Patent Application
20240373911
The present invention relates to a mouthpiece for use in an aerosol provision system, an article comprising such a mouthpiece, and an aerosol provision system including an article with such a mouthpiece.
Certain tobacco industry products produce an aerosol during use, which is inhaled by a user. For example, tobacco heating devices heat an aerosol generating material such as tobacco to form an aerosol by heating or burning the material. Such tobacco industry products commonly include mouthpieces through which the aerosol passes to reach the user's mouth.
In accordance with embodiments of the invention, in a first aspect there is provided a mouthpiece for use in an aerosol provision system, the mouthpiece comprising: two or more cylindrical sections circumscribed with a first, inner wrapper and a second, outer wrapper; wherein the first wrapper is a high wet strength wrapper having a wet tensile strength of greater than 3 Newton per 15 millimeters.
In accordance with embodiments of the invention, in a second aspect there is provided a mouthpiece for use in an aerosol provision system, the mouthpiece comprising: two or more cylindrical sections circumscribed with a first, inner wrapper and a second, outer wrapper; wherein the first wrapper is a high wet strength wrapper having a wet tensile strength of greater than 3 Newton per 15 millimeters; and the second wrapper is a porous wrapper.
In accordance with embodiments of the invention, in a third aspect there is provided a mouthpiece for use in an aerosol provision system, the mouthpiece comprising: two or more cylindrical sections circumscribed with a first, inner wrapper and a second, outer wrapper; wherein the second wrapper is a porous wrapper.
In accordance with embodiments of the invention, in a fourth aspect there is provided an article for use in an aerosol provision system, the article comprising a section comprising an aerosol generating material; and a mouthpiece according to the first aspect.
In accordance with embodiments of the invention, in a fifth aspect there is provided a system comprising an article according to the second aspect, and a non-combustible aerosol provision device for heating the aerosol generating material of the article.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
The invention relates to a mouthpiece for use in a delivery system. The invention also relates to an article for use in a delivery system.
Known articles for use in delivery systems comprise a section comprising an aerosol generating material and a mouthpiece. The user interacts with the mouthpiece in a number of ways. For example, the mouthpiece may be handled by the user when the user removes the article from its packaging. The mouthpiece may also be handled for a period of time after the article is removed from its packaging but before its use. The mouthpiece may also be placed in the user's mouth before and during use.
The mouthpiece facilitates transport of the aerosol produced by the aerosol generating material to the user. Therefore, it is important that the mouthpiece is able to maintain its structural integrity during use.
Users may apply a variety of forces to the mouthpiece. For example, some users apply a compressive/crushing force to the mouthpiece before or during use. In some instances, the mouthpiece will become wetted during use which may by itself affect the structural integrity of the mouthpiece. In some instances, the user may apply a crushing/compressive force to the mouthpiece after it has become wetted, either by chewing on the mouthpiece or by handling the mouthpiece. As such, there is a need for a mouthpiece that can maintain its structural integrity in use.
As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver a substance to a user, and includes:
According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosolizable material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery to a user.
According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosolizable material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery to a user.
In embodiments described herein, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.
In one embodiment, 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 aerosolizable material is not a requirement.
In one embodiment, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a tobacco heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system.
In one embodiment, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosolizable materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosolizable materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosolizable material and a solid aerosolizable material. The solid aerosolizable material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
Aerosol provision systems as disclosed herein comprise a mouthpiece and a section comprising an aerosol generating material. In some known systems, the mouthpiece comprises a filter or at least one filter section. Additionally or alternatively, mouthpieces can comprise hollow tubular sections.
In use, the mouthpiece can become wetted, for example when the mouthpiece comes into contact with the user's saliva. In use, the mouthpiece can experience compressive/crushing forces. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a mouthpiece with enhanced structural integrity, especially when exposed to moisture and/or compressive/crushing forces. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the enhanced structural integrity is provided by the combination of a first, inner wrapper and a second, outer wrapper as described herein.
The invention relates to a mouthpiece for use in an aerosol provision system, the mouthpiece comprising: two or more cylindrical sections circumscribed with a first, inner wrapper and a second, outer wrapper, wherein the first wrapper is a high wet strength wrapper having a wet tensile strength of greater than 3 Newton per 15 millimeters and the second wrapper is a porous wrapper.
The invention also relates to a mouthpiece for use in an aerosol provision system, the mouthpiece comprising: two or more cylindrical sections circumscribed with a first, inner wrapper and a second, outer wrapper; wherein the first wrapper is a high wet strength wrapper having a wet tensile strength of greater than 3 Newton per 15 millimeters.
The invention also relates to a mouthpiece for use in an aerosol provision system, the mouthpiece comprising: two or more cylindrical sections circumscribed with a first, inner wrapper and a second, outer wrapper; wherein the second wrapper is a porous wrapper.
When the mouthpiece comprises two or more cylindrical sections circumscribed with a first, inner wrapper and a second, outer wrapper; wherein the first wrapper is a high wet strength wrapper, the outer wrapper may be any wrapper, for example any wrapper as described herein.
When the mouthpiece comprises two or more cylindrical sections circumscribed with a first, inner wrapper and a second, outer wrapper; wherein the second wrapper is a porous wrapper, the inner wrapper may be any wrapper, for example any wrapper as described herein.
In one embodiment, the high wet strength wrapper has a wet tensile strength of between about 3 Newton per 15 millimeters and about 10 Newton per 15 millimeters; between about 4 Newton per 15 millimeters and about 8 Newton per 15 millimeters; or between about 5 Newton per 15 millimeters and about 7 Newton per 15 millimeters.
In one embodiment, the high wet strength wrapper has a wet tensile strength of greater than about 3 Newton per 15 millimeters; greater than about 4 Newton per 15 millimeters; or greater than about 5 Newton per 15 millimeters. Preferably, the high wet strength wrapper has a wet tensile strength of about 5 Newton per 15 millimeters; about 6 Newton per 15 millimeters; or about 7 Newton per 15 millimeters. More preferably, the high wet strength wrapper has a wet tensile strength of about 6 Newton per 15 millimeters.
In one embodiment, the high wet strength wrapper has a dry tensile strength of between about 15 Newton per 15 millimeters and about 40 Newton per 15 millimeters; between about 15 Newton per 15 millimeters and about 35 Newton per 15 millimeters; or between about 20 Newton per 15 millimeters and about 30 Newton per 15 millimeters.
In one embodiment, the high wet strength wrapper has a dry tensile strength of greater than about 15 Newton per 15 millimeters; or greater than about 20 Newton per 15 millimeters. Preferably, the high wet strength wrapper has a dry tensile strength of about 20 Newton per 15 millimeters; about 25 Newton per 15 millimeters; or about 30 Newton per 15 millimeters. More preferably, the high wet strength wrapper has a dry tensile strength of about 25 Newton per 15 millimeters.
In one embodiment, the high wet strength wrapper has a basis weight of less than 50 gsm, preferably less than 45 gsm, more preferably less than 40. In some embodiments, the high wet strength wrapper has a basis weight of between about 20 gsm and about 50 gsm, preferably between about 20 gsm and about 40 gsm, more preferably between about 20 gsm and about 30 gsm. In some embodiments, the high wet strength wrapper has a basis weight of about 27 gsm.
Preferably, the high wet strength wrapper has a thickness of between about 25 micrometers and about 55 micrometers; between about 30 micrometers and 50 micrometers, or between about 35 micrometers and 45 micrometers. In one embodiment, the high wet strength wrapper has a thickness of about 35 micrometers, about 40 micrometers, or about 45 micrometers.
It has been found that when a high wet strength wrapper according to any of the above embodiments is used, the mouthpiece provides enhanced compression resistance. That is, the mouthpiece is resistant to forces exerted by the user on the mouthpiece, for example by handling or chewing. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the high wet strength wrappers according to any of the above embodiments are more resistant to liquids that it becomes in contact with during use, for example the saliva of the user.
