`
`
`
`Exhibit D
`
`
`
`
`Case 1:20-cv-00472-NCT-JLW Document 1-4 Filed 05/28/20 Page 1 of 16
`
`

`

`US010143242B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Us 10,143,242 B2
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Dec. 4, 2018
`Weigensberg et al.
`
`(54)
`
`(71)
`
`(72)
`
`CARTOMIZER FLAVOR ENHANCEMENT
`
`Applicant: Nu Mark Innovations Ltd., Beit
`Shemesh (IL)
`
`Inventors: Aaron Arye Weigensberg, Modiin (IL);
`Eyal Peleg, Tsoran (IL); Samuel
`Capuano, North Miami Beach, FL
`(US); Yechezkel Stern, Ramat Bet
`Shemesh (IL); Bernard Juster,
`Netanya (IL)
`
`(73)
`
`Assignee:
`
`Nu Mark Innovations Ltd., Beit
`Shemesh (IL)
`
`(*)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.: 15/918,440
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Mar. 12, 2018
`
`(65)
`
`(63)
`
`(60)
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`
`(58)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2018/0199632 A1
`
`Jul. 19, 2018
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`Continuation of application No. 14/109,393, filed on
`Dec. 17, 2013, now Pat. No. 9,943,107.
`
`Provisional application No. 61/737,847, filed on Dec.
`17, 2012.
`
`Int. Cl.
`
`A24F 4 7/00
`A61M 15/06
`US. Cl.
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`CPC .................................. A24F 47/008 (2013.01)
`Field of Classification Search
`None
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U. S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,388,594 A
`5,750,964 A
`6,155,268 A
`7,381,277 B2
`7,726,320 B2
`2007/0074734 A1
`2008/0092912 A1
`2010/0200006 A1
`2012/0006346 A1
`2012/0048266 A1
`2012/0060853 A1
`
`2/1995 Counts et a1.
`5/1998 Counts et a1.
`12/2000 Takeuchi
`6/2008 Gonterman et a1.
`6/2010 Robinson et a1.
`4/2007 Braunshteyn et a1.
`4/2008 Robinson et a1.
`8/2010 Robinson et a1.
`1/2012 Inagaki
`3/2012 Alelov
`3/2012 Robinson et a1.
`
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`CN
`CN
`
`86203578 U
`101043827 A
`
`3/1987
`9/2007
`
`(Continued)
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Malaysian Examination Report dated Mar. 30, 2018 issued in
`corresponding Malaysian Application No. PI 2015001554.
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner 7 Cynthia Szewczyk
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm 7 Harness, Dickey &
`Pierce, P.L.C.
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An electronic cigarette (“e-Cig”) may include flavor
`enhancements to improve or add to the flavor of an e-Cig.
`The e-Cig cartomizer may include a flavor sticker, shell,
`booster, or mouthpiece that provides additional flavor to the
`user. In addition, the flavor enhancements may also provide
`or further enhance the smell of the e-Cig.
`
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`9 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets
`
`”113
`
`
`
`Case 1:20-cv-00472-NCT-JLW Document 1-4 Filed 05/28/20 Page 2 of 16
`Case 1:20-cv-OO472-NCT-JLW Document 1-4 Filed 05/28/20 Page 2 of 16
`
`

`

`US 10,143,242 B2
`Page 2
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2012/0227752 A1
`2013/0192617 A1*
`
`2013/0298905 A1
`2013/0319440 A1
`
`9/2012 Alelov
`8/2013 Thompson ............ A24F 47/008
`131/329
`
`11/2013 Levin et al.
`12/2013 Capuano
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`CN
`CN
`CN
`CN
`EP
`WO
`
`200983833 Y
`201127285 Y
`101557728 A
`102014677 A
`1736065 A1
`WO-2012/142293 A2
`
`12/2007
`10/2008
`10/2009
`4/2011
`12/2006
`10/2012
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`European Search Report dated Jul. 24, 2015 issued in corresponding
`European Patent Application No. 138190822.
