CN117769362A

CN117769362A - Article for use in an aerosol provision system

Info

Publication number: CN117769362A
Application number: CN202280035739.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 史蒂文·霍尔福德; 切尔西·贝利
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2021-04-12
Filing date: 2022-04-12
Publication date: 2024-03-26
Also published as: AU2022259633A1; GB202105210D0; BR112023021262A2; WO2022219318A1; US20240180234A1; IL307588A; JP2024517380A; MX2023011973A; CA3214944A1; KR20230170942A; EP4322777A1

Abstract

An article for use as or part of a non-combustible sol supply system includes an aerosol-generating material comprising at least one aerosol-forming material; a hollow tubular member disposed downstream of the aerosol-generating material; a first substantially cylindrical body arranged downstream of the hollow tubular body; and a second substantially cylindrical body adjacent to and downstream of the first substantially cylindrical body, the second substantially cylindrical body being disposed at the mouth end of the article. Methods of forming the article and a non-combustible sol supply system including the article are also provided.

Description

Article for use in an aerosol provision system

Technical Field

The following relates to articles for use in a non-combustible sol supply system, methods of forming articles, and non-combustible sol supply systems including articles.

Background

Certain tobacco industry products produce aerosols during use that are inhaled by the user. For example, a tobacco heating device heats an aerosol-generating substrate, such as tobacco, to form an aerosol by heating, but not burning, the substrate. Such tobacco industry products typically include a mouthpiece through which the aerosol passes to the mouth of the user.

Disclosure of Invention

In some embodiments described herein, in a first aspect, there is provided an article for use as or as part of a non-combustible sol supply system, the article comprising: an aerosol-generating material comprising at least one aerosol-forming material; a hollow tubular member disposed downstream of the aerosol-generating material; a first substantially cylindrical body disposed downstream of the hollow tubular body; and a second substantially cylindrical body adjacent to and downstream of the first substantially cylindrical body, the second substantially cylindrical body being disposed at a mouth end (mouth end) of the article.

In some embodiments described herein, in a second aspect, there is provided a method of forming an article according to the first aspect, the method comprising: providing an aerosol-generating material comprising at least one aerosol-forming material; disposing a hollow tubular member downstream of the aerosol-generating material; disposing a first substantially cylindrical body downstream of the hollow tubular body; and disposing a second substantially cylindrical body adjacent to and downstream of the first substantially cylindrical body, the second substantially cylindrical body disposed at the mouth end of the article.

In some embodiments described herein, in a third aspect, there is provided a system comprising: the article according to the above first aspect, and a non-combustible sol supply device comprising a heater.

Drawings

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an article for use as or part of a non-combustible sol supply system, the article comprising a mouth end section comprising a cylindrical body;

FIG. 2 shows an article for use as or part of a non-combustible sol supply system, the mouth-end region comprising a capsule;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates steps of a method of manufacturing an article;

FIG. 4 shows an article for use as or part of a non-combustible sol supply system, comprising a tubular body between a tubular member and a first cylindrical body;

fig. 5 is a perspective view of a non-combustible sol supply device for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material of the article of fig. 1, 2 and 4;

FIG. 6 shows the device of FIG. 5 with the outer cover removed and the article absent;

FIG. 7 is a side view, partially in section, of the device of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the device of FIG. 6, with the outer cover omitted;

FIG. 9a is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the device of FIG. 6; and

fig. 9b is a close-up illustration of an area of the device of fig. 9 a.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass a system that delivers at least one substance to a user, and includes:

combustible sol supply systems, for example cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, tobacco for tubes or for self-wrapping or for self-made cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other tobacco materials (smokable material);

a non-combustible aerosol-supplying system that releases a compound from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as an electronic cigarette, a tobacco heating product, and a mixing system, to generate an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and

an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance orally, nasally, transdermally, or otherwise to a user, but does not form an aerosol, including but not limited to lozenges, chewing gums, patches, inhalable powder-containing products, and oral products, such as oral tobacco comprising snuff or snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol supply system is a system in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials of the aerosol supply system (or components thereof) are burned or ignited during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol supply system is a system in which the component aerosol-generating material of the aerosol supply system (or components thereof) is not combusted or ignited in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

In embodiments described herein, the delivery system is a non-combustible sol supply system, such as an electric (powered) non-combustible sol supply system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also referred to as an electronic cigarette device (vaping device) or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not necessary.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible sol supply system is an aerosol generating material heating system, also referred to as a heated non-combustion system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

In one embodiment, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates aerosols using a combination of aerosolizable materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosolizable materials may be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form, and may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the mixing system includes a liquid or gel aerosolizable material and a solid aerosolizable material. The solid aerosol-able material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

In general, a non-combustible sol supply system may include a non-combustible sol supply device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible sol supply device.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a consumable comprising an aerosol-generating material and configured for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device. Throughout this disclosure, these consumables are sometimes referred to as articles of manufacture.

A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, some or all of which is intended to be consumed by a user during use. The consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material delivery component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and/or an aerosol modifier. The consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, for example a heater, which generates heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol in use. The heater may for example comprise a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction or a susceptor.

In some embodiments, a non-combustible sol supply system, such as a non-combustible sol supply device thereof, may include an energy source (power source) and a controller. For example, the energy source may be an electrical energy source or an exothermic energy source. In some embodiments, the exothermic energy source comprises a carbon substrate that may be supplied with energy to distribute the energy in the form of heat to the aerosol-generating material or a heat transfer material proximate the exothermic energy source.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system may include a region for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating region, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and/or an aerosol modifier.

In some embodiments, a consumable for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material delivery component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol modifier.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolized. Any of the above materials may comprise one or more active ingredients, one or more flavoring agents, one or more aerosol former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials, as appropriate.

An aerosol generator is a device configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to thermal energy in order to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

An aerosol-generating material is a material capable of generating an aerosol, for example, when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. The aerosol-generating material may for example be in solid, liquid or gel form, which may or may not contain an active substance and/or a flavour. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid (e.g., liquid) within its interior. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, about 50wt%, 60wt%, or 70wt% amorphous solids to about 90wt%, 95wt%, or 100wt% amorphous solids.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials and optionally one or more other functional materials.

The aerosol former material may comprise one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol former material may include one or more of glycerol (glycerol), propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillic acid, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixtures, benzyl benzoate, glycerol tributyrate, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

The one or more other functional materials may include one or more of pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

The material may be present on or in the support to form the substrate. The support may be or comprise, for example, paper, cardboard, reconstituted material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or both sides of the material.

An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance typically located downstream of the aerosol-generating region that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example, by altering the taste, aroma, acidity or other characteristics of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier may be provided in an aerosol modifier release component operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

The aerosol modifier may be, for example, an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifiers may, for example, include one or more of flavours, colourants, water and carbon adsorbents. The aerosol modifier may be, for example, a solid, a liquid or a gel. The aerosol modifier may be in powder, strand (thread) or particulate form. The aerosol modifier may be free of filter material.

Susceptors are materials that are heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field (e.g., an alternating magnetic field). The susceptor may be an electrically conductive material such that it penetrates with a varying magnetic field causing inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material such that it penetrates with a varying magnetic field causing hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be electrically conductive and magnetic such that the susceptor may be heated by two heating mechanisms. The device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conductive object by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. This process is described by faraday's law of induction and ohm's law. The induction heater may comprise an electromagnet and means for passing a varying current (such as alternating current) through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are suitably positioned relative to each other such that the resulting varying magnetic field generated by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated inside the object. The object has a resistance to the flow of current. Thus, when such vortices are generated in the object, their flow against the resistance of the object causes the object to be heated. This process is known as joule, ohmic or resistive heating. An object capable of induction heating is called a susceptor.

In one embodiment, the susceptor is in the form of a closed circuit. It has been found that when the susceptor is in the form of a closed circuit, the magnetic coupling between the susceptor and the electromagnet is enhanced in use, which results in greater or improved joule heating.

Hysteresis heating is a process of heating an object made of a magnetic material by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. Magnetic materials can be considered to include a number of atomic-scale magnets or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipole aligns with the magnetic field. Thus, when a changing magnetic field (e.g., an alternating magnetic field generated by an electromagnet) penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipole changes with the changing applied magnetic field. This magnetic dipole reorientation results in the generation of heat in the magnetic material.

Penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field can result in both joule heating and hysteresis heating in the object when the object is both conductive and magnetic. Furthermore, the use of magnetic materials can enhance the magnetic field, which can enhance joule heating.

In each of the above methods, since heat is generated internally within the object itself, rather than by conduction through an external heat source, rapid heating of the object and more uniform heat distribution can be achieved, particularly by selection of appropriate object materials and geometries, as well as appropriate varying magnetic field magnitudes and orientations relative to the object. Furthermore, since induction heating and hysteresis heating do not need to provide a physical connection between the varying magnetic field source and the object, the degree of freedom and control of the design of the heating profile can be greater and the cost can be lower.

Articles (e.g., those in stick form) are often named according to product length: "conventional" (typically in the range of 68-75mm, e.g., from about 68mm to about 72 mm), "short" or "small" (68 mm or less), "large" (typically in the range of 75-91mm, e.g., from about 79mm to about 88 mm), "long" or "extra large" (typically in the range of 91-105mm, e.g., from about 94mm to about 101 mm), and "very long" (typically in the range of about 110mm to about 121 mm).

They are also named according to the product perimeter: "conventional" (about 23-25 mm), "wide" (greater than 25 mm), "slim" (about 22-23 mm), "semi-slim" (about 19-22 mm), "ultra-slim" (about 16-19 mm), and "micro-slim" (less than about 16 mm).

Thus, a large size ultra slim form of the article will, for example, have a length of about 83mm and a circumference of about 17 mm.

Each form may be produced with a different length of mouthpiece. The length of the mouthpiece is from about 30mm to 50mm. The tipping paper connects the mouthpiece to the aerosol-generating material and will typically have a length greater than the mouthpiece, for example 3 to 10mm longer, such that the tipping paper covers the mouthpiece and overlaps the aerosol-generating material (e.g. in the form of a rod of base material) to connect the mouthpiece to the rod.

The articles described herein and their aerosol-generating materials and mouthpieces may be made in any of the forms described above, but are not limited thereto.

The terms "upstream" and "downstream" as used herein are relative terms defined with respect to the direction of a main stream aerosol that is drawn through an article or device in use.

The filament tow (tow) material described herein may include cellulose acetate fiber tows. Other materials for forming the fibers may also be used to form the filament bundles, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly (1-4-butylene succinate) (PBS), poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), starch-based materials, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials, and polysaccharide polymers, or combinations thereof. The filament bundles may be plasticized with a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) suitable for the bundles, wherein the material is a cellulose acetate bundle, or the bundles may be non-plasticized. The tow may have any suitable gauge, such as fibers having a "Y" shaped, "X" shaped or "O" shaped cross section. The fibers of the tow may have a filament denier of 2.5 to 15 denier per filament, such as 8.0 to 11.0 denier per filament, and a total denier of 5,000 to 50,000, such as 10,000 to 40,000. The fiber may have an isopycnic ratio L of 25 or less, preferably 20 or less, and more preferably 15 or less when viewed in cross section ² Wherein L is the length of the perimeter of the cross section and A is the area of the cross section.

As used herein, the term "tobacco material" refers to any material comprising tobacco or derivatives or substitutes thereof. The term "tobacco material" may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The tobacco material may include one or more of ground tobacco, tobacco fibers, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stems, tobacco flakes, reconstituted tobacco, and/or tobacco extracts

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.

The active substance used herein may be a physiologically active substance, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological reaction. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals and nootropic agents. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theophylline, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more components, derivatives or extracts of tobacco or other botanicals (botanicals).

In some embodiments, the active comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

As noted herein, an active substance may include or be derived from one or more botanicals or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from a plant, including but not limited to extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, hulls, pods, and the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise a synthetically derived active compound naturally occurring in a botanical. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, flakes, or the like. Exemplary botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, fennel, lemon grass, peppermint, spearmint, loexes Bai Si, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay, licorice (licorice) (licorice (liquice)), matcha, mate tea, orange peel, papaya, roses, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, fennel (star anise), basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, red pepper, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, peppermint, juniper, sambucus chinensis, vanilla, winter green perilla, turmeric root, sandalwood, coriander leaf, bergamot, orange flower, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, sweet pepper, nutmeg, dalan, yulan, olive, bergamot leaf, lemon, basil, green tea, herba melo, caraway, herb, caraway, tea, fabac, matrimony, tea, kusnea, kuh-senna, or any combination thereof. The mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: peppermint (Mentha arvensis), mentha piperita cultivars (Mentha c.v.), nepeta Luo Meizhou peppermint (Mentha nilotica), mentha piperita (Mentha piperita), mentha citrifolia cultivar (Mentha piperita citrata c.v.), mentha piperita cultivar (Mentha piperita c.v), mentha piperita (Mentha spicata crispa), mentha arvensis (Mentha cardifolia), mentha longifolia (Memtha longifolia), mentha piperita (Mentha suaveolens variegata), mentha pulegium (Mentha pulegium), mentha spicata cultivar (Mentha spicata c.v.), and Mentha Mali (Mentha suaveolens).

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the botanicals are tobacco.

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the botanicals are selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa.

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the botanicals are selected from the group consisting of lomefuse and fennel.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavoring agent.

As used herein, the terms "flavoring" and "flavoring" refer to materials that can be used to create a desired taste, aroma, or other sensation of body in a product for use by an adult consumer, as permitted by local regulations. They may include naturally occurring flavoring substances, botanicals extracts, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, japanese white magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, japanese mint, fennel (anise), cinnamon, turmeric root, indian flavoring, asian flavoring, vanilla, wintergreen, cherry, berry, raspberry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, claimes citrus, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruit, scotch whiskey, bouillon, scotch whiskey, juniper, tequila, guava peppermint, lavender, aloe, cardamom, celery, cymbidium goeringii, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, arabian tea, naswal, betel nut, hookah, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia seed, caraway, cognac brandy, jasmine, ylang, sage, fennel, mustard, multi-spice fruit, ginger, and the like coriander, coffee, peppermint oil from any mentha plant, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemon grass, loyi Bai Si, flax, ginkgo leaf, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay tree, mate tea, orange peel roses, teas such as green or black tea, thyme, juniper, elder flowers, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, red pepper, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, peppermint, perilla, black tea, green tea, green, turmeric, coriander leaf, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, sweet pepper tree, nutmeg dried skin, damiana, marjoram, olive, xiangfeng leaf, lemon basil, chives, caraway, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulators, sugar and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as 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 liquid such as oil, solid such as powder or gas.

In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises menthol, spearmint, and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes a flavoring component of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruit, and/or raspberry. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes a flavoring component extracted from tobacco.

In some embodiments, the flavoring may comprise a sensate (sensory) intended to achieve a somatosensory sensation generally induced chemically and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to or in lieu of the aroma or gustatory nerve, and these may include agents that provide heating, cooling, stinging, numbing effects. Suitable thermal effectors may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl diethyl ether, and suitable cooling agents may be, but are not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3.

In the drawings described herein, the same reference numerals are used to illustrate equivalent features, articles, or components.

Fig. 1 shows an article 1 for use as or as part of a non-combustible sol supply system. The article 1 may be the non-combustible sol supply system itself or, alternatively, may be used with a non-combustible sol supply device to form a non-combustible sol supply system. One suitable non-combustible sol supply 100 including a heater 101 is shown in fig. 5-8B. In other examples, other non-combustible sol supply means may be used.

The article 1 comprises: a rod of aerosol-generating material 2 comprising at least one aerosol-forming material; and a mouth-end region 20 arranged downstream of the aerosol-generating material 2. The mouth end region 20 comprises a hollow tubular member 5. The first cylindrical body 21 is arranged downstream of the hollow tubular member 5. The second cylindrical body 22 is arranged adjacent to and downstream of the first cylindrical body 21.

In this embodiment, the article 1 comprises a first body of material 21. The first body of material 21 is substantially cylindrical and is positioned downstream of the hollow tubular member 5. In the present embodiment, the first material body 21 is directly adjacent to the hollow tubular member 5.

The article 1 further comprises a second body of material 22, the second body of material 22 being adjacent to and downstream of the first body of material 21. In the present embodiment, the second material body 22 is arranged at the mouth end of the article 1 such that the downstream end of the second material body 22 forms the downstream end of the article 1.