In one embodiment, the porous wrapper has a permeability of between about 2000 Coresta Units and about 10000 Coresta Units; between about 4000 Coresta Units and about 8000 Coresta Units; or between about 5000 Coresta Units and about 7000 Coresta Units.
In one embodiment, the porous wrapper has a permeability of greater than about 2000 Coresta Units, greater than about 4000 Coresta Units, or greater than about 5000 Coresta Units. Preferably, the porous wrapper has a permeability of about 5000 Coresta Units, about 6000 Coresta Units, or about 7000 Coresta Units. More preferably, the porous wrapper has a permeability of about 6000 Coresta Units.
Preferably, the porous wrapper has a thickness of between about 40 micrometers and about 80 micrometers; between about 45 micrometers and 75 micrometers, or between about 50 micrometers and 70 micrometers. In one embodiment, the porous wrapper has a thickness of about 50 micrometers, about 55 micrometers, about 60 micrometers, about 65 micrometers, or about 70 micrometers.
It has been found that when a porous wrapper according to any of the above embodiments is used, the mouthpiece maintains its integrity for longer in use than if the porous wrapper was not used.
In some embodiments, the high wet strength wrapper is in direct contact with the porous wrapper. In other embodiments, there is a further wrapper or plug wrap between the high wet strength wrapper and the porous wrapper. In both of these embodiments, a layer or portion of glue may positioned between the high wet strength wrapper and the porous wrapper.
In some embodiments, the first cylindrical section comprises a hollow tubular element formed from filamentary tow. It has been found that the high wet strength wrapper and/or porous wrapper according to the embodiments described herein are particularly effective at reducing the likelihood of the hollow tubular element being removed from the mouthpiece during use. That is, the present invention provides improved integrity of the mouthpiece during use.
The hollow tubular element has been found to reduce the temperature of the outer surface of the mouthpiece at the downstream end of the mouthpiece which comes into contact with a consumer's mouth when the article is in use. In addition, the use of the tubular element has also been found to significantly reduce the temperature of the outer surface of the mouthpiece even upstream of the tubular element. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is hypothesized that this is due to the tubular element channelling aerosol closer to the centre of the mouthpiece, and therefore reducing the transfer of heat from the aerosol to the outer surface of the mouthpiece.
The filamentary tow forming the hollow tubular element preferably has a total denier of less than 45,000, more preferably less than 42,000. This total denier has been found to allow the formation of a tubular element which is not too dense. Preferably, the total denier is at least 20,000, more preferably at least 25,000. In preferred embodiments, the filamentary tow forming the hollow tubular element has a total denier between 25,000 and 50,000, more preferably between 35,000 and 45,000. In preferred embodiments, the filamentary tow forming the hollow tubular element has a total denier of about 40,000. Preferably the cross-sectional shape of the filaments of tow are ‘Y’ shaped, although in other embodiments other shapes such as ‘X’ shaped filaments can be used.
The filamentary tow forming the hollow tubular element preferably has a denier per filament of greater than 3. This denier per filament has been found to allow the formation of a tubular element which is not too dense. Preferably, the denier per filament is at least 4, more preferably at least 5. In preferred embodiments, the filamentary tow forming the hollow tubular element has a denier per filament between 5 and 12, or between 4 and 10, more preferably between 4 and 9. In one example, the filamentary tow forming the hollow tubular element has an 8Y40,000 tow formed from cellulose acetate and comprising 18% plasticiser, for instance triacetin.
The “wall thickness” of the hollow tubular element corresponds to the thickness of the wall of the tube in a radial direction. This may be measured, for example, using a calliper. The wall thickness is advantageously greater than 0.9 mm, and more preferably 1.0 mm or greater. Preferably, the wall thickness is substantially constant around the entire wall of the hollow tubular element. However, where the wall thickness is not substantially constant, the wall thickness is preferably greater than 0.9 mm at any point around the hollow tubular element, more preferably 1.0 mm or greater.
Preferably, the length of the hollow tubular element is less than about 20 mm. More preferably, the length of the hollow tubular element is less than about 15 mm. Still more preferably, the length of the hollow tubular element is less than about 10 mm. In addition, or as an alternative, the length of the hollow tubular element is at least about 5 mm. Preferably, the length of the hollow tubular element is at least about 6 mm. In some preferred embodiments, the length of the hollow tubular element is from about 5 mm to about 20 mm, more preferably from about 6 mm to about 10 mm, even more preferably from about 6 mm to about 8 mm, most preferably about 6 mm, 7 mm or about 8 mm. In the present example, the length of the hollow tubular element is 6 mm.
Preferably, the density of the hollow tubular element is at least about 0.25 grams per cubic centimetre (g/cc), more preferably at least about 0.3 g/cc. Preferably, the density of the hollow tubular element is less than about 0.75 grams per cubic centimetre (g/cc), more preferably less than 0.6 g/cc. In some embodiments, the density of the hollow tubular element is between 0.25 and 0.75 g/cc, more preferably between 0.3 and 0.6 g/cc, and more preferably between 0.4 g/cc and 0.6 g/cc or about 0.5 g/cc. These densities have been found to provide a good balance between improved firmness afforded by denser material and the lower heat transfer properties of lower density material. For the purposes of the present invention, the “density” of the hollow tubular element refers to the density of the filamentary tow forming the element with any plasticiser incorporated. The density may be determined by dividing the total weight of the hollow tubular element by the total volume of the hollow tubular element, wherein the total volume can be calculated using appropriate measurements of the hollow tubular element taken, for example, using callipers. Where necessary, the appropriate dimensions may be measured using a microscope.
The hollow tubular element preferably has an internal diameter of greater than 3.0 mm. Smaller diameters than this can result in increasing the velocity of aerosol passing though the mouthpiece to the consumers mouth more than is desirable, such that the aerosol becomes too warm, for instance reaching temperatures greater than 40° C. or greater than 45° C. More preferably, the hollow tubular element has an internal diameter of greater than 3.1 mm, and still more preferably greater than 3.5 mm or 3.6 mm. In one embodiment, the internal diameter of the hollow tubular element is about 3.7 mm.
The hollow tubular element preferably comprises from 15% to 22% by weight of plasticiser. For cellulose acetate tow, the plasticiser is preferably triacetin, although other plasticisers such as polyethelyne glycol (PEG) can be used. More preferably, the tubular element 4 comprises from 16% to 20% by weight of plasticiser, for instance about 17%, about 18% or about 19% plasticiser.
In some embodiments, the second cylindrical section comprises a body of material formed from filamentary tow. In some embodiments, the second cylindrical section is adjacent to and in an abutting relationship with the first cylindrical section. In some embodiments, the second cylindrical section is upstream of the first cylindrical section.
The total denier of the filamentary tow forming the body of material is preferably at most 30,000, more preferably at most 28,000 and still more preferably at most 25,000. These values of total denier provide a tow which takes up a reduced proportion of the cross sectional area of the mouthpiece which results in a lower pressure drop across the mouthpiece than tows having higher total denier values. For appropriate firmness of the body of material, the tow preferably has a total denier of at least 8,000 and more preferably at least 10,000. In preferred embodiments, the filamentary tow forming the body of material has a total denier between 8,000 and 30,000, more preferably between 10,000 and 25,000
Preferably, the denier per filament is between 5 and 12 while the total denier is between 10,000 and 25,000. More preferably, the denier per filament is between 6 and 10 while the total denier is between 11,000 and 22,000. Preferably the cross-sectional shape of the filaments of tow are ‘Y’ shaped, although in other embodiments other shapes such as ‘X’ shaped filaments can be used, with the same d.p.f. and total denier values as provided herein.
The filamentary tow material described herein can comprise cellulose acetate fibre tow. The filamentary tow can also be formed using other materials used to form fibres, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(1-4 butanediol succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), starch based materials, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials and polysaccharide polymers or a combination thereof. The filamentary tow may be plasticised with a suitable plasticiser for the tow, such as triacetin where the material is cellulose acetate tow, or the tow may be non-plasticised. The tow can have any suitable specification, such as fibres having a ‘Y’ shaped or other cross section such as ‘X’ shaped, filamentary denier values between 2.5 and 15 denier per filament, for example between 8.0 and 11.0 denier per filament and total denier values of 5,000 to 50,000, for example between 10,000 and 40,000.
