CN116035258A

CN116035258A - Heated incombustible article and heated incombustible assembly

Info

Publication number: CN116035258A
Application number: CN202310263687.7A
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: 2023-05-02
Also published as: EP3758515A1; AU2021240219B2; CN111787815B; RU2761039C1; JP7078737B2; JP7420453B2; CN111787815A; KR20200108087A; AU2019228125B2; KR102487974B1; BR112020017916A2; WO2019166640A1; JP2022116100A; CA3092737A1; GB201803424D0; RU2021134603A; AU2019228125A1; US20210000169A1; IL277008A; JP2021518749A

Abstract

The present invention provides a heated incombustible article and a heated incombustible assembly. A heated non-combustion article comprising an aerosol-generating medium and a filter. The filter comprises 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 ℃. The structural integrity of the capsule is not compromised during exposure, enabling the user to crush the capsule before, during, or after heating.

Description

Heated incombustible article and heated incombustible assembly

The present application is a divisional application, the application number of which is 201980016393.6 (international application number PCT/EP 2019/055179), the application date is 2019, 03, 01, and the name of the present application is "aerosol generation".

Technical Field

The present invention relates to heat-non-combustible (heat-non-bum) articles and heat-non-combustible assemblies.

Background

Articles such as cigarettes, cigars, etc. burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Alternatives to these combustible products produce inhalable aerosols by heating the matrix material.

These products may be generally referred to as aerosol-generating devices. Examples of such aerosol-generating devices are so-called heated non-combustible products, also known as tobacco heating products or tobacco heating devices, which release compounds by heating without burning a solid matrix material to form an inhalable aerosol. 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 heated non-combustible article comprising an aerosol-generating medium and a filter comprising one or more crushable capsules,

wherein, in use, the aerosol-generating medium is heated without combustion and the capsule is exposed to a temperature of about 30 to 100 ℃, during which exposure its structural integrity is not compromised, so 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 5 to 90 weight percent 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% 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 ratio (v/v) of the filter.

In some cases, the filter comprises 70 to 95% by volume of the filter material. In some cases, the filter material has an average melting point of 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 also includes a wrapper that wraps around the other filter components.

In some cases, the shell comprises 5 to 60 wt% carrageenan as a gelling agent based on the total capsule shell weight. Suitably, the shell comprises 10 to 35% by weight of carrageenan as a 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 some cases, the capsule shell further comprises a plasticizer. In some cases, the combined total amount of 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 also contains a carbohydrate, such as starch.

In some cases, the initial compressive strength (pre-heat) 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 2.0kp.

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

A second aspect of the invention provides a heated non-combustion assembly comprising a heated non-combustion 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 of the heated non-combustible product.

In some cases, the heater is a device into which the heated non-combustible article is 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 one or more capsules are exposed to a temperature of about 30 to 100 ℃. In some cases, the assembly is configured such that 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 present invention provides a filter for heating a non-combustible product, the filter comprising crushable capsules,

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, so that a user can crush the capsule before, during or after heating.

Features disclosed with respect to one aspect of the invention are explicitly disclosed in connection with all other aspects to the extent they are compatible.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an example of the invention 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-combustion assembly.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of a heated non-combustion article.

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

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional elevation view of an example of a heated non-combustion article.

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

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of an example of a heated non-combustion assembly.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary heated non-combustion assembly.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an example heated non-combustion assembly.

Detailed Description

Due to the nature of the heating profile and the composition of the aerosol-generating medium, aerosols generated by heating the non-combustion products are typically 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 a high 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. The capsules specified in claim 1 have been found to be less likely to fail or rupture when exposed to conditions in the heated nonflammable 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 upon suction. In some cases, the capsule may be exposed to temperatures exceeding 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 temperatures in the range of 30 ℃ to 100 ℃, suitably 40 ℃ to 80 ℃ or 50 ℃ to 70 ℃.

