals that are common to both sets of Figures.

[0217] At a general level however, each of the cartridges 2’ shown in Figures 7-12 may be provided a reservoir 31 containing an aerosolisable material 35 (which may be referred to as a first aerosolisable material), and also an additive 203 for use with the first aerosolisable material. The cartridge 2’ is then provided with a vaporiser 40 for generating a vapour from the first aerosolisable material 35 and / or additive 203. In this way, and as will be described, the cartridge 2’, or its wider aerosol provision system T, is then configured such that it is changeable between a first configuration C1 in which the [first] aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser 40, and in which the additive 203 is prevented from reaching the vaporiser 40; and a second configuration C2 in which the aerosolisable material 35 is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser 40, and in which the additive 203 is operable to reach the vaporiser 40.

[0218] Through the provisioning of such arrangements, this may allow the user to selectively control when the additive 203 is operable to reach the vaporiser 40, such to allow the user to control when this additive 203 is allowed to be vaporised, and delivered to the user, as part of the vapour which is provided to the user via the mouthpiece 33 and the outlet 60. Appreciably,P20025837

[0219] such arrangements might have a wide variety of applications, depending on the additive(s) 203 which are employed. For instance, where the additive 203 comprises a flavouring material 203B, such arrangements might then allow the user to selectively decide when they would like this flavouring material 203B supplied. Or where the additive 203 comprises nicotine 203C, by switching to the second configuration C2, the user may be able to supply / boost the amount of nicotine which is provided as part of the vapour at the outlet 60. Noting the above, it will be appreciated that the additive 203 could be a variety of different things, such as any of the additives described above. Thus in some embodiments, any employed additive 203 may comprise any combination of: i) a second aerosolisable material 203A (which in some embodiments, may be either the same, or different, to the [first] aerosolisable material); a flavouring material 203B; nicotine 203C; one or more cannabinoids 203D, such as optionally, or preferably, tetrahydrocannabinol and / or cannabidiol; and / or a sensate 203E, such as optionally a cooling agent and / or a warming agent.

[0220] Content of the additive 203 aside, the present teachings may appreciably allow for the cartridge 2’, or its wider aerosol provision system T, to change from the first configuration C1 to the second configuration C2 in a number of different of ways, as will be apparent from the various embodiments illustrated in Figures 7A-12. For instance, such embodiments may include the cartridge 2’, or its wider aerosol provision system T, being mechanically changeable from the first configuration C1 to the second configuration C2 - as will be described with reference to the embodiments from Figures 8A-8B and 10A-10B for example, or thermally changeable from the first configuration C1 to the second configuration C2 - as will be described with reference to the embodiments from Figures 7A-7B; 9A-9B; and 11A-11B.

[0221] Appreciating the foregoing, some of the employed embodiments may, at a general level, be provided with a partitioning portion 206 which, in the first configuration C1, separates the additive 203 from the vaporiser 40, and thus prevents the additive 203 from reaching the vaporiser 40. Such a partitioning portion 206 is shown in the various embodiments from Figures 7A-12B. In this way, and as will be described, in the second configuration C2, partitioning portion 206 does not separate the additive from the vaporiser 40, for allowing the additive 203 to reach the vaporiser 40.

[0222] In some embodiments, the partitioning portion 206 may comprise a mesh, as shown in the embodiments from Figure 10A-10B, for example. In this way, and phrased differently at a more general level, the partitioning portion 206 may comprise at least one (or more than one) aperture. In such embodiments, the mesh and / or the at least one aperture (as shown inP20025837

[0223] Figure 10A) may initially act to separate the additive 203 from the vaporiser 40 and / or from the first aerosolisable material 35 in the first configuration C1.

[0224] To then allow the additive 203 to pass through the mesh and / or the at least one aperture, it may be such that each aperture comprises a variable size, wherein the size of each aperture is configured to be larger in the second configuration C2 than in the first configuration C1, such to allow the additive 203 to pass through the / each aperture in the second configuration C2, but not allow the additive 203 to pass through the / each aperture in the first configuration C1. Such an arrangement is shown in the embodiment from Figures 10A-10B, where the size of each aperture in the second configuration C2 (as shown in Figure 10B) is larger than the size of each aperture in the first configuration C1 (as shown in Figure 10A). Thus in this second configuration C2, it may be seen that the additive 203 may pass through the partitioning portion 206 to allow the additive 203 (shown in dark grey, for illustrative purposes, in the various Figures 7A-11B) to mix with the aerosolisable material 35 (shown in white, for illustrative purposes, in the various Figures 7A-11B) such to allow the first aerosolisable material 35 and the additive 203 to be delivered as a mixture (shown in light grey, for illustrative purposes, in the various Figures 7A-11B) to the vaporiser 40.

[0225] From the above, and with reference to some of the other embodiments illustrated in the Figures, it may be realised that in some embodiments, in the first configuration C1, the partitioning portion 206 may be located in the reservoir 31 such to partition the reservoir 31 into a first portion 31 A on a first side S1 of the partitioning portion 206, and a second portion 31 B on a second side S2 of the partitioning portion 206 which is opposite the first side S1. In this way, and in the first configuration C1, the additive 203 may be located in the second portion 31 B but not the first portion 31 A, and the aerosolisable material 35 may be located in the first portion 31 A (and potentially also the second portion 31 B, where the additive 203 is premixed with a portion of the aerosolisable material 35 in this second portion 31 B).