Preferably, the length of the body of material is less than about 20 mm. More preferably, the length of the body of material is less than about 15 mm. In addition, or as an alternative, the length of the body of material is at least about 5 mm. Preferably, the length of the body of material is at least about 10 mm. In some preferred embodiments, the length of the body of material is from about 5 mm to about 15 mm, more preferably from about 6 mm to about 12 mm, even more preferably from about 6 mm to about 12 mm, most preferably about 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm or 10 mm. In the present example, the length of the body of material is 10 mm.
In some embodiments, the body of material and hollow tubular element each define a substantially cylindrical overall outer shape and share a common longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the body of material is wrapped in first plug wrap. Preferably, the first plug wrap has a basis weight of less than 50 gsm, more preferably between about 20 gsm and 40 gsm. Preferably, the first plug wrap has a thickness of between 30 μm and 60 μm, more preferably between 35 μm and 45 μm. Preferably, the first plug wrap is a non-porous plug wrap, for instance having a permeability of less than 100 Coresta units, for instance less than 50 Coresta units. However, in other embodiments, the first plug wrap can be a porous plug wrap, for instance having a permeability of greater than 200 Coresta Units.
In the embodiments described above, the mouthpiece comprises a single body of material. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece may include multiple bodies of material. The mouthpiece may comprise a cavity between the bodies of material.
In some embodiments, the mouthpiece comprises a third cylindrical section comprising a second hollow tubular element. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece includes a third cylindrical section upstream of the second cylindrical section. That is, the second cylindrical section may be positioned between the first cylindrical section and the third cylindrical section. In some preferred embodiments, the third cylindrical section is upstream of, adjacent to and in an abutting relationship with the second cylindrical section.
In some embodiments, the third cylindrical section is not wrapped by the first, inner wrapper and is optionally wrapped by the second outer wrapper. In some embodiments, the third cylindrical section is not wrapped by the first, inner wrapper and is wrapped by the second outer wrapper.
In some embodiments, the first, second and third cylindrical sections are combined by the second outer wrapper which is wrapped around all three sections. In preferred embodiments, a layer or portion of glue may positioned between the second outer wrapper and any of the first, second and/or third cylindrical sections or any of the wrappers/plug wraps wrapped around each or any of the first, second and/or third cylindrical sections.
It has been found that when the first inner wrapper circumscribes the first and second sections and the second outer wrapper circumscribes the first, second and third sections, the integrity of the mouthpiece is improved. For example, the first sections is more securely maintained in the mouthpiece, even under wetting and/or chewing conditions. Without wishing to be bound by theory, this is believed to be because there is increased adhesion between the first section and the second outer wrapper. For example, when the first inner wrapper is a high wet strength wrapper and the outer wrapper is any wrapper, there is increased adhesion between the first section and the second outer wrapper. For example, when the inner wrapper is any wrapper and the outer wrapper is a porous wrapper, there is increased adhesion between the first section and the second outer wrapper.
The third cylindrical section comprises a second hollow tubular element, also referred to as a cooling element. In some embodiments, the second hollow tubular element is formed from a plurality of layers of paper.
In some, embodiments, the third cylindrical section may be wrapped in a second plug wrap. The second plug wrap may be positioned between the second hollow tubular element and the second outer wrapper.
The second hollow tubular element can alternatively or additionally be formed using a stiff plug wrap and/or tipping paper, meaning that a separate tubular element is not required. The stiff plug wrap and/or tipping paper is manufactured to have a rigidity that is sufficient to withstand the axial compressive forces and bending moments that might arise during manufacture and whilst the article is in use. For instance, the stiff plug wrap and/or tipping paper can have a basis weight between 70 gsm and 120 gsm, more preferably between 80 gsm and 110 gsm. Additionally or alternatively, the stiff plug wrap and/or tipping paper can have a thickness between 80 μm and 200 μm, more preferably between 100 μm and 160 μm, or from 120 μm to 150 μm. It can be desirable for both the second plug wrap and tipping paper to have values in these ranges, to achieve an acceptable overall level of rigidity for the second hollow tubular element.
The second hollow tubular element preferably has a wall thickness, which can be measured in the same way as that of the first hollow tubular element, of at least about 100 μm and up to about 1.5 mm, preferably between 100 μm and 1 mm and more preferably between 150 μm and 500 μm, or about 300 μm. In the present example, the second hollow tubular element has a wall thickness of about 290 μm.
Preferably, the length of the second hollow tubular element is less than about 50 mm. More preferably, the length of the second hollow tubular element is less than about 40 mm. Still more preferably, the length of the second hollow tubular element is less than about 30 mm. In addition, or as an alternative, the length of the second hollow tubular element is preferably at least about 10 mm. Preferably, the length of the second hollow tubular element is at least about 15 mm. In some preferred embodiments, the length of the second hollow tubular element is from about 20 mm to about 30 mm, more preferably from about 22 mm to about 28 mm, even more preferably from about 24 to about 26 mm, most preferably about 25 mm. In the present example, the length of the second hollow tubular element is 25 mm.
In some embodiments, the second hollow tubular element is located around and defines an air gap within the mouthpiece which acts as a cooling segment. The air gap provides a chamber through which heated volatilized components generated by the aerosol generating material flow. The second hollow tubular element is hollow to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation yet rigid enough to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that might arise during manufacture and whilst the article 1 is in use. The second hollow tubular element provides a physical displacement between the aerosol generating material and the body of material. The physical displacement provided by the second hollow tubular element will provide a thermal gradient across the length of the second hollow tubular element.
The second hollow tubular element can be configured to provide a temperature differential of at least 40 degrees Celsius between a heated volatilized component entering a first, upstream end of the second hollow tubular element and a heated volatilized component exiting a second, downstream end of the second hollow tubular element. The second hollow tubular element is preferably configured to provide a temperature differential of at least 60 degrees Celsius, preferably at least 80 degrees Celsius and more preferably at least 100 degrees Celsius between a heated volatilized component entering a first, upstream end of the second hollow tubular element and a heated volatilized component exiting a second, downstream end of the second hollow tubular element. This temperature differential across the length of the second hollow tubular element protects the temperature sensitive body of material from the high temperatures of the aerosol generating material when it is heated.
In alternative articles, the second hollow tubular element can be replaced with an alternative cooling element, for instance an element formed from a body of material which allows aerosol to pass through it longitudinally, and which also performs the function of cooling the aerosol.
Preferably, the mouthpiece comprises a cavity having an internal volume greater than 450 mm3. Providing a cavity of at least this volume has been found to enable the formation of an improved aerosol. Such a cavity size provides sufficient space within the mouthpiece to allow heated volatilized components to cool, therefore allowing the exposure of the aerosol generating material to higher temperatures than would otherwise be possible, since they may result in an aerosol which is too warm. In some embodiments, the cavity is formed by the second hollow tubular element, but in alternative arrangements it could be formed within a different part of the mouthpiece. More preferably, the mouthpiece comprises a cavity, for instance formed within the second hollow tubular element, having an internal volume greater than 500 mm3, and still more preferably greater than 550 mm3, allowing further improvement of the aerosol. In some examples, the internal cavity comprises a volume of between about 550 mm3 and about 750 mm3, for instance about 600 mm3 or 700 mm3.