Preferably, the length of the first body of material 21 is less than about 15mm. More preferably, the length of the first material body 21 is less than about 12mm. Additionally, or alternatively, the length of the first body of material 21 is at least about 5mm. Preferably, the length of the first body of material 21 is at least about 6mm. In some preferred embodiments, the length of the first material body 21 is from about 5mm to about 15mm, more preferably from about 7mm to about 13mm, even more preferably from about 9mm to about 11mm, most preferably about 9mm, 10mm, 11mm or 12mm. In the present embodiment, the length of the first material body 21 is 10mm. In other embodiments, the second body of material 22 has a length as described above with respect to the first body of material 21.

Preferably, the second body of material 22 has a length of less than about 10mm. More preferably, the second body of material has a length of less than about 9mm, less than about 8mm, or less than about 7mm. Additionally, or alternatively, the second body of material has a length of at least about 3mm. Preferably, the length of the first body is at least about 4mm, more preferably at least about 5mm, most preferably about 5mm, 6mm or 7mm. In some preferred embodiments, the length of the second body of material 22 is between 3 and 9mm, between 5 and 7mm, most preferably about 5, 6 or 7mm. In the present embodiment, the length of the second material body 22 is 6mm. In other embodiments, the first body of material 21 has a length as described above with respect to the second body of material 22.

Preferably, the first material body 21 is longer than the second material body 22. However, in some embodiments, the lengths of the first material body 21 and the second material body 22 are the same. In other embodiments, the length of the first body of material 21 is shorter than the length of the second body of material 22.

Preferably, the combined length of the first material body 21 and the second material body 22 is at least 10mm, more preferably at least 12mm, and still more preferably at least 14mm. Preferably, the combined length of the first material body 21 and the second material body 22 is less than about 20mm, more preferably less than about 18mm. In some preferred embodiments, the combined length of the first material body 21 and the second material body 22 is between 12 and 20mm, more preferably between 14 and 18mm. In the present embodiment, the combined length of the first material body 21 and the second material body 22 is about 16mm.

The article of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the combined length of the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body is 10 to 20mm, 12 to 18mm, 14 to 17mm, or about 16mm.

By providing a second material body 22 having a length in the above range in addition to the first material body 21, a percentage reduction in the level of toxicant emissions from the article can be increased as compared to a single material body 21. That is, a greater reduction in poison can be achieved by providing the second material body 22 in addition to the first material body 21.

It has also been found that by providing a second body of material 22 in addition to the first body of material 21, the length of the hollow tubular member 5 can be reduced while achieving a desired percentage reduction in the level of toxicant emitted by the article.

In the present embodiment, the first material body 21 and the second material body 22 are each formed of a filament bundle. In the present embodiment, the tows used in the first material body 21 and the second material body 22 are the same. However, in other embodiments, the tows for the first material body 21 may be different from the tows for the second material body 22.

In the present embodiment, the tows for the material body 21 and the material body 22 each have a denier per filament (d.p.f.) of 8.4 and a total denier of 21,000. Alternatively, the tow may have, for example, a denier per filament (d.p.f.) of 9.5 and a total denier of 12,000. Alternatively, the tow may have, for example, a denier per filament (d.p.f.) of 8 and a total denier of 15,000. In this embodiment, the tow comprises plasticized cellulose acetate tow. The plasticizer used in the tow is about 7% by weight of the tow. In this embodiment, the plasticizer is triacetin.

In other embodiments, different materials may be used to form the first material body 21 and/or the second material body 22. For example, instead of tows, the first material body 21 and/or the second material body 22 may be formed of paper, for example in a similar manner to paper filters known for cigarettes. Alternatively, the first body 21 and/or the second body 22 may be formed of tows other than cellulose acetate, for example, polylactic acid (PLA), other materials described herein for tows, or similar materials such as paper filter materials.

The tow is preferably formed from cellulose acetate. The tow, whether formed of cellulose acetate or other material, preferably has a d.p.f. of at least 5, more preferably at least 6, and still more preferably at least 7. These values of denier per filament provide tows having relatively coarse, thick fibers with lower surface areas, which results in lower pressure drops across the first material body 21 and/or the second material body 22 than tows having lower d.p.f. values. Preferably, in order to obtain a sufficiently homogeneous first material body 21 and/or second material body 22, the tows have a denier per filament of not more than 12d.p.f., preferably not more than 11 d.p.f., and still more preferably not more than 10 d.p.f.

In the present embodiment, the first material body 21 has the same denier per filament as the second material body 22. However, in other embodiments, the first material body 21 may have a different denier per filament than the second material body 22.

The total denier of the tows forming the first material body 21 and/or the second material body 22 is preferably at most 30,000, more preferably at most 28,000, and still more preferably at most 25,000. These total denier values provide tows that have a reduced proportion of the cross-sectional area of article 1, which results in a lower pressure drop across article 1 than tows having higher total denier values. The tows preferably have a total denier of at least 8,000 and more preferably at least 10,000 for a suitable stiffness of the material body 21 and/or the second material body 22.

In the present embodiment, the first material body 21 has the same total denier value as the second material body 22. However, in other embodiments, the first material body 21 may have a different total denier value than the second material body 22. For example, the first material body 21 may have a lower total denier value than the second material body 22. This may result in the second body of material 22 being stiffer than the first body of material. The first material body 21 may have a lower total denier than the second material body 21 to provide improved cooling. Thus, the aerosol can maintain the desired cooling characteristics while the article maintains its shape at the mouth end of the article.

In another embodiment, the first material body 21 may have a higher total denier value than the second material body 22. This may result in the first body of material 21 being harder than the first body of material. Having a high level of stiffness of the first material body may provide greater rigidity and support to the article 1. The second material body 22 may be provided with a lower total denier than the first material body 21 and may provide improved cooling of the aerosol through the second material body 22. Thus, the rigidity of the article 1 can be improved while maintaining the desired cooling characteristics of the aerosol.

Preferably, the first material body 21 and the second material body 22 each have a denier per filament of 5 to 12, while having a total denier of 10,000 to 25,000. More preferably, the denier per filament is from 6 to 10 while the total denier is from 11,000 to 22,000. Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the filaments of the tow is "Y" shaped, but in other embodiments other shapes such as "X" shaped or "O" shaped filaments having the same d.p.f. and total denier values provided herein may be used. The tow may comprise filaments having a cross section with an isopycnic ratio of 25 or less, preferably 20 or less, and more preferably 15 or less. In some embodiments, the first material body 21 and/or the second material body 22 may include an adsorbent material (e.g., carbon) dispersed within the tow.

Regardless of the material used to form the first body 21 and/or the second body 22, the pressure drop across the first body 21 and/or the second body 22 may be, for example, 0.2 to 5mmWG per mm of the length of the first body 21 and/or the second body 22, e.g., 0.5 to 3mmWG per mm of the length of the bodies 21, 22. The pressure drop may be, for example, 0.5 to 2.5mmWG/mm in length, 1 to 1.5mmWG/mm in length, or 1.5 to 2.5mmWG/mm in length. The total pressure drop over the first body 21 and/or the second body 22 may be, for example, 2 to 8mmWG, or 4 to 7mmWG. The total pressure drop over the body 21 and/or the second body 22 may be about 5, 6 or 7mmWG.

The first material body 21 and/or the second material body 22 (also referred to as a cylindrical body 21 and a cylindrical body 22, respectively) may be formed without any cavity or hollow portion therein, for example, without a cavity or hollow portion having a size greater than 0.5 mm. For example, the cylindrical material body 21 and/or the cylindrical material body 22 may comprise a material that extends substantially continuously throughout its volume. For example, they may have a substantially uniform density across their diameter and/or along their length.

The first material body 21 is wrapped in a further wrapper material, such as a first plug wrap (plug wrap) 23. In the present embodiment, the second material body 22 is also wrapped with the first forming paper 23, so that the first forming paper 23 connects the first material body 21 to the second material body 22. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the first material body 21 and the second material body 22 may be individually wrapped in the forming paper 23. In the case where the first material body 21 and the second material body 22 are individually wrapped, the first material body 21 and the second material body 22 may be combined by the wrapping paper 6 and/or the wrapping paper 6'.

In some embodiments, the first forming paper 23 has a basis weight of less than 50gsm, for example between about 20gsm and 40 gsm. For example, the first forming paper 23 may have a thickness of between 30 μm and 60 μm, or between 35 μm and 45 μm.

