JP7294700B2 - Consumables for use with devices that heat aerosolizable materials - Google Patents

Description

The present invention provides a consumable for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material, such consumable, as well as a consumable aerosolizable material that is heated to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. A system comprising an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material and a method of manufacturing a consumable for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material.

background

Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide replacements for these items by creating products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products include so-called "non-combustion heated" products, or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating materials rather than burning them. This material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

overview

A first aspect of the present invention provides a consumable for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, the consumable comprising: A hollow tube with a wound structure containing a.

In one exemplary embodiment, the consumable is non-flammable.

In one exemplary embodiment, the wound structure is a helical wound structure.

In one exemplary embodiment, the aerosolizable material comprises tobacco. In one exemplary embodiment, the aerosolizable material comprises a regenerated aerosolizable material. In one exemplary embodiment, the aerosolizable material comprises an amorphous solid.

In one exemplary embodiment, a structure comprising an aerosolizable material comprises a carrier, and the aerosolizable material is on or impregnated by the carrier. In one exemplary embodiment, a structure including an aerosolizable material is composed of an aerosolizable material. For example, an aerosolizable material can be molded or otherwise shaped.

In one exemplary embodiment, a wound structure comprising the aerosolizable material defines at least a portion of the surface of the consumable. In one exemplary embodiment, a wound structure including an aerosolizable material defines a surface of the consumable. In one exemplary embodiment, this surface is the innermost surface of the consumable.

In one exemplary embodiment, the wound structure comprising the aerosolizable material comprises corrugations, embossments or indentations.

In one exemplary embodiment, the wound structure forms layers of a hollow tube, which includes one or more additional layers. In one exemplary embodiment, at least one of the further layers is a wound layer, such as a helically wound layer. In one exemplary embodiment, the aerosolizable material adheres the wound structure comprising the aerosolizable material to at least one of the one or more additional layers.

In one exemplary embodiment, the wound structure comprising the aerosolizable material comprises corrugations, embossments or indentations, and the hollow tube comprises corrugations, embossings of the structure comprising the aerosolizable material. one or more aerosol channels defined by and between the portion or indentation and at least one of the one or more additional layers.

In one exemplary embodiment, the hollow tube comprises a barrier layer that defines at least a portion of the surface of the consumable. In one exemplary embodiment, the barrier layer is impermeable to aerosols emitted from the aerosolizable material during heating of the aerosolizable material during use. In one exemplary embodiment, the barrier layer is a wound layer, such as a helical wound layer. In one exemplary embodiment, the barrier layer defines the surface of the consumable. In one exemplary embodiment, this surface will be the outermost surface of the consumable.

In one exemplary embodiment, the consumable has no heating material that can be heated by penetrating a changing magnetic field. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the consumable includes a heating material that can be heated by impingement with a changing magnetic field. In one exemplary embodiment, the hollow tube comprises a layer containing a heating material.

In one exemplary embodiment, the heating material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of electrically conductive materials, magnetic materials, and magnetic electrically conductive materials. In one exemplary embodiment, the heating material comprises a metal or metal alloy. In one exemplary embodiment, the heating material is aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, steel, plain carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, copper, and bronze.

In one exemplary embodiment, the layer containing the heating material comprises a metal or metal alloy foil.

In one exemplary embodiment, the layer containing the heating material is a wound layer, such as a helical wound layer.

In one exemplary embodiment, the hollow tube comprises a barrier layer that defines at least a portion of the surface of the consumable, and the layer comprising the heating material comprises a barrier layer and a wound structure comprising the aerosolizable material. is placed between

In one exemplary embodiment, the layer containing the heating material is positioned radially outwardly of the wound structure containing the aerosolizable material.

In one exemplary embodiment, the one or more additional layers comprise one or more additional wound layers, such as helical wound layers.

In one exemplary embodiment, the hollow tube comprises one or more further layers, at least one of the one or more further layers comprising the aerosolizable material. In one exemplary embodiment, the hollow tube comprises a layer containing a heating material, the layer containing a heating material comprising a wound structure containing an aerosolizable material and at least one further structure containing an aerosolizable material. placed between the layers.

In one exemplary embodiment, the hollow tube comprises one or more further layers, at least one of which comprises a flavorant or an organoleptic.

In one exemplary embodiment, the wound structure aerosolizable material comprises an amorphous solid.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a system for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, the system comprising:
the consumable of the first aspect of the invention;
an apparatus for heating a consumable aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, the apparatus including a heating area for receiving the consumable, the system comprising: further comprising a device that causes heating of the aerosolizable material when in the.

In one exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a magnetic field generator for generating a changing magnetic field that penetrates the heating region when the consumable is in the heating region.

In one exemplary embodiment, the device that causes heating of the aerosolizable material when the consumable is in the heating region is configured to heat separate portions of the heating region independently of each other.

In a third aspect of the invention, the aerosolizable material is in the form of a consumable for use with an apparatus for heating the aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, or in a medium for use as a consumable. A method of manufacturing an empty tube is provided, the method comprising rolling a structure comprising an aerosolizable material.

In one exemplary embodiment, the aerosolizable material comprises tobacco. In one exemplary embodiment, the aerosolizable material is a regenerated aerosolizable material. In one exemplary embodiment, the aerosolizable material comprises an amorphous solid.

In one exemplary embodiment, a structure comprising an aerosolizable material comprises a carrier, and the aerosolizable material is on or impregnated by the carrier. In one exemplary embodiment, a structure including an aerosolizable material is composed of an aerosolizable material. For example, an aerosolizable material can be molded or otherwise shaped.

In one exemplary embodiment, the winding step includes spirally winding a structure that includes the aerosolizable material.

In one exemplary embodiment, the winding step includes winding the structure including the aerosolizable material around a mandrel.

In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes applying an aerosolizable material to a material using a mandrel to form a structure.

In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes winding the material while drawing the material from a source, and applying the aerosolizable material to the material downstream of the source.

In one exemplary embodiment, the material is porous with respect to the aerosolizable material.

In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes drying the aerosolizable material during or after winding the structure including the aerosolizable material.

In one exemplary embodiment, the wound structure forms layers of a hollow tube, and the method includes winding one or more additional layers. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes wrapping one or more additional layers around the structure including the aerosolizable material. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes wrapping a structure including an aerosolizable material in one or more layers.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes spirally winding one or more additional layers.

In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes wrapping a structure including an aerosolizable material around a mandrel and wrapping one or more layers around the mandrel.

In one exemplary embodiment, at least one of the one or more layers comprises a heating material that is heatable by penetration of a changing magnetic field.

In one exemplary embodiment, rolling the structure including the aerosolizable material includes rolling the structure including the aerosolizable material to form the innermost surface of the hollow tube.

In one exemplary embodiment, the structure comprising the aerosolizable material is composed of the aerosolizable material or comprises a carrier, the aerosolizable material being on or impregnated with the carrier. It is

In one exemplary embodiment, the aerosolizable material of the structure comprises an amorphous solid.
In another aspect of the invention, it may be possible to use the consumable of the first aspect of the invention in producing an inhalable aerosol.

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

1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example consumable for use with an apparatus that heats an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material; FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional end view of the consumable of FIG. 1 along line II-II of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of another example consumable for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material; 4 is a schematic cross-sectional end view of the consumable of FIG. 3 along line IV-IV of FIG. 3; FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example system comprising a consumable and an apparatus for heating a consumable aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material; FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method of manufacturing a hollow tube for use in or as a consumable for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. is. An example of another method of manufacturing a hollow tube for use in or as a consumable for use with a device that heats an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. Fig. 3 is a flow diagram showing;

detailed description

As used herein, the term "aerosolizable material" includes materials that can be heated to yield volatile components, usually in the form of a vapor or an aerosol. An "aerosolizable material" may be a non-tobacco-containing material or a tobacco-containing material. An "aerosolizable material" can include, for example, one or more of tobacco itself, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco extracts, homogenized tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosolizable material can be in the form of ground tobacco, cut rag tobacco, extruded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, reconstituted aerosolizable material, liquid, gel, gelled sheet, powder, mass, or the like. "Aerosolizable material" may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. "Aerosolizable material" may include one or more humectants, such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material comprises an "amorphous solid," which is otherwise referred to as a "monolithic solid" (ie, non-fibrous) or "dry gel." An amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. Optionally, the aerosolizable material comprises from about 50%, 60% or 70% by weight amorphous solids to about 90%, 95% or 100% by weight amorphous solids. In some cases, the aerosolizable material is composed of amorphous solids.