The pressure drop or difference (also referred to a resistance to draw) across the mouthpiece, for instance the part of the article downstream of the aerosol generating material, is preferably less than about 50 mmH20. Such pressure drops have been found to allow sufficient aerosol, including desirable compounds such as flavor compounds, to pass through the mouthpiece to the consumer. More preferably, the pressure drop across the mouthpiece is less than about 45 mmH20. In some embodiments, particularly improved aerosol has been achieved using a mouthpiece having a pressure drop of less than 31 mmH20, for instance about 29 mmH20, about 28 mmH20 or about 27.5 mmH20. Alternatively or additionally, the mouthpiece pressure drop can be at least 10 mmH20, preferably at least 15 mmH20 and more preferably at least 20 mmH20. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece pressure drop can be between about 15 mmH20 and 50 mmH20, preferably about 44 mmH20. These values enable the mouthpiece to slow down the aerosol as it passes through the mouthpiece such that the temperature of the aerosol has time to reduce before reaching the downstream end of the mouthpiece.
In some embodiments, at least one capsule is embedded the body of material. The capsule can comprise a breakable capsule, for instance a capsule which has a solid, frangible shell surrounding a liquid payload. A single capsule can be used. The capsule is entirely embedded within the body of material. In other words, the capsule is completely surrounded by the material forming the body.
In other examples, a plurality of breakable capsules may be disposed within the body of material, for instance 2, 3 or more breakable capsules. The length of the body of material can be increased to accommodate the number of capsules required. In examples where a plurality of capsules is used, the individual capsules may be the same as each other, or may differ from one another in terms of size and/or capsule payload. In other examples, multiple bodies of material may be provided, with each body containing one or more capsules.
The capsule may have a core-shell structure. In other words, the capsule comprises a shell encapsulating a liquid agent, for instance a flavorant or other agent, which can be any one of the flavorants or aerosol modifying agents described herein. The shell of the capsule can be ruptured by a user to release the flavorant or other agent into the body of material. The first plug wrap, first inner wrapper, or second outer wrapper can comprise a barrier coating to make the material of the first plug wrap, first inner wrapper, or second outer wrapper substantially impermeable to the liquid payload of the capsule. Alternatively or in addition, the tipping paper can comprise a barrier coating to make the material substantially impermeable to the liquid payload of the capsule.
The capsule may have a core-shell structure. That is, the encapsulating material or barrier material creates a shell around a core that comprises the liquid agent. The shell structure hinders migration of the liquid agent during storage of the article but allows controlled release of the liquid agent, during use.
In some cases, the barrier material (also referred to herein as the encapsulating material) is frangible. The capsule is crushed or otherwise fractured or broken by the user to release the encapsulated liquid agent. Typically, the capsule is broken immediately prior to heating being initiated but the user can select when to release the aerosol modifier. The term “breakable capsule” refers to a capsule, wherein the shell can be broken by means of a pressure to release the core; more specifically the shell can be ruptured under the pressure imposed by the user's fingers when the user wants to release the core of the capsule.
In one embodiment, the body of material is in the form of a cylinder having a longitudinal axis and the capsule is embedded within the body of material such that the capsule is surrounded on all sides by the material forming the body of material. Preferably, the capsule has a shell encapsulating a liquid aerosol modifying agent.
In some embodiments, when the aerosol generating material is heated to provide an aerosol, for instance within a non-combustible aerosol provision device as described herein, the part of the mouthpiece in which the capsule is located reaches a temperature of between 58 and 70 degrees Centigrade during use of the system to generate the aerosol. As a result of this temperature, the capsule contents are warmed sufficiently to promote volatisation of the capsule contents, for instance an aerosol modifying agent, into the aerosol formed by the system as the aerosol passes through the mouthpiece.
In other cases, the capsule releases the core composition on heating, for example by melting of the barrier material or by capsule swelling leading to rupture of the barrier material.
The total weight of a capsule may be in the range of about 1 mg to about 100 mg, suitably about 5 mg to about 60 mg, about 8 mg to about 50 mg, about 10 mg to about 20 mg, or about 12 mg to about 18 mg.
The total weight of the core formulation may be in the range of about 2 mg to about 90 mg, suitably about 3 mg to about 70 mg, about 5 mg to about 25 mg, about 8 mg to about 20 mg, or about 10 mg to about 15 mg.
An aerosol modifying agent may be provided within the body of material 5, for example in the form of a capsule. In other examples, the aerosol modifying agent can additionally be provided in other forms, such as material injected into the body of material or provided on a thread, for instance the thread carrying a flavorant or other aerosol modifying agent, which may also be disposed within the body of material.
In the figures described herein, like reference numerals are used to illustrate equivalent features, articles or components.
As shown in
The mouthpiece 2, in the present example, includes two cylindrical sections (a first cylindrical section 4 and a second cylindrical section 5) circumscribed with a first, inner wrapper 9 and a second, outer wrapper 10. The first, inner wrapper 9 is a high wet strength wrapper and the second outer wrapper 10 is a porous wrapper.
In the present example, the first cylindrical section 4 comprises a hollow tubular element formed from filamentary tow and the second cylindrical section 5 comprises a body of material formed from filamentary tow. In this example, the second cylindrical section 5 is adjacent to and in an abutting relationship with the first cylindrical section 4. In the present example, the second cylindrical section 5 is upstream of the first cylindrical section 4.
In the present example, the mouthpiece 2 comprises a third cylindrical section 8 upstream of, adjacent to and in an abutting relationship with the second cylindrical section 5. The third cylindrical section 8 is circumscribed by the porous wrapper.
In the present example, the second cylindrical section 5 is circumscribed with a first plug wrap 7 and the third cylindrical 8 section is circumscribed with a second plug wrap 12. The second cylindrical section 5 has perforations 14.
As shown in
A cross section of the mouthpiece 2 is shown in
The mouthpieces of the present application are particularly relevant to disposable articles that may be used with or as an aerosol provision system. For example, where the aerosol provision system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, an article or consumable comprising an aerosol generating material may be inserted into a device to heat the aerosol generating material, thereby forming an inhalable aerosol to be inhaled by the user. The aerosol generated leaves the system via a mouthpiece and is inhaled by the user.
In some embodiments, the article has an outer circumference of between about 19 mm and about 23 mm, preferably of about 21 mm (i.e. the article is in the demi-slim format). In other embodiments, the article can be provided in any of the formats described herein, for instance having an outer circumference of between 15 mm and 25 mm. Since the article may be heated to release an aerosol, improved heating efficiency can be achieved using articles having lower outer circumferences within this range, for instance circumferences of less than 23 mm. To achieve improved aerosol via heating, while maintaining a suitable product length, article circumferences of greater than 19 mm have also been found to be particularly effective. Articles having circumferences of between 19 mm and 23 mm, and more preferably between 20 mm and 22 mm, have been found to provide a good balance between providing effective aerosol delivery while allowing for efficient heating.
The outer circumference of the mouthpiece is substantially the same as the outer circumference of the section of aerosol generating material, such that there is a smooth transition between these components. In one embodiment, the mouthpiece and the section of aerosol generating material are held together by tipping paper which circumscribes at least part of the mouthpiece and part of the section of aerosol generating material.
In the present example, the outer circumference of the mouthpiece is about 20.8 mm. A tipping paper is wrapped around the full length of the mouthpiece and over part of a section of aerosol generating material and has an adhesive on its inner surface to connect the mouthpiece and section of aerosol generating material. In the present example, the tipping paper extends 5 mm over the section of aerosol generating material but it can alternatively extend between 3 mm and 10 mm over the section of aerosol generating material, or more preferably between 4 mm and 6 mm, to provide a secure attachment between the mouthpiece and section of aerosol generating material.
The tipping paper can have a basis weight which is higher than the basis weight of wrappers/plug wraps used in the article, for instance a basis weight of 40 gsm to 80 gsm, more preferably between 50 gsm and 70 gsm, and in the present example 58 gsm. These ranges of basis weights have been found to result in tipping papers having acceptable tensile strength while being flexible enough to wrap around the article and adhere to itself along a longitudinal lap seam on the paper. The outer circumference of the tipping paper, once wrapped around the mouthpiece, is about 21 mm.
