Patent Application
20240188630
The present disclosure relates to a component for an article for use in or as a combustible aerosol provision system, an article for use in or as an aerosol provision system and a method for forming a component for an article for use in or as a combustible aerosol provision system.
Certain tobacco industry products produce an aerosol during use, which is inhaled by a user. For example, cigarettes form an aerosol through combustion of tobacco material. Such tobacco industry products commonly include mouthpieces through which the aerosol passes to reach the user's mouth.
In accordance with embodiments described herein, according to a first aspect, there is provided a component for an article for use in or as a combustible aerosol provision system, the component comprising a body of material extending in a longitudinal direction, wherein the body of material comprises sheet material comprising fibers having a length in the range 2 mm to 6 mm and wherein the body of material has a density in the range between about 0.1 and 0.25 mg/mm3.
In accordance with embodiments described herein, according to a second aspect, there is provided component for an article for use in or as a combustible aerosol provision system, the component comprising a body of material extending in a longitudinal direction, wherein the body of material comprises sheet material comprising fibers having a length in the range 2 mm to 6 mm and wherein the body of material has a density in the range between about 0.1 and 0.25 mg/mm3.
In accordance with embodiments described herein, according to a third aspect, there is provided an article for use in or as a combustible aerosol provision system, the article comprising an aerosol generating material and a downstream portion downstream of the aerosol generating material, the downstream portion comprising a component according to the first or second aspect above.
In accordance with embodiments described herein, according to a fourth aspect there is provided a combustible aerosol provision system comprising an article according to the third aspect above.
In accordance with embodiments described herein, according to a fifth aspect there is provided a method for forming a component for an article for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, the method comprising forming a sheet material into a body of material, wherein the sheet material comprises fibers having a length in the range 2 mm to 6 mm and wherein the body of material has a density in the range between about 0.1 and 0.25 mg/mm3.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
According to the present disclosure, an “aerosol provision system” includes both combustible aerosol provision systems and non-combustible aerosol provision systems.
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 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 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, fibers, 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. 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, Memtha 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 flavor.
As used herein, the terms “flavor” and “flavorant” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial senzation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavor 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), flavor 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 flavor comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from cannabis.
In some embodiments, the flavor may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial senzation 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 flavorants. 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 flavors, 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, coloring 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.
An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavor, 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 flavorant, a colorant, 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.
Articles, for instance those in the shape of rods, are often named according to the product length: “regular” (typically in the range 68-75 mm, e.g. from about 68 mm to about 72 mm), “short” or “mini” (68 mm or less), “king-size” (typically in the range 75-91 mm, e.g. from about 79 mm to about 88 mm), “long” or “super-king” (typically in the range 91-105 mm, e.g. from about 94 mm to about 101 mm) and “ultra-long” (typically in the range from about 110 mm to about 121 mm).
They are also named according to the product circumference: “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).
Accordingly, an article in a king-size, super-slim format will, for example, have a length of about 83 mm and a circumference of about 17 mm.
Each format may be produced with mouthpieces of different lengths. The mouthpiece length will be from about 30 mm to 50 mm. A tipping paper connects the mouthpiece to the aerosol generating material and will usually have a greater length than the mouthpiece, for example from 3 to 10 mm longer, such that the tipping paper covers the mouthpiece and overlaps the aerosol generating material, for instance in the form of a rod of substrate material, to connect the mouthpiece to the rod.
Articles and their aerosol generating materials and mouthpieces described herein can be made in, but are not limited to, any of the above formats.
The terms ‘upstream’ and ‘downstream’ used herein are relative terms defined in relation to the direction of mainstream aerosol drawn though an article or device in use.
The filamentary tow material described herein can comprise cellulose acetate fiber tow. The filamentary tow can also be formed using other materials used to form fibers, 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 plasticized with a suitable plasticizer for the tow, such as triacetin where the material is cellulose acetate tow, or the tow may be non-plasticized. The tow can have any suitable specification, such as fibers having a ‘Y’ shaped or other cross section such as ‘X’ shaped, filamentary denier values between 2.5 and 15 denier per filament, for example between 8.0 and 11.0 denier per filament and total denier values of 5,000 to 50,000, for example between 10,000 and 40,000.
As used herein, the term “tobacco material” refers to any material comprising tobacco or derivatives or substitutes thereof. The term “tobacco material” may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. The tobacco material may comprise one or more of ground tobacco, tobacco fiber, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stem, tobacco lamina, reconstituted tobacco and/or tobacco extract.
In the figures described herein, like reference numerals are used to illustrate equivalent features, articles or components.
The article 1 includes a cylindrical rod of aerosol generating material 3, in the present case tobacco material, and a downstream portion, in the present case referred to as a mouthpiece 2, connected to the aerosol generating material 3 such that it is downstream of the aerosol generating material 3. The aerosol generating material 3 provides an aerosol when combusted.
The aerosol generating material 3, also referred to herein as an aerosol generating substrate 3, comprises at least one aerosol-former material. In the present example, the aerosol-former material is glycerol. In alternative examples, the aerosol-former material can be another material as described herein or a combination thereof, for instance propylene glycol.
In the present example, the mouthpiece includes a tubular portion 4a, in the present example formed by a hollow tube, also referred to as a cooling element. The mouthpiece 2, in the present example, includes a component including a body of material 6 downstream of the tubular portion 4a. In the present example, the body of material 6 is adjacent to and in an abutting relationship with the tubular portion 4a. The body of material 6 and tubular portion 4a each define a substantially cylindrical overall outer shape and share a common longitudinal axis.
The body of material is formed from a sheet material comprising fibers having a length in the range 2 mm to 6 mm. Such fibers have the benefit that they can result in a material which is less likely to absorb and hold an aerosol former (e.g. glycerol, as in the present example) and/or an aerosol-modifying agent (e.g. menthol). Hence, a body of material including such fibers may allow a greater amount of aerosol former and/or aerosol-modifying agent to pass through the body of material to the user. The body of material can be formed from a sheet material comprising fibers having an average length in the range 2 mm to 6 mm. In some embodiments, the sheet material included in the body of material comprises fibers having an average length in the range 2 mm to 5 mm, 2 mm to 4 mm, or 2 mm to 3 mm. The fiber length can be, for instance, selected based on the form of cellulosic material used to form the sheet material. For instance, species of pine generally result in wood pulp having an average fiber length in the range of about 3.5 mm to 4.4 mm, whereas species of ash may result in wood pulp having an average fiber length between about 1.05 mm and 1.20 mm. The average fiber length in the sheet material can, for instance, be determined by scanning electron microscopy or other techniques known to those in the art. At least 70% of the fibers, for instance, can have a length in the range 2 mm to 6 mm, or at least 80% or 90%.
The body of material can comprise fibers having one or more of the following average lengths: about 2 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 3 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 4 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 5 mm, about 5.5 mm and about 6 mm.
The fiber length can be measured in accordance with an appropriate standard and the fiber lengths set out above can be the length-weighted mean value of fiber lengths.
In the present example, the body of material 6 of the component is formed from sheet material which is crimped. In the present example, the body of material comprises crimped sheet material formed having a crimp pattern comprising a series of substantially parallel ridges and grooves, and the average spacing between adjacent ridges is greater than about 0.3 mm. In addition, in the present example, the crimp amplitude is less than about 0.7 mm. In other examples, the sheet material can include either an average spacing between adjacent ridges of greater than about 0.3 mm or a crimp amplitude of less than about 0.7 mm. In any of these examples, the average density of said body of material can be between about 0.1 and about 0.25 mg/mm3. Alternatively, the crimp amplitude can be greater than 0.7 mm, for instance between 0.7 mm and 1.2 mm.
