JP2023538238A - Aerosol generation - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a method of making an aerosol-generating material that includes shredded amorphous solids. The method comprises: (a) 1-60% by weight gelling agent, 0.1-50% by weight aerosol-forming material, 5-50% filler in the form of fibers, and 0.1-80% by weight (b) drying the slurry to form an amorphous solid, the weight of which is calculated on a dry weight basis; (c) shredding the amorphous solid to obtain shredded amorphous solid. [Selection diagram] Figure 1

Description

The invention relates to a method of manufacturing an aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material comprising an amorphous solid, and a consumable for use within a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, the aerosol-generating material comprising an amorphous solid. Concerning consumables and non-combustible aerosol delivery systems.

background

Smoking consumables, such as cigarettes and cigars, burn tobacco and produce tobacco smoke during use. An alternative to these types of consumables is to release compounds from the substrate material by heating without combustion, thereby releasing an inhalable aerosol or vapor. These are sometimes referred to as non-combustible smoking consumables or aerosol generating assemblies.

An example of such a product is a heating device that releases a compound by heating, but not burning, a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may, in some examples, include vegetable matter material. The heating volatilizes at least one component of the material, typically forming an inhalable aerosol. These products are sometimes referred to as heat not burn devices, tobacco heating devices, or tobacco heating products. A variety of different configurations are known for volatilizing at least one component of a solid aerosol-generating material.

Another example is a hybrid device. These include a liquid source (which may or may not contain nicotine) that vaporizes upon heating to produce an inhalable vapor or aerosol. The device further includes a solid aerosol-generating material (which may or may not include tobacco material), the components of which are entrained in an inhalable vapor or aerosol to produce an inhalation medium. .

overview

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing an aerosol-generating material comprising chopped amorphous solids. This method is
a)
1-60% by weight gelling agent,
0.1-50% by weight of aerosol-forming material, and 5-50% of filler in the form of fibers, and 0.1-80% by weight of flavorings and/or active substances,
forming a layer of slurry comprising: the weight of which is calculated on a dry weight basis;
b) drying the slurry to obtain an amorphous solid;
c) shredding the amorphous solid to obtain shredded amorphous solid;
including.

In a further aspect, the invention provides an aerosol-generating material comprising an amorphous solid. This amorphous solid is
1 to 60% by weight of a gelling agent;
0.1 to 50% by weight of an aerosol-forming material;
5 to 50% of filler in the form of fibers;
0.1 to 80% by weight of flavoring agent and/or active substance;
, where these weights are calculated on a dry weight basis and
Amorphous solids are in the form of fragments.

In a further aspect, the invention provides aerosol-generating materials obtainable by using the methods described herein.

In yet a further aspect, the invention provides a consumable for use with a non-combustion aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol-generating material as defined elsewhere herein.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a non-combustion aerosol delivery system comprising a consumable as defined elsewhere herein and a non-combustion aerosol delivery device. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device includes an aerosol generation device arranged to generate an aerosol from the consumable when the consumable is used with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

Also provided by the invention is the use of an aerosol-generating material as defined elsewhere herein in a consumable for use with a non-combustible aerosol delivery device. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device includes an aerosol generation device arranged to generate an aerosol from the consumable when the consumable is used with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device.

Features described herein in connection with one aspect of the invention are expressly disclosed in combination with each other aspect, insofar as they are combinable.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention. Here, these descriptions are provided by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a consumable item. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the consumable of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional elevational view of an example of a consumable item. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the consumable of FIG. 3; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system. 1 is a flowchart of an exemplary method of the present invention.

detailed description

Preferably, the aerosol-generating material produced by the method of the invention is in the form of an aerosol-forming "amorphous solid." Aerosol-forming "amorphous solids" may alternatively be referred to as "monolith solids" (ie, non-fibrous) or "dry gels." An amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold some fluid within it, such as a liquid. The amorphous solids may form part of the aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating material comprising from 50%, 60%, or 70% amorphous solids to about 90%, 95%, or Contains 100% by weight amorphous solids. In some instances, the aerosol-generating material consists of an amorphous solid.

The amorphous solids of the aerosol-generating materials described throughout are formed from dry gels. We believe that using the ingredient proportions described herein stabilizes the fragrance compounds within the gel matrix as the gel hardens, achieving higher fragrance loadings than non-gel compositions. We have found that this means that it is possible. Flavoring agents (eg menthol) are stabilized at high concentrations and the product has a good shelf life.

In some examples, the amorphous solid includes 5-50%, 10-40%, or 15-30% filler by weight. In some such examples, the amorphous solid comprises at least 1% filler, such as at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, by weight, or at least 50% by weight filler. In an exemplary embodiment, the amorphous solid includes 5-25% by weight filler, including fibers. Preferably, the filler consists of or is in the form of fibers.

In some embodiments, the amorphous solid contains less than 60% filler, such as 1% to 60%, or 5% to 50%, or 5% to 30%, or Contains 10% to 20% filler by weight.

In some embodiments, the amorphous solid contains less than 60% filler, such as 1% to 60%, or 5% to 50%, or 5% to 30%, or Contains 10% to 20% filler by weight.

In other embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises less than 20%, preferably less than 10%, or less than 5% filler by weight.

The filler may include one or more organic filler materials such as wood pulp, cellulose, and cellulose derivatives such as methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). In certain examples, the amorphous solid does not include calcium carbonate, such as chalk.

Preferably the filler is fibrous. For example, the filler may be a fibrous organic filler material, such as wood pulp, hemp fiber, cellulose, or cellulose derivatives such as methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that including fibrous fillers in the amorphous solid can increase the tensile strength of the material. Additionally, it has been found that the inclusion of fibrous fillers improves the handling of amorphous solids during manufacturing. In particular, the resulting amorphous solid is less "sticky" and therefore easier to shred during manufacturing. Therefore, the inclusion of fibrous filler can increase manufacturing efficiency and reduce the probability of machine stoppage during shredding. Including fibrous filler in the amorphous solid also means that when the amorphous solid is shredded, it has a low probability of clumping together (eg, agglomerating). When shredded amorphous solids are included in the consumable, the reduced agglomeration optimizes the distribution of shredded amorphous solids in the consumable. Therefore, each consumable is likely to contain a similar amount of shredded amorphous solids, which increases the homogeneity of flavor loading within a batch of consumables and/or within a given consumable. It can be improved.

Accordingly, as mentioned above, the present invention provides a method of making an aerosol-generating material comprising chopped amorphous solids. This method is
a)
1-60% by weight gelling agent,
0.1-50% by weight of aerosol-forming material, and 5-50% of filler in the form of fibers, and 0.1-80% by weight of flavorings and/or active substances,
forming a layer of slurry comprising: the weight of which is calculated on a dry weight basis;
b) drying the slurry to obtain an amorphous solid;
c) shredding the amorphous solid to obtain shredded amorphous solid;
including.