`Kazakhstan Office Action dated Nov. 7, 2016 issued in correspond-
`ing Kazakhstan Application No. 2015/0849.1.
`Chinese Office Action dated Dec. 27, 2016 issued in corresponding
`Chinese Patent Application No. 2013800661633 (English transla-
`tion provided).
`Oifice Action for corresponding Russian Application No. 2015129125
`dated Mar. 27, 2017 and English translation thereof.
`Chinese Office Action dated Jun. 16, 2017 issued in corresponding
`Chinese Application No. 2013800661633 (English translation pro-
`vided).
`Chinese Office Action dated Dec. 8, 2017 in Chinese Application
`No. 2013800661633, with English translation.
`Ukraine Office Action dated Nov. 29, 2017 in Ukrainian Application
`No. a 2015 07058.
`Chinese Office Action dated Jun. 15, 2018 issued in Chinese
`Application No. 2013800661633 (English translation provided).
`Examination Report from the European Patent Office for EP Appl.
`No. 13 819 082.2 dated Sep. 6, 2018.
`
`International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Mar. 27,
`2014 for PCT/IL2013/051033.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Case 1:20-cv-00472-NCT-JLW Document 1-4 Filed 05/28/20 Page 3 of 16
`Case 1:20-cv-OO472-NCT-JLW Document 1-4 Filed 05/28/20 Page 3 of 16
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 4,2018
`
`Sheet 1 of 8
`
`US 10,143,242 132
`
`Figure 1
`
`
`
`Heating eiemen:
`,
`The heat enables viscosity reduction
`
`
`~
`H
`when the cigarette central is
`,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,5
`E
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`Case 1:20-cv-00472-NCT-JLW Document 1-4 Filed 05/28/20 Page 4 of 16
`Case 1:20-cv-OO472-NCT-JLW Document 1-4 Filed 05/28/20 Page 4 of 16
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 4,2018
`
`Sheet 2 of 8
`
`US 10,143,242 132
`
`Figure 2
`
`204
`
`
`
`206
`
`,////////////////////////3
`
`Case 1:20-cv-00472-NCT-JLW Document 1-4 Filed 05/28/20 Page 5 of 16
`Case 1:20-cv-OO472-NCT-JLW Document 1-4 Filed 05/28/20 Page 5 of 16
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 4, 2018
`
`Sheet 3 of 8
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`US 10,143,242 B2
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`Case 1:20-cv-00472-NCT-JLW Document 1-4 Filed 05/28/20 Page 6 of 16
`Case 1:20-cv-OO472-NCT-JLW Document 1-4 Filed 05/28/20 Page 6 of 16
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`
`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Case 1:20-cv-00472-NCT-JLW Document 1-4 Filed 05/28/20 Page 7 of 16
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`Case 1:20-cv-00472-NCT-JLW Document 1-4 Filed 05/28/20 Page 8 of 16
`Case 1:20-cv-OO472-NCT-JLW Document 1-4 Filed 05/28/20 Page 8 of 16
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 4, 2018
`
`Sheet 6 of 8
`
`US 10,143,242 B2
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`Case 1:20-cv-00472-NCT-JLW Document 1-4 Filed 05/28/20 Page 9 of 16
`Case 1:20-cv-OO472-NCT-JLW Document 1-4 Filed 05/28/20 Page 9 of 16
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 4,2018
`
`Sheet 7 of 8
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`US 10,143,242 132
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`Case 1:20-cv-00472-NCT-JLW Document 1-4 Filed 05/28/20 Page 10 of 16
`Case 1:20-cv-OO472-NCT-JLW Document 1-4 Filed 05/28/20 Page 10 of 16
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 4,2018
`
`Sheet 8 of 8
`
`US 10,143,242 132
`
`Figure 8
`
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`Case 1:20-cv-00472-NCT-JLW Document 1-4 Filed 05/28/20 Page 11 of 16
`Case 1:20-cv-OO472-NCT-JLW Document 1-4 Filed 05/28/20 Page 11 of 16
`
`

`

`US 10,143,242 B2
`
`1
`CARTOMIZER FLAVOR ENHANCEMENT
`
`PRIORITY CLAIM
`
`This application is a continuation of US. application Ser.