The crimp amplitude (also known as “crimping factor”) refers to the depth of the grooves the crimping forms in the sheet material forming the body. That is, crimping the sheet material produces a plurality of peaks and troughs in the sheet material when viewed from a first side of the sheet material, as shown in
In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 is heated as it is crimped. For example, the sheet material 10 may be passed between crimping rollers, wherein one or both of the crimping rollers is heated.
Advantageously, sheet material, for instance paper, having the above crimp pitch and/or amplitude has been found to exhibit improved performance when used in components of aerosol provision systems. In particular, these relatively low levels of crimp pitch and amplitude surprisingly result in a body of material having a lower pressure drop compared to bodies formed from sheet material with higher levels of crimping.
In the present example, the density of the body of material 6 is about 0.19 mg/mm3. In some embodiments, the body 6 has a density of at least 0.1 mg/mm3, 0.12 mg/mm3 or 0.15 mg/mm3. Alternatively or in addition, the body of material 6 can have a density of less than about 0.3 mg/mm3, less than about 0.25 mg/mm3 or less than about 0.22 mg/mm3. Advantageously, the density of the body of material can be between about 0.1 or 0.15 mg/mm3 and about 0.25 mg/mm3. These values include any additives included within the body of material 6. Before being crimped and formed into the body of material, the sheet material can have a density of between about 0.2 and 0.5 mg/mm3, for instance about 0.25, 0.30 or 0.35 mg/mm3.
In alternative embodiments, the article 1 can be adapted, for instance by removal of the tubular portion 4a and/or adjustment of the level of aerosol former material.
The body of material 6 may be formed from a continuous web of sheet material 6A. In the present example, the sheet material 6A is gathered to form the body of material 6 is a similar manner to a ‘crepe filter’. The sheet material 6A may be manufactured using a CU-20 filter making machine manufactured by Decouflé (TM). However, a skilled person will appreciate that other machines may be used to manufacture the body of material 6.
In the present example, the sheet material 6A comprises cellulose. In the present example, the sheet material 6A is paper.
In some embodiments, the continuous web of sheet material 6A has a width of at least 60 mm, at least 70 mm, at least 80 mm, at least 90 mm, at least 100 mm, at least 110 mm, or at least 120 mm.
In some embodiments, the continuous web of sheet material 6A has a width of at most 240 mm, at most 230 mm, at most 220 mm, at most 210 mm, at most 200 mm or at most 190 mm.
In some embodiments, the sheet material has a width in the range of 120 mm to 200 mm, in the range of 150 mm to 190 mm, in the range of 160 mm to 190 mm, or in the range of 160 mm to 180 mm.
The sheet material can have a thickness of between about 50 and about 100 μm, or between about 60 and about 90 μm. In one example, the sheet material is paper having a thickness of between 60 and 70 μm and a basis weight of between 30 and 40 grams/m2.
The sheet material 6A may additionally or alternatively comprise a different material. For example, in some embodiments the sheet material 6A comprises reconstituted tobacco that is formed into a sheet material 6A that is arranged to form the body of material 6. The reconstituted tobacco comprises cellulose. In another embodiment (not shown), the reconstituted tobacco is manufactured into a uniform plug of material that forms the body 6. The reconstituted tobacco may optionally be paper reconstituted tobacco.
In some embodiments, the sheet material 6A comprises paper with a basis weight in the range of 15 gm to 80 gsm, or in the range of 20 gsm to 50 gsm.
In some embodiments, the sheet material 6A has a basis weight of at least 15 gsm, at least 20 gsm, at least 25 gsm or at least 30 gsm.
In some embodiments, the sheet material has a basis weight of 100 gsm or less, 90 gsm or less, 80 gsm or less or 70 gsm or less. Preferably, the sheet material has a basis weight of 60 gsm or less, 50 gsm or less, or 40 gsm or less.
In some embodiments, the sheet material has a basis weight in the range of 20 gsm to 40 gsm, in the range of 24 gsm to 36 gsm, or in the range of 30 gsm to 40 gsm.
The body of material 6 is wrapped in a first plug wrap 7. In the present example, the tubular portion 4a and body of material 6 are combined using a second plug wrap 9 which is wrapped around both sections. A tipping paper 5 is wrapped around the full length of the mouthpiece 2 and over part of the rod of aerosol generating material 3 and has an adhesive on its inner surface to connect the mouthpiece 2 and rod 3.
In the present example, the tubular portion 4a is formed from a plurality of layers of paper which are parallel wound, with butted seams, to form a hollow tube. In the present example, first and second paper layers are provided in a two-ply tube, although in other examples 3, 4 or more paper layers can be used forming 3, 4 or more ply tubes. Other constructions can be used, such as spirally wound layers of paper, cardboard tubes, tubes formed using a papier-mâché type process, moulded or extruded plastic tubes or similar.
In some embodiments, the tubular portion has a wall thickness of at least about 150 μm and up to about 2 mm, between 200 μm and 1.5 mm, or between 250 μm and 1 mm. In the present example, the tubular portion has a wall thickness of about 300 μm. The “wall thickness” of the tubular portion corresponds to the thickness of the wall of the tubular portion in a radial direction. This may be measured, for example, using a caliper.
The article 1 has a ventilation level of about 75% of the aerosol drawn through the article. In alternative embodiments, the article can have a ventilation level of between 50% and 80% of aerosol drawn through the article, for instance between 65% and 75%. Ventilation at these levels helps to slow down the flow of aerosol drawn through the mouthpiece 2 and thereby enable the aerosol to cool sufficiently before it reaches a downstream end 2b of the mouthpiece 2. The ventilation is provided directly into the mouthpiece 2 of the article 1. In the present example, the ventilation is provided into the tubular portion 4a, which has been found to be particularly beneficial in assisting with the aerosol generation process. The ventilation is provided via first and second parallel rows of ventilation holes 12, in the present case formed as laser perforations, at positions 13.925 mm and 14.625 mm respectively from the downstream, mouth-end 2b of the mouthpiece 2. These ventilation holes 12 pass though the tipping paper 5, second plug wrap 9 and tubular portion 4a. In alternative embodiments, the ventilation can be provided into the mouthpiece at other locations. For example, the ventilation may be provided into the body of material 6.
In some examples, the aerosol generating material 3 described herein is a first aerosol generating material and the tubular portion 4a may include a second aerosol generating material. In one example, wall 4b of tubular portion 4a comprises the second aerosol generating material. For example, the second aerosol generating material can be disposed on an inner surface of wall 4b of the tubular portion 4a.
The second aerosol generating material comprises at least one aerosol former material, and may also comprise at least one aerosol modifying agent, or other sensate material. The aerosol former material and/or aerosol modifying agent can be any aerosol former material or aerosol modifying agent as described herein, or a combination thereof.
As the aerosol generated from aerosol generating material 3, referred to herein as the first aerosol, is drawn through the tubular portion 4a of the mouthpiece, heat from the first aerosol may aerosolize the aerosol forming material of the second aerosol generating material, to form a second aerosol. The second aerosol may comprise a flavorant, which can be any of the flavorants described herein, and which may be additional or complementary to the flavor of the first aerosol.
Providing a second aerosol generating material on the tubular body 4a can result in generation of a second aerosol which boosts or complements the flavor or visual appearance of the first aerosol.
In the present example, the article 1 has an outer circumference of about 21 mm (i.e. the article is in the demi-slim format). In some embodiments, the article 1 has a rod of aerosol generating material having a circumference greater than 19 mm.
