EP4663035A1 - Article - Google Patents

Article

Info

Publication number
EP4663035A1
EP4663035A1 EP24181440.9A EP24181440A EP4663035A1 EP 4663035 A1 EP4663035 A1 EP 4663035A1 EP 24181440 A EP24181440 A EP 24181440A EP 4663035 A1 EP4663035 A1 EP 4663035A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
aerosol
article
axial end
section
generating
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP24181440.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Richard Hepworth
Dominic Woodcock
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Original Assignee
Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nicoventures Trading Ltd filed Critical Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority to EP24181440.9A priority Critical patent/EP4663035A1/en
Priority to PCT/GB2025/051275 priority patent/WO2025257543A1/en
Publication of EP4663035A1 publication Critical patent/EP4663035A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24DCIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES OF CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
    • A24D1/00Cigars; Cigarettes
    • A24D1/20Cigarettes specially adapted for simulated smoking devices
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24FSMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/20Devices using solid inhalable precursors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an article for use in a non-combustible aerosol provision device, a non-combustible aerosol provision device, and a system including the article and a non-combustible aerosol provision device.
  • an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device comprising an aerosol-generating section having a first axial end and a second axial end, wherein the aerosol-generating section comprises aerosol-generating material, and an outer wrapper which at least partially surrounds the aerosol-generating section, wherein the outer wrapper comprises at least one air permeable section for providing a flow path through the outer wrapper.
  • the least one air permeable section may comprise an air permeable section between the first axial end and the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section.
  • the air permeable section may be centrally-located between the first axial end of the aerosol-generating section and the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section.
  • the at least one air permeable section may extend across at least 1mm.
  • the outer wrapper may at least partially cover the first axial end of the aerosol-generating section.
  • the outer wrapper may at least partially cover the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section.
  • the at least one air permeable section may comprise an air permeable section in the outer wrapper on the axial face at the first axial end of the aerosol-generating section.
  • the at least one air permeable section may comprise an air permeable section in the outer wrapper on the axial face at the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section.
  • the at least one air permeable section may comprise a window, wherein at least part of the aerosol-generating material is visible through the window.
  • the window may be formed by a hole in the outer wrapper.
  • the at least one air permeable section may comprise a porous section in the outer wrapper.
  • the at least one air permeable section may comprise perforations in the outer wrapper.
  • the outer wrapper may comprise tipping paper.
  • the outer wrapper may be opaque.
  • the outer wrapper may comprise a first part and a second part, and wherein the first part of the outer wrapper at least partially surrounds the aerosol-generating section towards the first axial end, and the second part of the outer wrapper at least partially surrounds the aerosol-generating section towards the second axial end, and wherein the at least one air-permeable section comprises a window formed by a separation between the first part of the outer wrapper and the second part of the outer wrapper.
  • the article may further comprise a second wrapper which at least partially surrounds the aerosol-generating section, and wherein the outer wrapper surrounds the second wrapper.
  • the second wrapper may be transparent or translucent.
  • the second wrapper may comprise perforations which align with the at least one air permeable section.
  • the article may further comprise a first segment at the first axial end of the aerosol-generating section.
  • the article may further comprise a second segment at the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section.
  • the first segment may at least partially cover the first axial end.
  • the second segment may at least partially cover the second axial end.
  • the first segment may comprise a first body of material.
  • the second segment may comprise a second body or material.
  • the outer wrapper may circumscribe the first segment and/or the second segment.
  • the aerosol-generating material may comprise tobacco and/or nicotine.
  • the aerosol-generating material may be a rod of aerosol-generating material.
  • the aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol former in an amount of greater than 10% by weight of the aerosol-generating material.
  • a non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising a non-combustible aerosol provision device, and an article as described herein.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises a chamber for receiving the article, and an aerosol generator for heating the aerosol-generating material to release the aerosol therefrom when the article is located in the chamber.
  • the chamber may comprise a vent, wherein the at least one air permeable section comprises an air permeable section configured to align with the vent when the article is located in the chamber for allowing air to flow into or out of the article through the vent and the at least one air permeable section.
  • a non-combustible aerosol provision device comprising a chamber for receiving an article as described herein.
  • the chamber has a first axial end and a second axial end, and an aerosol generator for heating the aerosol-generating material to release the aerosol therefrom when the article is located in the chamber, wherein the chamber comprises a vent between the first axial end and the second axial end of the chamber for aligning with the at least one air permeable section of the article for allowing air to flow into or out of the article through the vent and the at least one air permeable section.
  • the aerosol-generating material may be a rod of tobacco.
  • the aerosol-generating material may be a rod of material which comprises nicotine.
  • the chamber may comprise a first axial end and a second axial end.
  • the first vent may be located between the first axial end and the second axial end.
  • the second vent may be located at the first axial end of the chamber.
  • the third vent may be located at the second axial end of the chamber.
  • the first vent may be located at the first axial end of the chamber and optionally a second vent may be located at the second axial end of the chamber.
  • the aerosol generator may comprise a heater.
  • the aerosol generator may comprise an electromagnetic generator and susceptor.
  • the article 1 has an axis 8.
  • the aerosol-generating material 3 is in the form of a rod of aerosol-generating material.
  • the rod of aerosol-generating material extends along the axis 8.
  • a first segment 9 is located between the first axial end 4 of the aerosol generating section 30 and the first article axial end 11.
  • a second segment 10 is located between the second axial end 5 of the aerosol generating material and the second article axial end 12.
  • the first segment 9 abuts the first end 4 of the aerosol-generating section.
  • the second segment 10 abuts the second end 5 of the aerosol-generating section.
  • the first segment 9 extends between the first article axial end 11 and the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating section 30.
  • the second segment 10 extends between the second article axial end 12 and the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section.
  • first segment 9 and the aerosol-generating section 30 there may be a separation between the first segment 9 and the aerosol-generating section 30 and/or between the second segment 10 and the aerosol-generating section 30. Additionally or alternatively, there may be an additional component between the first segment 9 and the first article axial end 11, and/or an additional component between the second segment 10 and the second article axial end 12. In another embodiment the first segment 9 and/or the second segment 10 may not be present in the article.
  • the first segment 9 comprises a first body of material 52.
  • the second segment 10 comprises a second body of material 53.
  • the first body of material 52 abuts the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating section.
  • the second body of material 53 abuts the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section.
  • the first body of material 52 is formed by sheet material such as paper, bandcast tobacco or cellulose-based material.
  • the sheet material is crimped and/or gathered to form the first body of material 52.
  • the first body of material 52 may be formed from shredded or cut strips of the sheet material.
  • the first body of material 52 may be formed from a cellulose-based material such as wood pulp or cotton.
  • the second body of material 53 is formed by sheet material such as paper, bandcast tobacco or cellulose-based material.
  • the sheet material is crimped and/or gathered to form the second body of material 53.
  • the second body of material 53 may be formed from shredded or cut strips of the sheet material.
  • the second body of material 53 may be formed from a cellulose-based material such as wood pulp or cotton.
  • the first segment 9 has a first wrapper 1001 which circumscribes the first body of material 52.
  • the second segment 10 has a second wrapper 1002 which circumscribes the second body of material 53.
  • the first and second wrappers 1001, 1002 may be omitted.
  • the first body of material 52 may be formed from cellulose acetate tow.
  • the second body of material 53 may be formed from cellulose acetate tow.
  • the first segment 9 is air permeable for providing a flow path through the first segment.
  • the second segment 10 is air permeable for providing a flow path through the second segment.
  • one of the first and second segments 9, 10 could be air impermeable or substantially air impermeable for controlling air flow through the or each window 7.
  • the first segment 9 may have a lower air permeability that the second segment 10 for controlling air flow through the window 7.
  • An aerosol-former material comprises one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol.
  • the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of 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 outer wrapper 6 comprises air permeable sections in the form of windows 7.
  • the windows 7 are in the shape of circles although it will be appreciated that a window 7 could alternatively have other shapes such as an oval or have straight sides.
  • the aerosol-generating material 3 is visible through each of the windows 7. Although two windows 7 are shown in Fig. 1A , it will be appreciated that more than two windows 7 could be provided in the outer wrapper 6 or just one window 7.
  • Each window 7 is formed by a hole in the outer wrapper.
  • a window 7 may be formed by a transparent section or a translucent section in the outer wrapper 6 provided that the transparent or translucent section is air-permeable.
  • a window 7 may be formed by a porous section in the wrapper, for example the porous section may be translucent.
  • the or each window 7 extends across an axial length of at least 1 mm.
  • the axial length of the or each window may be up to around 5mm or up to around 22mm. This allows the aerosol-generating material 3 to be easily visible through the window and/or for the window to allow air to easily flow therethrough.
  • the windows 7 are provided between the first axial end 4 and the second axial end 5 of the aerosol generating section 30.
  • the or each window 7 may be centrally located between the first axial end 4 and the second axial end 5 of the aerosol generating section 30.
  • Figs. 2A and 2B show another example of an article 50.