In some embodiments, drying the slurry to obtain an amorphous solid results in the formation of a sheet of amorphous solid. Suitably, the sheet of amorphous solid may be wound onto bobbins or cut into flags, which may facilitate transportation or storage. In some such embodiments, the amorphous solid sheet is unwound from the bobbin and then shredded. The shredded amorphous solid is then suitably incorporated into a consumable as described elsewhere herein.

Amorphous solids containing fibrous fillers are typically more suitable for transportation and long-term packaging, allowing for simplified manufacturing processes for consumables. Portions of amorphous solids in contact with each other that do not contain fibrous filler (e.g., a stack of flags of amorphous solids, or adjacent portions of amorphous solids wound on a bobbin) are kept together during storage. This may require that a step of separating a portion of the amorphous solid be performed before that portion can be processed to be included in the consumables (e.g., non-crystalline solids). This means that some of the crystalline solids are separated manually). In contrast, some amorphous solids containing fibrous fillers are typically more resilient during storage and transportation, and they can be removed without costly and time-consuming manual separation steps. They can be processed (for example, they can be fed directly to machinery from a stack of flags or from a bobbin).

Suitably, the slurry and/or amorphous solids range from about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% to about 60%, 50%, 45% by weight. %, 40%, or 35% by weight of gelling agent (all calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the slurry and/or amorphous solid may include 1-50%, 5-45%, 10-40%, or 20-35% by weight gelling agent. In exemplary embodiments, the slurry and/or amorphous solids have a gel content of from about 20%, 22%, 24%, or 25% to about 30%, 32%, or 35% by weight. (all calculated on a seki weight basis). For example, the slurry and/or amorphous solid comprises 20-35%, or 25-30% by weight gelling agent.

In some embodiments, the gelling agent is selected from the group including alginates, pectins, starches (and derivatives), cellulose (and derivatives), gums, silica or silicone compounds, clays, polyvinyl alcohols, and combinations thereof. containing one or more compounds. For example, in some embodiments, gelling agents include alginate, pectin, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, pullulan, xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, agarose, gum acacia, fumed silica, PDMS, silicic acid Contains one or more of sodium, kaolin, and polyvinyl alcohol. In some embodiments, the gelling agent includes a hydrocolloid. In some examples, the gelling agent includes alginate and/or pectin and may be combined with a hardening agent (such as a calcium source) during formation of the amorphous solid. In some examples, the amorphous solid may include calcium crosslinked alginate and/or calcium crosslinked pectin.

In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises an alginate, which comprises 10-30%, 20-35%, or 25-30% (dry weight basis) of the slurry/amorphous solids. present in the slurry and/or amorphous solid in an amount of In some embodiments, alginate is the only gelling agent present in the slurry and/or amorphous solid. In other embodiments, the gelling agent comprises alginate and at least one additional gelling agent, such as pectin.

In some embodiments, the method further includes applying a curing agent to the layer of slurry. In some embodiments, the hardening agent is a calcium solution. In some of these embodiments, the calcium solution is a calcium lactate solution. In further such embodiments, the calcium solution is sprayed onto the layer of slurry.

In some embodiments, the slurry and/or amorphous solid may include a gelling agent that includes carrageenan.

The inclusion of the gelling agent in the slurry results in the formation of an aerosol-generating material from the dry gel. The inventors have demonstrated that the inclusion of a gel in the aerosol-generating material allows flavoring compounds, such as menthol, to be stabilized within the gel matrix, allowing higher flavor loadings to be achieved than with non-gel compositions. I found out. Flavoring agents (eg menthol) are stabilized at high concentrations and the product has a good shelf life.

Suitably, the slurry and/or amorphous solids are about 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, or 10% to about 50% by weight. %, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, or 25% by weight of aerosol-forming material (all calculated on a dry weight basis). In an exemplary embodiment, the slurry and/or amorphous solid includes 10-25% by weight aerosol-forming material. Aerosol-forming materials may act as plasticizers. In some examples, the aerosol-forming material includes one or more compounds selected from erythritol, propylene glycol, glycerol, triacetin, sorbitol, and xylitol. In some examples, the aerosol-forming material comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of glycerol. The inventors have found that if the plasticizer content is too high, the amorphous solids may absorb water, resulting in a material that does not create a suitable consumption experience when used. . The inventors have found that if the content of plasticizer is too low, the amorphous solid becomes brittle and can break easily. The plasticizer content specified herein provides an amorphous solid flexibility that allows the sheet to be wound onto a bobbin, which is useful in the manufacture of consumables, or prior to shredding. It may be possible to transport sheets.

In some embodiments, the slurry and/or amorphous solids may include up to about 80%, 70%, 60%, 55%, 50%, or 45% flavoring by weight. . In some examples, the slurry and/or amorphous solid has at least about 0.1%, 1%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 35%, or 40% flavor by weight. (all calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the slurry and/or amorphous solid may contain 1-80%, 10-80%, 20-70%, 30-60%, 35-55%, or 30-45% flavor by weight. May include fees. In an exemplary embodiment, the slurry and/or amorphous solid includes 35-50% flavor by weight. In some examples, the flavoring agent comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of menthol.

In some embodiments, the slurry and/or amorphous solid alternatively or additionally include an active agent. For example, in some instances the slurry and/or amorphous solid further comprises tobacco material and/or nicotine. In some examples, the slurry and/or amorphous solid may include 5-60% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) tobacco material and/or nicotine. In some examples, the slurry and/or amorphous solids range from about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% to about 70%, 60% by weight. , 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, or 30% (calculated on a dry weight basis) of active substance. In some examples, the slurry and/or amorphous solids range from about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% to about 70%, 60% by weight. , 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, or 30% (calculated on a dry weight basis) of tobacco material. For example, the slurry and/or amorphous solid may include 10-50%, 15-40%, or 20-35% tobacco material by weight. In some examples, the slurry and/or amorphous solids range from about 1%, 2%, 3%, or 4% to about 20%, 18%, 15%, or 12% by weight. % (calculated on a dry weight basis) of nicotine. For example, the slurry and/or amorphous solid may contain 1-20%, 2-18%, or 3-12% nicotine by weight.