As used herein, the term "heated non-combustible 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 electronic 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 include a gel or the like. For the avoidance of doubt, the aerosol-generating medium of the heated non-combustible product may comprise a liquid component in addition to a 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 storage of the product. In some cases, the shell material may provide for controlled release of the core during use. The capsules can be ruptured (i.e., crushed) to release the contents before, during, or after heating of the heated non-combustible product.

The capsule shell material is crushable; that is, it is brittle or breakable. The user crushes or otherwise breaks or ruptures the capsule to release the contents. Typically, the capsule breaks immediately before heating begins, but the user can choose when to release the contents (i.e., be able to crush it after heating begins). The term "crushable capsule" refers to such a capsule: 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 wishes to release the contents of the capsule, the encapsulating material (e.g., shell) disintegrates under the pressure exerted by the user's finger (or any other pressure generating device). 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 2.0kp. 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 crack/fracture when heated. 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, the capsules described herein may 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 3.2mm. 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 3.2mm. In some cases, the capsule may have a diameter of about 3.0mm to about 3.5mm. These dimensions are particularly suitable for incorporating the capsules into a filter for heating non-combustible articles.

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

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

The shell comprises 5 to 90 wt% of a gelling agent based on 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 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, polysaccharides or cellulose gelling agents, gelatin, gums, gels, waxes, or mixtures thereof. Suitable polysaccharides include alginate, dextran, maltodextrin, cyclodextrin and pectin. 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. 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 methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose acetate and cellulose ethers. The gelatinization agents may include one or more modified starches. The gelling agent may comprise one or more carrageenans. Suitable gums include agar, gellan gum, gum arabic, pullulan gum, mannan gum, gum ghatti, gum tragacanth, karaya gum, locust bean, acacia, guar, quince seeds and xanthan gum. Suitable gels include agar, agarose, carrageenan, furadan and furan cellulose. Suitable waxes include carnauba wax. In some cases, the gelling agent may include carrageenan and/or gellan gum; these gelling agents are particularly suitable for inclusion as gelling agents, as 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 contain one or more of a filler (buffering agent), a buffering agent, a coloring agent, 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 buffer, such as a citrate or phosphate compound.

In some cases, the capsule shell material may also include at least one plasticizer, which may be glycerin, 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, especially citric acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, and the like. In some cases, the amount of plasticizer is from 1 to 30 wt%, preferably from 2 to 15 wt%, and even more preferably from 3 to 10 wt% of the total shell weight. In some cases, the total amount of plasticizer and gelling agent in the shell is about 40 to 70 wt%, suitably 50 to 60 wt%, based on the total capsule shell weight. In some cases, the plasticizer comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of glycerin.

In some cases, the capsule shell may also include one or more fill materials. Suitable filling materials include starch derivatives such as dextrins, maltodextrins, cyclodextrins (α, β or γ), or cellulose derivatives such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), methyl Cellulose (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 may include up to about 50 wt%, 40 wt%, 30 wt%, or 20 wt% filler, based on the total capsule shell weight. In certain particular cases, the capsule shell may not include a filler.

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

The method of preparing the capsules comprises coextrusion, optionally followed by centrifugation and curing 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 include 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 ₃ N ₄ ) Titanium carbide and zirconium dioxide (zirconia).

In some cases, the filter material has an average melting point of at least about 150 ℃. When used in an aerosol-generating device, the filter is typically exposed to temperatures below 150 ℃; thus, in such embodiments, the filter does not melt and well support the capsule. This helps the user who tries to crush the capsule after the start of heating. In some cases, the filter material has an average melting point of 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 tries to crush the capsule after the start of heating. 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 around 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 proportions result in the capsule properly absorbing heat.

