EP4681557A1

EP4681557A1 - An article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, and a non-combustible aerosol provision system

Info

Publication number: EP4681557A1
Application number: EP24189394.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Joanna SOFFE; Richard Hepworth
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2024-07-18
Filing date: 2024-07-18
Publication date: 2026-01-21
Also published as: WO2026017966A1

Abstract

An article (3) for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises a first section (20a) of aerosol generating material; a second section (20b) of aerosol generating material; and at least one wrapper (17) circumscribing the first and second sections of aerosol generating material; wherein the first and second sections of aerosol generating material are spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal axis of the article by a first spacing (22).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to articles for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, and to non-combustible aerosol provision systems including such articles.

BACKGROUND

Certain tobacco industry products produce an aerosol during use, which is inhaled by a user. For example, tobacco heating devices heat an aerosol generating substrate such as tobacco to form an aerosol by heating, but not burning, the substrate. Such tobacco industry products commonly include mouthpieces through which the aerosol passes to reach the user's mouth.

SUMMARY

According to aspects of the disclosure, there is provided an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, comprising: a first section of aerosol generating material; a second section of aerosol generating material; and at least one wrapper circumscribing the first and second sections of aerosol generating material; wherein the first and second sections of aerosol generating material are spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal axis of the article by a first spacing.
Optionally, the article is a consumable.
Optionally, the first and second sections of aerosol generating material comprise the same aerosol generating material.
Optionally, the first section comprises a first aerosol generating material, and the second section comprises a second aerosol generating material that is different to the first aerosol generating material.
Optionally, the first section and/or the second section comprises tobacco.
Optionally, the first section and/or the second section comprises a shredded material and/or a gel material and/or an aerosol-generating thin film.
Optionally, the aerosol-generating thin film comprises a binder, an aerosol-former material, and optionally also a botanical extract.
Optionally, the first aerosol generating material comprises a first flavour, and the second aerosol generating material comprises a second flavour that is different to the first flavour. Optionally, the first aerosol generating material comprises a first nicotine content, and the second aerosol generating material comprises a second nicotine content that is different to the first nicotine content.
Optionally, the first aerosol generating material and/or the second aerosol generating material comprises plant material. For example, the first aerosol generating material and/or the second aerosol generating material may comprise one or more shredded, extruded, bandcast and/or granular materials. For example, the first aerosol generating material and/or the second aerosol generating material may comprise one or more of the following: tobacco leaf, (Aspalathus linearis) rooibos, tobacco extract containing aerosol-generating film, glycerol gel, tobacco granules, a filler such as lyocell for example, flavour gel, bandcast tobacco, nicotine, caffeine, and/or menthol gel.
Optionally, the first aerosol generating material and/or the second aerosol generating material each comprises an active substance and/or a flavour.
Optionally, the first aerosol generating material and/or the second aerosol generating material each comprises an aerosol former material. The first aerosol generating material and/or the second aerosol generating material may each further comprise one or more functional materials such as one or more fillers and/or antioxidants.
Optionally, the first spacing provides a gap between the first section and the second section.
Optionally, the at least one wrapper circumscribing the first and second sections of aerosol generating material has a first portion which circumscribes the first section of aerosol generating material, and a second portion which circumscribes the second section of aerosol generating material. Optionally, the at least one wrapper circumscribing the first and second sections of aerosol generating material further comprises a third portion which circumscribes the spacing between the first section and the second section. Optionally, the first and second portions of said at least one wrapper have a first thickness, and the third portion of said at least one wrapper has a second thickness, wherein the second thickness is greater than the first thickness.
Optionally, the article further comprises a plug arranged in the first spacing.
Optionally, the article further comprises a tube formed from a sheet material arranged in the first spacing. The tube may be formed from rolling a sheet material into a tube shape. The tube may provide a void in the first spacing.
Optionally, the article further comprises a body arranged in the first spacing, the body comprising a sheet material folded, gathered and/or crimped to form the body. Optionally, the body may comprise an extruded material, and/or a body of agglomerated particles. The body may comprise a plug. The plug may comprise one or more of an aerosol former, and additive, and a flavourant.
Optionally, the sheet material comprises paper, cardboard, cellulose acetate and/or a non-woven material.
Optionally, the article further comprises a filter section forming a proximal mouth end of the article. The filter section may comprise a tube. The filter section may comprise a sheet material, for example cellulose acetate, gathered, crimped, rolled and/or formed to form a generally cylindrical body of material. The filter section may comprise a first filter. The first filter may comprise a sheet material, for example cellulose acetate, gathered, crimped, rolled and/or formed to form a generally cylindrical body of material. The filter section may further comprise a second filter. The second filter section may comprise a tube.
Optionally, the article further comprises a plug arranged at a distal end of the article opposite the proximal mouth end. The distal end may be configured to be received in a rod shaped article receiving space of the non-combustible aerosol provision device. The plug may comprise a body comprising a sheet material folded, gathered and/or crimped to form the body.
Optionally, the article further comprises a heat displacement collar. The heat displacement collar may comprise a generally cylindrical tube. The heat displacement collar may be generally hollow. the heat displacement collar may comprise one or more layers of paper or cardboard sheet material rolled to form a tube.
Optionally, the article comprises a column of aerosol generating material comprising the first section and the second section. The column of aerosol generating material may further comprise one or more further sections of aerosol generating material. For example, the column of aerosol generating material may comprise three or more sections of aerosol generating material, such as three, four, five, six or more such sections. For example, the column of aerosol generating material may comprise the first section, the second section, and a third section of aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material of the third section and/or of one or more of any additional sections may comprise the same aerosol generating material as the first section, the same aerosol generating material as the second section, or a third or further different aerosol generating material. The third section may be spaced apart from or arranged to abut the second section along the longitudinal axis of the article.
Optionally, the column of aerosol generating material comprises a plurality of sections of aerosol generating material arranged along the longitudinal axis of the article. Each of the plurality of sections of aerosol generating material may be arranged to be spaced apart from or to abut one or more adjacent sections along said longitudinal axis.
Optionally, an inner wrapper layer circumscribes the first and second sections.
Optionally, a first inner wrapper layer portion circumscribes the first section, and a second inner wrapper layer portion circumscribes the second section.
Optionally, one or more wrapping layers circumscribe the plug, the column of aerosol generating material, the heat displacement collar, and the filter section. A first plug wrap may circumscribe the plug. A second plug wrap may circumscribe the first filter. A third plug wrap may circumscribe the heat displacement collar and the first and second filters, around the second plug wrap. An inner wrapper layer may circumscribe the column of aerosol generating material. The inner wrapper layer and the first plug wrap may be together circumscribed by an outer wrapper layer. A layer of tipping paper may circumscribe the third plug wrap, and a portion of the outer wrapper layer. One or more of the first plug wrap, the second plug wrap, the third plug wrap, the inner wrapper layer, the outer wrapper layer, and the layer of tipping paper, may each comprise a layer of sheet material, for example paper, rolled up and glued at a seam to form a generally cylindrical tube shape.
Optionally, arranged along the longitudinal axis of the article from the distal end to the proximal mouth end, there is arranged in the following order: the plug, the second section, the first section, the heat displacement collar, the first filter, and the second filter.
Optionally, the first section is arranged closer to the proximal mouth end of the article than the second section. Optionally, the second section is arranged closer to the distal end of the article than the first section.
Optionally, the first spacing has a length of between approximately 1mm to approximately 8mm. The first spacing may have a length of approximately 2mm, 3mm, or 6mm, for example.
Optionally, the first section has a first length along the longitudinal axis of the article, and the second section has a second length along the longitudinal axis of the article, wherein the second length is different to the first length. The first length may be greater than the second length. The second length may be greater than the first length.
Alternatively, the first section may have a first length along the longitudinal axis of the article, and the second section may have a second length along the longitudinal axis of the carticle, wherein the second length is equal to the first length.
Optionally, the article is generally cylindrical.
Optionally, the article is generally elongate.
Optionally, the article is generally rod shaped.
Optionally, the article further comprises an aerosol modifying agent release component such as a capsule. The capsule may be a breakable capsule, for example a capsule comprising a solid, frangible shell surrounding a liquid payload. The capsule may be configured to be ruptured, broken, squeezed and/or squashed by a user of the article to release the contents of the capsule. The capsule may be arranged in a filter section of the article. The capsule may be entirely embedded within the body of the filter section. In other words, the capsule may be completely surrounded by the material forming the filter section. In other examples, a plurality of breakable capsules may be disposed within the filter section, for example two, three or more breakable capsules. The length of the filter section may be sized to accommodate the number of capsules required.
The capsule may have a core-shell structure. In other words, the capsule may comprise a shell encapsulating a liquid agent, for example a flavourant or other agent, which may be any one of the flavourants or aerosol modifying agents described herein. The shell of the capsule may be configured to be ruptured by a user to release the flavourant or other agent into the filter section.
Optionally, the non-combustible aerosol provision device is configured to heat but not burn the aerosol generating material.
Optionally, the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises any one or more of the features described below in relation to embodiments providing non-combustible aerosol provision systems.
According to aspects of the disclosure, there is provided an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, comprising: a first section comprising a first aerosol generating material; a second section comprising a second aerosol generating material that is different to the first aerosol generating material; and at least one wrapper circumscribing the first and second sections; wherein the first and second sections are arranged to abut one another along a longitudinal axis of the article.
Optionally, the article is a consumable.
Optionally, the article further comprises a filter section forming a proximal mouth end of the article. The filter section may comprise a tube. The filter section may comprise a sheet material, for example cellulose acetate, gathered, crimped, rolled and/or formed to form a generally cylindrical body of material. The filter section may comprise a first filter. The first filter may comprise a sheet material, for example cellulose acetate, gathered, crimped, rolled and/or formed to form a generally cylindrical body of material. The filter section may further comprise a second filter. The second filter section may comprise a tube.
