AN ELECTRONIC VAPOR DEVICE

The present invention relates generally to a pre-vaporization formulation for e-vaping devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to strength enhancers in pre- vaporization formulations.

Electronic vaping devices (or e-vaping devices) are used to vaporize a pre-vaporization formulation such as, for example, a liquid material, into a vapor in order for an adult vaper to inhale the vapor. E-vaping devices typically include a heater which vaporizes the pre- vaporization formulation to produce the vapor. An e-vaping device may include several e- vaping elements including a power source, a cartridge or e-vaping tank including the heater, and a reservoir holding the pre-vaporization formulation.

A tobacco-based smoking article produces a vapor known to create a desired sensory experience for adult smokers, including a low to moderate harshness response in the throat and a perceived warmth or strength in the chest of an adult smoker.

With respect to e-vaping devices, the harshness of the vapor, which is typically understood as the sensation experienced in the throat of an adult vaper, and the strength of the vapor, which is typically understood as the sensation experienced in the chest of the adult vaper, may vary based on the contents and concentrations of the pre-vaporization formulation used to form the vapor during vaping by an adult vaper. Typically, for a similar amount of nicotine in the pre-vaporization formulation, an e-vaping device is harsher than a tobacco-based product, but has a strength that is lower than the strength of the tobacco-based product. Also, as an amount of nicotine in the gas phase of the vapor generated by the e-vaping device increases, the harshness of the e-vaping device increases.

According to a first aspect the present invention relates to an e-vaping device configured to achieve a desirable balance of strength and harshness, where strength is increased without increasing harshness.

According to a second aspect the present invention relates to an e-vaping device that is configured to provide a perceived sensory experience for adult vapers that is similar to the sensory experience enjoyed while smoking a tobacco-based cigarette.

According to a third aspect the present invention relates to an e-vaping device that is configured to provide a sensory experience including levels of harshness in the throat and perceived strength or warmth in the chest that are similar to those experienced when smoking a tobacco-based product. In achieving a desirable balance of strength and harshness, the strength of the e-vaping product may be increased without increasing the harshness thereof. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a pre-vaporization formulation for an e-vaping device includes a mixture of a vapor former and one or more strength enhancers or additives.

The pre-vaporization formulation may include water, one or more acids, or both water and one or more acids.

The pre-vaporization formulation may be a liquid formulation.

The pre-vaporization formulation may comprise nicotine.

The one or more strength enhancers or additives may include at least one of carvacrol, thymol, monomenthyl succinate, N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,3-dimethyl-2-isopropyl butanamide.

In at least one embodiment, the one or more strength enhancers or additives may include at least one of cinnamaldehyde, menthone, eugenol, zingerone or vanillyacetone, and gingerol.

The one or more strength enhancers or additives may include at least one of capsicum, allyl isothiocyanate, piperine, isoeugenol, carvacrol, thymol, menthol, monomenthyl succinate and N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,3-dimethyl-2-isopropyl butanamide.

In at least one embodiment, the above compounds as well as others can be found in extracts such as, for example, horseradish oil, garlic extract, onion oil, black pepper, cayenne pepper, ginger oil, thyme oil, cinnamon bark oil, turmeric, fenugreek, cardamom, rosemary extract, grapefruit oil and andrographis extract. The one or more strength enhancers or additives may include at least one of these extracts.

The one or more strength enhancers or additives may include one or more compounds that activate receptors in the respiratory system of an adult vaper such as the transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily A, member 1 (TRPA1 ), the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TPRV1 ), or the nicotinic-acetylcholine receptors in an adult vaper, the agonists becoming part of the vapor and are carried in the respiratory tract of the adult vaper during vaping.

In at least one embodiment, the one or more strength enhancers or additives may include one or more of the above-listed compounds, among others, in a composition range of between about 0.0001 percent and about 1 percent, or in concentrations of up to about 2 percent. Optionally, the concentration of the one or more strength enhancers or additives may be greater than about 2 percent when several strength enhancers are used in combination. For example, the total concentration of strength enhancers may be up to about 5 percent.

In at least one embodiment, harshness reduction compounds such as acids can be included in the pre-vaporization formulation in order to achieve a desired balance of increased strength and decreased harshness in an e-vaping device. In at least one embodiment, the one or more strength enhancers or additives may be used in a pre-vaporization formulation that does not include nicotine, the one or more strength enhancers or additives providing a level of strength that is similar to the strength experienced by an adult vaper when vaping a nicotine-containing vaping device or a tobacco-based article. For example, such strength enhancers or additives may be included in smoke cessation inhalation devices.

