PACKAGING FOR SMOKING SUBSTITUTE APPARATUS

Abstract

 1. Packaging for a smoking substitute apparatus and method of delivering flavour to a user of a smoking substitute apparatus,, wherein the packaging is edible and includes a flavourant.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging for a smoking substitute apparatus and, in particular, to packaging that is edible and contains a flavourant.

Background

[0002] The smoking of tobacco is generally considered to expose a smoker to potentially harmful substances. It is generally thought that a significant amount of the potentially harmful substances are generated through the heat caused by the burning and/or combustion of the tobacco and the constituents of the burnt tobacco in the tobacco smoke itself.

[0003] Combustion of organic material such as tobacco is known to produce tar and other potentially harmful byproducts. There have been proposed various smoking substitute systems in order to avoid the smoking of tobacco.

[0004] Such smoking substitute systems can form part of nicotine replacement therapies aimed at people who wish to stop smoking and overcome a dependence on nicotine.

[0005] Smoking substitute systems include electronic systems that permit a user to simulate the act of smoking by producing an aerosol (also referred to as a "vapour") that is drawn into the lungs through the mouth (inhaled) and then exhaled. The inhaled aerosol typically bears nicotine and/or a flavourant without, or with fewer of, the odour and health risks associated with traditional smoking.

[0006] In general, smoking substitute systems are intended to provide a substitute for the rituals of smoking, whilst providing the user with a similar experience and satisfaction to those experienced with traditional smoking and with combustible tobacco products.

[0007] The popularity and use of smoking substitute systems has grown rapidly in the past few years. Although originally marketed as an aid to assist habitual smokers wishing to quit tobacco smoking, consumers are increasingly viewing smoking substitute systems as desirable lifestyle accessories. There are a number of different categories of smoking substitute systems, each utilising a different smoking substitute approach.

[0008] One approach is the so-called "vaping" approach, in which a vaporisable liquid, typically referred to (and referred to herein) as "e-liquid", is heated by a heating device (referred to herein as an electronic cigarette or "e-cigarette" device) to produce an aerosol vapour which is inhaled by a user. The e-liquid typically includes a base liquid as well as nicotine and/or a flavourant. The resulting vapour therefore also typically contains nicotine and/or a flavourant. The base liquid may include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine.

[0009] A typical e-cigarette device includes a mouthpiece, a power source (typically a battery), a tank for containing e-liquid, as well as a heating device. In use, electrical energy is supplied from the power source to the heating device, which heats the e-liquid to produce an aerosol (or "vapour") which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.

[0010] E-cigarettes can be configured in a variety of ways. For example, there are "closed system" vaping smoking substitute systems, which typically have a sealed tank and heating element. The tank is prefilled with e-liquid and is not intended to be refilled by an end user. One subset of closed system vaping smoking substitute systems include a main body which includes the power source, wherein the main body is configured to be physically and electrically coupled to a consumable including the tank and the heating element. In this way, when the tank of a consumable has been emptied, that consumable is disposed of. The main body can be reused by connecting it to a new, replacement, consumable. Another subset of closed system vaping smoking substitute systems are completely disposable, and intended for one-use only.

[0011] There are also "open system" vaping smoking substitute systems which typically have a tank that is configured to be refilled by a user. In this way the entire device can be used multiple times.

[0012] An example vaping smoking substitute system is the myblu™ e-cigarette. The myblu™ e-cigarette is a closed system which includes a main body and a consumable. The main body and consumable are physically and electrically coupled together by pushing the consumable into the main body. The main body includes a rechargeable battery. The consumable includes a mouthpiece, a sealed tank which contains e-liquid, as well as a heater, which for this device is a heating filament coiled around a portion of a wick. The wick is partially immersed in the e-liquid, and conveys e-liquid from the tank to the heating filament. The device is activated when a microprocessor on board the main body detects a user inhaling through the mouthpiece. When the device is activated, electrical energy is supplied from the power source to the heating device, which heats e-liquid from the tank to produce a vapour which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.