  • the article 50 has corresponding features to those described above and contemplated in relation to Figs. 1A to 1D , and corresponding reference numerals are used for corresponding features.
  • a layer 150 is provided which surrounds the aerosol-generating section 30.
  • the layer 150 further surrounds the first segment 9 and the second segment 10 although this is optional.
  • the layer 150 may surround the aerosol-generating section of any of the other embodiments described herein. If a layer 150 is provided with any of the articles described or contemplated herein, then the visual indicator 13 may be visible through one or more of the windows of the article.
  • Figs. 3A and 3B shows an alternative example of an article 100.
  • the article of Figs. 3A and 3B has corresponding features to those described above and contemplated in relation to Figs. 1A to 1D , and corresponding reference numerals are used for corresponding features.
  • the outer wrapper comprises a first part 106A and a second part 106B.
  • the first part of the outer wrapper 106A surrounds the aerosol-generating section 30 towards the first axial end 4 of the aerosol generating section.
  • the first part of the wrapper 106A fully surrounds the aerosol-generating section around its circumference.
  • the first part of the outer wrapper 106A also surrounds the first segment 9, although it will be appreciated that the first part of the outer wrapper 106A may not extend to the first end 11 of the article 100.
  • the first and the second segments 9, 10 could be omitted from the article.
  • the separation extends around the entire circumference of the article so that the window extends around the entire circumference of the article.
  • the separation may extend only partly around the circumference, so that the window is formed along part of the circumference. Multiple windows may be formed if multiple separations are formed at different positions around the circumference of the article between the first part of the outer wrapper 106A and the second part of the outer wrapper 106B.
  • Figs. 4A to 4C show an alternative example of an article 200.
  • the example of Figs. 4A to 4C has corresponding features to those described above in relation to Figs. 3A and 3B , but the first and second segments 9, 10 are not present.
  • the first part of the outer wrapper 206A surrounds the aerosol-generating section 30 towards the first end 4 of the aerosol generating section.
  • the second part of the outer wrapper 206B surrounds the aerosol-generating section 30 towards the second end 5 of the aerosol generating section.
  • the folds 19 comprise perforations which may have been formed in the wrapper for example by a laser or pins or by electrostatic techniques. In other embodiments the perforations may be omitted.
  • first part of the wrapper 206A comprises folds 19 which partially cover the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating section to form the window 217A.
  • the folds 19 of the second part of the wrapper 206B may fully cover the second end 5 of the aerosol-generating section as shown, for example in Fig. 4D .
  • the folds 19 on the first part of the wrapper 206A fully cover the axial face 20 at the first end 4 of aerosol-generating section
  • the folds 19 on the second part of the wrapper 206B fully cover the axial face 21 at the second end 5 of the aerosol-generating section.
  • the outer wrapper may have a circular end sheet comprising a hole therethrough to form the air permeable section in the form of a window at the axial face 20 at the first axial end and/or at the axial face 21 at the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section 30.
  • the wrapper 306 comprises folds 19 which partially cover the axial face 21 at the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section to form an air permeable section in the form of a window 317B, as shown, for example, in Fig. 5C . At least part of the aerosol-generating material 3 is visible through the window 317B. At least part of the axial face 21 of the aerosol-generating section is visible through the window 317B.
  • Figs. 6A to 6C show an alternative example of an article 400.
  • the article of Figs. 6A to 6B has corresponding features to those described above in relation to Figs. 5A to 5C , and corresponding reference numerals relate to corresponding features, but air permeable sections in the form of windows 407 are additional provided in the outer wrapper 406 between the first axial end 4 and the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section.
  • the windows 407 have similar features to those described above in relation to Figs. 1A to 1D . As noted in relation to figs. 1A to 1D , it is possible to provide only one window 407 between the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating section and the second end 5 of the aerosol-generating section or more than two windows. If multiple windows are provided then they may be spaced along the longitudinal axis 8 of the article and/or around the circumference of the article. Multiple rows of windows 407 could be provided.
  • one end of the outer wrapper 406 may be closed at an axial face so that a window is only provided at one of the ends of the aerosol-generating section.
  • both ends of the outer wrapper 406 may be closed so that windows are not provided at either of the axial faces at the axial ends of the aerosol-generating section 30.
  • the or each window may only be provided between the first axial end 4 and the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section 30.
  • Figs. 1A to 6C include air permeable sections in the form of windows. However, these articles may be modified so that instead of providing a window, perforations or a porous section may be provided in the wrapper to form an air permeable section.
  • Figs. 7A to 7C show an article 500.
  • the article of Figs. 7A to 7C has corresponding features to those described in relation to Figs. 1A to 1D , and corresponding reference numerals relate to corresponding features.
  • an air permeable section 507 is provided which comprises perforations 509 in the outer wrapper 506.
  • the air permeable section 507 is provided between the first and the second axial ends 4, 5 of the aerosol-generating section 30.
  • the air permeable section 507 has a circular shape.
  • the perforations 509 define a circle-shaped area and perforations 509 are within the circle-shaped area.
  • the perforations 509 may define an area having straight sides, and perforations 509 are within the area.
  • the air permeable section 507 extends across an axial length of at least 1mm.
  • the axial length of the air permeable section may be up to around 5mm or up to around 22mm.
  • the size of the air permeable section 507 allows the air to flow at a desired rate through the air permeable section. Although the dimensions of the air-permeable section may differ in other embodiments.
  • the article 500 further comprises a second wrapper 15 which surrounds the aerosol-generating material 3, as discussed for example, in relation to Figs. 1A to 1D .
  • the outer wrapper 506 surrounds the second wrapper 15.
  • the second wrapper 15 has corresponding features to those described above in relation to Figs. 1A to 1D except that the second wrapper 15 comprises perforations 508 which align with the air permeable section 507 in the first wrapper 506.
  • the second wrapper 15 may not be present in the article 500.
  • Figs. 8A and 8B show an article 600 which has features corresponding to those described above in relation to Figs. 5A to 5C except that instead of the air permeable sections being in the form of windows at the axial ends, the air permeable sections comprise perforations 609 in the outer wrapper 606.
  • the wrapper 606 extends from the first axial end of the aerosol-generating section 4 to the second end of the aerosol-generating section 5.
  • the wrapper 606 comprises folds 19 which cover the axial face at the first end 4 of the aerosol-generating material 3.
  • the folds 19 fully cover the axial face.
  • An air permeable section 617A comprising perforations 609 is provided in the outer wrapper 606 at the axial face at the first axial end of the aerosol generating section.
  • the perforations 609 may extend at least 1mm across the axial face.
  • the wrapper 606 comprises folds 19 which cover the axial face at the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section 30.
  • the folds 19 fully cover the axial face.
  • An air permeable section 617B comprising perforations 609 is provided in the outer wrapper 606 at the axial face at the first axial end of the aerosol generating section.
  • the perforations 609 may extend at least 1 mm across the axial face.
  • the wrapper 606 could comprise a circular end sheet comprising perforations which form an air permeable section at the axial face at the first axial end and/or at the axial face at the second axial end of the rod of aerosol-generating section 30.
  • any of the articles described or contemplated herein may comprise air permeable sections in different forms, for example an article may comprise a window and/or perforations and/or a porous section.
  • the aerosol provision device 2 is configured to receive the article 1 and to generate an aerosol or inhalable medium from the aerosol-generating material 3 to be inhaled by a user.
  • the aerosol provision device 2 comprises a body 34 having a housing 18 or outer cover which surrounds and houses various components of the device within the body 34.
  • the device 2 comprises a chamber 35 within the body 34 for receiving the article 1 into the device 1.
  • the chamber 35 has an opening 33 through which the article 1 is inserted into the chamber 35.
  • the chamber 35 extends along an axis 49.
  • the chamber 35 has a first axial end 46 and a second axial end 47.
  • the device 2 comprises a mouthpiece 31 which engages with the body 34.
  • the mouthpiece 31 has a passage 22 which extends through the mouthpiece 31.
  • the mouthpiece 31 is movable relative to the body 34 to allow a user to close the chamber, and to access the chamber 35 to insert the article 1 therein.
  • the mouthpiece 31 may be removably attached to the body 34 by magnets, or the mouthpiece 31 may be attached to the body 34 by a hinged or other type of connection.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision device 2 comprises an aerosol generator, such as a heater, for heating the aerosol-generating material 3 to release the aerosol therefrom.
  • the heater is shown in Fig. 9C , and in this example it has a first part 32A and a second part 32B which circumferentially surround the chamber 35.
  • aerosol generators such as induction heaters or pin heaters may be provided.
  • the article 1 is shown to be fully received in the chamber 35.
  • the first and second axial ends 11, 12 of the article are located within the chamber 35.
  • the article 1 may only be partially received in the chamber 35 so that the article 1 protrudes into the passage 22 when the mouthpiece 31 is connected to the body 34.
  • the chamber 35 comprises a vent 36.
  • the vent 36 is located between the first axial end 46 and the second axial end 47 of the chamber.
  • the air permeable section of the article which is shown in Fig. 9C as the window 7, aligns with the vent 36 when the article 1 is located in the chamber 35 for allowing air to flow into the article 1 through the vent 36 and the window 7 in use.
  • the vent 36 aligns with the air permeable section of the article which is between the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating section and the second axial end 5 of the aerosol generating section.
  • the vent may additionally or alternatively prevent condensation from building up within the chamber 35.
  • the opening 33 to the chamber or the passageway 22 may form an additional vent at the first axial end 46 of the chamber for allowing air, and the aerosol entrained therein, to flow out of the article.
  • the article which is inserted in the device 2 could be any of the articles described herein, such as the article 500 which is shown and described in relation to Figs. 7A to 7C , which has an air permeable section 507 comprising perforations 509.
  • the air permeable section 507 aligns with the vent 36 when the article is located in the chamber 35.
  • the vent 36 is connected to a passage 38 which extends through the housing 18 to an aperture 136 in the housing.
