Patent Application
20250212936
The invention relates to a moisture-impermeable container containing an aerosol-generating material, methods of manufacturing the product and uses thereof.
Aerosol-generating materials for use in a combustible or a non-combustible aerosol provision system may include a variety of different active substances and/or flavours. Factors such as the concentration of volatile active and/or flavour components in the aerosol generating materials and the stability of the aerosol-generating materials will influence the properties of the aerosol generated.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a moisture impermeable container comprising an aerosol-generating material comprising a dried precursor material comprising an extract from a flavour- and/or active-containing plant material.
In some embodiments, the moisture impermeable container is to be opened or removed prior to use of the aerosol-generating material to provide access to the aerosol-generating material.
In some embodiments, the container is selected from the group consisting of a wrapper, pouch, cartridge, capsule and blister.
In some embodiments, the container is configured to be punctured, split or ruptured to provide access to the aerosol-generating material.
In some embodiments, the container comprises a moisture impermeable sheet material.
In some embodiments, the container comprises a rupturable capsule that is configured to rupture upon being compressed or crushed.
In some embodiments, the container comprises a moisture-impermeable material that decomposes upon heating to provide access to the aerosol-generating material.
In some embodiments, the container comprises one or more moisture-impermeable material selected from the group consisting of: a polysaccharide or cellulosic material, or a derivative thereof; a gum; a protein material; a polyol matrix material; a wax; a wax ester; and a polymer
In some embodiments, the container comprises a single chamber containing the aerosol-generating material.
In some embodiments, the container comprises multiple chambers containing the aerosol-generating material.
In some embodiments, the or each chamber contains a portion of aerosol-generating material to provide a single puff of aerosol upon heating.
In some embodiments, the or each chamber contains a portion of aerosol-generating material to provide multiple puffs of aerosol upon heating, optionally wherein the aerosol-generating material provides 6 to 9 puffs of aerosol when heated.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material has a water content of no more than about 5% (calculated on a wet weight basis).
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is in the form of one or more selected from the group consisting of discrete particles, agglomerates or tablets.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises an aerosol-former material.
In some embodiments, the precursor material comprises from about 10 to about 95% by weight extract from a flavour- or active-containing plant material.
In some embodiments, the precursor material comprises from about 1 to about 36 wt % of an aerosol-former material.
In some embodiments, the precursor material comprises from about o to about 40% by weight of an excipient.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises from about 45 to about 99% by weight of the dried extract from the flavour- or active-containing plant material.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises from about 1 to about 34% by weight of an aerosol-former material.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises from about o to about 25% by weight of an excipient.
In some embodiments, the plant material is selected from the group consisting of tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.
In some embodiments, the extract from a flavour- or active-containing plant material is an aqueous extract.
In some embodiments, the extract from a flavour- or active-containing plant material is an aqueous tobacco extract.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises from about 40 to about 99% by weight tobacco solids.
In some embodiments, the container is for use in an aerosol provision system.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a non-combustible aerosol-provision system comprising a container according to the first aspect and a non-combustible aerosol provision device.
In some embodiments, the system is configured to open the container as it is inserted into the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision device includes a means for opening the container by puncturing, splitting or rupturing the container.
In some embodiments, the means for opening the container is actuated by the action of inserting the container into the device.
In some embodiments, the means for opening the container is actuated by the user.
In some embodiments, the system is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material to form a vapour and/or aerosol.
In some embodiments, the system comprises a further aerosol-generating material which is to be heated to form an aerosol and/or vapour, optionally wherein the further aerosol-generating material is a liquid.
In some embodiments, the dried aerosol-generating material is heated by the aerosol and/or vapour generated from the further aerosol-generating material.
In some embodiments, the system includes a means for heating the further aerosol-generating material to form a vapour, but not including a separate means for heating the dried aerosol-generating material.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing a moisture-impermeable container according to the first aspect, comprising:
In some embodiments, the precursor material is dried by spray-drying or freeze-drying.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing a moisture-impermeable container according to the first aspect, comprising:
In some embodiments, the precursor composition and/or the aerosol-generating material comprises an aerosol-former material.
In some embodiments, the method comprises coating the outer surface of the container with a moisture impermeable coating.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to accompanying drawings, in which:
An aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way.
Conventional aerosol-generating materials which comprise tobacco material or a tobacco extract may be used in combustible and non-combustible aerosol-generating devices, including hybrid devices and tobacco heating products, to provide the user with an aerosol with an authentic tobacco taste and texture. One issue encountered with such materials is that the content of the flavour, other volatile compound(s) and nicotine decreases with storage of the aerosol-generating material, dropping off particularly towards the end of the life of the material. This is because the more volatile components, including nicotine and many flavours and aromas, are readily released from the material. Additionally, as the moisture content of the aerosol-generating material increases through moisture absorption, the release of substances such as nicotine and flavours is negatively impacted. Aerosol-generating materials that are produced using conventional methods and procedures commonly need to be used within one to three days of production. There is therefore a need to improve the shelf life of the aerosol generating material.
A further issue associated with conventional aerosol-generating materials comprising tobacco material or a tobacco extract is that the concentration of the desired components such as nicotine and flavours is relatively low. This limits the concentration of these desired components in the aerosol generated. Additionally, this means that a relatively large amount of the aerosol-generating material is needed and, accordingly, high amounts of energy are required to heat the aerosol-generating material in order to release the desired components.
The present invention relates to moisture-impermeable containers comprising a dried or dehydrated aerosol generating material formed from an extract from a flavour- and/or active-containing plant material.
Whilst it is known for some consumables to include a wrapper surrounding the aerosol-generating material, this wrapper is usually paper and does not provide a moisture impermeable container that protects the aerosol-generating material from the moisture in the surrounding environment.
In some embodiments, the extract is a liquid solution or suspension and it may be dried or dehydrated using a process such as spray-drying or freeze-drying. The dried or dehydrated aerosol generating material may be formed from a precursor material comprising the extract from a flavour- and/or active-containing plant material and an aerosol-former material.
The aerosol-generating material comprising the dried extract from a flavour- and/or active-containing plant material comprises a high concentration of the flavour and/or active, with little or no material that does not contribute to the aerosol generated from the dried aerosol-generating material. As such, small amounts of the aerosol-generating material are sufficient to generate aerosol with desired active and flavour content. Further, the aerosol may be generated with the input of relatively low levels of energy.
An additional benefit of the aerosol-generating material being used as a solid substrate is that the low water content reduces issues associated with “hot puff”, which are known in the art.
In some embodiments, the dried aerosol-generating material in the moisture impermeable pack has a moisture content of from o to about 10%, or from o to about 5% (calculated on a wet weight basis), as measured by gas chromatography-thermal conductivity detector (GC-TCD) or Karl Fischer titration. In some embodiments, the moisture content of the dried aerosol-generating material is less than about 3 wt %, for example from about o to about 3 wt %, or from about 0.5 to about 2.5 wt %.
Karl Fischer titration is a classic method of chemical analysis for reliably determining the amount of water in a sample, and even just trace amounts. The method can be readily carried out using an automated Karl Fischer titrator. Similarly, the use of GC-TCD is also a well-established method for reliably determining the water content in a sample.
Unless stated otherwise, references to moisture content herein are references to the moisture content as measured by Karl Fischer titration.
The dried aerosol-generating material may be hygroscopic and so measures need to be taken to ensure that the aerosol-generating material does not absorb moisture during processing, incorporation into a final product and storage in that final product prior to use.
