EP4181697A1

EP4181697A1 - An article for use in an aerosol provision system

Info

Publication number: EP4181697A1
Application number: EP21746794.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jack QUARMBY; Charles LEONI
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2020-07-14
Filing date: 2021-07-13
Publication date: 2023-05-24
Also published as: WO2022013546A1; US20230248076A1; GB202010807D0; JP2023533790A; BR112022027051A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to an article for use in an aerosol provision system. The article is a consumable for insertion into an aerosol provision device. The aerosol provision device comprises a heating assembly having a wall that at least partially defines a chamber for receiving said consumable for heating during use of the device, where heating the consumable causes deposits of condensate to form on said wall. The consumable comprises a first section of aerosol generating material and a second section of absorbent material. The absorbent material is exposed at least partially along a length of said consumable for direct contact with said wall of said chamber to absorb said deposits when the consumable is received in the chamber. The present invention also relates to an article for cleaning an aerosol provision device and a method thereof.

Description

An Article for use in an Aerosol Provision System Technical Field

The present invention relates to an article for use in a non-combustible aerosol provision system and a non-combustible aerosol provision system including an article.

Background of the Invention

Certain tobacco industry products produce an aerosol during use, which is inhaled by a user. For example, tobacco heating devices heat an aerosol generating substrate such as tobacco to form an aerosol by heating, but not burning, the substrate.

Aerosol that is generated when an aerosol generating substrate is heated may condense on surfaces of a tobacco heating device to leave a deposit. Such deposits can prevent the insertion of an article into a tobacco heating device or can prevent optimal heating of an article during use.

Summary of the Invention

In some embodiments described herein, there is provided a consumable for insertion into an aerosol provision device, the aerosol provision device comprising a heating assembly having a wall that at least partially defines a chamber for receiving said consumable for heating during use of the device, wherein heating said consumable causes deposits of condensate to form on said wall, the consumable comprising a first section of aerosol generating material and a second section of absorbent material, wherein the absorbent material is exposed at least partially along a length of said consumable for direct contact with said wall of said chamber to absorb said deposits when the consumable is received in the chamber.

The consumable may comprise a mouth end and a distal end, wherein the mouth end is configured to protrude from an aerosol provision device and the distal end is configured to be inserted furthest into a chamber of an aerosol provision device, at least the distal end comprising the second section of absorbent material, the absorbent material extending from the distal end of the consumable towards the mouth end.

The consumable may further comprise a wrapping material which is at least partially wrapped around the first section of aerosol generating material and at least partially wrapped around the second section of absorbent material. The wrapping material may partially extend over the second section of absorbent material so as to form an exposed section of absorbent material. The wrapping material may partially extend along the full length of the second section of absorbent material.

The wrapping material may extend partially along the second section of the absorbent material from its proximal end towards the distal end of the second section of absorbent material.

The wrapping material may comprise a cut-out section over the second section of absorbent material. The exposed section of absorbent material may be configured to abut a wall of an aerosol provision device, during use.

The exposed section of absorbent material may comprise a wicking material configured to abut a wall of an aerosol provision device, during use, and a core portion formed of absorbent material.

The second section of absorbent material may comprise at least one absorbent particle.

The at least one absorbent particle may be embedded in the absorbent material.

The second section of absorbent material may comprise the wrapping material carrying the at least one absorbent particle, the second section of absorbent material being wrapped at least partially around the first section of aerosol generating material. The second section of absorbent material may comprise a wrapping material configured to be wrapped around the first section of aerosol generating material.

The wrapping material may comprise at least one absorbent particle embedded in the wrapping material.

The absorbent particle may comprise at least one of putty, charcoal, clay, and Sepiolite. The consumable may further comprise a hydrophilic coating configured to absorb condensate from a wall of a chamber of an aerosol provision device. The hydrophilic coating may at least partially covers the second section of absorbent material.

The hydrophilic coating may at least partially covers the wrapping material. The consumable may further comprise an impermeable coating.

The impermeable coating may cover the distal end of the consumable and be configured to prevent absorbed condensate from leaking out of the consumable. The impermeable coating may be a hydrophobic coating.

According to another aspect of the present invention described herein, there is provided a system comprising an aerosol provision device and a consumable according to any of claims 1 to 21 for insertion into the aerosol provision device.

According to another aspect of the present invention described herein, there is provided a pack comprising one or more consumables according to any of claims 1 to 21. According to another aspect of the present invention described herein, there is provided a method of cleaning a chamber of a heating assembly of an aerosol provision device, the method comprising inserting a consumable according to any of claims 1 to 21 into a chamber of an aerosol provision device, consuming the consumable, waiting for an absorbent material in the consumable to absorb condensate on a wall of the chamber, and removing the consumable from the chamber.