The outer circumference of the mouthpiece 2 is substantially the same as the outer circumference of the rod of aerosol generating material 3, such that there is a smooth transition between these components. In the present example, the outer circumference of the mouthpiece 2 is about 20.8 mm.
In some examples, the tipping paper 5 comprises citrate, such as sodium citrate or potassium citrate. In such examples, the tipping paper 5 may have a citrate content of 2% by weight or less, or 1% by weight or less. Reducing the citrate content of the tipping paper 5 is thought to assist with reducing the charring effect which may occur during use.
In the present example, the tipping paper 5 extends 5 mm over the rod of aerosol generating material 3 but it can alternatively extend between 3 mm and 10 mm over the rod 3, or between 4 mm and 6 mm, to provide a secure attachment between the mouthpiece 2 and rod 3. The tipping paper 5 can have a basis weight which is higher than the basis weight of plug wraps used in the article 1, for instance a basis weight of 40 gsm to 80 gsm, or between 50 gsm and 70 gsm, and in the present example 58 gsm. These ranges of basis weights have been found to result in tipping papers having acceptable tensile strength while being flexible enough to wrap around the article 1 and adhere to itself along a longitudinal lap seam on the paper. The outer circumference of the tipping paper 5, once wrapped around the mouthpiece 2, is about 21 mm.
In some embodiments, the first plug wrap 7 has a basis weight of less than 50 gsm, for instance between about 20 gsm and 40 gsm. However, it should be recognized that the basis weight of the first plug wrap 7 may be higher to increase the hardness of the mouthpiece. For instance, the basis weight of the first plug wrap 7 may be at least 50 gsm, at least 60 gsm, at least 70 gsm, at least 80 gsm, at least 90 gsm or at least 100 gsm. In some embodiments, the basis weight of the first plug wrap 7 is in the range of 50 gsm to 110 gsm, or in the range of 60 gsm to 100 gsm.
In some embodiments, the first plug wrap 7 has a basis weight of at least 20 gsm or at least 30 gsm. In some embodiments, the first plug wrap 7 has a basis weight of at most 120 gsm, 110 gsm or 100 gsm. In some embodiments, the first plug wrap 7 has a basis weight in the range of 20 gsm to 120 gsm, or in the range of 30 to 100 gsm.
In some embodiments, the first plug wrap 7 has a thickness of between 30 μm and 60 μm, or between 35 μm and 45 μm. However, it should be recognized that the thickness weight of the first plug wrap 7 may be higher to increase the hardness of the mouthpiece. In some embodiments, for example, the thickness of the first plug wrap 7 may be at least 40 microns, 50 microns, 60 microns, 70 microns, 80 microns, 90 microns or 100 microns. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first plug wrap 7 is in the range of 40 microns to 120 microns, or in the range of 50 to 100 microns.
In some embodiments, the first plug wrap 7 is a non-porous plug wrap, for instance having a permeability of less than 100 Coresta units, for instance less than 50 Coresta units. However, in other embodiments, the first plug wrap 7 can be a porous plug wrap, for instance having a permeability of greater than 200 Coresta Units.
In some embodiments, the length of the body of material 6 is less than about 20 mm. In the present example, the length of the body of material 6 is about 12 mm.
In some embodiments, the axial length of the body of material 6 is in the range of 10 mm to 20 mm.
In some embodiments, an aerosol-former material is applied to the body of material 6. For example, the aerosol-former material may be applied to the sheet material 6A prior to the sheet material 6A being folded to form the body of material 6. The aerosol-former material may be sprayed on to the sheet material 6A or applied by a brush or by dipping the sheet material 6A in aerosol-former material.
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. For instance, the aerosol-former material can comprise triacetin and/or triethyl citrate.
In some embodiments, at least 0.02 mg of aerosol-former material is applied to the body of material per 1 mm axial length of the body of material. In some embodiments, at least 0.03 mg, at least 0.04 mg or at least 0.05 mg of aerosol-former material is applied to the body of material per 1 mm axial length of the body of material.
In some embodiments, 0.5 mg or less of aerosol-former material is applied to the body of material per 1 mm axial length of the body of material. In some embodiments, 0.4 mg or less or 0.3 mg or less of aerosol-former material is applied to the body of material per 1 mm axial length of the body of material.
At least some of the aerosol-former material is combined with the aerosol as it passes through the body of material 6 and helps to make the aerosol feel less dry within the user's mouth.
In some embodiments, the body of material 6 has an outer volume of at least 115 mm3. In the present example, the body of material 6 is generally cylindrical and thus has a generally cylindrical outer volume. It should be recognized that in other embodiments the body of material 6 may have an outer volume that is smaller than 115 mm3.
In the present example, the width W1 of the body of material 6 (which in the present example corresponds to the diameter of the body of material 6) is about 6.36 mm and the axial length L1 of the body of material 6 is 12 mm. Thus, the outer volume of the body of material 6 is about 381 mm3.
It has been found that a body of material 6A comprising cellulose and having a volume of at least 115 mm3 helps to remove moisture from aerosol generated by the aerosol generating material 3 as the aerosol passes through the body of material 6A of the mouthpiece 2. That is, the cellulose containing sheet material 6A absorbs water from the aerosol. Removing moisture from the aerosol makes the aerosol feel cooler in the user's mouth.
In some embodiments, the body of material 6 has a volume of at least 19 mm3 per mm axial length of the body of material, at least 25 mm3 per mm axial length, or at least 30 mm3 per mm axial length. For instance, if the body of material 6 has a volume of 19 mm3 per mm axial length, and a length L1 of 10 mm, then the volume of the body of material would be 190 mm3.
A larger volume of body of material 6A will generally be more effective at removing moisture from the aerosol. In some examples, the outer volume of the body of material 6 is at least 200 mm3, at least 300 mm3, at least 400 mm3, at least 500 mm3, at least 600 mm3, at least 700 mm3, at least 800 mm3, at least 900 mm3 or at least 1000 mm3.
In some embodiments, the axial length L1 of the body of material 6 is at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 7 mm, at least 8 mm, at least 9 mm, or at least 10 mm.
In some embodiments, the axial length L1 of the body of material 6 is in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm, 6 mm to 15 mm, or 8 mm to 14 mm.
In some embodiments, the width W1 of the body of material 6 is at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 7 mm, at least 8 mm or at least 9 mm.
In some embodiments, the circumference of the body of material 6 is at least 16 mm, at least 18 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 22 mm, at least 25 mm or at least 26 mm.
In some embodiments, the pressure drop across the body of material 6 is at least 2 mmH2O, at least 3 mmH2O, or at least 4 mmH2O. The pressure drop across the body of material may be at least 5 mmH2O, at least 6 mmH2O, at least 7 mmH2O, at least 8 mmH2O, at least 9 mmH2O, at least 10 mmH2O or at least 11 mmH2O.
In some embodiments, the pressure drop across the body of material 6 is less than 30 mmH2O, less than 28 mmH2O or less than 25 mmH2O.
In some embodiments, the pressure drop across the body of material 6 is about 20 mmH2O, 23 mmH2O or 28 mmH2O.
In some embodiments, the pressure drop across the body of material 6 is in the range of 10 mmH2O to 30 mmH2O, or in the range of 15 mmH2O to 25 mmH2O.
In some embodiments, the pressure drop across the body of material 6 is at least 1.0 mmH2O per mm axial length of the body of material 6. In some embodiments, the pressure drop across the body of material 6 is at least 1.2 mmH2O, 1.5 mmH2O, or 1.8 mmH2O per mm axial length of the body of material 6.