Optionally, the article further comprises a plug arranged at a distal end of the article opposite the proximal mouth end. The distal end may be configured to be received in a rod shaped article receiving space of the non-combustible aerosol provision device. The plug may comprise a body comprising a sheet material folded, gathered and/or crimped to form the body.
Optionally, the article further comprises a heat displacement collar. The heat displacement collar may comprise a generally cylindrical tube. The heat displacement collar may be generally hollow. the heat displacement collar may comprise one or more layers of paper or cardboard sheet material rolled to form a tube.
Optionally, the article comprises a column of aerosol generating material comprising the first section and the second section. The column of aerosol generating material may further comprise one or more further sections of aerosol generating material. For example, the column of aerosol generating material may comprise three or more sections of aerosol generating material, such as three, four, five, six or more such sections. For example, the column of aerosol generating material may comprise the first section, the second section, and a third section of aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material of the third section and/or of one or more of any additional sections may comprise the same aerosol generating material as the first section, the same aerosol generating material as the second section, or a third or further different aerosol generating material. The third section may be spaced apart from or arranged to abut the second section along the longitudinal axis of the article.
Optionally, the column of aerosol generating material comprises a plurality of sections of aerosol generating material arranged along the longitudinal axis of the article. Each of the plurality of sections of aerosol generating material may be arranged to be spaced apart from or to abut one or more adjacent sections along said longitudinal axis.
Optionally, an inner wrapper layer circumscribes the first and second sections.
Optionally, a first inner wrapper layer portion circumscribes the first section, and a second inner wrapper layer portion circumscribes the second section.
Optionally, one or more wrapping layers circumscribe the plug, the column of aerosol generating material, the heat displacement collar, and the filter section. A first plug wrap may circumscribe the plug. A second plug wrap may circumscribe the first filter. A third plug wrap may circumscribe the heat displacement collar and the first and second filters, around the second plug wrap. An inner wrapper layer may circumscribe the column of aerosol generating material. The inner wrapper layer and the first plug wrap may be together circumscribed by an outer wrapper layer. A layer of tipping paper may circumscribe the third plug wrap, and a portion of the outer wrapper layer. One or more of the first plug wrap, the second plug wrap, the third plug wrap, the inner wrapper layer, the outer wrapper layer, and the layer of tipping paper, may each comprise a layer of sheet material, for example paper, rolled up and glued at a seam to form a generally cylindrical tube shape.
Optionally, arranged along the longitudinal axis of the article from the distal end to the proximal mouth end, there is arranged in the following order: the plug, the second section, the first section, the heat displacement collar, the first filter, and the second filter.
Optionally, the first section is arranged closer to the proximal mouth end of the article than the second section. Optionally, the second section is arranged closer to the distal end of the article than the first section.
Optionally, the first section and/or the second section comprises tobacco.
Optionally, the first section and/or the second section comprises a shredded material and/or a gel material and/or an aerosol-generating thin film.
Optionally, the aerosol-generating thin film comprises a binder, an aerosol-former material, and optionally also a botanical extract.
Optionally, the first aerosol generating material comprises a first flavour, and the second aerosol generating material comprises a second flavour that is different to the first flavour. Optionally, the first aerosol generating material comprises a first nicotine content, and the second aerosol generating material comprises a second nicotine content that is different to the first nicotine content.
Optionally, the first aerosol generating material and/or the second aerosol generating material comprises plant material. For example, the first aerosol generating material and/or the second aerosol generating material may comprise one or more shredded, extruded, bandcast and/or granular materials. For example, the first aerosol generating material and/or the second aerosol generating material may comprise one or more of the following: tobacco leaf, (Aspalathus linearis) rooibos, tobacco extract containing aerosol-generating film, glycerol gel, tobacco granules, a filler such as lyocell for example, flavour gel, bandcast tobacco, nicotine, caffeine, and/or menthol gel.
Optionally, the first aerosol generating material and/or the second aerosol generating material each comprises an active substance and/or a flavour.
Optionally, the first aerosol generating material and/or the second aerosol generating material each comprises an aerosol former material. The first aerosol generating material and/or the second aerosol generating material may each further comprise one or more fillers and/or antioxidants.
Optionally, the first section has a first length along the longitudinal axis of the article, and the second section has a second length along the longitudinal axis of the article, wherein the second length is different to the first length. The first length may be greater than the second length. The second length may be greater than the first length.
Alternatively, the first section may have a first length along the longitudinal axis of the article, and the second section may have a second length along the longitudinal axis of the article, wherein the second length is equal to the first length.
Optionally, the article is generally cylindrical.
Optionally, the article is generally elongate.
Optionally, the article is generally rod shaped.
Optionally, the article further comprises an aerosol modifying agent release component such as a capsule. The capsule may be a breakable capsule, for example a capsule comprising a solid, frangible shell surrounding a liquid payload. The capsule may be configured to be ruptured, broken, squeezed and/or squashed by a user of the article to release the contents of the capsule. The capsule may be arranged in a filter section of the article. The capsule may be entirely embedded within the body of the filter section. In other words, the capsule may be completely surrounded by the material forming the filter section. In other examples, a plurality of breakable capsules may be disposed within the filter section, for example two, three or more breakable capsules. The length of the filter section may be sized to accommodate the number of capsules required.
The capsule may have a core-shell structure. In other words, the capsule may comprise a shell encapsulating a liquid agent, for example a flavourant or other agent, which may be any one of the flavourants or aerosol modifying agents described herein. The shell of the capsule may be configured to be ruptured by a user to release the flavourant or other agent into the filter section.
Optionally, the first and second sections are arranged to abut one another at a join line.
Optionally, the non-combustible aerosol provision device is configured to heat but not burn the aerosol generating material.
Optionally, the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises any one or more of the features described below in relation to embodiments providing non-combustible aerosol provision systems.
According to aspects of the disclosure, there is provided a non-combustible aerosol provision system, comprising: an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, and a non-combustible aerosol provision device. The article comprises: a first section of aerosol generating material; a second section of aerosol generating material; and at least one wrapper circumscribing the first and second sections of aerosol generating material; wherein the first and second sections of aerosol generating material are spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal axis of the article by a first spacing. The non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises a first heating device configured to heat the first section of aerosol generating material to produce a first aerosol therefrom, and a second heating device configured to heat the second section of aerosol generating material to produce a second aerosol therefrom. The first and second heating devices are spaced apart from one another by a second spacing, and at least a portion of the first spacing is configured to overlap with the second spacing when the article is in use in the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
Optionally, the article is a consumable.
Optionally, the non-combustible aerosol provision device is configured to heat but not burn the aerosol generating material.
Optionally, the device comprises an opening for inserting the article into the device. The opening may be generally circular. The opening may define a generally cylindrical rod shaped article receiving space of the device, for receiving the article.
Optionally, the device further comprises a power source, which may comprise a battery for example. The device may further comprise a power button.
Optionally, the first heating device comprises a first heating coil, and/or the second heating device comprises a second heating coil. The first and/or second heating coils may be arranged to circumscribe the generally cylindrical rod shaped article receiving space of the device, and/or the article. The first and/or second heating coils may be generally helical. The first and/or second heating coils may be arranged to helically circumscribe the article.
Optionally, the first heating device may be arranged to circumscribe the first section of aerosol generating material, and the second heating device may be arranged to circumscribe the second section of aerosol generating material.
Optionally, the device is configured to heat the first and second sections of aerosol generating material. For example, the device may be configured such that the second heating device is configured to heat the second section, and the first heating device is configured to heat the first section.
Optionally, the device is configured to concurrently heat the first and second sections of aerosol generating material, such that the second heating device is configured to heat the second section and the first heating device is configured to simultaneously heat the first section.
Optionally, the device is configured to sequentially heat the first and second sections of aerosol generating material, such that the second heating device is first configured to heat the second section and the first heating device is then configured to heat the first section, and/or such that the first heating device is first configured to heat the first section and the second heating device is then configured to heat the second section.
Optionally, the device comprises an induction heater, and the induction heater comprises the first heating device and the second heating device, the first and second heating devices comprising a first heating coil and a second heating coil respectively.
Optionally, the induction heater comprises a susceptor.
Optionally, the second spacing is between approximately 2mm to approximately 6mm. For example, the second spacing may be approximately 3.5mm.
Optionally, the second spacing defines a cold spot of the device, wherein the cold spot may be relatively colder compared with other regions of the device. The first spacing may be arranged to correspond with and/or be aligned with the cold spot. In some examples, a mid point or centre of the first spacing may be arranged to correspond with and/or be aligned with a mid point or centre of the cold spot, along the longitudinal axis of the article. In some examples, a mid point or centre of the first spacing may be arranged to be skewed from, for example to be arranged between approximately 1mm to approximately 8mm to one side of, the mid point or centre of the cold spot, along the longitudinal axis of the article.
Optionally, the first spacing of the article is configured to correspond with the second spacing of the device along the longitudinal axis of the article when the article is fully inserted into the generally cylindrical rod shaped article receiving space of the non-combustible aerosol provision device. The article may be configured such that at least a portion of the first spacing is not circumscribed by the first heating device or the second heating device when the article is fully inserted into the device.
Optionally, the article further comprises a third section of aerosol generating material, wherein the first heating device or the second heating device is further configured to heat at least a portion of the third section of aerosol generating material, to produce a third aerosol therefrom.
Optionally, the article comprises a third section of aerosol generating material and a fourth section of aerosol generating material. Optionally, the first heating device is configured to heat the first and third sections of aerosol generating material to produce first and third aerosols respectively therefrom, and the second heating device is configured to heat the second and fourth sections of aerosol generating material to produce second and fourth aerosols respectively therefrom.
