Patent Application
20230292822
The present disclosure relates to a component for a delivery system and to a delivery system.
It is known in the art to provide a cigarette with a capsule containing flavourant. During use, the user may break the capsule to release flavourant into smoke flowing through the cigarette. Therefore, the user is able to selectively add flavourant to the smoke.
There is provided a component for a delivery system, the component comprising: a body of material; a plurality of aerosol-modifying agent capsules in the body of material; and, a plurality of particles in the body of material, wherein the aerosol-modifying agent capsules and/or particles are interspersed within the body of material, the particles configured such that, in use, the particles promote breaking of the aerosol-modifying agent capsules upon the application of an external force to the aerosol provision system component by a user.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent capsules are interspersed within the body of material. At least one of the aerosol-modifying agent capsules may be spaced from the remaining aerosol-modifying agent capsules.
In some embodiments, the particles are interspersed within the body of material. At least one of the particles may be spaced from the remaining particles.
In some embodiments, the body of material comprises a cavity, and wherein the aerosol-modifying agent capsules are disposed within the cavity.
In some embodiments, the particles are interspersed such that they are separated by the material of the body of material and/or the aerosol-modifying agent capsules are interspersed such that they are separated by the material of the body of material.
In some embodiments, the material circumscribes the cavity. In some embodiments, the plurality of particles are interspersed within the material circumscribing the cavity.
In some embodiments, the body of material comprises fibrous material. The body of material may comprise filter material.
In some embodiments, the body of material comprises cellulose acetate, for example, cellulose acetate tow.
In some embodiments, the material of the body of material has a mass of at most 5.5 mg per mm axial length of the body of material and, preferably, at most 5 mg per mm, 4.5 mg per mm or 4 mg per mm axial length of the body of material.
In some embodiments, the component has a pressure drop per 144 mm of length in the range of 100 to 300 m/H2O.
In some embodiments, the component has a diameter of at least 7.5 mm and, preferably, a diameter of about 8 mm.
In some embodiments, the particles comprise a material having a particle density of at least 1 g/cc.
In some embodiments, the particles comprise a plasticiser.
In some embodiments, the particles comprise a polymeric material and, preferably, plastic.
In some embodiments, the component further comprises an upstream plug that is upstream of the body of material and a downstream plug that is downstream of the body of material. In some embodiments, the pressure drop across the upstream plug in the range of 10 to 40 mmWg and, preferably, in the range of 10 to 30 mmWg or in the range of 15 to 25 mmWg. In some embodiments, the pressure drop across the upstream plug in the range of 10 to 40 mmWg and, preferably, in the range of 10 to 30 mmWg or in the range of 15 to 25 mmWg. In some embodiments, the component further comprises an annular portion that is downstream of the downstream plug. In some embodiments, the pressure drop across the annular portion is in the range of 2 to 12 mmWG and, preferably, is in the range of 5 to 10 mmWG.
In some embodiments, the pressure drop across the component is in the range of 130 to 50 mmWg.
In some embodiments, the pressure drop across the body of material is less than 40 mmWg and, preferably, is less than 35, 30 or 25 mmWg.
In some embodiments, the component further comprises a plug wrap that circumscribes the body of material and is held in place by an adhesive.
In some embodiments, the body of material, plug wrap, adhesive, aerosol-modifying agent capsules and particles together have a mass of at most 20 mg per mm axial length of the body of material and, preferably, at most 17.5, 15, 12.5 or 10 mg per mm axial length of the body of material. In some embodiments, said plug wrap abuts the body of material.
In some embodiments, the body of material comprises a fibrous material, for example, a tow.
In some embodiments, the fibrous material comprises cellulose acetate, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(1-4 butanediol succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)(PBAT), starch based materials, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials and polysaccharide polymers or a combination thereof.
In some embodiments, the total denier of the fibrous material is at most 50000 and, preferably, at most 45000, 40000 or 35000, 30000, 25000 or 20000.
In some embodiments, the denier per filament of the fibrous material is at most 9 and, preferably, at most 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or 3.
In some embodiments, the denier per filament of the fibrous material is at least 1 and preferably, at least 2 or at least 3 and, preferably, about 3.
In some embodiments, the fibrous material comprises at least 1000 fibres and, preferably, at least, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000 or 8000 fibres.
In some embodiments, the fibrous material comprises at most 12000 fibres and, preferably, at most 11,000 or 10000 fibres.
In some embodiments, the particles comprise cellulose acetate and, preferably, comprise cellulose acetate chips.
In some embodiments, the particles comprise one or more surface formations configured to promote breaking of the aerosol-modifying agent capsules.
In some embodiments, the particles have an average surface area of less than 50 square metres per gram and, preferably, less than 30, 20, 10, 5 or 3 square metres per gram.
In some embodiments, the particles are formed from a material having a Rockwell hardness of at least 25 on the R-Scale and, preferably, at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, at least 60, at least 70, at least 80, at least 90, or at least 100 on the R-Scale.
In some embodiments, the particles have a ball-pan hardness of greater than 95% and, preferably, greater than 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%.