[0013] An alternative to the "vaping" approach is the so-called Heated Tobacco ("HT") approach in which tobacco (rather than an e-liquid) is heated or warmed to release vapour. HT is also known as "heat not burn" ("HNB"). The tobacco may be leaf tobacco or reconstituted tobacco. In the HT approach the intention is that the tobacco is heated but not burned, i.e. the tobacco does not undergo combustion.

[0014] The heating, as opposed to burning, of the tobacco material is believed to cause fewer, or smaller quantities, of the more harmful compounds ordinarily produced during smoking. Consequently, the HT approach may reduce the odour and/or health risks that can arise through the burning, combustion and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco.

[0015] A typical HT smoking substitute system may include a device and a consumable. The consumable may include the tobacco material. The device and consumable may be configured to be physically coupled together. In use, heat may be imparted to the tobacco material by a heating element of the device, wherein airflow through the tobacco material causes components in the tobacco material to be released as vapour. A vapour may also be formed from a carrier in the tobacco material (this carrier may for example include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine) and additionally volatile compounds released from the tobacco. The released vapour may be entrained in the airflow drawn through the tobacco.

[0016] As the vapour passes through the consumable (entrained in the airflow) from the location of vapourisation to an outlet of the consumable (e.g. a mouthpiece), the vapour cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user. The aerosol may contain nicotine and/or flavour compounds.

[0017] For a smoking substitute device it is desirable to deliver nicotine into the user's lungs, where it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. As explained above, in the so-called "vaping" approach, e-liquid is heated by a heating device to produce an aerosol vapour which is inhaled by a user. Many e-cigarettes also deliver flavour to the user to enhance the experience. In such e-cigarettes, flavour compounds are contained in the e-liquid that is heated. However, toxicology restrictions are placed on the amount of flavour that can be contained in the e-liquid, and this can result in some e-liquid flavours delivering a weak and underwhelming taste sensation to consumers in the pursuit of safety. Further, there is a view that providing a flavourant as part of the e-liquid, such that the flavourant is vaporised with the e-liquid, may be disadvantageous.

[0018] There may be a need for improved design of smoking substitute systems, in particular in regards to the delivery of flavour to a user.

[0019] The present disclosure has been devised in the light of the above considerations.

Summary of the Invention

[0020] At its most general, the present invention relates to packaging for a smoking substitute apparatus that is edible and includes a flavourant. In this manner, a user may put the packaging in their mouth to receive a flavour from the flavourant while using the smoking substitute apparatus. This may provide a convenient mechanism for delivering flavour to the user. Thus, flavour may be delivered to a user via the flavour delivery article, rather than through a flavourant contained in an aerosol-former (e.g. e-liquid or tobacco material) of the of the smoking substitute apparatus. As a result, there may be no need to include any flavourants in the aerosol-former of the smoking substitute apparatus.

[0021] Conventionally, packaging for a smoking substitute apparatus includes non-biodegradable materials (e.g. plastic), which may result in non-biodegradable waste material. The packaging of the invention addresses this issue, as the packaging may be consumed by the user when the use the smoking substitute apparatus. Thus, waste material produced from packaging of smoking substitute apparatuses may be reduced.

[0022] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided packaging for a smoking substitute apparatus, wherein the packaging is edible and includes a flavourant. The packaging may be made of any suitable edible material. The packaging may define a compartment for receiving the smoking substitute apparatus.

[0023] The packaging comprises a flavourant. The term "flavourant" is used to describe a compound or combination of compounds that provide flavour and/or aroma. For example, the flavourant may be configured to interact with a sensory receptor of a user (such as an olfactory or taste receptor). The flavourant may include one or more volatile substances.

[0024] The flavourant may be natural or synthetic. For example, the flavourant may include menthol, liquorice, chocolate, fruit flavour (including e.g. citrus, cherry etc.), vanilla, spice (e.g. ginger, cinnamon) and tobacco flavour. The flavourant may be evenly dispersed or may be provided in isolated locations and/or varying concentrations.