It is not usually necessary for conventional aerosol-generating materials to be protected from the moisture in the surrounding environment. This is because conventional aerosol-generating materials are not hygroscopic and not particularly sensitive to moisture. In addition, humectants such as glycerol are often included in conventional aerosol-generating materials in appropriate amounts in order to target a particular moisture level in the aerosol-generating material. The highly concentrated nature of the dried aerosol-generating material used in the present invention means that the absorption of even small amounts of moisture can be very detrimental to the properties of the aerosol-generating material and to the quality of the aerosol produced. What is more, the absorption of water can occur to such an extent that the dry powder takes on a paste-like consistency, which is undesirable in the compositions and consumables described herein.
Prevention of or reduction in absorption of water by the aerosol-generating material will also help to manage or avoid the phenomenon known as “hot puff”.
In the present disclosure, a moisture-impermeable container is provided, containing the aerosol-generating material. The container prevents exposure of the aerosol-generating material to moisture, thus preventing the absorption of moisture by the aerosol-generating material prior to its use. The container may also be hermetically sealed.
Ideally, the aerosol-generating material will be sealed in the moisture-impermeable container promptly after its manufacture or preparation. Where there is a delay in packaging the aerosol-generating material, the material should be kept in a controlled low-humidity environment.
In some embodiments, the step of packaging a portion of the aerosol-generating material in a moisture-impermeable container is carried out in a controlled low-humidity environment to minimise the moisture absorbed by the aerosol-generating material before it is sealed in the container.
Thus, moisture impermeable containers are provided comprising an aerosol-generating material comprising a dried precursor material comprising an extract from a flavour- and/or active-containing plant material and optionally an aerosol-former material, and a moisture impermeable housing surrounding the aerosol-generating material.
In some embodiments, the hygroscopic aerosol-generating material in the moisture impermeable container has a moisture content of no greater than about 10% or no greater than about 5% (calculated on a wet weight basis), as measured by gas chromatography-thermal conductivity detector (GC-TCD) or Karl Fischer titration. This moisture content is stable, meaning that the moisture content of the aerosol-generating material is within this range not only when it is first prepared, but also after incorporation into the container and following transport and storage. This stable moisture content is observed despite the fact that the hygroscopic aerosol-generating material would rapidly absorb moisture if exposed to the environment, even under “normal” humidity conditions. Indeed, when the aerosol-generating material is described as hygroscopic, this means that it will rapidly absorb water from the surrounding environment to significantly increase its water content. For example, upon exposure of the aerosol-generating material to the environment (for example, upon storage in an open container or the like), the moisture content rapidly increases to above 20% or above 25% (calculated on a wet weight basis), as measured by gas chromatography-thermal conductivity detector (GC-TCD) or Karl Fischer titration.
The moisture-impermeable containers disclosed herein form a moisture impermeable barrier around the aerosol-generating material formed by drying an extract from a flavour- and/or active-containing plant material. This is important as the dried aerosol-generating material has a strong tendency to absorb moisture from its environment, leading to the negative effects discussed above.
It is not usually necessary for conventional aerosol-generating materials to be provided in a moisture-impermeable container to protect them from moisture. This is because conventional aerosol-generating materials are not hygroscopic and not particularly sensitive to moisture. The highly concentrated nature of the dried aerosol-generating material means that the absorption of even small amounts of moisture can be very detrimental to the properties of the aerosol-generating material and to the quality of the aerosol produced.
In some embodiments, the moisture impermeable container is opened or removed prior to use of the aerosol-generating material. This allows access to the aerosol-generating material and enables components released from this material during use to exit the container. For example, in embodiments where the aerosol-generating material is heated to form an aerosol, the container needs to be opened or removed to allow the aerosol to leave the container.
In some embodiments, the moisture impermeable container is selected from the group consisting of a wrapper, pouch, cartridge, pod, capsule and blister. In some embodiments, the container will contain a single consumable and the container will be opened or removed before or during use. In other embodiments, the container contains multiple consumables or portions of the aerosol-generating material. In such embodiments, the container may be configured to be resealable, so that those consumables or portions remaining in the container can continue to be protected from moisture after the container has been opened to remove a consumable or portion.
A wrapper or pouch may be flexible, for example formed from one or more moisture impermeable sheets. The sheets may be bonded to one another to seal the wrapper or pouch once the portion of aerosol-generating material has been added. The wrapper or pouch forms a chamber within which the aerosol-generating material is sealed. In some embodiments, the moisture impermeable sheets are formed from or consist of a moisture impermeable material. For example, the moisture impermeable sheet may comprise or consist of a metal sheet such as an aluminium foil or a high moisture barrier plastic (e.g. ACLAR® (fluoropolymer films that are moisture and nicotine resistant). In other embodiments, the sheet material comprises a moisture-permeable or porous material that is covered or coated with a layer of moisture impermeable material. Such sheets may comprise laminates of materials, such as paper/pulp laminated with moisture resistant material (e.g. varnish). In some embodiments, the flexible sheet does not comprise polypropylene or polystyrene.
The pouch may be provided as a single pouch or as a series of connected pouches, each pouch holding aerosol-generating material to provide a single puff of aerosol or a series of puffs. The plurality of pouches may all hold the same aerosol-generating material or two or more different aerosol-generating materials. The series of connected pouches may be configured to allow a single pouch to be separated from the rest and inserted into an aerosol provision device. Alternatively, the series of connected pouches may be received in the device and sequentially opened and used.
One example of a moisture impermeable pouch is shown in
In other embodiments, the container is a cartridge or blister. The cartridge or blister may comprise a rigid or semi-rigid body, defining an open chamber within which the aerosol-generating material is held. In some embodiments, the rigid or semi-rigid body is moulded. The body may be formed from moisture-impermeable material, such as a suitable polymeric, plastic or metal material. In other embodiments, the body may be formed from moisture-permeable material that is rendered moisture impermeable thanks to a moisture-impermeable cover or coating. For example, the body may comprise moulded paper/pulp, for an environmentally friendly cartridge or blister.
In some embodiments, the cartridge may be moved between an open and a closed and sealed configuration, to allow the aerosol-generating material to be added and then sealed inside the cartridge. Upon use, the cartridge is opened again to allow access to the aerosol-generating material and to allow the aerosol generated upon use to be released.
In some embodiments, the cartridge or blister includes an opening that may be temporarily sealed, for example by a stopper or cover. For example, suitable covers to seal the opening may comprise a sheet material, such as a moisture impermeable sheet material as discussed above. This sheet material may be attached to the edge of the opening, for example using an adhesive or by welding.
The blister may be provided as a single blister or as a plurality of connected blisters, each blister holding aerosol-generating material to provide a single puff of aerosol or a series of puffs. The plurality of blisters may all hold the same aerosol-generating material or two or more different aerosol-generating materials. The plurality of blisters may be configured to allow a single blister to be separated from the rest and inserted into an aerosol provision device. Alternatively, the plurality of connected blisters may be received in the device and sequentially opened and used.
The plurality of blisters may be formed from a single rigid or semi-rigid body shaped to provide a plurality of open chambers, each to hold a portion of aerosol-generating material. The openings of the chambers may be sealed with a single moisture impermeable sheet. The chambers may be arranged in a linear arrangement, or in a circle, or in any other configuration.
One example of a moisture impermeable blister strip is shown in
In further embodiments, the container is a capsule. A capsule may take the form of a rigid or semi-rigid shell, defining a chamber within which the aerosol-generating material is held.