In some embodiments, at least some of the particles do not comprise activated carbon.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent capsules have a diameter in the range of 0.6 to 1.4 mm and, preferably, a diameter of about 1 mm.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent capsules have a diameter of in the range of 0.8 to 1.2 mm.
In some embodiments, the particles have a particle size in the range of 0.6 to 2.4 mm and, preferably, a particle size in the range 0.8 to 2 mm and, preferably, in the range of 1.4 to 2 mm.
In some embodiments, at least some of the particles have the same shape. In some embodiments, the particles are generally cylindrical. The generally cylindrical particles may have a diameter in the range of 1 to 2 mm and, preferably, in the range of 1.2 to 1.8 mm or 1.3 to 1.7 mm, or 1.4 to 1.6 mm. In one embodiment the particles have a diameter of about 1.5 mm. The generally cylindrical particles may have a length in the range of 1 to 2 mm and, preferably, in the range of 1.2 to 1.8 mm or 1.3 to 1.7 mm, or 1.4 to 1.6 mm. In one embodiment the particles have a length of about 1.5 mm.
In some embodiments, the component comprises in the range of 5 to 100 aerosol-modifying agent capsules and, preferably, in the range of 10 to 60 aerosol-modifying agent capsules. In some preferred embodiments, the component comprises in the range of 20 to 40 capsules, or in the range of 25 to 35 capsules and, preferably, about 30 capsules.
In some embodiments, the component comprises at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 or 60 aerosol-modifying agent capsules.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent capsules have an average burst strength in the range of 3 N to 5 N and, preferably, in the range of 3.5 N and 4.5 N.
In some embodiments, the body of material has a length in the range of 4 to 12 mm and, preferably, in the range of 6 to 10 mm.
In some embodiments, the component further comprises first and second segments located on opposite sides of the body of material.
In some embodiments, the component further comprises a plug wrap. The plug wrap may circumscribe the body of material. The plug wrap may comprise an impermeable coating.
The plug wrap may have a basis weight of at least 60 gsm. The plug wrap may have a thickness of at least 35 micrometres.
In some embodiments, the component comprises an outer surface comprising an indicator configured to indicate to the user where the external force should be applied to the component.
In some embodiments, the component is a component for an aerosol provision system and, preferably, is a component for a combustible aerosol provision system component or a non-combustible aerosol provision system component.
There is also provided a delivery system comprising a delivery system component according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol provision system, for example, a combustible aerosol provision system or a non-combustible aerosol provision system.
Embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the drawings, in which:
Referring now to
In the present embodiment, the aerosol provision system 1 is a combustible aerosol provision system 1. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the aerosol provision system 1 is of an arrangement other than a combustible aerosol provision system 1. For example, the aerosol provision system 1 may be a non-combustible aerosol provision system (not shown).
The combustible aerosol provision system comprises a tobacco rod 2 and an aerosol provision system component 3, in the present example, is a component 3 of a combustible aerosol provision system 1.
An outer wrap 4 circumscribes the component 3 and a portion of the tobacco rod 2. The outer wrap 4 comprises a tipping paper 4 that attaches the tobacco rod 2 to the component 3. The tobacco rod 2 comprises a column of smokeable material 5 circumscribed by a rod wrapper 6.
In the present embodiment, the component 3 comprises a component 3 in the form of a filter 3. The component 3 comprises a first, second and third segments 7, 8, 9.
The first segment 7 comprises a body 10 of filtration material and a plurality of aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 and a plurality of particles 12. The body 10 forms a plug of filter material, for example, cellulose acetate.
The second and third segments 8, 9 comprise first and second plugs 8, 9 of filtration material, for example, cellulose acetate. It should be recognised that one or both of the first and second segments 8, 9 may be omitted.
The first, second and third segments 7, 8, 9 may be generally cylindrical in shape, although a skilled person would recognise that other shapes are possible.
The first, second and third segments 7, 8, 9 are axially aligned. The first segment 7 is located between the first and second segments 8, 9. The third segment 9 is located 3o downstream of, and adjacent with, the tobacco rod 2. The first segment 7 is located downstream of, and adjacent with, the third segment 9. The second segment 8 is located downstream of, and adjacent with, the first segment 7. The second segment 8 may be at the mouth end of the component 3.
The first segment 7 has an axial length (depicted by arrow ‘X’ in
In one embodiment, the first segment 7 has a length in the range of 4 to 8 mm and, preferably, in the range of 5 to 7 mm and, preferably, about 6 mm. In another embodiment, the first segment 7 has a length in the range of 8 to 12 mm and, preferably, in the range of 9 to 11 mm and, preferably, about 10 mm.
The second segment 8 has an axial length in the range of 3 to 9 mm and, preferably, in the range of 4 to 8 mm, and, preferably, in the range of 5 to 7 mm. However, in other embodiments, the second segment 8 has a different length. In one embodiment, the second segment 8 has a length of about 5 mm or about 7 mm.