[0025] The flavourant may comprise the edible material itself, or be a constituent of the edible material. Additionally or alternatively, the flavourant may be a flavouring additive which is added to the edible material. For example, where the edible material used for the packaging is substantially flavourless, the flavourant may be provided in the form of a flavouring additive which is added to the edible material. In such a case, the flavouring additive may be integrated into the edible material (e.g. during making of the edible material), and/or provided as a coating on a surface of the edible material. Where the flavouring additive is provided as a coating, it may, for example be sprayed or painted onto a surface of the edible material during manufacture of the packaging.

[0026] The packaging may be dissolvable. For example, the packaging may be arranged to dissolve in a user's mouth. In this manner, when a user puts the packaging in their mouth, the packaging may dissolve and produce a flavour in the user's mouth. This may facilitate flavour delivery to the user, as it may avoid the user having to chew the packaging. The packaging may be arranged to dissolve over a period of time, so that it releases flavour into the user's mouth for that time.

[0027] The packaging may be see-through. In this manner, a user may easily see the smoking substitute apparatus contained in the packaging. This may avoid the user inadvertently opening a wrong packaging.

[0028] The packaging may include edible shrink wrap. This may facilitate manufacture of the packaging, and packaging of a smoking substitute apparatus, as conventional packaging techniques may be used.

[0029] The packaging may include a seaweed material. For example seaweed-based packaging materials such as those manufactured by Ooho (http://www.oohowater.com/) or Evoware (http://www.evoware.id/) may be used.

[0030] The packaging may include the rice paper. For example, the packaging may include sheets of rice paper which are assembled to form a compartment for receiving the smoking substitute apparatus.

[0031] The packaging may include wheat bran.

[0032] The flavourant may be encapsulated within a plurality of microcapsules, the microcapsules being arranged to disintegrate in the presence of the aerosol generated by the smoking substitute apparatus. The microcapsules encapsulating the flavourant may be disposed on or in an edible material forming the packaging. When the user puts the packaging in their mouth, the microcapsules may enter the user's mouth. Then, when the user inhales an aerosol from the smoking substitute apparatus, aerosol may come into contact with the microcapsules, causing them to disintegrate and release flavourant into the user's mouth. Thus, release of the flavourant may be activated by the aerosol, such that flavourant may only be released when the user uses the smoking substitute. The flavourant may be in solid and/or liquid form inside the microcapsules.

[0033] As an example, the microcapsules may include a membrane made of a hydrogel material containing Chitosan. Chitosan is substantially stable around pH 7.5. Thus, when a microcapsule enters the user's mouth, the Chitosan, and hence the microcapsule's membrane, may be stable and retain its integrity for a period of time. When the user inhales an aerosol having a more alkaline pH (e.g. an aerosol produced from an e-liquid having a pH around 7.8), the change in pH in the user's mouth may cause the Chitosan, and hence microcapsule's membrane, to rapidly break down and release the flavourant contained within.

[0034] The flavourant carried by the packaging may be a freeze-dried flavourant. In this manner, the flavourant may be activated by moisture in the user's mouth. Thus, the flavourant may not produce a flavour until it reaches the user's mouth.

[0035] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a smoking substitute product comprising: packaging according to the first aspect of the invention; and a smoking substitute apparatus disposed in the packaging. In this manner, a user of the smoking substitute apparatus may obtain flavour by placing the packaging in their mouth, either before or during use of the smoking substitute apparatus.

[0036] The smoking substitute apparatus may be in the form of a consumable for a smoking substitute system. By providing the consumable for a smoking substitute system in edible packaging comprising a flavourant, a flavour may be delivered to the user each time the user uses a new consumable. For example, the consumable may be a cartridge (or "pod") for a substitute smoking system.

[0037] The consumable may be configured for engagement with a main body (i.e. so as to form a closed smoking substitute system). For example, the consumable may comprise components of the system that are disposable, and the main body may comprise non-disposable or non-consumable components (e.g. power supply, controller, sensor, etc.) that facilitate the delivery of aerosol by the consumable. In such an embodiment, the aerosol former (e.g. e-liquid) may be replenished by replacing a used consumable with an unused consumable.

[0038] Alternatively, the smoking substitute apparatus may be a non-consumable apparatus (e.g. that is in the form of an open smoking substitute system). In such embodiments an aerosol former (e.g. e-liquid) of the system may be replenished by re-filling e.g. a reservoir of the smoking substitute apparatus with the aerosol former (rather than replacing a consumable component of the apparatus).