In some examples, the slurry and/or amorphous solid includes an active material such as tobacco extract. In some examples, the slurry and/or amorphous solid may include 5-60% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) tobacco extract. In some examples, the slurry and/or amorphous solids range from about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% to about 60%, 50%, 45% by weight. , 40%, 35%, or 30% (calculated on a dry weight basis) of tobacco extract. For example, the slurry and/or amorphous solid may include 10-50%, 15-40%, or 20-35% tobacco extract by weight. The tobacco extract contains from 1%, 1.5%, 2%, or 2.5% to about 6%, 5%, 4.5% by weight of the slurry and/or amorphous solids; Alternatively, it may contain nicotine at a concentration of 4% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of nicotine. In some instances, no nicotine other than nicotine derived from tobacco extract may be present in the amorphous solid.

In some embodiments, the slurry and/or amorphous solid is free of tobacco material but does contain nicotine. In some such examples, the slurry and/or amorphous solids may be from about 1%, 2%, 3%, or 4% to about 20%, 18%, 15%, by weight, or 12% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of nicotine. For example, the slurry and/or amorphous solid may contain 1-20%, 2-18%, or 3-12% nicotine by weight.

In some examples, the total content of active agents and/or flavors is at least about 0.1%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 20% by weight of the slurry and/or amorphous solids. %, 25%, or 30% by weight. In some examples, the total content of actives and/or flavors may be less than about 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, or 40% by weight. (All calculations are based on dry weight).

In some instances, the slurry and/or amorphous solid may further include an emulsifier, which emulsifies the flavoring agent during manufacturing. For example, the slurry and/or amorphous solid may include from about 5% to about 15%, preferably about 10%, by weight of emulsifier (calculated on a dry weight basis). The emulsifier may include gum acacia.

In some embodiments, the amorphous solid is a hydrogel and contains less than about 20% water by weight calculated on a wet weight basis. In some examples, the hydrogel may include less than about 15%, 12%, or 10% water, calculated on a wet weight basis. In some examples, the hydrogel may include at least about 1%, 2%, or at least about 5% water (WWB) by weight.

In some embodiments, the slurry is
20-35% by weight of a gelling agent;
10-25% by weight of an aerosol-forming material;
5 to 25% of filler in the form of fibers;
35-50% by weight of flavoring agent and/or active substance;
, where these weights are calculated on a dry weight basis.

In some embodiments, the amorphous solid is
20-35% by weight of a gelling agent;
10-25% by weight of an aerosol-forming material;
5 to 25% of filler in the form of fibers;
35-50% by weight of flavoring agent and/or active substance;
, where these weights are calculated on a dry weight basis.

In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may have a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1.0 mm. Suitably, the thickness may range from about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm. The inventors have found that materials with a thickness of 0.2 mm are particularly suitable. The aerosol-generating material may include two or more layers, and the thicknesses described herein refer to the total thickness of these layers.

In some examples, the amorphous solid can have a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1.0 mm. Suitably, the thickness may range from about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm. The inventors have found that materials with a thickness of 0.2 mm are particularly suitable. Amorphous solids may include two or more layers, and the thicknesses described herein refer to the total thickness of these layers.

The inventors have discovered that if the aerosol generating material or amorphous solid is too thick, heating efficiency is compromised. This has a negative impact on power consumption during use. Conversely, if the aerosol-generating material or amorphous solid is too thin, it will be difficult to manufacture and handle; very thin materials will be more difficult to cast, more fragile, and can impair aerosol formation during use. There is sex.

The inventors have found that the aerosol-generating material thicknesses defined herein optimize material properties considering these competing considerations.

The thickness specified herein is the average thickness of the material. In some examples, the thickness of the amorphous solid may vary by less than 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, or 1%.

In some embodiments, the consumable includes an aerosol-generating material described herein, where the amorphous solid is in the form of fine pieces. In such embodiments, the amorphous solid may be formed from shredded sheets. In an exemplary consumable, the aerosol-generating material comprises an amorphous solid that is shredded and mixed with shredded tobacco material, e.g., the aerosol-generating material comprises a blend of shredded amorphous solid and tobacco material. . In some instances where the tobacco material is fine cut and the aerosol generating material is a shredded sheet, the cut width of the amorphous solid is about 90-110% of the cut width of the tobacco material. That is, aerosol-generating materials including amorphous solids and tobacco materials have similar cut or shred widths. The inventors have determined that configuring the amorphous solid and tobacco material to have similar cut widths allows for better blending of the amorphous solid and tobacco material. For example, shredded amorphous solid sheets and shredded rag tobacco with similar cut widths may be blended to create a more homogeneous aerosol-generating composition (e.g., better distribution of each component throughout the aerosol-generating composition). can be provided.

In examples, the amorphous solid has an areal density that is about 90-110% of the areal density of the tobacco material. That is, the amorphous solid and the tobacco material have similar areal densities. By configuring the amorphous solids and tobacco materials to have similar areal densities, we have demonstrated that the amorphous solids and tobacco materials are It was determined that better blending is possible. For example, shredded amorphous solid sheets and shredded rag tobacco with similar areal densities may be blended to provide a more homogeneous aerosol-generating composition (e.g., better distribution of each component throughout the aerosol-generating composition). can do.

In some examples, the amorphous solid in sheet form may have a tensile strength of about 200 N/m to about 900 N/m. In some examples, the amorphous solid may have a tensile strength of 600 N/m to 900 N/m, or 700 N/m to 900 N/m, or about 800 N/m. Such tensile strength may be particularly suitable for embodiments in which the aerosol-generating material is formed as a sheet and then shredded and incorporated into an aerosol-generating consumable.

In some instances, the amorphous solid may consist essentially of or consist of a gelling agent, water, an aerosol-forming material, a fragrance, and optionally an active agent.

In some instances, the amorphous solid may consist essentially of or consist of a gelling agent, water, an aerosol-forming material, flavor, and optionally a tobacco material and/or a nicotine source.

In some embodiments of the method, the layer of slurry has a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 2.0 mm, preferably about 0.05 mm to about 1.5 mm, or 0.05 mm to about 1.0 mm. have Suitably, the thickness may range from about 0.1 mm or 0.15 mm to about 1.0 mm, 0.5 mm, or 0.3 mm. The inventors have found that materials with a thickness of 0.2 mm are particularly suitable.

The inventors have found that if the amorphous solid is too thick, heating efficiency is compromised. This has a negative impact on power consumption during use. Conversely, if the amorphous solid is too thin, it is difficult to manufacture and handle; very thin materials are more difficult to cast, more fragile, and can impair aerosol formation during use. The inventors have found that the amorphous solid thicknesses defined herein optimize material properties considering these competing considerations.

The thicknesses defined herein are average values for the thicknesses in question. In some examples, the thickness may vary by less than 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, or 1%.