  • the chamber 35 could alternatively be positioned closer to the housing such that a passage 38 is not required.
  • the vent 36 may be joined directly to an aperture 136 in the housing 18.
  • the chamber 35 comprises a channel 51 which is connected to the first vent.
  • the channel 51 extends around the axis 49 of the chamber.
  • the channel 51 allows air to flow into or out of the air permeable section of the article through the vent 36 and the air permeable section via the channel 51. This can be useful if the article which is inserted in the chamber has more than one air permeable section or if the air permeable section is not perfectly aligned with the vent 36.
  • a user removes the mouthpiece 31 from the body 34 and inserts an article 1 into the chamber 35. The user then replaces the mouthpiece 31 on the body 34 and activates the heater to heat the aerosol-generating material 3.
  • a user draws on the mouthpiece 31 to draw air into the vent 36 and into the aerosol-generating material through the air permeable section.
  • the aerosol which is released from the aerosol-generating material 3 travels through the passage 22 and is inhaled by the user.
  • the user When the article 1 is used up, the user removes the mouthpiece 31 from the body 34 and places a new article 1 in the chamber 35.
  • Fig. 10 is an alternative example of a non-combustible aerosol provision system.
  • the system is the same as that described above in relation to Figs. 9A to 9C , except that the vent 36 is a first vent, and the chamber 35 comprises a second vent 39.
  • the second vent 39 is provided at the second axial end 47 of the chamber 35.
  • the second vent 39 aligns with an air permeable section at the first axial end or the second axial end of the aerosol generating section when the article is located in the chamber 35.
  • the window 407 aligns with the first vent 36 when the article 1 is located in the chamber 35 for allowing air to flow into the article 1 through the first vent 36 and the window 407 in use.
  • the air permeable section of the article 400 which is the window 317A at the axial face, aligns with the second vent 39 when the article 400 is located in the chamber 35 for allowing air to flow into the article 1 through the second vent 39 and the window 317A in use.
  • the second vent 39 is connected to a second passage 37 which extends through the housing 18.
  • the chamber 35 could alternatively be positioned closer to the housing 18 such that a second passage 38 is not required.
  • the second vent 39 may be connected to an aperture in the housing 18.
  • a user removes the mouthpiece 31 from the body 34 and inserts an article into the chamber 35. The user then replaces the mouthpiece 31 on the body 34, and activates the heater to heat the aerosol-generating material 3.
  • a user draws on the mouthpiece 31 to draw air into the first vent 36 and the second vent 39 and into the aerosol-generating material 3 through any air permeable sections of the wrapper which are aligned with the first vent 36 and the second vent 39.
  • first vent 36 may be omitted and just the second vent 39 which is aligned with the air permeable section on the axial face of the article is provided.
  • Figs. 11A and 11B show an example of an alternative non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising a non-combustible aerosol provision device 702, and an article 700.
  • the article 700 has features which correspond to the article 400 described in relation to Figs. 6A and 6B except that a susceptor 732 is additionally provided in the article 700.
  • the article 700 has an air permeable section in the wrapper in the form of a window 407.
  • the article is not limited to this form, and could have features which correspond to other articles described herein, for example the air permeable section could comprise perforations instead of a window 407.
  • the other articles described or contemplated herein could be included in the system of Figs. 11A and 11B , and a susceptor need not be provided in the article if an alternative heater is provided.
  • the aerosol provision device 702 is configured to receive the article 700 and to generate an aerosol or inhalable medium from its aerosol-generating material 3 to be inhaled by a user.
  • the aerosol provision device 702 comprises a body 734 having a housing 718 or outer cover which surrounds and houses various components of the device within the body 734.
  • the device 702 comprises a chamber 735 within the body 734 for receiving the article 700.
  • the chamber 735 has an opening 733 through which the article 700 is inserted into the chamber 735.
  • the chamber 735 has an axis 749.
  • the chamber extends between a first axial end 746 and a second axial end 747.
  • the device 702 comprises a mouthpiece 731 which is integrally formed with the body 734.
  • the mouthpiece 731 has a passage 722 which extends through the mouthpiece 731.
  • a plug 720 is provided for closing the opening 733 to the chamber.
  • the opening is at an axial end of the chamber.
  • the plug 720 is inserted in a passage 738, and can be removed therefrom by a user to access the chamber 735 and insert the article therein.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision device 702 comprises an electromagnetic generator 740 for heating the susceptor 732 to thereby release aerosol from the aerosol-generating material in the article.
  • an electromagnetic generator 740 for heating the susceptor 732 to thereby release aerosol from the aerosol-generating material in the article.
  • the chamber 735 comprises a vent 736.
  • the air permeable section of the article which is shown in Fig. 11B as the window 707, aligns with the vent 736 when the article is located in the chamber 735 for allowing air and aerosol entrained therein to flow out of the window 707 and through the vent 736 in use.
  • the vent 736 aligns with the air permeable section of the article which is between the first axial end of the aerosol-generating section and the second axial end of the aerosol generating section.
  • the vent 736 is between the first axial end 746 of the chamber and the second axial end 747 of the chamber.
  • the chamber 735 comprises a channel 751 which is connected to the first vent.
  • the channel 751 extends around the axis 749 of the chamber.
  • the channel 751 allows air to flow into or out of the air permeable section of the article through the vent 736 and the air permeable section via the channel 751.
  • the vent 736 is connected to a passage 722 which extends through the mouthpiece 731.
  • the opening 733 to the chamber forms a third vent which aligns with an air permeable section at an axial face of the first end or the second end of the aerosol generating material when the article 700 is located in the chamber 735 for allowing air to flow into the article through the opening 733 and an air permeable section at an axial face of the article in use.
  • a user removes the plug 720 from the body 734 and inserts an article 700 into the chamber 735. The user then replaces the plug 720 in the body 734, and activates the heater in the form of the electromagnetic generator 740 to heat the aerosol-generating material.
  • a user draws on the mouthpiece 731 to draw air into the opening 733 and the second vent 741 and into the aerosol-generating material of the article through air permeable sections in the wrapper at the axial ends of the article.
  • the aerosol which is released from the aerosol-generating material travels out of the air permeable section 707 and the first vent 736, and through the passage 722 to be inhaled by the user.
  • the user When the article 700 is used up, the user removes the plug 720 from the body 734 and places a new article 700 in the chamber 735.
  • the article may also be referred to herein as a consumable.
  • 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.
  • 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 semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants.
  • 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-generating material may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former.
  • a substance to be delivered and/or filler may also be present.
  • a solvent such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent.
  • the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material.
  • the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.
  • the aerosol-generating material may comprise or be in the form of an aerosol-generating film.
  • the aerosol-generating film may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former.
  • a substance to be delivered and/or filler may also be present.
  • the aerosol-generating film may be substantially free from botanical material.
  • the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.
  • the aerosol-generating film may have a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1 mm.
  • the thickness may be in the range of about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm.
  • the aerosol-generating film may be continuous.
  • the film may comprise or be a continuous sheet of material.
  • the sheet may be in the form of a wrapper, it may be gathered to form a gathered sheet or it may be shredded to form a shredded sheet.
  • the shredded sheet may comprise one or more strands or strips of aerosol-generating material.
  • the aerosol-generating film may be discontinuous.
  • the aerosol-generating film may comprise one or more discrete portions or regions of aerosol-generating material, such as dots, stripes or lines, which may be supported on a support.
  • the support may be planar or non-planar.
  • the aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with a solvent, such as water, an aerosol-former and one or more other components, such as one or more substances to be delivered, to form a slurry and then heating the slurry to volatilise at least some of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film.
  • a binder such as a gelling agent
  • a solvent such as water
  • an aerosol-former such as one or more other components, such as one or more substances to be delivered
  • the slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt% or 90 wt% of the solvent.
  • the aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an "amorphous solid".
  • the aerosol-generating materiel comprises an aerosol-generating film that is an amorphous solid.
  • the amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid".
  • the amorphous solid may be substantially non-fibrous.
  • 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.
  • the amorphous solid may, for example, comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.
  • the amorphous solid may be substantially free from botanical material.
  • the amorphous solid may be substantially tobacco free.
  • the aerosol-generating material may comprise or consist of plant/botanical material.
  • the term “botanical material” includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like.
  • the term “botanical material” refers to solid plant matter (i.e., part of a plant) and does not encompass a "botanical extract”.
  • 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
  • the mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha arvensis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v., Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cordifolia, Mentha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens.
  • the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.
  • the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.
  • the botanical material comprises leaf material.
  • the botanical material is tobacco material.
  • 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.
  • the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.
  • 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.
  • END electronic nicotine delivery system
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system.
  • a heat-not-burn system is a tobacco heating system.
  • 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.
  • 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 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.
  • 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.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device, may comprise a power source and a controller.
  • the power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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  • Cigarettes, Filters, And Manufacturing Of Filters (AREA)