Optionally, the third section of aerosol generating material is spaced apart from the first section of aerosol generating material along the longitudinal axis of the article.
Optionally, the first and third sections of aerosol generating material are arranged to abut one another along the longitudinal axis of the article.
Optionally, the fourth section of aerosol generating material is spaced apart from the second section of aerosol generating material along the longitudinal axis of the article.
Optionally, the second and fourth sections of aerosol generating material are arranged to abut one another along the longitudinal axis of the article.
Optionally, the first heating device is configured to heat two or more sections of aerosol generating material, and the second heating device is configured to heat two or more sections of aerosol generating material.
Optionally, the article comprises any one or more of the features described above in relation to embodiments providing articles.
According to aspects of the disclosure, there is provided a non-combustible aerosol provision system, comprising: an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, and a non-combustible aerosol provision device. The article comprises: a first section comprising a first aerosol generating material; a second section comprising a second aerosol generating material that is different to the first aerosol generating material; and at least one wrapper circumscribing the first and second sections; wherein the first and second sections are arranged to abut one another along a longitudinal axis of the article. The non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises a first heating device configured to heat the first section to produce a first aerosol therefrom, and a second heating device configured to heat the second section to produce a second aerosol therefrom. The first and second heating devices are spaced apart from one another by a spacing, and the first and second sections are arranged to abut one another in the spacing between the first and second heating devices when the article is in use in the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
Optionally, the article is a consumable.
Optionally, the non-combustible aerosol provision device is configured to heat but not burn the aerosol generating material.
Optionally, the device comprises an opening for inserting the article into the device. The opening may be generally circular. The opening may define a generally cylindrical rod shaped article receiving space of the device, for receiving the article.
Optionally, the device further comprises a power source, which may comprise a battery for example. The device may further comprise a power button.
Optionally, the first heating device comprises a first heating coil, and/or the second heating device comprises a second heating coil. The first and/or second heating coils may be arranged to circumscribe the generally cylindrical rod shaped article receiving space of the device, and/or the article. The first and/or second heating coils may be generally helical. The first and/or second heating coils may be arranged to helically circumscribe the article.
Optionally, the first heating device may be arranged to circumscribe the first section of aerosol generating material, and the second heating device may be arranged to circumscribe the second section of aerosol generating material.
Optionally, the device is configured to sequentially heat the first and second sections of aerosol generating material. For example, the device may be configured such that the second heating device is first configured to heat the second section, and the first heating device is configured to then heat the first section, or vice versa.
Optionally, the first and/or second heating devices each comprises an induction heater.
Optionally, the first and/or second heating devices each comprises a susceptor.
Optionally, the first and second sections are arranged to abut one another at a join line.
Optionally, the spacing defines a cold spot of the device. The join line may be arranged to correspond with and/or be aligned with the cold spot. In some examples, the join line may be arranged to correspond with and/or be aligned with a mid point or centre of the cold spot, along the longitudinal axis of the article. In some examples, the join line may be arranged to be skewed from, for example to be arranged between approximately 1mm to approximately 8mm to one side of, the mid point or centre of the cold spot, along the longitudinal axis of the article.
Optionally, the join line of the article is configured to correspond with the spacing of the device along the longitudinal axis of the article when the article is fully inserted into the generally cylindrical rod shaped article receiving space of the non-combustible aerosol provision device. The article may be configured such that in the region of the join line, the article is not circumscribed by the first heating device or the second heating device when the article is fully inserted into the device.
Optionally, the article further comprises a third section of aerosol generating material, wherein the first heating device or the second heating device is further configured to heat at least a portion of the third section of aerosol generating material, to produce a third aerosol therefrom.
Optionally, the article comprises a third section of aerosol generating material and a fourth section of aerosol generating material. Optionally, the first heating device is configured to heat the first and third sections of aerosol generating material to produce first and third aerosols respectively therefrom, and the second heating device is configured to heat the second and fourth sections of aerosol generating material to produce second and fourth aerosols respectively therefrom.
Optionally, the third section of aerosol generating material is spaced apart from the first section of aerosol generating material along the longitudinal axis of the article.
Optionally, the first and third sections of aerosol generating material are arranged to abut one another along the longitudinal axis of the article.
Optionally, the fourth section of aerosol generating material is spaced apart from the second section of aerosol generating material along the longitudinal axis of the article.
Optionally, the second and fourth sections of aerosol generating material are arranged to abut one another along the longitudinal axis of the article.
Optionally, the first heating device is configured to heat two or more sections of aerosol generating material, and the second heating device is configured to heat two or more sections of aerosol generating material.
Optionally, the article comprises any one or more of the features described above in relation to embodiments providing articles.
According to aspects of the disclosure, there is provided a non-combustible aerosol provision system, comprising: a article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, and a non-combustible aerosol provision device. The article comprises: a first section comprising a first aerosol generating material; a second section comprising a second aerosol generating material that is different to the first aerosol generating material; and at least one wrapper circumscribing the first and second sections; wherein the first and second sections are arranged to abut one another along a longitudinal axis of the article. The non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises a first heating device configured to heat at least a portion of the first section to produce a first aerosol therefrom, and a second heating device configured to heat at least a portion of the second section to produce a second aerosol therefrom. Optionally, the first heating device is also configured to heat a portion of the second section to produce the second aerosol therefrom; or optionally, the second heating device is also configured to heat a portion of the first section to produce the first aerosol therefrom.
Optionally, the article is a consumable.
Optionally, the first and second heating devices are arranged such that the first and second sections are arranged to abut one another in the region of the first heating device, such that the first heating device is configured to heat the first section and a first portion of the second section, and such that the second heating device is configured to heat a second portion of the second section; or the first and second heating devices are arranged such that the first and second sections are arranged to abut one another in the region of the second heating device, such that the second heating device is configured to heat the second section and a first portion of the first section, and such that the first heating device is configured to heat a second portion of the first section.
Optionally, the non-combustible aerosol provision device is configured to heat but not burn the aerosol generating material.
Optionally, the device comprises an opening for inserting the article into the device. The opening may be generally circular. The opening may define a generally cylindrical rod shaped article receiving space of the device, for receiving the article.
Optionally, the device further comprises a power source, which may comprise a battery for example. The device may further comprise a power button.
Optionally, the first heating device comprises a first heating coil, and/or the second heating device comprises a second heating coil. The first and/or second heating coils may be arranged to circumscribe the generally cylindrical rod shaped article receiving space of the device, and/or the article. The first and/or second heating coils may be generally helical. The first and/or second heating coils may be arranged to helically circumscribe the article.
Optionally, the first heating device may be arranged to circumscribe the first section of aerosol generating material, and the second heating device may be arranged to circumscribe the second section of aerosol generating material.
Optionally, the device is configured to sequentially heat the first and second sections of aerosol generating material. For example, the device may be configured such that the second heating device is first configured to heat the second section, and the first heating device is configured to then heat the first section, or vice versa.
Optionally, the first and/or second heating devices each comprises an induction heater.
Optionally, the first and/or second heating devices each comprises a susceptor.
Optionally, the first and second sections are arranged to abut one another at a join line.
Optionally, a spacing between the first and second heating devices defines a cold spot of the device. The join line may be arranged to correspond with and/or be aligned with the cold spot. In some examples, the join line may be arranged to correspond with and/or be aligned with a mid point or centre of the cold spot, along the longitudinal axis of the article. In some examples, the join line may be arranged to be skewed from, for example to be arranged between approximately 1mm to approximately 8mm to one side of the mid point or centre of the cold spot, along the longitudinal axis of the article.
Optionally, the join line of the article is configured to correspond with the spacing of the device along the longitudinal axis of the article when the article is fully inserted into the generally cylindrical rod shaped article receiving space of the non-combustible aerosol provision device. The article may be configured such that in the region of the join line, the article is not circumscribed by the first heating device or the second heating device when the article is fully inserted into the device.
Optionally, the article further comprises a third section of aerosol generating material, wherein the first heating device or the second heating device is further configured to heat at least a portion of the third section of aerosol generating material, to produce a third aerosol therefrom.
Optionally, the article comprises a third section of aerosol generating material and a fourth section of aerosol generating material. Optionally, the first heating device is configured to heat at least a portion of the first section of aerosol generating material and at least a portion of the third section of aerosol generating material, to produce first and third aerosols respectively therefrom; and optionally the second heating device is configured to heat at least a portion of the second section of aerosol generating material and at least a portion of the fourth section of aerosol generating material to produce second and fourth aerosols respectively therefrom.
Optionally, the third section of aerosol generating material is spaced apart from the first section of aerosol generating material along the longitudinal axis of the article.
Optionally, the first and third sections of aerosol generating material are arranged to abut one another along the longitudinal axis of the article.
Optionally, the fourth section of aerosol generating material is spaced apart from the second section of aerosol generating material along the longitudinal axis of the article.
Optionally, the second and fourth sections of aerosol generating material are arranged to abut one another along the longitudinal axis of the article.
Optionally, the first heating device is configured to heat at least a portion of each of a first two or more sections of aerosol generating material, and the second heating device is configured to heat at least a portion of each of a second two or more sections of aerosol generating material.
Optionally, the article comprises any one or more of the features described above in relation to embodiments providing articles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