Aerosol-generating materials comprising amorphous solids may have any suitable areal density, for example from 30 g/m ² to 120 g/m ² . In some examples, the sheet has a mass per unit area of 80-120 g/m ² , or about 70-110 g/m ² , or especially about 90-110 g/m ² , or preferably about 100 g/m ² (so that the sheet has a density similar to shredded rag tobacco and mixtures of these materials do not separate easily). Such areal densities may be particularly suitable when the aerosol-generating material is included in the consumable/assembly as shredded sheets (discussed further below). In some examples, the sheet may have a mass per unit area of about 30-70 g/m ² , 40-60 g/m ² , or 25-60 g/m ² .

Consumables and Non-Combustible Aerosol Delivery Systems As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass systems that deliver substances to a user;
Combustion aerosol delivery systems, such as tobacco for cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and pipes or hand-rolled or homemade cigarettes (based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smoking materials) regardless of the
Non-combustion aerosol delivery systems that release compounds from aerosol-generating materials without combusting the aerosol-generating materials, such as hybrid systems that use a combination of e-cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and aerosol-generating materials to generate aerosols;
Consumables that contain aerosol-generating materials and are configured for use within one of these non-combustible aerosol delivery systems, as well as supplies that contain one or more substances (including nicotine) without forming an aerosol. aerosol-free delivery systems (including, but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, inhalers) that orally, nasally, transdermally, or otherwise deliver the consumables, including powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco (including snus or wet snuff)
including.

According to the present disclosure, a "combustion-type" aerosol delivery system is one in which the component aerosol-generating material (or components thereof) of the aerosol delivery system combusts or burns during use to facilitate delivery to the user. ).

According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol delivery system is one in which the component aerosol-generating material (or components thereof) of the aerosol delivery system combusts or combusts during use to facilitate delivery to the user. burn).

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combusted aerosol delivery system selected from the group consisting of cigarettes, cigarillos, and cigar tobacco.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure describes components used in combustion aerosol delivery systems, such as filters, filter rods, filter segments, tobacco rods, spills, capsules, threads or beads, or additive-releasing components, or It relates to paper such as plug wrap, chip paper or cigarette paper.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, such as a powdered non-combustible aerosol delivery system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as an electronic smoking device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement. Please note.

In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a tobacco heating system, also known as a non-combustion heated system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be in solid, liquid, or gel form, for example, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. Solid aerosol generating materials may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

Typically, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system may include a non-combustion aerosol delivery device and a consumable for use with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device. However, it is envisaged that a consumable article comprising means for powering an aerosol-generating component may itself form a non-combustible aerosol delivery system.

In some embodiments, a non-combustion aerosol delivery device may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power source or a heat generating power source. In some embodiments, the heating power source comprises a carbon substrate or heat transfer material proximate to the heating power source that may be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to the aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, a power source, such as an exothermic power source, is provided in the consumable to create a non-combustible aerosol supply.

In some embodiments, a consumable for use with a non-combustible aerosol delivery device may include an aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating component, an aerosol-generating region, a mouthpiece, and/or a region for receiving the aerosol-generating material. .

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating component is a heater capable of interacting with the aerosol-generating material to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating component is capable of generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol-generating component may be capable of producing an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without the application of heat, e.g., through one or more of vibrational, mechanical, pressurized, or electrostatic means. good.

This consumable item may also be referred to herein as a cartridge. This consumable may be adapted for use in a THP, a hybrid device, or another aerosol generation device. In some examples, the consumable may further include a filter and/or cooling element as previously described. In some examples, the consumable may be surrounded by a packaging material such as paper.

The consumable may further include a vent. These may be provided on the side walls of the consumable. In some examples, vents may be provided in the filter and/or cooling element. These holes allow cold air to be drawn into the consumable during use, and this cold air can mix with the heated volatile components and thereby cool the aerosol.

Venting promotes the production of visible heated volatile components from the consumable when it is heated during use. The heated volatile components are visualized by cooling the heated volatile components such that supersaturation of the heated volatile components occurs. The heated volatiles then undergo droplet formation (also known as nucleation) and eventually the size of the aerosol particles of heated volatiles decreases by further condensation of the heated volatiles and from the heated volatiles. Increases due to agglomeration of newly formed droplets.

In some examples, the ratio of cold air to the sum of heated volatiles and cold air (known as the ventilation ratio) is at least 15%. A ventilation ratio of 15% allows heating volatile components to be visualized by the method described above. The visibility of heated volatiles allows the user to identify that volatiles have been produced, enhancing the sensory experience of the smoking experience.

In another example, the ventilation ratio is between 50% and 85% to further cool the heated volatile components. In some examples, the ventilation ratio may be at least 60% or 65%.

1 and 2, a partially cut-away cross-sectional and perspective view of an example aerosol-generating consumable 101 is shown. The consumable 101 is adapted for use with a device that has a power source and a heater. This embodiment of the consumable 101 is particularly suitable for use with the device 51 shown in FIGS. 5-7, described below. In use, the consumable 101 can be removably inserted into the device at the insertion point 20 of the device 51 shown in FIG.

One example consumable 101 is in the form of a generally cylindrical rod that includes a body of aerosol-generating material 103 and a filter assembly 105 in the form of a rod. Aerosol generating materials include the amorphous solid materials described herein. In some embodiments, it may be included in sheet form. In some embodiments, it may be included in the form of shredded sheets. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating materials described herein may be incorporated in sheet and shredded form.

Filter assembly 105 includes three segments: cooling segment 107 , filter segment 109 , and mouth end segment 111 . The consumable 101 has a first end 113, also known as a proximal or proximal end, and a second end 115, also known as a distal end. The aerosol-generating material body 103 is placed on the distal end 115 side of the consumable 101 . In one example, the cooling segment 107 is adjacent to the body of aerosol-generating material 103 between the body of aerosol-generating material 103 and the filter segment 109 such that the cooling segment 107 is in an abutting relationship with the body of aerosol-generating material 103 and the filter segment 109. will be placed. In other examples, there may be separations between the body of aerosol-generating material 103 and the cooling segment 107 and between the body of aerosol-generating material 103 and the filter segment 109. Filter segment 109 is positioned between cooling segment 107 and oral end segment 111 . Oral end segment 111 is located toward proximal end 113 of consumable 101 and adjacent filter segment 109 . In one example, filter segment 109 is in abutting relationship with oral end segment 111. In one embodiment, the total length of filter assembly 105 is between 37 mm and 45 mm, and more preferably, the total length of filter assembly 105 is 41 mm.

In one example, the rod of aerosol-generating material 103 has a length of 34 mm to 50 mm, preferably a length of 38 mm to 46 mm, preferably a length of 42 mm.

In one example, the total length of the consumable 101 is between 71 mm and 95 mm, preferably between 79 mm and 87 mm, and preferably between 83 mm.