Abstract

An article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device. The article comprises an aerosol-generating section 30 comprising aerosol-generating material 3 and an outer wrapper 6, 106A, 106B, 206A, 206B, 306, 406, 506, 606 which at least partially surrounds the aerosol-generating section 30. The outer wrapper comprises at least one air permeable section 7, 107, 207, 317A, 317B, 407, 507, 617A, 617B for providing a flow path through the outer wrapper.

Description

    Technical field
  • The present invention relates to an article for use in a non-combustible aerosol provision device, a non-combustible aerosol provision device, and a system including the article and a non-combustible aerosol provision device.
  • Background
  • It is known to provide articles for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, and for the articles to comprise aerosol-generating material.
  • Summary
  • In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, wherein the article comprises an aerosol-generating section having a first axial end and a second axial end, wherein the aerosol-generating section comprises aerosol-generating material, and an outer wrapper which at least partially surrounds the aerosol-generating section, wherein the outer wrapper comprises at least one air permeable section for providing a flow path through the outer wrapper.
  • The least one air permeable section may comprise an air permeable section between the first axial end and the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section. The air permeable section may be centrally-located between the first axial end of the aerosol-generating section and the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section.
  • The at least one air permeable section may extend across at least 1mm.
  • The outer wrapper may at least partially cover the first axial end of the aerosol-generating section. The outer wrapper may at least partially cover the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section. The at least one air permeable section may comprise an air permeable section in the outer wrapper on the axial face at the first axial end of the aerosol-generating section. The at least one air permeable section may comprise an air permeable section in the outer wrapper on the axial face at the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section.
  • The at least one air permeable section may comprise a window, wherein at least part of the aerosol-generating material is visible through the window. The window may be formed by a hole in the outer wrapper.
  • The at least one air permeable section may comprise a porous section in the outer wrapper. The at least one air permeable section may comprise perforations in the outer wrapper.
  • The outer wrapper may comprise tipping paper. The outer wrapper may be opaque.
  • The outer wrapper may comprise a first part and a second part, and wherein the first part of the outer wrapper at least partially surrounds the aerosol-generating section towards the first axial end, and the second part of the outer wrapper at least partially surrounds the aerosol-generating section towards the second axial end, and wherein the at least one air-permeable section comprises a window formed by a separation between the first part of the outer wrapper and the second part of the outer wrapper.
  • The article may further comprise a second wrapper which at least partially surrounds the aerosol-generating section, and wherein the outer wrapper surrounds the second wrapper. The second wrapper may be transparent or translucent. The second wrapper may comprise perforations which align with the at least one air permeable section.
  • The article may further comprise a first segment at the first axial end of the aerosol-generating section. The article may further comprise a second segment at the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section. The first segment may at least partially cover the first axial end. The second segment may at least partially cover the second axial end.
  • The first segment may comprise a first body of material. The second segment may comprise a second body or material. The outer wrapper may circumscribe the first segment and/or the second segment.
  • The first segment may have a first flavour. The second segment may have a second flavour which is different to the first flavour.
  • The aerosol-generating material may comprise tobacco and/or nicotine. The aerosol-generating material may be a rod of aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol former in an amount of greater than 10% by weight of the aerosol-generating material.
  • In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising a non-combustible aerosol provision device, and an article as described herein. The non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises a chamber for receiving the article, and an aerosol generator for heating the aerosol-generating material to release the aerosol therefrom when the article is located in the chamber. The chamber may comprise a vent, wherein the at least one air permeable section comprises an air permeable section configured to align with the vent when the article is located in the chamber for allowing air to flow into or out of the article through the vent and the at least one air permeable section.
  • In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a non-combustible aerosol provision device comprising a chamber for receiving an article as described herein. The chamber has a first axial end and a second axial end, and an aerosol generator for heating the aerosol-generating material to release the aerosol therefrom when the article is located in the chamber, wherein the chamber comprises a vent between the first axial end and the second axial end of the chamber for aligning with the at least one air permeable section of the article for allowing air to flow into or out of the article through the vent and the at least one air permeable section.
  • The at least one air permeable section may have straight sides or be in the shape of a circle.
  • The first segment may be air permeable. The second segment may be air permeable.
  • The aerosol-generating material may be a rod of tobacco. The aerosol-generating material may be a rod of material which comprises nicotine.
  • The vent may be a first vent. The chamber may comprise a second vent, wherein the at least one air permeable section comprises a second air permeable section which aligns with the second vent when the article is located in the chamber for allowing air to flow into or out of the article through the second vent and the second air permeable section.
  • The chamber may comprise a third vent, wherein the at least one air permeable section comprises a third air permeable section which aligns with the third vent when the article is located in the chamber for allowing air to flow into or out of the article through the third vent and the third air permeable section.
  • The chamber may comprise a first axial end and a second axial end. The first vent may be located between the first axial end and the second axial end. The second vent may be located at the first axial end of the chamber. The third vent may be located at the second axial end of the chamber. Alternatively, the first vent may be located at the first axial end of the chamber and optionally a second vent may be located at the second axial end of the chamber.
  • The aerosol generator may comprise a heater. The aerosol generator may comprise an electromagnetic generator and susceptor.
  • Brief description of the drawings
  • Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
    • Fig. 1A shows a first example of an article;
    • Fig. 1B shows a view of the example of Fig. 1A with the outer wrapper partly removed therefrom;
    • Fig. 1C shows a cross-section through the article along line A-A from Fig. 1A;
    • Fig 1D shows a cross-section through the article of Fig. 1A;
    • Fig. 2A shows another example of an article;
    • Fig. 2B shows a cross-sectional view through the article of Fig. 2A;
    • Fig. 3A shows a further example of an article;
    • Fig. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of the article of Fig. 3A;
    • Fig. 4A shows a further example of an article with the outer wrapper partly removed therefrom;
    • Fig. 4B shows the article of Fig. 4A with the outer wrapper on the article, from a first perspective;
    • Fig. 4C shows the article of Fig. 4A with the outer wrapper on the article, from a second perspective;
    • Fig. 4D shows a modified version of the example of Figs. 4A to 4C;
    • Fig. 5A shows a further example of an article with the outer wrapper partly removed therefrom;
    • Fig. 5B shows the example of Fig. 5A with the outer wrapper on the article, from a first perspective;
    • Fig. 5C shows the example of Fig. 5A with the outer wrapper on the article, from a second perspective;
    • Fig. 6A shows a further example of an article with the outer wrapper partly removed therefrom;
    • Fig. 6B shows the example of Fig. 6A with the wrapper on the article from a first perspective;
    • Fig. 6C shows a modified version of the example of Figs. 6A and 6B;
    • Fig. 7A shows another example of an article;
    • Fig. 7B shows the example of Fig. 7A with the outer wrapper partly removed therefrom;
    • Fig. 7C shows a cross-section of the article of Fig. 7A;
    • Fig. 8A shows another example of an article;
    • Fig. 8B shows the article of Fig. 8A from a different perspective;
    • Fig. 9A shows an exploded view of an example of a system comprising a non-combustible aerosol provision device, and an article;
    • Fig. 9B shows an assembled view of the system of Fig. 9A;
    • Fig. 9C shows a cross-sectional view through part of Fig. 9B;
    • Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view through a modified version of part of Fig. 9B;
    • Fig. 11A shows an example of a system comprising a non-combustible aerosol provision device, and an article; and
    • Fig. 11B is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 11A.
    Detailed description
  • Figs. 1A to 1D show an example of an article 1 for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device. The article 1 extends between a first article axial end 11 and a second article axial end 12. The first article axial end 11 is a free end of the article. The second article axial end 12 is a free end of the article. The article 1 comprises an aerosol-generating section 30 which extends between a first axial end 4 and a second axial end 5, which can be seen in Fig. 1B in which the outer wrapper has been partly removed. The aerosol-generating section 30 comprises aerosol-generating material 3.
  • The article 1 has an axis 8. The aerosol-generating material 3 is in the form of a rod of aerosol-generating material. The rod of aerosol-generating material extends along the axis 8. A first segment 9 is located between the first axial end 4 of the aerosol generating section 30 and the first article axial end 11. A second segment 10 is located between the second axial end 5 of the aerosol generating material and the second article axial end 12.
  • The first segment 9 abuts the first end 4 of the aerosol-generating section. The second segment 10 abuts the second end 5 of the aerosol-generating section. The first segment 9 extends between the first article axial end 11 and the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating section 30. The second segment 10 extends between the second article axial end 12 and the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section.
  • It will be appreciated that in other embodiments there may be a separation between the first segment 9 and the aerosol-generating section 30 and/or between the second segment 10 and the aerosol-generating section 30. Additionally or alternatively, there may be an additional component between the first segment 9 and the first article axial end 11, and/or an additional component between the second segment 10 and the second article axial end 12. In another embodiment the first segment 9 and/or the second segment 10 may not be present in the article.
  • The outer wrapper 6 surrounds the aerosol-generating section 30 around the axis 8. The outer wrapper 6 extends from the first axial end 4 to the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section. The outer wrapper 6 further circumscribes the first segment 9 and the second segment 10. The outer wrapper extends to the first end 11 of the article and the second end 11 of the article. The outer wrapper circumscribes the first wrapper 1001 and the second wrapper 1002, which are discussed in more detail below. In another embodiment, the outer wrapper 6 does not circumscribe the first segment 9 and/or the second segment 10.
  • The outer wrapper 6 comprises tipping paper. The outer wrapper 6 is opaque. In another embodiment, the outer wrapper 6 may be formed from a different material or the outer wrapper 6 may not extend to the first end 11 of the article and/or the second end 12 of the article.
  • The first segment 9 comprises a first body of material 52. The second segment 10 comprises a second body of material 53.
  • The first body of material 52 abuts the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating section. The second body of material 53 abuts the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section.
