CN111787815A

CN111787815A - Aerosol generation

Info

Publication number: CN111787815A
Application number: CN201980016393.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 理查德·赫普沃斯
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2018-03-02
Filing date: 2019-03-01
Publication date: 2020-10-16
Anticipated expiration: 2039-03-01
Also published as: CN116035258A; GB201803424D0; WO2019166640A1; KR102487974B1; CN111787815B; JP7420453B2; CA3092737A1; RU2761039C1; UA127852C2; JP2022116100A; EP3758515A1; JP7078737B2; AU2019228125B2; RU2021134603A; BR112020017916A2; AU2021240219A1; CA3092737C; IL277008A; KR20230011491A; KR20200108087A

Abstract

The invention provides a heated non-combustible article comprising an aerosol-generating medium and a filter. The filter contains one or more crushable capsules. In use, the aerosol-generating medium is heated without combustion, and the capsule is exposed to a temperature of about 30 to 100 ℃. During exposure, the structural integrity of the capsule is not compromised, enabling the user to crush the capsule before, during, or after heating.

Description

Aerosol generation

Technical Field

The present invention relates to heating non-combustible (heat-not-bum) articles and heating non-combustible components.

Background

Articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. These alternatives to combustible articles generate inhalable aerosols by heating the substrate material.

These products may be generally referred to as aerosol-generating devices. An example of such an aerosol-generating device is a so-called heat non-combustible product, also known as a tobacco heating product or tobacco heating device, which releases compounds to form an inhalable aerosol by heating without combusting a solid matrix material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products or may be a composition, such as a blended mixture, that may or may not contain nicotine.

Disclosure of Invention

A first aspect of the invention provides a heat-not-burn article comprising an aerosol-generating medium and a filter, the filter comprising one or more capsules that are crushable,

wherein, in use, the aerosol-generating medium is heated without burning and the capsule is exposed to a temperature of about 30 to 100 ℃ during which its structural integrity is not compromised, such that a user can crush the capsule before, during or after heating.

In some cases, in use, the aerosol-generating medium generates a moist aerosol and the capsule is exposed to at least 12mg of water.

In some cases, the capsule has a core-shell structure, the core comprising a liquid, and the shell encapsulating the core, and wherein the shell comprises from 5 to 90 wt% of a gelling agent based on the total capsule shell weight, wherein the gelling agent comprises carrageenan.

In some cases, the aerosol-generating medium comprises an aerosol-generating agent. In some cases, the aerosol-generating medium comprises at least 10 wt% of the aerosol-generating agent, based on the total weight of the aerosol-generating medium.

In some cases, the aerosol-generating medium comprises tobacco material.

In some cases, the aerosol-generating medium comprises an aerosol-generating agent and a tobacco material, which may be provided in the same portion of the aerosol-generating medium or in separate sections of the aerosol-generating medium.

In some cases, the capsule fills about 5 to 30% volume (v/v) of the filter.

In some cases, the filter comprises 70 to 95% filter material by volume. In some cases, the average melting point of the filter material is at least about 150 ℃. In some cases, the filter material has an average thermal conductivity of at least 0.130W/mK.

In some cases, the filter further comprises a wrapper that wraps around the other filter components.

In some cases, the shell comprises 5 to 60% by weight of carrageenan as gelling agent, based on the total capsule shell weight. Suitably, the shell comprises 10 to 35 wt% carrageenan based on total capsule shell weight as gelling agent.

In some cases, the gelling agent in the capsule shell comprises carrageenan. In some cases, the melting point of carrageenan is at least about 30 ℃ or at least about 40 ℃.

In some cases, the capsule shell further comprises a plasticizer. In some cases, the total amount of combined plasticizer and gelling agent in the shell may be about 40 to 70 weight percent based on the total capsule shell weight.

In some cases, the capsule shell further comprises a carbohydrate, such as starch.

In some cases, the initial compressive strength (before heating) of the capsule is from about 0.8kp (kilogram force) to about 3.5kp, suitably from about 1.0kp to about 2.5kp, or from about 1.0kp to about 2.0 kp.

In some cases, the capsule core includes a flavoring agent.

A second aspect of the invention provides a heat non-combustible assembly comprising a heat non-combustible article according to the first aspect and a heater.

In some cases, the capsule is at least about 25mm or at least about 30mm from the heater. In some cases, the capsule is 25 to 30mm from the heater. In some other cases, the capsule is 30 to 35mm from the heater.

In some cases, the heater includes a combustible fuel source arranged such that, upon ignition, the fuel source heats but does not burn the aerosol-generating medium that heats the non-combustible article.

In some cases, the heater is a device into which a heat non-combustible article is to be at least partially inserted, such that, in use, the aerosol-generating medium is heated but not combusted.

In some cases, the assembly is configured such that the one or more capsules are exposed to a temperature of about 30 to 100 ℃. In some cases, the assembly is configured such that the one or more capsules are exposed to a temperature of about 40 to 90 ℃.

In some cases, the assembly may be configured to expose the aerosol-forming medium to at least 200 ℃ for at least 50% of the heating period.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a filter for heating a non-combustible article, the filter comprising a crushable capsule,

wherein, in use, the aerosol-generating medium is heated without burning, and the capsule is exposed to a temperature of about 30 to 100 ℃ during which its structural integrity is not compromised, such that a user can crush the capsule before, during or after heating.

To the extent that they are compatible, features disclosed with respect to one aspect of the invention are expressly disclosed in connection with all other aspects.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of examples thereof, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of an example of heating a non-combustible article.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic side view of an example of a heated non-combusting assembly.

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of heating a non-combustible article.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the article of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional elevation view of an example of heating a non-combustible article.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the article of fig. 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a heated non-combusting assembly.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary heat not burn assembly.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an example heat incombustible assembly.

Detailed Description

A first aspect of the invention provides a heat-not-burn article comprising an aerosol-generating medium and a filter, the filter comprising one or more crushable capsules,

Due to the nature of the heating profile and the composition of the aerosol-generating medium, aerosols generated by heating non-combustible products are generally warm and humid. For example, the aerosol-generating medium in the heated non-combustible product according to the invention may contain a greater proportion of aerosol-generating agent than the smokable material used in the combustible product. Additionally, or alternatively, the aerosol-generating medium in the heated non-combustible product according to the invention may be heated to an elevated temperature and/or for a longer period of time than the combustion temperature/period of the combustible product. The inventors have determined that the capsules detailed in claim 1 are particularly suitable for heating non-combustible products and conditions therein. It has been found that the capsules specified in claim 1 are less likely to fail or rupture when exposed to conditions in a heated non-burning product than other capsules.