In some embodiments, the pressure drop across the body of material 6 is less than 3.0 mmH2O, 2.8 mmH2O, or 2.6 mmH2O axial length of the body of material 6. In some embodiments, the pressure drop across the body of material 6 is less than 2.5 mmH2O, 2.4 mmH2O or 2.3 mmH2O per mm of axial length of the body of material 6.
In some embodiments, the pressure drop across the body of material 6 is in the range of 1.5 mmH2O to 2.5 mmH2O per mm axial length of the body of material 6, or in the range of 1.6 to 2.4 mmWG per mm axial length of the body of material 6.
In some of the embodiments, the mass of body of material 6 is at least 50 mg, at least 60 mg or at least 70 mg. It has been advantageously found that providing a higher mass of the body of material 6 increases the amount of moisture that is absorbed form the aerosol. In the present example, the mass of the body of material is about 75 mg.
In some of the embodiments, the mass of body of material 6 is less than 150 mg, less than 100 mg, less than 85 mg or less than 80 mg.
In some embodiments, the body of material 6 has a weight of at least 2 mg per mm axial length of the body of material. In some embodiments, the body of material 6 has a weight of at least 3 mg per mm axial length or at least 4 mg per mm axial length.
In the present example, the body of material 6 has a weight of about 6 mg per mm. That is, if the body of material 6 has an axial length L1 of 12 mm, as in the present example, then the total mass of the body of material 6 would be about 74 mg.
In some embodiments, the body of material 6 is a solid cylindrical body of material.
In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 2 has a hardness in the range of about 80% to 95%, or in the range of about 85% to 90%. The hardness of the mouthpiece 2 may be at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91% or at least 92%.
The hardness of the mouthpiece 2 may be measured according to the following protocol. Where the hardness of a section is referred to herein, the hardness is that as determined by the following measurement process. Any suitable device may be used for performing the measurement, such as the Borgwaldt Hardness Tester H10.
Hardness is defined as the ratio between the height h0 of a body and the height h1 of the body under a defined load, stated as a percentage of h0. Hardness may be expressed as:
Hardness=(h1/h0)×100
For an individual body, or a body contained in a multi-section rod, the hardness measurement is performed at the longitudinal centre point of the body.
A load bar is used to apply the defined load to the body. The length of the load bar should be significantly higher than that of the specimen to be measured. Prior to the hardness measurement, the body to be measured is conditioned according to ISO 3402 for a minimum of 48 hours, and is maintained in environmental conditions according to ISO 3402 during the measurement.
To perform the hardness measurement, a body is placed into the Hardness Tester H10, a pre-load of 2 g is applied to the body, and after 1 s the initial height h0 of the body under the 2 g pre-load is recorded. The pre-load is then removed and a load bar bearing a load of 150 g is lowered onto the sample at a rate of 0.6 mm/s, after 5 s the height h1 of the body under the 150 g load is measured.
The hardness of the mouthpiece is determined as the average hardness of at least 20 mouthpieces measured according to this protocol.
The hardness of the body of material 6 circumscribed by the first plug wrap 7 (hereinafter together referred to as the “component” for the purposes of determining the hardness) may also be determined using the above protocol, by carefully cutting the article to remove the body of material 6 surrounded by the first plug wrap 7. The hardness of the component may be at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91% or at least 92%.
The expression “roundness” refers to the percentage conformity of the cross-sectional shape of the article/component to a perfect circle. The roundness is calculated according to Equation 1 below:
To determine the roundness of the article 1 the maximum external diameter “X” of the component is measured using a calliper and the minimum external diameter “Y” of the article is measured using a calliper (the diameters being perpendicular to the central axis of the article 1). The less deviation between the maximum external diameter X and minimum external diameter Y of the article 1, the higher the roundness, which indicates that the cross-sectional shape of the article 1 is closer to a perfect circle.
In some embodiments, the roundness of the article 1 is at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94% or at least 95%.
The hardness of the body of material 6 circumscribed by the first plug wrap 7 (hereinafter together referred to as the “component” for the purposes of determining the roundness) may also be determined using the above protocol, by carefully cutting the article to remove the body of material 6 surrounded by the first plug wrap 7.
To determine the roundness of the body of material 6 circumscribed by the first plug wrap 7 (hereinafter together referred to as “the component” for the purposes of determining the roundness) the maximum external diameter “X” of the component is measured using a calliper and the minimum external diameter “Y” of the component is measured using a calliper (the diameters being perpendicular to the central axis of the component). The less deviation between the maximum external diameter X and minimum external diameter Y of the component, the higher the roundness, which indicates that the cross-sectional shape of the component is closer to a perfect circle.
In some embodiments, the roundness of the component (i.e. the roundness of the body of material 6 circumscribed by the first plug wrap 7) is at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94% or at least 95%.
The increased roundness of the article/component helps to ensure that the downstream portion can be processed, as otherwise a downstream portion that is too oval may become jammed or misaligned in the manufacturing machinery.
The first and/or second plug wraps 7, 9 can be adhered around the component(s) of the article by adhesive applied to a lap seam extending longitudinally along the first and/or second plug wraps. The first and/or second plug wraps 7, 9 can alternatively or in addition be adhered directly to the underlying component(s) using an adhesive. In both cases, the adhesive can be selected to be a water soluble adhesive to aid degradation of the component(s). Additionally or alternatively, the first and/or second plug wraps 7, 9 can themselves be formed from paper or other material having improved degradability, for instance improved dispersibility when exposed to water.
Biodegradability can be measured according to the procedure set out under ISO 14855. Components as described herein can achieve a biodegradation of greater than 50% in 30 days when exposed to either fresh or marine water.
In some embodiments, the length of the tubular portion 4a is less than about 50 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the tubular portion 4a is less than about 40 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the tubular portion 4a is less than about 35 mm. In addition, or as an alternative, the length of the tubular portion 4a is at least about 10 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the tubular portion 4a is at least about 15 mm.
In some embodiments, the length of the tubular portion 4a is from about 15 mm to about 35 mm, from about 20 mm to about 30 mm, from about 23 to about 29 mm, or about 25 mm or about 29 mm. In the present example, the length of the tubular portion 4a is 25 mm.
In some embodiments, the second plug wrap 9 has a basis weight of less than 50 gsm. In some embodiments, the second plug wrap 9 has a basis weight between about 20 gsm and 45 gsm. However, it should be recognized that the basis weight of the second plug wrap 9 may be higher to increase the hardness of the mouthpiece. For instance, the basis weight of the second plug wrap 9 may be at least 50 gsm, at least 60 gsm, at least 70 gsm, at least 80 gsm, at least 90 gsm or at least 100 gsm. In some embodiments, the basis weight of the second plug wrap 9 is in the range of 50 gsm to 110 gsm, or in the range of 60 gsm to 100 gsm.
In some embodiments, the second plug wrap 9 has a basis weight of at least 10 gsm, at least 15 gsm, at least 20 gsm or at least 25 gsm.
In some embodiments, the second plug wrap 9 has a basis weight of less than 40 gsm, less than 35 gsm or less than 30 gsm.
In some embodiments, the second plug wrap 9 has a basis weight in the range of 10 to 40 gsm, in the range of 15 to 35 gsm, in the range of 20 to 30 gsm, or in the range of 25 to 30 gsm. In some embodiments, the basis weight of the second plug wrap 9 is about 27 gsm.
In some embodiments, the second plug wrap 9 has a thickness of between 30 μm and 60 μm, or between 35 μm and 45 μm. However, it should be recognized that the thickness of the second plug wrap 9 may be higher to increase the hardness of the mouthpiece. In some embodiments, for example, the thickness of the second plug wrap 9 may be at least 40 microns, at least 50 microns, at least 60 microns, at least 70 microns, at least 80 microns, at least 90 microns or at least 100 microns. In some embodiments, the thickness of the second plug wrap 9 is in the range of 40 microns to 120 microns, or in the range of 50 microns to 100 microns.