According to another aspect of the present invention describe herein, there is provided an article for cleaning an aerosol provision device, said article comprising an absorbent portion arranged for insertion into a heating chamber of the aerosol provision device during use, wherein the absorbent portion comprises a carrier material having a plurality of absorbent particle applied to or distributed on the carrier material. The carrier material may extend along the length of the article and the plurality of absorbent particle may be applied over the length of and around the circumference of the carrier material.

The absorbent particle may comprise at least one of putty, charcoal, clay, and Sepiolite.

According to another aspect of the present invention described herein, there is provided a system comprising an aerosol provision device and an article according to any of claims 25 to 27 for cleaning an aerosol provision device.

According to another aspect of the present invention described herein, there is provided a pack comprising an article according to any of claim 25 to claim 27, and one or more aerosol generating consumables for use with an aerosol provision device.

According to another aspect of the present invention described herein, there is provided a method of cleaning a chamber of a heating assembly of an aerosol provision device, the method comprising inserting an article according to any of claims 24 to 27 into a chamber of an aerosol provision device, waiting for an absorbent material in the article to absorb condensate on a wall of the chamber, and removing the article from the chamber.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a consumable according to embodiments of the invention; Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a consumable according to embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of a consumable according to embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a consumable according to embodiments of the invention; Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of a consumable according to embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view along a longitudinal axis of a consumable according to embodiments of the invention; Fig. 8 shows a schematic view of a consumable according to embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 9 shows a schematic view of a consumable according to embodiments of the invention;

Fig. to shows a schematic cross-sectional view along a longitudinal axis of a consumable according to embodiments of the invention;

Fig. li shows a schematic view of a consumable according to embodiments of the invention; and

Fig. 12 shows a schematic view of an article according to embodiments of the invention. Detailed Description

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 non-combustible aerosol provision system comprises 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 comprises 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. Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non combustible aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/ or an aerosol-modifying agent.

In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/ or an aerosol-modifying agent.

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

The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

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

As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like. Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint maybe chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens.

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

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

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

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

As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, maybe 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. Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. 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 may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 6owt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or ioowt% of amorphous solid.

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 material.

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.

The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a 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 either side of the material. A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/ or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent.

The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent maybe in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as 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 an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator maybe configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy. In the figures described herein, like reference numerals are used to illustrate equivalent features, articles or components.

A non-combustible aerosol provision device 1 (herein referred to simply as the ‘device 1’) according to embodiments of the invention is shown schematically in Fig. 1. The device 1 comprises a receptacle 2. The receptacle 2 comprises at least one wall 3 that defines a chamber or rod shaped consumable receiving space 4 (herein referred to simply as ‘receiving space 4’); and a heater 5 configured to heat the consumable receiving space 3. The device l further comprises a power source 7 and a control unit 8 which are configured to power and control the heater 5, respectively. The power source 7 may be, for example, a battery 7, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, a lithium battery (such as a lithium-ion battery), a nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), and an alkaline battery.

The various components of the device, including the receptacle 2, heater 5, battery 7, and control unit 8 are retained within a housing 6.

The device 1 is of the approximate size and shape to allow a user to hold the device 1 in a single hand. In use, a consumable 11, shown in Fig. 3, comprising an aerosol generating material is inserted into the receiving space 4 and heated by the heater 5.

The heat causes one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. A mouth end 12 of the consumable protrudes from the device 1, as illustrated by Fig. 2. To inhale the aerosol generated by the heated consumable 11, as a user draws on the mouth end 12 of the consumable 11, in the manner of a conventional cigarette. The consumable 11 comprises a distal end 13, shown in Fig. 3 located at the opposite end of the consumable 11 to the mouth end 12.

The device 1 further comprises an inlet 9, as shown in Fig. 1. When a user draws on the consumable 11, air is drawn from the inlet 9 and through the consumable 11.

In some embodiments, the device 1 comprises a first activation button 14 to allow a user to turn the device 1 on or off; and a second activation button 15 to activate the heater 5. To use the device 1, a user draws on the mouth end 12 of the consumable 11 while simultaneously pressing the second activation button 15 to cause the heater 5 to heat the consumable 11 and generate an aerosol. In some embodiments, the inlet 9 may comprise a pressure sensor (not shown) which acts as a ‘puff sensor’. The puff sensor is configured to detect a drop in pressure at the air inlet 9 which indicates that a user is drawing on a consumable 11 located within the receiving space 4. The device 1 is thereby configured to activate the heater 5 in response to a drop in pressure detected at the air inlet 9. The control unit 8 is configured to direct electrical energy from the battery 7 to activate the heater 5 in response to an input signal.