Amorphous solids can be formed as sheets. Amorphous solids may be incorporated into consumables in sheet form. In some cases, the aerosolizable material may be included as a flat sheet, as a bundled or grouped sheet, as a crimped sheet, or as a rolled sheet (ie, in the form of a tube). In some cases, the amorphous solids of these embodiments may be included in a consumable or system as a sheet, such as a sheet surrounding a rod of aerosolizable material (eg, tobacco). In some cases, the aerosolizable material is formed as a sheet and then chopped and incorporated into the consumable. In some cases, shredded sheets are mixed with cut rag tobacco and incorporated into consumables.

In some embodiments, amorphous solids are in the form of foams, such as open-cell foams.

"Aerosolizable material" may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. "Aerosolizable material" may include one or more humectants, such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

Optionally, the amorphous solids may contain 1-60% by weight gelling agent, these weights being calculated on a dry weight basis.

Optionally, the amorphous solids comprise from about 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt% or 25 wt% to about 60 wt%, 50 wt%, 45 wt%, 40 wt%, 35 wt%. %, 30% or up to 27% by weight gelling agent (all calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, amorphous solids may contain 1-50%, 5-40%, 10-30%, or 15-27% by weight gelling agent.

In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises a hydrocolloid. In some embodiments, the gelling agent is selected from the group comprising alginic acid, pectin, starch (and derivatives), cellulose (and derivatives), gums, silica or silicone compounds, clays, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof. containing one or more compounds. For example, in some embodiments, the gelling agent is alginic acid, pectin, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, pullulan, xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, agarose, gum arabic, fumed silica, PDMS, sodium silicate. , kaolin, and polyvinyl alcohol. Optionally, the gelling agent includes alginic acid and/or pectin and may be mixed with a hardening agent (such as a calcium source) during formation of the amorphous solid. Optionally, the amorphous solid may comprise calcium cross-linked alginate and/or calcium cross-linked pectin.
In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises alginic acid, which is present in the amorphous solids in an amount of 10-30% by weight of the amorphous solids (calculated on a dry weight basis). In some embodiments, alginic acid is the only gelling agent present in the amorphous solid. In other embodiments, the gelling agent comprises alginic acid and at least one other gelling agent such as pectin.

In some embodiments, amorphous solids may include gelling agents including carrageenan.

Optionally, the amorphous solids are from about 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, or 20 wt% to about 80 wt%, 70 wt%, 60 wt%, 55 wt%, 50 wt%, 45 wt%. , 40% by weight, or up to 35% by weight of aerosol-forming agent (all calculated on a dry weight basis). Aerosol-forming agents can act as plasticizers. For example, the amorphous solid may contain 10-60 wt%, 15-50 wt%, or 20-40 wt% aerosol forming agent. Optionally, the aerosol-forming agent comprises one or more compounds selected from erythritol, propylene glycol, glycerol, triacetin, sorbitol, and xylitol. Optionally, the aerosol-forming agent comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of glycerol. The inventors have established that if the plasticizer content is too high, the amorphous solid can absorb water, resulting in a material that does not provide an adequate consumption experience in use. The inventors have established that if the plasticizer content is too low, the amorphous solid becomes brittle and can easily crumble. The plasticizer content specified herein provides an amorphous solid flexibility that allows the amorphous solid sheet to be wound onto a bobbin, useful for the production of aerosol products.

In some cases, amorphous solids may contain perfumes. Optionally, the amorphous solids may contain up to about 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, or 5% by weight perfume. Optionally, the amorphous solids comprise at least about 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 20%, or 30% by weight perfume (all dry calculated on a weight basis). For example, the amorphous solids may contain 0.1-60%, 1-60%, 5-60%, 10-60%, 20-50%, or 30-40% by weight perfume. Optionally, the flavorant (if present) comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of menthol. In some cases, the amorphous solid is perfume-free.

Optionally, the amorphous solid contains an active substance. For example, in some cases the amorphous solid comprises tobacco material and/or nicotine. For example, amorphous solids may include powdered tobacco and/or nicotine and/or tobacco extract. Optionally, the amorphous solids are from about 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, or 25 wt% to about 70 wt%, 50 wt%, 45 wt%, or 40 wt% of active material (calculated on a dry weight basis). Optionally, the amorphous solids comprise about 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, or 25 wt% to about 70 wt%, 60 wt%, 50 wt%, 45 wt%, or up to 40% by weight tobacco material and/or nicotine (calculated on a dry weight basis).

In some cases, the amorphous solid contains active substances such as tobacco extract. Optionally, the amorphous solids may contain 5-60% by weight tobacco extract (calculated on a dry weight basis). Optionally, the amorphous solids are from about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% to about 55%, 50%, 45%, or 40% by weight tobacco extract. (calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the amorphous solids may comprise 5-60%, 10-55%, or 25-55% by weight tobacco extract. The tobacco extract comprises 1%, 1.5%, 2%, or 2.5% to about 6%, 5%, 4.5%, or 4% nicotine by weight of amorphous solids. (calculated on a dry weight basis). In some cases, the amorphous solid may be devoid of nicotine other than that resulting from the tobacco extract.

In some embodiments, the amorphous solid does not include tobacco material but does include nicotine. In some such cases, the amorphous solids are from about 1%, 2%, 3%, or 4% to about 20%, 15%, 10%, or 5% nicotine by weight. (calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the amorphous solids may contain 1-20% by weight, or 2-5% by weight of nicotine.

Optionally, the total content of actives and/or fragrances is at least about 0.1%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 25%, or 30% by weight. can be done. In some cases, the total active and/or perfume content may be less than about 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, or 40% by weight (all calculated on a dry weight basis).

In some cases, the total tobacco material, nicotine and flavor content can be at least about 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 25%, or 30% by weight. In some cases, the total tobacco material, nicotine and flavor content may be less than about 70%, 60%, 50%, or 40% by weight (all calculated on a dry weight basis).
Optionally, the amorphous solid contains from about 1 to about 15 weight percent water, or from about 5 to 15 weight percent water, calculated on a wet weight basis. Optionally, the water content of the amorphous solids is from about 5%, 7%, or 9% to about 15%, 13%, or 11% by weight (WWB), most preferably about 10% by weight. can be

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

Amorphous solids can be made from gels, which can further include a solvent comprised between 0.1 and 50% by weight. However, the inventors have established that including a solvent in which the perfume can be dissolved can reduce the gel stability and can cause the perfume to crystallize out of the gel. Therefore, in some cases the gel does not contain a solvent in which the perfume can be dissolved.

In some embodiments, the amorphous solids comprise less than 60 wt% filler, such as 1 to 60 wt%, or 5 to 50 wt%, or 5 to 30 wt%, or 10 to 20 wt%.
In other embodiments, the amorphous solids contain less than 20 wt%, preferably less than 10 wt%, or less than 5 wt% filler. In some cases, the amorphous solids contain less than 1 wt% filler, and in some cases no filler.

The filler, if present, comprises one or more inorganic filler materials such as calcium carbonate, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silicic acid, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, etc. and suitable inorganic adsorbents such as molecular sieves. can include Fillers include one or more inorganic filler materials such as wood pulp, cellulose, and cellulose derivatives. In special cases, amorphous solids do not contain calcium carbonate, such as chalk.