`No. 14/109,393,
`filed on Dec. 17, 2013, which claims
`priority to US. Provisional Application No. 61/737,847,
`filed on Dec.
`17, 2012, entitled “Cartomizer Flavor
`Enhancement,” the entire disclosure of each of which are
`hereby incorporated by reference.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`FIELD
`
`2
`
`limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described
`with reference to the following drawings. The components
`in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead
`being placed upon illustrating the principles of the inven-
`tion. In the drawings, like referenced numerals designate
`corresponding parts throughout the different views.
`FIG. 1 is a diagram of an electronic cigarette.
`FIG. 2 is an exemplary sticker embodiment for flavor
`enhancement.
`
`FIG. 3 is a first exemplary shell embodiment for flavor
`enhancement.
`
`FIG. 4 is a second exemplary shell embodiment for flavor
`enhancement
`
`15
`
`FIG. 5 is an exemplary flavor mechanism embedded
`within a cartomizer.
`
`FIG. 6 is a first exemplary booster embodiment for flavor
`enhancement.
`
`FIG. 7 is a second exemplary booster embodiment for
`flavor enhancement.
`
`FIG. 8 is an exemplary mouthpiece embodiment for flavor
`enhancement.
`
`20
`
`FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an exemplary mouthpiece
`embodiment for flavor
`
`25
`
`FIG. 10 is an alternative exemplary mouthpiece embodi-
`ment for flavor enhancement.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`The e-Cig may include a battery portion that includes the
`battery and controller and a cartridge which includes the
`cartomizer and where atomization occurs. The cartridge may
`need to receive power from the battery portion for the
`atomization process. The atomization process generates a
`vapor or mist from a material (e.g. e-liquid) in the cartomizer
`that is heated to generate the vapor or mist. The material/
`liquid may be flavored so that the user can “taste” the flavor.
`In addition, various flavor enhancements may be made as
`described below. A sticker or flavor shell may be attached to
`or adjacent the cartomizer to add flavor for the user. In
`addition, the sticker or shell may also provide a pleasing
`smell than enhances the e-Cig experience. In other embodi-
`ments, a booster or mouthpiece may be attached to an end
`of the e-Cig (e.g. adjacent to the cartomizer) for providing
`additional flavor or a pleasant scent for the user. The flavor
`and smell enhancement embodiments are described below.
`
`In the following description, numerous specific details are
`set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the
`various principles of the present invention. It will be appar-
`ent to one skilled in the art, however, that not all these details
`are necessarily always needed for practicing the present
`invention. Other systems, methods, features and advantages
`will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art
`upon examination of the following figures and detailed
`description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
`methods, features and advantages be included within this
`description, be within the scope of the invention, and be
`protected by the following claims. Nothing in this section
`should be taken as a limitation on those claims. Further
`
`aspects and advantages are discussed below.
`Subject matter will now be described more fully herein-
`after with reference to the accompanying drawings, which
`form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration,
`specific example embodiments. Subject matter may, how-
`ever, be embodied in a variety of different forms and,
`therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to
`be construed as not being limited to any example embodi-
`
`This disclosure generally relates to improvements to an
`electronic cigarette (“e-cigarette,” “e-Cig,” or “eCig”). In
`particular, this disclosure relates to enhancing the flavor and
`smell as part of the e-Cig experience.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`An electronic cigarette (“e-cigarette,” “e-Cig,” or “eCig”)
`is a device that emulates tobacco cigarette smoking, by
`producing smoke replacement that may be similar in its
`physical sensation, general appearance, and sometimes fla-
`vor (i.e., with tobacco fragrance, menthol taste, added nico-
`tine etc.). A battery portion of the e-Cig includes a controller
`and rechargeable battery for powering the device (e.g.