In some embodiments, the second plug wrap 9 is a non-porous plug wrap having a permeability of less than 100 Coresta Units, for instance less than 50 Coresta Units. However, in alternative embodiments, the second plug wrap 9 can be a porous plug wrap, for instance having a permeability of greater than 200 Coresta Units.
The mouthpiece 2 of the article 1 comprises an upstream end 3a adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate 3 and a downstream end 2b distal from the aerosol generating substrate 3.
The pressure drop or difference (also referred to as resistance to draw) across the mouthpiece, for instance the part of the article 1 downstream of the aerosol generating material 3, is less than about 40 mmH2O. Such pressure drops have been found to allow sufficient aerosol, including desirable compounds such as flavor compounds, to pass through the mouthpiece 2 to the consumer. In some embodiments, the pressure drop across the mouthpiece 2 is less than about 20 mmH2O. In some embodiments, particularly improved aerosol has been achieved using a mouthpiece 2 having a pressure drop of less than 15 mmH2O, for instance about 6 mmH2O, about 10 mmH2O or about 14 mmH2O. Alternatively or additionally, the mouthpiece pressure drop can be at least 3 mmH2O, at least 4 mmH2O or at least 5 mmH2O. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece pressure drop can be between about 5 mmH2O and 20 mmH2O or between 5 mmH2O and 15 mmH2O. These values enable the mouthpiece 2 to slow down the aerosol as it passes through the mouthpiece 2 such that the temperature of the aerosol has time to reduce before reaching the downstream end 2b of the mouthpiece 2.
In the present example, the aerosol generating material 3 is wrapped in a wrapper 10. The wrapper 10 can, for instance, be a paper or paper-backed foil wrapper. In the present example, the wrapper 10 is substantially impermeable to air. In alternative embodiments, the wrapper 10 has a permeability of less than 100 Coresta Units, or less than 60 Coresta Units. It has been found that using low permeability wrappers, for instance having a permeability of less than 100 Coresta Units, or less than 60 Coresta Units, results in an improvement in the aerosol formation in the aerosol generating material 3. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is hypothesized that this is due to reduced loss of aerosol compounds through the wrapper 10. The permeability of the wrapper 10 can be measured in accordance with ISO 2965:2009 concerning the determination of air permeability for materials used as cigarette papers, filter plug wrap and filter joining paper.
In the present embodiment, the wrapper 10 comprises aluminium foil. Aluminium foil has been found to be particularly effective at enhancing the formation of aerosol within the aerosol generating material 3. In the present example, the aluminium foil has a metal layer having a thickness of about 6 μm. In the present example, the aluminium foil has a paper backing. However, in alternative arrangements, the aluminium foil can be other thicknesses, for instance between 4 μm and 16 μm in thickness. The aluminium foil also need not have a paper backing, but could have a backing formed from other materials, for instance to help provide an appropriate tensile strength to the foil, or it could have no backing material. Metallic layers or foils other than aluminium can also be used. The total thickness of the wrapper is between 20 μm and 60 μm, or between 30 μm and 50 μm, which can provide a wrapper having appropriate structural integrity and heat transfer characteristics. The tensile force which can be applied to the wrapper before it breaks can be greater than 3,000 grams force, for instance between 3,000 and 10,000 grams force or between 3,000 and 4,500 grams force.
In some examples, the wrapper 10 surrounding the aerosol generating material 3 has a high level of permeability, for example greater than about 1000 Coresta Units, or greater than about 1500 Coresta Units, or greater than about 2000 Coresta Units. The permeability of the wrapper 10 can be measured in accordance with ISO 2965:2009 concerning the determination of air permeability for materials used as cigarette papers, filter plug wrap and filter joining paper.
The wrapper 10 may be formed from a material with a high inherent level of permeability, an inherently porous material, or may be formed from a material with any level of inherent permeability where the final level of permeability is achieved by providing the wrapper 10 with a permeable zone or area. Providing a permeable wrapper 10 provides a route for air to enter the article. The wrapper 10 can be provided with a permeability such that the amount of air entering through the rod of aerosol generating material is relatively more than the amount of air entering the article through the ventilation holes 12 in the mouthpiece. An article having this arrangement may produce a more flavorsome aerosol which may be more satisfactory to the user.
In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material 3 is provided as a cylindrical rod of aerosol generating material. Irrespective of the form of the aerosol generating material, it can have a length of about 10 mm to 100 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the aerosol generating material is in the range about 25 mm to 50 mm, in the range about 30 mm to 45 mm, or in the range about 30 mm to 40 mm.
The volume of aerosol generating material 3 provided can vary from about 200 mm3 to about 4300 mm3, from about 500 mm3 to 1500 mm3, or from about 1000 mm3 to about 1300 mm3.
The mass of aerosol generating material 3 provided can be greater than 200 mg, for instance from about 200 mg to 400 mg, from about 230 mg to 360 mg, or from about 250 mg to 360 mg.
In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material or substrate is formed from tobacco material as described herein, which includes a tobacco component.
In the tobacco material described herein, the tobacco component may contain paper reconstituted tobacco. The tobacco component may also contain leaf tobacco, extruded tobacco, and/or bandcast tobacco.
The aerosol generating material 3 can comprise reconstituted tobacco material having a density of less than about 700 milligrams per cubic centimetre (mg/cc).
The tobacco material may be provided in the form of cut rag tobacco. The cut rag tobacco can have a cut width of at least 15 cuts per inch (about 5.9 cuts per cm, equivalent to a cut width of about 1.7 mm). In some embodiments, the cut rag tobacco has a cut width of at least 18 cuts per inch (about 7.1 cuts per cm, equivalent to a cut width of about 1.4 mm) or at least 20 cuts per inch (about 7.9 cuts per cm, equivalent to a cut width of about 1.27 mm). In one example, the cut rag tobacco has a cut width of 22 cuts per inch (about 8.7 cuts per cm, equivalent to a cut width of about 1.15 mm). The cut rag tobacco may have a cut width at or below 40 cuts per inch (about 15.7 cuts per cm, equivalent to a cut width of about 0.64 mm). Cut widths between 0.5 mm and 2.0 mm, for instance between 0.6 mm and 1.5 mm, or between 0.6 mm and 1.7 mm have been found to result in tobacco material which is suitable in terms of surface area to volume ratio, particularly when heated, and the overall density and pressure drop of the substrate 3. The cut rag tobacco can be formed from a mixture of forms of tobacco material, for instance a mixture of one or more of paper reconstituted tobacco, leaf tobacco, extruded tobacco and bandcast tobacco. In some embodiments, the tobacco material comprises paper reconstituted tobacco or a mixture of paper reconstituted tobacco and leaf tobacco.
In the tobacco material described herein, the tobacco material may contain a filler component. The filler component is generally a non-tobacco component, that is, a component that does not include ingredients originating from tobacco. The filler component may be a non-tobacco fiber such as wood fiber or pulp or wheat fiber. The filler component may also be an inorganic material such as chalk, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulphate, magnesium carbonate. The filler component may also be a non-tobacco cast material or a non-tobacco extruded material. The filler component may be present in an amount of 0 to 20% by weight of the tobacco material, or in an amount of from 1 to 10% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the filler component is absent.
The tobacco material can contain between 10% and 90% by weight tobacco leaf, wherein the aerosol-former material is provided in an amount of up to about 10% by weight of the leaf tobacco.