In at least one embodiment, the one or more strength enhancers or additives increase the strength of the e-vaping device without increasing the delivery of nicotine and without increasing the harshness of the e-vaping article.

The pre-vaporization formulation may comprise nicotine in an amount of between about 0.5 percent and about 2 percent by weight or greater, or between about 0.5 percent and about 5 percent or greater. In at least one embodiment, the vapor formed by the vapor former includes a gas phase and a particulate phase, and the concentration of nicotine in the vapor phase is less than or equal to about 1 percent.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a pre-vaporization formulation of an e-vaping device includes a mixture of a vapor former, nicotine in an amount of between about 0.5 percent and about 2 percent by weight or greater, or between about 0.5 percent and about 5 percent or greater, and one or more strength enhancers or additives. In at least one embodiment, the vapor formed by the vapor former includes a gas phase and a particulate phase, and the concentration of nicotine in the vapor phase is less than or equal to about 1 percent. The pre-vaporization formulation may include water, one or more acids, or both water and one or more acids. The pre-vaporization formulation may be a liquid formulation. The one or more strength enhancers or additives may comprise one or more of the optional or preferred strength enhancers or additives according to the fourth aspect of the present invention.

The pre-vaporization formulation according to the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention may include one or more acids. The pre-vaporization formulation may include one or more acids in a concentration of between about 0.1 percent and about 5 percent.

The one or more acids may have a boiling point of at least about 100 degrees Celsius and configured to volatilize when heated by a heater in the e-vaping device. The pre- vaporization formulation may be configured to form a vapor having a particulate phase and a gas phase when heated by the heater in the e-vaping device, the particulate phase containing protonated nicotine and the gas phase containing unprotonated nicotine. In embodiments, the vapor has a majority amount of the protonated nicotine and a minority amount of the unprotonated nicotine.

In at least one embodiment, the pre-vaporization formulation is configured to form a vapor having a nicotine gas phase component upon operation of the e-vaping device. The acid may be included in an amount sufficient to reduce the nicotine gas phase component by about 70 percent or greater. In other embodiments, the addition of one or more acids may reduce the gas phase nicotine content by an amount in the range of between about 40 percent and about 70 percent by weight, or in the range of between about 40 percent and about 90 percent by weight.

In at least one embodiment, the acid may be selected to have a liquid to vapor transfer efficiency of about 50 percent or greater. The acid may be present in an amount sufficient to reduce the nicotine gas phase component.

In at least one embodiment, the acid includes at least one of pyruvic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, glycolic acid, acetic acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, propionic acid, octanoic acid, lactic acid, sorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, oleic acid, aconitic acid, butyric acid, cinnamic acid, decanoic acid, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, 1- glutamic acid, heptanoic acid, hexanoic acid, 3-hexenoic acid, trans-2-hexenoic acid, isobutyric acid, lauric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, 2-methylvaleric acid, myristic acid, nonanoic acid, palmitic acid, 4-pentenoic acid, phenylacetic acid, 3-phenylpropionic acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid.

In at least one embodiment, the acid includes pyruvic acid, lactic acid, benzoic acid and acetic acid.

The vapor former may include propylene glycol and glycerol or glycerin. The vapor former may include substantially equal concentrations of propylene glycol and glycerol or glycerin.

The pre-vaporization formulation may include water in a concentration of between about 10 percent and about 20 percent.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention an e-vaping device includes a first section and a second section. The first section includes a pre-vaporization formulation reservoir including a pre-vaporization formulation such as, for example, a liquid material, a heater, a wick in communication with the pre-vaporization formulation reservoir and in communication with the heater, a mouth-end piece, and a connector at a distal end of the first section. The second section includes a power supply, and a connector at a proximal end of the second section configured to matingly connect with the connector of the first section.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention an e-vaping device includes a first section and a second section. The first section may be a cartomizer. The first section includes a pre-vaporization formulation reservoir including a pre-vaporization formulation, a heater, and a mouth end piece. The heater is configured to heat the pre-vaporization formulation. The second section may be a power supply section. The second section includes a power source configured to supply power to the heater. The pre-vaporization formulation may be a pre-vaporization formulation according to the fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein.