  • The first body of material 52 covers the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating material. This may assist in maintaining the aerosol-generating material 3 within the article. The second body of material 53 covers the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section. The first and second bodies of material 52, 53 fully cover the first and second axial ends 4, 5 of the aerosol-generating section 30 respectively.
  • Alternatively, the first body of material 52 may include an internal channel in the first body of material and/or the second body of material 53 may include an internal channel in the second body of material so that the first and second bodies of material partially cover the first and second axial ends of the aerosol generating section 30.
  • In alternative embodiments there may be a separation between the first body of material 52 and the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating section and/or a separation between the second body of material 53 and the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section.
  • The first body of material 52 is formed by sheet material such as paper, bandcast tobacco or cellulose-based material. The sheet material is crimped and/or gathered to form the first body of material 52. Alternatively or additionally, the first body of material 52 may be formed from shredded or cut strips of the sheet material. Alternatively, the first body of material 52 may be formed from a cellulose-based material such as wood pulp or cotton.
  • The second body of material 53 is formed by sheet material such as paper, bandcast tobacco or cellulose-based material. The sheet material is crimped and/or gathered to form the second body of material 53. Alternatively or additionally the second body of material 53 may be formed from shredded or cut strips of the sheet material. Alternatively, the second body of material 53 may be formed from a cellulose-based material such as wood pulp or cotton.
  • The first segment 9 has a first wrapper 1001 which circumscribes the first body of material 52. The second segment 10 has a second wrapper 1002 which circumscribes the second body of material 53. In alternative embodiments, the first and second wrappers 1001, 1002 may be omitted.
  • Alternatively, the first body of material 52 may be formed from cellulose acetate tow. The second body of material 53 may be formed from cellulose acetate tow.
  • The first segment 9 and the second segment 10 may be the same or different to each other. The first segment 9 may comprise a wall, a plug or a filter. The second segment 10 may comprise a wall, a plug or a filter. The first segment may have a first flavour. The second segment 10 may have a second flavour which is different to the first flavour.
  • The first segment 9 is air permeable for providing a flow path through the first segment. The second segment 10 is air permeable for providing a flow path through the second segment. Alternatively, one of the first and second segments 9, 10 could be air impermeable or substantially air impermeable for controlling air flow through the or each window 7. Alternatively, the first segment 9 may have a lower air permeability that the second segment 10 for controlling air flow through the window 7.
  • The aerosol-generating material 3 may be of varying forms. The aerosol-generating material 3 may comprise tobacco or another material. The aerosol-generating material may comprise nicotine. In order to be suitable for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, the aerosol-generating material and/or the article may comprise an aerosol former in an amount of greater than 10% by weight of the aerosol-generating material 3.
  • An aerosol-former material comprises one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of 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 outer wrapper 6 comprises air permeable sections in the form of windows 7. The windows 7 are in the shape of circles although it will be appreciated that a window 7 could alternatively have other shapes such as an oval or have straight sides. The aerosol-generating material 3 is visible through each of the windows 7. Although two windows 7 are shown in Fig. 1A, it will be appreciated that more than two windows 7 could be provided in the outer wrapper 6 or just one window 7. Each window 7 is formed by a hole in the outer wrapper. Alternatively, a window 7 may be formed by a transparent section or a translucent section in the outer wrapper 6 provided that the transparent or translucent section is air-permeable. A window 7 may be formed by a porous section in the wrapper, for example the porous section may be translucent.
  • If multiple windows are provided then they may be spaced along the longitudinal axis 8 of the article and/or around the circumference of the article. Multiple rows of windows 7 could be provided.
  • Having an air-permeable section in the outer wrapper, such as a window, advantageously allows a flow path to be provided through the outer wrapper. Air can flow into or out of the aerosol-generating material through the air-permeable section.
  • If air is flowing into the aerosol-generating material 3 through the air-permeable section then this will ventilate the aerosol-generating material whilst it is being heated. If air is flowing out of the air-permeable section then aerosol which is generated whilst the aerosol-generating material is heated can be entrained in the flow and pass through the outer wrapper via the air-permeable section.
  • If the air permeable section is in the form of a window 7 then this additionally allows a user to identify the article. The user can see the aerosol-generating material 3 through the window 7 to ascertain or confirm its form. The windows also allow the user to identify if the article has been used or not yet used in a non-combustible aerosol provision device, if the aerosol-generating material undergoes a visual change during use in the device.
  • The or each window 7 extends across an axial length of at least 1 mm. The axial length of the or each window may be up to around 5mm or up to around 22mm. This allows the aerosol-generating material 3 to be easily visible through the window and/or for the window to allow air to easily flow therethrough.
  • In Figs. 1A to 1D, the windows 7 are provided between the first axial end 4 and the second axial end 5 of the aerosol generating section 30. The or each window 7 may be centrally located between the first axial end 4 and the second axial end 5 of the aerosol generating section 30.
  • The article 1 further comprises a second wrapper 15 which surrounds the aerosol-generating section 30. The second wrapper 15 extends between the first and second axial ends 4, 5 of the aerosol generating section 30. The outer wrapper 6 surrounds the second wrapper 15, as shown, for example, in Fig. 1C which is a cross-section taken along the line A-A from Fig. 1A.
  • The second wrapper 15 is transparent or translucent for allowing the aerosol-generating material to be seen through the windows 7 and the second wrapper. The second wrapper 15 may be made from a shine-through paper. The second wrapper 15 may prevent the aerosol-generating material 3 from falling out through the windows 7 if the windows 7 are in the form of holes in the outer wrapper 6. The second wrapper 15 comprises perforations which form an air permeable section which is aligned with the or each window 7 for allowing air to flow through the window 7 and the second wrapper 15. It will be appreciated that the air permeable section in the second wrapper 15 could alternatively be formed by a porous section, for example.
  • Instead of being transparent, the second wrapper 15 could instead be a sheet of aerosol-generating material which is visible through the windows 7. The sheet of aerosol-generating material could comprise a tobacco material and/or an organic material, for example.
  • It will be appreciated that the second wrapper 15 could be omitted from the article. The second wrapper 15 may not be necessary, for example if the aerosol-generating material has a form such that it will not fall out through the window 7.
  • The article 1 and the aerosol-generating material 3 are in the shape of a cylinder although it will be appreciated that they do not need to be limited to this shape or to having a circular cross section.
  • Figs. 2A and 2B show another example of an article 50. The article 50 has corresponding features to those described above and contemplated in relation to Figs. 1A to 1D, and corresponding reference numerals are used for corresponding features. In Figs. 2A and 2B, a layer 150 is provided which surrounds the aerosol-generating section 30. In another embodiment, the layer 150 further surrounds the first segment 9 and the second segment 10 although this is optional.
  • The layer 150 comprises a visual indicator 13 for a user to identify the article 50, for example the visual indicator may be a colour, such as brown, to indicate that the article 50 comprises tobacco. The layer 150 may be in the form of a sheet of material and the sheet may be brown for example.
  • The visual indicator 13 may additionally or alternatively allow the user to identify if the article has been used. For example, the visual indicator 13 may be configured to change colour when the article has been used in a non-combustible aerosol provision device. For example the visual indicator may comprise a heat activated dye or ink which changes colour when it is heated and/or the layer or sheet may comprise an additive such as citrate which changes shade such as becoming darker post-use.
  • The layer 150 may comprise aerosol-generating material. The layer may be a sheet 13 which comprises a tobacco material and/or an organic material, for example. The material of the layer may be the visual indicator.
  • The outer wrapper 6 surrounds the layer 150. At least part of the visual indicator 13 is visible through the air permeable section which is in the form of a window 7.
  • The layer 150 may surround the aerosol-generating section of any of the other embodiments described herein. If a layer 150 is provided with any of the articles described or contemplated herein, then the visual indicator 13 may be visible through one or more of the windows of the article.
  • Figs. 3A and 3B shows an alternative example of an article 100. The article of Figs. 3A and 3B has corresponding features to those described above and contemplated in relation to Figs. 1A to 1D, and corresponding reference numerals are used for corresponding features. In Figs. 3A and 3B, the outer wrapper comprises a first part 106A and a second part 106B.
  • The first part of the outer wrapper 106A surrounds the aerosol-generating section 30 towards the first axial end 4 of the aerosol generating section. The first part of the wrapper 106A fully surrounds the aerosol-generating section around its circumference. The first part of the outer wrapper 106A also surrounds the first segment 9, although it will be appreciated that the first part of the outer wrapper 106A may not extend to the first end 11 of the article 100.
  • The second part of the outer wrapper 106B surrounds the aerosol-generating section 30 towards the second axial end 5 of the aerosol generating section. The second part of the outer wrapper 106B fully surrounds the aerosol-generating section around its circumference. The second part of the outer wrapper 106B also surrounds the second segment 10, although it will be appreciated that the second part of the outer wrapper 106B may not extend to the second end 12 of the article 100.
  • The first and the second segments 9, 10 could be omitted from the article.
  • There is a separation between the first part of the outer wrapper 106A and the second part of the outer wrapper 106B which forms an air permeable section in the form of a window 107. The separation may be at least 1mm. The separation may be up to around 5mm or up to around 22mm.
  • In Figs. 3A and 3B, the separation extends around the entire circumference of the article so that the window extends around the entire circumference of the article. Although it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the separation may extend only partly around the circumference, so that the window is formed along part of the circumference. Multiple windows may be formed if multiple separations are formed at different positions around the circumference of the article between the first part of the outer wrapper 106A and the second part of the outer wrapper 106B.
  • Figs. 4A to 4C show an alternative example of an article 200. The example of Figs. 4A to 4C has corresponding features to those described above in relation to Figs. 3A and 3B, but the first and second segments 9, 10 are not present.
  • The first part of the outer wrapper 206A surrounds the aerosol-generating section 30 towards the first end 4 of the aerosol generating section. The second part of the outer wrapper 206B surrounds the aerosol-generating section 30 towards the second end 5 of the aerosol generating section. There is a separation between the first part of the wrapper 206A and the second part of the wrapper 206B which forms an air permeable section in the form of a window 207 through which at least part of the aerosol-generating material 3 is visible.
  • The first part of the outer wrapper 206A comprises folds 19 which partially cover the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating section 30 to form an air permeable section in the form of a window 217A at the axial face 20 at the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating section. At least part of the aerosol-generating material 3 is visible through the window 217A. At least part of the axial face 20 of the first end of the aerosol-generating section is visible through the window 217A. The window 217A may extend at least 1mm across the axial face.