`providing electrical power) and a cartomizer portion gener-
`ates an aerosol mist
`(i.e. e-smoke or vapor) that
`is a
`replacement for cigarette smoke. In particular,
`the car-
`tomizer may use heat, ultrasonic energy, or other means to
`atomize/vaporize a material, such as a liquid solution (i.e. an
`“e-Liquid”), which may be based on propylene glycol, or
`glycerin, and may include taste and fragrance ingredients.
`The result is an aerosol mist. The atomization may be similar
`to nebulizer or humidifier vaporizing solutions for inhala-
`tion.
`
`Thee-Liquid may be kept in a container (sometimes called
`“cartomizer”, which may be the approximate size of a
`regular cigarette’s filter), and during the puff some of it is
`heated while being close to and around a heating coil (for
`example operated by a battery, and controlled via a control
`chip and a puff sensor). The heated e-Liquid loses its high
`viscosity, and then is prone to atomization and some evapo-
`ration, generating the “smoke” to be inhaled by the user. The
`atomization may be enhanced by the usage of an e-Liquid-
`soaked wick inside a heating coil, where the small spaces
`between the wick fibers and inside them enhance the break-
`
`ing of the heated e-Liquid to small droplets generating the
`fog-like smoke. Some of the vaporized e-liquid may re-
`condensate to droplets, creating more fog-like smoke, due to
`the mix of the inhaled room-temperature air with the heated
`air and vapor inside the cartomizer. This effect is enhanced
`by the higher temperature generated by the electrically-
`energized heated coil, combined with the air flow (that
`reduces pressure around the wick due to the Bemoulli’s
`principle, thus enhancing evaporation rate) both enhance
`evaporation rate, loading the air around the heating coil and
`wick combination withe-Liquid vapors. When this air, satu-
`rated withe-Liquid vapors, is hit by the room-temperature air
`flow sucked in by the user, some of its vapor may condensate
`into small air-bome droplets (similar to water fog in air) and
`add to the “smoke” generated by the e-Cig.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The system and method may be better understood with
`reference to the following drawings and description. Non-
`
`Case 1:20-cv-00472-NCT-JLW Document 1-4 Filed 05/28/20 Page 12 of 16
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`
`

`

`US 10,143,242 B2
`
`3
`ments set forth herein; example embodiments are provided
`merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope
`for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among
`other things, for example, subject matter may be embodied
`as methods, devices, components, or systems. Accordingly,
`embodiments may, for example, take the form of hardware,
`software, firmware or any combination thereof (other than
`software per se). The following detailed description is,
`therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense. In the
`following description, numerous specific details are set forth
`in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various
`principles of the embodiments. It will be apparent to one
`skilled in the art, however, that not all these details are
`necessarily always needed for practicing the embodiments.
`Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have
`nuanced meanings suggested or implied in context beyond
`an explicitly stated meaning. Likewise, the phrase “in one
`embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the
`same embodiment and the phrase “in another embodiment”
`as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different
`embodiment. It is intended, for example, that claimed sub-
`ject matter include combinations of example embodiments
`in whole or in part.
`In general, terminology may be understood at least in part
`from usage in context. For example, terms, such as “and”,
`“or”, or “and/or,” as used herein may include a variety of
`meanings that may depend at least in part upon the context
`in which such terms are used. Typically, “or” if used to
`associate a list, such as A, B or C, is intended to mean A, B,
`and C, here used in the inclusive sense, as well as A, B or
`C, here used in the exclusive sense. In addition, the term
`“one or more” as used herein, depending at least in part upon
`context, may be used to describe any feature, structure, or
`characteristic in a singular sense or may be used to describe
`combinations of features, structures or characteristics in a
`plural sense. Similarly, terms, such as “a,” “an,” or “the,”
`again, may be understood to convey a singular usage or to
`convey a plural usage, depending at
`least
`in part upon
`context. In addition, the term “based on” may be understood
`as not necessarily intended to convey an exclusive set of
`factors and may, instead, allow for existence of additional
`factors not necessarily expressly described, again, depend-
`ing at least in part on context.