The inventors have determined that during use, the temperature profile at the centre of the filter peaks at each puff. This is due to the hot aerosol being drawn through the filter during draw. In some cases, the capsule may be exposed to temperatures in excess of 30 ℃, 40 ℃, or 50 ℃ during use. In some cases, the maximum temperature to which the capsule is exposed in use is less than about 100 ℃, 90 ℃, 80 ℃ or 70 ℃. In some cases, the capsule may be exposed to a temperature in the range of 30 ℃ to 100 ℃, suitably 40 ℃ to 80 ℃ or 50 ℃ to 70 ℃.

As used herein, the term "heat not burn article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-generating medium; in use, components of the aerosol-generating medium are vaporised into an inhalable vapour or aerosol by heating rather than ignition/combustion.

The aerosol-generating medium of the heated non-combustible article comprises a solid component (as opposed to the aerosol-generating medium of an e-cigarette in which the aerosol-generating medium is a liquid). By "solid" is meant that the aerosol-generating medium does not exhibit flow at steady state. The solid may comprise a gel or the like. For the avoidance of doubt, the aerosol-generating medium that heats the non-combustible article may comprise a liquid component in addition to the solid component.

The capsules described herein may have a core-shell structure. In such cases, the core comprises a liquid. In some cases, the core may include one or more aerosol-generating agents and/or one or more flavoring agents. In some cases, the core may include an acid, a base, and/or water. In some cases, the core may include a solvent. In some particular cases, the core may include menthol.

The capsule shell material (which may alternatively be referred to herein as a barrier material or an encapsulating material) encapsulates the core. In some cases, the shell material may function to minimize migration of the core during product storage. In some cases, the shell material may provide for controlled release of the core during use. The capsule can be ruptured (i.e., crushed) to release the contents before, during, or after the heating of the heat-not-combustible article.

The capsule shell material is crushable; that is, it is brittle or breakable. The user crushes or otherwise disintegrates or ruptures the capsule to release the contents. Typically, the capsule is ruptured immediately before heating begins, but the user can choose when to release the contents (i.e., be able to crush them after heating begins). The term "crushable capsule" refers to a capsule that: wherein the encapsulating material (which may be a shell) may be ruptured by pressure to release the encapsulated material (which may be a capsule core); more specifically, when a user wants to release the contents of the capsule, the encapsulating material (e.g., shell) may disintegrate under the pressure exerted by the user's fingers (or any other pressure generating means). In some cases, the initial (pre-heat) crush strength of the capsules may be from about 0.8kp to about 3.5kp, suitably from about 1.0kp to about 2.5kp or from about 1.0 to about 2.0 kp. The inventors have determined that the capsule may weaken upon heating. The inventors have determined that capsules having an initial crush strength of at least 0.8kp are less likely to rupture/disintegrate upon heating. The inventors have determined that capsules having a crush strength greater than 3.5kp are difficult to crush prior to heating. The inventors have determined that an initial crush strength in the range of 1.0kp to 2.0kp provides the best capsule performance.

In some cases, a capsule described herein can be substantially spherical and have a diameter of at least about 0.4mm, 0.6mm, 0.8mm, 1.0mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, 2.8mm, or 3.0 mm. The capsule may have a diameter of less than about 10.0mm, 8.0mm, 7.0mm, 6.0mm, 5.5mm, 5.0mm, 4.5mm, 4.0mm, 3.5mm, or 3.2 mm. Illustratively, the capsule diameter may be in the range of about 0.4mm to about 10.0mm, about 0.8mm to about 6.0mm, about 2.5mm to about 5.5mm, or about 2.8mm to about 3.2 mm. In some cases, the capsule may have a diameter of about 3.0mm to about 3.5 mm. These dimensions are particularly suitable for incorporating the capsule into a filter for heating a non-combustible article.

In some cases, the total weight of the capsules described herein may be in the range of about 1mg to about 100mg, suitably about 5mg to about 60mg, about 10mg to about 50mg, about 15mg to about 40mg, or about 15mg to about 30 mg.

In some cases, the total weight of the core formulation may be in the range of about 2mg to about 90mg, suitably about 3mg to about 70mg, about 5mg to about 25mg, about 8mg to about 20mg, or about 10mg to about 15 mg.

The shell comprises from 5 to 90 wt% of a gelling agent based on the total capsule shell weight, wherein the gelling agent comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of carrageenan. In some cases, the shell comprises 5 to 60 wt%, 5 to 50 wt%, or 10 to 35 wt% of the gelling agent, based on the total capsule shell weight. In some cases, the gelling agent in the capsule shell comprises carrageenan. In some cases, the melting point of carrageenan is at least about 30 ℃ or at least about 40 ℃.

In addition to carrageenan, the shell may include other gelling agents. Suitable gelling agents that may be included in the capsule shell material may include, but are not limited to, polysaccharide or cellulose gelling agents, gelatin, gums, gels, waxes, or mixtures thereof. Suitable polysaccharides include alginates, dextrans, maltodextrins, cyclodextrins, and pectins. Suitable alginates include, for example, salts of alginic acid, esterified alginates or glyceryl alginates. Salts of alginic acid include ammonium alginate, triethanolamine alginate, and group I or II metal ion alginates such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium alginate. Esterified alginates include propylene glycol alginate and glyceryl alginate. In some examples, the barrier material includes 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 arabic, pullulan, mannan, gum ghatti, gum tragacanth, karaya, locust bean, acacia, guar, quince seed and xanthan. Suitable gels include agar, agarose, carrageenan, carbofuran and furancellulose. Suitable waxes include carnauba wax. In some cases, the gelling agent may comprise carrageenan and/or gellan gum; these gelling agents are particularly suitable for inclusion as gelling agents, since the pressure required to break the resulting capsules is particularly suitable. In some cases, the capsule shell does not include gelatin.

The capsule shell may additionally comprise one or more of a bulking agent, a buffering agent, a colorant, and a plasticizer.

In some cases, the capsule shell material may include one or more fillers such as starch, modified starch (such as oxidized starch), and sugar alcohols (such as maltitol).

In some cases, the capsule shell material may include a colorant that facilitates positioning of the capsule within the tobacco industry product during manufacture. The colorant is preferably selected from colorants and pigments.

In some cases, the capsule shell material may further include at least one buffering agent, such as a citrate or phosphate compound.