  • The second part of the outer wrapper 206B comprises folds 19 which partially cover the second end 5 of the aerosol-generating section to form an air permeable section in the form of a window 217B at the axial face 21 at the second end 5 of the aerosol generating section, as shown, for example, in Fig. 4C. At least part of the aerosol-generating material is visible through the window 217B. At least part of the axial face 21 of the second end of the aerosol-generating section is visible through the window 217B. The window 217B may extend at least 1mm across the axial face.
  • The folds 19 comprise perforations which may have been formed in the wrapper for example by a laser or pins or by electrostatic techniques. In other embodiments the perforations may be omitted.
  • Alternatively, only the first part of the wrapper 206A comprises folds 19 which partially cover the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating section to form the window 217A. The folds 19 of the second part of the wrapper 206B may fully cover the second end 5 of the aerosol-generating section as shown, for example in Fig. 4D.
  • In a yet further embodiment, the folds 19 on the first part of the wrapper 206A fully cover the axial face 20 at the first end 4 of aerosol-generating section, and the folds 19 on the second part of the wrapper 206B fully cover the axial face 21 at the second end 5 of the aerosol-generating section.
  • Instead of providing folds 19 to form the windows 217A, 217B at the axial faces, the outer wrapper may have a circular end sheet comprising a hole therethrough to form the air permeable section in the form of a window at the axial face 20 at the first axial end and/or at the axial face 21 at the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section 30.
  • Figs. 5A to 5C show an alternative example of an article 300. The example of Figs. 5A to 5C has corresponding features to those described above in relation to Figs. 4A to 4D, and corresponding reference numerals are used for corresponding features, but the wrapper 306 does not have a window between the first axial end 4 and the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section.
  • The wrapper 306 extends from the first axial end of the aerosol-generating section 4 to the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section 5. The wrapper 306 comprises folds 19 which partially cover the axial face 20 at the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating section to form an air permeable section in the form of a window 317A. At least part of the aerosol-generating material 3 is visible through the window 317A. At least part of the axial face 20 of the aerosol-generating section is visible through the window 317A.
  • The wrapper 306 comprises folds 19 which partially cover the axial face 21 at the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section to form an air permeable section in the form of a window 317B, as shown, for example, in Fig. 5C. At least part of the aerosol-generating material 3 is visible through the window 317B. At least part of the axial face 21 of the aerosol-generating section is visible through the window 317B.
  • Alternatively, only the window 317A is formed, and the axial face 21 at the second end 5 of the aerosol-generating section is not visible. The folds 19 may extend to fully cover the axial face at the second end 5 of the aerosol-generating material.
  • Figs. 6A to 6C show an alternative example of an article 400. The article of Figs. 6A to 6B has corresponding features to those described above in relation to Figs. 5A to 5C, and corresponding reference numerals relate to corresponding features, but air permeable sections in the form of windows 407 are additional provided in the outer wrapper 406 between the first axial end 4 and the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section.
  • The windows 407 have similar features to those described above in relation to Figs. 1A to 1D. As noted in relation to figs. 1A to 1D, it is possible to provide only one window 407 between the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating section and the second end 5 of the aerosol-generating section or more than two windows. If multiple windows are provided then they may be spaced along the longitudinal axis 8 of the article and/or around the circumference of the article. Multiple rows of windows 407 could be provided.
  • The outer wrapper 406 comprises folds 19 which partially cover the axial faces at the first and second axial ends 4,5 aerosol-generating section to form air permeable sections in the form of windows as shown, for example, in Fig. 6B.
  • Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 6C, one end of the outer wrapper 406 may be closed at an axial face so that a window is only provided at one of the ends of the aerosol-generating section. Alternatively, both ends of the outer wrapper 406 may be closed so that windows are not provided at either of the axial faces at the axial ends of the aerosol-generating section 30. The or each window may only be provided between the first axial end 4 and the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section 30.
  • The articles discussed in relation to Figs. 1A to 6C include air permeable sections in the form of windows. However, these articles may be modified so that instead of providing a window, perforations or a porous section may be provided in the wrapper to form an air permeable section.
  • Specific examples of air permeable sections comprising perforations will now be discussed.
  • Figs. 7A to 7C show an article 500. The article of Figs. 7A to 7C has corresponding features to those described in relation to Figs. 1A to 1D, and corresponding reference numerals relate to corresponding features. However, instead of providing air permeable sections in the form of windows in the outer wrapper 506, an air permeable section 507 is provided which comprises perforations 509 in the outer wrapper 506.
  • The air permeable section 507 is provided between the first and the second axial ends 4, 5 of the aerosol-generating section 30.
  • The air permeable section 507 has a circular shape. The perforations 509 define a circle-shaped area and perforations 509 are within the circle-shaped area. However, other shapes may be provided in other embodiments, for example the perforations 509 may define an area having straight sides, and perforations 509 are within the area.
  • The air permeable section 507 extends across an axial length of at least 1mm. The axial length of the air permeable section may be up to around 5mm or up to around 22mm. The size of the air permeable section 507 allows the air to flow at a desired rate through the air permeable section. Although the dimensions of the air-permeable section may differ in other embodiments.
  • The air permeable section 507 is centrally located between the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating material and the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating material. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the air permeable section 507 may be located closer to the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating material, for example.
  • Instead of the air permeable section 507 comprising perforations, the air permeable section may instead be porous. The porous section could have an air permeability of around 24,000 Coresta units.
  • The article 500 further comprises a second wrapper 15 which surrounds the aerosol-generating material 3, as discussed for example, in relation to Figs. 1A to 1D. The outer wrapper 506 surrounds the second wrapper 15.
  • The second wrapper 15 has corresponding features to those described above in relation to Figs. 1A to 1D except that the second wrapper 15 comprises perforations 508 which align with the air permeable section 507 in the first wrapper 506.
  • Alternatively, the second wrapper 15 may not be present in the article 500.
  • Figs. 8A and 8B show an article 600 which has features corresponding to those described above in relation to Figs. 5A to 5C except that instead of the air permeable sections being in the form of windows at the axial ends, the air permeable sections comprise perforations 609 in the outer wrapper 606.
  • The wrapper 606 extends from the first axial end of the aerosol-generating section 4 to the second end of the aerosol-generating section 5. The wrapper 606 comprises folds 19 which cover the axial face at the first end 4 of the aerosol-generating material 3. The folds 19 fully cover the axial face. An air permeable section 617A comprising perforations 609 is provided in the outer wrapper 606 at the axial face at the first axial end of the aerosol generating section. The perforations 609 may extend at least 1mm across the axial face.
  • The wrapper 606 comprises folds 19 which cover the axial face at the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section 30. The folds 19 fully cover the axial face. An air permeable section 617B comprising perforations 609 is provided in the outer wrapper 606 at the axial face at the first axial end of the aerosol generating section. The perforations 609 may extend at least 1 mm across the axial face.
  • Instead of providing folds to cover the axial faces, the wrapper 606 could comprise a circular end sheet comprising perforations which form an air permeable section at the axial face at the first axial end and/or at the axial face at the second axial end of the rod of aerosol-generating section 30.
  • In Figs. 8A and 8B the wrapper 606 does not comprise an air permeable section between the first axial end 4 and the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section. However, in other embodiments, the wrapper 606 may additionally comprise an air permeable section between the first axial end 4 and the second axial end 5, which may be in the form of a window or comprise perforations or a porous section.
  • Any of the articles described or contemplated herein may comprise air permeable sections in different forms, for example an article may comprise a window and/or perforations and/or a porous section.
  • Figs. 9A to 9C show an example of a non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising a non-combustible aerosol provision device 2, and an article such as the article 1 described in relation to Figs. 1A to 1D. However, the article could be any of the articles described or contemplated herein.
  • The aerosol provision device 2 is configured to receive the article 1 and to generate an aerosol or inhalable medium from the aerosol-generating material 3 to be inhaled by a user.
  • The aerosol provision device 2 comprises a body 34 having a housing 18 or outer cover which surrounds and houses various components of the device within the body 34.
  • The device 2 comprises a chamber 35 within the body 34 for receiving the article 1 into the device 1. The chamber 35 has an opening 33 through which the article 1 is inserted into the chamber 35. The chamber 35 extends along an axis 49. The chamber 35 has a first axial end 46 and a second axial end 47.
  • The device 2 comprises a mouthpiece 31 which engages with the body 34. The mouthpiece 31 has a passage 22 which extends through the mouthpiece 31.
  • The mouthpiece 31 is movable relative to the body 34 to allow a user to close the chamber, and to access the chamber 35 to insert the article 1 therein. For example, the mouthpiece 31 may be removably attached to the body 34 by magnets, or the mouthpiece 31 may be attached to the body 34 by a hinged or other type of connection.
  • The non-combustible aerosol provision device 2 comprises an aerosol generator, such as a heater, for heating the aerosol-generating material 3 to release the aerosol therefrom. The heater is shown in Fig. 9C, and in this example it has a first part 32A and a second part 32B which circumferentially surround the chamber 35. However, alternative forms of heater are possible or aerosol generators, such as induction heaters or pin heaters may be provided.
  • In Fig. 9C, the article 1 is shown to be fully received in the chamber 35. The first and second axial ends 11, 12 of the article are located within the chamber 35. Alternatively the article 1 may only be partially received in the chamber 35 so that the article 1 protrudes into the passage 22 when the mouthpiece 31 is connected to the body 34.
  • The chamber 35 comprises a vent 36. The vent 36 is located between the first axial end 46 and the second axial end 47 of the chamber. The air permeable section of the article, which is shown in Fig. 9C as the window 7, aligns with the vent 36 when the article 1 is located in the chamber 35 for allowing air to flow into the article 1 through the vent 36 and the window 7 in use. The vent 36 aligns with the air permeable section of the article which is between the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating section and the second axial end 5 of the aerosol generating section. The vent may additionally or alternatively prevent condensation from building up within the chamber 35.
  • The opening 33 to the chamber or the passageway 22 may form an additional vent at the first axial end 46 of the chamber for allowing air, and the aerosol entrained therein, to flow out of the article.