[0226] To the extent that any partitioning portion 206 is employed, some embodiments thereof may employ the aerosol provision system being configured to change from the first configuration C1 to the second configuration C2 by the application of heat to the partitioning portion 206. Such an embodiment is illustrated at least in Figures 7A-7B, where there is provided a heater 209 (which may be separate to any employed vaporiser 40) for heating the partitioning portion 206. In this way, and by heating the partitioning portion 206 to a predetermined temperature, at which the partitioning portion 206 may degrade, or melt, this may then allow the additive 203 to pass towards the vaporiser 40, and / or pass into the first portion 31 A of the reservoir 31. This heating is shown in the embodiment from Figure 7B, for example, which shows the partitioning portion 206 degraded / melted as a result of heat applied thereto from the heater 209.P20025837

[0227] With respect to what the predetermined temperature may be, at a general level, this temperature may be selected such to be lower than the temperature at which the aerosolisable material 35 is intended to be vaporised, and as low as possible such to reduce the amount of energy required to cause the degradation / melting of the partitioning portion 206 - yet not selected to be so low that the partitioning portion 206 may degrade prematurely, such as on a very hot day, or in some other instance where the partitioning portion 206 is inadvertently exposed to hot weather conditions. Mindful of this, some embodiments may comprise the predetermined temperature as being any combination of:

[0228] i) at least 40°C, at least 45°C; or at least 50°C, and / or

[0229] ii) no more than 80°C; no more than 75°C; no more than 70°C; no more than 65°C; or no more than or 60°C.

[0230] One particular embodiment, where reduced heat levels may be realised, is where the predetermined temperature is between 40°C - 60°C. This temperature selection may then also reduce the extent of heating which the surrounding aerosolisable material 35 and / or additive 203 is exposed to, whilst the partitioning portion 206 is heated to the predetermined temperature.

[0231] In the context of such heated embodiments, it will be realised that this may be similarly achieved in other ways beyond the particular embodiment shown in Figures 7A-7B. In that respect, other related embodiments may include that shown in the embodiment from Figures 9A-9B, which may employ the partitioning portion 206 comprising a shell 211 in which the additive 203 is located. In accordance with such embodiments, and upon being heated to the predetermined temperature (for instance by the heater 209), the shell 211 may be similarly configured to degrade, or melt, such to allow the additive 203 to escape from the shell 211 and pass towards the vaporiser 40, and / or mix with the aerosolisable material 35 in the reservoir 31 (as shown in Figure 9B).

[0232] To the extent such a shell 211 is employed which contains / encapsulates the additive 203, this may allow for the additive 203 to be formed as part of a consumable 300 which may added / used with the cartridge 2’ and aerosol provision system T herein described. Where such a consumable 300 is provided, the consumable 300 may then be configured to be located inside the reservoir 31 (as shown in the embodiment from Figure 9A, for example). In this way, and when the additive 203 is required for release from the consumable 300, the provision of heat to the consumable using the heater 209 may allow for this release of the additive 203 from the consumable 300 towards the vaporiser 40.

[0233] To the extent any such consumable 300 with a shell 211 is employed, the shell 211 may be thick enough to appropriately prevent perforation of the consumable whilst it is located in theP20025837

[0234] reservoir 31, yet also be sufficiently thin enough to allow for quick degradation / melting upon reaching the predetermined temperature. Mindful of this, some embodiments where the shell 211 is employed may have the shell 211 comprise a maximum thickness T1 of 1mm, or in some narrower embodiments 0.8mm; or in some narrower embodiments 0.6mm; or in some narrower embodiments 0.5mm. By the term ‘maximum thickness’ here, this may be understood as meaning that no part of the thickness of the shell 211 comprises a thickness which is more than the quoted amount in millimetres.

[0235] Where any shell 211 is employed, the shell 211 in some embodiments may be rigid for providing a degree of rigidity / strength to the shell 211 when in use. That being said, some embodiments of the shell 211 may comprise the shell being resilient and / or deformable. In such embodiments, this may then allow each shell 211 (and the resultant consumable 300) to more easily roll around whilst they are located inside the reservoir 31, and around within the surrounding aerosolisable material 35 (which may be a liquid) from the reservoir 31. With respect to the material choice for the shell 211 (or more generally the partitioning portion 206), it may be realised that the shell 211 may comprise any suitable material which may act to encapsulate the additive 203 in the first configuration C1, yet be configured to melt / degrade at the appropriate predetermined temperature in the second configuration C2. Suitable materials are known to persons of skill in the art and may include at least one lipid, polysaccharide, and / or protein. Examples include but are not limited to gelatin, maltodextrin, (modified) starch, gum arabic, chitosan, alginate, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, cholesterol, stearic acid, soy proteins, milk proteins such as casein, and mixtures thereof. Such materials are commonly used for encapsulation in e.g. the food industry and may be particularly advantageous in embodiments where the shell material is not fully or partially retained in the second portion of the reservoir, e.g. where the shell material may be present in the aerosolisable material delivered to the vaporiser and thereby the user. In such embodiments the shell material may preferably be food grade. Appreciably, this material choice will depend on the selected predetermined temperature, as noted above. Appreciably though, the temperature ranges noted above may lend themselves, in some embodiments, to the shell 211 (or more generally the partitioning portion 206) as comprising one or more fats and / or waxes such as those with melting points in the region of those described above (e.g. between 40°C - 60°C).

[0236] Alternatively, or additionally, suitable materials may include at least one polymer or copolymer comprising e.g. polylactic acid, polyethylene glycol, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), poly(£-caprolactone)-poly(D, L-lactide), poly(vinyl alcohol), ethyl cellulose and mixtures thereof. Appreciably though, the temperature ranges noted above may lend themselves, in some embodiments, to the shell 211 (or more generally the partitioning portion 206) asP20025837

[0237] comprising a polymeric material. One example material may be a poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) which is partially or fully alcoholized or hydrolyzed, which represents one example which may allow for degradation of the shell 211 / the partitioning portion 206 to temperatures in the region of those described above (such as between 40°C - 60°C).

[0238] The shell may be formed by various methods well known in the art. Non-limiting examples include spray drying, spray chilling, spray congealing, fluid bed coating, glass encapsulation, electrohydrodynamic methods, in situ polymerisation, interfacial polymerisation, emulsion polymerisation, coacervation, submerged nozzle, extrusion, rotor granulation, fluid bed granulation, and emulsification.