In some cases, the capsule shell material may also include at least one plasticizer, which may be glycerol, sorbitol, maltitol, triacetin, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol or another polyol having plasticizing properties, and optionally an acid of the mono-, di-or tri-acid type, in particular citric acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, etc. In some cases, the amount of plasticizer is from 1 to 30 weight percent, preferably from 2 to 15 weight percent, and even more preferably from 3 to 10 weight percent of the total shell weight. In some cases, the total amount of plasticizer and gelling agent in the shell is about 40 to 70 weight percent, suitably 50 to 60 weight percent, based on the total capsule shell weight. In some cases, the plasticizer comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of glycerol.

In some cases, the capsule shell may also include one or more fill materials. Suitable filler materials include starch derivatives such as dextrin, maltodextrin, cyclodextrin (alpha, beta or gamma), or cellulose derivatives such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), Methylcellulose (MC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polyvinyl alcohol, polyols or mixtures thereof. The capsule shell may, in some cases, include up to about 60% by weight filler, based on the total capsule shell weight. In some cases, the capsule shell can include up to about 50, 40, 30, or 20 weight percent filler, based on the total capsule shell weight. In certain particular instances, the capsule shell may not include a filler.

The capsule shell may additionally include a hydrophobic outer layer that reduces the susceptibility of the capsule to moisture-induced degradation. The hydrophobic outer layer is suitably selected from the group comprising: waxes (especially carnauba, candelilla or beeswax, carbowax), shellac (in ethanol or aqueous solution), ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, latex compositions, polyvinyl alcohol, or combinations thereof. More preferably, the at least one moisture barrier is ethyl cellulose or a mixture of ethyl cellulose and shellac.

The process for preparing the capsules comprises co-extrusion, optionally followed by centrifugation and solidification and/or drying. These and other suitable techniques are known in the art.

The filter may comprise a filter material. For example, the filter may comprise a cellulosic material, such as cellulose acetate, a ceramic material, polylactic acid, a polymer matrix, and/or activated carbon. Suitable examples of ceramic materials include silicon carbide (SiC), silicon nitride (Si)₃N₄) Titanium carbide and zirconium dioxide (zirconia).

In some cases, the average melting point of the filter material is at least about 150 ℃. In use in an aerosol-generating device, the filter is typically exposed to temperatures below 150 ℃; thus, in such embodiments, the filter does not melt and supports the capsule well. This is helpful to the user who attempts to crush the capsule after heating has begun. In some cases, the average melting point of the filter material is at least about 160 ℃, 170 ℃, 180 ℃, 190 ℃, or 200 ℃.

In some cases, the filter material has an average thermal conductivity of at least 0.130W/mK. The inventors have found that this is helpful to the user who attempts to crush the capsule after heating has begun. In some cases, the filter material has an average thermal conductivity of at least 0.140W/mK, 0.150W/mK, or 0.160W/mK.

In some cases, the filter may additionally include a wrapper that wraps around the other filter components. The wrapper may comprise tobacco tipping paper.

In some cases, the capsule fills about 5 to 30% by volume of the filter. In some cases, the filter comprises 70 to 95% by volume of filter material, suitably cellulose acetate. The inventors have determined that these ratios result in the capsule absorbing heat properly.

In some cases, the filter is substantially cylindrical and the capsule is substantially centered with respect to the diameter of the cylinder. In some cases, the capsule is substantially centrally disposed with respect to the length of the cylinder. In some cases, the length of the cylindrical filter may be about 8 to 14mm, suitably 9 to 13mm or 10 to 12 mm. It may have a cross-sectional diameter of about 5 to 9mm, suitably 7.5 to 8 mm. It may be formed from cellulose acetate fibers.

In some cases, when the capsule is in an unbroken state, the pressure difference across the filter is between 30 and 90mm H when the user inhales₂And O is in the range. Suitably, the pressure differential across the filter may be about 30mm H when the capsule is in an unbroken state₂O、33mm H₂O、35mm H₂O、38mm H₂O or 40mm H₂O to about 90mm H₂O、75mm H₂O、65mm H₂O、60mmH₂O、55mm H₂O or 50mm H₂And O is in the range. Illustratively, the pressure differential across the filter may be about 35 to 60mm H when the capsule is in an unbroken state₂O, preferably in the range of 38 to 55mm H₂O or 40 to 50mm H₂And O is in the range.

In some cases, the filter contains only one capsule. In other cases, the filter contains more than one capsule. In case the filter comprises a plurality of capsules, the individual capsules may be identical or different from each other. For example, multiple capsules may be provided so that a user can select when/if the capsule is broken, thereby controlling the aerosol delivery profile.

In some cases, the aerosol-generating medium comprises an aerosol-generating agent. In some cases, the aerosol-generating medium comprises tobacco material. In some cases, the aerosol-generating medium comprises a flavoring agent. In some cases, the aerosol-generating medium consists essentially of or consists of the aerosol-generating agent and/or the tobacco material and/or the flavouring agent. In some cases, the aerosol-generating medium may be provided as a single, integral component. In other cases, the aerosol-generating medium may comprise different sections comprising different compositions. For example, the aerosol-generating medium may comprise an aerosol-generating agent and a tobacco material, and these may be provided in different, separate sections of the aerosol-generating medium.

In some embodiments, the capsule contains a flavoring agent and the aerosol-generating medium comprises a flavoring agent, wherein in both cases the flavoring agent is substantially the same. This may provide for a more consistent delivery of flavor characteristics. In some cases, the capsule contains menthol and the aerosol-generating medium comprises menthol.

As used herein, the term "tobacco material" refers to any material comprising tobacco or derivatives 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 include one or more of ground tobacco, tobacco fiber, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stems, reconstituted tobacco, and/or tobacco extracts.

The tobacco used to produce the tobacco material may be any suitable tobacco, such as single grade or blend, cut or whole leaf, including virginia and/or burley and/or oriental. It may also be tobacco particle "fines" or dust, expanded tobacco, tobacco stems, expanded tobacco stems, and other processed tobacco stem materials, such as cut tobacco stems. The tobacco material may be ground tobacco or reconstituted tobacco material. The reconstituted tobacco material may include tobacco fibers and may be formed by casting, by a fourdrinier paper-based papermaking-type process with a back-added tobacco extract, or by extrusion.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating agent" refers to an agent that promotes aerosol generation. The aerosol-generating agent may facilitate the generation of an aerosol by facilitating the initial vaporization and/or condensation of the gas into an inhalable solid and/or liquid aerosol.