One axial end of the body of aerosol-generating material 103 is visible at the distal end 115 of the consumable 101. However, in other embodiments, the distal end 115 of the consumable 101 may include an end member (not shown) that covers one axial end of the body of aerosol-generating material 103.

The body 103 of aerosol-generating material is joined to the filter assembly 105 by an annular tipping paper (not shown), the annular tipping paper being disposed substantially around the filter assembly 105 to encircle the filter assembly 105, and the body 103 of the aerosol-generating material It extends partially along the length of body 103. In one example, the chip paper is made from 58 GSM standard chip base paper. In one example, the tipping paper has a length of 42 mm to 50 mm, preferably 46 mm.

In one example, cooling segment 107 is an annular tube positioned around and defining a void within the cooling segment. This void provides a chamber through which heated volatile components generated from the body of aerosol-generating material 103 flow. The cooling segment 107 is hollow to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation, but is not susceptible to axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacturing and during use while the consumable 101 is inserted into the device 51. Stiff enough to withstand. In one example, the wall thickness of cooling segment 107 is approximately 0.29 mm.

Cooling segment 107 provides physical displacement between aerosol generating material 103 and filter segment 109. The physical displacement provided by cooling segment 107 creates a thermal gradient between the longitudinal ends of cooling segment 107 . In one example, the cooling segment 107 provides a temperature difference of at least 40 degrees Celsius between the heated volatile components entering the first end of the cooling segment 107 and the heated volatile components exiting the second end of the cooling segment 107. It is configured as follows. In one example, the cooling segment 107 provides a temperature difference of at least 60 degrees Celsius between the heated volatile components entering the first end of the cooling segment 107 and the heated volatile components exiting the second end of the cooling segment 107. It is configured as follows. This temperature difference between the longitudinal ends of the cooling element 107 protects the temperature-sensitive filter segment 109 from the high temperature of the aerosol-generating material 103 when the aerosol-generating material 103 is heated by the device 51. Provided that no physical displacement is provided between the filter segment 109 and the heating element of the aerosol-generating material body 103 and device 51, the temperature-sensitive filter segment 109 may be damaged during use and its need There is a possibility that it will not be able to perform its functions effectively.

In one example, the length of cooling segment 107 is at least 15 mm. In one example, the length of the cooling segment 107 is between 20mm and 30mm, more specifically between 23mm and 27mm, more specifically between 25mm and 27mm, preferably 25mm.

Cooling segment 107 is made of paper, which indicates that cooling segment 107 is constructed from a material that does not produce compounds of concern (e.g., toxic compounds) when adjacent to the heater of device 51 in use. means. In one example, cooling segment 107 is fabricated from a spirally wrapped paper tube that provides a hollow interior chamber but maintains mechanical rigidity. Spiral-wrapped paper tubes can meet the stringent dimensional accuracy requirements of high speed manufacturing processes with respect to tube length, outer diameter, roundness and straightness.

In another example, cooling segment 107 is a recess made from stiff plug wrap or chipping paper. The stiff plug wrap or tipping paper is manufactured to have sufficient stiffness to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacturing and while the consumable 101 is in use during insertion into the device 51. Ru.

Filter segment 109 may be formed from any filter material sufficient to remove one or more volatile compounds from heated volatile components from the aerosol generating material. In one example, filter segment 109 is made from a monoacetate material, such as cellulose acetate. Filter segment 109 provides cooling and irritation reduction of heated volatile components without depleting the amount of heated volatile components to a level that is unsatisfactory to the user.

In some embodiments, a capsule (not shown) may be provided within filter segment 109. This capsule may be located substantially centrally of the filter segment 109, both radially and longitudinally of the filter segment 109. In other examples, the capsule may be off-centered in one or more dimensions. In some instances, capsules, if present, may contain volatile ingredients such as flavoring agents and aerosol-forming agents.

The density of the cellulose acetate tow material of filter segment 109 controls the pressure drop across filter segment 109 and thus the suction resistance of consumable 101. Therefore, the selection of the material for filter segment 109 is important in controlling the suction resistance of consumable 101. Furthermore, the filter segment performs a filtration function in the consumable 101.

In one example, filter segment 109 is made of 8Y15 grade filter tow material. This filter tow material provides a filtration effect on the heated volatile material while reducing the size of condensed aerosol droplets resulting from the heated volatile material.

The presence of filter segment 109 provides an insulating effect by further cooling the heated volatile components exiting cooling segment 107. This additional cooling effect reduces the contact temperature of the user's lips against the surface of filter segment 109.

In one example, filter segment 109 has a length of 6 mm to 10 mm, preferably 8 mm.

Oral end segment 111 is an annular tube and is disposed around and defines a void within oral end segment 111 . This void provides a chamber for heated volatile components flowing from filter segment 109. The oral end segment 111 is hollow to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation, but is free from axial compressive forces and bending that may occur during use of the consumable during manufacturing and insertion into the device 51. It has sufficient rigidity to withstand moments. In one example, the wall thickness of the oral end segment 111 is approximately 0.29 mm. In one example, the length of the oral end segment 111 is between 6 mm and 10 mm, preferably 8 mm.

The mouth end segment 111 may be manufactured from a helically wrapped paper tube that provides a hollow interior chamber but maintains significant mechanical rigidity. Spiral-wrapped paper tubes can meet the stringent dimensional accuracy requirements of high speed manufacturing processes with respect to tube length, outer diameter, roundness and straightness.

The mouth end segment 111 serves to prevent liquid condensate that accumulates at the outlet of the filter segment 109 from coming into direct contact with the user.

It is understood that in one example, the oral end segment 111 and the cooling segment 107 may be formed from a single tube, and the filter segment 109 may be disposed within the tube to separate the oral end segment 111 and the cooling segment 107. I want to be

3 and 4, a partially cutaway cross-sectional view and a perspective view of an example consumable item 301 are shown. The reference numbers shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 correspond to the reference numbers shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but the numbers have been increased by 200.

In the example of the consumable 301 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a ventilation area 317 is provided in the consumable 301 to allow air to flow from the exterior of the consumable 301 into the interior of the consumable 301. In one example, the vent area 317 takes the form of one or more vent holes 317 formed through the outer layer of the consumable 301. This vent may be placed in the cooling segment 307 to aid in cooling the consumable 301. In one example, the ventilation region 317 includes one or more rows of holes, each row of holes preferably extending along the outer circumference of the consumable 301 in a cross section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the consumable 301. Placed.

In one example, there are one to four rows of vents to provide ventilation to the consumable 301. Each row of vents may have between 12 and 36 vents 317. The diameter of the ventilation hole 317 can be, for example, 100 to 500 μm. In one example, the axial spacing between rows of vent holes 317 is between 0.25 mm and 0.75 mm, preferably 0.5 mm.