Figure 1 (prior art) shows a non-combustible aerosol provision system;
Figure 2 (prior art) shows a cross-sectional view of an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device;
Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device;
Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device;
Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the article of Figure 3 arranged in a non-combustible aerosol provision device;
Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the article of Figure 4 arranged in a non-combustible aerosol provision device;
Figure 7 shows a heating device;
Figure 8 shows a pair of heating coils and an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device;
Figure 9 shows a flowchart outlining a method for manufacturing the article of Figure 3;
Figures 10A to 10G show a method for manufacturing the article of Figure 3;
Figure 11 shows a flowchart outlining a method for manufacturing the article of Figure 4; and
Figures 12A to 12F show a method for manufacturing the article of Figure 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
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 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 disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables may sometimes be referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
The article/consumable comprises aerosol-generating material.
Aerosol-generating material is 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 semisolid (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.
to the aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises an active substance.
The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, and/or psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.
In one embodiment the active substance is a legally permissible recreational drug.
In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.
As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.
The active substance may be CBD or a derivative thereof.
As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like. Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v.,Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v.,Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens
In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.
In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.
In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises a flavour.
As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.
In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.
In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucalyptol, WS-3.
The aerosol generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.
The aerosol generating material may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former. Optionally, a 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 aerosol-generating film and/or amorphous solid may be substantially free from botanical material. The aerosol-generating film and/or amorphous solid may be substantially tobacco free.
The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.
The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.
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 susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.
An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent.
The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.
Figure 1 shows a non-combustible aerosol provision system 1 (which may hereinafter be referred to as the "system") comprising a non-combustible aerosol provision device 2 (which may hereinafter be referred to as the "device") and a consumable 3. The consumable 3 is generally cylindrical and rod shaped and comprises aerosol generating material, which may for example comprise tobacco. The device 2 comprises a generally circular opening 30 for inserting the consumable 3 into the device 2 and which defines a generally cylindrical rod shaped consumable receiving space 4 (see Figures 5 and 6 for example) for receiving the consumable 3. As shall be described below in more detail, the device 2 comprises a heating device 5 (see Figures 5 to 7) configured to heat the consumable 3, such that the aerosol generating material generates an aerosol, which can be inhaled by a user of the system 1.
Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary consumable 3 comprising a proximal end 6 and a distal end 7. The proximal end 6 is configured to protrude from the device 2 and to be received in the mouth of a user and may also be referred to as a "mouth end" of the consumable, whereas the distal end 7 is configured to be received in the rod shaped consumable receiving space 4. Starting from the distal end 7 through to the proximal end 6, the consumable 3 comprises the following elements in the following order, which shall be described in more detail hereinafter: a plug 8, a column of aerosol generating material 9, a heat displacement collar 10, a first filter 11, and a second filter 12. The first filter 11 and/or the second filter 12 may be described as defining a filter section forming the mouth end of the consumable 3.
In the example described herein, the plug 8 comprises a plug of paper material and is arranged to abut (i.e. to be arranged substantially adjacent to with no spacing therebetween, for example to touch) the column of aerosol generating material 9 which comprises a single cylindrical section of tobacco in the example shown. The heat displacement collar 10 is generally hollow and comprises one or more layers of paper or cardboard sheet material rolled to form a tube, for example three such layers. The first filter 11 comprises cellulose acetate material gathered, crimped, rolled and/or folded to form a generally cylindrical body of material, and the second filter 12 comprises a tube. It is also envisaged that the first filter 11 may comprise other materials, such as for example paper, or other non-woven materials. In some examples, the plug 8 has a length of approximately 6mm, the column of aerosol generating material 9 has a length of approximately 28mm, the heat displacement collar 10 has a length of approximately 25mm, the first filter 11 has a length of approximately 10mm, and the second filter 12 has a length of approximately 6mm.
In the example shown, circumscribing the plug 8, column 9, heat displacement collar 10, and first and second filters 11 and 12, there are various wrapping layers. A first plug wrap 13 circumscribes the plug 8, and a second plug wrap 14 circumscribes the first filter 11. A third plug wrap 15 circumscribes the heat displacement collar 10 and the first and second filters 11, 12, around the second plug wrap 14. An inner wrapper layer 16 circumscribes the column of aerosol generating material 9, and the inner wrapper layer 16 and the first plug wrap 13 are then together circumscribed by an outer wrapper layer 17. Finally, a layer of tipping paper 18 circumscribes the third plug wrap 15, and a portion 19 of the outer wrapper layer 17. In this manner, the plug 8, column 9, heat displacement collar 10, and first and second filters 11, 12 are circumferentially bound together along the length of the consumable 3 to form the generally cylindrical rod-shaped consumable. One or more of the aforementioned various wrapping layers, i.e. one or more of the first plug wrap 13, the second plug wrap 14, the third plug wrap 15, the inner wrapper layer 16, the outer wrapper layer 17, and the layer of tipping paper 18, may comprise a layer of a sheet material, for example paper, rolled up and glued at a seam to form a generally cylindrical tube shape.
Whilst the example shown in Figure 2 comprises the aforementioned elements, it is envisaged that other elements may additionally be present in the consumable 3, and/or that some of the elements described above may be removed and/or modified. For example, a different arrangement of wrapping layers such as including any other suitable arrangement of one or more wrapping papers, plug wraps and/or tipping papers may be employed, to bind together the plug 8, column 9, heat displacement collar 10, and first and second filters 11, 12.
Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary consumable 3, in which like reference numerals denote like elements with those described above. Similarly to the example shown in Figure 2, the exemplary consumable of Figure 3 also comprises a plug 8, a column of aerosol generating material 9, a heat displacement collar 10, a first filter 11, a second filter 12, a first plug wrap 13, a second plug wrap 14, a third plug wrap 15, an outer wrapper layer 17, and a layer of tipping paper 18. The first filter 11 and/or the second filter 12 may be described as defining a filter section forming the mouth end of the consumable 3.
The consumable 3 of Figure 3 differs from the consumable 3 of Figure 2 in that firstly, the column of aerosol generating material 9 comprises a first section 20a of aerosol generating material and a second section 20b of aerosol generating material. The first and second sections 20a, 20b of aerosol generating material are arranged to abut one another along a longitudinal axis 21 of the consumable 3 at a join line 27. The first section 20a comprises a first aerosol generating material, and the second section 20b comprises a second aerosol generating material that is different to the first aerosol generating material. The consumable 3 may therefore be referred to as a "dual substrate" consumable, since two different aerosol generating materials are provided in the column 9. Advantageously, providing a dual substrate consumable by having first and second sections 20a, 20b comprising different aerosol generating materials can advantageously provide for a sensory change to a user of the consumable 3 part way through the heating of the column 9 of aerosol generating material, for example such as a change in flavour.
The first aerosol generating material and the second aerosol generating material could for example comprise two different tobacco blends comprising different nicotine strengths, different flavours, and or different types of leaf/plant, to provide a change in sensory experience to the user part way through their session of inhaling aerosol from the consumable 3. As another example, one of the first or second aerosol generating materials may comprise tobacco, and the other one of the first or second aerosol generating materials may comprise another stimulant such as caffeine for example.
For instance, the first aerosol generating material and/or the second aerosol generating material may each comprise one or more of the following: tobacco leaf, (Aspalathus linearis) rooibos, tobacco extract-containing aerosol-generating film, glycerol gel, tobacco granules, a filler such as lyocell for example, flavour gel, bandcast tobacco, nicotine, caffeine, and/or menthol gel. As an example, the first aerosol generating material and/or the second aerosol generating material may comprise a filler, for example lyocell, the filler being used as an aerosol forming component carrier by being arranged to carry one or more aerosolisable components such as nicotine and flavourant, for example by being impregnated thereby. The first aerosol generating material and/or the second aerosol-generating material may each comprise an extruded aerosol-generating material, which may be in the form of a porous plug or sheet, for example.
For example, the first aerosol generating material may comprise tobacco leaf and the second aerosol generating material may comprise rooibos, or vice versa. In other examples, the first aerosol generating material may comprise tobacco leaf and the second aerosol generating material may comprise tobacco extract-containing aerosol-generating film, or vice versa. In other examples, the first aerosol generating material may comprise a blend of tobacco leaf and glycerol gel, and the second aerosol generating material may comprise a blend of tobacco granules and a filler such a lyocell, or vice versa. In other examples, the first aerosol generating material may comprise a blend of tobacco leaf and glycerol gel, and the second aerosol generating material may comprise a blend of tobacco extract and a filler such a lyocell, or vice versa. In other examples, the first aerosol generating material may comprise tobacco leaf and the second aerosol generating material may comprise a blend of tobacco leaf and a flavour gel, or vice versa. In other examples, the first aerosol generating material may comprise a tobacco extract-containing aerosol-generating filmand the second aerosol generating material may comprise tobacco leaf and a flavour gel, or vice versa.
In some examples, providing a dual substrate consumable 3 in which one of the sections 20a, 20b comprises a shredded material and the other one of the sections 20a, 20b comprises a gel material or an aerosol-generating film material can advantageously provide for a reduction in migration of the first aerosol generating material from the first section 20a to the second section 20b, and of the second aerosol generating material from the second section 20b to the first section 20a.
In the example shown, the consumable 3 further differs from that shown in Figure 2 in that a first inner wrapper layer portion 16a circumscribes the first section 20a and a second inner wrapper layer portion 16b circumscribes the second section 20b. Although, it is envisaged that the first and second sections 20a, 20b may alternatively or additionally be circumscribed by a single inner wrapper layer 16, such as that illustrated in the example of Figure 2.
As aforementioned, in the example shown in Figure 3, the column 9 of aerosol generating material comprises two sections of aerosol generating material: the first section 20a, and the second section 20b. Although, it is also envisaged that the column 9 of aerosol generating material may comprise any other number of a plurality of sections of aerosol generating material. For example, the column 9 of aerosol generating material may comprise three or more sections of aerosol generating material, such as three, four, five, six or more such sections. For example, the column 9 of aerosol generating material may comprise the first section 20a, the second section 20b, and a third section (not shown) of aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material of the third section, and/or one or more of any additional sections (i.e. a fourth section onwards) may comprise the same aerosol generating material as the first section 20a, the same aerosol generating material as the second section 20b, or a third or further different aerosol generating material. Whilst the foregoing and following discussion relating to the example of Figure 3 is based on examples having two sections, the first section 20a and the second section 20b, it is to be understood that said discussion may also apply to examples having three or more sections of aerosol generating material.
Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary consumable 3, in which like reference numerals again denote like elements with those described above. Similarly to the example shown in Figure 3, the column 9 of aerosol generating material comprises a first section 20a of aerosol generating material and a second section 20b of aerosol generating material. The consumable 3 of Figure 4 differs from the consumable 3 of Figure 3 in that first and second sections 20a, 20b are not arranged to abut one another, but are instead arranged to be spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis 21 of the consumable 3 by a first spacing 22. A first inner wrapper layer portion 16a circumscribes the first section 20a, a second inner wrapper layer portion 16b circumscribes the second section 20b, and a third inner wrapper layer portion 16c, for example a plug wrap, circumscribes the first spacing 22. Although, it is envisaged that the first and second sections 20a, 20b may alternatively or additionally be circumscribed by a single inner wrapper layer 16, such as that illustrated in the example of Figure 2, by two inner wrapper layers for example as in the example of Figure 3, or by any other suitable wrapping arrangement.