Suitable aerosol-generating agents include, but are not limited to: polyols such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; non-polyols, such as monohydric alcohols, high boiling hydrocarbons; acids, such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives; esters such as diacetin, triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate or myristate, including ethyl myristate and isopropyl myristate, as well as aliphatic carboxylic acid esters such as methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. In some cases, the aerosol generating agent may include glycerin and/or propylene glycol.

In some cases, the aerosol-generating medium comprises at least 10 wt% of the aerosol-generating agent, based on the total weight of the aerosol-generating medium. Suitably, the aerosol-generating medium comprises at least 12 wt%, 15 wt%, 18 wt% or 20 wt% of the aerosol-generating agent, based on the total weight of the aerosol-generating medium. In some cases, the remainder may be tobacco material.

In some cases, the heat-not-combustible article may be substantially cylindrical.

In some cases, heating the non-combustible article may additionally include a cooling element. This may be arranged, for example, between the filter and the aerosol-generating medium. The cooling element (if present) separates the filter from the hottest part of the heated non-combustible article (in use). The cooling element (if present) may comprise an empty tube suitably formed from paper. The volatile components of the aerosol-generating medium may condense to form an aerosol for use in the cooling element (if present).

The heat non-combustible article may additionally comprise ventilation holes. These vents may be provided in the sidewall of the article. In some cases, the vent may be provided in the filter and/or cooling element. These holes allow cold air to be drawn into the article during use, which mixes with the heated volatile components, thereby cooling the aerosol.

The ventilation enhances the ability to generate visible heated volatile components from the article as the article is heated in use. The heated volatile components are made visible by the process of cooling the heated volatile components so that supersaturation of the heated volatile components occurs. The heated volatile components then undergo droplet formation, also known as nucleation, and finally the aerosol particles of the heated volatile components increase in size by further condensation of the heated volatile components and by condensation of newly formed droplets from the heated volatile components.

In some cases, the ratio of cool air to the sum of heated volatile components and cool air, referred to as the aeration ratio, is at least 15%. The ventilation ratio of 15% makes the heated volatile components visible by the method described above. The visibility of the heated volatile components enables the user to recognize that volatile components have been generated and increases the sensory experience of the smoking experience.

In another example, the ventilation ratio is between 50% and 85% to provide additional cooling to the heated volatile components.

As used herein, the term "heating a non-combustible article" refers to heating a combination of a non-combustible article and a heater. The heater heats the aerosol-generating medium of the non-combustible article without combustion to volatilize components of the substrate and generate an inhalable vapor or aerosol.

In some cases, the heater may be provided integrally with the article. For example, the heater may be a combustible fuel source attached to the article such that, in use, combustion of the fuel source heats the aerosol-generating medium without igniting the medium. In another example, the heater may comprise a chemical heat source, such as a phase change material, for example, which undergoes an exothermic reaction to generate heat in use.

In other cases, the heater may be a separate entity configured for use with the article. For example, the heater may be a device that heats the non-combustible article at least partially inserted therein. In another example, the heater may be a device that is at least partially inserted into the heating of the non-combustible article. The heater may be electrically controlled. In some cases, the heater includes a thin film resistance heater, an induction heater, or the like.

In some cases, the assembly may be configured such that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating medium in the heated non-combustible article is exposed to a temperature of at least 180 ℃ or 200 ℃ for at least 50% of the heating period. In some examples, the aerosol-generating medium may be exposed to a thermal profile as described in co-pending application PCT/EP2017/068804, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

In some particular cases, a heat non-combustible assembly is provided that is configured to separately heat two portions of an aerosol-generating medium. By controlling the temperature of the first and second portions over time such that the temperature profiles of these portions are different, it is possible to control the puff profile of the aerosol during use. The heat provided to the two portions of aerosol-generating medium may be provided at different times or rates; staggering the heating in this manner can allow for rapid aerosol generation and long service life.

In one particular example, the assembly may be configured such that at the start of the consumption experience, the first heating element corresponding to the first portion of the aerosol-generating medium is immediately heated to a temperature of 240 ℃. The first heating element was held at 240 ℃ for 145 seconds and then dropped to 135 ℃ (it remained unchanged for the rest of the consumption experience). 75 seconds after the start of the consumption experience, the second heating element corresponding to the second portion of the aerosol-generating medium is heated to a temperature of 160 ℃. 135 seconds after the start of the consumption experience, the temperature of the second heating element rises to 240 ℃ (it remains unchanged during the rest of the consumption experience). The consumption experience lasted 280 seconds, when both heaters cooled to room temperature.

In some cases, the assembly is configured such that the filter that heats the non-combustible article is not directly heated. For example, where the heater is a device into which the article is partially inserted, the assembly may be configured such that a filter that heats a non-combustible hot article is not inserted into the device.

In some particular cases, the assembly is configured such that the filter and cooling element (if present) that heat the non-combustible article are not directly heated. For example, where the heater is a device into which the article is partially inserted, the assembly may be configured such that the filter and cooling element (if present) that heat the non-combustible article are not inserted into the device. In other cases, at least a portion of the cooling element may be inserted into the device.

In such cases, even if the filter is not directly heated, heat is absorbed by heating the non-combustible article during the consumption experience (when the user smokes). The inventors have determined that at each puff, the temperature profile at the center of the filter peaks. This is due to the hot aerosol being drawn through the filter during draw. In some cases, the filter (and capsule) may be exposed to temperatures in excess of about 30 ℃, 40 ℃, or 50 ℃ during use. In some cases, the maximum temperature to which the filter (and capsule) is exposed in use is less than about 100 ℃, 90 ℃, 80 ℃ or 70 ℃. In some cases, the filter (and capsule) may be exposed to a temperature in the range of 30 ℃ to 100 ℃, suitably 40 ℃ to 80 ℃ or 50 ℃ to 70 ℃.

The inventors have determined that the capsule specified in claim 1 is particularly suitable for heating non-combustible articles. Even though in some cases the capsules may be exposed to temperatures exceeding the shell melting point or glass transition temperature, it was found that the capsules specified in claim 1 are less likely to fail or disintegrate when exposed to conditions in the heated non-burning component than other capsules. Such capsules can be easily crushed by the user before, during or after the initiation of heating to release their contents. The click feel to crush is maintained, providing tactile feedback to the user that crushing has taken place. This click sensation is useful because the user then knows that sufficient pressure has been applied and that the capsule contents have been released. Therefore, it is less likely to apply an excessively high pressure that may damage the heated non-combustible article.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the suitability of the capsules described herein for heating non-combustible articles is due to the shell material composition and the water absorption rate. Other factors that may be relevant include the heat capacity of the shell material, the melting point or glass transition temperature of the shell material, and/or the distance of the capsule from the heater.