In certain embodiments that include fillers, the fillers are fibrous. For example, the filler can be an organic fibrous filler material such as wood pulp, hemp fiber, cellulose or cellulose derivatives. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that including fibrous fillers in amorphous solids can increase the tensile strength of the material. This increase in tensile strength can be particularly advantageous in instances where the amorphous solid is provided as a sheet, such as when the amorphous solid sheet surrounds a rod of aerosolizable material.

In some embodiments, the amorphous solid does not contain tobacco fibers. In certain embodiments, amorphous solids do not include fibrous material.

In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material does not include tobacco fibers. In certain embodiments, the aerosolizable material does not include fibrous material.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate does not contain tobacco fibers. In certain embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate is free of fibrous material.

In some embodiments, the consumable does not contain tobacco fiber. In certain embodiments, the consumable is free of fibrous materials.

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

A method of making an aerosolizable material comprises the steps of (a) forming a slurry comprising the components of an amorphous solid or precursor thereof; (b) forming a layer of the slurry; and (c) curing the slurry to form a gel. and (d) drying to form an amorphous solid.

Forming a layer of slurry (b) may comprise, for example, spraying, molding, or extruding the slurry. In some cases, the layer is formed by electrospraying the slurry. In some cases, the layer is formed by casting a slurry.

Optionally, the slurry is applied to a carrier.

Optionally, steps (b) and/or (c) and/or (d) may be performed, at least partially, simultaneously (eg, during electrospray). In some cases, these steps are performed sequentially.

The step (c) of curing the gel may comprise adding a curing agent to the slurry. For example, the slurry may contain sodium, potassium or ammonium alginate as a gel precursor, and a hardening agent containing a calcium source (such as calcium chloride) can be added to the slurry to form a calcium alginate gel.

The total amount of hardening agents, such as calcium sources, can be 0.5-5% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis). The inventors have found that adding too little curing agent results in an amorphous solid that does not stabilize the amorphous solid component, causing these components to fall off the amorphous solid. The inventors have found that too much hardener addition results in a very sticky amorphous solid and thus is difficult to handle.

Alginates are derivatives of alginic acid, generally high molecular weight polymers (10-600 kDa). Alginic acid is a copolymer consisting of units (blocks) of β-D-mannuronic acid (M) and α-L-guluronic acid (G) linked with (1,4)-glycosidic bonds to form a polysaccharide. By adding calcium cations, alginic acid crosslinks to form a gel. The inventors have determined that alginates with high G-monomer content form gels more readily by adding a calcium source. Thus, in some cases, the gel precursor pay has at least about 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, or 70% of the monomer units of the alginate copolymer being α-L-guluronic acid (G) units. Contains alginate.

The drying step may reduce the molding material thickness by at least 80%, preferably 85% or 87%. For example, the slurry can be cast at a thickness of 2 mm and the resulting dry amorphous solid material thickness can be 0.2 mm.

Optionally, the amorphous solid can have a thickness of about 0.015-1.0 mm. Suitably, the thickness can 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 a material with a thickness of 0.2 mm is particularly suitable. Amorphous solids may include more than one layer, and thicknesses described herein refer to the combined thickness of these layers.

In some cases, the slurry solvent may consist essentially of water or consist of water. Optionally, the slurry may comprise from about 50 wt% to 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, or 90 wt% solvent (WWB).

If the solvent consists of water, the dry weight content of the slurry can match the dry weight content of the amorphous solids. Therefore, the discussion herein regarding solid compositions is explicitly disclosed in conjunction with the slurry aspect of the invention.

In some examples, the slurry has a viscosity of about 10 to about 20 Pas at 46.5°C, such as about 14 to about 16 Pas at 46.5°C.

Aerosolizable materials comprising amorphous solids can have any suitable areal density, such as 30-120 g/m2. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may have an areal density of about 30-70 g/m2, or about 40-60 g/m2. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may have an areal density of about 80-120 g/m2, or about 70-110 g/m2, or especially about 90-110 g/m2. Such areal densities may be particularly suitable when the aerosol-generating material is included in the consumable or system in sheet form or as shredded sheets (discussed further below).

In some examples, the sheet-shaped amorphous solid may have a tensile strength of about 200-900 N/m. In some examples, such as when the amorphous solid does not contain fillers, the amorphous solid may have a tensile strength of 200-400 N/m, or 200-300 N/m, or about 250 N/m. Such tensile strength may be particularly suitable for embodiments in which the aerosolizable material is formed as a sheet and then chopped and incorporated into the consumable. In some examples, such as when the amorphous solid includes fillers, the amorphous solid may have a tensile strength of 600-900 N/m, or 700-900 N/m, or about 800 N/m. Such tensile strength may be particularly suitable for embodiments in which the aerosolizable material is included in the consumable or system as a rolled sheet, preferably in tube form.

In one special case, the carrier may be a paper-backed foil, the paper layer abutting the amorphous solid layer, the properties discussed in the previous section being provided by this abutment. This foil backing is substantially impermeable and allows control of the aerosol flow path. A metal foil backing can also serve to conduct heat to the amorphous solid.

In other cases, the foil layer of the paper backing foil abuts the amorphous solid. Because the foil is substantially impermeable, it prevents the paper from absorbing water that was provided in the amorphous solid, which could weaken the structural integrity of the paper.

Optionally, the carrier is formed from or includes a metal foil, such as an aluminum foil. Metal supports can allow good conduction of thermal energy to amorphous solids. Additionally or alternatively, the metal foil can serve as a susceptor for an induction heating system. In a particular embodiment, the carrier comprises a support layer such as a metal foil layer and cardboard. In these embodiments, the metal foil layer may have a thickness of less than 20 μm, such as about 1-10 μm, preferably about 5 μm.

An active agent herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material whose purpose is to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance can be, for example, a nutraceutical, nootropic, psychoactive. The active substance may be of natural origin or synthetically derived. Active substances may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins B6 or B12 or C, etc., melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives or combinations thereof. Active agents may include one or more components, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or other plants.

In some embodiments, the active agent comprises nicotine.

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

As indicated herein, the active agent may comprise one or more components, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

Cannabinoids are a class of natural or synthetic compounds that act on cellular cannabinoid receptors (ie, CB1 and CB2) to suppress neurotransmitter release in the brain. Cannabinoids may be natural materials (phytocannabinoids) from plants such as cannabis, animals (endocannabinoids), or artificially produced (synthetic cannabinoids). Cannabis species express at least 85 different phytocannabinoids, divided into subclasses including cannabigerol, cannabichromene, cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinol and cannabinodiol, and other cannabinoids. Cannabinoids found in cannabis include, but are not limited to, cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), cannabinodiol ( CBDL), cannabidichlor (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM) ), cannabinellolic acid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), cannabtriol (CBO), tetrahydrocannabimolic acid (THCA), and tetrahydrocannabivalic acid (THCV A). be

As indicated herein, the active agent may comprise or be derived from one or more botanical substances or components, derivatives or extracts thereof. The term "plant matter" as used herein includes, but is not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, hulls, husks, and the like. , including any material obtained from plants. Alternatively, the material may contain active compounds that are naturally occurring in plants or obtained synthetically. Materials can be in the form of liquids, gases, solids, powders, dusts, granules, granules, pellets, strips, strips, sheets, and the like. Exemplary botanicals include eucalyptus, daifennel, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, bay leaves, licorice, matcha green tea, mate. Tea, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, green or black tea, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, Lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, chamomile, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damian, marjoram, olive. , lemon balm, lemon basil, green onion, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or combinations thereof. Mint can be selected from the following mint varieties: Cool mint, Mentha c. v. , Egyptian mint (Mentha niliaca), Mentha piperita, Lime mint (Mentha piperita citrata c.v.), Black peppermint (Mentha piperita c.v.), Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha spicata crispa, Secordifolia, Mentha longifolia, Pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens variegata), Mentha pulegium, Moroccan mint (Mentha spicata c.v.), and Apple mint (Mentha suave) olens).