In one example, vents 317 have a uniform size. In another example, vents 317 have different sizes. The vents are created using one or more of any suitable technique, such as laser technology, mechanical drilling of the cooling segment 307, or pre-drilling of the cooling segment 307 prior to being formed in the consumable 301. can do. Vent holes 317 are positioned to effectively cool the consumable 301.

In one example, the row of vent holes 317 is located at least 11 mm from the proximal end 313 of the consumable, and preferably between 17 mm and 20 mm from the proximal end 313 of the consumable 301. The position of the ventilation hole 317 is determined so that the user does not block the ventilation hole 317 when using the consumable item 301.

By providing a row of vent holes 17 mm to 20 mm from the proximal end 313 of the consumable 301, the vent holes 317 are provided when the consumable 301 is fully inserted into the device 51, as seen in FIGS. It can be placed outside the device 51. By placing the vent on the outside of the device, unheated air can enter the consumable 301 from outside the device 51 through the vent and help cool the consumable 301.

The length of cooling segment 307 is such that when consumable 301 is fully inserted into device 51, cooling segment 307 is partially inserted into device 51. The length of this cooling segment 307 serves the primary function of providing a physical gap between the heating device and the heat-sensitive filter device 309 of the device 51 and the length of the cooling segment 307 when the consumable 301 is fully inserted into the device 51. At times, the vents 317 are placed within the cooling segment while providing a second function that allows them to be placed outside of the device 51 as well. As can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the majority of the cooling element 307 is located within the device 51. However, cooling element 307 has a portion that extends outside of device 51. Vent holes 317 are arranged in this portion of the cooling element 307 that extends outside the device 51 .

5-7 in more detail, the aerosol-generating material is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material, typically to form an inhalable aerosol. An example of device 51 is shown. Device 51 is a heating device that releases the compound by heating but not burning the aerosol-generating material.

The first end 53 may be referred to herein as the oral or proximal end 53 of the device 51, and the second end 55 may be referred to herein as the distal end 55 of the device 51. It is sometimes called. Device 51 has an on/off button 57 that allows the entire device 51 to be activated/deactivated as desired by the user.

Device 51 includes a housing 59 for locating and protecting various internal components of device 51. In the illustrated example, the housing 59 includes a unitary sleeve 11 surrounding the outer edge of the device 51, which includes a top panel 17 generally forming the "top" of the device 51, and a "bottom" portion of the device 51. It is covered with a bottom panel 19 which generally forms a . In another example, the housing includes, in addition to top panel 17 and bottom panel 19, a front panel, a rear panel, and a pair of opposing side panels.

Top panel 17 and/or bottom panel 19 may be removably secured to unitary sleeve 11 to allow easy access to the interior of device 51 or, for example, when a user It may be "permanently" fixed to the unitary sleeve 11 to prevent access to the interior. In one example, panels 17 and 19 are made of a plastic material (including glass-filled nylon formed by injection molding, etc.) and unitary sleeve 11 is made of aluminum, although other materials and other manufacturing processes may be used. You may.

The top panel 17 of the device 51 has an opening 20 at the oral end 53 of the device 51 through which, in use, a user inserts a consumable 101, 301 containing an aerosol-generating material. It can be inserted into and removed from device 51.

Housing 59 has heating device 23, control circuit 25, and power source 27 disposed or secured therein. In this example, heating device 23, control circuit 25, and power source 27 are laterally adjacent (i.e., adjacent when viewed from one end), and control circuit 25 is located generally between heating device 23 and power source 27. However, other arrangements are also possible.

The control circuit 25 may include a controller, such as a microprocessor device, constructed and arranged to control the heating of the aerosol-generating material within the consumable 101, 301, as discussed further below.

Power source 27 may be, for example, a battery, which may be a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium ion batteries, nickel batteries (eg, nickel cadmium batteries), alkaline batteries, and the like. Battery 27 is electrically coupled to heating device 23 and provides power when necessary under the control of control circuitry 25 to heat the aerosol-generating material within the consumable (as previously discussed). vaporizes the aerosol-generating material without combusting it).

The advantage of locating the power source 27 laterally in close proximity to the heating device 23 is that a physically larger power source 25 can be used without making the overall device 51 too long. Of course, a physically larger power source 25 will generally have a higher capacity (i.e., the total electrical energy it can provide, often measured in ampere-hours, etc.), and thus will provide better battery life for the device 51. It can be made longer.

In one example, the heating device 23 is generally in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube having a hollow internal heating chamber 29 in which the consumable 101, 301 containing the aerosol-generating material is heated during use. inserted for. Various configurations are possible for the heating device 23. For example, heating device 23 may include a single heating element or may be formed from a plurality of heating elements aligned along the longitudinal axis of heating device 23. The or each heating element may be annular or tubular, or may be at least partially annular or at least partially tubular along its outer circumference. In one example, the or each heating element may be a thin film heater. In another example, the or each heating element may be made from a ceramic material. Examples of suitable ceramic materials include alumina and aluminum nitride ceramics, and silicon nitride ceramics, which may be laminated and sintered. Other heating configurations are possible, including, for example, induction heating, infrared heating elements (which heat by emitting infrared radiation), resistive heating elements formed by resistive electrical windings, and the like.

In one particular example, heating device 23 is supported by a stainless steel support tube and includes a polyimide heating element. The heating device 23 is configured such that when the consumable 101 , 301 is inserted into the device 51 , substantially the entire body of the consumable 101 , 301 consisting of the aerosol-generating material 103 , 303 is inserted into the heating device 23 . dimensions are given.

The or each heating element independently heats selected zones of the aerosol-generating material, e.g. sequentially (over time as described above) or together (simultaneously) as desired. You can arrange it so that it can be done.

The heating device 23 in this example is surrounded by insulation 31 along at least part of its length. Insulation 31 helps reduce heat passing from heating device 23 to the exterior of device 51. This generally reduces heat losses and thus helps keep the power requirements of heating device 23 low. Insulation 31 also helps keep the exterior of device 51 cool during operation of heating device 23. In one example, the insulation 31 may be a double-walled sleeve that provides a low pressure area between the two walls of the sleeve. That is, the insulation 31 may be, for example, a "vacuum" tube, ie, a tube that is at least partially evacuated to minimize heat transfer by conduction and/or convection. Other configurations for the insulation 31 are also possible, including the use of insulation materials (e.g., including suitable foam-type materials) in addition to or instead of a double-walled sleeve. For example.

Housing 59 may further include various internal support structures 37 for supporting all internal components, as well as heating device 23.

