EP4171277A1

EP4171277A1 - A filter rod consumable

Info

Publication number: EP4171277A1
Application number: EP21737751.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Biniam TESFATSION; Ugurhan Yilmaz; Tatiana BETSON; David Bishop
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2020-06-24
Filing date: 2021-06-23
Publication date: 2023-05-03
Also published as: GB202009638D0; US20230329326A1; JP2023531033A; KR20230015462A; WO2021260372A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter rod consumable for use in an aerosol provision system, wherein the filter rod consumable comprises a filter, and, contained within the filter, an aerosolisable material comprising nicotine and one or more capsules comprising basic solution, wherein the basic solution can be released from the capsule to contact the aerosolisable material upon actuation by a user. The invention also relates to aerosol provision systems including a filter rod consumable, kits and related methods and uses.

Description

A filter rod consumable

Technical Field

The invention relates to a filter rod consumable for use with an aerosol provision system. The invention also relates to systems including a filter rod consumable, as well as kits and methods using a consumable and uses thereof.

Background

Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combusting. Examples of such products are so-called “heat not burn” products or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating, but not burning, smokeable material. Summary

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention as described herein, there is provided filter rod consumable for use in an aerosol provision system, wherein the flavouring insert comprises a filter, and, contained within the filter: an aerosolisable material comprising nicotine; and one or more capsules comprising basic solution, wherein the basic solution can be released from the capsule to contact the aerosolisable material upon actuation by a user.

In some embodiments, the aerosol provision system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system comprising an aerosol generating material which is to be heated to volatilise constituents, and a liquid which is to be heated to form a vapour. In some embodiments, the basic solution has a pH of from about 8 to about 10. In some embodiments, the basic solution has a pH of from about 8 to about 9.

In some embodiments, the basic solution comprises one or more bases or a basic buffer system. In some embodiments, the one or more base is selected from the group consisting of hydroxides, carbonates and hydrogen carbonates.

In some embodiments, the basic solution comprises a flavour.

In some embodiments, the aerosolisable material comprises tobacco granules.

In some embodiments, the aerosolisable material comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of: ground tobacco, tobacco fibre, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stem, tobacco lamina and reconstituted tobacco.

In some embodiments, the aerosolisable material comprises one or more aerosol- former material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material is selected from the group consisting of glycerol, propylene glycol and glyceryl triacetate.

In some embodiments, the filter comprises one or more filter material selected from group consisting of: cellulose acetate (CA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(i-4 butanediol succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)(PBAT), starch based materials, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials and polysaccharide polymers.

In some embodiments, the filter comprises a filamentary tow material. In some embodiments, the aerosolisable material is dispersed within the filter tow.

In some embodiments, the one or more capsules comprising basic solution are surrounded by the filter material.

In some embodiments, the filter includes a cavity between two spaced sections of filter material, and wherein the aerosolisable material is located in the filter cavity.

In some embodiments, the one or more capsules comprising basic solution are located in the filter cavity. In accordance with a second aspect of the invention as described herein, there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising a filter rod consumable according to the first aspect. In some embodiments, the system is an aerosol generating material heating system comprising an aerosol generating material which is to be heated to form an aerosol.

In some embodiments, the system is a hybrid system comprising an aerosol generating material which is to be heated to volatilise constituents, and a liquid which is to be heated to form a vapour.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is heated by the vapour.

In some embodiments, the liquid is a nicotine-free liquid.

In some embodiments, the device includes a means for heating the liquid to form a vapour, but does not include a separate means for heating the aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generated by the system is drawn through the filter rod consumable.

In some embodiments, the filter rod consumable forms the mouthpiece of the system. In accordance with a third aspect of the invention as described herein, there is provided a kit comprising a filter rod consumable according to the first aspect, and a device for use in generating an inhalable aerosol.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention as described herein, there is provided a method for modifying an aerosol generated by an aerosol provision system by drawing the aerosol through a filter rod consumable according to the first aspect.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the invention as described herein, there is provided a method of generating an inhalable aerosol comprising actuating the one or more capsules comprising basic solution in a filter rod consumable according to the first aspect, and volatilising components of the aerosolisable material to form the inhalable aerosol.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the invention as described herein, there is provided a use of a filter rod consumable according to the first aspect for modifying aerosol generated by an aerosol provision system.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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

Figure 1 is schematic representation a filter rod consumable according to embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 2 is schematic representation a filter rod consumable according to alternative embodiments of the present invention; and Figure 3 is a schematic view of a hybrid system for heating aerosol generating material to volatilise at least one component of the aerosol generating material, including an insert according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description The invention relates to a filter rod consumable for use in an aerosol provision system.