The third segment 9 has an axial length in the range of 3 to 9 mm and, preferably, in the range of 4 to 8 mm, and preferably, in the range of 5 to 7 mm. However, in other embodiments, the third segment 9 has a different length. In one embodiment, the third segment 9 has a length of about 5 mm or about 7 mm.
In some embodiments, the second and third segments 8, 9 are of equal axial length.
In one embodiment, the first segment 7 has an axial length of about 6 mm and the second and third segments 8, 9 each have an axial length of about 7 mm.
In another embodiment, the first segment 7 has an axial length of about 10 mm and the second and third segments 8, 9 each have an axial length of about 5 mm.
In some embodiments, a tube filter 21 is provided downstream of the second segment 8 and may have an axial length in the range of 5 to 9 mm, preferably in the range of 6 to 8 mm and, preferably, about 7 mm.
The first segment 7 of the component 3 contains a plurality of aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 and a plurality of particles 12. The body 10 of filter material comprises a cavity 10A and the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 are disposed in the cavity 10A.
The particles 12 are interspersed within the body 10 of filter material. The particles 12 are embedded in the body 10 of filter material such that at least some of the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 are spaced apart.
At least a portion of the body 10 of filtration material subtends circumferentially about the cavity 10A.
In some embodiments, the cavity 10A is spaced from the axial ends of the first segment 7. Thus, the cavity 10A is completely surrounded by the filter material of the body 10. However, in an alternative embodiment (shown in
The aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 are configured to selectively entrain aerosol-modifying agent in the gas flow, as is described in more detail below.
A cross-sectional side view of one of the plurality of aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 is shown in
The shell 13 of each aerosol-modifying agent capsule 11 may be solid at room temperature. The shell 13 may comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of, alginate. However, it should be recognised that in alternative embodiments the shell 13 is formed from a different material. For example, the shell 13 may alternatively comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of, gelatin, carageenans or pectins. The shell 13 may comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of, one or more of alginate, gelatin, carrageenans or pectins.
The inner core 14 of each aerosol-modifying agent capsule 11 comprises, consist of, or essentially consists of, an aerosol-modifying agent, for example, a flavourant configured to impart a flavour to gas flowing through the body 10 of the first segment 7 when the aerosol-modifying agent is exposed to the gas. However, it should be recognised that in other embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent may alternatively or additionally comprise a different type of aerosol-modifying agent such as a humectant. In the present embodiment, the inner core 14 is a liquid. However, in other embodiments (not shown) the inner core 14 may comprise a solid, for example, a powder.
The shell 13 of each aerosol-modifying agent capsule 11 may be impermeable, or substantially impermeable, to the aerosol-modifying agent of the core 14. Therefore, the shell 13 initially prevents the aerosol-modifying agent of the core 14 from escaping from the aerosol-modifying agent capsule 11 and being entrained in gas flowing through the body 10. When the user desires to entrain the aerosol-modifying agent in the gas, for example, to flavour the gas in embodiments wherein the aerosol-modifying agent is a flavourant, the shells 13 of the aerosol-modifying agents capsules 11 are ruptured such that the aerosol-modifying agent can be entrained in the gas.
In some embodiments (not shown), the aerosol-modifying agent capsule 11 further comprises a carrier material. The carrier material may comprise, for example, gelatin.
In the present embodiment, the particles 12 are cellulose acetate (CA) particles 12.
The cellulose acetate particles 12 comprise cellulose acetate that has been hardened by a plasticiser, for example, triacetin. The plasticiser helps to prevent the cellulose acetate particles 12 from breaking down when the user applies a force to the component 3 to break the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11. Furthermore, the increased hardness of the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 due to the plasticiser helps to promote breakage of the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11. It should be recognised that the cellulose acetate may alternatively or additionally be hardened by a different plasticiser, for example, Diacetin, tri-ethyl citrate or PEG.
The cellulose acetate particles 12 may comprise the plasticiser in the range of 15 to 40% by weight of the cellulose acetate particle 12, and preferably in the range of 20 to 35% by weight of the cellulose acetate particle 12. The cellulose acetate particles 12 may comprise the plasticiser of at least 15% by weight of the cellulose acetate particle 12 and, preferably, of at least 20%, by weight of the cellulose acetate particle 12. The cellulose acetate particles 12 may comprise the plasticiser of less than 40% by weight of the cellulose acetate particle 12 and, preferably, less than 35%, by weight of the cellulose acetate particle 12.
In some embodiments, the cellulose acetate particles 12 may be manufactured from a material having a Rockwell hardness of at least 25 on the R-scale measured according to Procedure A of ASTM D785. Preferably, the particles 12 may be manufactured from a material having a Rockwell harness of greater than 30, greater than 40, greater than 50, greater than 60, greater than 70, greater than 80, greater than 90, or greater than 100 on the R-Scale. It has been found that a greater Rockwell hardness of the particles 12 prevents the particles 12 from breaking down when the user applies a force to the component 3 to break the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 and also helps to promote breakage of the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11.