[0039] In light of this, it should be appreciated that some of the features described herein as being part of the smoking substitute apparatus may alternatively form part of a main body for engagement with the smoking substitute apparatus (i.e. when the smoking substitute apparatus is in the form of a consumable).

[0040] Where the smoking substitute apparatus is in the form of a consumable, the main body and the consumable may be configured to be physically coupled together. For example, the consumable may be at least partially received in a recess of the main body, such that there is an interference fit between the main body and the consumable. Alternatively, the main body and the consumable may be physically coupled together by screwing one onto the other, or through a bayonet fitting.

[0041] Thus, the smoking substitute apparatus may comprise one or more engagement portions for engaging with a main body. In this way, one end of the smoking substitute apparatus may be coupled with the main body, whilst an opposing end of the smoking substitute apparatus may define a mouthpiece of the smoking substitute system.

[0042] The smoking substitute apparatus may comprise a reservoir configured to store an aerosol former, such as an e-liquid. The e-liquid may, for example, comprise a base liquid and e.g. nicotine. The base liquid may include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine. The e-liquid may be flavourless. That is, the e-liquid may not contain any flavourants and may consist solely of a base liquid of propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine and nicotine.

[0043] The reservoir may be in the form of a tank. At least a portion of the tank may be translucent. For example, the tank may comprise a window to allow a user to visually assess the quantity of e-liquid in the tank. A housing of the smoking substitute apparatus may comprise a corresponding aperture (or slot) or window that may be aligned with a translucent portion (e.g. window) of the tank. The reservoir may be referred to as a "clearomizer" if it includes a window, or a "cartomizer" if it does not.

[0044] The smoking substitute apparatus may comprise a passage for fluid flow therethrough. The passage may extend through (at least a portion of) the smoking substitute apparatus, between openings that may define an inlet and an outlet of the passage. The outlet may be at a mouthpiece of the smoking substitute apparatus. In this respect, a user may draw fluid (e.g. air) into and through the passage by inhaling at the outlet (i.e. using the mouthpiece). The passage may be at least partially defined by the tank. The tank may substantially (or fully) define the passage. In this respect, the tank may surround the passage.

[0045] The smoking substitute apparatus may comprise an aerosol-generator. The aerosol generator may comprise a wick. The aerosol generator may further comprise a heater. The wick may comprise a porous material. A portion of the wick may be exposed to fluid flow in the passage. The wick may also comprise one or more portions in contact with liquid stored in the reservoir. For example, opposing ends of the wick may protrude into the reservoir and a central portion (between the ends) may extend across the passage so as to be exposed to fluid flow in the passage. Thus, fluid may be drawn (e.g. by capillary action) along the wick, from the reservoir to the exposed portion of the wick.

[0046] The heater may comprise a heating element, which may be in the form of a filament wound about the wick (e.g. the filament may extend helically about the wick). The filament may be wound about the exposed portion of the wick. The heating element may be electrically connected (or connectable) to a power source. Thus, in operation, the power source may supply electricity to (i.e. apply a voltage across) the heating element so as to heat the heating element. This may cause liquid stored in the wick (i.e. drawn from the tank) to be heated so as to form a vapour and become entrained in fluid flowing through the passage. This vapour may subsequently cool to form an aerosol in the passage.

[0047] The smoking substitute apparatus (or main body engaged with the smoking substitute apparatus) may comprise a power source. The power source may be electrically connected (or connectable) to a heater of the smoking substitute apparatus (e.g. when engaged with the main body). The power source may be a battery (e.g. a rechargeable battery). A connector in the form of e.g. a USB port may be provided for recharging this battery.

[0048] When the smoking substitute apparatus is in the form of a consumable, the smoking substitute apparatus may comprise an electrical interface for interfacing with a corresponding electrical interface of the main body. One or both of the electrical interfaces may include one or more electrical contacts. Thus, when the main body is engaged with the consumable, the electrical interface may be configured to transfer electrical power from the power source to a heater of the consumable.