In some embodiments, and as illustrated in Figure 1, the heater 5 is an inductive heating assembly 17 comprises various components to heat the consumable receiving space 4 via an inductive heating process. The inductive heating assembly 17 comprises an inductor coil 18 and a susceptor 19. The inductor coil 18 is made from an electrically conducting material. In the illustrated embodiment, the inductor coil 18 is made from Litz wire/cable which is wound in a helical fashion about the susceptor 19. Litz wire/ cable comprises a plurality of individual wires which are individually insulated and are twisted together to form a single wire. Litz wires are designed to reduce the skin effect losses in a conductor. In the illustrated embodiment, the inductor coil 18 is made from copper Litz wire which has a rectangular cross-section. In other examples the Litz wire can have other shaped cross-sections, such as circular. The inductor coil 24 is configured to generate a varying magnetic field for heating the susceptor 19.

Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conducting object (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly 17 comprises an inductive element 18, for example, the one or more inductor coils 18, and a device for passing a varying electric current, such as an alternating electric current, through the inductive element 18. The varying electric current in the inductive element 18 produces a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates the susceptor 19 suitably positioned with respect to the inductive element 18, and generates eddy currents, and hence the flow of eddy currents against this resistance causes the susceptor to be heated by Joule heating. In cases where the susceptor 19 comprises ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e. by the varying orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material as a result of their alignment with the varying magnetic field. In inductive heating, as compared to heating by conduction for example, heat is generated inside the susceptor 19, allowing for rapid heating. Further, there need not be any physical contact between the inductive heater and the susceptor 19, allowing for enhanced freedom in construction and application.

The susceptor 19 of the illustrated embodiment is cylindrical and hollow and defines the receptacle 2 within which the consumable 11 is received. For example, the consumable 11 can be inserted into the susceptor 19. In the illustrated embodiment, the susceptor 19 is tubular, with a circular cross-section.

The susceptor 19 maybe made from one or more materials. Preferably, the susceptor 19 comprises carbon steel having a coating of nickel or cobalt.

In some embodiments, the device 1 further comprises an insulating member (not shown). The insulating member may be generally tubular and disposed between the susceptor 19 and the induction coil 18. The insulating member maybe constructed from insulating material, such as plastic for example. In this particular example, the insulating member is constructed from polyether ether ketone (PEEK). The insulating member may help insulate the various components of the device 1 from the heat generated in the susceptor 19. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the susceptor 19 is spaced apart from the inner surface of the inductor coil 18 by a distance, measured in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the susceptor 19. In one particular example, the distance is about 3 mm to 4 mm, about 3-3.5mm, or about 3.25mm. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the insulating member is spaced apart from the inner surface of the inductor coil 18 by a distance, measured in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the susceptor 19. In one particular example, the distance is about 0.05 mm. In another example, the distance is substantially omm, such that the inductor coil 18 abuts and touches the insulating member.

In some embodiments, the susceptor 19 has a wall thickness of about 0.025mm to imm, or about 0.05 mm.

In some embodiments, the susceptor 19 has a length of about 40mm to 60mm, about 40 to 45 mm, or about 44.5 mm.

In some embodiments, the insulating member has a wall thickness of about 0.25 mm to 2 mm, 0.25 mm to imm, or about 0.5 mm. Figure 3 shows the consumable 11 according to embodiments of the invention. As mentioned above, the consumable 11 comprises a mouth end 12 and a distal end 13, opposite the mouth end 12. The distal end 13 is therefore most proximate a base 2a of the receptacle 2, shown in Fig. 1, when received in the consumable receiving space 4.

During use of the device 1, some of the aerosol generated when the aerosol generating material is heated will condense during transit through the consumable 11. Condensate formed in the consumable 11 has a tendency to condense on the wall 3 which defines the chamber 4 or receiving space 3 and/ or leak from the distal end 13 of the consumable 11 and accumulate in the receiving space 4. Embodiments of the invention are configured to remove condensate deposits from the wall 3 defining the receiving space 4 that have built up over time, following repeated heating of consumables 11.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3, the consumable 11 comprises a first section 21 of aerosol generating material 22. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material 22 comprises a tobacco material 23. The tobacco material 23 may comprise conventionally cured tobacco that has been cut or shredded in the normal way. Such tobacco is similar to the tobacco found in cigarettes. In another embodiment, the tobacco material 23 may be reconstituted to make a tobacco paper which is then shredded or cut into strips. The tobacco paper may be further impregnated with an aerosol former material such as glycerine, glycerol, or propylene glycol. Therefore, heat from the aerosol vaporizes the aerosol former material as it passes through the rod of aerosol generating material 22 during inhalation by a user. Advantageously, the aerosol former material will be flavoured by the tobacco paper to provide a tobacco flavour to the aerosol.

In some embodiments, the tobacco paper comprises longitudinal strips of tobacco paper, each longitudinal strip being arranged substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the article. Therefore, the resistance to draw of the rod of aerosol generating material 22 is reduced.