  • As mentioned, the article which is inserted in the device 2 could be any of the articles described herein, such as the article 500 which is shown and described in relation to Figs. 7A to 7C, which has an air permeable section 507 comprising perforations 509. The air permeable section 507 aligns with the vent 36 when the article is located in the chamber 35.
  • In the example shown in Fig. 9C, the vent 36 is connected to a passage 38 which extends through the housing 18 to an aperture 136 in the housing. However, the chamber 35 could alternatively be positioned closer to the housing such that a passage 38 is not required. The vent 36 may be joined directly to an aperture 136 in the housing 18.
  • The chamber 35 comprises a channel 51 which is connected to the first vent. The channel 51 extends around the axis 49 of the chamber. The channel 51 allows air to flow into or out of the air permeable section of the article through the vent 36 and the air permeable section via the channel 51. This can be useful if the article which is inserted in the chamber has more than one air permeable section or if the air permeable section is not perfectly aligned with the vent 36.
  • In use, a user removes the mouthpiece 31 from the body 34 and inserts an article 1 into the chamber 35. The user then replaces the mouthpiece 31 on the body 34 and activates the heater to heat the aerosol-generating material 3.
  • A user draws on the mouthpiece 31 to draw air into the vent 36 and into the aerosol-generating material through the air permeable section.
  • The aerosol which is released from the aerosol-generating material 3 travels through the passage 22 and is inhaled by the user.
  • When the article 1 is used up, the user removes the mouthpiece 31 from the body 34 and places a new article 1 in the chamber 35.
  • Fig. 10 is an alternative example of a non-combustible aerosol provision system. The system is the same as that described above in relation to Figs. 9A to 9C, except that the vent 36 is a first vent, and the chamber 35 comprises a second vent 39. The second vent 39 is provided at the second axial end 47 of the chamber 35. The second vent 39 aligns with an air permeable section at the first axial end or the second axial end of the aerosol generating section when the article is located in the chamber 35.
  • If an article such as the article 400 is inserted in the chamber 35 then the window 407 aligns with the first vent 36 when the article 1 is located in the chamber 35 for allowing air to flow into the article 1 through the first vent 36 and the window 407 in use.
  • The air permeable section of the article 400, which is the window 317A at the axial face, aligns with the second vent 39 when the article 400 is located in the chamber 35 for allowing air to flow into the article 1 through the second vent 39 and the window 317A in use.
  • In the example shown in Fig. 10, the second vent 39 is connected to a second passage 37 which extends through the housing 18. However, the chamber 35 could alternatively be positioned closer to the housing 18 such that a second passage 38 is not required. The second vent 39 may be connected to an aperture in the housing 18.
  • In use, a user removes the mouthpiece 31 from the body 34 and inserts an article into the chamber 35. The user then replaces the mouthpiece 31 on the body 34, and activates the heater to heat the aerosol-generating material 3.
  • A user draws on the mouthpiece 31 to draw air into the first vent 36 and the second vent 39 and into the aerosol-generating material 3 through any air permeable sections of the wrapper which are aligned with the first vent 36 and the second vent 39.
  • Alternatively, the first vent 36 may be omitted and just the second vent 39 which is aligned with the air permeable section on the axial face of the article is provided.
  • Figs. 11A and 11B show an example of an alternative non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising a non-combustible aerosol provision device 702, and an article 700. The article 700 has features which correspond to the article 400 described in relation to Figs. 6A and 6B except that a susceptor 732 is additionally provided in the article 700.
  • The article 700 has an air permeable section in the wrapper in the form of a window 407. However, the article is not limited to this form, and could have features which correspond to other articles described herein, for example the air permeable section could comprise perforations instead of a window 407. Any of the other articles described or contemplated herein could be included in the system of Figs. 11A and 11B, and a susceptor need not be provided in the article if an alternative heater is provided.
  • The aerosol provision device 702 is configured to receive the article 700 and to generate an aerosol or inhalable medium from its aerosol-generating material 3 to be inhaled by a user.
  • The aerosol provision device 702 comprises a body 734 having a housing 718 or outer cover which surrounds and houses various components of the device within the body 734.
  • The device 702 comprises a chamber 735 within the body 734 for receiving the article 700. The chamber 735 has an opening 733 through which the article 700 is inserted into the chamber 735. The chamber 735 has an axis 749. The chamber extends between a first axial end 746 and a second axial end 747.
  • The device 702 comprises a mouthpiece 731 which is integrally formed with the body 734. The mouthpiece 731 has a passage 722 which extends through the mouthpiece 731.
  • A plug 720 is provided for closing the opening 733 to the chamber. The opening is at an axial end of the chamber. The plug 720 is inserted in a passage 738, and can be removed therefrom by a user to access the chamber 735 and insert the article therein.
  • The non-combustible aerosol provision device 702 comprises an electromagnetic generator 740 for heating the susceptor 732 to thereby release aerosol from the aerosol-generating material in the article. However, it is not essential to provide a susceptor and electromagnetic generator, and alternative ways of heating the aerosol-generating material are possible.
  • The chamber 735 comprises a vent 736. The air permeable section of the article, which is shown in Fig. 11B as the window 707, aligns with the vent 736 when the article is located in the chamber 735 for allowing air and aerosol entrained therein to flow out of the window 707 and through the vent 736 in use.
  • The vent 736 aligns with the air permeable section of the article which is between the first axial end of the aerosol-generating section and the second axial end of the aerosol generating section. The vent 736 is between the first axial end 746 of the chamber and the second axial end 747 of the chamber.
  • The chamber 735 comprises a channel 751 which is connected to the first vent. The channel 751 extends around the axis 749 of the chamber. The channel 751 allows air to flow into or out of the air permeable section of the article through the vent 736 and the air permeable section via the channel 751.
  • The opening 733 to the chamber may form an additional vent for allowing air to flow into the article when it is located in the chamber. The opening 733 is at the second axial end 747 of the chamber.
  • As mentioned, the article which is inserted in the device 702 could have features of any of articles described herein. For example, the article may have an air permeable section comprising perforations between the first and second ends of the aerosol-generating material which aligns with the vent 736 when the article is located in the chamber 735.
  • In the example shown in Figs. 11A and 11B, the vent 736 is connected to a passage 722 which extends through the mouthpiece 731.
  • The chamber 735 comprises a second vent 741. The second vent is at the first axial end 746 of the chamber. The second vent 741 aligns with an air permeable section at an axial face of the first end or the second end of the aerosol generating material when the article is located in the chamber 735 for allowing air to flow into the article through the second vent 741 and the air permeable section at an axial face of the article in use.
  • In the example shown in Fig. 11B, the second vent 741 is connected to a second passage 742 which extends through the housing 718. However, the chamber 735 could alternatively be positioned closer to the housing 718 such that a second passage 742 is not required. The second vent 741 may be formed by an aperture in the housing.
  • The opening 733 to the chamber forms a third vent which aligns with an air permeable section at an axial face of the first end or the second end of the aerosol generating material when the article 700 is located in the chamber 735 for allowing air to flow into the article through the opening 733 and an air permeable section at an axial face of the article in use.
  • The plug 720 comprises an aperture 743 therethrough which allows air to travel through the aperture and to the opening 733. Alternatively, the plug does not comprise an aperture and the chamber does not have a vent at its second axial end 747.
  • In use, a user removes the plug 720 from the body 734 and inserts an article 700 into the chamber 735. The user then replaces the plug 720 in the body 734, and activates the heater in the form of the electromagnetic generator 740 to heat the aerosol-generating material.
  • A user draws on the mouthpiece 731 to draw air into the opening 733 and the second vent 741 and into the aerosol-generating material of the article through air permeable sections in the wrapper at the axial ends of the article.
  • The aerosol which is released from the aerosol-generating material travels out of the air permeable section 707 and the first vent 736, and through the passage 722 to be inhaled by the user.
  • When the article 700 is used up, the user removes the plug 720 from the body 734 and places a new article 700 in the chamber 735.
  • The article may also be referred to herein as a consumable.
  • 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.
  • 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 semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants.
  • 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-generating material may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and/or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.
  • The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be in the form of an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and/or filler may also be present. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.
  • The aerosol-generating film may have a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1 mm. For example, the thickness may be in the range of about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm.
  • The aerosol-generating film may be continuous. For example, the film may comprise or be a continuous sheet of material. The sheet may be in the form of a wrapper, it may be gathered to form a gathered sheet or it may be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The shredded sheet may comprise one or more strands or strips of aerosol-generating material.
  • The aerosol-generating film may be discontinuous. For example, the aerosol-generating film may comprise one or more discrete portions or regions of aerosol-generating material, such as dots, stripes or lines, which may be supported on a support. In such embodiments, the support may be planar or non-planar.
  • The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with a solvent, such as water, an aerosol-former and one or more other components, such as one or more substances to be delivered, to form a slurry and then heating the slurry to volatilise at least some of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film.
  • The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt% or 90 wt% of the solvent.
  • The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an "amorphous solid". In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating materiel comprises an aerosol-generating film that is an amorphous solid. The amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid". The amorphous solid may be substantially 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 amorphous solid may, for example, comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.
  • The amorphous solid may be substantially free from botanical material. The amorphous solid may be substantially tobacco free.
  • The aerosol-generating material may comprise or consist of plant/botanical material. As used herein, the term "botanical material" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. In some embodiments, the term "botanical material" refers to solid plant matter (i.e., part of a plant) and does not encompass a "botanical extract".
  • 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 may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha arvensis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v., Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cordifolia, Mentha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens.
  • In some embodiments, the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.
  • In some embodiments, the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.
  • In some embodiments, the botanical material comprises leaf material.
  • In some embodiments, the botanical material is tobacco material.
  • 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.
  • 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, 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.
  • 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 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 future.