`FIG. 1 is a diagram of an e-Cig illustrating two portions.
`There may be a battery portion and a cartomizer or cartridge
`113 portion. Although not shown in FIG. 1, there may be an
`adapter connecting the two portions. The adapter may be
`part of the battery portion, part of the cartomizer, or a
`separate component. The battery portion includes a battery
`106. In alternative embodiments,
`there may be a power
`source that uses a different mechanism for powering the
`e-Cig.
`The “smoke” produced by an e-Cig is a created by turning
`a liquid (e-Liquid 110) into mist and some vapor with an
`atomizer 112. The cartomizer 113 may include the atomizer
`112 and the e-liquid 110. The cartomizer 113 may also be
`referred to as a cartridge throughout this disclosure and may
`be disposable. The e-liquid 110 may have a high viscosity at
`room temperature to enable longer shelf life and reduce
`leakages; however, this high viscosity may reduce the atomi-
`zation rate. The e-Liquid 110 is atomized via air flow 108,
`generated by the inhalation of the user (i.e. the smoker or
`consumer or vapor), which produces a pressure difference
`that removes e-Liquid droplets from thee-Liquid 110. In one
`embodiment, thee-Liquid 110 may be soaked in a wick (not
`shown), which may be connected to a heating element 111.
`In order to reduce thee-Liquid viscosity, to a level enabling
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4
`
`atomization, external heat may be applied through the heat-
`ing element 111. The heating element 111 may be a coil in
`one embodiment that wraps around the wick in order to heat
`the liquid on the wick. In this embodiment, local viscosity
`reduction via heating, while inhalation occurs, enables
`e-Liquid atomization in the inhalation-generated flow of air
`108. An airflow tube of the battery enclosure and an airflow
`tube of the cartridge may enable the smoker to puff through
`the electronic cigarette and activate the airflow sensor inside
`the battery portion. This may trigger the controller and cause
`the coil inside the cartridge to get hot, evaporate the liquid
`that is in the cartridge and causes smoke (i.e. vapor).
`Thee-Liquid 110 may be heated via an electric current
`flowing through the heating element 111 and may then be
`atomized and evaporated through the e-Cig and may contain
`tastes and aromas that create a smoking sensation. The
`controller 102 may be activated due to air flow 108 (from the
`inhaled air) passing a flow sensor 104. The sensor 104 may
`be activated by the pressure drop across the sensor and may
`directly switch the battery 106 power on, or be used as an
`input for the controller 102 that then switches the battery 106
`current on. There may be a pressure differential sensor
`which may be enclosed in a plastic holder and may be part
`of or separate from the flow sensor 104. Although illustrated
`as separate from the e-Cig, the controller 102 may be a part
`of the e-Cig (e.g. along with the battery 106). The battery
`portion may include one or more electronic chips controlling
`and communicating from it. It may connect with the car-
`tomizer 113, which can be replaced or changed (e.g. when
`a new/different e-Liquid 110 is desired). The e-Cig may
`include two parts. The first part may just be referred to as the
`battery or battery portion (i.e. battery enclosure) and it
`includes the power source (e.g. battery), the air flow sensor
`and the controller. The second part is the cartridge (i.e.
`cartomizer 113) that is filled up with liquid and flavors that
`is required for smoke and flavor generation. The configu-
`ration of the e-Cig in FIG. 1 is representative of many other
`forms and variants of electronic cigarettes that may be
`adapted to embody the principles of the present invention.