In another embodiment, the tobacco material 23 is reconstituted to make beads of tobacco. The beads of tobacco may have a mean diameter of 0.5mm to 3mm. It shall be appreciated that for a given volume occupied by the beads of tobacco, the smaller the mean diameter, the larger the collective surface are presented by the beads of tobacco. Advantageously, the flavour imparted to the aerosol is proportional to the surface area presented by the beads of tobacco.

The consumable 11 farther comprises a second section 25 of absorbent material 26. The absorbent material 26 may be, for example, but not limited to, paper, cellulose acetate, wood pulp, and paper with an additive such as a super absorbent fibre, such as SAF™ airlaid fabrics, or flax, or abaca. The absorbent material 26 is exposed at least partially along the length of the consumable 11, as is shown in Fig. 4. Furthermore, the absorbent material 26 is exposed for direct contact with the wall 3 of the chamber 4 to absorb deposits of condensate when the consumable 11 is received in the chamber 4 of the device 1.

The distal end 13 of the consumable 11 comprises the second section 25 of absorbent material 26. The absorbent material 26 extends from the distal end 13 of the consumable 11 towards the mouth end 12. That is, the second section 25 of absorbent material 26 may be formed by a plug 30 of absorbent material 26.

In some embodiments, the consumable 11 further comprises a first wrapping material 31. The first wrapping material 31 is at least partially wrapped around the first section of aerosol generating material 22. Furthermore, the wrapping material 31 is at least partially wrapped around the second section 25 of absorbent material 26. The first wrapping material 31 maybe electrically conducting, such as aluminium foil, metalized paper, or a braided ferrous material. Therefore, the first wrapping material 31 may serve as an additional susceptor 19 to the inductive heating assembly 17. The first wrapping material 31 circumscribes the first section 21 of the rod of aerosol generating material 22 so that edges of the first wrapping material 31 overlap. Overlapping edges of the first wrapping material are adhered along a lap seam.

In the present embodiment, the first wrapping material 31 also at least partially circumscribes the second section 25 of absorbent material 26 so that edges of the first wrapping material 31 overlap proximate to the distal end 13 of the consumable 11. Overlapping edges of the first wrapping material 31 are adhered along a lap seam.

The rod of aerosol generating material 22 is attached to a filter section 32 by a tipping material 33. The tipping material 33 circumscribes the rod of aerosol generating material 22 and the filter section 32 so that edges of the tipping material 33 overlap. Overlapping edges of the tipping material 33 are adhered along a lap seam.

The filter section 32 comprises a cylindrical body of filter material wrapped in a plug wrap 34. The plug wrap 34 is disposed between the filter material and the tipping material 33.

As mentioned above and with reference to Fig. 3, the first wrapping material 31 is at least partially wrapped around the second section 25 of absorbent material 26. However, in the present embodiment, the first wrapping material 31 only partially extends over the second section 25 of absorbent material 26 so as to form an exposed section 27 of absorbent material 26.

The exposed section 27 of absorbent material 26 may be formed by forming the first wrapping material 31 such that it does not extend over the full longitudinal length of the second section 25 of the absorbent material 26.

Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4, the distal end 13 of the second section 25 of absorbent material 26 may not be covered by the first wrapping material 31. That is, the first wrapping material 31 does not extend along the full length of the second section 25 of absorbent material 26. The dotted arced line in Fig. 4 shows where the second section 25 of absorbent material 26 begins and the solid line shows the amount of overlap of the first wrapping material 31 on the second section 25 of absorbent material 26. More specifically, the first wrapping material 31 does not extend to the distal end 13 of the second section 25 of the absorbent material 26. That is, the first wrapping material 31 extends partially along the second section 25 of the absorbent material 26 from its proximal end towards the distal end of the second section 25 of the absorbent material 26. Thus, the exposed section 27 of absorbent material 26 is disc shaped, i.e. a circumferential surface 28 of the distal end 13 of absorbent material 26 is exposed. A circular end 29 of the absorbent material 26 may also be exposed.

In an alternative embodiment, shown in Fig. 5, the exposed section 27 of absorbent material 26 may be longitudinally spaced from the distal end 13 of the consumable 11. Therefore, the exposed section 27 of absorbent material 26 is ring shaped, and a section of the first wrapping material 31 may extend over the distal most end 13 of the second section 25 of absorbent material 26. Furthermore, the circular end 29 of the absorbent material 26 may be covered by wrapping material 31 such that it is not exposed.

In yet another alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the first wrapping material 31 comprises a cut-out section 36. The cut-out section 36 is located over the second section 25 of absorbent material 26 such that an exposed section 27 of absorbent material 26 is created. The cut-out section 36 may be circular, as shown in Fig. 6. In alternative embodiments, the cut-out section 36 maybe any other shape, for example, triangular, square, etc. Only one cut-out section 36 of wrapping material 31 is shown. However, it will be understood that the consumable 11 may comprise a plurality of cut out sections 36.