The capsule shell material may, in some cases, be moisture impermeable. In other embodiments, the shell may be coated with a moisture-impermeable coating. In some embodiments, the capsule can be ruptured (i.e. crushed) to open the container and provide access to the contents, and to allow the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material to be released. In such embodiments, the capsule shell material is frangible or breakable. For example, the capsule may be crushed or otherwise fractured or broken by the user to open the container and provided access to its contents.
The crushing of the capsule may, for example, take place before the capsule is inserted into an aerosol-generating device. In some embodiments, the shell can be ruptured under the pressure imposed by the user's fingers (or any other pressure creating means) when the user is ready to use the aerosol-generating contents of the capsule. In some embodiments, the capsule is crushed by the user during use, to give a flavour boost at a point during use of the aerosol-provision system.
In some cases, the capsule may have a crush strength from about 0.8 kp to about 3.5 kp, suitably from about 1.0 kp to about 2.5 kp or from about 1.0 to about 2.0 kp.
In some cases, the capsules described herein 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 capsules 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 capsule may have a diameter of about 3.0 mm to about 3.5 mm.
In some embodiments, the shell comprises from about 5 to about 90% by weight based on the total capsule shell weight of a gelling agent. In some cases, the shell comprises from about 5 to about 60%, from about 5 to about 50% or from about 10 to about 35% by weight based on the total capsule shell weight of the said gelling agent.
Suitable gelling agents which may be included in the capsule shell material may include, without limitation, polysaccharide or cellulosic gelling agents, gelatins, gums, gels, waxes or a mixture thereof. Suitable polysaccharides include alginates, dextrans, maltodextrins, cyclodextrins, carrageenans and pectins. Suitable alginates include, for instance, a salt of alginic acid, an esterified alginate or glyceryl alginate. In some examples, the barrier material comprises sodium alginate and/or calcium alginate. Suitable cellulosic materials include methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate and cellulose ethers. The gelling agent may comprise one or more modified starches. The gelling agent may comprise one or more carrageenans. Suitable gums include agar, gellan gum, gum arabic, pullulan gum, mannan gum, gum ghatti, gum tragacanth, Karaya, locust bean, acacia gum, guar, quince seed and xanthan gums. Suitable gels include agar, agarose, carrageenans, furoidan and furcellaran. Suitable waxes include carnauba wax. In some cases, the gelling agent may comprise carrageenans and/or gellan gum; these gelling agents are particularly suitable for inclusion as the gelling agent as the pressure required to break the resulting capsules is particularly suitable. In some cases, the capsule shell does not comprise gelatin.
The capsule shell may additionally comprise one or more of a bulking agent, a buffer, a colouring agent, and a plasticiser. The plasticiser may be selected from the group consisting of: glycerol, sorbitol, maltitol, triacetin, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol or another polyalcohol with plasticising properties, and optionally one acid of the monoacid, diacid or triacid type, especially citric acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, and the like. In some cases, the amount of plasticiser ranges from about 1% to about 30% by weight, from about 2% to about 15% by weight, or from about 3 to about 10% by weight of the total weight of the shell. In some cases, the total amount in the shell of plasticiser and gelling agent combined is about 40-70%, suitably about 50-60% by weight based on the total capsule shell weight. In some cases, the plasticiser comprises, consists essentially of or consists of glycerol.
The capsule shell may comprise a hydrophobic outer layer which increases the moisture-resistance of the container. The hydrophobic outer layer is suitably selected from the group comprising waxes, especially carnauba wax, candelilla wax or beeswax, carbowax, shellac (in alcoholic or aqueous solution), ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxyl-propylcellulose, latex composition, polyvinyl alcohol, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the at least one moisture barrier agent is ethyl cellulose or a mixture of ethyl cellulose and shellac.
The containers described herein may be opened before the aerosol-generating material held therein is to be used. For example, the user may open the container manually, optionally removing the aerosol-generating material. In other embodiments, the container may be opened as it is inserted into an aerosol-generating device. For example, the device may include a means for puncturing or splitting the pouch and this acts as a result of the action of inserting the container into the device. Alternatively, the opening means may be actuated separately, for example, by the user, when the device is to be used to generate an aerosol.
In other embodiments, the container may open upon exposure to heat. For example, the container or part thereof may decompose upon heating to provide access to the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, an opening in the container body may be closed with a stopper or sheet comprising a material that decomposes when heated. In some embodiments, the container may comprise a porous material that is surrounded by or coated with a moisture impermeable layer that decomposes at a temperature to which the container and aerosol-generating material are exposed during use. As the temperature-sensitive moisture-impermeable material decomposes, the container becomes permeable, allowing the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating material to be released from the container.
In some embodiments, the decomposition of the coating or material on heating involves it losing its physical integrity so that it no longer forms a moisture-impermeable barrier. This may, for example, involve the material melting, crumbling, disintegrating or otherwise breaking down.
Once a material forming at least part of the container is heated to its melting point, it can be expected that the integrity of the moisture impermeable container may be compromised. The materials should therefore be selected so that the moisture impermeable container remains intact when exposed to normal environmental temperatures. Therefore, in some embodiments, the materials used should be ones that form moisture impermeable coatings or parts that are stable at temperatures below 40 or 50° C. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to select a material that will form a moisture impermeable coating or part that remains intact during more extreme temperatures that may be encountered during storage and transport, such as those of 60 to 80° C.
In some embodiments, the container comprises a heat-sensitive moisture impermeable material that becomes permeable when the temperature is raised to about 100 to 110° C., so as to avoid superheating any moisture present in the aerosol-generating material held within the container. In some embodiments, the container opens rapidly upon heating to form an aerosol. This will reduce the likelihood of the container interfering with the volatilisation and the release of the resultant gas or vapour.
In some embodiments, the temperature at which the heat-sensitive moisture impermeable material becomes permeable, for example as a result of decomposition, is at least about 50° C., at least about 60° C., at least about 70° C. at least about 80° C., at least about 90° C., at least about 100° C., at least about 110° C., at least about 120° C. at least about 130° C., at least about 140° C., at least about 150° C., at least about 160° C., at least about 170° C., at least about 180° C., at least about 190° C. or at least about 200° C.
Additionally or alternatively, the temperature at which the heat-sensitive moisture impermeable material becomes permeable, for example as a result of decomposition, is no more than about 280° C., no more than about 270° C., no more than about 260° C., no more than about 250° C., no more than about 240° C., no more than about 230° C., no more than about 220° C., no more than about 210° C. or no more than 200° C., no more than about 190° C., no more than about 180° C., no more than about 170° C., no more than about 160° C., no more than about 150° C., no more than about 140° C., no more than about 130° C., no more than about 120° C., no more than about 110° C., or no more than about 100° C.
In some embodiments, the heat-sensitive moisture impermeable coating or material comprises one or more material selected from: a polysaccharide or cellulosic material, or a derivative thereof; a gum; a protein material; a polyol matrix material; a wax; a wax ester; and a polymer.
Suitable polysaccharides include, for example, agar, agarose, pectin, furoidan, furcellan, alginates, carrageenans, starches, dextrans, maltodextrins and cyclodextrins.
Suitable cellulosic materials include, for example, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB); cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), cellulose acetate trimellitate (CAT) and cellulose acetate succinate (CAS), and cellulose ethers. Suitable modified starches include, for example, high-amylose starches, hydroxypropylated starches, octenyl succinate modified starches, starch esters, and starch-based polyelectrolyte complexes (SPECs). Suitable gums include, for example, gum arabic (acacia gum), guar gum, gum karaya, gum tragacanth, gum ghatti, quince seed gum, locust bean gum and xanthan gum. Suitable proteins include zein and gelatin. Suitable polyol matrixes may be formed from polyvinyl alcohol. Suitable waxes include, for example, palmitic acid, carnauba wax, beeswax, candelilla wax, and paraffin wax. Suitable wax esters include, for example, cetyl palmitate and triacontanyl palmitate. Suitable polymers include, for example, shellac, lignin, polyvinyl alcohol, polyurethane, polymerised, hydrolysed ethylene vinyl acetate, a polyester, a polycarbonate, a polymethacrylate, a polyglycol, polyethylene, polystryrene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride. Suitable co-polymers include, for example, methacrylic acid copolymers, and acrylic acid copolymers.