In some embodiments, the article has a ventilation level of about 75% of the aerosol drawn through the article. In alternative embodiments, the article can have a ventilation level of between 50% and 80% of aerosol drawn through the article, for instance between 65% and 75%. Ventilation at these levels helps to slow down the flow of aerosol drawn through the mouthpiece and thereby enable the aerosol to cool sufficiently before it reaches the downstream end of the mouthpiece. The ventilation may be provided directly into the mouthpiece of the article. In the present example, the ventilation is provided into the second hollow tubular element, which has been found to be particularly beneficial in assisting with the aerosol generation process. The ventilation is provided via first and second parallel rows of perforations, in the present case formed as laser perforations, at positions 17.925 mm and 18.625 mm respectively from the downstream, mouth-end of the mouthpiece. These perforations pass though the tipping paper, second outer wrapper, and second hollow tubular element. In alternative embodiments, the ventilation can be provided into the mouthpiece at other locations, for instance into the body of material or first tubular element.
Articles, for instance those in the shape of rods, are often named according to the product length: “regular” (typically in the range 68-75 mm, e.g. from about 68 mm to about 72 mm), “short” or “mini” (68 mm or less), “king size” (typically in the range 75-91 mm, e.g. from about 79 mm to about 88 mm), “long” or “super-king” (typically in the range 91-105 mm, e.g. from about 94 mm to about 101 mm) and “ultra-long” (typically in the range from about 110 mm to about 121 mm).
They are also named according to the product circumference: “regular” (about 23-25 mm), “wide” (greater than 25 mm), “slim” (about 22-23 mm), “demi-slim” (about 19-22 mm), “super-slim” (about 16-19 mm), and “micro-slim” (less than about 16 mm).
Accordingly, an article in a king-size, super-slim format will, for example, have a length of about 83 mm and a circumference of about 17 mm.
Each format may be produced with mouthpieces of different lengths. The mouthpiece length will be from about 30 mm to 50 mm. A tipping paper connects the mouthpiece to the aerosol generating material and will usually have a greater length than the mouthpiece, for example from 3 to 10 mm longer, such that the tipping paper covers the mouthpiece and overlaps the aerosol generating material, for instance in the form of a rod of substrate material, to connect the mouthpiece to the rod.
Articles and their aerosol generating materials and mouthpieces described herein can be made in, but are not limited to, any of the above formats.
The terms ‘upstream’ and ‘downstream’ used herein are relative terms defined in relation to the direction of mainstream aerosol drawn though an article or device in use.
The aerosol generating material provides an aerosol when heated, for instance within a combustible or non-combustible aerosol provision device as described herein. In other embodiments the article can include its own heat source, forming and used in an aerosol provision system without requiring a separate aerosol provision device.
In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is wrapped in a third wrapper 13. The third wrapper can, for instance, be a paper or paper-backed foil wrapper. In some embodiments, the third wrapper is substantially impermeable to air. In alternative embodiments, the third wrapper preferably has a permeability of less than 100 Coresta Units, more preferably less than 80 Coresta Units. In alternative embodiments, the third wrapper preferably has a permeability of less than 60 Coresta Units, more preferably less than 20 Coresta Units. It has been found that low permeability wrappers, for instance having a permeability of less than 100 Coresta Units, more preferably less than 60 Coresta Units, or 20 Coresta Units, result in an improvement in the aerosol formation in the aerosol generating material. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is hypothesized that this is due to reduced loss of aerosol compounds through the third wrapper. The permeability of the third wrapper can be measured in accordance with ISO 2965:2009 concerning the determination of air permeability for materials used as cigarette papers, filter plug wrap and filter joining paper.
When the article is for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision system, the third wrapper may comprise aluminium foil. Aluminium foil has been found to be particularly effective at enhancing the formation of aerosol within the aerosol generating material. In the present example, the aluminium foil has a metal layer having a thickness of about 6 μm. In the present example, the aluminium foil has a paper backing. However, in alternative arrangements, the aluminium foil can be other thicknesses, for instance between 4 μm and 16 μm in thickness. The aluminium foil also need not have a paper backing, but could have a backing formed from other materials, for instance to help provide an appropriate tensile strength to the foil, or it could have no backing material. Metallic layers or foils other than aluminium can also be used. The total thickness of the wrapper is preferably between 20 μm and 60 μm, more preferably between 30 μm and 50 μm, which can provide a wrapper having appropriate structural integrity and heat transfer characteristics. The tensile force which can be applied to the wrapper before it breaks can be greater than 3,000 grams force, for instance between 3,000 and 10,000 grams force or between 3,000 and 4,500 grams force.
The aerosol generating material, also referred to herein as an aerosol generating substrate, comprises at least one aerosol forming material. In the present example, the aerosol forming material is glycerol. In alternative examples, the aerosol forming material can be another material as described herein or a combination thereof. The aerosol forming material has been found to improve the sensory performance of the article, by helping to transfer compounds such as flavor compounds from the aerosol generating material to the consumer.
In the present example, the aerosol forming material added to the aerosol generating substrate comprises 14% by weight of the aerosol generating substrate. Preferably, the aerosol forming material comprises at least 5% by weight of the aerosol generating substrate, more preferably at least 10%. Preferably, the aerosol forming material comprises less than 25% by weight of the aerosol generating substrate, more preferably less than 20%, for instance between 10% and 20%, between 12% and 18% or between 13% and 16%.
Preferably the aerosol generating material is provided as a cylindrical rod of aerosol generating material. Irrespective of the form of the aerosol generating material, it preferably has a length of about 10 mm to 100 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the aerosol generating material is preferably in the range about 25 mm to 50 mm, more preferably in the range about 30 mm to 45 mm, and still more preferably about 30 mm to 40 mm.
The volume of aerosol generating material provided can vary from about 200 mm3 to about 4300 mm3, preferably from about 500 mm3 to 1500 mm3, more preferably from about 1000 mm3 to about 1300 mm3. The provision of these volumes of aerosol generating material, for instance from about 1000 mm3 to about 1300 mm3, has been advantageously shown to achieve a superior aerosol, having a greater visibility and sensory performance compared to that achieved with volumes selected from the lower end of the range.
The mass of aerosol generating material provided can be greater than 200 mg, for instance from about 200 mg to 400 mg, preferably from about 230 mg to 360 mg, more preferably from about 250 mg to 360 mg. It has been advantageously found that providing a higher mass of aerosol generating material results in improved sensory performance compared to aerosol generated from a lower mass of tobacco material.
Preferably the aerosol generating material or substrate is formed from tobacco material as described herein, which includes a tobacco component.
In the tobacco material described herein, the tobacco component preferably contains paper reconstituted tobacco. The tobacco component may also contain leaf tobacco, extruded tobacco, and/or bandcast tobacco.
The aerosol generating material can comprise reconstituted tobacco material having a density of less than about 700 milligrams per cubic centimetre (mg/cc). Such tobacco material has been found to be particularly effective at providing an aerosol generating material which can be heated quickly to release an aerosol, as compared to denser materials. For instance, the inventors tested the properties of various aerosol generating materials, such as bandcast reconstituted tobacco material and paper reconstituted tobacco material, when heated. It was found that, for each given aerosol generating material, there is a particular zero heat flow temperature below which net heat flow is endothermic, in other words more heat enters the material than leaves the material, and above which net heat flow is exothermic, in other words more heat leaves the material than enters the material, while heat is applied to the material. Materials having a density less than 700 mg/cc had a lower zero heat flow temperature. Since a significant portion of the heat flow out of the material is via the formation of aerosol, having a lower zero heat flow temperature has a beneficial effect on the time it takes to first release aerosol from the aerosol generating material. For instance, aerosol generating materials having a density of less than 700 mg/cc were found to have a zero heat flow temperature of less than 164° C., as compared to materials with a density over 700 mg/cc, which had zero heat flow temperatures greater than 164° C.
The density of the aerosol generating material also has an impact on the speed at which heat conducts through the material, with lower densities, for instance those below 700 mg/cc, conducting heat more slowly through the material, and therefore enabling a more sustained release of aerosol.