In some cases, the capsule may be disposed within the heat non-combustible article such that it is at least about 25mm or at least about 30mm from the heater in the heat non-combustible assembly. In some cases, the capsule may be disposed within the heat-not-burn article such that it is about 25 to 30mm, or about 30 to 35mm, from the heater. (these distances refer to the distance from the center of the capsule to the closest point of the heater.) this positioning may mean that the capsule is exposed to the proper level of heat while ensuring that the heat-not-combustible article is of the proper size.

It has been found that capsules formed from a shell material comprising carrageenan have a melting point of at least 30 ℃ or at least 40 ℃, which capsules withstand well exposure to heat non-burning conditions.

An exemplary heat-not-burn article is shown in fig. 1. The illustrated heat incombustible article 10 is substantially cylindrical in shape. It may comprise a rod 1 of aerosol generating media, suitably a rod of tobacco material, towards a first end 2, and a filter 3 towards a second end 4. The second end 4 is a mouth end. The capsule 5 is arranged within the filter 3. The filter 3 comprises a filter material, which may be cellulose acetate. The paper sheath 6 holds the components in a cylindrical configuration and provides a channel 7 between the tobacco rod 1 and the filter 3. The channels 7 serve as cooling elements and may be omitted in alternative embodiments. Another short channel is also shown between the filter plug 3 and the second end 4. This may also be omitted in alternative embodiments.

In use, the heat incombustible article 10 is partially inserted into a heater (not shown) of the heat incombustible assembly so that it can be heated into an inhalable aerosol. In an embodiment, the heater forms an oven-type arrangement around the aerosol-generating medium. In some embodiments, the first end 2 of the heat incombustible article 10 is inserted such that the aerosol-generating medium 1 is contained within the heater. The heat non-combustible article 10 and the heat non-combustible assembly are configured such that the filter 3 and at least some of the channels 7 are not in the heater.

In an alternative embodiment, a substantially cylindrical, heat-not-burn article may comprise the aerosol-generating medium 1 immediately adjacent the filter 3. The channels may or may not be provided on the side of the filter opposite the media.

After use, the heated non-combustible article is removed from the heater and is typically discarded. Subsequent use of the heater will use other heat-not-burn articles.

An alternative heat not burn assembly is depicted in fig. 2. In this assembly, a combustible heat source 8 is arranged adjacent the aerosol generating medium 1 at the first end 2 of the heat non-combustible article 10. The combustible heat source 8 may be separated from the aerosol-generating medium 1 by a non-combustible material (not shown), such as an aluminium foil layer. Aluminium foil or other thermally conductive, non-flammable materials are useful because they (a) conduct heat to the aerosol-generating medium and (b) prevent combustion of the fuel source resulting in combustion of the aerosol-generating medium. In use, fuel source 8 is ignited by a user; the aluminium foil (or the like) conducts heat to the aerosol generating medium 1 to volatilise components of the medium 1 without burning.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, a partially cut-away sectional view and a perspective view of an example of a heating non-combustible article 101 similar to that shown in fig. 1 are shown. The article 101 is suitable for use with a device having a power source and a heater. The article 101 of this embodiment is particularly suitable for use with the apparatus 51 shown in fig. 7-9 described below. In use, the article 101 may be removably inserted into the device shown in fig. 7 at the insertion point 20 of the device 51.

An exemplary article 101 is in the form of a substantially cylindrical rod comprising a body of aerosol-generating media 103 and a filter assembly 105 in the form of a rod. The filter assembly 105 includes three sections: a cooling section 107, a filter section 109 and a mouth end section 111. The article 101 has a first end 113 (also referred to as the mouth end or proximal end) and a second end 115 (also referred to as the distal end). The body of aerosol-generating medium 103 is positioned towards the distal end 115 of the article 101. In one example, the cooling section 107 is located adjacent to the body of the aerosol-generating medium 103, between the body of the aerosol-generating medium 103 and the filter section 109, such that the cooling section 107 is in an abutting relationship with the aerosol-generating medium 103 and the filter section 103. In other examples, there may be a separation between the body of aerosol-generating media 103 and the cooling section 107 and between the body of aerosol-generating media 103 and the filter section 109. The filter segment 109 is located between the cooling segment 107 and the mouth end segment 111. The mouth end section 111 is located adjacent the filter section 109 towards the proximal end 113 of the article 101. In one example, the filter segment 109 is in an abutting relationship with the mouth end segment 111. In one embodiment, the overall length of filter assembly 105 is between 37mm and 45mm, and more preferably, the overall length of filter assembly 105 is 41 mm.

In one embodiment, the body of aerosol-generating medium 103 comprises tobacco. However, in other various embodiments, the body of the aerosol-generating medium 103 may be composed of, may consist essentially entirely of, and may include tobacco and other ingredients, such as aerosol-generating agents and/or flavoring agents. In some cases, the aerosol-generating medium may be free of tobacco.

In one example, the length of the rod of aerosol-generating medium 103 is between 34mm and 50mm, suitably between 38mm and 46mm, suitably 42 mm.

In one example, the overall length of the article 101 is between 71mm and 95mm, suitably between 79mm and 87mm, suitably 83 mm.

The axial end of the body of aerosol-generating medium 103 is visible at the distal end 115 of the article 101. However, in other embodiments, the distal end 115 of the article 101 may include an end member (not shown) covering an axial end of the body of aerosol-generating medium 103.

The body of aerosol-generating medium 103 is joined to the filter assembly 105 by an annular tipping wrapper (not shown) which is located substantially around the filter assembly 105 so as to surround the filter assembly 105 and extends partially along the length of the body of aerosol-generating medium 103. In one example, the tipping paper is made from 58GSM standard tipping paper. In one example, the length of the tipping paper is between 42mm and 50mm, suitably 46 mm.

In one example, the cooling section 107 is an annular tube and is positioned around the air gap and defines the air gap within the cooling section. The air gap provides a chamber for the flow of heated volatile components generated from the body of aerosol-generating medium 103. The cooling section 107 is hollow to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation, but is sufficiently rigid to withstand axial compression forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacture and during insertion of the article 101 into the device 51 in use. In one example, the wall of the cooling section 107 is about 0.29mm thick.