[0049] The electrical interface may also be used to identify the smoking substitute apparatus (in the form of a consumable) from a list of known types. For example, the consumable may have a certain concentration of nicotine and the electrical interface may be used to identify this. The electrical interface may additionally or alternatively be used to identify when a consumable is connected to the main body.

[0050] Again, where the smoking substitute apparatus is in the form of a consumable, the main body may comprise an interface, which may, for example, be in the form of an RFID reader, a barcode or QR code reader. This interface may be able to identify a characteristic (e.g. a type) of a consumable engaged with the main body. In this respect, the consumable may include any one or more of an RFID chip, a barcode or QR code, or memory within which is an identifier and which can be interrogated via the interface.

[0051] The smoking substitute apparatus or main body may comprise a controller, which may include a microprocessor. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the heater of the smoking substitute apparatus (e.g. via the electrical contacts). A memory may be provided and may be operatively connected to the controller. The memory may include non-volatile memory. The memory may include instructions which, when implemented, cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of a method.

[0052] The main body or smoking substitute apparatus may comprise a wireless interface, which may be configured to communicate wirelessly with another device, for example a mobile device, e.g. via Bluetooth®. To this end, the wireless interface could include a Bluetooth® antenna. Other wireless communication interfaces, e.g. WiFi®, are also possible. The wireless interface may also be configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote server.

[0053] A puff sensor may be provided that is configured to detect a puff (i.e. inhalation from a user). The puff sensor may be operatively connected to the controller so as to be able to provide a signal to the controller that is indicative of a puff state (i.e. puffing or not puffing). The puff sensor may, for example, be in the form of a pressure sensor or an acoustic sensor. That is, the controller may control power supply to the heater of the consumable in response to a puff detection by the sensor. The control may be in the form of activation of the heater in response to a detected puff. That is, the smoking substitute apparatus may be configured to be activated when a puff is detected by the puff sensor. When the smoking substitute apparatus is in the form of a consumable, the puff sensor may form part of the consumable or the main body.

[0054] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of delivering flavour to a user of a smoking substitute apparatus, the method comprising: providing a smoking substitute apparatus in packaging, the packaging being edible and including a flavourant; opening the packaging to retrieve the smoking substitute apparatus; placing the packaging in the user's mouth; and using, by the user, the smoking substitute apparatus.

[0055] In this manner, flavourant in the packaging may produce a flavour for the user when they put the packaging in their mouth, so that they experience flavour during use of the smoking substitute apparatus. Using the smoking substitute apparatus may include inhaling an aerosol generated by the smoking substitute apparatus. The packaging may be consumed by the user prior to using the smoking substitute apparatus. Alternatively, the packaging may be consumed by the user during use of the smoking substitute apparatus.

[0056] The method of the third aspect of the invention may be used with packaging of the first aspect of the invention, and/or with a smoking substitute produce according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0057] The invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.

Summary of the Figures

[0058] So that the invention may be understood, and so that further aspects and features thereof may be appreciated, embodiments illustrating the principles of the invention will now be discussed in further detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1A is a perspective view of a smoking substitute product according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 1B is a schematic front view of a smoking substitute system which may be used with packaging according to an embodiment of the invention, where the smoking substitute system is in an engaged position;

Figure 1C is a schematic front view of the smoking substitute system of Figure 1B, where the smoking substitute system is in a disengaged position;

Figure 1D is a schematic cross-sectional view of a consumable of the smoking substitute system of Figure 1B;

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view a flavourant-containing microcapsule that may be included in packaging that is an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0059] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents mentioned in this text are incorporated herein by reference.

[0060] Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of a smoking substitute product 100 that is an embodiment of the invention. The product 100 includes a smoking substitute apparatus in the form of an e-cigarette consumable (or "pod") 103, which is contained within packaging 120. The packaging is made of an edible material, and includes a flavourant. The packaging 120 on its own may be considered as an embodiment of the invention. To use the product 100, a user may open the packaging 120 to retrieve the consumable 103 inside. The user may then place the packaging 100 in their mouth to so that the flavourant produces a flavour in their mouth. The consumable 103 may be engaged with a main body to form a smoking substitute system (described below in relation to Figs. 1B-1D), so that the user may inhale an aerosol from the smoking substitute system. In this manner, flavour may be delivered to the user during use of the consumable 103.