The first section may comprise a wick in communication with the pre-vaporization formulation reservoir and in communication with the heater. The first section may comprise a connector at a distal end of the first section.

The second section may include a puff sensor configured to sense a puff taking place at the mouth-end piece. The second section may comprise a connector at a proximal end of the second section configured to matingly connect with the connector of the first section.

The above and other features and advantages of example embodiments will become more apparent by describing in detail, example embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. The accompanying drawings are intended to depict example embodiments and should not be interpreted to limit the intended scope of the claims. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted.

Fig. 1 is a side view of an e-vaping device, according to an example embodiment;

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an e-vaping device, according to an example embodiment; and

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another example embodiment of an e-vaping device.

Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Example embodiments may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein.

Accordingly, while example embodiments are capable of various modifications and alternative forms, embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but to the contrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of example embodiments. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," "coupled to," or "covering" another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or covering the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the specification. It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, and so forth may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Therefore, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms (for example, "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like) may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Therefore, the term "below" may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "includes," "including," "comprises," and "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or groups thereof.

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of example embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques or tolerances, are to be expected. Therefore, example embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. Therefore, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of example embodiments.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

When the terms "about" or "substantially" are used in this specification in connection with a numerical value, it is intended that the associated numerical value include a tolerance of ±10 percent around the stated numerical value. Moreover, when reference is made to percentages in this specification, it is intended that those percentages are based on weight, that is, weight percentages. The expression "up to" includes amounts of zero to the expressed upper limit and all values therebetween. When ranges are specified, the range includes all values therebetween such as increments of 0.1 percent.

As used herein, the term "vapor former" describes any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, facilitates formation of a vapor and that is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the e-vaping device. Suitable vapor-formers consist of various compounds such as, for example, polyhydric alcohols including at least one of propylene glycol, and glycerol or glycerin. In at least one embodiment, the vapor former is propylene glycol.

Fig. 1 is a side view of an e-vaping device 60, according to an example embodiment. In Fig. 1 , the e-vaping device 60 includes a first section or cartomizer 70 and a second section 72, which are coupled together at a threaded joint 74 or by other connecting structure such as one or more of a snug-fit, snap-fit, detent, clamp or clasp or the like. In one embodiment, the first section or cartomizer 70 may be a replaceable cartridge and the second section 72 may be a reusable section. Alternatively, the first section or cartomizer 70 and the second section 72 may be integrally formed in one piece.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of an e-vaping device. As shown in Fig. 2, the first section or cartomizer 70 can house a mouth-end insert 20, a capillary vapor generator including a capillary tube 18, a heater 19 to heat at least a portion of the capillary tube 18, and a reservoir 14.

The second section 72 can house a power supply 12, a control circuitry 1 1 configured to control the power supply 12, and a puff sensor 16. The puff sensor is configured to sense when an adult vaper is puffing on the e-vaping device 60, which triggers operation of the power supply 12 via the control circuitry 1 1 to activate the heater 19 to heat the pre-vaporization formulation housed in the reservoir 14 and form a vapor. A threaded portion 74 of the second section 72 can be connected to a battery charger, when not connected to the first section or cartomizer 70, to charge the battery or power supply 12. As shown in Fig. 3, in other example embodiments, a valve 40 can be a two-way valve, and the reservoir 14 can be pressurized. For example, the reservoir 14 can be pressurized using a pressurization arrangement 405 configured to apply constant pressure to the reservoir 14. As such, emission of vapor formed via heating of the pre-vaporization formulation housed in the reservoir 14 is facilitated.

In example embodiments, the capillary tube 18 is formed of or includes a conductive material, and therefore acts as its own heater 19 by passing current through the tube. The capillary tube 18 may be any electrically conductive material capable of being resistively heated, while retaining the necessary structural integrity at the operating temperatures experienced by the capillary tube 18, and which is non-reactive with the pre-vaporization formulation. Suitable materials for forming the capillary tube 18 are one or more of stainless steel, copper, copper alloys, porous ceramic materials coated with film resistive material, nickel-chromium alloys, and combinations thereof. For example, the capillary tube 18 is a stainless steel capillary tube 18 and serves as a heater 19 via electrical leads 26 attached thereto for passage of direct or alternating current along a length of the capillary tube 18. Therefore, the stainless steel capillary tube 18 is heated by resistance heating. Alternatively, the capillary tube 18 may be a non-metallic tube such as, for example, a glass tube. In such an embodiment, the heater 19 is formed of or includes a conductive material capable of being resistively heated, such as, for example, stainless steel, nichrome or platinum wire, arranged along the glass tube. When the heater arranged along the glass tube is heated, pre-vaporization formulation in the capillary tube 18 is heated to a temperature sufficient to at least partially volatilize pre-vaporization formulation in the capillary tube 18.