`Although not explicitly shown in FIG. 1, the e-Cig may
`include one or more flavor enhancement mechanisms. In
`
`particular, the cartomizer 113 may include or be surrounded
`by a flavor shell or flavor sticker, or a flavor booster may be
`located adjacent the cartomizer 113. A mouthpiece may also
`provide flavoring and be attached to the cartomizer 113. A
`user’s lips may contact or be near the end of the cartomizer
`so the flavor enhancement mechanisms provide additional/
`enhanced flavors as well as additional/enhanced scents to the
`user. In other words, the flavor enhancement mechanisms
`described may provide both gustatory and olfactory
`enhancements to the e-Cig. The embodiments of the flavor
`enhancement mechanisms are described in further detail
`
`with respect to the other Figures.
`In any of the embodiments described below, a flavoring
`agent or material is added to the e-Cig that provides both
`flavor/taste and scent/smell.
`In some embodiments,
`the
`flavoring mechanism is added directly to or around the
`cartomizer or to other parts of the e-Cig. In other embodi-
`ments, the flavoring mechanism is provided in a separate
`component. In one embodiment, the flavoring mechanism
`may be incorporated in a sticker that wraps around the
`cartomizer. In another embodiment, the flavoring mecha-
`nism may be added to the cartomizer itself. The flavor may
`be noticeable on the user’s lips after using the e-Cig, and via
`olfactory experience. This provides an enhanced flavor and
`scent experience for the user.
`
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`US 10,143,242 B2
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`5
`The flavoring mechanism may be a layer of flavoring that
`is added to the e-Cig. The layer of flavoring in one embodi-
`ment may have a slow release formula and antibacterial
`preservative properties so that it can be used continuously.
`The medium holding the flavor and scent may be plastic
`films with pores or micro-holes, paper, sponge-like films,
`films with encapsulated taste and scent agents, treated plas-
`tic films or any material that can absorb and slow release the
`scent. The material holding the flavor and scent may be
`treated to withstand storage and typical use conditions,
`while preserving its sensory properties and its safety for use.
`The flavoring/scent agent may include flavors/scents and
`antimicrobial agents that include carboxymethyl cellulose,
`pullulan, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cel-
`lulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone,
`polyvinyl alcohol, sodium alginate, polyethylene glycol,
`xanthum gum,
`tragacanth gum, guar gum, acacia gum,
`arabic gum, polyacrylic acid, methylmethacrylate copoly-
`mer, carboxyvinyl polymer, amylose, high amylose starch,
`hydroxypropylated high amylose starch, dextrine, pectin,
`chitin, chitosan, levan, elsinan, collagen, gelatin, zein, glu-
`ten, soy protein isolate, whey protein isolate, casein, and/or
`mixtures thereof. The flavor may be released from moisture
`from the lips or air exposure after being unwrapped or
`removed from packaging, or may be a scratch and sniff
`material.
`
`FIG. 2 is an exemplary sticker embodiment for flavor
`enhancement. FIG. 2 is a schematic of an exemplary car-
`tomizer 113. The cartomizer may be labeled as 113 in each
`Figure for consistency. However, the cartomizers shown by
`the different embodiments may not be the same and in
`particular, may have or be coupled with different flavor
`enhancement mechanisms. A sticker 202 is impregnated
`with a flavoring agent, and is adhered to the interior wall 204
`of the cartomizer 113, where it
`is exposed to air flow.
`Additionally or alternatively, the sticker 202 may be impreg-
`nated with a scent agent. The flavoring agent is released, and
`combines with the air flow, as indicated by air flow 206. In
`one embodiment, the release of the flavor and/or scent may
`be trigged by contact with the user’s lips. For example,
`moisture of a user’s lips or breath may cause the flavoring
`agent to be released. The flavoring agent may reach the
`smoker along with the atomized e-liquid, where it is smelled
`or tasted, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the e-Cig.