In some embodiments, the particles 12 have an average surface area of less than 50 square metres per gram and, preferably, less than 30, 20, 10, 5 or 3 square metres per gram. The surface area may be measured according to ASTM D1993-18 (Standard Test Method for Precipitated Silica-Surface Area by Multipoint BET Nitrogen Adsorption, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, Pa., 2018). Particle density may refer to the density of the material of the particles including pores in the material, but excluding voids between particles (which would be the ‘bulk density’).
It has been found that the lower the surface area of the particles 12, the more robust the particles 12 are, which may be due to the particles 12 being less porous. The particles 12 being more robust helps to promote breakage of the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 upon the application of the external force to the exterior of the component 3. The particles 12 being more robust also helps to prevent breakage of the capsules during transit. In addition, it has been found that a lower surface area means that the particles 12 adsorb less of the aerosol-modifying agent of the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 upon rupture, meaning that more of the aerosol-modifying agent can be delivered to the user.
The particles 12 optionally may comprise a material having a particle density of at least 1 g/cc. This helps to make the particles 12 more robust to encourage breakage of the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 during use and to prevent breakage of the particles 12 during transit. In some embodiments, the particles 12 comprise a material having a particle density of at least 1.1 g/cc or at least 1.2 g/cc, wherein increasing the particle density of the particles 12 helps to increase the robustness of the particles 12.
In one embodiment, the particles 12 comprise a material having a particle density of less than 5 g/cc and, preferably, less than 2 g/cc, or less than 1.5 g/cc. A lower particle density of the particles 12 results in a lighter aerosol provision system component which is therefore easier to transport.
In some embodiments, the particle density of the particles 12 is between 1 and 2 g/cc, or between 1.1 and 2 g/cc or between 1.1 and 1.5 g/cc.
In some embodiments, the particles 12 are generally cylindrical in shape. The particles 12 may be extruded from a rod of material and cut into individual generally cylindrical particles 12. In one such embodiment, the particles 12 have a diameter in the range of 1 to 2 mm and a length in the range of 1 to 2 mm. Preferably, the particles 12 have a diameter and/or length in the range of 1.2 to 2.2 mm. Preferably, the particles 12 have a diameter and/or length in the range of 1.4 to 2 mm and, preferably, of about 1.5 mm.
In some embodiments, the particles 12 have a particle size in the range of 1.2 to 1.8 mm.
In some embodiments, the particles 12 have a ball-pan hardness of greater than 95%, and, preferably, greater than 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%. In some embodiments, the ball-pan hardness of the particles 12 is greater than 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8% or 99.9%.
The ball-pan hardness of the particles 12 can be measured using the ball-pan hardness test described in ASTM D3802-16 (Standard Test Method for Ball-Pan Hardness of Activated Carbon, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, Pa., 2016). This test is described for testing the hardness of activated carbon. However, it is also suitable for measuring the hardness of other particulate materials. It has been found that increasing the ball-pan hardness of the particles 12 makes the particles more robust and therefore more effective at promoting breakage of the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 during use and also that the particles 12 are less likely to break during transit.
The cellulose acetate particles 12 may comprise one or more surface formations configured to promote breakage of the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 when the user applies a force to the component 3. For example, the surface formations may help to cut or pierce the shells 13 of the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 or grind the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11, or may present a hard edge or surface against which the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 can be crushed. In the present embodiment, the cellulose acetate particles 12 each comprise one or more edges 15A and/or one or more corners 15B. The edges 15A and corners 15B may be formed by, for example, cutting or grinding portions of cellulose acetate to shape the cellulose acetate particles 12. The edges 15A may be angular edges. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the cellulose acetate particles 12 do not comprise any edges 15A and/or corners 15B and, for example, may be spherical. In the present embodiment, the cellulose acetate particles 12 comprise cellulose acetate chips 12.
The component 3 allows for the user to control the amount of aerosol-modifying agent that is introduced into the gas flow passing through the component 3. Initially, the shell 13 of each aerosol-modifying agent capsule 11 is intact and therefore no aerosol-modifying agent from the core 14 is introduced into the gas flow. When the user desires to introduce aerosol-modifying agent, he or she applies an external force to the component 3 to rupture the shells 13 of the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11. In one example, the user holds the component 3 firmly and rolls the component 3 between his or her fingers. This causes the cellulose acetate particles 12 that surround the cavity 10A to promote the rupture of the shells 13 of the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 such that the aerosol-modifying agent of the core 14 is released through the shells 13 and enters the gas flow. Advantageously, the more that the component 3 is rolled between the user's fingers, the greater the number of aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 that are ruptured and thus the more aerosol-modifying agent that is released into the gas flow. Therefore, the user is able to control the amount of aerosol-modifying agent that is added to the gas flow by controlling the amount of time that the component 3 is rolled between the fingers. Cellulose acetate is a readily available material that is already used in components manufactured by the tobacco industry, for example, as the filtration material of cigarette filters. Thus, the abrasive material of the component 3 comprising cellulose acetate particles 12 simplifies manufacture of the component 3. However, it should be recognised that other materials may be used to manufacture the particles 12.