In at least one embodiment, at least two electrical leads 26 are bonded to the metallic capillary tube 18. In at least one embodiment, one electrical lead 26 is coupled to a first, upstream portion 101 of the capillary tube 18 and a second electrical lead 26 is coupled to a downstream, end portion 102 of the capillary tube 18.

In operation, when an adult vaper puffs on the e-vaping device, the puff sensor 16 detects a pressure gradient caused by the puffing of the adult vaper, and the control circuitry 1 1 activates the heater 19 to heat the pre-vaporization formulation located in the reservoir 14. Once the capillary tube 18 is heated, the pre-vaporization formulation contained within a heated portion of the capillary tube 18 is volatilized and expressed out of the outlet 63, where the pre- vaporization formulation expands and mixes with air and forms a vapor in mixing chamber 240.

The power supply 12 of example embodiments can include a battery arranged in the second section 72 of the e-vaping device 60. The power supply 12 is configured to apply voltage across the heater 19, and the heater 19 volatilizes the pre-vaporization formulation housed in the reservoir 14. In at least one embodiment, the electrical contacts or connection between the heater 19 and the electrical leads 26 are substantially conductive and temperature resistant while the heater 19 is substantially resistive so that heat generation occurs primarily along the heater 19 and not at the contacts.

The power supply or battery 12 may be rechargeable and include circuitry allowing the battery to be chargeable by an external charging device. In this case, the circuitry, when charged, provides power for a pre-determined number of puffs, after which the circuitry may have to be re-connected to an external charging device.

In at least one embodiment, the e-vaping device 60 may include control circuitry which can be on a printed circuit board 1 1 . The control circuitry 1 1 may also include a heater activation light 27 that is configured to glow when the heater 19 is activated. In at least one embodiment, the heater activation light 27 comprises at least one LED and is at a distal end 28 of the e-vaping device 60 so that the heater activation light 27 illuminates a cap which takes on the appearance of a burning coal during a puff. Moreover, the heater activation light 27 can be configured to be visible to the adult vaper. The light 27 may also be configured such that the adult vaper can activate, deactivate, or activate and deactivate the light 27 when desired, such that the light 27 would not activate during vaping if desired.

In at least one embodiment, the e-vaping device 60 further includes a mouth-end insert 20 having at least two off-axis, diverging outlets 21 . In at least one embodiment, the mouth-end insert 20 includes at least two diverging outlets 21 (for example, 3 to 8 outlets or more). In at least one embodiment, the outlets 21 of the mouth-end insert 20 are located at ends of off-axis passages 23 and are angled outwardly in relation to the longitudinal direction of the e-vaping device 60 (that is, divergently). As used herein, the term "off-axis" denotes an angle to the longitudinal direction of the e-vaping device. Also, the mouth-end insert (or flow guide) 20 may include outlets uniformly distributed around the mouth-end insert 20 so as to substantially uniformly distribute vapor in an adult vaper's mouth during use.

In at least one embodiment, the e-vaping device 60 is about the same size as a conventional cigarette. In some embodiments, the e-vaping device 60 may be about 80 millimeters to about 1 10 millimeters long, for example about 80 millimeters to about 100 millimeters long and about 7 millimeters to about 10 millimeters in diameter.

The outer cylindrical housing 22 of the e-vaping device 60 may be formed of or include any suitable material or combination of materials. In at least one embodiment, the outer cylindrical housing 22 is formed at least partially of metal and is part of the electrical circuit connecting the control circuitry 1 1 , the power supply 12, the puff sensor 16 and the heater 19.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an e-vaping device according to an example embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the e-vaping device 60 can also include a middle section (third section) 73, which can house the liquid pre-vaporization formulation reservoir 14 and the heater 19. The middle section 73 can be configured to be fitted with a threaded joint 74' at an upstream end of the first section or cartomizer 70 and a threaded joint 74 at a downstream end of the second section 72. In this example embodiment, the first section or cartomizer 70 houses the mouth-end insert 20, while the second section 72 houses the power supply 12 and the control circuitry 1 1 that is configured to control the power supply 12.