The tobacco material described herein contains nicotine. The nicotine content is from 0.5 to 1.75% by weight of the tobacco material, and may be, for example, from 0.8 to 1.5% by weight of the tobacco material. Additionally or alternatively, the tobacco material contains between 10% and 90% by weight tobacco leaf having a nicotine content of greater than 1.5% by weight of the tobacco leaf. It has been advantageously found that using a tobacco leaf with nicotine content higher than 1.5% in combination with a lower nicotine base material, such as paper reconstituted tobacco, provides a tobacco material with an appropriate nicotine level but better sensory performance than the use of paper reconstituted tobacco alone. The tobacco leaf, for instance cut rag tobacco, can, for instance, have a nicotine content of between 1.5% and 5% by weight of the tobacco leaf.
The tobacco material described herein can contain an aerosol modifying agent, such as any of the flavors described herein. In one embodiment, the tobacco material contains menthol, forming a mentholated article. The tobacco material can comprise from 3 mg to 20 mg of menthol, between 5 mg and 18 mg or between 8 mg and 16 mg of menthol. In the present example, the tobacco material comprises 16 mg of menthol. The tobacco material can contain between 2% and 8% by weight of menthol, between 3% and 7% by weight of menthol, or between 4% and 5.5% by weight of menthol. In one embodiment, the tobacco material includes 4.7% by weight of menthol. Such high levels of menthol loading can be achieved using a high percentage of reconstituted tobacco material, for instance greater than 50% of the tobacco material by weight. Alternatively or additionally, the use of a high volume of aerosol generating material, for instance tobacco material, can increase the level of menthol loading that can be achieved, for instance where greater than about 500 mm3 or suitably more than about 1000 mm3 of aerosol generating material, such as tobacco material, are used.
In the compositions described herein, where amounts are given in % by weight, for the avoidance of doubt this refers to a dry weight basis, unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Thus, any water that may be present in the tobacco material, or in any component thereof, is entirely disregarded for the purposes of the determination of the weight %. The water content of the tobacco material described herein may vary and may be, for example, from 5 to 15% by weight. The water content of the tobacco material described herein may vary according to, for example, the temperature, pressure and humidity conditions at which the compositions are maintained. The water content can be determined by Karl-Fisher analysis, as known to those skilled in the art. On the other hand, for the avoidance of doubt, even when the aerosol-former material is a component that is in liquid phase, such as glycerol or propylene glycol, any component other than water is included in the weight of the tobacco material. However, when the aerosol-former material is provided in the tobacco component of the tobacco material, or in the filler component (if present) of the tobacco material, instead of or in addition to being added separately to the tobacco material, the aerosol-former material is not included in the weight of the tobacco component or filler component, but is included in the weight of the “aerosol-former material” in the weight % as defined herein. All other ingredients present in the tobacco component are included in the weight of the tobacco component, even if of non-tobacco origin (for example non-tobacco fibers in the case of paper reconstituted tobacco).
In an embodiment, the tobacco material comprises the tobacco component as defined herein and the aerosol-former material as defined herein. In an embodiment, the tobacco material consists essentially of the tobacco component as defined herein and the aerosol-former material as defined herein. In an embodiment, the tobacco material consists of the tobacco component as defined herein and the aerosol-former material as defined herein.
The body of material 6 of the article 1′ of
In the present example, the axial length L1 of the body of material 6 is about 10 mm. However, a skilled person will recognize that the body of material 6 may have a different axial length L1. In some embodiments, the length L1 of the body of material 6 is less than about 20 mm or less than 15 mm. In some embodiments, the length L1 of the body of material 6 is less than about 10 mm. In addition, or as an alternative, the length L1 of the body of material 6 may be at least about 5 mm. In some embodiments, the length L1 of the body of material 6 is at least about 6 mm. In some embodiments, the length L1 of the body of material 6 is from about 5 mm to about 15 mm, from about 6 mm to about 12 mm. In some embodiments, the length L1 of the body of material is 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm or 10 mm.
The part of the mouthpiece which comes into contact with a consumer's lips has usually been a paper tube, which is either hollow or surrounds a cylindrical body of filter material. Providing a hollow tubular element 8 has advantageously been found to significantly reduce the temperature of the outer surface of the mouthpiece 2′ at the downstream end 2b of the mouthpiece which comes into contact with a consumer's mouth when the article 1′ is in use. In addition, the use of the tubular portion 4a has also been found to significantly reduce the temperature of the outer surface of the mouthpiece 2′ even upstream of the tubular portion 4a. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is hypothesized that this is due to the tubular portion 4a channeling aerosol closer to the centre of the mouthpiece 2′, and therefore reducing the transfer of heat from the aerosol to the outer surface of the mouthpiece 2′. In addition, the body of material 6 has been found to remove moisture from aerosol generated by the aerosol generating material 3 as the aerosol passes through the body of material 6A of the mouthpiece 2, which makes the aerosol feel cooler in the user's mouth.
In the present example, the hollow tubular element 8 is formed from filamentary tow. In alternative embodiments, the hollow tubular element may be formed using any construction as described herein for the tubular portion 4a.
The “wall thickness” of the hollow tubular element 8 corresponds to the thickness of the wall of the tube 8 in a radial direction. This may be measured in the same way as that of the tubular portion. The wall thickness is advantageously greater than 0.9 mm, and may be 1.0 mm or greater. In some embodiments, the wall thickness is substantially constant around the entire wall of the hollow tubular element 8. However, where the wall thickness is not substantially constant, the wall thickness may be greater than 0.9 mm at any point around the hollow tubular element 8, for instance 1.0 mm or greater.
The length of the hollow tubular element 8 is less than about 20 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the hollow tubular element 8 is less than about 15 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the hollow tubular element 8 is less than about 10 mm. In addition, or as an alternative, the length of the hollow tubular element 8 may be at least about 5 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the hollow tubular element 8 is at least about 6 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the hollow tubular element 8 is from about 5 mm to about 20 mm, from about 6 mm to about 10 mm, or from about 6 mm to about 8 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the hollow tubular element 8 is 6 mm, 7 mm or 8 mm. In the present example, the length of the hollow tubular element 8 is 6 mm.
The density of the hollow tubular element 8 is at least about 0.25 grams per cubic centimetre (g/cc), for instance at least about 0.3 g/cc. In some embodiments, the density of the hollow tubular element 8 is less than about 0.75 grams per cubic centimetre (g/cc), for instance less than 0.6 g/cc. In some embodiments, the density of the hollow tubular element 8 is between 0.25 g/cc and 0.75 g/cc, between 0.3 g/cc and 0.6 g/cc, or between 0.4 g/cc and 0.6 g/cc. In some embodiments, the density of the hollow tubular element 8 is about 0.5 g/cc. These densities have been found to provide a good balance between improved firmness afforded by denser material and the lower heat transfer properties of lower density material. For the purposes of the present invention, the “density” of the hollow tubular element 8 refers to the density of the filamentary tow forming the element with any plasticizer incorporated. The density may be determined by dividing the total weight of the hollow tubular element 8 by the total volume of the hollow tubular element 8, wherein the total volume can be calculated using appropriate measurements of the hollow tubular element 8 taken, for example, using callipers. Where necessary, the appropriate dimensions may be measured using a microscope.
The filamentary tow forming the hollow tubular element 8 may have a total denier of less than 45,000, for instance less than 42,000. This total denier has been found to allow the formation of a hollow tubular element 8 which is not too dense. In some embodiments, the total denier is at least 20,000, for instance at least 25,000. In some embodiments, the filamentary tow forming the hollow tubular element 8 has a total denier between 25,000 and 45,000, for instance between 35,000 and 45,000. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shapes of the filaments of tow are ‘Y’ shaped, although in other embodiments other cross-sectional shapes such as ‘X’ shaped filaments can be used.