[0239] For completeness, to the extent that any consumable 300 is employed, it may be realised that such a consumable 300 may be achieved without the need for it to necessarily comprise the partitioning portion 206 and / or shell 211 as described previously. For instance, an alternative variant for such a consumable 300 (such as per the particular embodiment shown in Figure 12B, for example) might be where the consumable 300 defines a gel or solid which is configured to degrade, undergo a gel-to-sol transition or melt, upon reaching the predetermined temperature for then allowing the additive to be dispensed from the consumable 300. Also contemplated are embodiments where the consumable 300 defines an emulsion, for example an oil in water emulsion, which is configured to degrade, melt, and / or thin upon reaching the predetermined temperature for then allowing the additive to be dispensed from the consumable 300. In which case, and in response to the consumable 300 being heated to the predetermined temperature (such as between 40°C - 60°C), this may then allow the additive 203 from the consumable 300 to pass towards the vaporiser 40, and / or mix with the aerosolisable material 35 in the reservoir 31. In accordance with such embodiments, again, the material choice for the consumable 300 will be dependent on the selected predetermined temperature, as noted above. Appreciably though, the temperature ranges noted above may lend themselves, in some embodiments, to the gel / solid consumable 300 comprising emulsifying wax and / or bees wax; optionally further comprising one or more fats or oils (e.g. vegetable fats / oils), which may allow for degradation / melting of the gel / solid at temperatures in the region of those described above (such as between 40°C - 60°C). Exemplary gelling agents include but are not limited to modified celluloses such as hydroxyethyl cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose, Carbopols® (carbomers; e.g.

[0240] Carbopol® 940) and mixtures thereof. Further exemplary materials include those comprising fatty alcohols (e.g. cetearyl alcohol), fatty acids (e.g. stearic acid), fatty acid esters (e.g. glyceryl monostearate) and mixtures thereof. Thus in accordance with such embodiments, it may be realised that these may allow for embodiments of consumable 300 where the additive(s) 203, in the first configuration C1, is located within a gel or solid, but is thenP20025837

[0241] located within a liquid or fluid in the second configuration C2 (for instance as result of the additive 203 then being mixed with the aerosolisable material 35 from the reservoir 31 in this second configuration C2, as shown in the embodiment from Figure 9B).

[0242] From the above, it may be realised that through the provisioning of such a consumable 300, this may facilitate the customising of the modified cartridge 2’ and aerosol provision system T to work with any required different additive 203 (or combination of additives 203). To the extent the reservoir 31 is also configured to be refillable, and / or accessible by the user, such embodiments might also allow the user to customise the reservoir 31 to include any combination of additive(s) 203 which they might require. For instance, if a particular user is keen to boost the nicotine content of the vapour, the user might then add any requisite number of consumable(s) 300 (which might each then contain nicotine 203C, for example) to provide the requisite boost of nicotine present in the vapour provided to the user at the outlet 601 mouthpiece 33. It could also be the case that the aerosolisable material 35 might be flavourless, such that the user (or the manufacturer) might add a consumable 300 comprising a particular flavouring material 203B to provide the requisite flavour to the vapour which is provided to the outlet 60. The above arrangements could also provide for more than one consumable 300 being added, such as a first consumable 300 comprising a flavouring material 203B (such as menthol), and a second consumable 300 comprising a sensate 203E, such as cooling agent, to boost the experience / sensation provided by the flavouring material 203B from the first consumable 300.

[0243] To the extent any consumable(s) 300 is employed, it may be appreciated that each consumable 300 may comprises a suitable shape / size to contain the requisite amount of additive 203 which is appropriate for dispensing towards the vaporiser 40. With that in mind, below the predetermined temperature, it may be such that each consumable is spherical (as shown in the embodiment from Figure 12A, for example) or cuboidal (as shown in the embodiment from Figure 12B, for example). Such shapes might then also better allow each consumable 300 to be packaged prior to use, for instance by having each consumable 300 located in a blister packet prior to use, which a user can then open to allow the consumable 300 to be emptied from the blister packet and added into the reservoir 31 (where this is intended to be refillable and / or accessible by the user). Such shapes might also allow each consumable to more easily roll around whilst it is located inside the reservoir 31, and around within the surrounding aerosolisable material - which may be a liquid, and may also allow for a relatively even release of additive in all directions once the predetermined temperature is reached.

[0244] Concerning the size of any employed consumable 300, some embodiments may comprise the consumable 300 comprising a maximum dimension that is any combination of: no moreP20025837

[0245] than 20mm; no more than 15mm; no more than 12mm; no more than 10mm; no more than 8mm; and / or no more than 5mm. By the term ‘maximum dimension’ here, this may be understood as meaning that no length / width / height of the consumable 300 is more than the quoted amount in millimetres. In other words, when measured across any straight line which spans the consumable, no such straight line is longer than the quoted amount in millimetres. To be clear, the provision of a consumable 300 for storing the additive 203 in the first configuration C1 is not expressly required. In that respect, and as noted previously, some embodiments may be configured to change from the first configuration C1 to the second configuration C2 in other ways, for instance by moving the partitioning portion 206, or by moving the partitioning portion 206 relative to the reservoir 31. Such embodiments are as illustrated in the embodiments of Figures 7A-7B and 8A-8B, for example. In the embodiment of Figures 7A-7B, such movement of the partitioning portion 206 may be achieved through the application of heat to the partitioning portion such to cause the partitioning portion to degrade, or melt, and hence move, to then allow the additive 203 to pass towards the vaporiser, and / or pass into the first portion 31 A of the reservoir 31. Whereas in the embodiment in Figures 8A-8B, the partitioning portion 206 might not necessarily need to be heated, but instead could be arranged to move from a closed position in the first configuration C1 (as shown in Figure 8A), and an open position in the second configuration C2 which then allows the additive 203 to pass towards the vaporiser 40, and / or pass into the first portion 31 A of the reservoir 31. Such operation / movement of the partitioning portion 206 appreciably, could be controlled by the control circuitry 18, and powered as appropriate by the power supply 16.