The cooling section 107 provides a physical displacement between the aerosol-generating medium 103 and the filter section 109. The physical displacement provided by the cooling section 107 will provide a thermal gradient across the entire length of the cooling section 107. In one example, the cooling section 107 is configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 40 degrees celsius between the heated volatile components entering a first end of the cooling section 107 and the heated volatile components exiting a second end of the cooling section 107. In one example, the cooling section 107 is configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 60 degrees celsius between the heated volatile components entering a first end of the cooling section 107 and the heated volatile components exiting a second end of the cooling section 107. This temperature difference across the length of the cooling element 107 protects the temperature sensitive filter section 109 from the high temperature of the aerosol-generating medium 103 when the aerosol-generating medium 103 is heated by the device 51. If no physical displacement is provided between the filter segment 109 and the body of aerosol-generating medium 103 and the heating element of the device 51, the temperature sensitive filter segment 109 may be damaged in use and therefore it will not perform its required function effectively.

In one example, the length of the cooling section 107 is at least 15 mm. In one example, the length of the cooling section 107 is between 20mm and 30mm, more particularly 23mm to 27mm, more particularly 25mm to 27mm, suitably 25 mm.

The cooling section 107 is made of paper, which means that the cooling section is composed of a material that does not generate related compounds (e.g., toxic compounds) when used in proximity to the heater of the device 51. In one example, the cooling section 107 is made of a spirally wound paper tube that provides a hollow interior chamber and maintains mechanical rigidity. The spirally wound paper tube can meet the stringent dimensional accuracy requirements of high speed manufacturing processes in terms of tube length, outer diameter, roundness, and straightness.

In another example, the cooling section 107 is a flute made of a stiff plug wrap or tipping paper. The stiff plug wrap or tipping paper is made sufficiently rigid to withstand axial compression forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacture and during insertion of the product 101 into the device 51 in use.

The filter segment 109 may be formed of any filter material sufficient to remove one or more volatile compounds from the heated volatile components from the aerosol-generating medium. In one example, filter segment 109 is made of a mono-acetate material, such as cellulose acetate. Filter section 109 provides cooling and stimulation reduction from the heated volatile components without depleting the amount of heated volatile components to a level that is not satisfactory to the user.

The crushable capsules 5 are arranged in a filter section 109. It may be substantially centered in filter segment 109 on the diameter of filter segment 109 and along the length of filter segment 109. In other cases, it may be offset in one or more dimensions.

The density of the cellulose acetate tow material of the filter section 109 controls the pressure drop across the filter section 109, which in turn controls the resistance to draw of the article 101. Therefore, the choice of material for the filter segment 109 is important to control the resistance to draw of the article 101. In addition, the filter section performs a filtering function in the article 101.

In one example, filter segment 109 is made of a grade 8Y15 filter tow material that provides a filtering effect on the heated volatile material while also reducing the size of condensed aerosol droplets produced by the heated volatile material.

The presence of the filter section 109 provides an insulating effect by providing further cooling of the heated volatile components leaving the cooling section 107. This further cooling effect reduces the contact temperature of the lips of the user on the surface of the filter section 109.

In one example, the length of the filter segment 109 is between 6mm and 10mm, suitably 8 mm.

The mouth end section 111 is an annular tube and is located around the air gap and defines an air gap within the mouth end section 111. The air gap provides a chamber for heated volatile components flowing from filter segment 109. The mouth end section 111 is hollow to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation, but is sufficiently rigid to withstand axial compression forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacture and during insertion of the article into the device 51 in use. In one example, the thickness of the wall of the mouth end section 111 is about 0.29 mm. In one example, the length of the mouth end section 111 is between 6mm and 10mm, suitably 8 mm.

The mouth end section 111 may be made of a spirally wound paper tube that provides a hollow interior chamber while maintaining critical mechanical rigidity. The spirally wound paper tube can meet the stringent dimensional accuracy requirements of high speed manufacturing processes in terms of tube length, outer diameter, roundness, and straightness.

The mouth end section 111 provides the function of preventing any liquid condensate that accumulates at the outlet of the filter section 109 from coming into direct contact with the user.

It should be appreciated that in one example, the mouth end section 111 and the cooling section 107 may be formed from a single tube, and the filter section 109 is located within the tube separating the mouth end section 111 and the cooling section 107.

Referring to fig. 5 and 6, a partially cut-away cross-sectional view and a perspective view of an example of an article 301 are shown. The reference numerals shown in fig. 5 and 6 are equivalent to those shown in fig. 3 and 4, but in 200 increments.

In the example of the article 301 shown in fig. 5 and 6, a ventilation zone 317 is provided in the article 301 to enable air to flow from the exterior of the article 301 into the interior of the article 301. In one example, the venting region 317 takes the form of one or more vent holes 317 formed through the outer layer of the article 301. Vents may be located in the cooling section 307 to assist in the cooling of the article 301. In one example, the venting region 317 comprises one or more rows of apertures, and preferably each row of apertures is arranged circumferentially around the article 301 in a cross-section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the article 301.

In one example, there are one to four rows of vents to provide ventilation to the article 301. Each row of vents may have 12 to 36 vents 317. The vent 317 may be, for example, between 100 and 500 μm in diameter. In one example, the axial spacing between the rows of vent holes 317 is between 0.25mm and 0.75mm, suitably 0.5 mm.

In one example, the vent holes 317 are of uniform size. In another example, the vent holes 317 are different sizes. The vents may be fabricated using any suitable technique, for example, one or more of the following: laser techniques, mechanical perforation of the cooling section 307 or pre-perforation of the cooling section 307 prior to forming the article 301. The vents 317 are positioned to provide effective cooling to the article 301.

In one example, the rows of vent holes 317 are at least 11mm from the proximal end 313 of the article, suitably between 17mm and 20mm from the proximal end 313 of the article 301. The location of the vent 317 is positioned such that the user does not block the vent 317 when the article 301 is in use.

When multiple rows of vents are provided between 17mm and 20mm from the proximal end 313 of the article 301, the vents 317 may be located outside of the device 51 when the article 301 is fully inserted into the device 51, as can be seen in fig. 8 and 9. By providing vents on the exterior of the device, unheated air can enter the article 301 from the exterior of the device 51 through the vents to aid in cooling of the article 301.

The length of the cooling section 307 is such that the cooling section 307 will be partially inserted into the device 51 when the article 301 is fully inserted into the device 51. The length of the cooling section 307 provides a first function: provides a physical gap between the heater arrangement and the heat sensitive filter arrangement 309 of the device 301, and a second function: the second function is such that the vent 317 is located in the cooling section when the article 301 is fully inserted into the device 51, while also being located outside the device 51. As can be seen from fig. 8 and 9, the majority of the cooling element 307 is located within the device 51. However, a portion of the cooling element 307 extends out of the device 51. It is this portion of the cooling element 307 that extends out of the device 51 in which the vent 317 is located.