Preferably, the aerosol generating material comprises reconstituted tobacco material having a density of less than about 700 mg/cc, for instance paper reconstituted tobacco material. More preferably, the aerosol generating material comprises reconstituted tobacco material having a density of less than about 600 mg/cc. Alternatively or in addition, the aerosol generating material preferably comprises reconstituted tobacco material having a density of at least 350 mg/cc, which is considered to allow for a sufficient amount of heat conduction through the material.
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). Preferably, the cut rag tobacco has a cut width of at least 18 cuts per inch (about 7.1 cuts per cm, equivalent to a cut width of about 1.4 mm), more preferably at least 20 cuts per inch (about 7.9 cuts per cm, equivalent to a cut width of about 1.27 mm). In one example, the cut rag tobacco has a cut width of 22 cuts per inch (about 8.7 cuts per cm, equivalent to a cut width of about 1.15 mm). Preferably, the cut rag tobacco has a cut width at or below 40 cuts per inch (about 15.7 cuts per cm, equivalent to a cut width of about 0.64 mm). Cut widths between 0.5 mm and 2.0 mm, for instance between 0.6 mm and 1.5 mm, or between 0.6 mm and 1.7 mm, have been found to result in tobacco material which is preferable in terms of surface area to volume ratio, particularly when heated, and the overall density and pressure drop of the substrate 3. The cut rag tobacco can be formed from a mixture of forms of tobacco material, for instance a mixture of one or more of paper reconstituted tobacco, leaf tobacco, extruded tobacco and bandcast tobacco. Preferably the tobacco material comprises paper reconstituted tobacco or a mixture of paper reconstituted tobacco and leaf tobacco.
In the tobacco material described herein, the tobacco material may contain a filler component. The filler component is generally a non-tobacco component, that is, a component that does not include ingredients originating from tobacco. The filler component may be a non-tobacco fibre such as wood fibre or pulp or wheat fibre. The filler component may also be an inorganic material such as chalk, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulphate, magnesium carbonate. The filler component may also be a non-tobacco cast material or a non-tobacco extruded material. The filler component may be present in an amount of 0 to 20% by weight of the tobacco material, or in an amount of from 1 to 10% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the filler component is absent.
In the tobacco material described herein, the tobacco material contains an aerosol forming material. In this context, an “aerosol forming material” is an agent that promotes the generation of an aerosol. An aerosol forming material may promote the generation of an aerosol by promoting an initial vaporization and/or the condensation of a gas to an inhalable solid and/or liquid aerosol. In some embodiments, an aerosol forming material may improve the delivery of flavor from the aerosol generating material. In general, any suitable aerosol forming material or agents may be included in the aerosol generating material of the invention, including those described herein. Other suitable aerosol forming materials include, but are not limited to: a polyol such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols like propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; a non-polyol such as monohydric alcohols, high boiling point hydrocarbons, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as diacetin, triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate or myristates including ethyl myristate and isopropyl myristate and aliphatic carboxylic acid esters such as methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming material may be glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol. Glycerol may be present in an amount of from 10 to 20% by weight of the tobacco material, for example 13 to 16% by weight of the composition, or about 14% or 15% by weight of the composition. Propylene glycol, if present, may be present in an amount of from 0.1 to 0.3% by weight of the composition.
The aerosol forming material may be included in any component, for example any tobacco component, of the tobacco material, and/or in the filler component, if present. Alternatively or additionally the aerosol forming material may be added to the tobacco material separately. In either case, the total amount of the aerosol forming material in the tobacco material can be as defined herein.
The tobacco material can contain between 10% and 90% by weight tobacco leaf, wherein the aerosol forming material is provided in an amount of up to about 10% by weight of the leaf tobacco. To achieve an overall level of aerosol forming material between 10% and 20% by weight of the tobacco material, it has been advantageously found that this can be added in higher weight percentages to the another component of the tobacco material, such as reconstituted tobacco material.
The tobacco material described herein contains nicotine. The nicotine content is from 0.5 to 1.75% by weight of the tobacco material, and may be, for example, from 0.8 to 1.5% by weight of the tobacco material. Additionally or alternatively, the tobacco material contains between 10% and 90% by weight tobacco leaf having a nicotine content of greater than 1.5% by weight of the tobacco leaf. It has been advantageously found that using a tobacco leaf with nicotine content higher than 1.5% in combination with a lower nicotine base material, such as paper reconstituted tobacco, provides a tobacco material with an appropriate nicotine level but better sensory performance than the use of paper reconstituted tobacco alone. The tobacco leaf, for instance cut rag tobacco, can, for instance, have a nicotine content of between 1.5% and 5% by weight of the tobacco leaf.
The tobacco material described herein can contain an aerosol modifying agent, such as any of the flavors described herein. In one embodiment, the tobacco material contains menthol, forming a mentholated article. The tobacco material can comprise from 3 mg to 20 mg of menthol, preferably between 5 mg and 18 mg and more preferably between 8 mg and 16 mg of menthol. In the present example, the tobacco material comprises 16 mg of menthol. The tobacco material can contain between 2% and 8% by weight of menthol, preferably between 3% and 7% by weight of menthol and more preferably between 4% and 5.5% by weight of menthol. In one embodiment, the tobacco material includes 4.7% by weight of menthol. Such high levels of menthol loading can be achieved using a high percentage of reconstituted tobacco material, for instance greater than 50% of the tobacco material by weight. Alternatively or additionally, the use of a high volume of aerosol generating material, for instance tobacco material, can increase the level of menthol loading that can be achieved, for instance where greater than about 500 mm3 or suitably more than about 1000 mm3 of aerosol generating material, such as tobacco material, are used.
In some examples, the mouthpiece downstream of the aerosol generating material can comprise a wrapper, for instance the first inner wrapper, second outer wrapper, the first or second plug wraps, or tipping paper, which comprises an aerosol modifying agent as described herein. The aerosol modifying agent may be disposed on an inwardly or outwardly facing surface of the mouthpiece wrapper. For instance, the aerosol modifying agent may be provided on an area of the wrapper, such as an outwardly facing surface of the tipping paper, which comes into contact with the consumer's lips during use. By disposing the aerosol modifying agent on the outwardly facing surface of the mouthpiece wrapper, the aerosol modifying agent may be transferred to the consumer's lips during use. Transfer of the aerosol modifying agent to the consumer's lips during use of the article may modify the organoleptic properties (e.g. taste) of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating substrate or otherwise provide the consumer with an alternative sensory experience. For example, the aerosol modifying agent may impart flavor to the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol modifying agent may be at least partially soluble in water such that it is transferred to the user via the consumer's saliva. The aerosol modifying agent may be one that volatilizes by the heat generated by the aerosol provision system. This may facilitate transfer of the aerosol modifying agent to the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating substrate. A suitable sensate material may be a flavor as described herein, sucralose or a cooling agent such as menthol or similar.
In the compositions described herein, where amounts are given in % by weight, for the avoidance of doubt this refers to a dry weight basis, unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Thus, any water that may be present in the tobacco material, or in any component thereof, is entirely disregarded for the purposes of the determination of the weight %. The water content of the tobacco material described herein may vary and may be, for example, from 5 to 15% by weight. The water content of the tobacco material described herein may vary according to, for example, the temperature, pressure and humidity conditions at which the compositions are maintained. The water content can be determined by Karl-Fisher analysis, as known to those skilled in the art. On the other hand, for the avoidance of doubt, even when the aerosol forming material is a component that is in liquid phase, such as glycerol or propylene glycol, any component other than water is included in the weight of the tobacco material. However, when the aerosol forming material is provided in the tobacco component of the tobacco material, or in the filler component (if present) of the tobacco material, instead of or in addition to being added separately to the tobacco material, the aerosol forming material is not included in the weight of the tobacco component or filler component, but is included in the weight of the “aerosol forming material” in the weight % as defined herein. All other ingredients present in the tobacco component are included in the weight of the tobacco component, even if of non-tobacco origin (for example non-tobacco fibres in the case of paper reconstituted tobacco).