[0061] The packaging may be made of any suitable edible material, e.g. edible shrink wrap, a seaweed material, rice bread, wheat bran, etc. The flavourant may be a flavouring additive that is added to the edible material to produce a flavour. In the example shown, the edible material is see-through, so that the user may see the consumable 103 inside the packaging 120.

[0062] In some cases, the flavourant may be contained within a plurality of microcapsules in the edible material. The microcapsules may be arranged to release the flavourant in the presence of aerosol from the smoking substitute system, so that flavour delivery may be triggered by use of the smoking substitute system. Such microcapsules are described in more detail below in relation to Fig. 2.

[0063] Figures 1B and 1C illustrate a smoking substitute system in the form of an e-cigarette system 101, of which the consumable 103 may be a part. The consumable 103 is illustrated in more detail in Fig. 1D, which shows a cross-sectional view of the consumable 103. The system 101 comprises an e-cigarette device defining a main body 102 of the system 101, and an smoking substitute apparatus in the form of an e-cigarette consumable (or "pod") 103. In the illustrated embodiment the consumable 103 (smoking substitute apparatus) is removable from the main body (e-cigarette device), so as to be a replaceable component of the system 101. In other words, the e-cigarette system 101 is a closed system.

[0064] As is apparent from Figures 1B and 1C, the consumable 103 is configured to engage the main body 102. Figure 1B shows the main body 102 and the consumable 103 in an engaged state, whilst Figure 1C shows the main body 102 and the consumable 103 in a disengaged state. When engaged, a portion of the consumable 103 is received in a cavity of the main body 102 and is retained in the engaged position by way of a snap-engagement mechanism. In other embodiments, the main body 102 and consumable 103 may be engaged by screwing one into (or onto) the other, through a bayonet fitting, or by way of an interference fit.

[0065] In the example shown in Fig. 1A, the packaging 120 contains only the consumable 103, such that the product 100 corresponds to an individually wrapped consumable. Providing an individually packaged (wrapped) consumable in this manner may be beneficial, as it may enable the delivery of flavour (via the flavourant in the packaging 120) for each consumable.

[0066] In other examples, other components of the smoking substitute system 101 may be contained within the packaging 120, e.g. the main body 102, or even a whole smoking substitute system 101.

[0067] The system 101 is configured to vaporise an aerosol-former, which in the illustrated embodiment, is in the form of a nicotine-based e-liquid 104. The e-liquid 104 comprises nicotine and a base liquid including propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine. In the present embodiment, the e-liquid 104 is flavourless (and does not include any added flavourant). That is, if the e-liquid 104 were to be inhaled (i.e. in aerosol form) by a user, it would not have a particularly perceptible flavour or taste.

[0068] As is more apparent from Figure 1D, this e-liquid 104 is stored within a reservoir in the form of a tank 105 that forms part of the consumable 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the consumable 103 is a "single-use" consumable 103. That is, upon exhausting the e-liquid 104 in the tank 105, the intention is that the user disposes of the entire consumable 103. In other embodiments, the e-liquid (i.e. aerosol former) may be the only part of the system that is truly "single-use". That is, the tank may be refillable with e-liquid or the e-liquid may be stored in a non-consumable component of the system. For example, the e-liquid may be stored in a tank located in the main body or stored in another component that is itself not single-use (e.g. a refillable cartomizer).

[0069] The tank 105 surrounds, and thus defines a portion of, a passage 106 that extends between an inlet 107 and an outlet 108 at opposing ends of the consumable 103. In this respect, the passage comprises an upstream end at the end of the consumable 103 that engages with the main body 102, and a downstream end at an opposing end of the consumable 103 that comprises a mouthpiece 109 of the system 101. When the consumable 103 is engaged with the main body 102, a user can inhale (i.e. take a puff) via the mouthpiece 109 so as to draw air through the passage 106, and so as to form an airflow (indicated by arrows) in a direction from the inlet 107 to the outlet 108 of the passage 106. Although not illustrated, the passage 106 may be partially defined by a tube (e.g. a metal tube) extending through the consumable 103. The passage 106 is in fluid communication with a gap defined between the consumable 103 and the main body 102 (when engaged) such that air outside of the system 101 is drawn into the passage 106 (during an inhale).