The filamentary tow forming the hollow tubular element 8 may have a denier per filament of greater than 3. This denier per filament has been found to allow the formation of a hollow tubular element 8 which is not too dense. In some embodiments, the denier per filament is at least 4, for instance at least 5. In some embodiments, the filamentary tow forming the hollow tubular element 8 has a denier per filament between 4 and 10, for instance between 4 and 9. In one example, the filamentary tow forming the hollow tubular element 8 has an 8Y40,000 tow formed from cellulose acetate and comprising 18% plasticizer, for instance triacetin.
The hollow tubular element 8 may have an internal diameter of greater than 3.0 mm. Smaller diameters than this can result in increasing the velocity of aerosol passing though the mouthpiece 2′ to the consumers mouth more than is desirable, such that the aerosol becomes too warm, for instance reaching temperatures greater than 40° ° C. or greater than 45° C. In some embodiments, the hollow tubular element 8 has an internal diameter of greater than 3.1 mm, for instance greater than 3.5 mm or 3.6 mm. In one embodiment, the internal diameter of the hollow tubular element 8 is about 3.9 mm.
In some embodiments, the hollow tubular element 8 comprises from 15% to 22% by weight of plasticizer. For cellulose acetate tow, the plasticizer may be triacetin, although other plasticizers such as polyethelyne glycol (PEG) can be used. In some embodiments, the hollow tubular element 8 comprises from 16% to 20% by weight of plasticizer, for instance about 17%, about 18% or about 19% plasticizer.
In the present example, the tubular portion 4a is a first hollow tubular element, and hollow tubular element 8 is a second hollow tubular element.
In the present example, the ventilation is provided into tubular portion 4a, as described in relation to
In the examples described above, the mouthpieces 2, 2′ each comprise a single body of material 6. In other examples, the mouthpiece 2, 2′ may include multiple bodies of material. The mouthpieces 2, 2′ may comprise a cavity between the bodies of material.
In some examples, the mouthpiece 2, 2′ downstream of the aerosol generating material 3 can comprise a wrapper, for instance the first or second plug wraps 7, 9, or tipping paper 5, which comprises an aerosol modifying agent as described herein or other sensate material.
In some embodiments (not shown), the mouthpiece 2, 2′ may comprise an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to release the aerosol-modifying agent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent release component may be operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent. As discussed above, the body of material 6 can comprise fibers having a length in the range 2 mm to 6 mm, which leads to the body of material 6 absorbing less of a certain aerosol-modifying agent when the aerosol-modifying agent is released from the aerosol-modifying agent release component.
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 flavorant, a colorant, 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.
The aerosol-modifying agent release component may be, for example, a capsule, thread or bead. In some embodiments, a plurality of aerosol-modifying agent release components are provided, and may comprise a plurality of charcoal particles loaded with aerosol-modifying agent.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent release component comprises a thread loaded with additive. The thread may made from fibers of, for example, cellulose acetate or cotton.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-modifying release component has in the range of 1 mg to 20 mg of aerosol-modifying agent, for instance in the range of 2 mg to 15 mg of aerosol-modifying agent.
The aerosol-modifying agent release component, for example, a capsule, may be located in the body 6. The (or each) aerosol-modifying agent release component may be combined with the sheet material 6A, for instance, being adhered thereto, before the sheet material 6A is formed into the body 6.
The aerosol-modifying agent release component may comprise a capsule. In some embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent release component comprises first and second capsules. The first capsule is disposed in a first portion of the aerosol-modifying agent release component and the second capsule is disposed in a second portion of the aerosol-modifying agent release component downstream of the first portion.
The aerosol-modifying agent release component may comprise one or more components of the article 1. In some embodiments, the first and second capsules are disposed in the body of material 6. In one embodiment, the aerosol-modifying agent release component comprises two bodies of material (not shown), wherein the first and second capsules are disposed in the first and second bodies respectively. In some embodiments, the aerosol-modifying agent release component alternatively or additionally comprises one or more tubular elements upstream and/or downstream of the body or bodies of material. The aerosol generating component may comprise the mouthpiece 2, 2′.
In some embodiments, the second capsule is spaced from the first capsule by a distance of at least 7 mm, measured as the distance between the centre of the first and second capsules. In some embodiments, the second capsule is spaced from the first capsule by a distance of at least 8 mm, 9 mm or 10 mm. It has been found that increasing the distance between the first and second capsules increases the difference between the first and second temperatures.
The first capsule comprises an aerosol modifying agent. The second capsule comprises an aerosol modifying agent which may be the same or different as the aerosol modifying agent of the first capsule. In some embodiments, a user may selectively rupture the first and second capsules by applying an external force to the aerosol-modifying agent release component in order to release the aerosol modifying agent from each capsule.
In some embodiments, the (or each) capsule comprises an outer shell and an inner core.
The shell of each capsule may be solid at room temperature. The shell may comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of, alginate. However, it should be recognized that in alternative embodiments the shell is formed from a different material. For example, the shell may alternatively comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of, gelatin, carageenans or pectins. The shell may comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of, one or more of alginate, gelatin, carrageenans or pectins.
The shell of each additive capsule may be impermeable, or substantially impermeable, to the aerosol modifying agent agent of the core. Therefore, the shell initially prevents the agent of the core from escaping from the capsule. When the user desires to modify the aerosol, the shells of the capsules are ruptured such that the agent is released.
In some embodiments (not shown), the (or each) capsule further comprises a carrier material. The carrier material may comprise, for example, gelatin.
In some embodiments, the (or each) capsule has a diameter in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm, or in the range of 2 mm to 4 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the (or each) capsule is about 3 mm. The (or each) capsule may be generally spherical. In other examples, other shapes and sizes of capsule can be used.
The total weight of each capsule may be in the range about 5 mg to about 50 mg, or in the range of about 10 mg to about 30 mg. In some embodiments, each capsule has a weight of about 14 mg.
In some embodiments, one or more aerosol-modifying agent release components are included in the body of material 6, wherein the body of material 6 is formed from a sheet material having a basis weight of less than 40 gsm, for instance less than 35 or 30 gsm. This helps to reduce the density of the body of material 6 to compensate for the presence of the aerosol-modifying agent release component within the body 6 which may otherwise result in an increase in the firmness of the body 6.
In some embodiments, one or more aerosol-modifying agent release components are included in the body of material 6, wherein the body of material 6 is formed from a sheet material having width of less than 100 mm for instance less than 90 mm or 80 mm. This helps to reduce the density of the body of material 6 to compensate for the presence of the aerosol-modifying agent release component within the body 6 which may otherwise result in an increase in the firmness of the body 6.
In some embodiments, the (or each) capsule is centred on the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece 2.
As discussed above, the (or each) capsule may have a core-shell structure. That is, the encapsulating material or barrier material creates a shell around a core that comprises the aerosol modifying agent. The shell structure hinders migration of the aerosol modifying agent during storage of the article but allows controlled release of the aerosol modifying agent, also referred to as an aerosol modifier, during use.
In some cases, the barrier material (also referred to herein as the encapsulating material) is frangible. The (or each) capsule is crushed or otherwise fractured or broken by the user to release the encapsulated aerosol modifier. Typically, one or more of the capsules is broken immediately prior to heating being initiated but the user can select when to release the aerosol modifier of said capsule. The user can then choose to break the other capsules a later time, for example, after heating being initiated. The user may choose to break said other one of the capsules once some of the aerosol has been released from the aerosol generating material, such that the remaining aerosol generating material is modified by the aerosol modifying agent of another of the capsules. Alternatively, the user may choose to break a plurality of capsules simultaneously.