In some embodiments, the plant is selected from eucalyptus, daifennel, cocoa, and hemp.

In some embodiments, the plant is selected from rooibos and fennel.

As used herein, the terms "perfume" and "flavoring agent" refer to products intended for adult consumers to produce a desired flavor or aroma or other bodily sensations, where permitted by local regulations. Refers to materials that may be used.

These include naturally occurring flavoring materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia leaves, chamomile). , fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian varieties, Asian varieties, herbs, wintergreen, cherries, berries, red berries, cranberries, peaches, apples, oranges, mangoes, clementines. , Lemon, Lime, Tropical Fruit, Papaya, Rhubarb, Grape, Durian, Dragon Fruit, Cucumber, Blueberry, Mulberry, Citrus, Dranbuie, Bourbon, Scotch, Whiskey, Gin, Tequila, Rum, Spearmint, Mint, Lavender, Barbados Aloe , cardamom, celery, cascara, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, chat, 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, bell pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, daifennel, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos. , flax, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, bay, laurel, mate tea, orange peel, rose, green or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon Pericarp, mint, chamomile, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damian, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, green onion, ribs, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancer, Bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g. sucrose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol) , and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners. They may be imitations, synthetic or natural ingredients, or mixtures thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example liquids such as oils, solids such as powders, or gases.

Flavoring agents may optionally include one or more mint flavoring agents, preferably mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha. The perfume may optionally comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of menthol.

In some embodiments, flavorants include menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint.

In some embodiments, the flavorant comprises cucumber, blueberry, citrus and/or redberry flavoring ingredients.

In some embodiments, the perfume comprises eugenol.

In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises flavoring ingredients extracted from tobacco.

In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises flavoring ingredients extracted from cannabis.

In some embodiments, the flavorant may include an olfactant that stimulates the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to or instead of the olfactory or gustatory nerves. It is intended to produce body sensations, usually chemically induced and perceived, and may include agents that produce warming, cooling, tingling or numbing effects. A suitable warming 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.
As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming agent" refers to an agent that facilitates the production of aerosols. Aerosol-forming agents can facilitate aerosol formation by facilitating initial vaporization and/or condensation of gases into an inhalable solid and/or liquid aerosol.

Suitable aerosol-forming agents include polyols such as erythritol, sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol, non-polyols such as monohydric alcohols, high boiling hydrocarbons, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, Esters such as diacetin, triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate or myristates including ethyl myristate and isopropyl myristate, and aliphatic carboxylic acid esters such as methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. These include, but are not limited to: The aerosol-forming agent may optionally have a composition that does not dissolve menthol. The aerosol-forming agent may optionally comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of glycerol.

As used herein, the term "tobacco material" refers to any material containing tobacco or derivatives thereof. The term "tobacco material" may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The tobacco material may comprise one or more of ground tobacco, tobacco fibers, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stems, reconstituted tobacco and/or tobacco extract.

The tobacco used to produce the tobacco material shall be any suitable tobacco, including Virginia and/or Burley and/or Oriental, single grade or blended, cut rag or whole leaf. can be done. The tobacco material can also be tobacco particle "fines" or dust, expanded tobacco, stems, expanded stems, and other processed stem materials such as cut roll stems. The tobacco material may be ground tobacco or reconstituted tobacco material. Reconstituted tobacco material may include tobacco fibers and may be formed by molding, a Fordrinier-based paper-making type technique including backside addition of tobacco extract, or extrusion.

In some embodiments, amorphous solids include menthol.

Certain embodiments comprising menthol-containing amorphous solids may be particularly suitable for inclusion in consumables or systems as shredded sheets. In these embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises from about 20 to about 40% by weight, or about about 35 to about 60% by weight of menthol in amounts of 25-35% by weight or about 10% to about 30% by weight or about 15% of aerosol forming agents (preferably including glycerol) in amounts of about 40-55% by weight; in amounts of up to about 25% by weight (DWB).

In one embodiment, the amorphous solids comprise about 32-33% by weight alginic acid/pectin gellant mixture, about 47-48% by weight menthol flavor, and about 19-20% by weight glycerol aerosol-forming agent. Includes (DWB).

As indicated above, the amorphous solids of these embodiments may be included in consumables or systems as shredded sheets. Shredded sheets may be mixed with cut tobacco and added to consumables or systems. Alternatively, the amorphous solid may be applied as an unshredded sheet. Optionally, the shredded or unshredded sheet has a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1 mm, preferably about 0.02 mm to about 0.07 mm.

Certain embodiments of menthol-containing amorphous solids may be particularly suitable for inclusion in consumables or systems as a sheet, such as a sheet surrounding a rod of aerosolizable material (eg, tobacco). In these embodiments, the amorphous solids comprise from about 5 to about 40% by weight, or about about 10 to about 50% by weight of menthol in amounts of 10-30% by weight or about 5% to about 40% by weight or about 10% of aerosol forming agents (preferably including glycerol) in amounts of about 15-40% by weight; to about 35% by weight, and optionally fillers in amounts up to 60% by weight, such as 5-20% by weight or about 40-60% by weight (DWB).

In one of these embodiments, the amorphous solids are about 11% by weight alginate/pectin gellant mixture, about 56% by weight wood pulp filler, about 18% menthol flavor, and about 15% by weight Contains glycerol (DWB).

In another of these embodiments, the amorphous solids are about 22% by weight alginate/pectin gellant mixture, about 12% by weight wood pulp filler, about 36% menthol flavor, and about 30% by weight Contains weight percent glycerol (DWB).

As indicated above, the amorphous solids of these embodiments may be included as sheets. In one embodiment, the sheet is placed on a carrier comprising paper. In one embodiment the sheet is placed on a carrier comprising a metal foil, preferably an aluminum metal foil. In this embodiment, the amorphous solid may abut the metal foil.

In one embodiment, the sheet forms a portion of laminate material, with one layer (preferably comprising paper) applied to the top and bottom sides of the sheet. Suitably, the sheet of amorphous solid has a thickness of about 0.015 to about 1 mm.

In some embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises a menthol-free flavorant. In these embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises the following constituents (DWB): from about 5 to about 40 wt%, or from about 10 to about 35 wt%, or from about 20 to about aerosol-generating flavorants in amounts of about 0.1 to about 40%, in amounts of about 1 to about 30%, or in amounts of about 1 to about 20%, or in amounts of about 5 to about 20%, in amounts of 35% by weight; agent (preferably including glycerol) in an amount of 15 to 75 wt. %, or about 20% by weight or about 10% by weight or about 5% by weight (preferably the amorphous solids are free of fillers) (DWB).

In one of these embodiments, the amorphous solids comprises about 27% by weight alginate gelling agent, about 14% by weight flavoring agent, and about 57% by weight glycerol aerosol forming agent (DWB).

In another of these embodiments, the amorphous solids comprises about 29% by weight alginate gelling agent, about 9% by weight flavoring agent, and about 60% by weight glycerol (DWB).

The amorphous solids of these embodiments may be included in consumables or systems as shredded sheets, optionally with cut tobacco. Alternatively, the amorphous solids of these embodiments may be included in a consumable or system as a sheet, such as a sheet surrounding a rod of aerosolizable material (eg, tobacco). Alternatively, the amorphous solids of these embodiments may be included in consumables or systems as part of a layer disposed on a carrier.

In some embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises tobacco extract. In these embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises the following constituents (DWB): from about 5 to about 40 wt. about 30% to about 60% by weight tobacco extract, or about 40% to about 55% by weight, or about 45% to about 50% by weight, about 10% to about 10% of an aerosol forming agent (preferably comprising glycerol); in amounts of about 50% by weight, or from about 20 to about 40% by weight, or from about 25% to about 35% by weight (DWB).