In an embodiment, the tobacco material comprises the tobacco component as defined herein and the aerosol forming material as defined herein. In an embodiment, the tobacco material consists essentially of the tobacco component as defined herein and the aerosol forming material as defined herein. In an embodiment, the tobacco material consists of the tobacco component as defined herein and the aerosol forming material as defined herein.
Paper reconstituted tobacco is present in the tobacco component of the tobacco material described herein in an amount of from 10% to 100% by weight of the tobacco component. In embodiments, the paper reconstituted tobacco is present in an amount of from 10% to 80% by weight, or 20% to 70% by weight, of the tobacco component. In a further embodiment, the tobacco component consists essentially of, or consists of, paper reconstituted tobacco. In preferred embodiments, leaf tobacco is present in the tobacco component of the tobacco material in an amount of from at least 10% by weight of the tobacco component. For instance, leaf tobacco can be present in an amount of at least 10% by weight of the tobacco component, while the remainder of the tobacco component comprises paper reconstituted tobacco, bandcast reconstituted tobacco, or a combination of bandcast reconstituted tobacco and another form of tobacco such as tobacco granules.
Paper reconstituted tobacco refers to tobacco material formed by a process in which tobacco feedstock is extracted with a solvent to afford an extract of solubles and a residue comprising fibrous material, and then the extract (usually after concentration, and optionally after further processing) is recombined with fibrous material from the residue (usually after refining of the fibrous material, and optionally with the addition of a portion of non-tobacco fibres) by deposition of the extract onto the fibrous material. The process of recombination resembles the process for making paper.
The paper reconstituted tobacco may be any type of paper reconstituted tobacco that is known in the art. In a particular embodiment, the paper reconstituted tobacco is made from a feedstock comprising one or more of tobacco strips, tobacco stems, and whole leaf tobacco. In a further embodiment, the paper reconstituted tobacco is made from a feedstock consisting of tobacco strips and/or whole leaf tobacco, and tobacco stems. However, in other embodiments, scraps, fines and winnowings can alternatively or additionally be employed in the feedstock.
The paper reconstituted tobacco for use in the tobacco material described herein may be prepared by methods which are known to those skilled in the art for preparing paper reconstituted tobacco.
As used herein, the term “tobacco material” refers to any material comprising tobacco or derivatives or substitutes thereof. The term “tobacco material” may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. The tobacco material may comprise one or more of ground tobacco, tobacco fibre, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stem, tobacco lamina, reconstituted tobacco and/or tobacco extract.
As used herein, the terms “flavor” and “flavorant” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult consumers. One or more flavors can be used as the aerosol modifying agent described herein.
They may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavor enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, or powder.
Typically, a non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and an article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision system. However, it is envisaged that articles which themselves comprise a means for powering an aerosol generating component may themselves form the non-combustible aerosol provision system.
In one embodiment, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In one embodiment, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energized so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosolizable material or heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source. In one embodiment, the power source, such as an exothermic power source, is provided in the article so as to form the non-combustible aerosol provision.
In one embodiment, the article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise an aerosolizable material, an aerosol generating component, an aerosol generating area, a mouthpiece, and/or an area for receiving aerosolizable material.
In one embodiment, the aerosol generating component is a heater capable of interacting with the aerosolizable material so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosolizable material to form an aerosol. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating component is capable of generating an aerosol from the aerosolizable material without heating. For example, the aerosol generating component may be capable of generating an aerosol from the aerosolizable material without applying heat thereto, for example via one or more of vibrational, mechanical, pressurisation or electrostatic means.
In one embodiment, the aerosolizable material may comprise an active material, an aerosol forming material and optionally one or more functional materials. The active material may comprise nicotine (optionally contained in tobacco or a tobacco derivative) or one or more other non-olfactory physiologically active materials. A non-olfactory physiologically active material is a material which is included in the aerosolizable material in order to achieve a physiological response other than olfactory perception.
The aerosol forming material may comprise one or more of glycerine, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.
The one or more functional materials may comprise one or more of flavors, carriers, pH regulators, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.
In one embodiment, the article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosolizable material or an area for receiving aerosolizable material. In one embodiment, the article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a mouthpiece. The area for receiving aerosolizable material may be a storage area for storing aerosolizable material. For example, the storage area may be a reservoir. In one embodiment, the area for receiving aerosolizable material may be separate from, or combined with, an aerosol generating area.
Aerosolizable material, which also may be referred to herein as aerosol generating material, is material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosolizable material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain nicotine and/or flavorants. In some embodiments, the aerosolizablematerial may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may for example comprise from about 50 wt %, 60 wt % or 70 wt % of amorphous solid, to about 90 wt %, 95 wt % or 100 wt % of amorphous solid.
The aerosolizable material may be present on a substrate. The substrate may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted aerosolizable material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy.
An aerosol modifying agent is a substance that is able to modify aerosol in use. The agent may modify aerosol in such a way as to create a physiological or sensory effect on the human body. Example aerosol modifying agents are flavorants and sensates. A sensate creates an organoleptic sensation that can be perceived through the senses, such as a cool or sour sensation.
A susceptor is material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The heating material may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The heating material may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the heating material is heatable by both heating mechanisms.
Induction heating is a process in which an electrically-conductive object is heated by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. The process is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may comprise an electromagnet and a device for passing a varying electrical current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are suitably relatively positioned so that the resultant varying magnetic field produced by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated inside the object. The object has a resistance to the flow of electrical currents. Therefore, when such eddy currents are generated in the object, their flow against the electrical resistance of the object causes the object to be heated. This process is called Joule, ohmic, or resistive heating. An object that is capable of being inductively heated is known as a susceptor.
In one embodiment, the susceptor is in the form of a closed circuit. It has been found that, when the susceptor is in the form of a closed circuit, magnetic coupling between the susceptor and the electromagnet in use is enhanced, which results in greater or improved Joule heating.
Magnetic hysteresis heating is a process in which an object made of a magnetic material is heated by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. A magnetic material can be considered to comprise many atomic-scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such material, the magnetic dipoles align with the magnetic field. Therefore, when a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field, for example as produced by an electromagnet, penetrates the magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes with the varying applied magnetic field. Such magnetic dipole reorientation causes heat to be generated in the magnetic material.
When an object is both electrically-conductive and magnetic, penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field can cause both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating in the object. Moreover, the use of magnetic material can strengthen the magnetic field, which can intensify the Joule heating.
In each of the above processes, as heat is generated inside the object itself, rather than by an external heat source by heat conduction, a rapid temperature rise in the object and more uniform heat distribution can be achieved, particularly through selection of suitable object material and geometry, and suitable varying magnetic field magnitude and orientation relative to the object. Moreover, as induction heating and magnetic hysteresis heating do not require a physical connection to be provided between the source of the varying magnetic field and the object, design freedom and control over the heating profile may be greater, and cost may be lower.
A non-combustible aerosol provision device can be used to heat the aerosol generating material of the article described herein. In some embodiments, the invention provides a system comprising an article and a non-combustible aerosol provision device for heating the aerosol generating material of the article.
The non-combustible aerosol provision device preferably comprises a coil, since this has been found to enable improved heat transfer to the article as compared to other arrangements. In some examples, the coil is configured to, in use, cause heating of at least one electrically-conductive heating element, so that heat energy is conductible from the at least one electrically-conductive heating element to the aerosol generating material to thereby cause heating of the aerosol generating material.
In some examples, the coil is configured to generate, in use, a varying magnetic field for penetrating at least one heating element, to thereby cause induction heating and/or magnetic hysteresis heating of the at least one heating element. In such an arrangement, the or each heating element may be termed a “susceptor” as defined herein. A coil that is configured to generate, in use, a varying magnetic field for penetrating at least one electrically-conductive heating element, to thereby cause induction heating of the at least one electrically-conductive heating element, may be termed an “induction coil” or “inductor coil”.