In the embodiments described above, the exposed section 27 of absorbent material 26 may be configured to abut a wall 3 of the aerosol provision device 1, during use. That is, the exposed section 27 of absorbent material 26 may have the same diameter as the first section 21 of aerosol generating material 22 wrapped in the first wrapping material 31. In alternative embodiments, the exposed section 27 of absorbent material 26 may protrude slightly beyond the first wrapping material 31 through the cut-out section 36 in the radial direction so that it abuts the wall 3 of the device 1. In some embodiments, the absorbent material 26 may expand as it absorbs condensate or in response to heating such that the absorbent material 26 does not initially abut the wall 3 during insertion but does contact the wall 3 at least when the consumable 11 has been consumed. Referring to Fig. 7, in some embodiments, the exposed section 27 of absorbent material 26 may comprise a wicking material 38. The wicking material may be configured to abut a wall 3 of an aerosol provision device 1, as explained above. Therefore, the second section 25 may comprise an outer section formed by the wicking material 38 and a core portion 39 formed from the plug 30 of absorbent material 26. The wicking material 38 may be, for example, but not limited to, sodium polyacrylate, wood pulp, silica gel, fluff pulp, cotton, and cellulose fibres such as modal fibres or rayon.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the second section 25 of absorbent material 26 comprises at least one absorbent particle 41. The at least one absorbent particle 41 may be embedded in the absorbent material 26, i.e. in and/or on the surface of the plug 30 of absorbent material. Preferably, the absorbent material comprises a plurality of absorbent particles 41 spread throughout the second section 25 of absorbent material 26, i.e. throughout the plug 30 of absorbent material 26. In Fig. 8, the solid circles 41 represent absorbent particles 41 visible on the surface of the absorbent material 26, whereas the dotted circles represent absorbent particles 41 which are either embedded within the absorbent material 26, or on the surface of the second section 25 which is not visible in the figure, or are under the first wrapping material 31. The at least one absorbent particle 41 may comprises at least one of, for example, but not limited to, putty, charcoal, clay, and Sepiolite. Referring to Fig. 9, an embodiment of the invention is shown in which the consumable 11 comprises an exposed section 27 of absorbent material 26 at the distal end 13 of the consumable 11. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the second section 25 of absorbent material 26 further comprises the wrapping material 31. That is, the wrapping material 31 is configured to absorb condensate from the walls 3 of the device 1. The wrapping material 31 may carry at least one absorbent particle 41. That is, the wrapping material 31 is embedded with at least one absorbent particle 41, preferably a plurality of absorbent particles 41. As illustrated in Fig. 9, in some embodiments, both the plug 30 of the second section 25 of absorbent material 26 and the first wrapping material 31 may comprise a plurality of absorbent particles 41.

As illustrated in Fig. 9, the wrapping material 31 of the second section 25 of absorbent material 26 is wrapped at least partially around the first section 21 of aerosol generating material 22. It will be understood that in an alternative embodiment, the second section 25 of absorbent material 26 may comprise the wrapping material 31 configured to absorb condensate only, without a longitudinally extending plug 30 of absorbent material 26 upstream of the first section 21 of aerosol generating material 22.

For example, Fig. 10 shows a consumable 11 wherein the second section 25 of absorbent material 26 comprises the wrapping material 31 configured to be wrapped around the first section 21 of aerosol generating material 22. In the present embodiment, the wrapping material 31 comprises at least one absorbent particle 41 embedded in the wrapping material 31. The wrapping material 31 and absorbent particles 41 therein may be configured to abut the wall 3 of the device 1, during use. In some embodiments, the consumable 11 may further comprise a hydrophilic coating. The hydrophilic coating may be configured to absorb condensate from a wall 3 of a chamber 4 of an aerosol provision device 1. The hydrophilic coating may at least partially cover the second section 25 of absorbent material 26.

Referring to Fig. 11, the consumable 11 may further comprise an impermeable coating 43. The impermeable coating 43 is configured to prevent condensate passing through the coating 43. In the present embodiment, the impermeable coating 43 covers the distal end 13 of the consumable 11. Therefore, the impermeable coating 43 is configured to prevent absorbed condensate from leaking out of the consumable 11. The impermeable coating 43 may extend across the circular end 29 of the second section 25 of absorbent material 26. Furthermore, the impermeable coating 43 may extend proximally along the circumferential surface 28 of the second section 25 of absorbent material 26 from the distal end 13 of the consumable 11, i.e. from the circular end 29. Therefore, a bucket is formed to catch condensate in the absorbent material 26 and prevent condensate from leaking out of the consumable 11. The impermeable coating 43 may be a hydrophobic coating 44.