Where the container comprises a moisture impermeable coating, the coating will be thick enough to confer the desired moisture impermeability. The thickness of the coating may, in some embodiments, further influence the temperature at which the coating becomes permeable and allows volatile components generated by heating the aerosol-generating material to be released from the container.
The thickness of the coating may also, in some embodiments, influence the rate at which the coating becomes permeable once exposed to the temperature of decomposition. This may allow the rate of release of the volatile components from the heated aerosol-generating material to be controlled.
Where multiple containers are provided together, it may be desirable for these to be opened independently of one another, and for each container to remain moisture impermeable until its contents is to be used.
In some embodiments, the container comprises one or more additives that are released upon heating the aerosol-generating and which therefore contribute to the generated aerosol. Such additives may, for example, be included in a coating or sheet material that forms part of the container. In some embodiments, the container comprises an active substance, including one or more of the active substances described elsewhere herein. Additionally or alternatively, the container comprises a flavour, including one or more of the flavours and flavourants described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, the flavour is a hydrophobic flavour. This may mean that the flavour further enhances the moisture-impermeability of the container.
In some cases, the total mass of the aerosol-generating material to be included in the container is up to about 200 mg, up to about 190 mg, up to about 180 mg, up to about 170 mg, up to about 160 mg, up to about 150 mg, up to about 140 mg, up to about 130 mg, up to about 120 mg, up to about 110 mg, up to about 100 mg, up to about 90 mg, up to about 80 mg, up to about 70 mg, up to about 60 mg, or up to about 50 mg.
Alternatively or in addition, the total mass of the dried aerosol generating material included may be at least about 5 mg, at least about 10 mg, at least about 15 mg, at least about 20 mg, at least about 25 mg, at least about 30 mg, at least about 35 mg, at least about 40 mg, at least about 45 mg, or at least about 50 mg.
In some embodiments, the total mass of the dried aerosol-generating material is sufficient to provide aerosol, for example, for up to about 10 puffs to be generated in a single session or over a series of multiple sessions. In such embodiments, the total mass of the dried aerosol-generating material provided is from about 10 to 100 mg, or from about 25 to about 50 mg.
The containers will have suitable dimensions to accommodate this amount of aerosol-generating material, whilst also being of a size that is easy to manufacture and handle.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be incorporated into the container in the absence of any carrier or other substrate material that would need to be heated. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is provided in the form of a loose powder. In other embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is provided in the form of a plurality of beads or granules, or in the form of a single tablet.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is in the form of beads with a size of up to about 4 mm (as measured by sieving). Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-generating material may be in the form of particles or granules that are pressed into a tablet form having a size of from about 1 to about 4 mm.
However, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be applied to a carrier or substrate before being placed in the container. The substrate may, for example, be another, different aerosol-generating material.
The aerosol-generating material comprises a dried extract from a flavour- and/or active-containing plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material further comprises an aerosol-former material.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is formed by drying a precursor material comprising an extract from a flavour- and/or active-containing plant material.
The drying process is selected to retain the desired components of the precursor material and, therefore, the aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours.
In some embodiments, the extract from a flavour- or active-substance containing plant material is an extract derived by contacting the plant material with a suitable solvent, such as an aqueous solvent or an alcohol such as ethanol. The liquid portion comprising the solvent and any dissolved plant components may then be separated or partially separated from the remaining solid plant material to provide the extract to be included in the precursor composition and dried.
In some embodiments, the precursor material further comprises one or more and an aerosol-former material. Additionally or alternatively, one or more aerosol-former materials may be added to the dried precursor material to provide an aerosol-generating material with the desired aerosol-former material content.
The precursor material and/or the dried aerosol-generating material may also optionally include one or more other functional materials.
Therefore, the aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, and, optionally, one or more aerosol-former materials. The precursor material and/or the dried aerosol-generating material may also optionally include one or more other functional materials.
The invention enjoys the advantage of an aerosol-generating material that is formulated to have an increased shelf life and so it may be easily transported and stored. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is hypothesised that the low water content of the dried aerosol-generating material reduces evaporation over time of other solvents, and reduces degradation of nicotine and/or other volatile compounds. A low water content also inhibits microbial growth. The compositions comprising the dried aerosol-generating materials described herein are stable at a range of temperatures and humidities and have an increased shelf-life, and are therefore easy to store and transport. In some embodiments, the compositions may be stored at temperatures in the range of 0-35° C. In some embodiments, the compositions may be stored at a relative humidity of up to about 50% prior to use, and possibly as high as 90% RH.
The aerosol-generating materials also have the advantage of having a high concentration of the desired components. This means that relatively small amounts of the aerosol-generating material are required and less energy is required to heat and release the desired components. Significantly, the aerosols generated from these materials also provide an authentic tobacco taste of reasonable strength.
A further advantage of the aerosol-generating materials is that they may be used as a solid aerosol-generating substrate in Hybrid systems or Tobacco Heating Products (THPs). This makes the invention versatile enough to be used in a range of products without the need for further processing.
In some embodiments, the extract from a flavour- or active-substance containing plant material is an extract derived from tobacco material.
The tobacco extract or material may be from or may be any type of tobacco and any part of the tobacco plant, including tobacco lamina, stem, stalk, ribs, scraps and shorts or mixtures of two or more thereof. Suitable tobacco extracts or materials include the following types: Virginia or flue-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco, Oriental tobacco, or blends of tobacco materials, optionally including those listed here. The tobacco may be expanded, such as dry-ice expanded tobacco (DIET), or processed by any other means.
In some embodiments, the tobacco material may be reconstituted tobacco material. The tobacco may be pre-processed or unprocessed, and may be, for instance, solid stems (SS); shredded dried stems (SDS); steam treated stems (STS); or any combination thereof. The tobacco material may be fermented, cured, uncured, toasted, or otherwise pre-treated. 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) for example. 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.
The precursor material which is dried to form the aerosol-generating material may comprise at least about 10 wt %, at least about 15 wt %, at least about 20 wt %, at least about 25 wt %, at least about 30 wt %, at least about 35 wt %, or at least about 40 wt % tobacco solids (calculated on a wet weight basis). Additionally or alternatively, the precursor material may comprise up to about 60 wt %, up to about 55 wt %, up to about 50 wt %, up to about 45 wt %, or up to about 40 wt % tobacco solids (calculated on a wet weight basis). In some embodiments, the precursor material comprises from about 20 wt % to about 40 wt % tobacco solids (calculated on a wet weight basis).
In some embodiments, the precursor material comprises at least about 10 wt %, about 20 wt %, at least about 30 wt %, at least about 40 wt %, at least about 50 wt %, at least about 60 wt %, at least about 70 wt %, at least about 80 wt %, or at least about 90 wt % extract from a tobacco or other flavour- or active-substance containing plant material (calculated on a wet weight basis). Alternatively or additionally, precursor material may comprise up to about 99 wt %, up to about 90 wt %, up to about 80 wt %, up to about 70 wt % or up to about 60 wt % extract from tobacco or other flavour- or active-substance containing plant material (calculated on a wet weight basis). In some embodiments, the precursor material comprises around 50 wt % tobacco extract (calculated on a wet weight basis).