Aerosolisable materials comprising nicotine can be treated with a base in order to facilitate liberation of the nicotine. For example, nicotine is liberated from nicotine salts in tobacco by reaction with the base. The pH adjusted nicotine is then volatilised at a lower temperature in use.

The inventors have determined that if base-treated tobacco is used in known electronic tobacco hybrid devices, nicotine delivery per puff significantly drops during the use.

The reaction between base and nicotine occurs quickly; the pH-treated nicotine is then is liberated quickly and delivery during consumption may reduce from puff to puff. The inventors have also observed that pH-treated nicotine may be lost from the device prior to use due to its high volatility.

Moreover, pH treatment of tobacco results in the liberation of ammonia. Thus, controlling of the rate of pH treatment controls the rate of release of ammonia, and this can improve the organoleptic properties of the tobacco (since the smell of ammonia is less strong because the release of ammonia is more gradual).

The present invention provides improved consistency of nicotine delivery per puff through delaying pH-treatment of the aerosolisable material that contains nicotine (such as a tobacco material). The invention uses a basic solution alongside the aerosolisable material. In use the basic solution contacts the aerosolisable material and liberates nicotine. In some cases, the rate at which basic solution contacts the aerosolisable material is controlled in use, thereby controlling the rate of nicotine liberation by the pH treatment.

The basic solution is provided in one or more capsules and before its release from the capsule, the aerosolisable material containing nicotine is not pH treated to ease nicotine release. The basic solution is only release immediately prior to or during use of the aerosol provision system, so that the pH treatment of the aerosolisable material to enhance nicotine release occurs immediately prior to or during use of the filter rod consumable, providing a more controlled release of nicotine during use of the filter rod consumable with the aerosol provision system. The filter rod consumable comprises a filter, and, contained within the filter, there is an aerosolisable material comprising nicotine and one or more capsules comprising basic solution.

The one or more capsules comprising a basic solution are included to provide the filter rod consumable with a pH modifying agent that is kept separate from the aerosolisable material comprising nicotine until the consumable is to be used with the aerosol provision system.

Upon use, the basic solution is released from the one or more capsules and is brought into contact with the aerosolisable material comprising nicotine. Upon contact with the basic solution, the pH of the aerosolisable material is increased. This leads to the formation of the free base form of nicotine.

In some embodiments, the aerosolisable material is tobacco. Adjusting the pH of tobacco changes the natural balance of those acid-base reactions that bind certain classes of chemicals within the tobacco. For example, in natural tobacco leaf, nicotine tends to bind with organic acids that are present in the leaf and hence is more stable and less likely to volatilise when exposed to mild heat. If the pH of the leaf is raised, this reduces the nicotine’s natural association with the acids. Such unbound of “free” nicotine is more volatile.

Thus, the purpose of releasing the basic solution from the one or more capsules in the filter of the flavouring insert is to provide the nicotine included in the aerosolisable material in a chemical form that is readily released from the aerosolisable material, and/ or is readily transferred to the aerosol generated by the aerosol provision system. The nicotine is ideally converted to this readily released form only shortly before or whilst the aerosolisable material is used and an aerosol is generated.

In some embodiments, the capsule is actuated by the user to release the basic solution prior to or during use of the aerosol provision system.

In some embodiments, at least one capsule is a breakable capsule, for instance a capsule which has a solid, frangible shell surrounding a liquid payload.