Referring now in more detail to figures 7 to 9, there is shown an example of a device 51 arranged to heat an aerosol generating medium to volatilise at least one component of the aerosol generating medium, typically to form an inhalable aerosol. The device 51 is a heating device which releases the compound by heating rather than burning the aerosol-generating medium.

The first end 53 is sometimes referred to herein as the mouth or proximal end 53 of the device 51, and the second end 55 is sometimes referred to herein as the distal end 55 of the device 51. The device 51 has an on/off button 57 to allow the device 51 as a whole to be turned on and off as required by the user.

The device 51 includes a housing 59 for locating and protecting various internal components of the device 51. In the example shown, the housing 59 includes a one-piece sleeve 11 around the perimeter of the device 51, which is covered by a top plate 17 that generally defines the "top" of the device 51 and a bottom plate 19 that generally defines the "bottom" of the device 51. In another example, the housing includes a front panel, a rear panel, and a pair of opposing side panels in addition to the top panel 17 and the bottom panel 19.

The top plate 17 and/or the bottom plate 19 may be removably secured to the one-piece sleeve 11 to allow easy access to the interior of the device 51, or may be "permanently" secured to the one-piece sleeve 11, for example, to prevent a user from accessing the interior of the device 51. In the example, the

plates

17 and 19 are made of plastic, including glass filled nylon, for example, formed by injection molding, and the one-piece sleeve 11 is made of aluminum, although other materials and other manufacturing processes may be used.

The top panel 17 of the device 51 has an opening 20 at the mouth end 53 of the device 51 through which, in use, an

article

101, 301 comprising aerosol-generating medium may be inserted into the device 51 and removed from the device 51 by a user.

The housing 59 has positioned or fixed therein the heater arrangement 23, the control circuit 25 and the power supply 27. In this example, the heater arrangement 23, the control circuit 25 and the power supply 27 are laterally adjacent (i.e. adjacent when viewed from one end), with the control circuit 25 generally being located between the heater arrangement 23 and the power supply 27, but other locations are possible.

The control circuit 25 may comprise a controller, such as a microprocessor arrangement, constructed and arranged to control heating of the aerosol-generating medium in the

article

101, 301, as discussed further below.

The power source 27 may be, for example, a battery, which may be a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium ion batteries, nickel batteries (such as nickel cadmium batteries), alkaline batteries, and the like. The battery 27 is electrically coupled to the heater arrangement 23 to provide power to heat the aerosol-generating medium in the article (as discussed, to volatilize the aerosol-generating medium without causing combustion of the aerosol-generating medium) when required and under the control of the control circuit 25.

An advantage of locating the power supply 27 laterally adjacent the heater arrangement 23 is that a physically large power supply 25 can be used without causing the device 51 as a whole to be lengthy. It will be appreciated that, in general, the physically large power source 25 has a higher capacity (i.e., total power that can be provided, typically measured in amp-hours, etc.), and thus the battery life of the device 51 can be longer.

In one example, the heater arrangement 23 is generally in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube having a hollow internal heating chamber 29 into which the

article

101, 301 comprising the aerosol generating medium is inserted for heating in use. Different arrangements of the heater arrangement 23 are possible. For example, the heater arrangement 23 may comprise a single heating element, or may be formed from a plurality of heating elements aligned along a longitudinal axis of the heater arrangement 23. The or each heating element may be annular or tubular, or at least partially annular or partially tubular around its periphery. In an example, the or each heating element may be a thin film heater. In another example, the or each heating element may be made of a ceramic material. Examples of suitable ceramic materials include alumina and aluminum nitride and silicon nitride ceramics, which may be laminated and sintered. Other heating arrangements are possible, including, for example, induction heating, infrared heater elements heated by emitting infrared radiation, or resistive heating elements formed by, for example, resistive electrical windings.

In one particular example, the heater arrangement 23 is supported by a stainless steel support tube and includes a polyimide heating element. The heater arrangement 23 is dimensioned such that when the

article

101, 301 is inserted into the device 51, substantially the entire body of aerosol-generating

medium

103, 303 of the

article

101, 301 is inserted into the heater arrangement 23.

The or each heating element may be arranged such that a plurality of selected regions of the aerosol-generating medium may be heated independently, for example sequentially (over time as described above) or together (simultaneously), as required.

In this example, the heater arrangement 23 is surrounded along at least a portion of its length by a thermal insulator 31. The insulator 31 helps to reduce the amount of heat transferred from the heater arrangement 23 to the exterior of the device 51. This helps to reduce the power requirements of the heater arrangement 23 as it generally reduces heat losses. The insulator 31 also helps to keep the exterior of the device 51 cool during operation of the heater arrangement 23. In one example, insulator 31 may be a double-walled sleeve that provides a low pressure region between the two walls of the sleeve. That is, the insulator 31 may be, for example, a "vacuum" tube, i.e., a tube that has been at least partially evacuated in order to minimize heat transfer by conduction and/or convection. Other arrangements of the insulator 31 are possible in addition to or instead of a double-walled sleeve, including the use of insulating materials, including, for example, suitable foam-type materials.

The housing 59 may also include various internal support structures 37 for supporting all internal components as well as the heating arrangement 23.

The apparatus 51 further comprises: a collar 33 extending around the opening 20 and protruding from the opening 20 into the interior of the housing 59; and a generally tubular chamber 35 located between the collar 33 and one end of the vacuum sleeve 31. The chamber 35 also includes a cooling structure 35f, which in this example includes a plurality of fins 35f spaced along the outer surface of the chamber 35, each fin being circumferentially arranged around the outer surface of the chamber 35. When the

product

101, 301 is inserted into the device 51 over at least a portion of the length of the hollow chamber 35, there is an air gap 36 between the hollow chamber 35 and the

product

101, 301. The air gap 36 surrounds the entire perimeter of the

article

101, 301 over at least a portion of the cooling section 307.

Collar 33 includes a plurality of ridges 60 circumferentially arranged around the circumference of opening 20 and projecting into opening 20. The ridge 60 occupies space within the opening 20 such that the opening span of the opening 20 at the location of the ridge 60 is less than the opening span of the opening 20 at locations without the ridge 60. The ridge 60 is configured to engage with an

article

101, 301 inserted into the device to help secure it within the device 51. The open spaces (not shown in the figures) defined by the adjacent pairs of ridges 60 and the

articles

101, 301 form ventilation paths around the exterior of the

articles

101, 301. These ventilation paths allow hot steam that has escaped from the

articles

101, 301 to leave the device 51 and allow cooling air to flow into the device 51 around the

articles

101, 301 in the air gap 36.