[0246] Concerning the provision of any partitioning portion 206, and any associated heater 209, another application for controlling the delivery of the additive 203 to the vaporiser 40 may be through the additive 203 being associated with a carrier molecule, such that said carrier molecule prevents the additive 203 from reaching the vaporiser 40 in the first configuration. It will be understood that a carrier molecule as defined herein may include any molecule that is capable of associating with the additive 203 under the conditions described in more detail herein so as to prevent the additive 203, when associated with the carrier molecule, from reaching the vaporiser 40. It will be appreciated that such carrier molecules may generally be otherwise “inert” in the sense of e.g. said carrier molecule not possessing flavour or sensory characteristics per se.

[0247] An example of such an embodiment is shown in the embodiment relating to Figures 11A-11 B. In such embodiments, and at a general level, a composition 301 may be provided which comprises the additive 203 and the carrier molecule. In this way, below the predetermined temperature, the additive 203 (or a significant amount of the additive 203)P20025837

[0248] may be associated with the carrier molecule. The nature of the association is not necessarily limited. The additive 203 and the carrier molecule may, for instance, be associated by one or more non-covalent interactions. For instance, the additive 203 and the carrier molecule may be associated by one or more ionic interactions, hydrogen bonds, halogen bonds, van der Waals interactions, pi-effects (e.g. pi-pi interactions, cation-pi / anion-pi interactions, polar-pi interactions), and / or via the hydrophobic effect. In some embodiments, the additive 203 may form an inclusion complex with the carrier molecule.

[0249] In alternative embodiments, the additive 203 and the carrier molecule may be covalently associated, i.e. in the form of a precursor molecule comprising said additive 203 and said carrier molecule, and configured such that above a predetermined temperature the additive 203 may be disassociated from the carrier molecule to then allow the additive 203 to move relative to the carrier molecule from the composition 301. In such embodiments the precursor molecule may comprise one or more linker groups, e.g. one or more functional groups linking the additive 203 to the carrier molecule. Said linker group(s) may be labile under predetermined conditions, for instance the linker group(s) may be stable below the predetermined temperature but labile above the predetermined temperature, such that above the predetermined temperature the additive 203 and carrier molecule disassociate. For instance, the linker group(s) may undergo one or more chemical transformations such as hydrolysis or cycloreversion. In other embodiments, the carrier molecule may be a thermolabile protecting group, an example of which is the 2-pyridyl-N-(2,4-difluorobenzyl)aminoethyl protecting group. In such exemplary embodiments, when above the predetermined temperature the carrier molecule that is a thermolabile protecting group will undergo a chemical transformation leading to disassociation of the additive 203, e.g. via the cleavage of one or more bonds.

[0250] The stoichiometry of the interaction between the additive 203 and the carrier molecule is not necessarily limited. For instance, additive 203 and the carrier molecule may associate with a 1:1 stoichiometry, that is to say wherein one molecule of the additive 203 is associated with one molecule of the carrier molecule. In other embodiments, the additive 203 may be associated with two or more carrier molecules. For instance, in certain embodiments the carrier molecule may be a surfactant, lipid, polymer (e.g. a block-copolymer) or mixtures thereof that forms structures such as micelles or liposomes or which forms an emulsion such as an oil-in-water emulsion. In such embodiments, the additive 203 may be associated with the surface of e.g. a micelle or liposome (e.g. via interactions such as the non-covalent interactions summarised herein above with the head groups of the surfactant molecules), may be contained inside the micelle (e.g. via interactions with the tail of the surfactant) or within the internal volume of the liposome, or may be contained within e.g. the oil phase ofP20025837

[0251] an oil-in-water emulsion. In such embodiments, the carrier molecule may be similar in size or smaller than the additive 203.

[0252] The carrier molecule may comprise a molecule which is much larger in molecular weight or size (e.g. hydrodynamic radius) than that of the additive 203. Yet once reaching the predetermined temperature, the composition 301 may be such that the additive 203 is configured to be disassociated from the carrier molecule, to then allow the additive 203 to move relative to the carrier molecule from the composition 301. In this way, the composition 301 acts to allow the carrier molecule to be reversibly associated with the additive -depending on the temperature of the composition 301, and depending on whether the composition 301 is above or below the predetermined temperature.

[0253] By virtue of this operation of the composition 301, and with reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 11A-11B, the composition 301 may be located on the first side S1 of the partitioning portion 206, within the first portion 31 A of the reservoir 31. In this way, and in the first configuration C1, the partitioning portion 206 may be configured / sized to not allow the passage of the additive 203 through the partitioning portion 206 whilst the additive 203 is still associated with the larger carrier molecule. Yet in the second configuration C2, for instance at or above the predetermined temperature, the partitioning portion 206 may be configured / sized to allow the passage of the additive 203 through the partitioning portion 206 but not allow the passage of larger carrier molecule which may then be still too big to pass through the partitioning portion 206.

[0254] From the foregoing embodiments therefore where this composition 301 is employed, it may be seen that the partitioning portion 206 may effectively act as a molecular sieve - which allows the additive 203 from the composition 301 to pass through, but not the larger carrier molecule from the composition 301. For instance, the partitioning portion 206 may be a size-selective membrane. Such membranes are known in the art and include regenerated cellulose, cellulose acetate, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, poly(ether ether ketone), polycarbonate, and polyamine membranes. The partitioning portion 206 may be defined in terms of having a molecular weight cut-off (MWCO), which may be defined as the molecular weight of a known molecule that is 90% retained by (prevented from passing through) the membrane. For instance, the partitioning potion may have a molecular weight cut-off of 1000, 3000, 10000, 30000, or 100000 Da. In the context of the present disclosure it will be appreciated that the MWCO of the portioning portion 206 may be configured such that the additive 203 when associated with the carrier molecular is substantially retained

[0255] To help effect this operation of the composition 301, it will be appreciated that the carrier molecule may be sized such to be suitably larger than the additive 203. Thus in accordanceP20025837

[0256] with some embodiments, the molecular weight of the carrier molecule may be at least 2x; or at least 5x; or at least 10x the molecular weight of the carrier additive 203. Additionally, or alternatively, the hydrodynamic radius of the carrier molecule (particularly if said carrier molecule is a macromolecule or forms aggregates or colloids such as micelles, liposomes, polymersomes and the like) may be at least 2x; at least 5x; or at least 10x the hydrodynamic radius of the additive 203. Hydrodynamic radius may be measured by methods well known in the art, such as dynamic light scattering (DLS) or size exclusion chromatography / gel permeation chromatography.