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise at least about 45 wt %, at least about 50 wt %, at least about 60 wt %, at least about 70 wt %, at least about 80 wt %, at least about 90 wt %, or at least about 95 wt % tobacco material or tobacco extract, or flavour- or active-substance containing plant material extract (calculated on a dry weight basis). In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise about 60 to about 80 wt % tobacco extract (calculated on a dry weight basis).
In some embodiments, the dried aerosol-generating material may comprise from about 2 wt % to about 10 wt % of nicotine, or from about 3 to about 6 wt % of nicotine (calculated on a dry weight basis).
In some embodiments, the precursor material comprises around 50 v/v % tobacco extract. Where the precursor material comprises around 50 v/v % tobacco extract and the tobacco extract has a tobacco solid content of between about 55 and about 60 v/v %, the overall tobacco solid content of the precursor material is from about 27.5 to about 30 v/v %.
In some embodiments, the tobacco extract has a solids content of between about 40 and about 65 wt %, between about 45 and about 65 wt %, or between about 40 and about 60 wt % (calculated on a wet weight basis). In some embodiments, the water content of the tobacco extract is between about 35 wt % and about 65 wt %, or between about 35 and about 55 wt % (calculated on a wet weight basis). In some embodiments, the nicotine content of the tobacco extract is between about 1 wt % and about 5 wt % (calculated on a wet weight basis).
In some embodiments, the dried aerosol-generating material may comprise at least about 45 wt %, at least about 50 wt %, at least about 60 wt %, at least about 70 wt %, at least about 80 wt %, at least about 90 wt %, or at least about 95 wt % tobacco solids (calculated on a dry weight basis). Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol-generating material may comprise up to about 99 wt %, up to about 98 wt %, up to about 95 wt %, up to about 90 wt % or up to about 80 wt %. In some embodiments, the dried aerosol-generating material may comprise about 60 to about 80 wt % tobacco solids (calculated on a dry weight basis).
In some embodiments, the tobacco extract is an aqueous tobacco extract. In some embodiments, the tobacco extract may be concentrated and subsequently diluted before being added to the precursor material and dried. In other embodiments, the tobacco extract is not concentrated and may be used directly in the precursor material.
The precursor material may be in the form of a slurry, a suspension, a gel, a liquid or a solid, but in some embodiments which may be preferred, it is in the form of a suspension or liquid. In some embodiments, particles of solid material may be removed from the extract and/or from the precursor material by filtration and/or centrifugation.
In some embodiments, it may be desirable for any particles in the precursor composition to have an average particle size of no greater than about 3 mm, of no greater than 1 mm, of no greater than about 0.5 mm, or to have an average particle size of no greater than about 0.3 mm, when measured by sieving or by observing the size of the particles by SEM.
The water content of the precursor material may be at least about 20 wt %, at least about 30 wt %, at least about 40 wt %, at least about 50 wt %, at least about 60 wt %, at least about 70 wt %, at least about 80 wt %, or at least about 90 wt % on a wet weight basis. Alternatively or additionally, the water content of the precursor material may be up to about 95 wt %, up to about 90 wt %, up to about 85 wt %, up to about 80 wt %, up to about 75 wt %, up to about 70 wt %, up to about 65 wt %, up to about 60 wt %, up to about 55 wt % or up to about 50 wt % on a wet weight basis. In some embodiments, the water content of the precursor material is between about 40 and about 50 wt % on a wet weight basis (50% and 60 v/v %). When the precursor material has a lower water content, the spray/freeze-drying process is quicker, as there is less water to remove.
In some embodiments, the dried aerosol-generating material and/or the precursor material comprises one or more active substance. This may be derived from the extract or it may be added. In some embodiments, the extract from a flavour- or active-substance containing plant material comprises an active substance.
The active substance 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 and psychoactives. 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.
In some embodiments, the precursor material may comprise an extract from other botanical source(s) along with or instead of the tobacco extract.
As noted herein, the extract 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. The extract may comprise or be derived from botanicals 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 extract comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.
In some embodiments, the extract comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof selected from rooibos and fennel.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material and/or the precursor material comprises one or more cannabinoid compounds selected from the group consisting of: cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM) and cannabielsoin (CBE), cannabicitran (CBT).
The aerosol-generating material and/or the precursor material may comprise one or more cannabinoid compounds selected from the group consisting of cannabidiol (CBD) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
The aerosol-generating material and/or the precursor material may comprise cannabidiol (CBD).
The aerosol-generating material and/or the precursor material may comprise nicotine and cannabidiol (CBD).
The aerosol-generating material and/or the precursor material may comprise nicotine, cannabidiol (CBD), and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
The aerosol-generating material further comprises an aerosol-former material. In some embodiments, this aerosol-former material is included in the precursor material.
The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. The aerosol-former may be, for instance, a polyol aerosol generator or a non-polyol aerosol generator. It may be a solid or liquid at room temperature, but preferably is a liquid at room temperature.
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.
In some embodiments, the aerosol former comprises one or more polyhydric alcohols, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and/or aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material comprises one or more compounds selected from erythritol, propylene glycol, glycerol, vegetable glycerine (VG), triacetin, sorbitol and xylitol.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material comprises, consists essentially of or consists of glycerol. Glycerol provides a visible aerosol when the aerosol-generation device is used. It is common that consumers like the aerosol generating device to provide a visible aerosol, as this enables the consumer to visualise the product and what they are consuming. This makes glycerol a desirable choice for aerosol former material. Propylene glycol has the benefit that it is a better flavour carrier than glycerol.
A combination of two or more aerosol forming agents may be used, in equal or differing proportions.
In some embodiments, the precursor material comprises at least about 1 wt %, at least about 5 wt %, at least about 10 wt %, or at least about 20 wt % aerosol-former material (calculated on a wet weight basis). Additionally or alternatively, the precursor material may comprise up to about 40 wt %, up to about 35, up to about 30 wt %, up to about 25 wt %, up to about 20 wt %, or up to about 10 wt % aerosol-former material (calculated on a wet weight basis).
In embodiments of the invention in which the aerosol-former material is glycerol, the precursor material may comprise at most 36 wt % of glycerol. The inventors have demonstrated that dry weight inclusion levels up to 36 wt % (calculated on a dry weight basis) of aerosol-former material are possible.
The amount of glycerol in the precursor material, and therefore the dried aerosol material, is important because it is both an aerosol-forming material and also a plasticizer. If the concentration of glycerol it too high, it may be detrimental to a critical temperature of the product during the freeze-drying process and may result in collapse of the product if the critical temperature of the formulation is exceeded. On the other hand, sufficient glycerol should be included to provide the consumer with an adequate and pleasing aerosol.
As glycerol and some other aerosol-former materials are considered to have anti-freeze properties, it is particularly surprising that it is possible to freeze-dry a precursor material comprising such materials. Nevertheless, the inventors have discovered that precursor materials comprising glycerol may be freeze dried to form a highly useful aerosol-generating material.
In some embodiments, the dried aerosol-generating material may comprise at least about 1 wt %, at least about 5 wt %, at least about 10 wt %, at least about 20 wt %, at least about 30 wt %, or at least about 40 wt % aerosol-former material (calculated on a dry weight basis).
In some embodiments, the dried aerosol-generating material may comprise from about 1 to about 34 wt %, or from about 17 to about 34 wt % aerosol-former material (calculated on a dry weight basis). In some embodiments in which the aerosol-former material is glycerol, the dried aerosol-generating material may comprise from about 13 to about 34 wt % glycerol (calculated on a dry weight basis).