In at least one embodiment, the first section or cartomizer 70, the second section 72 and the third section 73 include a common outer cylindrical housing 22 extending in a longitudinal direction along the length of the e-vaping device 60. Moreover, in at least one embodiment, the middle section 73 is disposable and one or both of the first section or cartomizer 70 and the second section 72 are reusable. The sections 70, 72, 73 can be attached by threaded connections or connectors 74 and 74' whereby the middle section 73 can be replaced when the reservoir 14 is used up. In another embodiment, the first section or cartomizer 70 is replaceable so as to avoid the need for cleaning one or both of the capillary tube 18 and the heater 19. In at least one embodiment, the first section or cartomizer 70, the second section 72 and the middle section 73 may be integrally formed without threaded connections to form a disposable e-vaping device.

In the example embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3, the reservoir 14 is a tubular, elongated body formed of or including an elastomeric material so as to be one or both of flexible and compressible when squeezed. In at least one embodiment, the elastomeric material can be one of silicone, plastic, rubber, latex, and combinations thereof.

In at least one embodiment, the reservoir 14 is in fluid communication with a capillary tube 18 so that when squeezed, the reservoir 14 can deliver a volume of a pre-vaporization formulation such as a liquid material to the capillary tube 18. Contemporaneously to delivering pre-vaporization formulation to the capillary, the power supply 12 is activated upon the application of the manual pressure on the reservoir 14, and the capillary tube 18 is heated to form a heated section wherein the pre-vaporization formulation is volatilized. Upon discharge from the heated capillary tube 18, the volatilized material expands, mixes with air and forms a vapor.

As shown in Fig. 3, the reservoir 14 includes a valve 40 configured to maintain the liquid pre-vaporization formulation within the reservoir 14 and to open when the reservoir 14 is squeezed and pressure is applied to the reservoir 14. In at least one embodiment, the valve 40 opens when a critical, minimum pressure is reached so as to avoid inadvertent dispensing pre- vaporization formulation from the reservoir 14 or activating the heater 19. In at least one embodiment, the pressure required to press the pressure switch 44 is high enough such that accidental heating is avoided. Such arrangement avoids activation of the heater 19 in the absence of pre-vaporization formulation being pumped through the capillary.

Once pressure upon the reservoir 14 is relieved, the valve 40 closes and the heated capillary tube 18 discharges any pre-vaporization formulation remaining downstream of the valve 40.

In at least one embodiment, the strength enhancers or additives may include cinnamaldehyde, menthone, eugenol, zingerone or vanillyacetone, and gingerol. The strength enhancers may also include capsicum, allyl isothiocyanate, piperine, isoeugenol, carvacrol, thymol, menthol, monomenthyl succinate and N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,3-dimethyl-2-isopropyl butanamide. The strength enhancers include one or more compounds that activate receptors in the respiratory system of an adult vaper such as the transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily A, member 1 (TRPA1 ), the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TPRV1 ), or the nicotinic-acetylcholine receptor agonists in an adult vaper, the receptors becoming part of the particulate phase and are carried in the respiratory tract of the adult vaper with the particulate phase during vaping.

In at least one embodiment, the above compounds as well as others can be found in extracts such as, for example, horseradish oil, garlic extract, onion oil, black pepper, cayenne pepper, ginger oil, thyme oil, cinnamon bark oil, turmeric, fenugreek, cardamom, rosemary extract, grapefruit oil and andrographis extract.

In at least one embodiment, the pre-vaporization formulation may include one or more strength enhancers in a composition range of between about 0.0001 percent and about 1 percent, in concentrations of up to about 2 percent, or in concentrations of more than about 2 percent and less than about 5 percent when the strength enhancer is a combination of a plurality of strength enhancers. These strength enhancers may activate receptors in the respiratory system of an adult vaper.

In at least one embodiment, a pre-vaporization formulation such as, for example, a liquid formulation, of an e-vaping device includes a mixture of one or more of a vapor former, one or more strength enhancers, nicotine, one or more acids, and water.