In operation, the

article

101, 301 is removably inserted into the insertion point 20 of the device 51, as shown in fig. 7-9. In one example, with particular reference to fig. 8, the body of aerosol-generating medium 103, 303 (which is located towards the

distal end

115, 315 of the article 101, 301) is received entirely within the heater arrangement 23 of the device 51. The

proximal end

113, 313 of the

article

101, 301 extends from the device 51 and serves as a mouthpiece component for the user.

In operation, the heater arrangement 23 will heat the

article

101, 301 to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating medium from the body of the aerosol-generating

medium

103, 303.

The primary flow path for the heated volatile components from the body of aerosol-generating

medium

103, 303 is axially through the

article

101, 301, through the chamber inside the

cooling section

107, 307, through the

filter section

109, 309, through the

mouth end section

111, 313 to the user. In one example, the heated volatile components generated from the body of aerosol-generating medium are at a temperature of between 60 ℃ and 250 ℃, which may be above an acceptable inhalation temperature for the user. As the heated volatile component travels through

cooling section

107, 307, it will cool and some volatile component will condense on the inner surface of

cooling section

107, 307.

In the example of article 301 shown in fig. 5 and 6, cool air will be able to enter cooling segment 307 via vents 317 formed in cooling segment 307. This cool air will mix with the heated volatile components to provide additional cooling to the heated volatile components.

The ventilation enhances the generation of visible heated volatile components from the article 317 when the article 317 is heated by the device 51 in use. The heated volatile components are made visible by the process of cooling the heated volatile components so that supersaturation of the heated volatile components occurs. The heated volatile components then undergo droplet formation, also known as nucleation, and finally the aerosol particles of the heated volatile components increase in size by further condensation of the heated volatile components and by condensation of newly formed droplets from the heated volatile components.

In one embodiment, the ratio of cold air to the sum of heated volatile components and cold air (referred to as the ventilation ratio) is at least 15%. A ventilation ratio of 15% makes the heated volatile components visible by the method described above. The visibility of the heated volatile components enables the user to recognize that volatile components have been generated and increases the sensory experience of the smoking experience.

As used herein, the terms "flavoring agent," "seasoning" and "flavor" refer to materials that may be used, as permitted by local regulations, to produce a desired taste or aroma in a product for an adult consumer. They may include extracts (e.g. licorice, hydrangea, japanese white bark Mulberry leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, japanese mint, anise, cinnamon, vanilla, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, juniper berry, bourbon whisky, scotch whisky, spearmint, mint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cassaria, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia seed, caraway, cognac brandy, jasmine, ylang, sage, fennel, allspice, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee or peppermint oil (mint oil of any species in the mint oils), flavour enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g. sucralose, clove, menthol, peppermint, mint, coffee, or peppermint oil), flavour enhancers, flavour blockers, taste receptor site activators or stimulators, Acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, sodium cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol) and other additives (e.g., charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners). They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example oil, liquid or powder.

For the avoidance of doubt, where the term "comprising" is used in this specification to define the invention or a feature of the invention, there is also disclosed embodiments in which the term "consisting essentially of … …" or "consisting of … …" may be used in place of "comprising" to define the invention or feature.

The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention are contemplated. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided merely as representative examples of embodiments 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 present invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Additionally, the present disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A heat-not-burn article comprising an aerosol-generating medium and a filter, the filter comprising one or more capsules that can be crushed,

wherein, in use, the aerosol-generating medium is heated without burning and the capsule is exposed to a temperature of about 30 to 100 ℃, during which exposure the structural integrity of the capsule is not compromised, such that a user can crush the capsule before, during or after heating.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein in use, the aerosol-generating medium generates a humid aerosol and the capsule is exposed to at least 12mg of water.

3. The article of any preceding claim, wherein the capsule has a core-shell structure, the core comprises a liquid, and the shell encapsulates the core, and wherein the shell comprises from 5 to 90 wt% gelling agent based on the total capsule shell weight, wherein the gelling agent comprises carrageenan.

4. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-generating medium comprises an aerosol-generating agent.

5. The article of claim 4, wherein the aerosol-generating medium comprises at least 10 wt% aerosol-generating agent based on the total weight of the aerosol-generating medium.

6. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-generating medium comprises a tobacco material.

7. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-generating medium comprises an aerosol-generating agent and a tobacco material, the aerosol-generating agent and the tobacco material being disposable in the same portion of the aerosol-generating medium or in separate sections of the aerosol-generating medium.

8. The article of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more capsules fill about 5 to 30% by volume of the filter.

9. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the filter comprises 70 to 95% by volume of filter material.

10. The article of claim 9, wherein the filter material has an average melting point of at least about 150 ℃.

11. The article of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the filter material has an average thermal conductivity of at least 0.130W/mK.

12. The article of any preceding claim, wherein the filter further comprises a wrapper that wraps the other filter components.

13. The article of any preceding claim, wherein the shell of the one or more capsules comprises 5 to 60 wt% carrageenan as gelling agent, based on total capsule shell weight.

14. The article of any preceding claim, wherein the shell of the one or more capsules comprises 10 to 35 wt% carrageenan as gelling agent, based on the total capsule shell.

15. The article of any preceding claim, wherein the shell of the one or more capsules further comprises a plasticizer and/or a carbohydrate, such as starch.

16. The article of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more capsules have a compressive strength of about 0.8kp to about 3.5kp, suitably about 1.0kp to about 2.5kp, prior to initiation of heating.

17. The article of any preceding claim, wherein the core of the one or more capsules comprises a flavoring agent.

18. A heat non-combustible assembly comprising the heat non-combustible article of any preceding claim and comprising a heater.

19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the one or more capsules are disposed at least about 25mm from the heater.

20. An assembly according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the heater comprises a combustible fuel source arranged such that, on ignition, the fuel source heats but does not burn the aerosol-generating medium heating a non-combustible article.

21. An assembly according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the heater is a device into which the heat non-combustible article is at least partially inserted such that, in use, the aerosol-generating medium is heated but not combusted.

22. The assembly of any one of claims 18 to 21, configured such that the one or more capsules are exposed to a temperature of about 30 to 100 ℃.

23. The assembly of claim 22, configured such that the one or more capsules are exposed to a temperature of about 40 to 90 ℃.

24. An assembly according to any of claims 18 to 23, configured to expose the aerosol-forming medium to at least 200 ℃ for at least 50% of the heating period.