In other embodiments, the first forming paper 23 has a basis weight of greater than 65gsm, such as greater than 80gsm or greater than 95gsm. In some embodiments, the first forming paper 23 has a basis weight of about 100 gsm.

In some embodiments, the first forming paper 23 is provided with an embossed pattern. The embossing pattern may be provided on the forming paper in the area surrounding the first cylindrical body 21 and/or the second cylindrical body 22. Advantageously, it has been found that providing a first forming paper having a basis weight within the above-defined ranges and comprising an embossed pattern can reduce the temperature of the outer surface of the article 1 at the location of the covering of the first cylindrical body 21 and/or the second cylindrical body 22. For example, the first forming paper 23 may be provided with an embossed pattern comprising a hexagonal repeating pattern, a linear repeating pattern, or a series of raised areas having any suitable shape. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that providing embossed first forming paper 23 may provide a void between the forming paper and the additional wrapper 10, which may reduce heat transfer to the outer surface of the article 1.

Preferably, the first forming paper 23 is a non-porous forming paper, for example having a permeability of less than 100 Coresta units (e.g., less than 50 Coresta units). However, in other embodiments, the first forming paper 23 may be a porous forming paper, for example having a permeability of greater than 200 Coresta units.

The hollow tubular member 5 is arranged between the aerosol-generating material 2 and the cylindrical body 21. The hollow tubular member 5 may also be referred to herein as a cooling section. The length of the hollow tubular member 5 may be such that the cylindrical body 21 is spaced from the aerosol-generating material 2 by a maximum distance d. In this embodiment, the hollow tubular member 5 has a length of 21mm. The cylindrical body 21 is thus separated from the aerosol-generating material by a distance d of 21mm. Preferably, the maximum distance between the cylindrical body 21 and the aerosol-generating material 2 is 22mm. Suitably, the distance d may be 21mm. It has surprisingly been found that by providing a cooling section configured to extend a maximum of 22mm from the aerosol-generating material, an improved aerosol may be provided. It is assumed that limiting the combined length of the cooling sections to less than 22mm may reduce condensation of the desired components of the aerosol on the inner surface of the cooling sections.

Preferably, the hollow tubular member 5 has a wall thickness of at least 300 micrometers and/or a permeability of at least 100 Coresta units. By configuring the hollow tubular member 5 to have a permeability of at least 100 Coresta units, the hollow tubular member absorbs moisture from the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating material 2 when the article 1 is heated by the non-combustible aerosol-supplying device 100. In addition, papers having permeabilities greater than 100 Coresta units are generally light in weight and easier to handle during manufacture.

In the present embodiment, the hollow tubular member 5 is formed of paper. In particular, the hollow tubular member 5 is formed of a plurality of layers of paper wound in parallel with butt seams to form the tubular member 5, which is located below the wrapper 6. The paper tube provides additional rigidity to the first cavity 5 a. In this embodiment, the first paper layer and the second paper layer are provided in a double tube, although in other embodiments 3, 4 or more layers of paper may be used to form 3, 4 or more layers of paper. Other constructions, e.g. spirally wound paper layers, cardboard tubes, use of coagulated pulp @, can be usedPaper-molding) process forms a tube, molded or extruded plastic tube, or the like.

It is also possible to use hard forming paper and/or tipping paper to form the hollow tubular member 5, such as the wrapper 6 and/or further wrapper 6' as described in more detail below, which means that no separate tubular element is required. The hard forming paper and/or tipping paper is made rigid enough to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacture and when the article 1 is in use. For example, the hard forming paper and/or tipping paper may have a basis weight of 70gsm to 120gsm, more preferably 80gsm to 110 gsm. Additionally or alternatively, the hard forming paper and/or tipping paper may have a thickness of 80 μm to 200 μm, more preferably 100 μm to 160 μm, or 120 μm to 150 μm. It may be desirable for the wrapper 6 and/or the further wrapper 6' to have values in these ranges to achieve an acceptable overall level of rigidity of the hollow tubular member 5.

In other embodiments, the hollow tubular member 5 may be formed of other materials, such as molded or extruded plastic tubes, or fibrous materials, as described with respect to tows of the cylindrical bodies 21 and 22.

The hollow tubular member 5 preferably has a wall thickness of at least about 100 μm and up to about 1.5mm, preferably 100 μm to 1mm, and more preferably 150 μm to 500 μm, or about 300 μm, as may be measured using calipers, for example. In this embodiment, the hollow tubular member 5 has a wall thickness of about 250 μm.

Preferably, the hollow tubular member 5 has a length of less than about 26mm. More preferably, the hollow tubular member 5 has a length of less than about 22mm. Additionally or alternatively, the length of the hollow tubular member 5 is preferably at least about 5mm. Preferably, the hollow tubular member 5 has a length of at least about 10mm. In some preferred embodiments, the length of the hollow tubular member 5 is from about 18mm to about 24mm, more preferably from about 20mm to about 22mm, most preferably about 21mm. In this embodiment, the hollow tubular member 5 has a length of 21mm.

The hollow tubular member 5 is located around the mouthpiece 20 and defines a void within the mouthpiece 20, the void serving as a cooling section. The void provides a chamber through which the hot volatile components generated by the aerosol-generating material 2 flow.

The cavity 5a may for example have a length of more than 100mm ³ For example greater than 200mm ³ 、300mm ³ 、350m ³ 、400mm ³ Or 500mm ³ Thereby allowing further improvements in aerosols. In some embodiments, the cavity 5a comprises about 400mm ³ To about 600mm ³ Or about 450mm ³ Up to about 550mm ³ For example about 500mm ³ Is a volume of (c).

Preferably, the cavity 5a has a diameter greater than about 400mm ³ Is provided. It has been found that providing at least these volumes of cavities enables the formation of an improved aerosol, as well as providing the cooling function described herein. Such cavity dimensions provide sufficient space within the mouthpiece 20 to allow the heated volatile components to cool, thus allowing the aerosol-generating material 2 to be exposed to higher temperatures than would otherwise be possible, as they may result in too hot an aerosol.

The hollow tubular member 5 may be configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 40 degrees celsius between the heated volatile component entering the first upstream end of the hollow tubular member 5 and the heated volatile component exiting the second downstream end of the hollow tubular member 5. The hollow tubular member 5 is preferably configured to provide a temperature difference between the heated volatile component entering the first upstream end of the hollow tubular member 5 and the heated volatile component exiting the second downstream end of the hollow tubular member 5 of at least 60 degrees celsius, preferably at least 80 degrees celsius and more preferably at least 100 degrees celsius. This temperature difference over the length of the hollow tubular member 5 protects the first and second material bodies 21, 22 from the high temperature of the aerosol-generating material 3 as they are heated.

In each embodiment, the article further comprises a wrapper 6 at least partially surrounding the aerosol-generating material 2 and the hollow tubular member 5 to connect the aerosol-generating material 2 to the hollow tubular member 5. In some embodiments, the wrapper may extend along the entire length of the article 1 to attach the aerosol-generating material 2 to the components of the mouth-end region 20. In this embodiment, a further wrapper 6' is located below wrapper 6 and extends along mouth end region 20. The further wrapper 6' incorporates the hollow tubular member 5, the first cylindrical body 21 and the second cylindrical body 22. In this embodiment, the wrapper 6 extends along a portion of the length of the aerosol-generating material 2 to attach the aerosol-generating material to the mouth-end region 20 of the wrapper.

The forming paper 23 surrounds the cylindrical body 21. A further wrapper 6' surrounds the second cylindrical body 22 and attaches the second cylindrical body 22 to the first cylindrical body of material 21 and the hollow tubular member 5. The wrapped second cylindrical body 22, first cylindrical body 21 and hollow tubular member 5 are attached to the aerosol-generating material 2 by the wrapper 6.

The wrapper 6 may be a paper material containing a citrate salt such as sodium nitrate or potassium nitrate. In such embodiments, the wrapper 6 may have a citrate content of 2% by weight or less, or 1% by weight or less. This reduces charring of the wrapper 6 when the article 1 is heated in the non-combustible sol supply 100.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material 2 described herein is a first aerosol-generating material 2, and the hollow tubular body 3 may comprise a second aerosol-generating material. For example, the second aerosol-generating material may be arranged on the inner surface of the hollow tubular member 5.