By providing a first spacing 22 between the first and second sections 20a, 20b of aerosol generating material, the mass of aerosol generating material in column 9 of aerosol generating material, and hence the mass of the overall consumable 3, may be reduced. In some examples, the first spacing 22 may have a length along the longitudinal direction 21 of the consumable 3 of between approximately 1mm to approximately 8mm, for example approximately 2mm, or for example approximately 6mm. In some examples, providing the first spacing 22 in the column 9 of aerosol generating material may reduce the mass of aerosol generating material in the column 9 of aerosol generating material by approximately 10mg per 1mm of length of the first spacing 22. It is to be appreciated that the amount by which the mass of aerosol generating material in the column 9 may be reduced by per 1mm of length of the first spacing 22 may depend upon the diameter of the consumable 3 and the density of the aerosol generating material. The length of the first spacing 22 and hence the resulting mass reduction of aerosol generating material may be chosen to balance the effects of reducing the mass of the column 9 of aerosol generating material with any impact on taste or other sensory properties for a user of the consumable 3. In some examples, the total weight of tobacco material in the consumable 3 may be reduced, for example by around 20-30mg, without a detrimental effect on the sensory properties of the consumable 3.
In the example shown, arranged in the first spacing 22 is a spacer 23. In some examples, the spacer 23 comprises a tube formed from rolling a sheet material, for example paper, cardboard, cellulose acetate and/or a non-woven material such as regenerated cellulose (e.g. Lyocell) for example, into a tube shape. Providing a spacer 23 comprising regenerated cellulose may advantageously provide for the consumable 3 to have a reduced environmental impact. In some examples, the spacer 23 may be formed by forming or moulding a material, for example by forming or moulding a material around a mandrel. The tube shape acts as a spacer between the first and second sections 20a, 20b, and provides a void therebetween defined by the hollow cylindrical cavity of the tube shape. Although, it is envisaged that one or more other elements may be arranged in the first spacing 22 instead of or in addition to a tube as the spacer 23, to space apart the first and second sections 20a, 20b. For example, the spacer 23 may comprise a body comprising a sheet material gathered, crimped, rolled and/or folded to form the body. Such a body may comprise one or more voids. The body may in some examples form a plug. Said sheet material forming a tube or a body as the spacer 23 may for example comprise paper, cardboard, cellulose acetate and/or a non-woven material such as lyocell for example. In some examples, the spacer 23 between the first and second sections 20a, 20b may comprise a plug.
In some examples, similarly to in the example of Figure 3, the first section 20a of aerosol generating material comprises a first aerosol generating material, and the second section 20b of aerosol generating material comprises a second aerosol generating material that is different to the first aerosol generating material. However, it is also envisaged that in other examples, the first and second sections 20a, 20b of aerosol generating material may alternatively comprise the same aerosol generating material, such that the column of aerosol generating material 9 comprises two sections of the same aerosol generating material spaced apart along the longitudinal axis 21 of the consumable 3 by the first spacing 22. In this manner, it is to be understood that the example of Figure 4 can be employed to provide a consumable 3 having a column of aerosol generating material 9 with a gap in it (provided by the first spacing 22), wherein the aerosol generating material on either side of the gap is either the same or different. In the case of the aerosol generating material on either side of the gap being different (i.e. when the first section 20a comprises a first aerosol generating material and the second section 20b of aerosol generating material comprises a second aerosol generating material that is different to the first aerosol generating material), then the consumable 3 may be described as a "dual substrate" consumable. Advantageously, providing a dual substrate consumable by having first and second sections 20a, 20b comprising different aerosol generating materials can advantageously provide for a sensory change to a user of the consumable 3 part way through the column 9 of aerosol generating material, for example such as a change in flavour.
The first aerosol generating material and the second aerosol generating material could for example comprise two different tobacco blends comprising different nicotine strengths, different flavours, and or different types of leaf/plant, to provide a change in sensory experience to the user part way through their session of inhaling aerosol from the consumable 3. As another example, one of the first or second aerosol generating materials may comprise tobacco, and the other one of the first or second aerosol generating materials may comprise another stimulant such as caffeine for example.
For instance, the first aerosol generating material and/or the second aerosol generating material may each comprise one or more of the following: tobacco leaf, (Aspalathus linearis) rooibos, tobacco extract containing aerosol-generating film, glycerol gel, tobacco granules, a filler such as lyocell for example, flavour gel, bandcast tobacco, nicotine, caffeine, and/or menthol gel.
In some examples where the first and second sections 20a, 20b comprise different aerosol generating materials, the first aerosol generating material may comprise tobacco leaf and the second aerosol generating material may comprise rooibos, or vice versa. In other examples, the first aerosol generating material may comprise tobacco leaf and the second aerosol generating material may comprise tobacco extract-containing aerosol-generating film, or vice versa. In other examples, the first aerosol generating material may comprise a blend of tobacco leaf and glycerol gel, and the second aerosol generating material may comprise a blend of tobacco granules and a filler such a lyocell, or vice versa. In other examples, the first aerosol generating material may comprise a blend of tobacco leaf and glycerol gel, and the second aerosol generating material may comprise a blend of tobacco extract and a filler such a lyocell, or vice versa. In other examples, the first aerosol generating material may comprise tobacco leaf and the second aerosol generating material may comprise a blend of tobacco leaf and a flavour gel, or vice versa. In other examples, the first aerosol generating material may comprise a tobacco extract-containing aerosol-generating film and the second aerosol generating material may comprise tobacco leaf and a flavour gel, or vice versa.
In some examples, providing a dual substrate consumable 3 in which one of the sections 20a, 20b comprises a shredded material and the other one of the sections 20a, 20b comprises a gel material can advantageously provide for a reduction in migration of the first aerosol generating material from the first section 20a to the second section 20b, and of the second aerosol generating material from the second section 20b to the first section 20a.
In other examples where the first and second sections 20a, 20b comprise the same aerosol generating material as mentioned above, the first and second sections 20a, 20b may for example both comprise tobacco leaf.
As aforementioned, in the example shown in Figure 4, the column 9 of aerosol generating material comprises two sections of aerosol generating material: the first section 20a, and the second section 20b. Although, it is also envisaged that the column 9 of aerosol generating material may comprise any other number of a plurality of sections of aerosol generating material. For example, the column 9 of aerosol generating material may comprise three or more sections of aerosol generating material, such as three, four, five, six or more such sections. For example, the column 9 of aerosol generating material may comprise the first section 20a, the second section 20b, and a third section (not shown) of aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material of the third section, and/or one or more of any additional sections (i.e. a fourth section onwards) may comprise the same aerosol generating material as the first section 20a, the same aerosol generating material as the second section 20b, or a third or further different aerosol generating material.
Accordingly, whilst the foregoing and subsequent discussion of the example of Figure 4 is based on an example having two sections, the first section 20a and the second section 20b, it is to be understood that said discussion may also apply to examples having three or more sections of aerosol generating material. Furthermore, it is envisaged that while in the example of Figure 4, the first and second sections 20a, 20b are spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis 21 of the consumable 3 by the first spacing 22, any third or further additional such sections may either be arranged to abut their adjacent sections (for example as in the example of Figure 3), or may be spaced apart therefrom along the longitudinal axis 21 of the consumable 3.
For example, it is envisaged that the column 9 of aerosol generating material may comprise a first section 20a and a second section 20b spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis 21 of the consumable 3 by the first spacing 22 of the consumable 3, and a third section (not shown) spaced apart from the second section 20b along the longitudinal axis 21 of the consumable 3 by a second spacing (not shown) of the consumable 3. Alternatively, as another example, it is envisaged that the column 9 of aerosol generating material may comprise a first section 20a and a second section 20b spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis 21 of the consumable 3 by the first spacing 22, and a third section (not shown) arranged to abut the second section 20b along the longitudinal axis 21 of the consumable 3. Whether any such further sections are spaced apart from or abut their adjacent sections along the longitudinal axis 21 of the consumable 3 can be designed to configured to consumable 3 to provide particular sensory properties to a user of the consumable 3, for example by tailoring the timings at which the aerosol will be generated from each of the sections based on their respective lengths, positions, and any relative spacings therebetween, as shall be discussed below in more detail.
Furthermore, whilst in the examples illustrated herein and described below, the non-combustible aerosol provision device 2 comprises a heating device 5 comprising a first heater 26a configured to heat the first section 20a and a second heater 26b configured to heat the second section 20b, it is to be understood that should the consumable 3 comprise more than two sections 20a, 20b of aerosol generating material, it is envisaged that different arrangements between the heating device 5 and the sections of aerosol generating material may be employed. For example, each of the heaters 26a, 26b may be arranged to heat one section of aerosol generating material. As another example, each of the heaters 26a, 26b may be arranged to heat two or more sections of aerosol generating material. As another example, each of the heaters 26a, 26b may be arranged to heat at least a portion of each of two or more sections of aerosol generating material.
For example, the first heater 26a may be arranged to heat the first section 20a and a third section (not shown) of aerosol generating material, and the second heater 26b may be arranged to heat the second section 20b and a fourth section (not shown) of aerosol generating material.
Referring back to Figure 3 in combination with Figure 4, it can therefore be appreciated that a dual substrate consumable 3 can be provided by providing first and second sections 20a, 20b of aerosol generating material comprising different first and second aerosol generating materials respectively, either with a first spacing 22 therebetween (see Figure 4 for example), or with no spacing therebetween such that the first and second sections 20a, 20b abut each other (see Figure 3 for example). It can also be appreciated that the first and second sections 20a, 20b may alternatively comprise the same aerosol generating material therein, both in examples wherein there is a first spacing 22 therebetween (see Figure 4 for example), and also in examples wherein there is no spacing therebetween such that the first and second sections 20a, 20b abut each other (see Figure 3 for example).
Providing a dual substrate consumable 3 by providing a first spacing 22 between the first and second sections 20a, 20b can advantageously provide for a reduction in migration of the first aerosol generating material from the first section 20a to the second section 20b, and of the second aerosol generating material from the second section 20b to the first section 20a. In some examples, if further additional sections of aerosol generating material are provided as described above, for example if three or more sections of aerosol generating material in total are provided in the column 9 of aerosol generating material, those further additional sections may each comprise the same aerosol generating material as or a different aerosol generating material to that comprised in each of the first and second sections 20a, 20b of aerosol generating material.
The use of the exemplary consumables 3 in a non-combustible aerosol provision device 2 shall now be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6, followed by a description on the geometry of the first and second sections 20a, 20b described above, and how this relates to the non-combustible aerosol provision device 2.
Figure 5 shows a non-combustible aerosol provision system 1 comprising a non-combustible aerosol provision device 2 with a consumable 3 similar to that shown in the example of Figure 3 received in its rod shaped consumable receiving space 4. That is, in the example of Figure 5, the column of aerosol generating material 9 in the consumable 3 comprises first and second sections 20a, 20b of aerosol generating material that are arranged to abut one another along the longitudinal axis 21 of the consumable.
Figure 6 similarly shows a non-combustible aerosol provision system 1 comprising a non-combustible aerosol provision device 2 with a consumable 3 similar to that shown in the example of Figure 4 received in its rod shaped consumable receiving space 4. That is, in the example of Figure 6, the column of aerosol generating material 9 in the consumable comprises first and second sections 20a, 20b of aerosol generating material that are spaced apart from one another by a first spacing 22 along the longitudinal axis of 21 of the consumable. In the example of