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

In some cases, the pressure difference across the filter is between 30 and 90mm H when the capsule is in an unbroken state and when the user inhales ₂ O is in the range of. Suitably, the pressure differential across the filter may be about 30mm H when the capsule is in the unbroken state ₂ O、33mm H ₂ O、35mm H ₂ O、38mm H ₂ O or 40mm H ₂ O to about 90mm H ₂ O、75mm H ₂ O、65mm H ₂ O、60mm H ₂ O、55mm H ₂ O or 50mm H ₂ O is in the range of. Illustratively, the pressure differential across the filter may be between about 35 and 60mm H when the capsule is in the unbroken state ₂ O is preferably in the range of 38 to 55mm H ₂ O or 40 to 50mm H ₂ O is in the range of.

In some cases, the filter contains only one capsule. In other cases, the filter contains more than one capsule. In the case where the filter comprises a plurality of capsules, the individual capsules may be identical to or different from each other. For example, a plurality of capsules may be provided so that a user may select when/if the capsules are 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 an aerosol-generating agent and/or tobacco material and/or flavoring agent. In some cases, the aerosol-generating medium may be provided as a single, unitary component. In other cases, the aerosol-generating medium may comprise different segments comprising different components. 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 the flavoring agent is substantially the same in both cases. This may provide for a more consistent delivery of flavor profile. In some cases, the capsule comprises 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 fibers, shredded 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 tobacco. It may also be tobacco particles "fines" or dust, expanded tobacco, tobacco stems, expanded tobacco stems, and other processed tobacco stem materials, such as shredded tobacco stems. The tobacco material may be ground tobacco or reconstituted tobacco material. The reconstituted tobacco material may comprise tobacco fibers and may be formed by casting, by a fourdrinier-based papermaking-type process with a backside added tobacco extract, or by extrusion.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating agent" refers to an agent that promotes aerosol generation. Aerosol-generating agents may facilitate aerosol generation by facilitating initial vaporization and/or condensation of a 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, and aliphatic carboxylic acid esters such as methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedioate, and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. In some cases, the aerosol generating agent may comprise glycerin and/or propylene glycol.

In some cases, the aerosol-generating medium comprises at least 10 wt% 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 heated non-combustion article may be substantially cylindrical.

In some cases, the heated non-combustion 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 (in use) of the heated non-combustion article. The cooling element, if present, may comprise an empty tube suitably formed of paper. The volatile components of the aerosol-generating medium may condense to form an aerosol for use in the cooling element (if present).

The heated non-combustion article may additionally include a vent. These vents may be provided in the side walls of the article. In some cases, vents may be provided in the filter and/or cooling element. These holes allow cool air to be drawn into the article during use, which mixes with the heated volatile components, thereby cooling the aerosol.

When the article is heated in use, ventilation enhances the ability to generate visible heated volatile components from the article. 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 component then undergoes droplet formation, also known as nucleation, and eventually the aerosol particle size of the heated volatile component is increased by further condensation of the heated volatile component and by condensation of newly formed droplets from the heated volatile component.

In some cases, 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%. The 15% ventilation ratio makes the heated volatile components visible by the method described above. The visibility of the heated volatile components enables the user to identify that volatile components have been generated and to enhance 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 "heated non-combustion assembly" refers to a combination of a heated non-combustion article and a heater. The heater heats the aerosol-generating medium of the heated non-combustible article without combustion to volatilize components of the matrix and produce inhalable vapors or aerosols.

In some cases, the heater may be integrally provided 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 produce 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 product at least partially inserted therein. In another example, the heater may be a device at least partially inserted into the heated non-combustion article. The heater may be electrically controlled. In some cases, the heater includes a thin film resistive 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-combustion article is exposed to a temperature of at least 180 ℃ or 200 ℃ for a period of at least 50% of the heating. 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 heated non-combustion assembly is provided that is configured to heat two portions of an aerosol-generating medium, respectively. By controlling the temperature of the first and second parts over time such that the temperature profiles of these parts are different, it is possible to control the suction 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 may allow for rapid aerosol generation and long service life.