The second aerosol-generating material comprises at least one aerosol-former material and may further comprise at least one aerosol-modifier or other sensory material. The aerosol former material and/or aerosol modifier may be any of the aerosol former materials or aerosol modifiers described herein or a combination thereof.

In use, as aerosol generated by the first aerosol-generating material 2 is drawn through the hollow tubular member 5, heat from the first aerosol may aerosolize the aerosol-forming material of the second aerosol-generating material to form the second aerosol. The second aerosol may include a flavoring that may be additional or complementary to the flavoring of the first aerosol.

Providing a second aerosol-generating material on the hollow tubular member 5 may result in the generation of a second aerosol that promotes or supplements the flavour or visual appearance of the first aerosol.

The article 1 may further comprise at least one ventilation zone 12 arranged to allow outside air to flow into the article. In the embodiment shown, the ventilation zone 12 comprises a row of ventilation openings (ventilation aperture) or perforations (actuation) cut into the wrapper 6. The ventilation openings may extend in a line around the periphery of the article 1. The ventilation zone 12 may include two or more rows of ventilation openings. By providing a ventilation zone 12, ambient air can be drawn into the article during use to further cool the aerosol.

In the embodiment shown, at least one ventilation zone 12 is arranged to provide outside air into the cavity 5a of the hollow tubular member 5. To achieve this, one or more rows of ventilation openings extend around the outer circumference of the article on the hollow tubular member 5.

Suitably, the ventilation zone 12 may be provided at a location 14mm to 20mm downstream of the aerosol-generating material 2. For example, the ventilation zone may be provided at a location about 14.5mm or 18.5mm downstream of the aerosol-generating material 2. In other embodiments, a vent may be provided at a location 22.5mm upstream of the mouth end of the article.

In one embodiment, the ventilation area 12 includes a single row of perforations formed as laser perforations. In some other embodiments, the ventilation zone comprises first and second parallel rows of perforations formed as laser perforations, for example at 17.925mm and 18.625mm positions, respectively, from the mouth end. These perforations pass through the wrapper 6 and the hollow tubular member 5. In alternative embodiments, vents may be provided at other locations.

It has surprisingly been found that by locating the ventilation zone 12 closer to the mouth end of the article, and in particular at about 18.5mm, the reduction in certain poisons from the generated aerosol passing through the article and exiting the mouth end is greater than those poisons when the ventilation zone is located closer to the aerosol generating material.

However, it has also been found that a vent provided closer to the mouth end results in higher nicotine delivery than an article having a vent provided closer to the aerosol-generating material.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is also believed that the vent disposed closer to the mouth end also results in higher delivery of the aerosol-former (e.g., glycerol) to the user than an article having a vent disposed closer to the aerosol-generating material.

Thus, by providing a ventilation zone closer to the mouth end of the article, the article 1 shown in fig. 1 can provide higher delivery of nicotine and aerosol while reducing undesirable poison levels.

In some embodiments, the perforations pass through the entire thickness of the wall of the hollow tubular member 5. In other embodiments, the vent may be formed through only a portion of the wall thickness of the tubular member 5. For example, the vent perforations may extend into the tubular member to a depth of up to about 0.2mm, or up to about 0.3mm, or up to about 0.4 mm.

Alternatively, ventilation may be provided into the portion of the article 1 where the hollow tubular member 5 is located via a single row of perforations (e.g. laser perforations). It has been found that for a given ventilation level this results in improved aerosol formation, which is believed to be caused by the airflow through the perforations being more uniform than airflow having multiple rows of perforations. In this embodiment, the ventilation zone 12 comprises a single row of laser perforations 18.5mm downstream of the aerosol-generating material 2.

It should be understood that the exact location of the at least one ventilation area 12 is not necessary. In another embodiment, the at least one ventilation zone 12 is arranged to provide outside air into the aerosol-generating material 2. To achieve this, one or more rows of ventilation openings extend around the periphery of the article on the rod of aerosol-generating material 2.

The ventilation level provided by the at least one ventilation zone 12 is in the range of 40% to 70% of the volume of aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating material 2 passing through the article 1 when the article 1 is heated in the non-combustible aerosol-supplying device 100.

It has been found that aerosol temperature generally increases as ventilation levels decrease. However, the relationship between aerosol temperature and ventilation level appears to be non-linear, with changes in ventilation (e.g., due to manufacturing tolerances) having less impact at lower target ventilation levels. For example, with a ventilation tolerance of ±15% for a target ventilation level of 75%, the aerosol temperature can be increased by about 6 ℃ at the lower ventilation limit (60% ventilation). However, at a target ventilation level of 60%, the aerosol temperature may only increase by about 3.5 ℃ at the lower ventilation limit (45% ventilation). Thus, the target ventilation level of the article may be in the range of 40% to 70%, for example 45% to 65%. The average ventilation level of at least 20 articles may be 40% to 70%, such as 45% to 70% or 51% to 59%.

In some embodiments, the further wrapper 10 at least partially surrounds the aerosol-generating material 2 between the aerosol-generating material 2 and the wrapper 6. In particular, during manufacture of the article, the aerosol-generating material is first wrapped with a further wrapper 10 and then attached by the wrapper 6 in combination with the other components of the article 1.

In some embodiments, the additional wrapper 10 surrounding the aerosol-generating material has a high level of permeability, for example greater than about 1000 Coresta units, or greater than about 1500 Coresta units, or greater than about 2000 Coresta units. The permeability of the further wrapper 10 may be measured according to ISO2965:2009 (which relates to the determination of the air permeability of materials used as cigarette paper, filter plug wrap and filter tipping paper).

The additional wrapper 10 may be formed of a material having a high inherent permeability level, an inherently porous material, or may be formed of a material having any level of inherent permeability (where the final permeability level is achieved by providing the additional wrapper 10 with a permeable zone or area). Providing a permeable further wrapper 10 provides a path for air to enter the smoking article. The further wrapper 10 may be provided with a permeability such that the amount of air entering through the rod of aerosol-generating material 2 is relatively greater than the amount of air entering the article 1 through the ventilation zone 12 in the mouthpiece. The article 1 with this arrangement may produce a more flavoured aerosol which may be more desirable to the user.

Fig. 2 shows an article 1' for use as or as part of a non-combustible sol supply system. The article 1 'is identical to the article 1 except that the cylindrical body 21 of the mouth end region 20' comprises a capsule 24. Capsule 24 may comprise a breakable capsule, such as a capsule having a solid frangible shell surrounding a liquid payload. In this embodiment, a single capsule is used. The capsule is completely embedded within the body of material 21'. In other words, the capsule is completely surrounded by the material forming the body. In other embodiments, a plurality of breakable capsules may be disposed within the material body 21', such as 2, 3 or more breakable capsules. The length of the body 21' of material can be increased to accommodate the desired number of capsules. In embodiments using multiple capsules, the individual capsules may be identical to each other or may differ from each other in size and/or capsule payload. In other embodiments, a capsule may be provided within the second material body 22 in addition to/instead of the first material body 21'. In other embodiments, more than two bodies of material may be provided, wherein each body contains one or more capsules.

The capsule 24 has a core-shell structure. In other words, the capsule 24 includes a shell that encapsulates a liquid agent (e.g., a flavoring or other agent), which may be any of the flavoring or aerosol modifiers described herein. The shell of the capsule 24 may be ruptured by a user to release a flavoring or other agent into the material body 21. The first forming paper 23 may include a barrier coating to render the material of the forming paper substantially impermeable to the liquid payload of the capsule. Alternatively or additionally, the further wrapper 6 'and/or the wrapper 6 may comprise a barrier coating to render the further wrapper 6' and/or the material of the wrapper 6 substantially impermeable to the liquid payload of the capsule.

In some embodiments, the capsule is spherical and has a diameter of about 3 mm. In other embodiments, other shapes and sizes of capsules may be used. The total weight of the capsule may range from about 10mg to about 50 mg.

It is known that for a given strand specification (e.g., 8.4Y21000), for each of a range of strand weights, a strand capacity curve is generated that represents the pressure drop across the length of the rod formed by using the strand. Parameters such as rod length and circumference, wrapper thickness and tow plasticizer level are specified and these are combined with the tow specifications to produce a tow capability curve that gives an indication of the pressure drop provided by the different tow weights between the minimum and maximum weights achievable using a standard filter rod former. Such a tow capability curve may be calculated, for example, using software available from the tow provider. It has been found to be particularly advantageous to use a material body 21 'comprising a tow having a weight per mm of the length of the material body 21' ranging between about 10% and about 30% of the minimum weight and the maximum weight of the tow capability curve generated for the tow. This may provide an acceptable balance between: providing sufficient tow weight after formation of body 21' to avoid shrinkage, providing acceptable pressure drop, while also facilitating capsule placement within the tow for the size capsules described herein.