[0257] It will be appreciated that a wide variety of carrier molecules may be used to help achieve the functionality for the composition 301 as described above. Although not limited however, some more limited embodiments of the composition 301 may comprise the carrier molecule itself comprising, or consisting, of an amphiphilic molecule. For instance, the amphiphilic carrier molecule may preferentially bind and solubilise an additive 203 having otherwise poor solubility in the composition 301. In some embodiments, the carrier molecule may be a polymer. For instance, the carrier molecule may be a biopolymer such as a polysaccharide or protein, or derivative thereof, or a synthetic polymer. In further embodiments the composition 301 may comprise the carrier molecule itself comprising, or consisting of:

[0258] i) a cyclodextrin;

[0259] ii) a surfactant,

[0260] iii) an amphiphilic polymer.

[0261] Further non-limiting examples include lipids, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, and carbomers (Carbopols®). Such carrier molecules have been found to be particularly suitable for use with the additives 203 described previously, such as an additive comprising the flavouring materials 203B described above; nicotine 203C; one or more cannabinoids 203D; and / or a sensate 203E such as those described above.

[0262] The cyclodextrin may be selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted cyclodextrins, substituted cyclodextrins and mixtures thereof. Cyclodextrins such as those described herein may form an inclusion complex, a type of host-guest interaction with the cyclodextrin being the ‘host’ molecule bearing a cavity in which the ‘guest’ additive 203 is associated.

[0263] The cyclodextrin may be selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted (a)-cyclodextrin, substituted (a)-cyclodextrin, unsubstituted (P)-cyclodextrin, substituted (P)-cyclodextrin, unsubstituted (y)-cyclodextrin, substituted (y)-cyclodextrin, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment the cyclodextrin is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted (P)-cyclodextrin, substituted (P)-cyclodextrin, and mixtures thereof.P20025837

[0264] In some embodiments the cyclodextrin is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted (a)-cyclodextrin, unsubstituted (P)-cyclodextrin, unsubstituted (y)-cyclodextrin, and mixtures thereof. In one aspect the cyclodextrin is selected from unsubstituted (P)-cyclodextrin.

[0265] In some embodiments the cyclodextrin is selected from the group consisting of substituted (a)-cyclodextrin, substituted (P)-cyclodextrin, substituted (y)-cyclodextrin, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment the cyclodextrin is selected from substituted (P)-cyclodextrins. Chemical substitutions at the 2-, 3-, and 6-hydroxyl sites are preferred, with substitution at the 2-position being more preferred.

[0266] In some embodiments the cyclodextrin is selected from the group consisting of 2-hydroxy-propyl-a-cyclodextrin, 2-hydroxy-propyl-p-cyclodextrin, 2-hydroxy-propyl-y-cyclodextrin and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment one or more cyclodextrin is 2-hydroxy-propyl-a-cyclodextrin. In one embodiment the cyclodextrin is 2-hydroxy-propyl-p-cyclodextrin. In one aspect the one or more cyclodextrin is 2-hydroxy-propyl-y-cyclodextrin.

[0267] The surfactant may be selected from an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant or a non-ionic surfactant. The amphiphilic polymer may preferably be a block copolymer. Particularly preferred amphiphilic polymers include the poloxamers (Pluronics).

[0268] From the foreign disclosure therefore, it will be realised that a variety of different embodiments are provided for selectively controlling the delivery of the additive 203 to the vaporiser 40.

[0269] In particular, there has been described an aerosol provision system comprising:

[0270] a reservoir containing a first aerosolisable material;

[0271] an additive for use with the first aerosolisable material; and

[0272] a vaporiser for generating a vapour from the first aerosolisable material and / or additive;

[0273] wherein the aerosol provision system is changeable between:

[0274] a first configuration in which the aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, and in which the additive is prevented from reaching the vaporiser; and

[0275] a second configuration in which the aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, and in which the additive is operable to reach the vaporiser.

[0276] There has also been described a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the cartridge comprises:

[0277] a reservoir containing a first aerosolisable material;P20025837

[0278] an additive for use with the first aerosolisable material; and

[0279] a vaporiser for generating a vapour from the first aerosolisable material and / or additive;

[0280] wherein the aerosol provision system is changeable between:

[0281] a first configuration in which the aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, and in which the additive is prevented from reaching the vaporiser; and a second configuration in which the aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, and in which the additive is operable to reach the vaporiser.

[0282] There has also been described a method of controlling the delivery of an additive to a vaporiser which is configured to generate a vapour from an aerosolisable material which is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, wherein the method comprises:

[0283] preventing the additive from reaching the vaporiser in a first configuration; and changing from the first configuration to a second configuration, wherein the second configuration the additive is operable to reach the vaporiser.

[0284] The above disclosure has also described the provision of a composition for use in an aerosol provision system, wherein the composition comprises an additive and a carrier molecule, and wherein the carrier molecule is reversibly associated with the additive in the composition.

[0285] The above disclosure has also described a consumable, such as that illustrated in Figure 12A for example, for dispensing an additive for use in an aerosol provision system, or a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the consumable comprises:

[0286] an additive; and

[0287] a shell which encapsulates the additive;

[0288] wherein the shell is configured to degrade, or melt, upon reaching a predetermined temperature, such as potentially between 40°C - 60°C, for then allowing the additive to be released from the shell.