In one embodiment, the amorphous solids comprises about 20% by weight alginate gelling agent, about 48% by weight Virginia tobacco extract, and about 32% by weight glycerol (DWB).

The amorphous solids of these embodiments can have any suitable water content. For example, amorphous solids can have a water content of about 5 to about 15 weight percent, or about 7 to about 13 weight percent, or about 10 weight percent.

The amorphous solids of these embodiments may be included in the consumable or system as shredded sheets and optionally mixed with cut tobacco. Alternatively, the amorphous solids of these embodiments may be included in a consumable or system as a sheet, such as a sheet surrounding a rod of aerosolizable material (eg, tobacco). Alternatively, the amorphous solids of these embodiments may be included in consumables or systems as part of a layer disposed on a carrier. Suitably, in any of these embodiments, the amorphous solid has a thickness of 50 to 200 μm, or about 50 to about 100 μm, or about 60 to about 90 μm, preferably about 77 μm.

A slurry for forming this amorphous solid may also form part of the present invention. In some cases, the slurry may have an elastic modulus (also called storage modulus) of about 5-1200 Pa. In some cases, the slurry may have a viscosity modulus (also called loss modulus) of about 5-600 Pa.

All weight percentages (in % by weight) given herein are calculated on a dry weight basis unless otherwise indicated. All weight ratios are also calculated on a dry weight basis. Weights quoted on a dry weight basis relate to all extracts or slurries or materials other than water, and may include ingredients that are themselves liquids at room temperature and pressure, such as glycerol. Conversely, weight percentages quoted on a wet basis relate to all ingredients including water.

As used herein, the term "sheet" refers to an element whose width and length are significantly greater than its thickness. The sheets can be strips, for example.

As used herein, the term "heating material" or "heater material" refers to a material that can be heated by the penetration of a changing magnetic field.

Dielectric heating is the process by which an electrically conductive object is heated by the penetration of a changing magnetic field into the object. This process is described by Faraday's Law of Induction and Ohm's Law. An induction heater may include an electromagnet and a device for passing a varying electrical current, such as alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are properly positioned relative to each other such that the resulting changing magnetic field generated by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated in the object. generated inside the . Objects have resistance to the flow of electric current. Therefore, when such eddy currents are generated in an object, the object is heated by the eddy current flowing against the object's electrical resistance. This process is called Joule heating, Ohmic heating, or resistance heating. An object that can be heated by induction is known as a susceptor.

It has been found that when the susceptor is in a closed electrical circuit, the electromagnetic coupling between the susceptor and the electromagnet in use is enhanced, resulting in greater or improved Joule heating.

Magnetic hysteresis heating is the process by which an object made of magnetic material is heated by the penetration of a changing magnetic field into the object. Magnetic materials can be thought of as including many atomic scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipoles align with the magnetic field. Thus, when a changing magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field generated by an electromagnet, penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipole changes with the changing applied magnetic field. Such reorientation of the magnetic dipoles generates heat in the magnetic material.

Both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating can occur in an object when a changing magnetic field penetrates the object, if the object is both conductive and magnetic. In addition, magnetic materials can be used to enhance the magnetic field, thereby enhancing Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating.

Since in each of the above processes heat is generated within the body itself rather than from an external heat source by heat conduction, rapid temperature rise and more uniform heat distribution within the body are particularly desirable for suitable body materials and geometries. It can be realized by choosing the shape and the appropriate magnitude and orientation of the changing magnetic field with respect to the object. In addition, induction heating and magnetic hysteresis heating do not require a physical connection to be formed between the source of the changing magnetic field and the object, which may provide greater design freedom and control over the heating profile; Cost may be lower.

1 and 2, schematic cross-sectional side and cross-sectional end views of an exemplary consumable according to one embodiment of the present invention are shown. Consumable 1 is for use with a device, such as device 100 shown in FIG. 5 and described below, that heats an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. be. The device may be a tobacco heating product (also known in the art as a tobacco heating device or non-combustion heating device).

A consumable item 1 comprises a hollow tube 1a. Hollow tube 1a defines a passageway 20 therein. Hollow tube 1a comprises a wound structure 10 containing an aerosolizable material. In this embodiment, wound structure 10 is a helically wound structure that includes an aerosolizable material. However, in other embodiments, the wound structure may be non-helical wound. For example, a structure containing an aerosolizable material may be non-helical spiral wound.

In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material of structure 10 comprises tobacco. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material comprises reconstituted aerosolizable material, such as reconstituted tobacco. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material comprises an amorphous solid that can be held by a carrier such as paper or cardboard. In other embodiments, the aerosolizable material may be in any of the other forms discussed herein. A structure containing the aerosolizable material may comprise a carrier such as paper or cardboard, and the aerosolizable material may be on the surface of the carrier or impregnated by the carrier. For example, an aerosolizable material can include tobacco extract. In some embodiments, a structure comprising an aerosolizable material is composed of an aerosolizable material. For example, an aerosolizable material can be molded or otherwise shaped.

In this embodiment, the wound structure 10 comprising the aerosolizable material defines both the innermost surface 1b of the hollow tube 1a and the outermost surface 1c of the hollow tube 1a. Indeed, in some embodiments, the hollow tube 1a consists or consists essentially of a wound structure 10 comprising an aerosolizable material. In other embodiments, as will be appreciated from the discussion below, the innermost surface 1b of the hollow tube 1a and/or the outermost surface 1c of the hollow tube 1a is a wound structure comprising an aerosolizable material. It may be defined by parts of the consumable other than 10. This part may be a hollow tube 1a or another layer of consumables. In some embodiments, the wound structure 10 comprising the aerosolizable material is only part of the innermost surface 1b of the hollow tube 1a and/or part of the outermost surface 1c of the hollow tube 1a. , as a result of which the hollow tube 1a or other portion of the consumable defines part or all of the remaining portion of the innermost and/or outermost surface, respectively.

In this embodiment, the structure 10 containing the aerosolizable material is circular. In other embodiments, the wound structure 10 comprising the aerosolizable material includes corrugations, embossments or indentations. Such constructs can increase the surface area of the aerosolizable material that is capable of forming an aerosol from the aerosolizable material during use.

3 and 4, schematic cross-sectional side and cross-sectional end views of another exemplary consumable are shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Consumable 2 of FIGS. 3 and 4 is used in conjunction with a device such as device 100 shown in FIG. 5 and described below that heats the aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. for use. The device may be a tobacco heating product (also known in the art as a tobacco heating device or non-combustion heating device).

The consumable item 2 comprises a hollow tube 2a. Hollow tube 2a defines a passageway 20 therein. The hollow tube 2a comprises a plurality of layers 10,11,12,13. In some embodiments, two or some or all of the layers 10, 11, 12, 13 are bonded together such that the layers form a laminate.

One of these layers is a wound structure 10 containing an aerosolizable material. In this embodiment, wound structure 10 is a helically wound structure that includes an aerosolizable material. However, in other embodiments, the wound structure may be non-helical wound. For example, a structure containing an aerosolizable material may be non-helical spiral wound.

In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material of structure 10 comprises tobacco. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material is a reconstituted aerosolizable material, such as reconstituted tobacco. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material comprises an amorphous solid, which can be held, for example, by a carrier such as paper or cardboard. A structure containing an aerosolizable material may comprise a carrier such as paper or cardboard, and the aerosolizable material may be on the surface of the carrier or impregnated by the carrier. For example, an aerosolizable material can include tobacco extract. In some embodiments, a structure comprising an aerosolizable material is composed of an aerosolizable material. For example, an aerosolizable material can be molded or otherwise shaped.