When capsules 24 are included in material body 21', material body 21' and material body 22' may have different denier per filament and/or total denier values from each other to achieve desired pressure drop and hardness characteristics.

A method of manufacturing an article for use with the non-combustible sol supply device 100 including the heater 101 will now be described with reference to fig. 3. The method comprises the following steps:

step S1: providing an aerosol-generating material 2 comprising at least one aerosol-forming material;

step S2: disposing the cylindrical body 21 downstream of the aerosol-generating material such that an upstream end of the cylindrical body 21 is less than about 22mm from a downstream end of the aerosol-generating material 2;

step S3: the first cylindrical body is arranged downstream of the tubular member 5;

step S4: the second cylindrical body is disposed adjacent to and downstream of the first cylindrical body.

Fig. 4 shows an article 1 "for use as or as part of a non-combustible sol supply system. The article 1 "is identical to the article 1, except that the tubular body 3 is further arranged between the tubular member 5 and the first cylindrical body 21. Additionally/alternatively, the second tubular body 24 may be disposed at the mouth end of the article.

The hollow tubular body 3 is configured to act as a heat sink (heat dissipator) to reduce the "hot pump" phenomenon. "thermal inhalation" is defined as an aerosol delivered to a user at an uncomfortably high temperature. Heat absorption may be exacerbated when a user draws aerosol through the heated article 1 at a high rate, thereby reducing the time for heat dissipation in the aerosol. When inserted into the non-combustible sol supply device 100, the hollow tubular body 3 separates the mouth end section from the heater 101 to provide space for heat dissipation before the aerosol reaches the downstream end of the article. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that as the aerosol is drawn through the hollow tubular body 3, heat will be directed away from the aerosol and into the hollow tubular body 3. In this way, the hollow tubular body 3 acts as a heat sink.

In this embodiment, the hollow tubular body 3 is formed from a bundle of filaments. In other embodiments, other constructions may be used, such as spirally wound paper layers, cardboard tubes, tubes formed using a coagulated pulp process, tubes formed from paper filter material, molded or extruded plastic tubes, or the like.

The hollow tubular body 3 preferably has a wall thickness of at least about 325 μm and up to about 2mm, preferably 500 μm to 2mm, and more preferably 750 μm to 1.5 mm. In this embodiment, the hollow tubular body 3 has a wall thickness of about 1.4 mm. The "wall thickness" of the hollow tubular body 3 corresponds to the thickness of the wall of the hollow tubular body 3 in the radial direction. This may be measured, for example, using calipers. The use of filament bundles and/or wall thicknesses in these ranges has the advantage of isolating the hot aerosol passing through the second cavity 3a from the outer surface of the hollow tubular body 3.

The wall thickness of the hollow tubular body 3 together with the outer diameter defines the inner diameter or cavity size of the hollow tubular body 3.

In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the hollow tubular body 3 is at least 325 microns, and preferably at least 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 or 1000 microns. In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the hollow tubular body 3 is at least 1250 or 1500 microns.

In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the hollow tubular body 3 is less than 2000 microns and, for example, less than 1500 microns.

The increased wall thickness of the hollow tubular body 3 means that it has a greater thermal mass, which has been found to help reduce the temperature of the aerosol passing through the hollow tubular body 3 and to reduce the surface temperature of the mouth end section 20 at a location downstream of the hollow tubular body 3. This is believed to be because the greater thermal mass of the hollow tubular body 3 allows the hollow tubular body 3 to absorb more heat from the aerosol than a hollow tubular body 3 having a thinner wall thickness. The increased thickness of the hollow tubular body 3 also directs the aerosol centrally through the mouth-end region 20 such that less heat from the aerosol is transferred to the outer portion of the mouth-end region 20.

Preferably, the hollow tubular body 3 has a density of at least about 0.25g/cm ³ (g/cc), more preferably at least about 0.3g/cc. Preferably, the hollow tubular body 3 has a density of less than about 0.75g/cm ³ (g/cc), more preferably less than 0.6g/cc. In some embodimentsThe hollow tubular body 3 has a density of 0.25 to 0.75g/cc, more preferably 0.3 to 0.6g/cc, and still more preferably 0.4g/cc to 0.6g/cc or about 0.5g/cc. These densities have been found to provide a good balance between the improved hardness provided by denser materials and the lower heat transfer characteristics of lower density materials. For the purposes of this embodiment, the "density" of the hollow tubular body 3 refers to the density of the filament bundles of the element with any incorporated plasticizer. For the purposes of the present invention, the "density" of the material forming the hollow tubular body 3 refers to the density of any filament bundles forming the element with any incorporated plasticizer. The density may be determined by dividing the total weight of the material forming the hollow tubular body 3 by the total volume of the material forming the hollow tubular body 3, wherein the total volume may be calculated using appropriate measurements of the material forming the hollow tubular body 3 (e.g., acquired using calipers). A microscope may be used to measure the appropriate dimensions, if necessary.

The filament bundles forming the hollow tubular body 3 preferably have a total denier of less than 45,000, more preferably less than 42,000. This total denier has been found to allow the formation of less dense tubular elements 13. Preferably, the total denier is at least 20,000, more preferably at least 25,000. In a preferred embodiment, the total denier of the filament bundles forming the hollow tubular body 3 is 25,000 to 45,000, more preferably 35,000 to 45,000. Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the filaments of the tow is "Y" shaped, although in other embodiments other shapes such as "X" shaped filaments may be used.

The filament bundles forming the hollow tubular body 3 preferably have a denier per filament of greater than 3. It has been found that such denier per filament allows the formation of less dense tubular elements 13. Preferably at least 4, more preferably at least 5 denier per filament. In a preferred embodiment, the filament bundles forming the hollow tubular body 3 have a denier per filament of 4 to 10, more preferably 4 to 9. In one embodiment, the filament bundles forming the hollow tubular body 3 have 8Y40,000 bundles formed of cellulose acetate and comprising 18% plasticizer (e.g. triacetin).

The hollow tubular body 3 preferably comprises 10% to 22% by weight of plasticizer. For cellulose acetate tow, the plasticizer is preferably triacetin, although other plasticizers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) may be used. The hollow tubular body 3 may contain less than about 18% by weight of a plasticizer, such as triacetin, or less than about 17%, less than about 16%, or less than about 15%. More preferably, the tubular body 3 comprises 10% to 20% by weight of plasticizer, for example about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 15%, about 17%, about 18% or about 19% of plasticizer.

In some embodiments, the permeability of the wall material of the hollow tubular body 3 is at least 100 Coresta units, and preferably at least 500 or 1000 Coresta units.

It has been found that the relatively high permeability of the hollow tubular body 3 increases the amount of heat transferred from the aerosol to the hollow tubular body 3 and thus reduces the temperature of the aerosol. It has also been found that the permeability of the hollow tubular body 3 increases the amount of moisture transferred from the aerosol to the hollow tubular body 3, which has been found to improve the perception of the aerosol in the mouth of the user. The high permeability of the hollow tubular body 3 also makes it easier to cut ventilation openings in the hollow tubular body 3 using a laser, which means that a lower power laser can be used.

The hollow tubular body 3 may comprise a filament bundle comprising a fiber having an equimolar ratio L ² A is a filament of 25 or less, 20 or less, or 15 or less cross-section, where L is the length of the perimeter of the cross-section and A is the area of the cross-section. In other words, the filaments may comprise a substantially "o" shaped cross section, or at least as close as possible. For a given denier per filament, filaments having a substantially "o" shaped cross section have a lower surface area than other cross-sectional shapes such as "Y" or "X" shaped filaments. Thus, the delivery of the aerosol to the user is improved.

It will be appreciated that the aerosol drawn through the hollow tubular body 3 passes through the central second cavity 3a in the hollow tubular body 3 and also partially through the filaments of the hollow tubular body 3 itself. By providing filaments having a substantially "o" shaped cross section, a greater proportion of the aerosol will pass through the filaments of the hollow tubular body 3 itself, further increasing the heat transfer to the hollow tubular body 3.