The device may include the heating element(s), for example electrically-conductive heating element(s), and the heating element(s) may be suitably located or locatable relative to the coil to enable such heating of the heating element(s). The heating element(s) may be in a fixed position relative to the coil. Alternatively, the at least one heating element, for example at least one electrically-conductive heating element, may be included in the article for insertion into a heating zone of the device, wherein the article also comprises the aerosol generating material and is removable from the heating zone after use. Alternatively, both the device and such an article may comprise at least one respective heating element, for example at least one electrically-conductive heating element, and the coil may be to cause heating of the heating element(s) of each of the device and the article when the article is in the heating zone.
In some examples, the coil is helical. In some examples, the coil encircles at least a part of a heating zone of the device that is configured to receive aerosol generating material. In some examples, the coil is a helical coil that encircles at least a part of the heating zone.
In some examples, the device comprises an electrically-conductive heating element that at least partially surrounds the heating zone, and the coil is a helical coil that encircles at least a part of the electrically-conductive heating element. In some examples, the electrically-conductive heating element is tubular. In some examples, the coil is an inductor coil.
In some examples, the use of a coil enables the non-combustible aerosol provision device to reach operational temperature more quickly than a non-coil aerosol provision device. For instance, the non-combustible aerosol provision device including a coil as described above can reach an operational temperature such that a first puff can be provided in less than 30 seconds from initiation of a device heating program, more preferably in less than 25 seconds. In some examples, the device can reach an operational temperature in about 20 seconds from the initiation of a device heating program.
The use of a coil as described herein in the device to cause heating of the aerosol generating material has been found to enhance the aerosol which is produced. For instance, consumers have reported that the aerosol generated by a device including a coil such as that described herein is sensorially closer to that generated in factory made cigarette (FMC) products than the aerosol produced by other non-combustible aerosol provision systems. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is hypothesized that this is the result of the reduced time to reach the required heating temperature when the coil is used, the higher heating temperatures achievable when the coil is used and/or the fact that the coil enables such systems to simultaneously heat a relatively large volume of aerosol generating material, resulting in aerosol temperatures resembling FMC aerosol temperatures. In FMC products, the burning coal generates a hot aerosol which heats tobacco in the tobacco rod behind the coal, as the aerosol is drawn through the rod. This hot aerosol is understood to release flavor compounds from tobacco in the rod behind the burning coal. A device including a coil as described herein is thought to also be capable of heating aerosol generating material, such as tobacco material described herein, to release flavor compounds, resulting in an aerosol which has been reported to more closely resemble an FMC aerosol.
Using an aerosol provision system including a coil as described herein, for instance an induction coil which heats at least some of the aerosol generating material to at least 200° C., more preferably at least 220° C., can enable the generation of an aerosol from an aerosol generating material that has particular characteristics which are thought to more closely resemble those of an FMC product. For example, when heating an aerosol generating material, including nicotine, using an induction heater, heated to at least 250° C., for a two-second period, under an airflow of at least 1.50 L/m during the period, one or more of the following characteristics has been observed:
In some cases, at least 10 μg of nicotine, suitably at least 30 μg or 40 μg of nicotine, is aerosolized from the aerosol generating material under an airflow of at least 1.50 L/m during the period. In some cases, less than about 200 μg, suitably less than about 150 μg or less than about 125 μg, of nicotine is aerosolized from the aerosol generating material under an airflow of at least 1.50 L/m during the period.
In some cases, the aerosol contains at least 100 μg of the aerosol forming material, suitably at least 200 μg, 500 μg or 1 mg of aerosol forming material is aerosolized from the aerosol generating material under an airflow of at least 1.50 L/m during the period. Suitably, the aerosol forming material may comprise or consist of glycerol.
As defined herein, the term “mean particle or droplet size” refers to the mean size of the solid or liquid components of an aerosol (i.e. the components suspended in a gas). Where the aerosol contains suspended liquid droplets and suspended solid particles, the term refers to the mean size of all components together.
In some cases, the mean particle or droplet size in the generated aerosol may be less than about 900 nm, 800 nm, 700, nm 600 nm, 500 nm, 450 nm or 400 nm. In some cases, the mean particle or droplet size may be more than about 25 nm, 50 nm or 100 nm.
In some cases, the aerosol density generated during the period is at least 0.1 μg/cc. In some cases, the aerosol density is at least 0.2 μg/cc, 0.3 μg/cc or 0.4 μg/cc. In some cases, the aerosol density is less than about 2.5 μg/cc, 2.0 μg/cc, 1.5 μg/cc or 1.0 μg/cc.
The non-combustible aerosol provision device is preferably arranged to heat the aerosol generating material of the article, to a maximum temperature of at least 160° C. Preferably, the non-combustible aerosol provision device is arranged to heat the aerosol forming material of the article, to a maximum temperature of at least about 200° C., or at least about 220° C., or at least about 240° C., more preferably at least about 270° C., at least once during the heating process followed by the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
Using an aerosol provision system including a coil as described herein, for instance an induction coil which heats at least some of the aerosol generating material to at least 200° C., more preferably at least 220° C., can enable the generation of an aerosol from an aerosol generating material in an article as described herein that has a higher temperature as the aerosol leaves the mouth end of the mouthpiece 2 than previous devices, contributing to the generation of an aerosol which is considered closer to an FMC product. For instance, the maximum aerosol temperature measured at the mouth-end of the article can preferably be greater than 50° C., more preferably greater than 55° C. and still more preferably greater than 56° C. or 57° C. Additionally or alternatively, the maximum aerosol temperature measured at the mouth-end of the article can be less than 62° C., more preferably less than 60° C. and more preferably less than 59° C. In some embodiments, the maximum aerosol temperature measured at the mouth-end of the article can preferably be between 50° C. and 62° C., more preferably between 56° C. and 60° C.
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 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.
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.
The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.
The wet tensile strength and dry tensile strength of a wrapper can be measured using the following procedure (in accordance with ISO 1924-2). The difference between the wet tensile strength and dry tensile strength is based on the sample conditions in the testing methods. That is, wet tensile strength is measure using a wet sample and dry tensile strength is measure using a dry sample.
Universal Tensile/Compression Testing Machine: Instron 5566, or equivalent.
Tension load cell of 100 Newton: Instron, or equivalent.
Two pneumatic action grips.
A steel gauge block of 180±0.25 millimeters length (width: {tilde over ( )}10 millimeters, thickness: {tilde over ( )}3 millimeters).
Computer running acquisition software: Merlin, or equivalent.
Strip cutter.
To prepare a dry sample, condition the wrapper material for at least 24 hours at 22±2 degrees Celsius and 60±5% relative humidity before testing.
Using the strip cutter, cut test strips of the wrapper to the following dimensions: {tilde over ( )}250×15±0.1 millimeters. The edges of the test pieces must be cut cleanly.
A wet sample may be prepared using the same technique except that 2 micro litres of a water is added to the sample immediately prior to the measurement starting.
Install the tension load cell of 100 Newton.
Switch on the Universal Tensile/Compression Testing Machine and the computer.
Select the measurement method predefined in the software (test speed set to 8 millimeters per minute).
Calibrate the tension load cell.
Install the pneumatic action grips.
Adjust the test distance between the pneumatic action grips to 180±0.5 millimeters by means of the steel gauge block.
Set the distance and the force to zero.
Position the test sample straight and centrally between the grips.
Close the upper grip.
Set the force to zero.
Pull down lightly on the test sample and close the lower grip by maintaining the force on the test sample. The starting force must be between 0.05 and 0.20 Newton.
Start the measurement.
Calculate tensile strength according to Formula:
Tensile breaking strength=Maximum force during stretch (N)/width of test specimen (mm)
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2105431.7 | Apr 2021 | GB | national |
The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT Application No. PCT/GB2022/050810 filed Mar. 21, 2022, which claims priority to GB Patent Application No. 2105431.7 filed Apr. 16, 2021, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/GB2022/050810 | 3/31/2022 | WO |