[0289] The above disclosure has also described a consumable 300, such as that illustrated in Figure 12B for example, for dispensing an additive 203 for use in an aerosol provision system T, or a cartridge 2’ for an aerosol provision system T comprising the cartridge 2’ and a control unit, wherein the consumable 300 comprises an additive 203, and wherein the consumable 300 defines a gel or solid which is configured to degrade, or melt, upon reaching a predetermined temperature, such as potentially between 40°C - 60°C, for then allowing the additive to be dispensed from the consumable.P20025837

[0290] There has also been described an aerosol provision system T comprising a reservoir 31 for containing an aerosolisable material 35, and further comprising an additive 203 for use with the aerosolisable material 35. Also provided is a vaporiser 40 for generating a vapour from the aerosolisable material 35 and / or additive 203. The aerosol provision system T is then changeable between a first configuration C1 in which the aerosolisable material 35 is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser 40, and in which the additive 203 is prevented from reaching the vaporiser 40; and a second configuration C2 in which the aerosolisable material 35 is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser 40, and in which the additive 203 is operable to reach the vaporiser 40.

[0291] Realising these disclosures, it may be seen that also described are related methods for use with such disclosures. These appreciably might include a method of controlling the delivery of an additive to a vaporiser which is configured to generate a vapour from an aerosolisable material which is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, wherein the method comprises:

[0292] heating a consumable, which comprises the additive, to a predetermined temperature to allow the additive to be dispensed from the consumable; and

[0293] delivering the additive which has been dispensed from the consumable to the vaporiser for allowing the vaporiser to generate a vapour from the additive which has been dispensed.

[0294] Related methods also appreciably include a method of controlling the delivery of an additive to a vaporiser which is configured to generate a vapour from an aerosolisable material which is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, wherein the method comprises:

[0295] heating a consumable, which comprises the additive, to a predetermined temperature to allow the additive to be dispensed from the consumable; and

[0296] delivering the additive which has been dispensed from the consumable to the vaporiser for allowing the vaporiser to generate a vapour from the additive which has been dispensed.

[0297] To the extent any such method is employed, it may be realised that the consumable 300 in some embodiments may be located i) upstream of the vaporiser 40; and / or in the reservoir which comprises the aerosolisable material 31, for instance as shown in the embodiment from Figures 9A-9B.

[0298] In this way, and once the additive 203 has been dispensed from the consumable 300, as described previously, and as shownin Figures 9B, the additive which is dispensed may be delivered to the vaporiser 40 as a mixture with the aerosolisable material, for then allowing the vaporiser to generate the vapour from the mixture of the additive and the aerosolisable material which is delivered to the vaporiser 40.P20025837

[0299] With such methods, it may be realised that whilst the consumable 300 is being heated to the predetermined temperature (for instance by the heater 209), this might also result in simultaneous heating of the aerosolisable material which surrounds the consumable 300. Such heating may be seen with reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 9A-9B, where operation of the heater 209 would result in simultaneous heating of the aerosolisable material which surrounds the / each consumable 300 located in the reservoir 31. In this way, this simultaneous heating of the aerosolisable material, which may itself be considered as a pre-heating of the aerosolisable material prior to it reaching the vaporiser 40, may also serve to increase the effectiveness of the vaporiser 40, by reducing the temperature gradient experienced across the vaporiser from it otherwise being exposed to cooler aerosolisable material.

[0300] The present disclosure thus shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and to teach the claimed invention(s). It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. other than those specifically described herein, and it will thus be appreciated that any of the feature(s) from the claims may be combined / altered with any other combination of feature(s) from the claims beyond those combinations as explicitly set out in the claims. The disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future. Purely for the avoidance of any doubt, in terms of the individual control, and powering, of any of the partitioning portion 206 of heater 209, where employed, it may be appreciated that this may be performed by the control circuitry 18 and power supply 16 described previously, and as shown in the embodiments from Figures 1-6B, which are then effected through the electrical leads 41 described previously (and also via the contact electrodes 46, where a cartridge 2 and control unit 4 type arrangement is employed). This is as shown with reference to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 7A-11B, for example, where these electrical connections are illustrated.P20025837

[0301] FIRST SET OF CLAUSES

[0302] 1. An aerosol provision system comprising:

[0303] a reservoir containing a first aerosolisable material;

[0304] an additive for use with the first aerosolisable material; and

[0305] a vaporiser for generating a vapour from the first aerosolisable material and / or additive;

[0306] wherein the aerosol provision system is changeable between:

[0307] a first configuration in which the aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, and in which the additive is prevented from reaching the vaporiser; and

[0308] a second configuration in which the aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, and in which the additive is operable to reach the vaporiser.

[0309] 2. The aerosol provision system according to clause 1, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises:

[0310] a partitioning portion which, in the first configuration, separates the additive from the vaporiser, and thus prevents the additive from reaching the vaporiser;

[0311] wherein the second configuration, the partitioning portion does not separate the additive from the vaporiser, for allowing the additive to reach the vaporiser.

[0312] 3. The aerosol provision system according to clause 2, wherein the partitioning portion comprises a mesh.

[0313] 4. The aerosol provision system according to clause 2 or 3, wherein the first configuration, the partitioning portion is located in the reservoir such to partition the reservoir into a first portion on a first side of the partitioning portion, and a second portion on a second side of the partitioning portion which is opposite the first side;

[0314] wherein the first configuration, the first aerosolisable material is located in the first portion and / or the second portion; and

[0315] wherein the first configuration, the additive is located in the second portion but not the first portion.

[0316] 5. The aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 2-4, wherein the partitioning portion comprises at least one aperture.P20025837

[0317] 6. The aerosol provision system according to clause 5, wherein each aperture comprises a variable size, wherein the size of each aperture is configured to be larger in the second configuration than in the first configuration, such to allow the additive to pass through the aperture in the second configuration but not allow the additive to pass through the aperture in the first configuration.

[0318] 7. The aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 2-6, wherein the partitioning portion comprises a shell in which the additive is located.