In some embodiments, the capsule may be crushable and release of the basic solution is effected by the user crushing the capsule in use. In some such cases, the capsule may be ruptured by a piercing member. In one case, the piercing member may be moved into contact with the capsule by the user; for example, such movement may be button actuated. In another case, the piercing member maybe provided as part of a device which the article is inserted into, wherein the piercing member ruptures the capsule as the article is inserted. In yet further cases, the basic solution may be encapsulated by an encapsulating material that melts, decomposes, reacts, degrades, swells, dissolves or deforms to release the basic solution at a temperature above room temperature but at or below the temperature reached within the flavouring insert during use. For example, the basic solution may be encapsulated by an encapsulating material selected from a polysaccharide or cellulosic barrier material, a gelatin, a gum, a gel, a wax or a mixture thereof. In some cases, the encapsulating material is selected from one or more of alginates, dextran, maltodextrin, cyclodextrin, pectin, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose ethers, gum Arabic, gum ghatti, gum tragacanth, Karaya, locust bean, acacia gum, guar, quince seed, xanthan gums, agar gel, agarose gel, carrageenans, furoidan, furcellaran and carnauba wax. Upon release of the basic solution from the capsule(s), the basic solution contacts the aerosolisable material. This may occur by virtue of the aerosolisable material being directly adjacent the capsule. Alternatively or additionally, the basic solution may be released from the capsule and moved into contact with the aerosolisable material. In some embodiments, this may be achieved by releasing the basic solution into a wi eking material that carries the basic solution to the aerosolisable material. In some embodiments, a wicking material may help to spread the basic solution to or through the aerosolisable material. In some embodiments, filter material, such as fibrous filter tow may act as a wicking material.

In some embodiments, the basic solution is heated to form a vapour and/or aerosol in use, and the vapour and/or aerosol flows into contact with the aerosolisable material in use. In some cases, volatilisation of the basic solution is puff-actuated. This means that the pH-treatment of the aerosolisable material only occurs during puffing, and nicotine liberation is minimised between puffs (reducing unintended nicotine losses and providing sustained nicotine delivery during the consumption period).

In some cases, the basic solution is pumped into contact with the aerosolisable material within the filter rod consumable on actuation of the pump by the user. The pump may be provided as part of an aerosol provision system into which the flavouring insert is inserted. In some such cases, the pump may be, for example, button actuated, so that the user controls the rate of pH treatment of the aerosolisable material, and thereby controls the rate of nicotine release. In some other cases, the pump may be puff actuated, so that pH-treatment of the aerosolisable material only occurs during puffing, and nicotine liberation is minimised between puffs (reducing unintended nicotine losses and providing sustained nicotine delivery during the consumption period).

In some embodiments where the filter comprises two or more capsules, the capsules may be the same as each other, or may differ from one another in terms of size, type and/ or capsule payload.

In some embodiments, the basic solution comprises at least one of water, glycerol and propylene glycol. In some embodiments, the basic solution has a pH of greater than about 8. In some embodiments, the basic solution has a pH of less than about to. In some embodiments, the pH of the basic solution is between about 8 and about 9. In some embodiments, the basic solution comprises one or more bases or a basic buffer system. For example, the one or more base may be one or more of hydroxides, carbonates and hydrogen carbonates. In some cases, the basic solution comprises sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium hydrogen carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, calcium carbonate or mixtures thereof.

The base should be in excess molar ratio to nicotine - in some embodiments, approximately 1.5 equivalent of base - to drive the acid base reaction to completion and hence efficient conversion of nicotine salt to free nicotine.

The aerosolisable material comprising nicotine is typically solid. In some cases, the aerosolisable material comprises a tobacco material. As used herein, the term “tobacco material” refers to any material comprising tobacco or derivatives therefore. The term “tobacco material” may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. The tobacco material may comprise one or more of ground tobacco, tobacco fibre, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stem, reconstituted tobacco, agglomerated tobacco, spheronised tobacco and/ or tobacco extract. The tobacco used to produce tobacco material may be any suitable tobacco, such as single grades or blends, cut rag or whole leaf, including Virginia and/or Burley and/or Oriental. It may also be tobacco particle ‘fines’ or dust, expanded tobacco, stems, expanded stems, and other processed stem materials, such as cut rolled stems. The tobacco material maybe a ground tobacco or a reconstituted tobacco material. The reconstituted tobacco material may comprise tobacco fibres, and may be formed by casting, a Fourdrinier-based paper making-type approach with back addition of tobacco extract, or by extrusion.

A tobacco substrate with a high surface area is recommended for a quicker acid base reaction and hence faster nicotine release. The tobacco substrate may be in a variety of forms, including, for example, dry ice expanded tobacco (DIET), ground tobacco, extruded tobacco and granulated tobacco, etc.