In one particular example, the assembly may be configured such that at the beginning 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 lowered to 135 ℃ (it remained unchanged for the rest of the consumption experience). 75 seconds after the beginning 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 beginning of the consumption experience, the temperature of the second heating element rises to 240 ℃ (it remains unchanged for 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-combustion 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 the non-combustion thermal 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-combustion 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 heats 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 may be absorbed by heating the non-combustion product during the consumption experience (when the user is sucking). The inventors have determined that 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 upon suction. In some cases, the filter (and capsule) may be exposed to temperatures exceeding about 30 ℃, 40 ℃, or 50 ℃ during use. In some cases, the filter (and capsule) is exposed to a maximum temperature of less than about 100 ℃, 90 ℃, 80 ℃, or 70 ℃ during use. In some cases, the filter (and capsule) may be exposed to temperatures in the range of 30 ℃ to 100 ℃, suitably 40 ℃ to 80 ℃ or 50 ℃ to 70 ℃.

The inventors have determined that the capsules as defined in claim 1 are particularly suitable for heating non-combustible products. Even though in some cases the capsules may be exposed to temperatures exceeding the melting point or glass transition temperature of the shell, 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 assembly than other capsules. Such capsules can be easily crushed by the user before, during or after the start of heating to release their contents. The click sensation to crush is maintained, providing the user with tactile feedback that crushing has been performed. This click feel is useful because the user then knows that sufficient pressure has been applied and that the capsule contents have been released. Thus, it is less likely that excessive pressure is applied that may damage the heated nonflammable article.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the applicability of the capsules described herein for heating nonflammable articles is due to shell material composition and water absorption. 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 heated non-combustion article such that it is at least about 25mm or at least about 30mm from the heater in the heated non-combustion assembly. In some cases, the capsule may be disposed within the heated non-combustible 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 to be exposed to an appropriate level of heat while ensuring that the heated non-combustible product is of an appropriate size.

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

An example heated non-combustible article is shown in fig. 1. The heated non-combustion article 10 is shown to be substantially cylindrical in shape. It may comprise a rod 1 of aerosol-generating medium, 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 the mouth end. A capsule 5 is arranged inside 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 passageway 7 between the tobacco rod 1 and the filter 3. The channel 7 serves as a cooling element and may be omitted in alternative embodiments. Another short passage is also shown between the filter plug 3 and the second end 4. This may also be omitted in alternative embodiments.

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

In alternative embodiments, a generally cylindrical heated non-combustion article may comprise the aerosol-generating medium 1 immediately adjacent to the filter 3. Channels may or may not be provided on the opposite side of the filter from the media.

After use, the heated non-combustion article is removed from the heater and is typically discarded. Subsequent use of the heater may use other heated non-combustible articles.

An alternative heating non-combustion assembly is depicted in fig. 2. In this assembly, a combustible heat source 8 is arranged adjacent to the aerosol-generating medium 1 at the first end 2 of the heated 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 a layer of aluminium foil. Aluminum foils or other thermally conductive, non-combustible materials are useful because they (a) conduct heat to the aerosol-generating medium and (b) prevent combustion of the fuel source from causing combustion of the aerosol-generating medium. In use, the fuel source 8 is ignited by a user; aluminum foil (or the like) conducts heat to the aerosol-generating medium 1 to volatilize the components of the medium 1 without burning.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, a partially cut-away cross-sectional view and a perspective view of an example of a heated non-combustion 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.

One example article 101 is in the form of a substantially cylindrical rod comprising a body of aerosol-generating medium 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 a mouth end or proximal end) and a second end 115 (also referred to as a distal end). The body of the aerosol-generating medium 103 is positioned towards the distal end 115 of the article 101. In one example, the cooling section 107 is 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 the aerosol-generating medium 103 and the cooling section 107 and between the body of the aerosol-generating medium 103 and the filter section 109. The filter section 109 is located between the cooling section 107 and the mouth end section 111. The mouth end section 111 is positioned adjacent the filter section 109 toward 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 total length of the filter assembly 105 is between 37mm and 45mm, more preferably the total length of the filter assembly 105 is 41mm.