[0070] The smoking substitute system 101 is configured to vaporise the e-liquid 104 for inhalation by a user. To provide this, the consumable 103 comprises a heater having of a porous wick 110 and a resistive heating element in the form of a heating filament 111 that is helically wound around a portion of the porous wick 110. The porous wick 110 extends across the passage 106 (i.e. transverse to a longitudinal axis of the passage106) and opposing ends of the wick 110 extend into the tank 105 (so as to be submerged in the e-liquid 104). In this way, e-liquid 104 contained in the tank 105 is conveyed from the opposing ends of the porous wick 110 to a central portion of the porous wick 110 so as to be exposed to the airflow in the passage 106 (i.e. caused by a user inhaling).

[0071] The helical filament 111 is wound about this exposed central portion of the porous wick 110 and is electrically connected to an electrical interface in the form of electrical contacts 112 mounted at the end of the consumable that is proximate the main body 102 (when engaged). When the consumable 103 is engaged with the main body 102, the electrical contacts 112 contact corresponding electrical contacts (not shown) of the main body 102. The main body electrical contacts are electrically connected to a power source (not shown) of the main body 102, such that (in the engaged position) the filament 111 is electrically connected to the power source. In this way, power can be supplied by the main body 102 to the filament 111 in order to heat the filament 111. This heat is transferred from the filament 111 to the porous wick 110 which causes e-liquid 104 conveyed by the porous wick 110 to increase in temperature to a point at which it vaporises. The vaporised e-liquid becomes entrained in the airflow and, between the vaporisation point at the filament 111 and the outlet 108 of the passage 106, condenses to form an aerosol. This aerosol is then inhaled, via the mouthpiece 109, by a user of the system 101.

[0072] The power source of the main body 102 may be in the form of a battery (e.g. a rechargeable battery). The main body 102 may comprise a connector in the form of e.g. a USB port for recharging this battery. The main body 102 may also comprise a controller that controls the supply of power from the power source to the main body electrical contacts (and thus to the filament 111). That, is the controller may be configured to control a voltage applied across the main body electrical contacts, and thus the voltage applied across the filament 111. In this way, the filament 111 may only be heated under certain conditions (e.g. during a puff and/or only when the system is in an active state). In this respect, the main body 102 may include a puff sensor (not shown) that is configured to detect a puff (i.e. inhalation). The puff sensor may be operatively connected to the controller so as to be able to provide a signal, to the controller, which is indicative of a puff state (i.e. puffing or not puffing). The puff sensor may, for example, be in the form of a pressure sensor or an acoustic sensor.

[0073] Although not shown, the main body 102 and consumable 103 may comprise a further interface which may, for example, be in the form of an RFID reader, a barcode or QR code reader. This interface may be able to identify a characteristic (e.g. a type) of a consumable 103 engaged with the main body 102. In this respect, the consumable 103 may include any one or more of an RFID chip, a barcode or QR code, or memory within which is an identifier and which can be interrogated via the interface.

[0074] Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a microcapsule 202 containing a flavourant 204. The microcapsule 202 is arranged to disintegrate in the presence of an aerosol generated by a smoking substitute system (e.g. system 101), to release the flavourant 204 contained therein. A plurality of such microcapsules 202 containing flavourant may disposed in and/or on the edible material forming packaging that is an embodiment of the invention (e.g. packaging 120).

[0075] The microcapsule 202 includes an outer membrane 206 made of a hydrogel composite which contains Chitosan. Chitosan is substantially stable around pH 7.5. Thus, when the microcapsule 202 is placed in a user's mouth, the Chitosan, and hence the outer membrane 206, may be stable and retain its integrity for a period of time. In this manner, the flavourant 204 contained in the microcapsule 202 is not released and so does not produce a flavour in the user's mouth.