The aerosolisable material may additionally comprise other components, such as flavourings and/or aerosol-former materials.

The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerine, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate. In some embodiments, the aerosolisable material may additionally comprise one or more casings, such as invert sugar, molasses, cane sugar, honey, cocoa, liquorice, polyols such as glycerol and propylene glycol and acids such as malic acid.

In some embodiments, the aerosolisable material may additionally comprise one or more binders, such as alginates, celluloses or modified celluloses, starches or modified starches, or natural gums. In some embodiments, the aerosolisable material comprises an alginate such as sodium alginate, calcium alginate, potassium alginate or ammonium alginate. In some embodiments, the aerosolisable material may additionally comprise one or more fillers. In some embodiments, the filler may comprise an inorganic material such as calcium carbonate, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulphate and magnesium carbonate. In some embodiments, the filler comprises chalk. In some embodiments, the filler may comprise an organic material such as wood pulp, cellulose and cellulose derivatives.

The filter rod consumable comprises a filter. The filter may comprise one or more filter elements or sections that are aligned along the longitudinal axis of the consumable to form the filter. In some embodiments, these filter elements or sections may be arranged to form a cavity within the filter. In some embodiments, the filter comprises one or more filter material. The filter material maybe selected from group consisting of: cellulose acetate (CA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(i-4 butanediol succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)(PBAT), starch based materials, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials and polysaccharide polymers.

In some embodiments, the filter material comprises a plasticizer.

The filter material may be a fibrous material. In some embodiments, the fibrous material may be in the form or a tow or web. In other embodiments, the filter material maybe a sheet material. In some embodiments, the sheet material is folded or rolled to form the filter or filter elements.

In some embodiments the aerosolisable material and/ or one or more capsules are positioned within or surrounded by the filter material. For example, where the filter material is a fibrous tow, the aerosolisable material and/or the one or more capsules are dispersed or embedded in the filter material. Where the aerosolisable material is a plurality of particles, such as tobacco granules, this may be dispersed with the filter tow. The aerosolisable material maybe uniformly or non-uniformly dispersed within the filter material of the hlter or hlter element.

In some embodiments, the aerosolisable material and the one or more capsules comprising basic solution maybe positioned in the same filter element or section. In some embodiments the aerosolisable material and/ or one or more capsules are positioned within a cavity formed in the filter. In some embodiments, the cavity may comprise further components, such as filler material, flavourant material, or wicking material. In some embodiments, the cavity is between two spaced filter elements. The cavity is also surrounded by a wall. This wall may also surround the whole of the filter and/ or the whole of the consumable.

In one particular exemplary embodiment, the cavity filter construction has a total length of 40mm with a cavity section having a length of 28mm and a 6 mm cellulose acetate tow filter section at either end. The cavity section of the filter may be filled with tobacco material.

In some embodiments, the one or more capsules comprising the basic solution maybe positioned upstream of the aerosolisable material when the consumable is positioned for use in an aerosol provision system. In some embodiments, the capsule is positioned towards the mouth end section, to avoid any direct interaction with heating source.

In some embodiments, the filter rod consumable may include a flavour-modifier, to modify the flavour provided by the aerosol provided by the aerosol provision system or to add flavour. In some embodiments, the flavour-modifier may be included in the aerosolisable material. Alternatively or in addition, the flavour- modifier may be added to or included in the basic solution. As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.

In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and/ or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis. In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.

As used herein, an aerosol provision system includes non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials.

According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not a requirement.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system.

An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non tobacco product.

The filter rod consumable may be incorporated into an aerosol provision system, such as an apparatus for heating aerosol generating material to volatilise at least one component of the aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material used in the aerosol provision system further comprises one or more other aerosol generating materials, such as a volatilisable material. The invention also provides an aerosol provision system comprising a filter rod consumable according to embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the system comprises a heater. In some embodiments, the heater is battery-operated. In some embodiments, the or each heater is an electrically resistive heater. In some embodiments, the aerosol provision system is a heat-not-burn assembly, in which the aerosolisable material is heated in use to generate an inhalable medium.