[0319] 8. The aerosol provision system according to clause 7, wherein the shell comprises a maximum thickness of 1mm.

[0320] 9. The aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 2-8, wherein the partitioning portion is resilient and / or deformable.

[0321] 10. The aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 2-9, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to change from the first configuration to the second configuration, by the application of heat to the partitioning portion.

[0322] 11. The aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 2-10, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to change from the first configuration to the second configuration by moving the partitioning portion.

[0323] 12. The aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 2-11, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to change from the first configuration to the second configuration by moving the partitioning portion relative to the reservoir.

[0324] 13. The aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to change from the first configuration to the second configuration by the application of heat to the additive.

[0325] 14. The aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the additive is located in the reservoir, with the first aerosolisable material, in the first configuration.

[0326] 15. The aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the additive, in the first configuration, is located within a gel or solid.P20025837

[0327] 16. The aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the additive is located within a liquid or fluid in the second configuration.

[0328] 17. The aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the second configuration, the additive is configured to mix with the first aerosolisable material, such to deliver the first aerosolisable material and the additive as a mixture to the vaporiser.

[0329] 18. The aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the first configuration, the additive is associated with a carrier molecule, such that said carrier molecule prevents the additive from reaching the vaporiser.

[0330] 19. The aerosol provision system according to clause 18, wherein the second configuration, the additive is separated from the carrier molecule, for allowing the additive to reach the vaporiser.

[0331] 20. The aerosol provision system according to clause 18 or 19, when further dependent on clause 2 at least, wherein the first configuration, the additive is unable to pass through the partitioning portion; and

[0332] wherein the second configuration, the additive is able to pass through the partitioning portion for reaching the vaporiser.

[0333] 21. The aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 18-20, wherein the carrier molecule comprises a surfactant; an amphiphilic polymer and / or an optionally substituted cyclodextrin.

[0334] 22. The aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the additive comprises at least one of:

[0335] i) a second aerosolisable material;

[0336] ii) a flavouring material;

[0337] iii) nicotine;

[0338] iv) one or more cannabinoids, preferably tetrahydrocannabinol and / or cannabidiol; v) a sensate, preferably a cooling agent and / or a warming agent.

[0339] 23. A cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the cartridge comprises:

[0340] a reservoir containing a first aerosolisable material;P20025837

[0341] an additive for use with the first aerosolisable material; and

[0342] a vaporiser for generating a vapour from the first aerosolisable material and / or additive;

[0343] wherein the aerosol provision system is changeable between:

[0344] a first configuration in which the aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, and in which the additive is prevented from reaching the vaporiser; and a second configuration in which the aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, and in which the additive is operable to reach the vaporiser.

[0345] 24. A method of controlling the delivery of an additive to a vaporiser which is configured to generate a vapour from an aerosolisable material which is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, wherein the method comprises:

[0346] preventing the additive from reaching the vaporiser in a first configuration; and changing from the first configuration to a second configuration, wherein the second configuration the additive is operable to reach the vaporiser.

[0347] 25. The method according to clause 24, wherein the method is employed as part of either:

[0348] an aerosol provision system; or

[0349] a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit.

[0350] 26. A composition for use in an aerosol provision system, wherein the composition comprises an additive and a carrier molecule, and wherein the carrier molecule is reversibly associated with the additive in the composition.

[0351] 27. The composition according to clause 26, wherein the composition is configured such that upon reaching a predetermined temperature, the additive is configured to be disassociated from the carrier molecule.

[0352] 28. The composition according to clause 26 or 27, wherein the predetermined temperature is between 40°C - 60°C.

[0353] 29. The composition according to any of clauses 26-28, wherein the additive comprises at least one of:

[0354] i) a second aerosolisable material;

[0355] ii) a flavouring material;P20025837

[0356] iii) nicotine;

[0357] iv) one or more cannabinoids, preferably tetrahydrocannabinol and / or cannabidiol; v) a sensate, preferably a cooling agent and / or a warming agent.

[0358] 30. A consumable for dispensing an additive for use in an aerosol provision system, or a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the consumable comprises:

[0359] an additive; and

[0360] a shell which encapsulates the additive;

[0361] wherein the shell is configured to degrade, or melt, upon reaching a temperature between 40°C - 60°C for then allowing the additive to be released from the shell.

[0362] 31. The consumable according to clause 30, wherein the shell comprises a polymeric material.

[0363] 32. The consumable according to clause 30 or 31, wherein the shell is resilient.

[0364] 33. The consumable according to any of clauses 30-32, wherein the shell comprises a maximum thickness of no more than 1mm.

[0365] 34. A consumable for dispensing an additive for use in an aerosol provision system, or a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the consumable comprises an additive, and wherein the consumable defines a gel or solid which is configured to degrade, or melt, upon reaching a temperature between 40°C - 60°C for then allowing the additive to be dispensed from the consumable.

[0366] 35. A reservoir containing:

[0367] a first aerosolisable material; and

[0368] the consumable according to any of clauses 30-34.

[0369] 36. The reservoir according to clause 35, wherein the first aerosolisable material is liquid.

[0370] 37. An aerosol provision system comprising the reservoir according to clause 35 or 36, and a vaporiser for generating a vapour from the first aerosolisable material and / or the additive.P20025837

[0371] 38. A cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the cartridge comprises the reservoir according to clause 35 or 36, and a vaporiser for generating a vapour from the first aerosolisable material and / or the additive.

[0372] 39. A method of controlling the delivery of an additive to a vaporiser which is configured to generate a vapour from an aerosolisable material which is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, wherein the method comprises:

[0373] heating a consumable, which comprises the additive, to a predetermined temperature to allow the additive to be dispensed from the consumable; and

[0374] delivering the additive which has been dispensed from the consumable to the vaporiser for allowing the vaporiser to generate a vapour from the additive which has been dispensed.

[0375] 40. The method according to clause 39, wherein the predetermined temperature is between 40°C - 60°C.

[0376] 41. The method according to clause 39 or 40, wherein the consumable is located i) upstream of the vaporiser; and / or in a reservoir which comprises the aerosolisable material.