In the present example, the consumable 11 has an outer circumference of about 21 mm (i.e. the consumable is in the demi-slim format). Preferably, the consumable 11 has a rod of aerosol generating material 22 with a circumference greater than 19mm. Where the consumable 11 is heated, heat transfers through the rod of aerosol generating material 22 to volatise components of the rod of aerosol generating material 22, and circumferences greater than 19mm have been found to be particularly effective at producing an aerosol in this way. Since the consumable 11 may be heated to release an aerosol, improved heating efficiency can be achieved using consumables 11 having circumferences of less than about 23mm. To achieve improved aerosol via heating, while maintaining a suitable product length, circumferences of greater than 19mm and less than 23mm are preferable. In some examples, the circumference can be between 20mm and 22mm, which has been found to provide a good balance between providing effective aerosol delivery while allowing for efficient heating.

The outer circumference of the filter section 32 is substantially the same as the outer circumference of the rod of aerosol generating material 22 and the plug 30 of absorbent material 26, such that there is a smooth transition between these components. In the present example, the outer circumference of the filter section 32 is about 20.8mm. The tipping material 33 can have a basis weight which is higher than the basis weight of the other wrapping materials used in the consumable 11, for instance a basis weight of 40 gsm to 80 gsm, more preferably between 50 gsm and 70 gsm, and in the present example 58 gsm. These ranges of basis weights have been found to result in tipping materials having acceptable tensile strength while being flexible enough to wrap around the consumable 11 and adhere to itself along overlapping longitudinal edges.

In some examples, the tipping material 33 and/or the first wrapping material 31 comprises citrate, such as sodium citrate or potassium citrate. In such examples, the materials 31, 33 may have a citrate content of 2% by weight or less, or 1% by weight or less. Reducing the citrate content is thought to assist with reducing the charring effect which may occur during use.

In some embodiments, the respective wrapping materials 31, 33 of the rod of aerosol generating material 22 and filter section 32 have a basis weight of less than 50 gsm, more preferably between about 20 gsm and 40 gsm. Preferably, said wrapping materials 31, 33 have a thickness of between 30 pm and 60 pm, more preferably between 35 pm and 45 pm. Preferably, said wrapping materials 31, 33 are a non- porous, for instance having a permeability of less than too Coresta units, for instance less than 50 Coresta units. However, in other embodiments, said wrapping materials 31, 33 can be porous, for instance having a permeability of greater than 200 Coresta Units. Preferably, the length of the filter section 32 is less than about 20 mm. In the present example, the length of the filter section 32 is 16 mm.

In some embodiments, the filter section 32 comprises a body formed from filamentary tow. In the present example, the tow used in the body has a denier per filament (d.p.f.) of 8.4 and a total denier of 21,000. Alternatively, the tow can, for instance, have a denier per filament (d.p.f.) of 9.5 and a total denier of 12,000. In the present example, the tow comprises plasticised cellulose acetate tow. The plasticiser used in the tow comprises about 7% by weight of the tow. In the present example, the plasticiser is triacetin. In other examples, different materials can be used to form the body. For instance, rather than tow, the body of the filter section 32 can be formed from paper, for instance in a similar way to paper filters known for use in cigarettes. Alternatively, the body can be formed from tows other than cellulose acetate, for instance polylactic acid (PLA), other materials described herein for filamentary tow or similar materials. The tow is preferably formed from cellulose acetate. The tow, whether formed from cellulose acetate or other materials, 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 a tow which has relatively coarse, thick fibres with a lower surface area which result in a lower pressure drop across the filter section 6 than tows having lower d.p.f. values. Preferably, to achieve a sufficiently uniform body, the tow has a denier per filament of no more than 12 d.p.f., preferably no more than 11 d.p.f. and still more preferably no more than 10 d.p.f.

The total denier of the tow forming the body of the filter section 32 is preferably at most 30,000, more preferably at most 28,000 and still more preferably at most 25,000. These values of total denier provide a tow which takes up a reduced proportion of the cross sectional area of the filter section 32 which results in a lower pressure drop across the filter section 32 than tows having higher total denier values. For appropriate firmness of the filter section 32, the tow preferably has a total denier of at least 8,000 and more preferably at least 10,000. Preferably, the denier per filament is between 5 and 12 while the total denier is between 10,000 and 25,000. More preferably, the denier per filament is between 6 and 10 while the total denier is between 11,000 and 22,000. Preferably the cross-sectional shape of the filaments of tow are Ύ shaped, although in other embodiments other shapes such as ‘X’ shaped filaments can be used, with the same d.p.f. and total denier values as provided herein.