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 consist of tobacco, may consist essentially of tobacco, 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 42mm.

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

The axial end of the body of the 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 comprise an end member (not shown) covering the axial end of the body of the aerosol-generating medium 103.

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

In one example, the cooling segment 107 is an annular tube and is located around and defines an air gap within the cooling segment. The air gap provides a chamber for flowing heated volatile components generated from the body of the aerosol-generating medium 103. The cooling section 107 is hollow to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation, but is sufficiently stiff to withstand axial compressive 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 thickness of the wall of the cooling section 107 is about 0.29mm.

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 the first end of the cooling section 107 and the heated volatile components exiting the 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 the first end of the cooling section 107 and the heated volatile components exiting the second end of the cooling section 107. This temperature difference across the length of the cooling element 107 protects the temperature sensitive filter segment 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 the aerosol-generating medium 103 and the heating element of the device 51, the temperature sensitive filter segment 109 may be damaged in use and thus not effectively perform its required function.

In one example, the length of the cooling section 107 is at least 15mm. 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 25mm.

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 the vicinity of the heater of the device 51. In one example, the cooling section 107 is made of a helically wound paper tube that provides a hollow interior chamber and retains mechanical rigidity. The spirally wound paper tube can meet the strict dimensional accuracy requirements of the high-speed manufacturing process in terms of length, outer diameter, roundness and straightness of the tube.

In another example, the cooling section 107 is a recess made of hard filter rod wrap or tipping paper. The stiff filter rod wrap or tipping paper is made rigid enough to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacture and during insertion of the article 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, the filter segment 109 is made of a monoacetate material, such as cellulose acetate. The filter segment 109 provides cooling and reduced irritation from the heated volatile components without consuming the amount of heated volatile components to a level that is not satisfactory to the user.

The crushable capsules 5 are disposed in a filter section 109. It may be substantially centered in the filter segment 109, both in diameter of the filter segment 109 and along the length of the 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 segment 109 controls the pressure drop across the filter segment 109, which in turn controls the suction resistance of the article 101. Thus, the choice of material for the filter segment 109 is important for controlling the suction resistance of the article 101. In addition, the filter segments perform a filtering function in the article 101.

In one example, the filter segment 109 is made of an 8Y15 grade 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 segment 109 provides an insulating effect by providing further cooling to the heated volatile components exiting the cooling segment 107. This further cooling effect reduces the contact temperature of the user's lips on the surface of the filter segment 109.

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

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 the filter section 109. The mouth end segment 111 is hollow to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation, but is sufficiently rigid to withstand axial compressive 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 segment 111 is about 0.29mm. In one example, the length of the mouth end segment 111 is between 6mm and 10mm, suitably 8mm.

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

The mouth end section 111 provides the function of preventing any liquid condensate that accumulates at the outlet of the filter section 109 from directly contacting 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 are increased by 200.

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 ventilation area 317 takes the form of one or more ventilation holes 317 formed through the outer layer of the article 301. A vent may be located in the cooling section 307 to assist in cooling the article 301. In one example, the ventilation zone 317 comprises one or more rows of apertures, and preferably each row of apertures is circumferentially arranged 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 for the article 301. Each row of vent holes may have 12 to 36 vent holes 317. The vent 317 may be, for example, between 100 and 500 μm in diameter. In one example, the axial spacing between rows of vent holes 317 is between 0.25mm and 0.75mm, suitably 0.5mm.