In some embodiments, the aerosol provision system is an electronic tobacco hybrid assembly. In some such embodiments, the basic solution may be provided as a component of a first volatilisable material. On heating of this material, the volatilisable material is volatilised and forms an aerosol and/or vapour comprising the basic solution. The aerosol and/ or vapour flows through the filter rod consumable and contacts the aerosolisable material to liberate nicotine. In other embodiments, the basic solution is separate from the first volatilisable material. In some particular embodiments, the aerosol provision system comprises a container retaining a first volatilisable material, the first volatilisable material comprising a liquid component. A heater is provided for volatilising the first volatilisable material held in the container. Upon use of the aerosol provision system the first volatilisable material is volatilised by the heater to form a vapour and/or an aerosol, which passes through the filter rod consumable containing the aerosolisable material and the basic solution which has been released from the one of more capsules in the filter rod consumable, and entrains one or more constituents of the aerosolisable material, thereby forming an inhalable medium which passes through out of the system and is inhaled by the user. In some cases, the first volatilisable material comprises a liquid or gel. The first volatilisable material may alternatively be referred to as a vapour/ aerosol precursor. Suitably, the first volatilisable material comprises, substantially consists of, or consists of a liquid. Suitable liquids include components conventionally used in e-cigarette liquids. The first volatilisable material may comprise aerosol-former material, such as propylene glycol and/or glycerol. Additionally, it may in some cases comprise flavourings. The material is typically volatilised at around 150-250°C.

In some cases, the aerosolisable material may be porous, such that aerosol or vapour can pass through the material. This provides a high contact area for the material to contact the aerosol and/ or vapour. Suitably, the aerosolisable material (prior to use) may have a pH of less than about 7, as measured according to the CORESTA protocol for measuring the pH of tobacco.

In some cases, the assembly heats the aerosolisable material in use, encouraging release of components thereof into the inhaled medium. In some cases, one heater may heat both the first volatilisable material and the aerosolisable material. In some cases, a second heater maybe provided which heats the aerosolisable material. In some cases, the device does not heat the aerosolisable material, relying on heat carried by the vapour/ aerosol to warm the material (thereby volatilising components of the material which are then entrained in the vapour/ aerosol flow). In an embodiment, the assembly comprises a cooler or cooling zone downstream of the heater and upstream of the aerosolisable material, the cooler or cooling zone being arranged to cool vaporised material to form an aerosol of liquid droplets which in use passes through the filter rod consumable and the aerosolisable material. The cooler may be arranged in effect to act as a heat exchanger, allowing for recovery of heat from the vapour. The recovered heat can be used for example to pre-heat the aerosolisable material and/or to assist in heating the first volatilisable material. In some embodiments, this cooling zone maybe part of the filter rod consumable. In an embodiment, the heater is puff actuated. That is, the device includes a puff- detector and only heats the first volatilisable material on detection of a puff. This means that vapour/aerosol forms in the device only during puffs. This can, in some embodiments, further delay pH treatment of the aerosolisable material, reducing unintended nicotine losses and providing sustained nicotine delivery during the consumption period.

In an embodiment, the container holding the first volatilisable material is removable. The container may be in the form of a pot or the like (which in some embodiments may be annular for example), and/or an absorbent wadding or the like. The container may in effect be a disposable item which is replaced as a whole after use. As an alternative, the arrangement may be such that the user removes the container from the device, replaces used volatilisable material or tops up the material in the container, and then places the container back in the device. In some cases, the container may be non-removable from the device. In such an embodiment, the user may just replace used material or top up material in the container after use as necessary.

In some cases, the filter rod consumable containing the aerosolisable material and the capsule(s) comprising a basic solution is removable from the device. The consumable may be, in effect a disposable item which is replaced as a whole after use.

The filter rod consumable is configured for use in a hybrid device for generating an inhalable medium as described herein. The invention also provides a kit comprising a filter rod consumable according to embodiments of the invention, and a device for use in generating an inhalable medium. The device may comprise a heater. Various features described above in relation to the aerosol provision system are explicitly disclosed in combination with the kit aspect of the invention; features described in relation to the system may be features of the device. Thus, for example, the device may include one or more of a puff actuator, a cooling element or cooling zone, actuation means such as a button, further heaters, and so on.

Examples of consumables and devices for generating an inhalable medium according to some embodiments of the invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there are shown examples of filter rod consumables as described herein. The illustrated consumable l is a rod shaped and comprises a filter section or filter element 2a, 2b at each end. These filter elements comprise a filter material, such as a fibrous tow. The material in each filter element may be the same or may be different. One or more of the filter elements may, in some embodiments, include additives, such as adsorbent materials, flavours, etc. The additives in each filter element may be the same or may be different.