The aerosol-modifying agent from the ruptured aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 may seep into the filter material of the body 10 surrounding the cavity 10A. This helps to increase the amount of aerosol-modifying agent that is in contact with the gas flow through the component 3 and thus the amount of aerosol-modifying agent that is entrained in the gas flow. Thus, fewer aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 may be required to achieve a given aerosol-modifying agent level in the gas flow in comparison to if the filter material surrounding the cavity 10A was omitted.
It has been found that providing the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 in the cavity 10A within the body 10 of filter material allows for faster manufacture of the component 3. If the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 were instead provided in a space formed between axially spaced plugs of filter material, and not surrounded by filter material, then it may be necessary to first position the plugs on a wrapper and then fill the space between the plugs with the aerosol-modifying agent capsules. In contrast, the present disclosure allows for the aerosol-modifying agent capsules to be provided in the first segment/plug during manufacture of the first/segment plug, which has been found to allow for quicker manufacture.
In some embodiments, the cellulose acetate particles 12 may be manufactured from a material having a melt flow in the range of 0.2 to 6 g/10 min according to ASTM D1238. In some embodiments, the cellulose acetate particles 12 may be manufactured from a material having a melt flow in the range of 0.25 to 5.5 g/10 min or in the range of 0.5 to 4 g/10 min. In some embodiments, the melt flow is less than 5.5 g/10 min.
In one exemplary embodiment, the cellulose acetate particles 12 comprise 28% triacetin and 72% cellulose acetate and the material has a melt flow of 414 mg/3 mins (1.38 g/10 min). In another exemplary embodiment, the cellulose acetate particles 12 comprise 25% triacetin and 75% cellulose acetate and the material has a melt flow of 266 mg/3 min (0.89 g/10 min).
The tipping paper 4 comprises one or more indicators 19 that provide a visual indication to the user of where the external force should be applied to the component 3 to release the aerosol-modifying agent. For example, the indicators 19 may indicate where the component 3 should be held and rolled between the fingers to release the aerosol-modifying agent. The indicators 19 may, for example, be printed onto the tipping paper 4 or may comprise a label that is adhered to the tipping paper 4. The indicators 19 may overlie the body 10 of filter material.
The component 3 further comprises a plug wrap 16 that circumscribes the first segment 7 and at least a portion of the second and/or third segments 8, 9. In the present embodiment, the plug wrap 16 circumscribes the entire length of both of the second and third segments 8, 9.
Optionally, the plug wrap 16 and tipping paper 4 that overlies the first segment 7 are deformable such that, in use, the user applies an external force to deform the tipping paper 4 and first segment 7 radially inwardly to break the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11. In the example described above, the user grips the wall and rolls the component 3 between the fingers such that the cellulose acetate particles 12 rupture the shells 13 of the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 to release the aerosol-modifying agent therefrom. In embodiments wherein the plug wrap 16 is omitted, the tipping paper 4 is deformed. In embodiments wherein the tipping paper 4 is omitted, the plug wrap 16 is deformed. In some embodiments, the wall comprises a further sheet of material (not shown) in addition to the tipping paper 4 and/or plug wrap 16. In other embodiments (not shown), neither a tipping paper 4 or plug wrap 16 circumscribe the first segment 7 (or the whole of the first segment 7) and so the user applies a force directly to the body 10 of the filter material.
The plug wrap 16 comprises a paper layer 17 and a sealing layer 18. The sealing layer 18 is impermeable, or substantially impermeable, to the aerosol-modifying agent of the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11. Therefore, when the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 are broken to entrain aerosol-modifying agent in the gas flow, the sealing layer 18 prevents the aerosol-modifying agent from seeping through the plug wrap 16. This is advantageous because the aerosol provision system 1 is usually held between the user's fingers in the region of the component 3 and thus the sealing layer 18 helps to prevent the aerosol-modifying agent from coming into contact with the user's fingers.
In the present embodiment, the sealing layer 18 is in the form of a coating 18 provided on the paper layer 17. For example, the coating 18 may comprise Ethyl cellulose. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the sealing layer 18 comprises a layer of material, for example, plastic sheet or foil, that is bonded to the paper layer 17 by an adhesive. In some embodiments, the sealing layer 18 is an oil repellent.
In one embodiment, the sealing layer 18 is provided on the inner surface of the paper layer 17 such that the paper layer 17 is disposed between the sealing layer 18 and the tipping paper 4. Alternatively, the sealing layer 18 may be provided on the outer surface of the paper layer 17 such that the sealing layer 18 is disposed between the paper layer 17 and the tipping paper 4.
In one embodiment, the sealing layer 18 is provided over the entire inner and/or outer surface of the paper layer 17. However, in an alternative embodiment, the sealing layer 18 is only provided over a portion of the inner and/or outer surface of the paper layer 17, for instance, only over the portion of the paper layer 17 that circumscribes the body 10.
When the component 3 is rolled between the user's fingers the wall deforms radially inwardly such that the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 are ground together/pressed against each other. It has been found that the particles 12 interspersed within the body 10 of filter material promote release of the aerosol-modifying agent from the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11.