The cross section of the filaments of tow may have an isoperimetric ratio L2/A of 25 or less, 20 or less, or 15 or less, where L is the length of the perimeter of the cross section and A is the area of the cross section. Such filaments of tow have a relatively low surface area for a given value of denier per filament, which improves delivery of aerosol to the consumer. In some examples, the body may comprise an adsorbent material (e.g. charcoal) dispersed within the tow. In some examples, the body of the filter section 32 may comprise a capsule. The capsule can comprise a breakable capsule, for instance a capsule which has a solid, frangible shell surrounding a liquid payload. In some examples, a single capsule is used. The capsule is entirely embedded within the body of the filter section 32. In other words, the capsule is completely surrounded by the material forming the body. In other examples, a plurality of breakable capsules may be disposed within the body of the filter section 32, for instance 2, 3 or more breakable capsules. The length of the body of the filter section 32 can be increased to accommodate the number of capsules required. In examples where a plurality of capsules is used, the individual capsules maybe the same as each other, or may differ from one another in terms of size and/or capsule payload. In other examples, multiple bodies of material may be provided, with each body containing one or more capsules.

The capsule has a core-shell structure. In other words, the capsule comprises a shell encapsulating a liquid agent, for instance a flavourant or other agent, which can be any one of the flavourants or aerosol modifying agents described herein. The shell of the capsule can be ruptured by a user to release the flavourant or other agent into the body of the filter section 32.

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

It is known to generate, for a given tow specification (such as 8.4Y21000), a tow capability curve which represents the pressure drop through a length of rod formed using the tow, for each of a range of tow weights. Parameters such as the rod length and circumference, wrapper thickness and tow plasticiser level are specified, and these are combined with the tow specification to generate the tow capability curve, which gives an indication of the pressure drop which would be provided by different tow weights between the minimum and maximum weights achievable using standard filter rod forming machinery. Such tow capability curves can be calculated, for instance, using software available from tow suppliers. It has been found that it is particularly advantageous to use a body for a filter section 32 which includes filamentary tow having a weight per mm of length of the body which is between about 10% and about 30% of the range between the minimum and maximum weights of a tow capability curve generated for the filamentary tow. This can provide an acceptable balance between providing enough tow weight to avoid shrinkage after the body has been formed, providing an acceptable pressure drop, while also assisting with capsule placement within the tow, for capsules of the sizes described herein.

In some embodiments, the filter section 32 may further comprise a hollow tubular element that extends from the mouth end 12 and is attached to the filter section 32 by the tipping material 33. The hollow tubular element may advantageously have a length of greater than about 10mm, for instance between about 10mm and about 30mm or between about 12mm and about 25mm. It has been found that a consumer’s lips are likely to extend in some cases to about 12mm from the mouth end 12 of the consumable 11 when drawing aerosol through the consumable 11, and therefore a hollow tubular element having a length of at least 10mm or at least 12mm means that most of the consumer’s lips surround this element.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising an aerosol provision device 1 and a consumable, as described above, for insertion in to the aerosol provision device 1. According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a pack comprising one or more consumables 11 as described above.

A method of cleaning a chamber 4 of a heating assembly 17 of an aerosol provision device 1 is provided. The method comprises the steps of inserting a consumable 11, described above, a chamber 4of an aerosol provision device 1, consuming the consumable 11, waiting for an absorbent material 26 in the consumable 11 to absorb condensate on a wall 3 of the chamber 4, and removing the consumable 11 from the chamber 4.

Referring to Fig. 12, another aspect of the present invention is shown. Fig. 12 shows an article 51 for cleaning an aerosol provision device 1. The article 51 comprises an absorbent portion 52 arranged for insertion into a heating chamber 4 of the aerosol provision device 1, during use. The absorbent portion 52 may comprise a carrier material 53. The carrier material 53 comprises a plurality of absorbent particles 41 applied to or distributed on the carrier material 53.

The carrier material 53 extends along the length of the article 51. As shown in Fig. 10, the plurality of absorbent particles 41 are applied over the length of the carrier material 53· Furthermore, the plurality of absorbent particles 41 are applied around the circumference of the carrier material 53. Preferably, the plurality of absorbent particles 41 are evenly spread throughout the carrier material 53.

As mentioned above, the absorbent particles 41 may comprises at least one of putty, charcoal, clay, and Sepiolite.

It will be understood that the article 51 may have essentially the same features as the consumable 11 apart from the features associated with the first section 21 of aerosol generating material 22 and the filter section 32. That is, the article 51 may, in some embodiments, comprise an absorbent wrapper 31 embedded with absorbent particles 41 and/or a cut-out section 36 in the wrapper 31 to exposed an exposed section 27 of the plug 30 of absorbent material 26. In other embodiments, the article 51 may only comprise a rod of absorbent material 26 which may have absorbent particles 41.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising an aerosol provision device 1 and an article 51, as described above, for cleaning an aerosol provision device 1.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a pack comprising an article 51, as described above, and one or more aerosol generating consumables for use with an aerosol provision device 1.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of cleaning a chamber 4 of a heating assembly 17 of an aerosol provision device 1. The method comprises inserting an article 51, as described above, into the chamber 4 of an aerosol provision device 1, waiting for the absorbent material 26 in the article 51 to absorb condensate on a wall 3 of the chamber 4, and removing the article 51 from the chamber 4

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

Claims

Claims l. A consumable for insertion into an aerosol provision device, the aerosol provision device comprising: a heating assembly having a wall that at least partially defines a chamber for receiving said consumable for heating during use of the device; wherein heating said consumable causes deposits of condensate to form on said wall, the consumable comprising a first section of aerosol generating material and a second section of absorbent material, wherein the absorbent material is exposed at least partially along a length of said consumable for direct contact with said wall of said chamber to absorb said deposits when the consumable is received in the chamber.