The sections of the filter rod consumable l may be held together by a wrapper, such as a paper wrapper, circumscribing the rod.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure l, the filter elements 2a, 2b abut a cavity. The cavity is filled with an aerosolisable material 3, such as tobacco granules. The cavity also contains a capsule 4 containing a basic solution, at least partially surrounded by or embedded in the aerosolisable material. The capsule 4 may be ruptured by the user by applying pressure to the sides of the consumable 1. Once the frangible shell of the capsule 4 is broken, the basic solution spreads, contacting the aerosolisable material 3 within the cavity.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the filter elements 2a, 2b abut a further filter element 2c. The further filter element 2c comprises filter material and, dispersed therein are particles of an aerosolisable material 3, such as tobacco granules. The further filter element 2c also contains a capsule 4 containing a basic solution and embedded within the filter material. The capsule 4 may be ruptured by the user by applying pressure to the sides of the consumable 1. Once the frangible shell of the capsule 4 is broken, the basic solution spreads through the filter material of the filter element 2c and contacts the particles of aerosolisable material 3. Referring to Figure 3, there is shown an example of a device 11 for generating an inhalable medium. In broad outline, the device 11 volatilises a liquid contained in a reservoir or container 12 to form a vapour or an aerosol which passes through the filter rod consumable 1 which is inserted into a cavity within the housing 13 of the device. The filter rod consumable 1 shown is as illustrated in Figure 2 and described above. In use, the capsule is ruptured immediately prior to insertion of the consumable 1 into the device 11. This releases the basic solution in the capsule which will contact the aerosolisable material, which in this embodiment is tobacco granules, adjusting the pH of the tobacco and forming nicotine free base. As the liquid in the container 12 of the device is heated by the heater 16, the liquid volatilises and the vapour and/ or aerosol is drawn through the filter rod consumable as the user draws on the mouth end 5 of the consumable 1. The heated vapour warms the aerosolisable material and nicotine and other volatile components are picked up in the aerosol and/ or vapour. In this respect, first it may be noted that, in general, a vapour is a substance in the gas phase at a temperature lower than its critical temperature, which means that for example the vapour can be condensed to a liquid by increasing its pressure without reducing the temperature. On the other hand, in general, an aerosol is a colloid of fine solid particles or liquid droplets, in air or another gas. A “colloid” is a substance in which microscopically dispersed insoluble particles are suspended throughout another substance.

Returning to Figure 3, the device 11 of this example has a generally hollow cylindrical outer housing 13. The housing 13 has an open end 14. In this example, a tubular filter rod consumable 1 is provided in the open end 14. The filter rod consumable 1 is removable by a user from the housing 13.

At or towards the other end of the housing 13 is a battery for powering various components of the device 11, including the heater 16. The battery maybe a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. A controller is also provided in the housing 13 for controlling the operation of various components of the device 11. A heater 16 is provided generally centrally of the housing 13, that is, centrally along the length and width of the housing 13 in this illustrated embodiments. In this example, the heater 16 is powered by the battery and is therefore electrically connected to the battery.

The heater may be an electrically resistive heater, including for example a nichrome resistive heater, a ceramic heater, etc. The heater 16 may be for example a wire, which may for example be in the form of a coil, as shown. Alternatively, the heater may be a plate (which may be a multi-layer plate of two or more different materials, one or more of which may be electrically conductive and one or more of which may be electrically non-conductive), a mesh (which may be woven or non-woven for example, and which again may be similarly multi-layer), a film heater, etc. Other heating arrangements may be used, including non-electrical heating arrangements.

In some embodiments, the filter rod consumable 1 is inserted into the device 11 so that there is no air gap between the consumable 1 and the interior of the housing 13, so that the aerosol or vapour flows entirely through the consumable. The liquid is suitably a liquid that is volatilisable at reasonable temperatures, such as in the range of ioo-300°C or more particularly around 150-250°C, as that helps to keep down the power consumption of the device 1. Suitable materials include those conventionally used in e-cigarette devices, including for example propylene glycol and glycerol (also known as glycerine).