Claims (15)

  1. An article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, wherein the article comprises an aerosol-generating section having a first axial end and a second axial end, wherein the aerosol-generating section comprises aerosol-generating material, and an outer wrapper which at least partially surrounds the aerosol-generating section, wherein the outer wrapper comprises at least one air permeable section for providing a flow path through the outer wrapper.
  2. The article according to claim 1, wherein the least one air permeable section comprises an air permeable section between the first axial end and the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section, and optionally wherein the air permeable section is centrally-located between the first axial end of the aerosol-generating section and the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section.
  3. The article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one air permeable section extends across at least 1mm.
  4. The article according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer wrapper at least partially covers the first axial end and/or the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section, and optionally wherein the at least one air permeable section comprises an air permeable section in the outer wrapper on the axial face at the first axial end of the aerosol-generating section and/or an air permeable section in the outer wrapper on the axial face at the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section.
  5. The article according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one air permeable section comprises a window, wherein at least part of the aerosol-generating material is visible through the window, and optionally wherein the window is formed by a hole in the outer wrapper.
  6. The article according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one air permeable section comprises a porous section in the outer wrapper and/or wherein the at least one air permeable section comprises perforations in the outer wrapper.
  7. The article according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer wrapper comprises tipping paper and/or wherein the outer wrapper is opaque.
  8. The article according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer wrapper comprises a first part and a second part, and wherein the first part of the outer wrapper at least partially surrounds the aerosol-generating section towards the first axial end, and the second part of the outer wrapper at least partially surrounds the aerosol-generating section towards the second axial end, and wherein the at least one air-permeable section comprises a window formed by a separation between the first part of the outer wrapper and the second part of the outer wrapper.
  9. The article according to any preceding claim, wherein the article further comprises a second wrapper which at least partially surrounds the aerosol-generating section, and wherein the outer wrapper surrounds the second wrapper, and optionally wherein the second wrapper is transparent or translucent and/or wherein the second wrapper comprises perforations which align with the at least one air permeable section.
  10. The article according to any preceding claim, wherein the article further comprises a first segment at the first axial end of the aerosol-generating section and/or a second segment at the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section, and optionally wherein the first segment at least partially covers the first axial end and/or wherein the second segment at least partially covers the second axial end.
  11. The article according to claim 10, wherein the first segment comprises a first body of material and/or wherein the second segment comprises a second body or material and/or wherein the outer wrapper circumscribes the first segment and/or the second segment.
  12. The article according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the first segment has a first flavour, and optionally wherein the second segment has a second flavour which is different to the first flavour.
  13. The article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises tobacco and/or nicotine and/or wherein the aerosol-generating material is a rod of aerosol-generating material and/or wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises an aerosol former in an amount of greater than 10% by weight of the aerosol-generating material.
  14. A non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising a non-combustible aerosol provision device, and an article as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises a chamber for receiving the article, and an aerosol generator for heating the aerosol-generating material to release the aerosol therefrom when the article is located in the chamber, and optionally wherein the chamber comprises a vent, wherein the at least one air permeable section comprises an air permeable section configured to align with the vent when the article is located in the chamber for allowing air to flow into or out of the article through the vent and the at least one air permeable section.
  15. A non-combustible aerosol provision device comprising a chamber for receiving an article as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the chamber has a first axial end and a second axial end, and an aerosol generator for heating the aerosol-generating material to release the aerosol therefrom when the article is located in the chamber, wherein the chamber comprises a vent between the first axial end and the second axial end of the chamber for aligning with the at least one air permeable section of the article for allowing air to flow into or out of the article through the vent and the at least one air permeable section.
EP24181440.9A 2024-06-11 2024-06-11 Article Pending EP4663035A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

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EP24181440.9A EP4663035A1 (en) 2024-06-11 2024-06-11 Article
PCT/GB2025/051275 WO2025257543A1 (en) 2024-06-11 2025-06-10 Article

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EP4663035A1 true EP4663035A1 (en) 2025-12-17

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130104915A1 (en) * 2010-04-01 2013-05-02 Delfortgroup Ag Perforated Cigarette Paper
US20200113227A1 (en) * 2017-05-24 2020-04-16 Elucid8 Holdings Ltd. Tobacco-Containing Consumable For Aerosol Generating Devices
WO2022167495A1 (en) * 2021-02-02 2022-08-11 Philip Morris Products S.A. Aerosol-generating article with plug segments flanking an aerosol-generating element
KR20230062330A (en) * 2021-10-29 2023-05-09 주식회사 케이티앤지 Cigarette and device for generating aerosol with the same
WO2024003312A1 (en) * 2022-06-30 2024-01-04 Philip Morris Products S.A. Aerosol-generating article having two or more substrate segments
US20240032603A1 (en) * 2020-12-17 2024-02-01 Philip Morris Products S.A. Aerosol-generating device, aerosol-generating article and aerosol-delivery system

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019123297A1 (en) * 2017-12-22 2019-06-27 G.D S.P.A. Sub-unit of a smoking article and method for making it

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130104915A1 (en) * 2010-04-01 2013-05-02 Delfortgroup Ag Perforated Cigarette Paper
US20200113227A1 (en) * 2017-05-24 2020-04-16 Elucid8 Holdings Ltd. Tobacco-Containing Consumable For Aerosol Generating Devices
US20240032603A1 (en) * 2020-12-17 2024-02-01 Philip Morris Products S.A. Aerosol-generating device, aerosol-generating article and aerosol-delivery system
WO2022167495A1 (en) * 2021-02-02 2022-08-11 Philip Morris Products S.A. Aerosol-generating article with plug segments flanking an aerosol-generating element
KR20230062330A (en) * 2021-10-29 2023-05-09 주식회사 케이티앤지 Cigarette and device for generating aerosol with the same
WO2024003312A1 (en) * 2022-06-30 2024-01-04 Philip Morris Products S.A. Aerosol-generating article having two or more substrate segments

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