2. The consumable according to claim l, wherein the consumable comprises a mouth end and a distal end, wherein the mouth end is configured to protrude from an aerosol provision device and the distal end is configured to be inserted furthest into a chamber of an aerosol provision device, at least the distal end comprising the second section of absorbent material, the absorbent material extending from the distal end of the consumable towards the mouth end.

3. The consumable according to claim l or claim 2, further comprising a wrapping material which is at least partially wrapped around the first section of aerosol generating material and at least partially wrapped around the second section of absorbent material.

4. The consumable according to claim 3, wherein the wrapping material partially extends over the second section of absorbent material so as to form an exposed section of absorbent material.

5. The consumable according to claim 4, wherein the wrapping material partially extends along the full length of the second section of absorbent material.

6. The consumable according to claim 5, wherein the wrapping material extends partially along the second section of the absorbent material from its proximal end towards the distal end of the second section of absorbent material.

7. The consumable according to claim 4, wherein the wrapping material comprises a cut-out section over the second section of absorbent material.

8. The consumable according to any one of claim 4 to claim 7, wherein the exposed section of absorbent material is configured to abut a wall of an aerosol provision device, during use.

9. The consumable according to claim 8, wherein the exposed section of absorbent material comprises a wicking material configured to abut a wall of an aerosol provision device, during use, and a core portion formed of absorbent material.

10. The consumable according to any one of claim 3 to claim 9, wherein the second section of absorbent material comprises at least one absorbent particle.

11. The consumable according to claim 10, wherein the at least one absorbent particle is embedded in the absorbent material.

12. The consumable according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the second section of absorbent material comprises the wrapping material carrying the at least one absorbent particle, the second section of absorbent material being wrapped at least partially around the first section of aerosol generating material.

13. The consumable according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second section of absorbent material comprises a wrapping material configured to be wrapped around the first section of aerosol generating material.

14. The consumable according to claim 13, wherein the wrapping material comprises at least one absorbent particle embedded in the wrapping material.

15. The consumable according to any one of claim 10 to claim 14, wherein the absorbent particle may comprises at least one of putty, charcoal, clay, and Sepiolite.

16. The consumable according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a hydrophilic coating configured to absorb condensate from a wall of a chamber of an aerosol provision device.

17. The consumable according to claim 16, wherein the hydrophilic coating at least partially covers the second section of absorbent material.

18. The consumable according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the hydrophilic coating at least partially covers the wrapping material.

19. The consumable according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an impermeable coating.

20. The consumable according to claim 19, wherein the impermeable coating covers the distal end of the consumable and is configured to prevent absorbed condensate from leaking out of the consumable.

21. The consumable according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein impermeable coating is a hydrophobic coating.

22. A system comprising an aerosol provision device and a consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 21 for insertion into the aerosol provision device.

23. A pack comprising one or more consumables according to any one of claims 1 to

21.

24. A method of cleaning a chamber of a heating assembly of an aerosol provision device, the method comprising: inserting a consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 21 into a chamber of an aerosol provision device; consuming the consumable; waiting for an absorbent material in the consumable to absorb condensate on a wall of the chamber; and removing the consumable from the chamber.

25. An article for cleaning an aerosol provision device, said article comprising: an absorbent portion arranged for insertion into a heating chamber of the aerosol provision device during use, wherein the absorbent portion comprises a carrier material having a plurality of absorbent particle applied to or distributed on the carrier material.

26. The article according to claim 25, wherein the carrier material extends along the length of the article and the plurality of absorbent particle are applied over the length of and around the circumference of the carrier material.

27. The article according to claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the absorbent particle may comprises at least one of putty, charcoal, clay, and Sepiolite.

28. A system comprising an aerosol provision device and an article according to any one of claims 25 to 27 for cleaning an aerosol provision device.

29. A pack comprising an article according to any one of claim 25 to claim 27, and one or more aerosol generating consumables for use with an aerosol provision device.

30. A method of cleaning a chamber of a heating assembly of an aerosol provision device, the method comprising: inserting an article according to any one of claims 24 to 27 into a chamber of an aerosol provision device; waiting for an absorbent material in the article to absorb condensate on a wall of the chamber; and removing the article from the chamber.