In embodiments in which Burley tobacco is used, the aerosol-generating material may comprise from about 17 to about 36 wt % of glycerol. The amount of glycerol in the aerosol material is important because it is both an aerosol-forming material and a plasticizer. If the concentration of glycerol is too high, it may be detrimental to the critical temperature of the product during the freeze-drying process and may result in collapse of the product if a critical temperature of the formulation is exceeded. On the other hand, sufficient glycerol should be included to provide the consumer with an adequate and pleasing aerosol.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material and/or the precursor material further comprises one or more excipients. In some embodiments, the excipient stabilises and preserves the precursor material and the inventors have found the inclusion of an excipient especially important for stability when the precursor material comprised glycerol as the aerosol-forming material. The excipient may also act as a bulking agent or a filler material. In some embodiments, the inclusion of an excipient may also improve the handleability of the dried aerosol-generating material, helping it to retain its granular form by helping to reduce moisture uptake and the resulting increase in tackiness of the material. The presence of an excipient may also have an effect on the speed of (freeze) drying.
Suitable excipients include mannitol, sucrose, trehalose, lactose, sorbitol, raffinose, maltose, Dextran 10, Dextran 70, Dextran 90, maltodextrin, gelatin, agar, cyclodextrins, and polyethylene glycols such as PEG 2000-6000, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP 10k).
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material and/or the precursor material comprises one or more excipients in an amount of from o to about 40 wt % on a wet weight basis. In some embodiments, the precursor material may comprise at least about 1 wt %, at least about 10 wt %, at least about 20 wt %, at least about 30 wt %, and/or up to about 40 wt %, up to about 30%, up to about 20 wt %, or up to about 10 wt % excipient on a wet weight basis.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise at least about 0.1 wt %, at least about 10 wt %, at least about 20 wt %, or at least about 25 wt % excipient (calculated on a dry weight basis). In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise up to about 25%, up to about 20 wt %, up to about 15 wt %, or up to about 10 wt % excipient (calculated on a dry weight basis).
In an exemplary embodiment, the aerosol-generating material comprises about 36 wt % glycerol, about 45 wt % tobacco extract, and about 19 wt % excipient on a dry weight basis.
In another exemplary embodiment, the aerosol-generating material comprises from about 17 to about 39 wt % glycerol, from about 41 to about 76 wt % tobacco extract, and from o to about 28 wt % excipient on a dry weight basis.
In embodiments in which the excipient is agar, the precursor material may comprise o wt %, about 5 wt %, or about 10 wt % agar. The inventors have found that agar makes the precursor material more viscous and that the freeze-drying process is easier when the precursor material comprises a lower concentration of the agar excipient.
In some embodiments, the precursor material comprises about 50 wt % tobacco extract, from o to about 36 wt % aerosol forming agent (for example, from o to about 15 v/v %) and from o to about 40 wt % (for example, about 37.5 v/v %) excipient. The tobacco extract may comprise about 55 wt % tobacco solids and the overall tobacco solids content of the precursor material is about 27.5 wt %.
In some embodiments, the precursor material comprises about 50 wt % tobacco extract, up to about 36 wt % (for example, about 15 v/v %) glycerol and from o to about 40 wt % (for example, about 37.5 v/v %) excipient. The tobacco extract may comprise about 55 wt % tobacco solids and the overall tobacco solids content of the precursor material is about 27.5 wt %.
Some sample formulations of dried aerosol-generating materials formed from aqueous tobacco extracts are summarised in Table 1 below, with the amounts provided on a dry weight basis. These are theoretical values (before drying and inherent losses). Typically from about 80 to 89% of the glycerol is retained flowing the drying. Glycerol may be used as an aerosol-former material, but can be replaced or partially replaced with one or more other aerosol-former material such as those disclosed herein. The excipient used may be a dextran such as Dextran 70. Again, this may be replaced or partially replaced with alternative excipients, such as those disclosed herein.
The percentage content of nicotine in the formulation will depend on the type of tobacco used, and the presence of other components, i.e. the aerosol-former and the excipient.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material and/or the precursor material comprises one or more binders. In some embodiments the one or more binder is selected from the group consisting of: thermoreversible gelling agents, such as gelatin;
starches; polysaccharides; pectins; celluloses; cellulose derivatives, such as carboxymethylcellulose; and alginates.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material and/or the precursor material comprises one or more flavour-modifier, flavour or flavourant. This may be derived from the extract or it may be added. 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.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material and/or the precursor material comprises one or more other functional materials, which may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material and/or the precursor material contains a filler component. The filler component is generally a non-tobacco component, that is, a component that does not include ingredients originating from tobacco. In some embodiments, the precursor material comprises less than 60 wt % of a filler, such as from 1 wt % to 60 wt %, or 5 wt % to 50 wt %, or 5 wt % to 30 wt %, or 10 wt % to 20 wt % on a wet weight basis.
The filler, if present, may comprise one or more inorganic filler materials such as calcium carbonate, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulphate, magnesium carbonate, and suitable inorganic sorbents, such as molecular sieves. The filler may comprise one or more organic filler materials such as wood pulp, hemp fibre, cellulose and cellulose derivatives.
In some embodiments, the dried aerosol-generating material is in the form of a gel. A gelling agent may be added to the aerosol-generating material, the precursor material or may be optionally omitted. The gelling agent may comprise one or more compounds selected from cellulosic gelling agents, non-cellulosic gelling agents, guar gum, acacia gum and mixtures thereof.
In some embodiments, the cellulosic gelling agent is selected from the group consisting of: hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP) and combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises (or is) one or more of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), carboxymethylcellulose, guar gum, or acacia gum.
In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises (or is) one or more non-cellulosic gelling agents, including, but not limited to, agar, xanthan gum, gum arabic, guar gum, locust bean gum, pectin, carrageenan, starch, alginate, and combinations thereof. In preferred embodiments, the non-cellulose based gelling agent is alginate or agar.
The aerosol-generating material and/or the precursor material may comprise an acid. The acid may be an organic acid. In some of these embodiments, the acid may be at least one of a monoprotic acid, a diprotic acid and a triprotic acid. In some such embodiments, the acid may contain at least one carboxyl functional group. In some such embodiments, the acid may be at least one of an alpha-hydroxy acid, carboxylic acid, dicarboxylic acid, tricarboxylic acid and keto acid. In some such embodiments, the acid may be an alpha-keto acid.
In some such embodiments, the acid may be at least one of succinic acid, lactic acid, benzoic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, levulinic acid, acetic acid, malic acid, formic acid, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, propanoic and pyruvic acid. In some embodiments, the acid is selected from one of lactic acid, benzoic acid and levulinic acid.
In other embodiments the acid may be an inorganic acid. In some of these embodiments the acid may be a mineral acid. In some such embodiments, the acid may be at least one of sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, boric acid and phosphoric acid.
The inclusion of an acid may be beneficial in embodiments in which the aerosol-generating material and/or the precursor material comprises nicotine. In such embodiments, the presence of an acid may stabilise dissolved species in the slurry from which the aerosol-generating material is formed. The presence of the acid may reduce or substantially prevent evaporation of nicotine during drying of the slurry, thereby reducing loss of nicotine during manufacturing.
In certain embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises a gelling agent comprising a cellulosic gelling agent and/or a non-cellulosic gelling agent, an active substance and an acid.