The aerosolisable material 3 imparts a flavour to the aerosol or vapour produced from the liquid as the aerosol or vapour passes through the filter rod consumable 1. As the aerosol or vapour passes through and over the aerosolisable material 3, the hot aerosol or vapour entrains nicotine and other tobacco compounds or constituents from the aerosolisable material 3, thus imparting the flavour to the aerosol or vapour as it passes to the mouth end 5 of the consumable 1.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the only heat source for heating the aerosolisable material 3, which is required to entrain the nicotine and other compounds or constituents from the aerosolisable material 3, is the hot aerosol or vapour produced from heating the liquid. The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments maybe utilised and modifications maybe made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which maybe claimed in future.

Claims

Claims l. A filter rod consumable for use in an aerosol provision system, wherein the flavouring insert comprises a filter, and, contained within the filter: an aerosolisable material comprising nicotine; and one or more capsules comprising basic solution, wherein the basic solution can be released from the capsule to contact the aerosolisable material upon actuation by a user. 2. A filter rod consumable as claimed in claim l, wherein the aerosol provision system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system.

3. A filter rod consumable as claimed in claim 2, wherein the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system comprising an aerosol generating material which is to be heated to volatilise constituents, and a liquid which is to be heated to form a vapour.

4. A filter rod consumable as claimed in any one of claims l to 3, wherein the basic solution has a pH of from about 8 to about 10.

5. A filter rod consumable as claimed in claim 4, wherein the basic solution has a pH of from about 8 to about 9.

6. A filter rod consumable as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the basic solution comprises one or more bases or a basic buffer system.

7. A filter rod consumable as claimed in claim 6, wherein the one or more base is selected from the group consisting of hydroxides, carbonates and hydrogen carbonates. 8. A filter rod consumable as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the basic solution comprises a flavour.

9. A filter rod consumable as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the aerosolisable material comprises tobacco granules.

10. A filter rod consumable as claimed in claim 9, wherein the aerosolisable material comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of: ground tobacco, tobacco fibre, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stem, tobacco lamina and reconstituted tobacco.

11. A filter rod consumable as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the aerosolisable material comprises one or more aerosol-former material.

12. A filter rod consumable as claimed in claim 11, wherein the aerosol-former material is selected from the group consisting of glycerol, propylene glycol and glyceryl triacetate.

13. A filter rod consumable as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the filter comprises one or more filter material selected from group consisting of: cellulose acetate (CA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(i-4 butanediol succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)(PBAT), starch based materials, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials and polysaccharide polymers. 14. A filter rod consumable as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the filter comprises a filamentary tow material.

15. A filter rod consumable as claimed in claim 14, wherein the aerosolisable material is dispersed within the filter tow.

16. A filter rod consumable as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the one or more capsules comprising basic solution are surrounded by the filter material.

17. A filter rod consumable as claimed in claim any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the filter includes a cavity between two spaced sections of filter material, and wherein the aerosolisable material is located in the filter cavity. i8. A filter rod consumable as claimed in claim 17, wherein the one or more capsules comprising basic solution are located in the filter cavity.

19. An aerosol provision system comprising a filter rod consumable as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. A system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the system is an aerosol generating material heating system comprising an aerosol generating material which is to be heated to form an aerosol.

21. A system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the system is a hybrid system comprising an aerosol generating material which is to be heated to volatilise constituents, and a liquid which is to be heated to form a vapour.

22. A system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the aerosol generating material is heated by the vapour. 23. A system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the liquid is a nicotine-free liquid.

24. A system as claimed in claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the device includes a means for heating the liquid to form a vapour, but does not include a separate means for heating the aerosol generating material.

25. A system as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the aerosol generated by the system is drawn through the filter rod consumable.

26. A system as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein the filter rod consumable forms the mouthpiece of the system.

27. A kit comprising a filter rod consumable as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, and a device for use in generating an inhalable aerosol. 28. A method for modifying an aerosol generated by an aerosol provision system by drawing the aerosol through a filter rod consumable as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18.

29. A method of generating an inhalable aerosol comprising actuating the one or more capsules comprising basic solution in a filter rod consumable as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, and volatilising components of the aerosolisable material to form the inhalable aerosol.

30. Use of a filter rod consumable as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18 for modifying aerosol generated by an aerosol provision system.