Device 51 includes a collar 33 extending around opening 20 and projecting from opening 20 into the interior of housing 59 , and a generally tubular chamber 35 disposed between collar 33 and one end of vacuum sleeve 31 . It further includes: Chamber 35 further includes a cooling structure 35f, which in this example includes a plurality of cooling fins 35f spaced apart along the outer surface of chamber 35, each cooling fin extending along the outer surface of chamber 35. arranged so as to surround it. An air gap 36 exists between the hollow chamber 35 and the consumable 101, 301 when the consumable 101, 301 is inserted into the device 51 over at least a portion of the length of the hollow chamber 35. The air gap 36 surrounds the entire circumference of the consumable 101, 301 over at least a portion of the cooling segment 307.

The collar 33 includes a plurality of ridges 60 arranged around the outer periphery of the opening 20, and these ridges protrude into the opening 20. The ridge 60 occupies a space within the opening 20 such that the open distance of the opening 20 at the location of the ridge 60 is less than the open distance of the opening 20 at the location without the ridge 60 . The ridges 60 are configured to engage the consumable 101 , 301 inserted into the device and help secure it within the device 51 . The open space (not shown) defined by the adjacent pair of ridges 60 and the consumable 101,301 forms a ventilation path around the outer surface of the consumable 101,301. These vent paths allow hot steam escaping from the consumables 101 , 301 to exit the device 51 and allow cooling air to flow into the device 51 around the consumables 101 , 301 within the air gap 36 . Make it.

In operation, the consumable 101, 301 is removably inserted into the insertion site 20 of the device 51, as shown in FIGS. 5-7. With particular reference to FIG. 6, in one example, the body of aerosol-generating material 103, 303 (which is located on the distal end 115, 315 side of the consumable 101, 301) is located within the heating device 23 of the device 51. fully contained. The proximal end 113, 313 of the consumable 101, 301 extends from the device 51 and functions as a mouthpiece assembly for the user.

In operation, the heating device 23 heats the consumable 101, 301 to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material from the body 103, 303 of the aerosol-generating material.

The primary flow path for heated volatile components from the body of aerosol-generating material 103, 303 is axially through the consumable 101, 301, through the inner chamber of the cooling segment 107, 307, and through the filter segment 109, 309. and reaches the user through the oral end segments 111, 313. In one example, the temperature of the heated volatile components produced from the body of aerosol-generating material is between 60° C. and 250° C., which may exceed acceptable inhalation temperatures for the user. The heated volatile components are cooled as they travel through the cooling segments 107, 307, and some volatile components condense on the inner surfaces of the cooling segments 107, 307.

In the example consumable 301 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, cold air can enter the cooling segment 307 through vents 317 formed in the cooling segment 307. This cold air mixes with the heated volatile components to further cool the heated volatile components.

Exemplary Method Referring to FIG. 8, an exemplary method 800 of the present invention includes forming 801 a layer of slurry. Step 801 of forming a layer consists of combining 26% by weight alginate, 16% by weight glycerol, 38% by weight menthol, and 20% by weight wood pulp (these weights are calculated on a dry weight basis) with water. The method includes preparing 801 a slurry by mixing. Forming the layer 801 further includes casting 801 the slurry as a layer approximately 2 mm thick. A layer of slurry is sprayed with a solution of calcium lactate to accelerate the hardening of the alginate to form a gel.

The method further includes drying 802 the layer of slurry to form a sheet of amorphous solid. In some examples of method 800, the method includes cutting 803 a sheet of amorphous solid into flags for storage and/or transportation, or winding the amorphous solid into bobbins for storage and/or transportation. 803. In other examples of method 800, method 800 does not include cutting or rolling 803 after drying 802.

In examples where method 800 includes winding 803 the sheet of amorphous solid onto a bobbin, the method further includes unwinding 804 the sheet of amorphous solid from the bobbin.

Method 800 further includes shredding 805 the amorphous solid sheet. In an example method 800 that includes step 804 of unwinding an amorphous solid sheet from a bobbin, the bobbin is unwound by step 805 of shredding the amorphous solid sheet (e.g., the bobbin is unwound when the sheet is placed in a shredding device). (unwound as supplied). Shredding the sheet of amorphous solid 805 is performed as described elsewhere herein.

After the shredding step 805, in some examples, the method 800 includes a step 806 of mixing the shredded amorphous solids with shredded tobacco material and incorporating the mixture into a rod consumable.

Definitions Active Agents In some embodiments, the agent delivered comprises an active agent.

An active substance as used herein is a bioactive material, ie, a material for achieving or enhancing a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from, for example, functional foods, nootropic substances, and psychoactive substances. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. Active substances may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, thein, vitamins (B6, B12, C, etc.), melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may include one or more components, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or other botanical materials.

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

Botanical Materials As described herein, the active agent may include or be derived from one or more botanical materials or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "plant material" includes any material derived from plants, including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, etc. , including seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, shells, skins, etc. Alternatively, the material may contain active compounds that occur naturally in plant materials or are obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, etc. Examples of botanical materials are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cacao, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba extract, hazel, hibiscus, bay leaf, licorice, and matcha. , Yerba mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea (green tea, black tea, etc.), thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (aniseed), basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rose Marie, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, perilla, turmeric, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damian. , marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, calvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. Mint comes from the following mint varieties: mentha arvensis, grapefruit mint (Mentha c.v.), Egyptian mint (Mentha niliaca), peppermint (Mentha piperita), lime mint (Mentha piperita citrata). c.v.) , chocolate mint (Mentha piperita c.v.), curly mint (Mentha spicata crispa), wild mint (Mentha cordifolia), horse mint (Mentha longifolia), pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens) variegata), pennyroyal mint (Mentha pulegium), It may be selected from English spearmint (Mentha spicata c.v.) and apple mint (Mentha suaveolens).

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

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

In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the botanical substances are selected from rooibos and fennel.

Fragrance In some embodiments, the delivered substance includes a fragrance.

As used herein, the terms "fragrance" and "flavoring agent" are used to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatic sensation in products intended for adult consumers where local regulations permit. Refers to materials that can be used. They may be naturally occurring flavoring materials, botanical materials, extracts of botanical materials, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g. tobacco, hemp, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, trumpet leaf, chamomile, Fenugreek, cloves, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese peppermint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spice, Asian spice, herbs, 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, 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, Obtained from any variety of the genus lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, green pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, mint. mint oil, eucalyptus, star anise, cacao, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea (green tea, black tea, etc.), thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil , bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, perilla, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, calvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators, or stimulants, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g. sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), as well as other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanical materials, or breath fresheners. They may be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients, or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example liquid (such as an oil), solid (such as a powder), or gas.

In some embodiments, the flavor includes menthol, spearmint, and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruit, and/or red berry flavor components. In some embodiments, the fragrance includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes flavor components extracted from cannabis.