The dried aerosol-generating material may be in any solid form. For example, the aerosol-generating material may be in the form of particles, granules or powder. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a monolithic form, tablet, agglomerate or “cake”. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material formed by freeze- or spray-drying and is then processed with other suitable steps as required and known to the person skilled in the art to provide the dried material in the desired form, for example in the form of particles of the desired size(s).
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is in the form of granules. The granules may be of any size, cross-sectional shape or mass. The aerosol-generating material in the form of granules is advantageous due to the high surface area to volume ratio, which positively impacts the release of volatiles from the material. This form also facilitates incorporation of the material into an aerosol provision system.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is free-flowing and non-sticky, and this aids the further processing and handling of the aerosol-generating material.
Smaller granule particles have a greater surface area to volume ratio and they may therefore exhibit enhanced release of tobacco constituents compared to particles of larger sizes.
In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the particles in the precursor composition, to have an average particle size of no greater than about 3 mm, of no greater than 1 mm, of no greater than about 0.5 mm, or to have an average particle size of no greater than about 0.3 mm, when measured by sieving.
In some embodiments, the average particle size is within the range of about 0.1 to about 3 mm, of about 0.1 to about 1 mm, of about 0.1 to about 0.5 mm, of about 0.1 to about 0.4 mm, or in the range of about 0.2 to about 0.3 mm. In some embodiments, at least about 90% of the particles of the precursor composition will have a particle size within the range of about 0.1 to about 3 mm, or of about 0.1 to about 1 mm, or of about 0.1 to about 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, at least about 90% of the tobacco particles of the precursor composition will have a particle size within the range of about 0.1 to about 3 mm, or of about 0.1 to about 1 mm, or of about 0.1 to 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, none of the particles in the precursor composition have a particle size greater than 5 mm, greater than 4 mm, greater than 2 mm, greater than 1.5 mm, or greater than about 1 mm. In some embodiments, the average particle size is less than 1 mm.
When preparing the precursor compositions to be dried, the particle size of any solid material present may be reduced by grinding, shredding, cutting or crushing plant material. Suitable machinery to create such plant particles includes, for example, shredders, cutters, or mills, such as hammer mills, roller mills or other types of commercially available milling machinery. The size of the plant particles is selected to provide particles which can be readily prepared from a variety of different types of plant material, having the properties described herein, and which provide a source of plant constituents that are readily released.
Particles of the aerosol-generating material of a smaller size may be advantageous for aerosol generation. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, smaller particles may have a greater surface area to volume ratio, which may improve aerosol generation. In some embodiments, the dried aerosol-generating material readily forms particles with an average size of smaller than 1 mm. In some embodiments, the particles may be as small as 10 μm or even as small as 1 μm. The size of the particles may be determined by sieving or by observing the particles by SEM.
In some embodiments, the freeze dried precursor material is ground into particles and may be sieved to exclude particles that are considered too small or too large to be used as aerosol-generating material.
In some embodiments, aerosol-generating material used in the present invention has a particle size distribution D10 from about 5 to about 25 μm (meaning that 10% of the particles in the tested sample are smaller than the value), a particle size distribution D50 from about 30 to about 200 μm (meaning that 50% of the particles in the tested sample are smaller than the value), and a particle size distribution D90 from about 500 to about 2500 μm (meaning that 90% of the particles in the tested sample are smaller than the value). These values are determined using particle size analyser Microtrac CamSizer® X2. Percentages referred to here are volume percentages.
In some embodiments, the freeze dried material used as the aerosol-generating material according to the present invention has a particle size distribution D10 from about 8 to about 15 μm, a particle size distribution D50 from about 50 to about 150 μm, and a particle size distribution D90 from about 900 to about 1700 μm.
In some embodiments, the D10 mean is from about 10 to about 15 μm, the D50 mean from about 40 to about 140 μm and the D90 mean from about 800 to about 1600 μm.
The drying methods used to dry the precursor material may be any suitable drying process, including freeze-drying or spray-drying processes. The drying process used must be compatible with the precursor material and the desired make-up of the aerosol-generating material. As it may be desirable for the aerosol-generating material to include active and/or flavour substances derived from the extract in the precursor material, it is important to select a drying method that will retain a sufficient amount of these components.
In small scale examples, the precursor material is freeze-dried using freeze-drying microscopy, for example using a Lyostat freeze-drying microscope.
In a spray-drying process, the precursor material is sprayed and rapidly dried using a hot gas. The use of spray drying provides several advantages to the present invention: the dry particle size can be controlled and may be consistent; tobacco or flavour extracts or materials are heat sensitive but can still be spray-dried at relatively high inlet temperatures; a short residence time in the spray-drying equipment is required; and minimal loss of flavour/volatiles. This makes the process adaptable to reduce loss of volatile compounds and maintain the desired flavour of the aerosol generating material.
Freeze-drying, also known as lyophilisation or cryodesiccation, is a process in which the precursor material is frozen, the temperature lowered and the water is removed via sublimation under reduced pressure conditions. Without wishing to be bound by any specific theory, it is believed that the low processing temperatures and rapid water loss via sublimation avoid changes in the aerosol-generating material's structure, appearance and characteristics. This process preserves the structure of the precursor material, and reduces the loss and decomposition of volatile flavour compounds.
The dried aerosol-generating material has a lower water content than the precursor material. The water content of the aerosol-generating material may be at most about 0.5 wt %, about 1 wt %, about 2%, about 5 wt %, about 10 wt %, or about 20 wt % (calculated on a wet weight basis). The water content of the dried aerosol-generating material may be reduced from the precursor material by at least about 50 wt %, about 60 wt %, about 70 wt %, about 80 wt %, about 90 wt %, about 95 wt %, about 98 wt %, or by about 100 wt %. In some embodiments the dried aerosol-generating material has a water content of less than about 5 wt %, less than about 4 wt %, less than about 3 wt %, less than about 2 wt % or less than about 1 wt % (calculated on a wet weight basis), as measured by gas chromatography-thermal conductivity detector (GC-TCD) or Karl Fischer measurement.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the precursor material comprises Burley tobacco extract and a water content of 60 wt %. After the freeze-drying operation described herein, the dried aerosol generating material has a water content of 3 wt %.
A lower water content of the dried aerosol-generating material is associated with longer shelf-life and stability. However, very low water content may be associated be a brittle structure and a smaller particle size, as well as taking longer to process. The material is also very hygroscopic. If the water content of the dried aerosol-generating material is too high on the other hand, the desired increased stability may not be achieved. The dried aerosol-generating material may also not be as easy to handle with higher water content, with the material becoming sticky.
The inventors have found that when the precursor material comprises an excipient, the precursor material may be better suited to being dried via spray-drying (compared to a precursor material without an excipient). Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is speculated that increasing the amount of the excipient in the precursor material raises the glass transition temperature to above 100° C. and this affects the physical properties of the material, making it more suitable for spray drying.
In some embodiments, the precursor material may be placed in the container and dried in situ, to form the aerosol-generating material in the container which is subsequently sealed. In such embodiments, the preferred drying process may be freeze-drying. This in situ drying of the precursor material may minimise the exposure of the aerosol-generating material to moisture before the container is opened just before or during use.
The containers comprising the aerosol-generating material may be used in combustible or non-combustible aerosol provision systems, or in an aerosol-free delivery system.
In some embodiments, the container may hold, in addition to the aerosol-generating material, a further, different aerosol-generating material, such as tobacco material in the form of cut rag or reconstituted tobacco material.
In some embodiments, the container may hold, in addition to the aerosol-generating material, a heating material that comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: an electrically-conductive material, a magnetic material, and a magnetic electrically-conductive material. In some embodiments, the heating material may comprise a metal or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the heating material may comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: aluminium, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, plain-carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, copper, and bronze.