The plug wrap 16 is configured to provide structural support to the component 3 to help maintain the structural integrity of the smoking article component 3 during rolling of the component 3 to release the aerosol-modifying agent. In some embodiments, the plug wrap 16 has a basis weight of at least 60 gsm, and preferably of at least 80 gsm. This basis weight provides the plug wrap 16 with increased rigidity in order to help maintain the structural integrity of the component 3 during rolling of the component 3. In some embodiments the basis weight of the plug wrap 16 is in the range of 60 to 110 gsm and, preferably, is in the range of 80 to 110 gsm. The basis weight of the plug wrap 16 may be in the range of 60 to 100 gsm, or in the range of 80 to 100 gsm.
In one embodiment, the rigidity of the plug wrap 16 is achieved by manufacturing the paper layer 17 from paper having a thickness of at least 35 micrometres, and preferably, at least 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 micrometres. In some embodiments, the paper layer 17 has a thickness in the range of 35 to 137 micrometres. The rigidity of the plug wrap 16 helps the component 3 to return to its original shape once the user has finished rolling the component 3 to release the aerosol-modifying agent.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 have a diameter of at least 0.6 mm. In some embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 have a diameter of at least 0.8 mm. In some embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 have a diameter of less than 1.4 mm. In some embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 have a diameter of less than 1.2 mm. Preferably, the aerosol-modifying agent capsules have a diameter of about 1 mm.
In some embodiments, the particles 12 have a particle size in the range of 1.2 to 1.8 mm.
It has been found that smaller diameter aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 result in a smaller amount of aerosol-modifying agent being introduced into the gas flow when each aerosol-modifying agent capsule 11 is ruptured, thereby allowing the user to more accurately control the amount of aerosol-modifying agent that is added to the gas flow based on the length of time that the component 3 is rolled between the fingers.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 have a diameter in the range of 0.6 mm to 1.4 mm, or, in the range of 0.8 to 1.2 mm.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 have a particle size of at least 0.6 mm. The term ‘particle size’ refers to particle size when measured by sieving. Preferably, the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 have a particle size of at least 0.8 mm. In some embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 have a particle size of less than 1.4 mm, or a particle size of less than 1.2 mm. In one embodiment, the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 have a particle size in the range of between 0.6 mm to 1.4 mm, or, in the range of 0.8 to 1.2 mm. In some embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 have a particle size of about 1 mm.
In some embodiments, the cellulose acetate particles 12 have a particle size of at least 0.6 mm and, preferably, at least 0.8 mm, at least 1.2 mm or at least 1.4 mm. The term ‘particle size’ refers to particle size when measured by sieving. In some embodiments, the cellulose acetate particles 12 have a particle size of less than 2.4 mm and, preferably, less than 2.2 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1.8 mm, less than 1.6 mm or less than 1.2 mm.
In some embodiments, the cellulose acetate particles 12 have a particle size in the range of 0.6 to 2.2 mm and, preferably, in the range of 0.8 to 2 mm.
In some embodiments, the cellulose acetate particles 12 have a particle size in the range of 0.6 to 1.4 mm or in the range of 0.8 to 1.2 mm.
In some embodiments, the particles 12 have a particle size in the range of 1.2 to 2.2 mm and, preferably, in the range of 1.4 to 2 mm.
In some embodiments, the cellulose acetate particles 12 have a particle size in the range of 0.6 to 2.2 mm and, preferably, a particle size in the range of 0.8 to 2 mm. In one such embodiment, the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 have a diameter/particle size in the range of 0.6 mm to 1.4 mm, or, in the range of 0.8 to 1.2 mm. This combination of size of aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 and size of cellulose acetate particles 12 has been found to advantageously increase the effectiveness of the cellulose acetate particles 12 at rupturing the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11.
The component 3 may comprise a void 20 at the mouth end of the component 3. In the embodiment shown in
The annular portion 21 is provided downstream of the second segment 8 and is attached thereto by the tipping paper 4 and/or plug wrap 16. In another embodiment, the second segment 8 comprises the annular portion such that the void 20 is provided in material of the second segment 8. In yet another embodiment (not shown), the component 3 is a cavity filter 3. The tipping paper 4, plug wrap 16, or a further wrap (not shown) may extend past the mouth end of the first plug 9 of filter material to form a space that comprises the void 20, the annular portion 21 being omitted.
In one embodiment, the second and third segments 8, 9 each comprise a portion of filtration material, for example, cellulose acetate or activated carbon, and each portion is wrapped in its own plug wrap (not shown). The second and third segments 8, 9 are then wrapped in the plug wrap 16. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the individual plug wraps of the second and/or third segments 8, 9 are omitted. In some embodiments (not shown) the plug wrap 16 does not circumscribe the second and/or third segments 8, 9 and, optionally, only circumscribes the first segment 7.
In some alternative embodiments (not shown), the second and/or third segments 8, 9 are omitted. For instance, the third segment 9 may be omitted such that the first segment 7 is located between the second segment 8 and the tobacco rod 2 and is adjacent to the second segment 8 and the tobacco rod 2.