In one example, the vent 317 has a uniform size. In another example, the vent 317 is a different size. The vent may be manufactured using any suitable technique, for example, one or more of the following: laser technology, mechanical perforation of the cooling section 307, or pre-perforation of the cooling section 307 prior to forming the article 301. The vent 317 is 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 vent 317 is positioned such that a 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 the device 51 when the article 301 is fully inserted into the device 51, as can be seen in fig. 8 and 9. By locating the vent on the exterior of the device, unheated air can enter the article 301 from the exterior of the device 51 through the vent to assist in cooling 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: a physical gap between the heater arrangement and the heat sensitive filter arrangement 309 of the device 301 is provided, as well as a second function: when the article 301 is fully inserted into the device 51, the second function is to have the vent 317 located in the cooling section, 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 cooling element 307 extends out of 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 fig. 7 to 9, an example of a device 51 is shown, the device 51 being arranged to heat an aerosol-generating medium to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating medium, typically forming an inhalable aerosol. The device 51 is a heating device that releases the compound by heating rather than burning the aerosol-generating medium.

The first end 53 is sometimes referred to herein as the mouth end 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 to be turned on and off as a whole according to the needs of the user.

The device 51 includes a housing 59 for locating and protecting the various internal components of the device 51. In the example shown, the housing 59 comprises an integral sleeve 11 around the periphery of the device 51, covered by a top plate 17 generally defining the "top" of the device 51 and a bottom plate 19 generally defining 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 bottom plate 19 may be removably secured to the integral sleeve 11 to allow easy access to the interior of the device 51, or may be "permanently" secured to the integral 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 integral sleeve 11 is made of aluminum, although other materials and other manufacturing processes may be used.

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

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 the heater arrangement 23, control circuit 25 and power supply 27 positioned or secured therein. 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), wherein the control circuit 25 is typically located between the heater arrangement 23 and the power supply 27, but other locations are possible.

The control circuit 25 may include 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 electrical power when needed and under the control of the control circuit 25 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).

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

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

article

101, 301 comprising 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 of 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 from, 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 the 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 as required, for example sequentially (as described above over time) or together (simultaneously).

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 heat transferred from the heater arrangement 23 to the outside of the device 51. This helps to reduce the power requirements of the heater arrangement 23, as it generally reduces heat loss. The insulator 31 also helps to keep the exterior of the device 51 cool during operation of the heater arrangement 23. In one example, the insulator 31 may be a double-walled sleeve that provides a low voltage region between 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 to minimize heat transfer by conduction and/or convection. Other arrangements of the insulator 31 are possible in addition to or instead of the 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 of the internal components as well as the heating arrangement 23.

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

article

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

article

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

article

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

Collar 33 includes a plurality of ridges 60 circumferentially disposed about the circumference of opening 20 and protruding into opening 20. The ridge 60 occupies space within the opening 20 such that the opening span of the opening 20 is smaller at locations where the ridge 60 is located than at locations where the ridge 60 is absent. 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

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 around the

articles

101, 301 in the air gap 36 into the device 51.

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 the aerosol-generating medium 103, 303 (which is positioned towards the

distal end

115, 315 of the article 101, 301) is fully received 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 assembly 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 of 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 component generated from the body of aerosol-generating medium is at a temperature between 60 ℃ and 250 ℃, which may be above the user acceptable inhalation temperature. As the heated volatile component travels through the

cooling section

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

cooling section

107, 307.

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

When the article 317 is heated by the device 51 in use, ventilation enhances the production of visible heated volatile components from the article 317. The heated volatile components are made visible by the process of cooling the heated volatile components such that supersaturation of the heated volatile components occurs. The heated volatile component then undergoes droplet formation, also known as nucleation, and eventually the aerosol particle size of the heated volatile component is increased by further condensation of the heated volatile component and by condensation of newly formed droplets from the heated volatile component.

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 identify that volatile components have been generated and to enhance the sensory experience of the smoking experience.

As used herein, the terms "flavoring", "flavoring" and "flavoring" refer to materials that can be used to produce a desired taste or aroma in an adult consumer's product, as permitted by local regulations. They may include extracts (e.g. licorice, hydrangea, japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, japanese mint, anise, cinnamon, vanilla, holly, cherry, berry, peach, apple, du Linbiao, bouillon, scotch whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascaria, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, coriander, cogongrass, jasmine, ylang, sage, fennel, multi-spice, ginger, fennel, coriander, coffee or peppermint oil (peppermint oil of any species in peppermint oil), taste enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulators, sugar and/or sugar substitutes (e.g. trichloro, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, glucose, sorbitol, mannitol, and other suitable plant or synthetic ingredients such as a powder, a natural or a mixture thereof, a natural or a mineral, a mixture of any of them, or a fresh or a mixture thereof, for example.