In this embodiment, the wound structure 10 comprising the aerosolizable material defines one side of the hollow tube 2a, more particularly the innermost side 2b of the hollow tube 2a. In other embodiments, the wound structure 10 comprising the aerosolizable material is only part of the innermost surface 2b of the hollow tube 2a and the other part of the hollow tube 2a or consumable is the innermost surface. Defining as a result of defining part or all of the remaining portion of 2b.

The wound structure 10 comprising the aerosolizable material comprises corrugations in this embodiment. In other embodiments, structure 10 additionally or alternatively includes embossings or intaglios that are embossed or engraved, respectively. As noted elsewhere herein, the surface area of the aerosolizable material that is capable of forming an aerosol from the aerosolizable material during use can be increased. In still other embodiments, the wound structure 10 comprising the aerosolizable material is free of corrugations, embossing or imprinting.

As indicated above, the hollow tube 2a comprises further layers 11,12,13. Note that not all of these additional layers 11, 12, 13 are present in all embodiments. In this embodiment each of the further layers 11, 12, 13 is a wound layer, such as a helically wound layer, although in other embodiments one or more of the further layers 11, 12, 13 are molded It may also be a non-wound layer such as a layer or an extruded layer.

In this embodiment the consumable 2 comprises a heating material that can be heated by impingement with a changing magnetic field. The heating material can be any of those discussed herein. The heating material is heatable to heat the aerosolizable material of the wound structure 10 . In this embodiment, the hollow tube 2a comprises a layer 11 containing heating material. More specifically, the layer 11 containing the heating material is arranged in the wound structure 10 containing the aerosolizable material such that the thermal energy generated in the heating material during use can efficiently pass to the aerosolizable material. radially adjacent to and in contact with. In this embodiment, the layer 11 comprising the heating material is positioned radially outwardly of the wound structure 10 comprising the aerosolizable material, although in other embodiments the layer 11 comprising the heating material is aerosolized. It may be located radially inward of the wound structure 10 containing the viable material.

In this embodiment, the heating material containing layer 11 is a wound layer, such as a helically wound layer, and the heating material containing layer 11 is wrapped around the structure 10 containing the aerosolizable material. In other embodiments, the layer 11 containing heating material may be a non-wound layer. In some embodiments, the layer 11 containing heating material comprises a carrier such as paper that holds the heating material. In other embodiments, the layer 11 containing heating material comprises a foil, such as a metal foil or metal alloy foil, such as an aluminum foil. In some embodiments, the layer 11 containing heating material may be omitted. Indeed, in some embodiments, there may be no heating material that can be heated by penetrating a changing magnetic field.

In this embodiment, the aerosolizable material of the wound structure 10 adheres the wound structure 10 to the layer 11 containing the heating material. In other embodiments this may not be the case and/or the aerosolizable material of the wound structure 10 may cause the wound structure 10 to adhere to another layer or portion of the hollow tube 2a. In some embodiments, separate adhesives may be used to adhere each layer to each other.

As indicated above, in this embodiment the structure 10 comprising the aerosolizable material includes corrugations, and in some other embodiments, the structure 10 additionally or alternatively includes embossments. or includes an indentation. The hollow tube 2a of this embodiment is 1 One or more aerosol channels 17 are provided. The aerosol channel(s) extend axially of the hollow tube 2a through which the aerosol generated in the aerosolizable material or from the aerosolizable material exits the hollow tube 2a. can form a path. This path may be particularly advantageous if the consumable 2 path 20 is filled with a heating element of the device in which the consumable 2 is available. In other embodiments, such as those without heating material in the hollow tube 2a, the one or more aerosol flow channels are corrugated, embossed or indented portions of the structure 10 containing the aerosolizable material, and may be defined by and between another layer or portion of the hollow tube 2a, such as the other layer 12 or barrier layer 13 described in .

In this embodiment, the hollow tube 2a comprises a barrier layer 13 that defines one side of the hollow tube 2a. In this embodiment, this surface is the outermost surface 2c of the hollow tube 2a. The barrier layer 13 is thus arranged radially outside the wound structure 10 of aerosolizable material. Furthermore, the layer 11 containing the heating material is arranged between the barrier layer 13 and the structure 10 containing the aerosolizable material and abuts the structure 10 containing the aerosolizable material. In some embodiments, the barrier layer 13 covers only a portion of the outermost surface 2c of the hollow tube 2a and the hollow tube 2a or other portion of the consumable covers the remaining portion of the outermost surface 2c. Defining as a result of defining in part or in whole. In some embodiments, barrier layer 13 is a wound layer, such as a helically wound layer, while in other embodiments barrier layer 13 may be a non-wound layer.

Barrier layer 13 may comprise, for example, one or more materials selected from the group consisting of paper, cardboard, paperboard, cardboard, recycled tobacco, plastic materials, and heating materials. The barrier layer 13 may help provide stiffness to the hollow tube 2a. In some embodiments, such as those in which the barrier layer 13 abuts or is adjacent to the structure 10 comprising the aerosolizable material, the barrier layer 13 is removed into or out of the structure 10 during use. Impermeable to the generated aerosol. This can help prevent or hinder the generated aerosol from contacting or depositing in the device in which the consumable 2 is available. This may also help to cause the aerosol generated in or from the aerosolizable material to flow along and out of the hollow tube 2a. In some embodiments, barrier layer 13 is omitted.

The consumable 2 in this embodiment comprises another layer 12 containing heating material such that the thermal energy generated in the heating material during use can efficiently pass to the further layer 12. It is radially adjacent to and abuts layer 11 . In this embodiment the layer 11 containing the heating material is arranged radially inward of another layer 12, whereas in other embodiments the layer 11 containing the heating material is arranged radially outward of the further layer 12. may be placed. Another layer 12 is therefore arranged between the barrier layer 13 and the layer 11 comprising the heating material. Another layer 12 also abuts the barrier layer 13 in this embodiment.

In some embodiments, another layer 12 comprises an aerosolizable material. Accordingly, in some such embodiments, the hollow tube 2a is positioned between a wound structure 10 comprising an aerosolizable material and another layer 12 comprising an aerosolizable material, which is heated by heating. It comprises a layer 11 comprising material. The aerosolizable material of the separate layer 12 may adhere the separate layer 12 to the barrier layer 13 and/or to the layer 11 containing the heating material. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material of another layer 12 comprises tobacco. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material is a reconstituted aerosolizable material, such as reconstituted tobacco. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material comprises an amorphous solid that can be held by a carrier such as paper or cardboard. In some embodiments, in addition to, or alternative to, the aerosolizable material, another layer 12 may include, for example, flavorants or organoleptic agents. In some embodiments, another layer 12 is omitted.

In some embodiments, the further layer 12 is a wound layer, such as a helically wound layer, while in other embodiments the further layer 12 may be a non-wound layer. In some embodiments, another layer 12 is wrapped around the layer 11 containing the heating material, or any other layer radially inward of the other layer 12 . Similarly, in some embodiments, barrier layer 13 is wrapped around another layer 12 .

In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material of another layer 12 has a different shape or chemical composition than the aerosolizable material of structure 10 . For example, in some embodiments, differences in shape can include differences in mean particle size of the aerosolizable material. Generally, particles of aerosolizable material having a smaller average particle size are more likely to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material by, for example, a given heating source than particles of aerosolizable material having a larger average particle size. can heat up faster.

In some embodiments, the difference in shape includes structure 10 and one aerosolizable material of layer 12 in the form of regenerated aerosolizable material (such as regenerated tobacco) and structure 10 and an amorphous solid. and an aerosolizable material in another of the layers 12 comprising.

In some embodiments, differences in chemical composition can include differences in the chemical composition of the respective amorphous solids of one or more compositions of the aerosolizable material. In some embodiments, differences in chemical composition can include differences in the type or concentration of aerosol forming agent, such as glycerol, in the aerosolizable material. In some embodiments, differences in chemical composition can include differences as a percentage of the amount by weight of smoke modifiers, such as flavorants, of the total weight of the aerosolizable material.