In this embodiment, the hollow tubular body 3 has a length of 9 mm. In other embodiments, the hollow tubular body may have a length of up to about 12mm, for example 10 mm.

The hollow tubular body 3 and the hollow tubular member 5 may also be referred to as cooling sections and define respective first and second cavities 5a, 3a.

The embodiment described herein with reference to fig. 4 may also provide a capsule in one or both of the first cylindrical body 21 and the second cylindrical body 22.

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a non-combustible sol supply device 100, the non-combustible sol supply device 100 comprising a heater 101 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating medium/material (such as the aerosol-generating material 2 of any of the articles 1, 1', 1 "described herein). In the embodiments described herein, the generic article 110 shown in fig. 5-9 may be considered to correspond to any of the articles 1, 1', 1 "described herein. In general terms, the device 100 may be used to heat a replaceable article containing an aerosol-generating medium, such as the article 10 described herein, to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium inhaled by a user of the device 100. The device 100 and the replaceable article 110 together form a system.

The device 100 includes a housing 102 (in the form of an outer cover) that surrounds and contains the various components of the device 100. The device 100 has an opening 104 at one end through which an article 110 may be inserted for heating by a heater 101 (hereinafter referred to as a heating assembly). In use, the article 110 may be fully or partially inserted into a heating assembly, wherein the article 110 may be heated by one or more components of the heater assembly.

The device 100 of this embodiment includes a first end piece 106, the first end piece 106 including a cover 108, the cover 108 being movable relative to the first end piece 106 to close the opening 104 when no article 110 is in place. In fig. 5, the lid 108 is shown in an open configuration, however the lid 108 may be moved into a closed configuration. For example, the user may slide the cover 108 in the direction of arrow "B".

The device 100 may also include a user operable control element 112, such as a button or switch, that when pressed operates the device 100. For example, a user may turn on the device 100 by operating the switch 112.

The device 100 may also include electronic components, such as a socket/port 114, which may receive a cable (connection line) for charging the battery of the device 100. For example, the receptacle 114 may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port.

Fig. 6 depicts the device 100 of fig. 5 with the outer cover 102 removed and the article 110 absent. The device 100 defines a longitudinal axis 134. As shown in fig. 6, the first end piece 106 is disposed at one end of the device 100 and the second end piece 116 is disposed at an opposite end of the device 100. Together, the first end piece 106 and the second end piece 116 at least partially define an end surface of the device 100. For example, the bottom surface of the second end piece 116 at least partially defines the bottom surface of the device 100. The edge of the outer cover 102 may also define a portion of the end surface. In this embodiment, the cover 108 also defines a portion of the top surface of the device 100.

The end of the device closest to the opening 104 may be referred to as the proximal (or mouth end) of the device 100, as it is closest to the user's mouth in use. In use, a user inserts the article 110 into the opening 104 and operates the user control 112 to begin heating the aerosol-generating material and drawing the aerosol generated in the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device 100 along a flow path toward the proximal end of the device 100.

The other end of the device furthest from the opening 104 may be referred to as the distal end of the device 100, as it is the end furthest from the user's mouth when in use. As the user aspirates the aerosol generated in the device, the aerosol flows out of the distal end of the device 100.

The device 100 further includes a power supply 118. The power source 118 may be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (e.g., lithium ion batteries), nickel batteries (e.g., nickel cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries. The battery is electrically coupled to the heating assembly to provide electrical power to heat the aerosol-generating material when required and under the control of a controller (not shown). In this embodiment, the battery is connected to a center support 120 that holds the battery 118 in place.

The apparatus further comprises at least one electronic module 122. The electronic module 122 may include, for example, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The PCB 122 may support at least one controller, such as a processor and a memory. PCB 122 may also include one or more electrical circuits (electrical traces) to electrically connect the various electronic components of device 100 together. For example, battery terminals may be electrically connected to PCB 122 such that power may be distributed throughout device 100. The receptacle 114 may also be electrically coupled to the battery via an electrical circuit.

In the example device 100, the heating component is an induction heating component and includes various components that heat the aerosol-generating material of the article 110 via an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conductive object (e.g., susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly may comprise an induction element (e.g. one or more induction coils) and means for passing a varying current (e.g. alternating current) through the induction element. The varying current in the inductive element generates a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field passes through a susceptor suitably positioned with respect to the inductive element and generates eddy currents inside the susceptor. The susceptor has an electrical resistance to eddy currents, so eddy current flow against the resistance causes the susceptor to be heated by joule heating. In the case of susceptors comprising ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt, heat may also be generated by hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e. by changing the orientation of the magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material due to their alignment with a varying magnetic field. In induction heating, heat is generated inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating, as compared to heating by, for example, conduction. Furthermore, no physical contact is required between the induction heater and the susceptor, which allows for enhanced freedom of construction and application.

The induction heating assembly of the exemplary apparatus 100 includes a susceptor arrangement 132 (referred to herein as a "susceptor"), a first induction coil 124, and a second induction coil 126. The first and second induction coils 124 and 126 are made of an electrically conductive material. In this embodiment, the first and second induction coils 124, 126 are made of Litz (Litz) wire/cable that is wound in a spiral fashion to provide spiral induction coils 124, 126. The litz wire comprises a plurality of individual wires that are individually insulated and twisted together to form a single wire. Litz wire is designed to reduce skin effect losses in conductors. In the exemplary apparatus 100, the first and second induction coils 124, 126 are made of copper litz wire having a rectangular cross-section. In other embodiments, the litz wire may have other shaped cross sections, such as circular.

The first induction coil 124 is configured to generate a first varying magnetic field for heating a first section of the susceptor 132 and the second induction coil 126 is configured to generate a second varying magnetic field for heating a second section of the susceptor 132. In this embodiment, the first induction coil 124 is adjacent to the second induction coil 126 in a direction along the longitudinal axis 134 of the device 100 (i.e., the first induction coil 124 and the second induction coil 126 do not overlap). The susceptor arrangement 132 may comprise a single susceptor, or two or more separate susceptors. The ends 130 of the first and second induction coils 124, 126 may be connected to the PCB 122.

It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the first and second induction coils 124, 126 may have at least one characteristic that is different from one another. For example, the first induction coil 124 may have at least one characteristic different from the second induction coil 126. More specifically, in one embodiment, the first induction coil 124 may have a different inductance value than the second induction coil 126. In fig. 5, the first and second induction coils 124, 126 have different lengths such that the first induction coil 124 is wound on a smaller section of susceptor 132 than the second induction coil 126. Thus, the first induction coil 124 may include a different number of turns than the second induction coil 126 (assuming that the spacing between the turns is substantially the same). In yet another embodiment, the first induction coil 124 may be made of a different material than the second induction coil 126. In some embodiments, the first and second induction coils 124, 126 may be substantially identical.

In this embodiment, the first and second induction coils 124 and 126 are wound in opposite directions. This may be useful when the induction coils are activated at different times. For example, first induction coil 124 may be operated to heat a first section/portion of article 110 first, and at a later time, second induction coil 126 may be operated to heat a second section/portion of article 110. Winding the coils in opposite directions helps reduce the current induced in the inactive coils when used in conjunction with certain types of control circuits. In fig. 5, the first induction coil 124 is a right-hand spiral and the second induction coil 126 is a left-hand spiral. However, in another embodiment, the induction coils 124, 126 may be wound in the same direction, or the first induction coil 124 may be a left-handed spiral and the second induction coil 126 may be a right-handed spiral.

The susceptor 132 of this embodiment is hollow and thus defines a container in which the aerosol-generating material is received. For example, the article 110 may be inserted into the susceptor 132. In this embodiment, susceptor 120 is tubular, having a circular cross-section.

The susceptor 132 may be made of one or more materials. Preferably, the susceptor 132 comprises carbon steel with a nickel or cobalt coating.