`The flavoring agent may include multiple flavors or
`scents, e.g., as multiple layers. The sticker 202 may include
`a binding agent, such as carboxymethylcellulose, which can
`hold flavoring agents. These agents may release a hint of
`taste or smell that augments, strengthens, and varies the
`sensation of the maine-liquid. The size of the sticker 202
`may vary according to the desired intensity of the flavoring
`experience, and the concentration of the flavoring agent.
`Thus, the sticker 202 may cover a selected portion or all of
`the interior wall 204 of the cartomizer 113. The sticker 202
`
`may be adhered to the inner wall 204 of the cartomizer
`during manufacture, using conventional materials, such as
`polyvinyl acetate emulsion. Additionally or alternatively,
`impregnation by microencapsulated flavoring agents pro-
`vides a measure of control of the release rate. In one
`
`embodiment, the gentle warming of the impregnated mate-
`rial may facilitate release of the flavoring agent into the
`cartomizer, and to the heating coil where vapor/mist
`is
`produced, having an enhanced flavor as a result of the
`addition of the flavoring agent.
`In one embodiment, the cartomizer may be wrapped with
`one or more soft matte polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”)
`multilayered stickers. In another embodiment, the flavored
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
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`45
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`50
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`6
`layer may be applied to the outside of a sticker. In another
`embodiment, only part of the sticker (e.g., the part that is
`actually touches the lips of the user is covered with flavor-
`ing/scent agent). In one embodiment, the sticker may be a
`paper material that is coated with a flavoring and/or scent
`agent.
`FIG. 3 is a first exemplary shell embodiment for flavor
`enhancement. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the cartomizer
`
`113. Rather than a sticker as in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 illustrates one
`or more flavor shells 304, 306 that are part of or coupled
`with an inner wall 302 of the cartomizer 113. The one or
`
`more flavor shells 304, 306 may include the flavoring agent.
`For example, the flavor shells 304, 306 may be composed of
`cellulose acetate or an impregnated sponge, so that they
`maintain their shape. The flavor shells 304, 306 may extend
`along the length of interior wall 302 of the cartomizer 113,
`providing maximum area for release of flavoring agent.
`Alternatively, the shells 304, 306 may be shorter, and extend
`along a portion of the wall 302. Varying the length of the
`shells provides additional control of the amount of flavoring
`agent released into the gas stream during smoking of the
`electronic cigarette. Additionally or alternatively, a sub-
`stance such as impregnated filter plug paper may be applied
`to the internal surface of the shells 304, 306. The shells 304,
`306 may be impregnated with different concentrations of a
`given flavoring agent, or different flavoring agents. The
`release capability of the impregnated material may be slow,
`and may be configured to the expected life of the cartomizer.
`Selected ones of the shells 304, 306 may be inserted to the
`end of the cartomizer 113 during manufacture, and a locking
`mechanism may be provided to retain the inserted shell. In
`one example, the locking mechanism may be an adhesive or
`a glue. Alternatively, the lock may be mechanical, such as a
`retaining ring or flange, screw. In some embodiments, the
`mechanism may be unlocked in order to permit replacement
`of the shells 304, 306. Providing a selection of different
`shells and flavoring agents facilitates tailoring the car-
`tomizer 113 according to the needs of different consumers.
`In one embodiment, the shells 304, 306 may be a porous
`plastic material, such as food graded plastics. The material
`may have a controlled release material with known perme-
`ability. Exemplary materials may include polyurethane,
`polyethylene, vinyl acetate, or polycarbonate. The materials
`described above for the shells may also apply to any of the
`other embodiments, including the sticker, booster, mouth-
`piece, etc.