For the avoidance of doubt, where the term "comprising" is used in this specification to define the invention or a feature of the invention, embodiments are also disclosed 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 should be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. Other embodiments of the invention are envisaged. 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 solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as representative examples of embodiments only and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that the 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. The various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the appropriate combination of elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. disclosed, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, the present disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed but that may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A heated non-combustible article comprising an aerosol-generating medium and a filter comprising one or more crushable capsules having a core-shell structure,

wherein, in use, the aerosol-generating medium is heated without burning and the capsule is exposed to a temperature of from 30 ℃ to 100 ℃, during which exposure the structural integrity of the capsule is not compromised so that a user can crush the capsule before, during or after heating, wherein the compressive strength of the capsule is from 0.8kp to 3.5kp before starting heating.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the capsule provides a clicking sensation of crushing to provide haptic feedback to the user that crushing has been performed.

3. An article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in use the aerosol-generating medium generates a moist aerosol and the capsule is exposed to at least 12mg of water.

4. The article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the capsule has a core and a shell, the core comprising a liquid, and the shell encapsulating the core.

5. The article of claim 4, wherein the shell comprises 5 to 90 weight percent of the gelling agent based on total capsule shell weight.

6. The article of claim 5, wherein the gelling agent comprises carrageenan.

7. An article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosol-generating medium comprises an aerosol-generating agent.

8. An article according to claim 7, wherein the aerosol-generating medium comprises at least 10 wt% aerosol-generating agent based on the total weight of the aerosol-generating medium.

9. An article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosol-generating medium comprises tobacco material.

10. An article according to claim 1 or 2, 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.

11. The article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more capsules fill 5 to 30% by volume of the filter.

12. The article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the filter comprises 70 to 95% by volume of filter material.

13. The article of claim 12, wherein the filter material has an average melting point of at least 150 ℃.

14. The article of claim 12 or 13, wherein the filter material has an average thermal conductivity of at least 0.130W/mK.

15. The article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the filter further comprises a wrapper surrounding the other filter components.

16. The article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the shell of the capsule comprises 5 to 60 wt% carrageenan as a gelling agent based on total capsule shell weight.

17. The article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the shell of the capsule comprises 10 to 35 wt% carrageenan as a gelling agent based on the total capsule shell.

18. The article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the shell of the capsule further comprises a plasticizer and a carbohydrate, or comprises a plasticizer or a carbohydrate.

19. The article of claim 18, wherein the carbohydrate is starch.

20. The article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more capsules have a compressive strength of 1.0kp to 2.5kp prior to initiation of heating.

21. The article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the core of the capsule comprises a flavoring agent.

22. An article according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a cooling element arranged between the filter and the aerosol-generating medium.

23. A heated nonflammable assembly comprising the heated nonflammable article of claim 1 and comprising a heater.

24. The assembly of claim 23, wherein the one or more capsules are disposed at least about 25mm from the heater.

25. An assembly according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the heater comprises a combustible fuel source arranged such that, upon ignition, the fuel source heats but does not combust the aerosol-generating medium of the heated non-combusted article.

26. An assembly according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the heater is a device into which the heated non-combustible article is at least partially inserted such that, in use, the aerosol-generating medium is heated but not combusted.

27. The assembly of claim 23 or 24, configured such that the one or more capsules are exposed to a temperature of about 30 to 100 ℃.

28. The assembly of claim 27, configured such that the one or more capsules are exposed to a temperature of 40 to 90 ℃.

29. An assembly according to claim 23 or 24, configured to expose the aerosol-generating medium to at least 200 ℃ for at least 50% of the heating period.