In some embodiments, the heating material may be heated by induction heating. Induction heating is a process in which an electrically-conductive object is heated by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. In some embodiments, the heating material may be heated by resistive heating. In such embodiments, the heating material is connected to a power supply. Alternatively, the heating may be microwave heating or infrared heating.
In some embodiments, the containers are used as a consumable or are included in a consumable.
A consumable is an article comprising aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. In this case, the aerosol-generating material, or at least some of the aerosol-generating material, is provided in a container as disclosed herein.
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.
One example of a consumable comprising a moisture impermeable capsule is shown in
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. The heater may, in some embodiments, be provided within the container with the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the heater may form part of the housing of the container.
In some embodiments, at least part of the container is made from a thermally conductive material to enhance the heating of the aerosol-generating material held within it.
The consumable may be any shape or size that is appropriate to the smoking device. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the consumable is a rod shape.
In some embodiments, the container comprising an aerosol-generating material is provided in an aerosol-generating device such as a tobacco-heating product (THP) or hybrid e-cigarette product. Advantageously, the container may be used directly as a solid substrate and the container is directly heated without burning to provide an inhalable aerosol.
In some embodiments, heating the container will first cause a moisture-impermeable material or coating to decompose, to breach the barrier it forms around the aerosol-generating material. Then, the aerosolised components of the aerosol-generating material, for example the glycerol, nicotine and/or tobacco flavour will be released.
In some embodiments, inserting the container into the aerosol-generating device will result in the container being opened to provide access to the aerosol-generating material. For example, the act of insertion may result in the actuation of a means for opening the container. In different embodiments, the container is opened after having been inserted into the device. In such embodiments, the means for opening the container may be actuated, for example by the user.
The means for opening the container may involve the application of a compressive force, for example, to rupture the container or a part thereof. Alternatively, the means for opening the container may comprise one or more sharp protrusion within the device that is forced into contact with the container to rupture, puncture or split it. One or more openings may be created in the container.
At the point when then container is opened, the aerosol-generating material will no longer be protected by the housing and it will be able to absorb moisture from the environment to which it is exposed.
As the container protects the moisture sensitive aerosol-generating material, it is not necessary for the container or the consumable to be stored in reduced humidity conditions prior to use.
In some embodiments, the total mass of the dried aerosol generating material included for use in a delivery system is up to about 200 mg, up to about 190 mg, up to about 180 mg, up to about 170 mg, up to about 160 mg, up to about 150 mg, up to about 140 mg, up to about 130 mg, up to about 120 mg, up to about 110 mg, up to about 100 mg, up to about 90 mg, up to about 80 mg, up to about 70 mg, up to about 60 mg, or up to about 50 mg.
Alternatively or in addition, the total mass of the dried aerosol generating material included may be at least about 5 mg, at least about 10 mg, at least about 15 mg, at least about 20 mg, at least about 25 mg, at least about 30 mg, at least about 35 mg, at least about 40 mg, at least about 45 mg, or at least about 50 mg.
In some embodiments, the total mass of the dried aerosol-generating material is sufficient to provide aerosol, for example, for up to about 10 puffs to be generated in a single session or over a series of multiple sessions. In such embodiments, the total mass of the dried aerosol-generating material provided is from about 10 to 100 mg, or from about 25 to about 50 mg.
The delivery systems described herein can be combustible aerosol provision systems, non-combustible aerosol provision systems or an aerosol-free delivery systems.
As used herein, the term “delivery 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 and may be a composition comprising an aerosol-generating material and a moisture impermeable coating. 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 a container comprising an 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 a composition comprising an aerosol-generating material and a moisture impermeable coating 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 a composition comprising an aerosol-generating material and a moisture impermeable coating, 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.
The device 100 comprises a housing 102 (in the form of an outer cover) which surrounds and houses various components of the device 100. The device 100 has an opening 104 in one end, through which the article 110 may be inserted for heating by a heating assembly. In use, the article 110 may be fully or partially inserted into the heating assembly where it may be heated by one or more components of the heater assembly. The article 110 is illustrated having a rod-shape, like the consumable 20 illustrated in
The device 100 of this example comprises a first end member 106 which comprises a lid 108 which is moveable relative to the first end member 106 to close the opening 104 when no article 110 is in place. In
The device 100 may also include a user-operable control element 112, such as a button or switch, which operates the device 100 when pressed. For example, a user may turn on the device 100 by operating the switch 112. This switch may also actuate the means for opening the container inserted into the device, in readiness for its use.
The device 100 may also comprise an electrical component, such as a socket/port 114, which can receive a cable to charge a battery of the device 100. For example, the socket 114 may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port.
In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material provided within a container, and optionally another aerosol-generating material that may or may not be heated. As appropriate, the aerosol-generating material in the container and any other aerosol-generating 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.
The invention enjoys the advantage of longer shelf life than other tobacco extracts.
The nicotine content of the precursor and aerosol-generating material after the freeze drying process has been calculated, providing an indication of the amount of nicotine retained following the processing. Compared to the original tobacco extract, the nicotine recovery of the dried aerosol generating material is at least about 76 wt % on a dry weight basis. The nicotine recovery of the dried aerosol generating material compared to the original tobacco extract may be at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, or at least about 90% on a dry weight basis.
The glycerol content of the precursor and dried aerosol-generating material after the freeze drying process has been calculated, providing an indication of the amount of glycerol retained following the processing. Compared to the precursor material, the glycerol recovery of the dried aerosol generating material is at least about 85%. The glycerol recovery of the dried aerosol generating material compared to the precursor material may be at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90% at least about 95% on a dry weight basis.
In addition, once surrounded by the moisture impermeable coating, the content of volatile components such as nicotine and flavours, and the content of the aerosol-forming material in the aerosol-generating material will be maintained until the composition is heated to generate an aerosol. This will be even without packaging or other protection from exposure to moisture.
In a first test, the precursor material comprised essentially of aqueous tobacco extract, and glycerol. The aqueous tobacco extract was diluted further with glycerol up to about 24 wt % (calculated on a dry weight basis). The Burley aqueous tobacco extract had a tobacco solid content of about 40 wt %, and a water content of about 60 wt %. The precursor material was dried via freeze drying.
In a further test, the precursor material comprised essentially of aqueous tobacco extract, glycerol and Dextran 70. The glycerol content was about o to about 15 v/v %, or up to about 36 wt % calculated on a dry weight basis. The precursor material was dried via freeze drying.
To assess potential containers to be used in this invention, an amount of the aerosol-generating materials of Examples 1 or 2 is placed in a moisture-impermeable container and weighed. Next the container is exposed to a relative humidity of 90%. After a period of 10 days, the container is weighed again and any increase in the weight may be attributed to absorption of moisture from the environment by the aerosol-generating material. A fully moisture-impermeable container will exhibit no weight change.
The freeze-dried material of Example 1 or Example 2 is ground to provide a loose powder with an average size of from about 1 mm to about 3 mm. Under nitrogen, 50 mg of the powder is then placed inside the chamber of a blister and the opening of the blister is then sealed with a sheet of ACLAR® 0.33C film (a copolymer film consisting primarily of chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) and having a thickness of 199 μm).
A tablet is formed by pressing 100 mg of the freeze-dried material of Example 1 or Example 2. Under nitrogen, this tablet is then placed inside an open pouch formed by folding an aluminium sheet and sealing along two edges. Then, the pouch is closed by sealing along the open edge.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2204794.8 | Apr 2022 | GB | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/GB2023/050847 | 3/31/2023 | WO |