`FIG. 4 is a second exemplary shell embodiment for flavor
`enhancement. FIG. 4 is an alternative embodiment with one
`more flavor shells 404, 406. The exterior wall 402 of the
`cartomizer 113 is not entirely covered by one or more of the
`shells 404, 406. In other words, the shell does not extend the
`length of the cartomizer 113 as compared with the embodi-
`ment shown in FIG. 3. Further,
`in this embodiment, the
`shells may be mounted on the exterior of wall 402 of the
`cartomizer 113, and release flavoring agent through the wall
`402. The wall 402 may be micro-fenestrated beneath the
`shells 404, 406, for example having holes of approximately
`0.1-0.5 millimeters formed therethrough. Alternatively, the
`wall 402 may be formed of a permeable material that allows
`the flavoring agent in the shells 404, 406 to diffuse into the
`air stream in the interior of the cartomizer. For example,
`portions of the wall may comprise a membrane of polytet-
`rafluoroethylene or polyurethane. The shells 404, 406 may
`be dimensioned to fit about the barrel of the cartomizer 113.
`
`A locking mechanism (as with FIG. 3) may prevent the
`shells 404, 406 from dislodgement.
`
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`US 10,143,242 B2
`
`7
`FIG. 5 is an exemplary flavor mechanism embedded
`within a cartomizer 113. FIG. 5 is a partial schematic view
`where the battery portion would be to the left of the
`cartomizer 113 portion shown in FIG. 5. A flavor enhance-
`ment element 502 is disposed on an exterior wall 503 of the
`cartomizer 113. In one embodiment, there may be a single
`flavor enhancement element 502 or there may be more than
`one such as is shown in FIG. 5. The flavor enhancement
`
`element 502 may be a sticker (e.g. 202 in FIG. 2) or shells
`(e.g. 304, 306, 404, 406 in FIGS. 3-4). The main inhaled and
`exhaled gas flows 108 through the cartomizer 113 and
`through mouthpiece 501. A side inlet 504, which is protected
`by a valve 506 admits a supplemental air stream. In alter-
`native embodiments, there may be a single side inlet 504 or
`there may be multiple side inlets 504. The supplemental air
`stream through the side inlet 504 may not enter the car-
`tomizer 113, but flows along the wall 503 externally to the
`cartomizer 113, passing over or near the flavor enhancement
`element(s) 502. The flavor enhancement elements 502
`release flavoring agent, which combines with the supple-
`mental air stream. The supplemental air stream (with
`enhanced flavoring agent) combines with the main air
`stream 108 proximal to the cartomizer 113, and both streams
`are drawn in by the user. During exhalation the valve 506
`closes, preventing egress of air through the inlet 504.
`FIG. 6 is a first exemplary booster embodiment for flavor
`enhancement. A flavor booster 602 is added to the e-Cig
`adjacent the cartomizer 113. The booster may be made of the
`same material as the shell, and may include the flavor
`enhancing elements described with respect to either the
`sticker or shell. The flavor booster 602 does not surround the
`
`cartomizer 113 and the main air flow through the cartomizer
`113 also flows through the flavor booster 602.
`In one
`embodiment, the flavor booster 602 is a mouthpiece exten-
`sion is added to the exterior of the cartomizer and becomes
`
`a point of contact with the lips of the smoker. This variant
`further enhances the flavor as experienced by the smoker.
`The flavor booster 602 may be fitted, or screwed into the
`proximal end of the cartomizer 113. It may be about 3 mm
`in length, and may contact the lips or tongue of the smoker,
`where the contact causes the flavor to be sensed with greater
`intensity. The flavor booster 602 may be constructed as
`described in the shells of the previous embodiments.
`There may be a special external (removable) wrap or
`container or packaging for the flavor booster 602 or for the
`cartridge that will seal in and preserve the flavor during
`storage or between uses. It may insulate against heat, light,
`moisture, or oxygen, etc. The booster 602 may be filled with
`powder or liquid or solid crystal or gum that will be released
`into the mouth before, during, or after e-Cig usage. The
`release of the booster 602 contents may be activated by
`licking away the external layer, squeezing with the teeth or
`biting the booster to rupture it, or