[0076] A nicotine-containing e-liquid may produce an aerosol which has a pH around 7.8. Thus, when a user inhales such an aerosol produced with such an e-liquid, a pH in the user's mouth may increase above pH 7.5, which may cause rapid breakdown of the Chitosan in the outer membrane 206, resulting in disintegration of the microcapsule's outer membrane 206 and release of the flavourant 204.

[0077] The flavourant 204 in the microcapsule 202 may be in solid or liquid form. Preferably, the flavourant 204 may be a freeze-dried flavourant. In other words, during manufacture the flavourant 204 may have been freeze-dried to remove moisture from the flavourant 204. This may reduce the risk of flavourant 204 escaping from the microcapsule 202 prior to use. When the flavourant 204 is released from the microcapsule 202 due to disintegration of the outer membrane 206 in the user's mouth, the flavourant 204 may be activated by moisture in the user's mouth (e.g. the flavourant 204 may dissolve in the user's saliva), to produce a flavour in the user's mouth.

[0078] The outer membrane 206 may include Chitosan having a Deacetylation (DDT) of 75% - 99%. The hydrogel composite forming the outer membrane may, for example, include 0.1% w/w up to 20% w/w of Chitosan. The hydrogel composite may further include excipients such as Xanthan Gum, water, propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine.

[0079] Any of the following compounds may also break down upon contacting the aerosol, and so may be included in the hydrogel composite (instead of, or in addition to, Chitosan): Hyaluronic Acid, Dextran, Poly-Acrylamide, Polyacrylic Acid, Guar Gum Succinate, Kappa-Carrageenan, Poly(vinyl Alcohol).

[0080] The microcapsule 202 may be manufactured by first freeze-drying a flavourant to remove any moisture from the flavourant and produce a flavourant cake. The flavourant cake may be moulded into a desired shape (e.g. a ball) using a mould. Chitosan, together with excipients forming the hydrogel may be then be mixed together to produce the hydrogel composite. The hydrogel composite may be layered in a mould, into which the flavourant cake is inserted. The hydrogel composite may then be rolled to form an outer membrane around the flavourant cake.

[0081] Packaging according to the invention (e.g. packaging 120), may contain a plurality of microcapsules 202. After opening the packaging to retrieve a smoking substitute apparatus inside, a user may place the packaging in their mouth, so that the microcapsules 202 are located in the user's mouth. Then, when the user inhales an aerosol from the smoking substitute apparatus, the outer membrane 206 of the microcapsules 202 may disintegrate due to the change in pH caused by the aerosol. This may cause release the flavourant 204 into the user's mouth.

[0082] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

[0083] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0084] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0085] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0086] Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "have", "comprise", and "include", and variations such as "having", "comprises", "comprising", and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0087] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" in relation to a numerical value is optional and means, for example, +/- 10%.

[0088] The words "preferred" and "preferably" are used herein refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits under some circumstances. It is to be appreciated, however, that other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different circumstances. The recitation of one or more preferred embodiments therefore does not mean or imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, or from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. Packaging for a smoking substitute apparatus, wherein the packaging is edible and includes a flavourant.

2. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein the packaging is dissolvable.

3. Packaging according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the packaging is see-through.

4. Packaging according to any preceding claim, wherein the packaging includes edible shrink wrap.

5. Packaging according to any preceding claim, wherein the packaging includes a seaweed material.

6. Packaging according to any preceding claim, wherein the packaging includes rice paper.

7. Packaging according to any preceding claim, wherein the packaging includes wheat bran.

8. Packaging according to any preceding claim, wherein the flavourant is encapsulated within a plurality of microcapsules, the microcapsules being arranged to disintegrate in the presence of the aerosol generated by the smoking substitute apparatus.

9. A smoking substitute product comprising:

packaging according to any preceding claim; and

a smoking substitute apparatus disposed in the packaging.

10. A smoking substitute product according to claim 9, wherein the smoking substitute apparatus is a consumable for a smoking substitute system.

11. A method of delivering flavour to a user of a smoking substitute apparatus, the method comprising:

providing a smoking substitute apparatus in packaging, the packaging being edible and including a flavourant;

opening the packaging to retrieve the smoking substitute apparatus;

placing the packaging in the user's mouth; and

using, by the user, the smoking substitute apparatus.

Drawing