Figure 6, as discussed above in relation to Figure 4, the first and second sections 20a, 20b may comprise the same aerosol generating material, or they may comprise different respective aerosol generating materials, with the following discussion covering both such possibilities.
In both the examples of Figure 5 and Figure 6, the non-combustible aerosol provision device 2 may further comprise a power source 24, which may for example comprise a battery. The device 2 may further comprise a power button 25, for example as shown in Figure 1. The exemplary devices 2 shown in Figures 5 and 6 may be substantially similar. The following discussion will therefore focus on the exemplary consumables 3 shown in Figures 5 and 6, and how these relate to the design of the non-combustible aerosol provision device 2.
Referring back to Figure 5, the non-combustible aerosol provision device 2 comprises a heating device 5 configured to heat the consumable 3, such that the aerosol generating material generates an aerosol, which can be inhaled by a user of the non-combustible aerosol provision system 1. The heating device 5 comprises a first heater 26a and a second heater 26b. In the example shown, the first heater 26a comprises a first heating coil and the second heater 26b comprises a second heating coil. Although, it is envisaged that other heater types may be employed in addition to or instead of said heating coils. In the example shown, the first and second heating coils which constitute the first and second heaters 26a, 26b are generally helical and arranged to circumscribe the generally cylindrical rod shaped consumable receiving space 4, as shown in Figure 7 for example, such that they are arranged to helically circumscribe the consumable 3.
With further reference to Figure 5, the first heater 26a is configured to correspond with the first section 20a of aerosol generating material and the second heater 26b is configured to correspond with the second section 20b of aerosol generating material, such that each of the first and second heaters 26a, 26b, and hence each of the first and second heating coils as in the example described herein, is arranged to heat a respective one of the sections 20a, 20b of aerosol generating material. That is, the first heater 26a is configured to heat the first section 20a of aerosol generating material, and the second heater 26b is configured to heat the second section 20b of aerosol generating material. In this manner, the heating device 5 may be configured to sequentially heat the first and second sections 20a, 20b of aerosol generating material. For example, the heating device 5 may be configured to first heat the second section 20b of aerosol generating material, and then to heat the first section 20a of aerosol generating material, or vice versa, so that a sensory change (for example based on the organoleptic properties of the aerosol generating material) can be provided to a user of the consumable 3 part way through their session of use, for example such as a flavour change, which could be provided by the aerosol generating materials of the first and second sections 20a, 20b comprising different flavours.
As shown in the example of Figure 5, and with reference to Figure 7, the first and second heaters 26a, 26b, which in the example shown are embodied as first and second helical heating coils, may be arranged with a spacing 28 therebetween, relative to the longitudinal axis 21 of the consumable 3. For example, the spacing 28 may be approximately 3.5mm. As can be seen in the exemplary illustration of Figure 5, the join line 27 at which the first and second sections 20a, 20b of aerosol generating material abut is geometrically designed to correspond with the axial position of the spacing 28 when the consumable 3 is fully inserted into the generally cylindrical rod shaped consumable receiving space 4 of the non-combustible aerosol provision device 2. That is, the axial length of the first and sections 20a, 20b (i.e. their length along the direction of/parallel to the longitudinal axis 21 of the consumable 3), and the axial positioning of the first and second sections 20a, 20b along the longitudinal axis 21 of the consumable 3 may be chosen such that when the consumable 3 is fully inserted into the generally cylindrical rod shaped consumable receiving space 4, i.e. such that the distal end 7 of the consumable 3 is fully in contact with a base end portion 29 of the rod shaped consumable receiving space 4, the join line 27 of the column 9 of aerosol generating material is not circumscribed by the first heater 26a or the second heater 26b, but rather is coincident with the spacing 28 therebetween. As shall be discussed below in more detail, the spacing 28 between the first and second heaters 26a, 26b defines a "cold spot" of the heating device 5 and hence results in a corresponding cold spot on the consumable 3, and it can be advantageous to align the geometry of the join line 27 to correspond with the spacing 28 and hence the cold spot.
As shown in Figure 3, the first section 20a may have a first length 32 along the longitudinal axis 21 of the consumable 3 and the second section 20b may have a second length 33 along the longitudinal axis 21 of the consumable 3. In some examples, the first length 32 may be approximately equal to the second length 33. In some examples, the first length 32 may be different to the second length 33, for example the first length 32 may be longer than the second length 33, or vice versa. The first and second lengths 32, 33 may be chosen so as to configure the consumable 3 such that the join line 27 is arrangeable in the cold spot of the heating device 5 when the consumable 3 is inserted into the device 2. For example, the join line 27 could be configured to align with approximately a mid point or centre of the cold spot. As another example, the join line 27 could be configured to be skewed to one side of the mid point or centre of the cold spot, for example it could be aligned to be between approximately 1mm and 8mm to one side of the mid point or centre of the cold spot.
The position at which the join line 27 aligns with the cold spot may be chosen to tailor the sensory properties (for example based on the organoleptic properties of the aerosol generating material), for example the flavour profile of the consumable 3, and the geometry of the first and second lengths 32, 33 can thus be designed accordingly. For example, the position of the join line 27 relative to the cold spot may be chosen to configure the sensory properties (for example based on the organoleptic properties of the aerosol generating material) of the consumable 3 to change from the properties of the second section 20b to the properties of the first section 20a, or vice versa, at a particular time during a session of use by a user of the consumable 3. In some examples, moving the position of the join line 27 by approximately 1mm may change the mass of aerosol generating material in each of the first and second sections 20a, 20b by up to plus or minus 3%, which could equate to approximately plus or minus 10mg, which may have an impact on the sensory properties, such as the flavour profile for example, for a user of the consumable 3. If for example, it were desired to provide consistency of aerosol generation between the first and second sections 20a, 20b, then the first section 20a, which may be configured to be heated sequentially after the second section 20b, such as in examples wherein the second section 20b is arranged closer to the distal end 7 and the first section 20a is arranged closer to the proximal end 20a, then the first section 20a may be configured to have a larger mass than the second section 20b, i.e. such that the first section 20a may be longer than the second section 20b. In such examples, this could provide a bigger delivery of aerosol in the second part of the inhalation session for a user of the consumable 3, since aerosol delivery may typically drop off towards the end of the consumable 3. This may also advantageously reduce the phenomenon of "hot puff" by providing a smaller mass/length in the second section 20b, and hence producing a smaller amount of water vapour in the first few puffs of the consumable 3 by a user thereof. Alternatively, increasing the mass/length of the second section 20b compared to the first section 20a may advantageously improve the immediate smoke satisfaction ("ISS") of the consumable 3.
It is however also envisaged that the first and second sections 20a, 20b of aerosol generating material may alternatively be arranged to abut one another in the region of the first heater 26a or in the region of the second heater 26b, rather than in the spacing 28 between the first and second heaters 26a, 26b, such that the join line 27 of the first and second sections 20a, 20b overlaps with the first heater 26a or the second heater 26b relative to the longitudinal axis 21 of the consumable 3. For example, the first and second heaters 26a, 26b may be arranged such that the first and second sections 20a, 20b are arranged to abut one another in the region of the first heater 26a, such that the first heater 26a is configured to heat the first section 20a and a first portion of the second section 20b, and such that the second heater 26b is configured to heat a second portion of the second section 20b. As another example, the first and second heaters 26a, 26b may be arranged such that the first and second sections 20a, 20b are arranged to abut one another in the region of the second heater 26b, such that the second heater 26b is configured to heat the second section 20b and a first portion of the first section 20a, and such that the first heater 26a is configured to heat a second portion of the first section 20a.
In the example of Figure 6, the non-combustible aerosol provision device 2 similarly also comprises a heating device 5 which is substantially similar to that shown in the example of Figure 5 and described above. In the example of Figure 6, the first and second heaters 26a, 26b are also embodied as first and second generally helical heating coils arranged to circumscribe the generally cylindrical rod shaped consumable space 4, and arranged with a spacing 28 therebetween relative to the longitudinal axis 21 of the consumable 3. Although, it is envisaged that other heater types may be employed in addition to or instead of said heating coils.
Again, the first heater 26a is configured to correspond with the first section 20a of aerosol generating material and the second heater 26b is configured to correspond with the second section 20b of aerosol generating material, such that each of the first and second heaters 26a, 26b, and hence each of the first and second heating coils as in the example described herein, is arranged to heat a respective one of the sections 20a, 20b of aerosol generating material. That is, the first heater 26a is configured to heat the first section 20a of aerosol generating material, and the second heater 26b is configured to heat the second section 20b of aerosol generating material. In this manner, the heating device 5 may be configured to sequentially heat the first and second sections 20a, 20b of aerosol generating material. For example, the heating device 5 may be configured to first heat the second section 20b of aerosol generating material, and then to heat the first section 20a of aerosol generating material, or vice versa, so that a sensory change (for example based on the organoleptic properties of the aerosol generating material) can be provided to a user of the consumable 3 part way through their session of use, for example such as a flavour change, which could be provided by the aerosol generating materials of the first and second sections 20a, 20b comprising different flavours.
The non-combustible aerosol provision system 1 shown in Figure 6 differs from that shown in Figure 5 in that the first spacing 22 between the first and second sections 20a, 20b of aerosol generating material is arranged to correspond with the axial position of the spacing 28 when the consumable 3 is fully inserted into the generally cylindrical rod shaped consumable receiving space 4 of the non-combustible aerosol provision device 2.
That is, the axial length of the first and second sections 20a, 20b (i.e. their length along the direction of/parallel to the longitudinal axis 21 of the consumable 3), and the axial positioning of the first and second sections 20a, 20b along the longitudinal axis 21 of the consumable 3 may be chosen such that when the consumable 3 is fully inserted into the generally cylindrical rod shaped consumable receiving space 4, i.e. such that the distal end 7 of the consumable is fully in contact with a base end portion 29 of the rod shaped consumable receiving space 4, at least a portion of the first spacing 22 of the column of aerosol generating material 9 is not circumscribed by the first heater 26a or the second heater 26b.
As aforementioned and as shall be discussed below in more detail, the spacing 28 between the first and second heaters 26a, 26b defines a cold spot of the heating device 5 and hence results in a corresponding cold spot on the consumable 3, and it can be advantageous to align the geometry of the spacing 22 to correspond with the spacing 28 and hence the cold spot. This is because the cold spot may not be heated to as high a temperature as the rest of the column 9 of aerosol generating material, hence any aerosol generating material located in the region of the cold spot may inadvertently be wasted or not used to its full potential. Thus, by aligning the first spacing 22, i.e. the gap between the first and section sections 20a, 20b of aerosol generating material, with the spacing 28 between the first and second heaters 26a, 26b, this can advantageously reduce the mass of aerosol generating material in the consumable by removing aerosol generating material from the location at which said material would not reach its full potential of generating aerosol, thus utilising the aerosol generating material efficiently, whilst also providing a more lightweight consumable 3. Furthermore, aligning the geometry of the spacing 22 to correspond with the spacing 28 and hence the cold spot can further provide the advantage of providing for a sensory change mid way through the session of use of the consumable 3, as discussed above.
As shown in Figure 4, the first section 20a may have a first length 32 along the longitudinal axis 21 of the consumable 3 and the second section 20b may have a second length 33 along the longitudinal axis 21 of the consumable 3. In some examples, the first length 32 may be approximately equal to the second length 33. In some examples, the first length 32 may be different to the second length 33, for example the first length 32 may be longer than the second length 33, or vice versa. The first and second lengths 32, 33 may be chosen so as to configure the consumable 3 such that the first spacing 22 is arrangeable in the cold spot of the heating device 5. For example, a mid point or centre of the first spacing 22 could be configured to align with approximately a mid point or centre of the cold spot. As another example, the first spacing 22 could be configured to be skewed to one side of the mid point or centre of the cold spot, for example it could be aligned to be between approximately 1mm and 8mm to one side of the mid point or centre of the cold spot. The position at which the first spacing 22 aligns with the cold spot may be chosen to tailor the sensory properties (for example based on the organoleptic properties of the aerosol generating material), for example the flavour profile of the consumable 3, and the geometry of the first and second lengths 32, 33 can thus be designed accordingly. For example, the position of the first spacing 22 relative to the cold spot may be chosen to configure the sensory properties of the consumable 3 to change from the properties of the second section 20b to the properties of the first section 20a at a particular time during a session of use by a user of the consumable 3.