The pre-vaporization formulation optionally includes water. Water may be included in an amount ranging from about 5 percent by weight based on the weight of the pre-vaporization formulation to about 40 percent by weight based on the weight of the pre-vaporization formulation. For example, water may be included at about 20 percent by weight based on the weight of the pre-vaporization formulation.

The following examples describe various combinations and corresponding concentrations of the strength enhancers. The amount of nicotine in the various formulations may be between about 0.5 percent and about 1.5 percent or between about 0.5 percent and about 2 percent. The various strength enhancers are discussed above. The acid discussed below includes at least one of pyruvic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, glycolic acid, acetic acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, propionic acid, octanoic acid, lactic acid, sorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, oleic acid, aconitic acid, butyric acid, cinnamic acid, decanoic acid, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, 1-glutamic acid, heptanoic acid, hexanoic acid, 3-hexenoic acid, trans-2-hexenoic acid, isobutyric acid, lauric acid, 2- methylbutyric acid, 2-methylvaleric acid, myristic acid, nonanoic acid, palmitic acid, 4-pentenoic acid, phenylacetic acid, 3-phenylpropionic acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid. The following examples of pre-vaporization formulations are discussed:

EXAMPLE 1 : A pre-vaporization formulation solution includes about a few ppm or about 0.001 percent to about 0.1 percent of a strength enhancer or additive, about 60 percent to about 80 percent of a vapor former (for example, propylene glycol and glycerol in substantially equal concentrations), about 10 percent to about 20 percent water, about 0.5 percent to about 2 percent nicotine by weight (NBW), and up to about 5 percent of an acid.

EXAMPLE 2: A pre-vaporization formulation solution includes about 1 percent of a strength enhancer or additive, about 60 percent to about 80 percent vapor former (for example, propylene glycol and glycerol), about 15 percent to about 20 percent water, and about 1 percent to about 2 percent nicotine by weight (NBW), and up to about 3 percent of an acid.

EXAMPLE 3: A pre-vaporization formulation solution includes about 1.5 percent of a strength enhancer or additive, about 60 percent to about 80 percent vapor former (for example, propylene glycol and glycerol), about 15 percent to about 20 percent water, about 0.5 percent to about 1.5 percent nicotine by weight (NBW), and up to about 1 percent of an acid.

EXAMPLE 4: A pre-vaporization formulation solution includes about 2 percent of a strength enhancer or additive, about 60 percent to about 80 percent vapor former (for example, propylene glycol and glycerol), about 15 percent to about 20 percent water, about 0.5 percent to about 2 percent nicotine by weight (NBW), and substantially no acid or about 0.1 percent of the acid.

EXAMPLE 5: A pre-vaporization formulation solution includes about 2 percent to about 5 percent of a combination of a plurality of strength enhancers or additives, about 60 percent to about 80 percent vapor former (for example, propylene glycol and glycerol), about 15 percent to about 20 percent water, about 0.5 percent to about 2 percent nicotine by weight (NBW), and substantially no acid or about 0.1 percent of the acid.

EXAMPLE 6: A pre-vaporization formulation solution includes about 0.1 percent of one of cinnamaldehyde, menthone, eugenol, zingerone or vanillyacetone, and gingerol, about 60 percent to about 80 percent vapor former (for example, propylene glycol and glycerol), about 15 percent to about 20 percent water, about 0.5 percent to about 2 percent nicotine by weight (NBW), and up to about 5 percent of an acid.

EXAMPLE 7: A pre-vaporization formulation solution includes about 1 percent of one or more of cinnamaldehyde, menthone, eugenol, zingerone or vanillyacetone, and gingerol, about 60 percent to about 80 percent vapor former (for example, propylene glycol and glycerol), about 15 percent to about 20 percent water, about 0.5 percent to about 2 percent nicotine by weight (NBW), and up to about 3 percent of an acid.

EXAMPLE 8: A pre-vaporization formulation solution includes about 1 .5 percent of one or more of cinnamaldehyde, menthone, eugenol, zingerone or vanillyacetone, and gingerol, about 60 percent to about 80 percent vapor former (for example, propylene glycol and glycerol), about 15 percent to about 20 percent water, about 0.5 percent to about 2 percent nicotine by weight (NBW), and up to about 1 percent of an acid. Alternatively, the pre-vaporization formulation includes about 1 .5 percent of a combination of two or more of cinnamaldehyde, menthone, eugenol, zingerone or vanillyacetone, and gingerol.