[0377] 42. The method according to any of clauses 39-41, wherein the consumable defines a gel or solid which is configured to degrade, or melt, upon reaching the predetermined temperature for then allowing the additive to be dispensed from the consumable.

[0378] 43. The method according to any of clauses 39-41, wherein the consumable comprises a shell which encapsulates the additive;

[0379] wherein the shell is configured to degrade, or melt, upon reaching the predetermined temperature for then allowing the additive to be released from the shell such to allow the additive to be dispensed from the consumable.

[0380] 44. The method according to clause 43, wherein the shell is resilient.

[0381] 45. The method according to clause 43 or 44, wherein the shell comprises a maximum thickness of no more than 1mm.

[0382] 46. The method according to any of clauses 39-45, wherein the consumable comprises a maximum dimension of no more than 20mm.P20025837

[0383] 47. The method according to any of clauses 39-46, wherein the consumable is spherical when at a temperature which is below the predetermined temperature.

[0384] 48. The method according to any of clauses 39-47, wherein the consumable is cuboidal when at a temperature which is below the predetermined temperature.

[0385] 49. The method according to any of clauses 39-48, wherein the method further comprises:

[0386] simultaneously heating aerosolisable material which surrounds the consumable, whilst the consumable is heated to the predetermined temperature.

[0387] 50. The method according to any of clauses 39-49, wherein the consumable is not heated using heat from the vaporiser.

[0388] 51. The method according to any of clauses 39-50, wherein the method further comprises:

[0389] mixing the additive which is dispensed from the consumable with the aerosolisable material; and

[0390] delivering the aerosolisable material and the additive as a mixture to the vaporiser for allowing the vaporiser to generate the vapour from the mixture of the additive and the aerosolisable material which is delivered to the vaporiser.

[0391] 52. The method according to any of clauses 39-51, wherein the method is employed as part of either:

[0392] an aerosol provision system; or

[0393] a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit.

Claims

P20025837CLAIMS1. An aerosol provision system comprising:a reservoir containing a first aerosolisable material;an additive for use with the first aerosolisable material; anda vaporiser for generating a vapour from the first aerosolisable material and / or additive;wherein the aerosol provision system is changeable between:a first configuration in which the aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, and in which the additive is prevented from reaching the vaporiser; anda second configuration in which the aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, and in which the additive is operable to reach the vaporiser.

2. The aerosol provision system according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises:a partitioning portion which, in the first configuration, separates the additive from the vaporiser, and thus prevents the additive from reaching the vaporiser;wherein the second configuration, the partitioning portion does not separate the additive from the vaporiser, for allowing the additive to reach the vaporiser.

3. The aerosol provision system according to claim 2, wherein the first configuration, the partitioning portion is located in the reservoir such to partition the reservoir into a first portion on a first side of the partitioning portion, and a second portion on a second side of the partitioning portion which is opposite the first side;wherein the first configuration, the first aerosolisable material is located in the first portion and / or the second portion; andwherein the first configuration, the additive is located in the second portion but not the first portion.

4. The aerosol provision system according to any of claims 2-3, wherein the partitioning portion comprises a shell in which the additive is located.

5. The aerosol provision system according to any of claims 2-4, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to change from the first configuration to the second configuration by moving the partitioning portion.P200258376. The aerosol provision system according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to change from the first configuration to the second configuration by the application of heat to the additive.

7. The aerosol provision system according to any preceding claim, wherein the second configuration, the additive is configured to mix with the first aerosolisable material, such to deliver the first aerosolisable material and the additive as a mixture to the vaporiser.

8. The aerosol provision system according to any preceding claim, wherein the first configuration, the additive is associated with a carrier molecule, such that said carrier molecule prevents the additive from reaching the vaporiser.

9. The aerosol provision system according to claim 8, wherein the second configuration, the additive is separated from the carrier molecule, for allowing the additive to reach the vaporiser.

10. The aerosol provision system according to claim 9, when further dependent on claim 2 at least, wherein the first configuration, the additive is unable to pass through the partitioning portion; andwherein the second configuration, the additive is able to pass through the partitioning portion for reaching the vaporiser.

11. The aerosol provision system according to any of claims 8-10, wherein the carrier molecule comprises a surfactant; an amphiphilic polymer and / or an optionally substituted cyclodextrin.

12. The aerosol provision system according to any preceding claim, wherein the additive comprises at least one of:i) a second aerosolisable material;ii) a flavouring material;iii) nicotine;iv) one or more cannabinoids, preferably tetrahydrocannabinol and / or cannabidiol; v) a sensate, preferably a cooling agent and / or a warming agent.

13. A cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the cartridge comprises:P20025837a reservoir containing a first aerosolisable material;an additive for use with the first aerosolisable material; anda vaporiser for generating a vapour from the first aerosolisable material and / or additive;wherein the aerosol provision system is changeable between:a first configuration in which the aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, and in which the additive is prevented from reaching the vaporiser; and a second configuration in which the aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, and in which the additive is operable to reach the vaporiser.

14. A method of controlling the delivery of an additive to a vaporiser which is configured to generate a vapour from an aerosolisable material which is configured to be delivered to the vaporiser, wherein the method comprises:preventing the additive from reaching the vaporiser in a first configuration; and changing from the first configuration to a second configuration, wherein the second configuration the additive is operable to reach the vaporiser.

15. A composition for use in an aerosol provision system, wherein the composition comprises an additive and a carrier molecule, and wherein the carrier molecule is reversibly associated with the additive in the composition;wherein the composition is configured such that upon reaching a predetermined temperature which is between 40°C - 60°C, the additive is configured to be disassociated from the carrier molecule;wherein the additive comprises at least one of:i) an aerosolisable material;ii) a flavouring material;iii) nicotine;iv) one or more cannabinoids, preferably tetrahydrocannabinol and / or cannabidiol;v) a sensate, preferably a cooling agent and / or a warming agent.

Images