The term “breakable capsule” refers to a capsule, wherein the shell can be broken by means of a pressure to release the core; more specifically the shell can be ruptured under the pressure imposed by the user's fingers when the user wants to release the core of the capsule.
In some cases, the barrier material is heat resistant. That is to say, in some cases, the barrier will not rupture, melt or otherwise fail at the temperature reached at the capsule site during operation of the aerosol provision device. Illustratively, a capsule located in a mouthpiece may be exposed to temperatures in the range of 30° ° C. to 100° C. for example, and the barrier material may continue to retain the liquid core up to at least about 50° ° C. to 120° C.
In other cases, the (or each) capsule releases the core composition on heating, for example by melting of the barrier material or by capsule swelling leading to rupture of the barrier material.
The total weight of each capsule may be in the range of about 1 mg to about 100 mg, about 5 mg to about 60 mg, about 8 mg to about 50 mg, about 10 mg to about 20 mg, or about 12 mg to about 18 mg.
The total weight of the core formulation may be in the range of about 2 mg to about 90 mg, about 3 mg to about 70 mg, about 5 mg to about 25 mg, about 8 mg to about 20 mg, or about 10 mg to about 15 mg.
In some embodiments, the (or each) capsule comprises a core as described above, and a shell. The capsules may each present a crush strength from about 4.5 N to about 40 N, from about 5 N to about 30 N or from about 5 N to about 28 N (for instance about 9.8 N to about 24.5 N). The capsule burst strength of each capsule can be measured when said capsule is removed from the body of material 6 and using a force gauge to measure the force at which the capsule bursts when pressed between two flat metal plates. A suitable measurement device is the Sauter FK 50 force gauge with a flat headed attachment, which can be used to crush the capsule against a flat, hard surface having a surface similar to the attachment.
The (or each) capsule may be substantially spherical and have a diameter of at least about 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.8 mm or 3.0 mm. The diameter of the (or each) capsule may be less than about 10.0 mm, 8.0 mm, 7.0 mm, 6.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 3.5 mm or 3.2 mm. Illustratively, the capsule diameter may be in the range of about 0.4 mm to about 10.0 mm, about 0.8 mm to about 6.0 mm, about 2.5 mm to about 5.5 mm or about 2.8 mm to about 3.2 mm. In some cases, the (or each) capsule may have a diameter of about 3.0 mm. These sizes are particularly suitable for incorporation of the capsules into an article as described herein.
The cross-sectional area of each capsule at its largest cross sectional area is in some embodiments less than 28% of the cross sectional area of the portion of the mouthpiece 2 in which the capsule is provided, for instance less than 27% or less than 25%. For instance, for a spherical capsule having a diameter of 3.0 mm, the largest cross sectional area of the capsule is 7.07 mm2. For the mouthpiece having a circumference of 21 mm as described herein, the body of material 6 has an outer circumference of 20.8 mm, and the radius of this component will be 3.31 mm, corresponding to a cross sectional area of 34.43 mm2. The capsule cross sectional area is, in this example, 20.5% of the cross-sectional area of the mouthpiece 2. As another example, if a capsule had a diameter of 3.2 mm, its largest cross sectional area would be 8.04 mm2. In this case, the cross sectional area of the capsule would be 23.4% of the cross sectional area of the body of material 6. A capsule with a largest cross sectional area less than 28% of the cross sectional area of the portion of the mouthpiece 2 in which the capsule is provided has the advantage that the pressure drop across the mouthpiece 2 is reduced as compared to capsules with larger cross sectional areas and adequate space remains around the capsule for aerosol to pass without the body of material 6 removing significant amounts of the aerosol mass as it passes through the mouthpiece 2. In some embodiments, first and second capsules are provided, which may be the same size or different sizes.
In the present example the tubular portion 4a and body of material 6 are combined using the second plug wrap 9 which is wrapped around both sections.
The body of material 6 of the article 1″ of
The body of material 6 is disposed at the upstream end 2a of the mouthpiece 2′. The body of material 6 is adjacent to the aerosol generating material 3.
The tubular portion 4a is disposed at the downstream end 2b of the mouthpiece 2″ and thus forms a cavity at the downstream end 2b. The tubular portion 4a is located downstream of the body of material 6. In the present example, the tubular portion 4a is immediately adjacent to the body of material 6.
The tubular portion 4a has an axial length L2 of at least 20 mm, for instance at least 22 mm. In the present example, the axial length L2 of the tubular portion 4a is about 25 mm.
It has been found that the tube having an axial length L2 of at least 20 mm results in significant cooling of the aerosol as it passes through the tubular portion 4a. In addition, as explained previously, the cellulose containing sheet material of the body of material 6 absorbs water from the aerosol. Removing moisture from the aerosol makes the aerosol feel cooler in the user's mouth.
In some embodiments, the tubular portion 4a comprises one or more ventilation holes, which also contribute to cooling of the aerosol.
In some embodiments, the tubular portion 4a is manufactured from paper.
In the present example, the tubular portion 4a and body of material 6 are combined using the second plug wrap 9 which is wrapped around both sections.
The body of material 6 of the article 1′″ of
The tubular element 20 may be, for example, a paper or plastic tube disposed within the body of material 6. The tubular element 20 forms a cavity 21 within the body of material 6. Optionally, the tubular element 20 is located substantially radially centrally within the body of material 6.
In the present example, the cavity 21 extends to the downstream end 2b of the mouthpiece 2′″.
In the present example, the axial length L1 of the body of material 6 is about 10 mm. However, a skilled person will recognize that the body of material 6 may have a different axial length L1. In some embodiments, the length L1 of the body of material 6 is less than about 15 mm. In some embodiments, the length L1 of the body of material 6 is less than about 10 mm. In addition, or as an alternative, the length L1 of the body of material 6 may be at least about 5 mm. In some embodiments, the length L1 of the body of material 6 is at least about 6 mm. In some embodiments, the length L1 of the body of material 6 is from about 5 mm to about 15 mm, from about 6 mm to about 12 mm, or from about 6 mm to about 12 mm. In some embodiments, the length L1 of the body of material 6 is 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm or 10 mm.
In some embodiments, the tubular element 20 has an axial length L3 of at least 4 mm, for instance a length of about 5 mm.
The cavity 21 has been found to promote cooling of the aerosol. The portion 6b of the body of material 6 that surrounds the tubular element 21 has been found to effectively thermally insulate the user's lips from the heat of the aerosol. For example, in embodiments wherein the body of material 6 is manufactured from a sheet material that is arranged into the body of material, it is thought that the multiple layers of the sheet material of the body of material 6 help to insulate the user's lips from the heat of the aerosol. In some embodiments, there may optionally be gaps, for example, air gaps, between the layers of the sheet material that contribute to the insulating effect.
Also, the body of material 6 may be more readily biodegradable than configurations where instead a cellulose acetate tubular portion is provided at the downstream end 2b of the mouthpiece.
The body of material 6 may be manufactured from a multiple length rod 22, as shown in
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 utilized 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2103577.9 | Mar 2021 | GB | national |
| 2109118.6 | Jun 2021 | GB | national |
The present application claims priority to PCT Application No. PCT/GB2022/050662 filed Mar. 15, 2022, which claims priority to Great Britain Application Nos. 2103577.9 filed Mar. 15, 2021 and 2109118.6 filed Jun. 24, 2021, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/GB2022/050662 | 3/15/2022 | WO |