In the above described embodiment each aerosol-modifying agent capsule 11 comprises an outer shell 13 and an inner core 14. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the outer shell 13 is omitted. In one embodiment (not shown), each aerosol-modifying agent capsule 11 comprises a body of material that comprises the aerosol-modifying agent, wherein no shell surrounds the body. In one embodiment (not shown), each aerosol-modifying agent capsule 11 comprises a solid material that breaks down, for example, forming a powder, when an external force is applied to the component 3 to allow the aerosol-modifying agent to be entrained in gas flowing through the body 10. The cellulose acetate particles 12 help to break the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 to form the powder.
In some embodiments, the component 3 comprises in the range of 5 to 70 aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 and, preferably in the range of 10 to 60 aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11. It has been found that this number of aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 helps to maximise the proportion of aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 that are ruptured when the user applies the force to the component 3 and thus maximises the amount of aerosol-modifying agent that is released into the smoke flow. Preferably, the number of aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 is in the range of 20 to 50 capsules, which has been found to further increase the proportion of aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 that are ruptured. In one embodiment, the component 3 comprises in the range of 25 to 40 aerosol-modifying agent capsules and may comprise about 30 aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11. However, it should be recognised that in other embodiments the component 3 may comprise greater or fewer aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11. In some embodiments, the component 3 comprises at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 or 60 aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11.
In some embodiments, the component 3 comprises in the range of 3.5 mg to 45 mg of aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 and, preferably in the range of 7 to 42 mg of aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11. It has been found that this mass of aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 helps to maximise the proportion of aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 that are ruptured when the user applies the force to the component 3 and thus maximises the amount of aerosol-modifying agent that is released into the smoke flow. Preferably, the number of aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 is in the range of 14 to 35 mg of aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11, which has been found to further increase the proportion of aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 that are ruptured. In one embodiment, the component 3 comprises in the range of 17.5 mg to 28 mg of aerosol-modifying agent capsules and may comprise about 21 mg of aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11. However, it should be recognised that in other embodiments the component 3 may comprise a different mass of aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11. In some embodiments, the component 3 comprises at least 3.5, 7, 10.5, 14, 17.5, 21, 24.5, 28, 31.5, 35, 38.5 or 42 mg of aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11.
In some embodiments, the cavity 10A has a length of between 3 and 10 mm in the axial direction of the component 3 and, preferably, a length in the range of 4 and 8 mm and, preferably, in the range of 5 and 7 mm. In some embodiments, the cavity 10A has a length of at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 mm. In some embodiments, the cavity 10A has a length of less than 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 mm.
In one embodiment, the length of the cavity 10A is about 6 mm.
In some embodiments, the cavity 10A has a diameter in the range of 1 and 5 mm in the axial direction of the component 3 and, preferably, a diameter in the range of 2 and 4 mm. In some embodiments, the cavity 10A has a diameter of at least 1, 2 or 3 mm. In some embodiments, the cavity 10A has a length of less than 5, 4, or 3 mm.
In one embodiment, the diameter of the cavity 10A is about 3 mm.
In some embodiments, the component 3 comprises less than 75 and, preferably, less than 60 mg of cellulose acetate particles 12. This has been found to help prevent premature bursting of the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 during manufacture and storage of the component 3.
In some embodiments, the component 3 comprises at least 20 mg of particles 12 and, preferably, at least 30 mg, at least 40 mg or at least 50 mg of particles 12.
In some embodiments, the component 3 comprises in the range of 30 to 60 mg of particles 12. In one preferred embodiment, the component 3 comprises in the range of 50 to 60 mg of particles 12.
Referring now to
As before, a plurality of particles 12 are interspersed within the body 10. The particles 12 aid in the rupture of the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11.
In the present embodiment, the first segment 7 forms part of a component 3 comprising a component 3 in the form of a filter 3.
Referring now to
The component 103 of the embodiment of
The component 103 comprises a body 110 of filter material, for example, cellulose acetate. However, a difference from the 103 of
To release aerosol-modifying agent, the user rolls the component 103 between his or her fingers, which causes rupture of the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11. The particles 12 promote rupturing of the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11. This is because the particles 12, for example, cellulose acetate chips, are harder than the filter material of the body 10, 110.
In the present embodiment, the aerosol provision system component 103 comprises a component 103 of a combustible aerosol provision system 101, wherein the component 103 is a filter 103.
In the present embodiment, the aerosol provision system 101 is a combustible aerosol provision system 101. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the aerosol provision system 101 is of an arrangement other than a combustible aerosol provision system 101. For example, the aerosol provision system 101 may be a non-combustible aerosol provision system (not shown).
In some embodiments, the cellulose acetate particles 12 are formed from extruding plasticised cellulose acetate and then cutting or grinding the extruded plasticised cellulose acetate to form the cellulose acetate particles 12. However, it should be recognised that in alternative embodiments the cellulose acetate particles 12 are formed by a different process, for example, by moulding. In one embodiment, a portion of plasticised cellulose acetate is manufactured that is larger than the cellulose acetate particles 12 that are to be produced and the cellulose acetate particles 12 are formed by cutting chips from the portion of plasticised cellulose acetate.