In some embodiments, the layer 12 (if provided) and/or the wound structure 10 comprising the aerosolizable material may comprise a plurality of discrete, spaced-apart regions of the aerosolizable material. In use, such separate areas of aerosolizable material may be individually heatable by respective heaters of the device in which the consumable 2 is available.

Thus, as indicated above, in some embodiments the multiple layers 10, 11, 12, 13 of the hollow consumable 2a may be wound layers, one of the outer layers 11, 12, 13 each wrapped around one of the inner layers 10,11,12. An exemplary method of manufacturing such a hollow tube 2a will be discussed later.

In some embodiments, the order of layers 10, 11, 12, 13 of hollow consumable 2a may be other than that shown in FIGS. For example, in some embodiments, the consumable comprises a wound structure comprising the aerosolizable material forming at least a portion of the outermost surface of the hollow tube and a radial direction of the structure comprising the aerosolizable material. and a layer containing a heating material disposed inside.

In some embodiments, the hollow tube 2a may include at least one additional layer, which may or may not be a wound layer, such as a helical wound layer.

In each of the embodiments of Figures 1-4, the hollow tubes 1a, 2a have circular inner and outer cross-sectional shapes. In other embodiments, one or each of the inner and outer cross-sectional shapes of the hollow tube may be non-circular, such as elliptical, polygonal, rectangular, square, triangular, or star-shaped.

In each of the embodiments discussed above, hollow tubes 1a, 2a extend along axis AA. Axis AA is a central axis extending along passageway 20, although in other embodiments consumables 1, 2 may be shaped such that axis AA is offset from passageway 20. good. In the illustrated embodiment, the consumables 1,2 are elongated in the direction of the axis AA, but in other embodiments the width or diameter of the consumables 1,2 is about the axis AA of the consumables 1,2. It may be directional or larger, so that the consumables 1, 2 are not elongated. Furthermore, although in the illustrated embodiment the hollow tubes 1a, 2a of the consumables 1, 2 are elongated in the direction of axis AA, in other embodiments the width or diameter of the hollow tubes 1a, 2a is medium. It may be greater than the dimension of the hollow tubes 1a, 2a in the direction of the axis AA, so that the hollow tubes 1a, 2a themselves are not elongated.

In each of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4, the passageway 20 opens into the axial end 15 of the hollow tube 1a, 2a, actually the consumable 1,2. In some embodiments, such as some with no heating material in the consumable, the heating element of the device can be insertable into passageway 20 during use, as discussed in more detail below. . In each of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4, the passageway 20 runs through the hollow tubes 1a, 2a from one axial end 15 of the hollow tubes 1a, 2a to the opposite axial end 16 of the hollow tubes 1a, 2a. Extends completely through. Further, in each of these embodiments, the passageway 20 passes the consumables 1,2 from a first axial end 15 of the consumables 1,2 to a second axial end 16 opposite the consumables 1,2. Extends completely through. However, in some embodiments, the passageway 20 is consumable, such as for most of the length or axial dimension of the consumable, or for a portion of the length or axial dimension of the consumable 1,2. It may extend only partially along the length or axial dimension of the items 1,2.

In some embodiments, the hollow tube 1a, 2a extends the full length or axial dimension of the consumable 1,2. In other embodiments, the consumables 1, 2 may include one or more elements (not shown) at one or each axial end of the hollow tubes 1a, 2a, whereby the hollow tubes 1a, 2a extend over only part of the length or axial dimension of the consumables 1,2.

In some embodiments, the consumables 1, 2 comprise a porous body (not shown). The porous body may be for filtering aerosol or vapor emitted from the aerosolizable material during use. Alternatively or additionally, the porous body may be for controlling the pressure drop over the length or axial dimension of the consumable 1,2. The porous body can be of any type used in the tobacco industry. For example, the porous body can be made of cellulose acetate. In some embodiments, the porous body is substantially cylindrical and has a substantially circular cross-section and longitudinal axis. In other embodiments, the filter may have another cross-section or may not be elongated.

In some embodiments, the porous body abuts the axial ends 15, 16 of the hollow tubes 1a, 2a and is axially aligned with the hollow tubes 1a, 2a. In other embodiments, the porous body may be spaced from the hollow tubes 1a, 2a, such as by a gap and/or one or more other components of the consumables 1, 2. . Another exemplary component(s) is an additive or flavor source (such as an additive or flavor containing capsule or thread), e.g. retained by a body of filtering material, or two bodies of filtering material can be held between

The consumable 1,2 may comprise a wrap wrapped around the hollow tube 1a,2a and the porous body to hold the porous body against the hollow tube 1a,2a. This wrap can surround the hollow tubes 1a, 2a and the porous body. The wrap can be wrapped around the hollow tubes 1a, 2a and the porous body so that the free ends of the wrap overlap each other. The wrap may form part or all of the peripheral outer surface of the consumable 1,2. Wraps can be made of any suitable material, such as paper, cardboard, or recycled aerosolizable material (eg, recycled tobacco). The wrap may also include an adhesive that adheres the overlapping free ends of the wrap to each other. This adhesive helps prevent the overlapping free ends of the wrap from separating. In other embodiments, the adhesive may be omitted or may take different forms than those described. In other embodiments, the porous body may be held to the hollow tubes 1a, 2a by connections other than wraps, such as adhesive.

In some embodiments, the consumables 1, 2 have a length or axial dimension between 30-150 millimeters, such as between 70-120 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the consumables 1, 2 have an axially perpendicular inner dimension (eg, inner diameter) of between 2 and 10 millimeters, such as between 4 and 8 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the consumables 1, 2 have an axially perpendicular outer dimension (eg, outer diameter) of between 4 and 10 millimeters, such as between 4.5 and 8 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material is anywhere on the consumable 1, 2, such as between 0.05 and 1 millimeter, or such as between 0.1 and 1 millimeter, or 0.15 It has a thickness between 0.05 and 2 millimeters, such as between 0.5 millimeters. The thickness may be 1 millimeter or less, such as 0.5 millimeters or less, or 0.25 millimeters or less, or 0.2 millimeters or less, or 0.1 millimeters or less, or 0.05 millimeters or less.

As shown herein, the wound structure containing the aerosolizable material may include corrugations, embossments or indentations. In some embodiments, the corrugations, embossments or indentations define a plurality of wave troughs or depressions, and the aerosolizable material (such as the amorphous solids described herein) comprises a plurality of wave troughs or depressions. Located in at least one of the troughs or recesses of the wave, such as a trough or recess.

An exemplary method of manufacturing a hollow tube for use in or as a consumable for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material follows. to explain. Any of the following methods can be used, for example, to manufacture any of the hollow tubes described herein.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing one example of a method for manufacturing such hollow tubes. Method 600 includes rolling 601 a structure including an aerosolizable material.

Aerosolizable materials can be, for example, any of those discussed herein. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material comprises tobacco. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material is a reconstituted aerosolizable material, such as reconstituted tobacco. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material comprises an amorphous solid, which can be held, for example, by a carrier such as paper or cardboard. A structure containing an aerosolizable material may comprise a carrier such as paper or cardboard, and the aerosolizable material may be on the surface of the carrier or impregnated by the carrier. For example, an aerosolizable material can include tobacco extract. In some embodiments, a structure comprising an aerosolizable material is composed of an aerosolizable material. For example, an aerosolizable material can be molded or otherwise shaped.

In some embodiments, the winding step 601 includes spirally winding a structure that includes the aerosolizable material. In some embodiments, rolling 601 includes coiling a structure that includes the aerosolizable material. In some embodiments, the winding step 601 includes spirally winding the structure comprising the aerosolizable material, such that the structure adopts a spiral spiral shape.