In some examples, moving the position of the first spacing 22 by approximately 1mm along the longitudinal axis 21 of the consumable 3 may change the mass of aerosol generating material in each of the first and second sections 20a, 20b by up to plus or minus 3%, which could equate to approximately plus or minus 10mg, which may have an impact on the sensory properties, such as the flavour profile for example, for a user of the consumable 3. If for example, it were desired to provide consistency of aerosol generation between the first and second sections 20a, 20b, then the first section 20a, which may be configured to be heated sequentially after the second section 20b, such as in examples wherein the second section 20b is arranged closer to the distal end 7 and the first section 20a is arranged closer to the proximal end 20a, then the first section 20a may be configured to have a larger mass than the second section 20b, i.e. such that the first section 20a may be longer than the second section 20b. In such examples, this could provide a bigger delivery of aerosol in the second part of the inhalation session for a user of the consumable 3, since aerosol delivery may typically drop off towards the end of the consumable 3. This may also advantageously reduce the phenomenon of "hot puff" by providing a smaller mass/length in the second section 20b, and hence producing a smaller amount of water vapour in the first few puffs of the consumable 3 by a user thereof. Alternatively, increasing the mass/length of the second section 20b compared to the first section 20a may advantageously improve the immediate smoke satisfaction ("ISS") of the consumable 3.
Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary consumable 3 with the first and second heaters 26a, 26b arranged therearound, with the generally cylindrical rod shaped consumable receiving space 4 not shown, for the sake of visibility to demonstrate the axial positioning of the first and second heaters 26a, 26b relative to the first and second sections 20a, 20b of aerosol generating material. As described above, the length and positioning of the first and second sections 20a, 20b of aerosol generating material, and hence the position of the first spacing 22, is configured to correspond with the spacing 28 between the first and second heaters 26a, 26b, such that the first spacing 22 is configured to be arranged in, or at least generally aligned with, the cold spot of the heating device 5. This is because the cold spot may not be heated to as high a temperature as the rest of the column 9 of aerosol generating material, hence any aerosol generating material located in the region of the cold spot may inadvertently be wasted or not used to its full potential. Thus, by aligning the first spacing 22, i.e. the gap between the first and section sections 20a, 20b of aerosol generating material, with the spacing 28 between the first and second heaters 26a, 26b, this can advantageously reduce the mass of aerosol generating material in the consumable by removing aerosol generating material from the location at which said material would not reach its full potential of generating aerosol, thus utilising the aerosol generating material efficiently, whilst also providing a more lightweight consumable 3.
With further reference to Figure 8, the consumable 3 may further comprise one or more further elements such as a capsule 31, which may for example be arranged in the first filter 11. The capsule 31 may comprise an aerosol modifying agent and/or a flavourant. The capsule may have a core-shell structure and be breakable, for example a capsule comprising a solid, frangible shell surrounding a liquid payload. The capsule may be configured to broken or ruptured by a user of the consumable 3, for example by the user squeezing the first filter 11, to release the aerosol modifying agent and/or a flavourant into the first filter 11.
While Figure 8 shows a capsule 31 exemplified in a consumable 3 similar to the example shown in Figure 4, i.e. in which there is a spacing 22 between the first and second sections 20a, 20b of aerosol generating material, it is also envisaged that a capsule 31 may be arranged in a consumable 3 similar to the example shown in Figure 3, i.e. in which the first and second sections 20a, 20b of aerosol generating material abut one another.
Exemplary methods for manufacturing consumables 3 according to the examples of Figures 3, 4 and 8 and described above shall now be described.
Figure 9 shows an exemplary method for manufacturing an exemplary consumable 3 comprising abutting first and second sections 20a, 20b of aerosol generating material, for example as shown in Figure 3, the method comprising steps 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 and 105. Step 100 corresponds with the examples of Figures 10A and 10B. Steps 101 through to 105 correspond with the examples of Figures 10C through to 10G respectively.
Firstly, with reference to Figures 10A and 10B, in step 100, a first elongate rod comprising a first aerosol generating material A is provided, and a second elongate rod comprising a second aerosol generating material B is also provided. The first and second elongate rods are cut into a plurality of segments to be used in the manufacturing process. Figures 10A and 10B show a first segment 106 comprising first aerosol generating material A, and a second segment 107 comprising second aerosol generating material B. In some examples, the first segment 106 may be approximately 28mm along, and the second segment 107 may be approximately 14mm long. Although, it is envisaged that the first and second segments 106, 107 may be any other suitable length.
Secondly, with reference to Figure 10C, in step 101, two second segments 107a and 107b are positioned on either side of a length of plug material 108. On either side of the two second segments 107a and 107b, there are positioned two first segments 106a and 106b.
Thirdly, in step 102, the two second segments 107a, 107b, the length of plug material 108, and the two first segments 106a, 106b, are brought closer together such that they abut one another, as shown in Figure 10D, to form a composite length of segments.
Fourthly, in step 103, the composite length of segments is cut in half at a first cut line 109 as shown in Figure 10E, to form two portions. Each portion may then be trimmed at a second cut line 110.
After the cutting has taken place, as shown in Figure 10F, in step 104, there are formed two portions, each portion comprising a first segment 106 of first aerosol generating material, a second segment 107 of second aerosol generating material, and a segment of plug material 108a, 108b, resulting from the cut along first cut line 109 and the trimming along the second cut lines 110. Each segment of plug material 108a, 108b is approximately half the length of the aforementioned length of plug material 108, since the position of the first cut line 109 is configured to be approximately midway along the axial length of the length of plug material 108.
Finally, in step 105, one of the portions, for example the portion comprising first segment 106a, second segment 107a and segment of plug material 108a, is assembled together with a heat displacement collar 10, a first filter 11, and a second filter 12, and one or more circumscribing wrapping layers, for example as described above in relation to Figure 3, to form a consumable 3, as shown in Figure 10G. The segment of plug material 108a forms the plug 8. The other portion comprising first segment 106b, second segment 107b and segment of plug material 108b can similarly be assembled with a heat displacement collar 10, a first filter 11, and a second filter 12 and one or more circumscribing wrapping layers, for example as described above in relation to Figure 3, to form another such consumable 3.
In the examples shown in Figures 9 and 10 and described above, two first segments 106a, 106b and two second segments 107a, 107b are positioned on either side of a single length of plug material 108, and one cut is made halfway along the composite assembly thereof, to form two portions. Thus, from the composite assembly illustrated in the exemplary drawings and described in the example above, two consumables can be formed. The aforementioned exemplary method has been illustrated and described as forming two consumables purely for the sake of example, and it is also envisaged that the method described above and exemplified in Figures 9 and 10 may also be used with three or more first and second segments and two or more sections of plug material, to form more than two consumables. That is, it is envisaged that rather than forming just a pair of consumables at a time, a plurality of segments and lengths of plug material may be arranged together and then cut at regular intervals therealong to form a plurality of consumables, for example, three, four, five, six or more consumables. It is envisaged that in order to form a relatively large number of consumables, a continuous length of a plurality of segments and sections of plug material may be formed, which may then be cut at regular intervals to provide a plurality of consumables.
Figure 11 shows an exemplary method for manufacturing an exemplary consumable 3 comprising spaced apart first and second sections 20a, 20b of aerosol generating material, for example as shown in Figure 4, the method comprising steps 200, 201, 202, 203, 204 and 205. Steps 200 through to 205 correspond with the examples of Figures 12A through to 12F respectively.
Firstly, with reference to Figure 12A, in step 200, a first elongate rod comprising a first aerosol generating material A is provided, and a second elongate rod comprising a second aerosol generating material B is also provided. The first and second elongate rods are cut into a plurality of segments to be used in the manufacturing process. Figure 12A shows a first segment 206 comprising first aerosol generating material A, and a second segment 207 comprising second aerosol generating material B. In one example, first segment 206 and second segment 207 may each be approximately 22mm long. Although, it is envisaged that the first and second segments 206, 207 may be any other suitable length.
Secondly, with reference to Figure 12B, in step 201, two of said first segments 206, 206a and 206b are positioned on either side of a first length of spacing material 208. Two of said second segments 207, 207a and 207b, are similarly positioned on either side of a second length of spacing material 209.
Thirdly, in step 202, the two first segments 206a, 206b and the first length of spacing material 208 are brought closer together such that they abut one another, as shown in Figure 12C, to form a first composite length of segments. Similarly, the two second segments 207a, 207b and the second length of spacing material 209 are brought closer together such that they abut one another, as also shown in Figure 12C, to form a second composite length of segments.
Fourthly, in step 203, the first composite length of segments is cut in half at a first cut line 210 as shown in Figure 12D, to form two portions. Each portion may then be trimmed at second cut lines 212. Similarly, the second composite length of segments is cut in half at a third cut line 211 as shown in Figure 12D, to also form two portions. Each portion may then be trimmed at fourth cut lines 213.
After the cutting has taken place, as shown in Figure 12E, in step 204, there are formed two portions from each composite length of segments. There are formed two portions each comprising a first segment 206a, 206b of first aerosol generating material A, and a portion of spacing material 208a, 208b. There are also formed two portions each comprising a second segment 207a, 207b, and a portion of spacing material 209a, 209b. Each portion is approximately half the length of the aforementioned composite lengths of segments, since the position of the first and third cut lines 210, 211 are configured to be approximately midway along the axial length of the lengths of spacing materials 208 and 209 respectively.
Finally, in step 205, one of the portions comprising a segment 206a of first aerosol generating material A is assembled with one of the portions comprising a segment 207a of second aerosol generating material B, together with a heat displacement collar 10, a first filter 11, and a second filter 12, and one or more circumscribing wrapping layers, for example as described above in relation to Figure 4, to form a consumable 3, as shown in Figure 12F. The portion of spacing material 208a forms the spacer 23 to fill the first spacing 22, and similarly the portion of spacing material 209 forms the plug 8. The other portions comprising segments 206b and 207b can similarly be assembled with a heat displacement collar 10, a first filter 11, and a second filter 12 and one or more circumscribing wrapping layers, for example as described above in relation to Figure 4, to form another such consumable 3.
In the examples shown in Figures 11 and 12 and described above, two first segments 206a, 206b and two second segments 207a, 207b are positioned with spacing materials 208 and 209 and single cuts are made in each portion to overall form two consumables. The aforementioned exemplary method has been illustrated and described as forming two consumables purely for the sake of example, and it is also envisaged that the method described above and exemplified in Figures 11 and 12 may also be used with three or more first and second segments and two or more sections of the spacing materials, to form more than two consumables. That is, it is envisaged that rather than forming just a pair of consumables at a time, a plurality of segments and lengths of spacing materials may be arranged together and then cut at regular intervals therealong to form a plurality of consumables, for example, three, four, five, six or more consumables. It is envisaged that in order to form a relatively large number of consumables, a continuous length of a plurality of segments and sections of spacing materials may be formed, which may then be cut at regular intervals to provide a plurality of consu ma bles.
Whilst in the exemplary manufacturing methods described above in relation to Figures 9 to 12, first and second elongate rods comprising first and second aerosol generating materials A, B respectively are provided, to thus form first and second sections each comprising different aerosol generating materials, it is also envisaged that the exemplary manufacturing methods described above in relation to Figures 9 to 12 may also be employed to manufacture consumables comprising first and second sections of the same aerosol generating material, by employing the same aerosol generating materials in the respective rods and sections. Accordingly, said exemplary manufacturing methods may be employed to manufacture consumables according to the examples described above and shown in Figures 3, 4 and 8, in which there may be abutting or spaced apart first and second sections, and/or in which said first and second sections may either comprise different materials to each other or the same material as one another.
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