In the above described embodiments the particles 12 comprise cellulose acetate. However, it should be recognised that in alternative embodiments the particles may comprise a different material, for example, polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), Polycarbonate (PC) or acrylic (PMMA). In other embodiments, the particles may comprise activated carbon or sea salt.
In some embodiments, the aerosol provision system component 3, 103 may have a circumference that is “regular” (about 23-25 mm), “wide” (greater than 25 mm), “slim” (about 22-23 mm), “demi-slim” (about 19-22 mm), “super-slim” (about 16-19 mm), and “micro-slim” (less than about 16 mm).
In some embodiments, the tow in the first segment 7 has a mass of at most 5.5 mg per mm axial length of the first segment 7 and, preferably, at most 5 mg per mm, 4.5 mg per mm or 4 mg per mm axial length of the first segment 7. It has been found that reducing the amount of tow in the first segment 7 reduces the chance that the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 will be accidentally ruptured during manufacture and storage of the aerosol provision system component 3, 103.
In some embodiments, the total denier of the tow of the first segment 7 of the aerosol provision system component 3, 103 is at most 50000 and, preferably, at most 45000, 40000 or 35000. In some embodiments, the total denier is 30000. In some embodiments, the total denier is at most 30000, 25000 or 20000. In some such embodiments, the circumference of the aerosol provision system component 3, 103 is at least 21 mm and, preferably, is at least 22, 23 or 24 mm. However, it should be recognised that in other embodiments the aerosol provision system component 3, 103 has a different circumference. In some embodiments, the circumference of the first segment 7 is at least 19 or 20 mm.
In some embodiments, the denier per filament of the tow of the first segment 7 of the aerosol provision system component 3, 103 is at most 9 and, preferably, at most 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or 3. In some embodiments, the denier per filament is at least 1 or at least 2 or at least 3. In one embodiment, the denier per filament is about 3. It has been found that a lower denier per filament allows for more fibres to be used for a given total denier. This increases the surface area of the tow, allowing for easier incorporation of the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 and/or particles 12 into the tow. The increased surface area of the tow can also improve wicking of the aerosol-modifying agent when the aerosol-modifying agent capsules 11 are ruptured.
In some embodiments, the tow of the first segment 7 of the aerosol provision system component 3, 103 comprises at least 1000 fibres and, preferably, at least, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000 or 10000 fibres.
In some embodiments, the fibrous material of the first segment 7 comprises at most 12000 fibres and, preferably, at most 11,000 or 10000 fibres.
In the above described embodiments, the tow is 3 Y 30000 tow. However, in other embodiments the aerosol provision system component 3, 103 comprises a different type of tow. For example, the tow may be: 8 Y 28000; 8 Y 15000; or, 6 Y 17000. ‘Y’ refers to the cross-sectional shape of the fibres, the number before the ‘Y’ refers to the denier per filament and the number after the ‘Y’ refers to the total denier. It should be recognised that the fibres may have a different cross-sectional shape, for example, instead being X-shaped.
In some embodiments, the first segment 7, plug wrap 16, adhesive, aerosol-modifying agent capsules and particles together have a mass of at most 20 mg per mm axial length of the first segment 7 and, preferably, at most 17.5, 15, 12.5 or 10 mg per mm axial length of the first segment 7.
The filamentary tow material described herein can comprise cellulose acetate fibre tow. The filamentary tow can also be formed using other materials used to form fibres, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(1-4 butanediol succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)(PBAT), starch based materials, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials and polysaccharide polymers or a combination thereof. The filamentary tow may be plasticised with a suitable plasticiser for the tow, such as triacetin where the material is cellulose acetate tow, or the tow may be non-plasticised.
In the above embodiments, the component 3, 103 is in the form of a filter 3, 103. However, it should be recognised that in alternative embodiments (not shown) the component 3, 103 is of a different configuration. For example, the component 3, 103 could comprise part of an aerosol generation device such as an e-cigarette, which may not comprise a filter.
In the above embodiments, the particles are interspersed within the body of material. However, in an alternative embodiment, the particles are instead provided in a cavity and the aerosol-modifying agent capsules are interspersed within the body of material.
As used herein, the term “aerosol provision system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes:
According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.
In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper or a cigarette paper.
According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine.
In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, or a paper such as a tipping paper.
In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised. As appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials.
In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.
The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.
In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.
As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.
As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term “botanical” includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like. Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, Ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Mentha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens
In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.
In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.
In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.
In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour.
As used herein, the terms “flavour” and “flavourant” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, Ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.
In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.
In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.
Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50 wt %, 60 wt % or 70 wt % of amorphous solid, to about 90 wt %, 95 wt % or 100 wt % of amorphous solid.
The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.
The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerine, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.
The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.
The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.
A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.
A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.
An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent
The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.
An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.
The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008900.9 | Jun 2020 | GB | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/GB2021/051439 | 6/9/2021 | WO |