In some embodiments, the fragrance is typically chemically induced by stimulating the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or instead of the olfactory or gustatory nerves, and the perceived somatosensation These may include agents that provide a heating effect, a cooling effect, a tingling effect, a numbing effect. Suitable thermal effect agents may include, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and suitable coolants include, but are not limited to, eucalyptol and WS-3. It may be.

Aerosol-generating Materials Aerosol-generating materials are materials that are capable of generating an aerosol when energized, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other method. The aerosol-generating material may be in solid, liquid, or gel form, for example, and may or may not contain active substances and/or flavorants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolith solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold some fluid within it, such as a liquid. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises, for example, from about 50%, 60%, or 70% amorphous solids to about 90%, 95%, or 100% amorphous solids. May contain solids.

The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active agents and/or fragrances, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

Aerosol-forming materials Aerosol-forming materials may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material is glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, It may include one or more of diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixtures, benzyl benzoate, benzylphenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

Consumables Consumables are articles containing or consisting of an aerosol-generating material that are intended to be consumed, in part or in whole, during use by a user. The consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage region, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating region, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and/or an aerosol modifier. . The consumable may also include an aerosol generator, eg, a heater that generates heat to cause the production of an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material during use. The heater may, for example, comprise a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

Aerosol Generator An aerosol generator is a device configured to cause the production of an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to thermal energy to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause the production of aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, an aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, high pressure, or electrostatic energy.

Example Example 1
Two amorphous solids (A and B) were prepared by forming a slurry of menthol, glycerol, and alginate according to Table 1 below. Slurry B had 20% by weight of fiber added, and Slurry A had no fiber added. Both slurries were formed into layers and sprayed with calcium lactate solution. The slurry layer was dried to form a sheet of amorphous solid A and a sheet of amorphous solid B. The only difference between amorphous solids A and B was that amorphous solid B contained 20% by weight fiber. The sheets were cut into flags (6 x 6 cm squares) for shipping.

Once the flag of amorphous solid A reached its destination, the flag was compressed/consolidated. As a result, they had to be separated for shredding. When shredding the flag of amorphous solid A, the sheet became sticky and stuck to the shredding equipment, causing a jam in the machinery. Once the amorphous solid A sheet was shredded, it was blended with shredded tobacco material and added to the consumable in the form of rods. However, the small pieces of amorphous solid A tend to agglomerate (clump together), which means that the variability of the menthol in the rods is very high, and some rods are The other rods contained no amorphous solids.

In contrast, the flag of amorphous solid B (containing fibers) did not need to be separated. Additionally, the sheets could be easily shredded without clogging the shredding equipment. Shredded amorphous solid B was not observed to form any lumps and could be homogeneously blended with shredded tobacco material to form a rod consumable with a uniform distribution of amorphous solid fragments. . The only difference between formulations A and B is the addition of 20% fiber to the amorphous solids formulation, the use of fiber improves the handling of the amorphous solids and reduces the amorphous solids shreds. It has been demonstrated that these can result in improved distribution when added to rod consumables.

All weight percentages (expressed as weight %) mentioned herein are calculated on a dry weight basis, unless otherwise stated. All weight ratios are also calculated on a dry weight basis. Weights given on a dry weight basis refer to the entire extract, slurry or material other than water and may include components that are liquid by themselves at room temperature and pressure, such as glycerol. Conversely, weight percentages expressed on a wet weight basis refer to all components including water.

For the avoidance of doubt, when the term "comprising" is used herein in defining the invention or a feature of the invention, "consisting essentially of" or "consisting of" should be substituted for "comprising". Embodiments are also disclosed in which inventions and features can be defined using the term "becomes". Reference to a material that "comprises" particular features means that those features are included in, contained in, or retained within the material.

The embodiments described above are to be understood as illustrative of the invention. Further embodiments of the invention are envisaged. Any feature described in connection with any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in connection with any other embodiment or any other embodiment. It is to be understood that the features may be used in combination with any combination of one or more features of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may be used without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (18)

1. A method of producing an aerosol-generating material comprising shredded amorphous solids, the method comprising:
a)
1-60% by weight gelling agent,
0.1-50% by weight of an aerosol-forming material;
5-50% of fillers in the form of fibers and 0.1-80% by weight of flavorings and/or active substances,
forming a layer of slurry comprising: the weight of which is calculated on a dry weight basis;
b) drying the slurry to obtain an amorphous solid;
c) shredding the amorphous solid to obtain shredded amorphous solid;
including methods. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the fibers include wood fibers. 3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flavoring agent is menthol. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gelling agent comprises a hydrocolloid. Any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gelling agent comprises one or more compounds selected from the group comprising alginates, cellulose derivatives, gums, silica or silicone compounds, clays, and combinations thereof. The method described in. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gelling agent comprises calcium crosslinked alginate and/or calcium crosslinked pectin. An aerosol-generating material comprising an amorphous solid, the amorphous solid comprising:
1 to 60% by weight of a gelling agent;
0.1 to 50% by weight of an aerosol-forming material;
5 to 50% of filler in the form of fibers;
0.1 to 80% by weight of flavoring agent and/or active substance;
These weights are calculated on a dry weight basis, including
An aerosol-generating material, wherein the amorphous solid is in the form of fine pieces. 8. The aerosol-generating material of claim 7, wherein the amorphous solid is in the form of shredded sheets. 9. An aerosol-generating material according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the fibers include wood fibers. Aerosol-generating material according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the flavoring agent is menthol. Aerosol-generating material according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the gelling agent comprises a hydrocolloid. Any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the gelling agent comprises one or more compounds selected from the group comprising alginates, cellulose derivatives, gums, silica or silicone compounds, clays, and combinations thereof. Aerosol-generating materials described in. Aerosol-generating material according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the gelling agent comprises calcium-crosslinked alginate and/or calcium-crosslinked pectin. Aerosol-generating material according to any one of claims 7 to 13, comprising shredded tobacco material blended with an amorphous solid in the form of fine pieces. Aerosol-generating material obtainable by using the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A consumable for use with a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, comprising an aerosol-generating material according to any one of claims 7 to 15. 17. A non-combustion aerosol delivery system comprising the consumable of claim 16 and a non-combustion aerosol delivery device, the non-combustion aerosol delivery device comprising: the consumable in combination with the non-combustion aerosol delivery device. A non-combustion aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generation device arranged to generate an aerosol from said consumable when used. 16. Use of an aerosol-generating material according to any one of claims 7 to 15 in a consumable for use with a non-combustible aerosol delivery device, wherein the non-combustible aerosol delivery device Use comprising an aerosol generation device arranged to generate an aerosol from said consumable when used with a combustion type aerosol delivery device.

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