In some embodiments, susceptor 132 may comprise at least two materials that can be heated at two different frequencies to selectively aerosolize the at least two materials. For example, a first section of susceptor 132 (which is heated by first induction coil 124) may comprise a first material, and a second section of susceptor 132 (which is heated by second induction coil 126) may comprise a second, different material. In another embodiment, the first section may comprise a first material and a second material, wherein the first material and the second material may be heated differently when the first induction coil 124 is operated. The first material and the second material may be adjacent along an axis defined by the susceptor 132, or may form different layers within the susceptor 132. Similarly, the second section may include a third material and a fourth material, wherein the third material and the fourth material may be heated differently when the second induction coil 126 is operated. The third material and the fourth material may be adjacent along an axis defined by the susceptor 132, or may form different layers within the susceptor 132. For example, the third material may be the same as the first material and the fourth material may be the same as the second material. Alternatively, each material may be different. The susceptor may comprise carbon steel or aluminum, for example.

The apparatus 100 of fig. 6 further includes an insulating member 128, which insulating member 128 may be generally tubular and at least partially surrounds the susceptor 132. The insulating member 128 may be constructed of any insulating material, such as plastic. In this particular embodiment, the insulating member is constructed of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Insulating member 128 may help insulate the various components of device 100 from heat generated in susceptor 132.

The insulating member 128 may also fully or partially support the first and second induction coils 124, 126. For example, as shown in fig. 6, the first and second induction coils 124, 126 are positioned around the insulating member 128 and are in contact with the radially outer surface of the insulating member 128. In some embodiments, the insulating member 128 does not abut the first and second induction coils 124, 126. For example, a small gap may exist between the outer surface of the insulating member 128 and the inner surfaces of the first and second induction coils 124, 126.

In a particular embodiment, the susceptor 132, the insulating member 128, and the first and second induction coils 124, 126 are coaxial about a central longitudinal axis of the susceptor 132.

Fig. 7 shows a side view, partially in section, of the device 100. In this embodiment, there is an outer cover 102. The rectangular cross-sectional shape of the first and second induction coils 124, 126 is more clearly visible.

The apparatus 100 further includes a support 136, the support 136 engaging one end of the susceptor 132 to hold the susceptor 132 in place. The support 136 is connected to the second end piece 116.

The apparatus may also include a second printed circuit board 138 associated with the control element 112.

The device 100 further includes a second cap/cover 140 and a spring 142 disposed toward the distal end of the device 100. The spring 142 allows the second cover 140 to be opened to contact the susceptor 132. The user may open the second cover 140 to clean the susceptor 132 and/or the support 136.

The device 100 further includes an expansion chamber 144, the expansion chamber 144 extending away from the proximal end of the susceptor 132 toward the opening 104 of the device. The retaining clip 146 is at least partially positioned within the expansion chamber 144 to abut and retain the article 110 when received within the device 100. Expansion chamber 144 is connected to end piece 106.

Fig. 8 is an exploded view of the device 100 of fig. 7, with the outer cover 102 omitted.

Fig. 9A depicts a cross-section of a portion of the device 100 of fig. 7. Fig. 9B depicts a close-up of the area of fig. 9A. Fig. 9A and 9B illustrate the article 110 received within the susceptor 132, wherein the article 110 is sized such that an outer surface of the article 110 abuts an inner surface of the susceptor 132. This ensures that the heating is most efficient. The article 110 of this embodiment includes an aerosol-generating material 110a. The aerosol-generating material 110a is positioned within the susceptor 132. The article 110 may also include other components such as filters, packaging materials, and/or cooling structures.

Fig. 9B shows that the outer surface of the susceptor 132 is spaced from the inner surfaces of the induction coils 124, 126 by a distance 150, the distance 150 being measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132. In a particular embodiment, the distance 150 is about 3mm to 4mm, about 3-3.5mm, or about 3.25mm.

Fig. 9B further shows that the outer surface of the insulating member 128 is spaced from the inner surfaces of the induction coils 124, 126 by a distance 152, the distance 152 being measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132. In one particular embodiment, the distance 152 is about 0.05mm. In another embodiment, the distance 152 is substantially 0mm such that the induction coils 124, 126 abut and contact the insulating member 128.

In one embodiment, susceptor 132 has a wall thickness 154 of about 0.025mm to 1mm or about 0.05mm.

In one embodiment, susceptor 132 has a length of about 40mm to 60mm, about 40mm to 45mm, or about 44.5 mm.

In one embodiment, the insulating member 128 has a wall thickness 156 of about 0.25mm to 2mm, 0.25mm to 1mm, or about 0.5 mm.

In use, the articles 1, 1', 1 "described herein may be inserted into a non-combustible sol supply device, such as the device 100 described with reference to fig. 5-9. At least a portion of the mouthpiece 20 of the article 10 protrudes from the non-combustible sol supply 100 and may be placed into the mouth of a user. The aerosol is generated by heating the aerosol-generating material 2 using the device 100. The aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating material 2 passes through the mouthpiece 20 to the mouth of the user.

The various embodiments described herein are only used to aid in understanding and teaching 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 used and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the appropriate combination of the disclosed elements, assemblies, features, components, steps, means, and the like, in addition to those specifically described herein. Furthermore, the present disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An article for use as or part of a non-combustible sol supply system, the article comprising:

an aerosol-generating material comprising at least one aerosol-forming material;

A hollow tubular member disposed downstream of the aerosol-generating material;

a first substantially cylindrical body arranged downstream of the hollow tubular body; and

a second substantially cylindrical body adjacent to and downstream of the first substantially cylindrical body, the second substantially cylindrical body being disposed at the mouth end of the article.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the first and/or second substantially cylindrical bodies are formed from a filament bundle.

3. The article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and/or second substantially cylindrical bodies are formed from cellulose acetate tow.

4. The article of any of claims 1-3, wherein the first substantially cylindrical body is formed from cellulose acetate tow having a first denier per filament and a first total denier, and wherein the second substantially cylindrical body is formed from cellulose acetate tow having a second denier per filament and a second total denier.

5. The article of claim 4, wherein the first and second per-filament denier values are the same, and wherein the first and second total denier values are the same.

6. The article of claim 4, wherein the first per-filament denier value is different from the second per-filament denier value.

7. The article of claim 5 or 6, wherein the first total denier value is different from the second total denier value.

8. The article of any of claims 1-7, wherein the first substantially cylindrical body is longer than the second substantially cylindrical body.

9. The article of any of claims 1-8, wherein the length of the first cylindrical body is 7mm to 13mm, 9 to 11mm, or about 10mm.

10. The article of any of claims 1-9, wherein the length of the second cylindrical body is 3mm to 9mm, 5mm to 7mm, or about 6mm.

11. The article of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the combined length of the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body is 10 to 20mm, 12 to 18mm, 14 to 17mm, or about 16mm.

12. The article of any one of claims 1-11, the hollow tubular member comprising one or more ventilation zones.

13. The article of claim 12, wherein the one or more ventilation areas are disposed 12 to 20mm or 18 to 19mm from the downstream end of the article.

14. The article of claim 13, wherein the one or more ventilation areas are disposed about 18.5mm or about 15mm from the downstream end of the article.

15. The article of any of claims 12-14, wherein the one or more ventilation areas comprise one or more openings or perforations.

16. The article of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the ventilation level is 40% to 80%, or 50% to 70%, or about 60%.

17. The article of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein a first cylindrical body is disposed immediately downstream of and adjacent to the hollow tubular member.

18. The article of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the hollow tubular member is formed from paper, plastic or filament bundles.

19. The article of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the hollow tubular body is formed of paper and has a wall thickness of less than 0.5 mm.

20. The article of any of claims 1-9, wherein the first cylindrical body and/or the second cylindrical body is surrounded by a wrapper, the wrapper comprising an embossed pattern.

21. The article of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the cylindrical body is substantially continuous throughout its volume.

22. An article according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the aerosol-generating material is a rod of aerosol-generating material having a length of 22 to 30mm, 24 to 28mm, or about 26 mm.

23. The article of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the hollow tubular member has a length of 17 to 26mm, 18 to 24mm, or 24 to 26mm, or 20 to 22 mm.

24. A method of forming the article of any one of claims 1 to 23, the method comprising:

providing an aerosol-generating material comprising at least one aerosol-forming material; and

disposing a hollow tubular member downstream of the aerosol-generating material;

disposing a first substantially cylindrical body downstream of the hollow tubular body; and

a second substantially cylindrical body is disposed adjacent to and downstream of the first substantially cylindrical body, the second substantially cylindrical body being disposed at the mouth end of the article.

25. A non-combustible sol supply system, the system comprising:

The article of any one of claims 1 to 23, and

a non-combustible sol supply means comprising a heater.