An article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, comprising:
a first section of aerosol generating material;

a second section of aerosol generating material; and

at least one wrapper circumscribing the first and second sections of aerosol generating material;

wherein the first and second sections of aerosol generating material are spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal axis of the article by a first spacing.
An article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second sections of aerosol generating material comprise the same aerosol generating material.
An article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first section comprises a first aerosol generating material, and the second section comprises a second aerosol generating material that is different to the first aerosol generating material.
An article as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising a plug arranged in the first spacing.
An article as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a tube formed from a sheet material arranged in the first spacing.
An article as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a body arranged in the first spacing, the body comprising a sheet material folded, gathered and/or crimped to form the body.
An article as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the sheet material comprises paper, cardboard, cellulose acetate and/or a non-woven material.
An article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, comprising:
a first section comprising a first aerosol generating material;

a second section comprising a second aerosol generating material that is different to the first aerosol generating material; and

at least one wrapper circumscribing the first and second sections;

wherein the first and second sections are arranged to abut one another along a longitudinal axis of the article.
An article as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the article further comprises a filter section forming a proximal mouth end of the article.
An article as claimed in claim 9, wherein the article further comprises a plug arranged at a distal end of the article opposite the proximal mouth end.
An article as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first section and/or the second section comprises tobacco.
An article as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first section and/or the second section comprises a shredded material and/or a gel material and/or an aerosol-generating thin film.
An article as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first section has a first length along the longitudinal axis of the article, and the second section has a second length along the longitudinal axis of the article, wherein the second length is different to the first length.
A non-combustible aerosol provision system, comprising:
an article as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, or claims 9 to 13 when dependent on any of claims 1 to 7; and

a non-combustible aerosol provision device comprising a first heating device configured to heat the first section of aerosol generating material to produce a first aerosol therefrom, and a second heating device configured to heat the second section of aerosol generating material to produce a second aerosol therefrom;

wherein the first and second heating devices are spaced apart from one another by a second spacing, and at least a portion of the first spacing is configured to overlap with the second spacing when the article is in use in the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
A non-combustible aerosol provision system, comprising:
an article as claimed in any of claims 8 to 13, when claims 9 to 13 are dependent on claim 8; and

a non-combustible aerosol provision device comprising a first heating device configured to heat the first section to produce a first aerosol therefrom, and a second heating device configured to heat the second section to produce a second aerosol therefrom;

wherein the first and second heating devices are spaced apart from one another by a spacing, and the first and second sections are arranged to abut one another in the spacing between the first and second heating devices when the article is in use in the non-combustible aerosol provision device.