EXAMPLE 9: A pre-vaporization formulation solution includes about 2 percent of a combination of cinnamaldehyde, menthone, eugenol, zingerone or vanillyacetone, and gingerol, about 60 percent to about 80 percent vapor former (for example, propylene glycol and glycerol), about 15 percent to about 20 percent water, about 0.5 percent to about 2 percent nicotine by weight (NBW), and substantially no acid.

EXAMPLE 10: A pre-vaporization formulation solution includes more than about 2 percent of more than one of cinnamaldehyde, menthone, eugenol, zingerone or vanillyacetone, and gingerol, about 60 percent to about 80 percent vapor former (for example, propylene glycol and glycerol), about 15 percent to about 20 percent water, about 0.5 percent to about 2 percent nicotine by weight (NBW), and substantially no acid. Alternatively, the pre-vaporization formulation includes more than about 2 percent of a combination of two or more of cinnamaldehyde, menthone, eugenol, zingerone or vanillyacetone, and gingerol.

EXAMPLE 1 1 : A pre-vaporization formulation solution includes about 0.1 percent to about 2.5 percent of a combination of horseradish oil, garlic extract, onion oil, black pepper, cayenne pepper, ginger oil, thyme oil, cinnamon bark oil, turmeric, fenugreek, cardamom, rosemary extract, grapefruit oil and andrographis extract, about 60 percent to about 80 percent vapor former (for example, propylene glycol and glycerol), about 15 percent to about 20 percent water, about 0.5 percent to about 2 percent nicotine by weight (NBW), and an optional amount of acid of up to about 5 percent.

EXAMPLE 12: A pre-vaporization formulation solution for a smoke cessation device includes about 0.1 percent to about 2 percent of a strength enhancer or additive, about 60 percent to about 80 percent vapor former (for example, propylene glycol and glycerol), about 10 percent to about 20 percent water, about 0.5 percent to about 2 percent nicotine by weight (NBW), and between about 0.1 percent to about 5 percent of an acid.

In at least one embodiment, the acid is operative upon the vapor generated from the pre- vaporization formulation upon operation of the e-vaping device so as to reduce the amount of perceived throat harshness, while the strength enhancer is operative upon the vapor to increase the perceived strength of the vapor.

According to at least one example embodiment, the acid has the capacity to transfer into a vaporized formulation. Liquid to vapor transfer efficiency of an acid is the ratio of the mass fraction of the acid in the vaporized formulation to the mass fraction of the acid in the pre- vaporization formulation. In at least one embodiment, the acid has a pre-vaporization formulation such as a liquid to vapor transfer efficiency of about 50 percent or greater, for example about 60 percent or greater. For example, pyruvic acid, lactic acid, oxalic acid, acetic acid and glycolic acid have a liquid to vapor transfer efficiency of about 50 percent or greater. In at least one embodiment, the pre-vaporization formulation includes an acid having a liquid to vapor transfer efficiency of about 50 percent or greater. In another embodiment, the pre- vaporization formulation excludes any acid having a liquid to vapor transfer efficiency of about 25 percent or less.

According to at least one example embodiment, the acid has a boiling point of at least about 100 degrees Celsius, and may be included in the pre-vaporization formulation in an amount sufficient to adjust the pH of the pre-vaporization formulation in the range of about 3 to about 8.

According to at least one example embodiment, the pre-vaporization formulation includes one or more of pyruvic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, glycolic acid, acetic acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, propionic acid, octanoic acid, lactic acid, sorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, oleic acid, aconitic acid, butyric acid, cinnamic acid, decanoic acid, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, 1-glutamic acid, heptanoic acid, hexanoic acid, 3-hexenoic acid, trans-2-hexenoic acid, isobutyric acid, lauric acid, 2- methylbutyric acid, 2-methylvaleric acid, myristic acid, nonanoic acid, palmitic acid, 4-pentenoic acid, phenylacetic acid, 3-phenylpropionic acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, and combinations thereof. The acid also may be incorporated in the form of a salt. The pre- vaporization formulation also includes a vapor former, optionally water, nicotine, and flavorants.

Example embodiments having therefore been described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the intended scope of example embodiments, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.