A winding step 601 includes winding a structure including an aerosolizable material around a mandrel. The mandrel can be made of any suitable material such as metal, metal alloy, or plastic material such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Alternatively, no mandrel may be used. For example, structures containing aerosolizable materials may be wrapped using ornaments. In embodiments in which the structure comprising the aerosolizable material includes corrugations, embossments or intaglios, the surface of the mandrel may be correspondingly shaped to engage the corrugations, embossments or intaglios. can.

In some embodiments, the rolling step 601 includes rolling a structure comprising the aerosolizable material to form the innermost layer of the hollow tube. In other embodiments, the structure comprising the aerosolizable material is wound in one or more spirals such that the structure comprising the aerosolizable material does not form the innermost surface of the hollow tube. It may be wrapped around one or more other elements of the hollow tube being manufactured, such as layers.

In some embodiments, structures comprising aerosolizable material comprise aerosolizable material on the surface of a carrier such as paper. In some such embodiments, the method includes wrapping the carrier and aerosolizable material around a mandrel with the carrier in outermost contact with the mandrel and aerosolizable material, and then a layer of paper or the like. Including wrapping around the aerosolizable material. This forms a construct in which the aerosolizable material is sandwiched between the carrier and the layer.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of another method of manufacturing a hollow tube for use in or as a consumable. Method 700 includes drawing 701 material from a supply such as a bobbin or spool. This material can be, for example, paper or cardboard. The method also includes winding 702 the material as it is drawn from the supply. The winding step 702 may be, for example, spiral winding. A winding step 702 may include winding the material around a mandrel. The mandrel can be made, for example, of any of the mandrel materials discussed herein.

In some embodiments, the material withdrawn from the source already has aerosolizable material. However, in some alternative embodiments, the method includes step 703 of applying the aerosolizable material to the material downstream of the source. Aerosolizable materials can be any of those discussed herein. The step of applying 703 may be performed upstream from the stage in which the step of winding the material 702 is performed. Alternatively, in embodiments where winding 702 includes winding material around a mandrel, applying 703 may be performed using the mandrel. For example, an aerosolizable material can be passed, such as pumped in fluid form, through a mandrel and contacted with the material while it is on the mandrel. The mandrel can include a first portion around which the material is wound or wrapped, and a second portion downstream of the first portion, the second portion including the aerosolizable material feed holes, wherein the aerosolizable material is An aerosolizable material is passed through the feed hole to contact the material. The first portion of the mandrel may be devoid of aerosolizable material feed holes. The material can be porous with respect to the aerosolizable material, or non-porous. Following step 703 of applying the aerosolizable material, the material holding the aerosolizable material continues to be wrapped around the mandrel.

In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may be applied to the outer surface of the mandrel or to material on or upstream of the mandrel without first passing through the mandrel. The aerosolizable material can take the form of a slurry when so applied.

The method may further include drying 704 the aerosolizable material during or after winding the structure 702 .

In some embodiments, a structure comprising an aerosolizable material is composed of an aerosolizable material. The aerosolizable material can be molded or otherwise shaped. For example, the aerosolizable material can be molded as a block and then rolled or otherwise pressed into a thin shape, such as a layer or sheet.

A structure containing an aerosolizable material may, for example, include corrugations, embossments, or indentations when in the source, or the structure may be eroded after it is withdrawn from the source. The structure may be passed through a station where corrugations, embossments or intaglios are made.

The method may also include a step 705 of winding one or more layers, for example spirally. The one or more layers can be wrapped around a mandrel when used. One or more layers can be wrapped around a structure that includes an aerosolizable material. Alternatively, a structure containing an aerosolizable material can be wrapped in one or more layers. In some embodiments, the structure comprising the aerosolizable material is wrapped around one or more layers, and then one or more additional layers are wrapped around the structure comprising the aerosolizable material. Sometimes.

At least one of these layers may contain a heating material that can be heated by penetration of a changing magnetic field. The heating material can be, for example, any one of those discussed herein. At least one of the layers may contain a flavorant or an organoleptic agent. At least one of the layers may include an aerosolizable material. The aerosolizable material can be, for example, any one of those discussed herein.

Thus, when a mandrel is used, in some embodiments, the mandrel may have different regions, i. a region where the aerosolizable material is or can be dried, and optionally one or more layers may be wrapped around a structure comprising the aerosolizable material. can be considered to have multiple regions.

In some embodiments, separate materials or layers may be diametrically wrapped around the mandrel from opposite sides of the mandrel. These separate materials may be wrapped around the mandrel at certain common areas along the length of the mandrel. Each of these materials or layers can be, for example, any type discussed herein.

In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may be coated with or include a release agent to reduce sticking of the aerosolizable material to the mandrel. Alternatively or additionally, the mandrel may contain a release agent to prevent sticking of the aerosolizable material to the mandrel or to facilitate release of the aerosolizable material from the mandrel if sticking occurs. or be heated or tapered or include a gas blower or ultrasonic transducer. The gas blower is for supplying a gas, such as air, to one or more openings in the surface of the mandrel onto which the aerosolizable material or material is wrapped in use and to one or more openings in the surface of the mandrel. gas supply. In some embodiments, the mandrel can be made of a porous material and gas can be delivered from the gas supply to the surface of the material through the pores of the mandrel.

This method can result in the formation of a continuous hollow tube. The continuous hollow tube can be withdrawn from the mandrel during or after the winding step. The method may then include a step 706 of separating, such as by cutting, the continuous hollow tube to form individual hollow tubes that heat the aerosolizable material to aerosolize it. It can be incorporated into or form a consumable for use with an apparatus for volatilizing at least one component of the capable material.

In manufacturing the hollow tube 2a shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the winding step 702 may involve winding the material to form the innermost surface of the hollow tube, and the winding layer step 705 involves wrapping a layer comprising a heating material around a structure comprising an aerosolizable material; wrapping another layer comprising an aerosolizable material around the layer comprising a heating material; and wrapping another layer containing the material.

In another embodiment, the method may comprise providing an aerosolizable material, such as an amorphous solid, to a carrier such as paper, such that a structure comprising the aerosolizable material is obtained. Aerosolizable materials can be coated, such as by molding, bandcasting, spraying or electrospraying. The structure can be stored as a source, for example on a bobbin. The structure may be drawn, for example, from a source and wrapped around a mandrel or non-mandrel such that the free ends of the structure are circumferentially adjacent or abutting but not overlapping to achieve a diameter of substantially A uniform tube or nearly tubular shape can be created. The tube can thus have a seamless joint between each free end. The aerosolizable material may face the inner hollow space of the tube or approximately tubular shape. A layer of paper or the like is wrapped around the outside of the tube or generally tubular shape and optionally adhered to help maintain the shape of the tube or generally tubular shape. The layers can likewise have free ends that are adjacent or abutting but not overlapping. Adhesives, if used, can be band cast onto the structure. Because the free ends of the structure do not overlap, such a method may be wholly, or at least substantially, circular or regular in cross-section than comparable hollow tubes containing free ends of overlapping material. It can be used to form an empty tube. This means that more uniform heating of the aerosolizable material may be possible in use. This is because all areas of the aerosolizable material can tend to be equally spaced from the heating element that heats the aerosolizable material in use. However, in other embodiments, the free ends of the combination may overlap.

In some embodiments in which the aerosolizable material is held by the carrier, the surface of the carrier that abuts the aerosolizable material can be porous. For example, in some cases the carrier comprises paper. In some embodiments, the carrier comprises or consists of tobacco material, which may be porous, such as sheets of reconstituted tobacco. The inventors have found that porous carriers such as paper are particularly suitable for some embodiments of the invention, i.e. those in which the porous layer abuts the aerosolizable material to form a strong bond. I found out. The amorphous solid of the aerosolizable material of some embodiments is formed by drying the gel, and while not wishing to be bound by theory, the gel-forming slurry is formed from a porous carrier ( paper), whereby the carrier is believed to be partially bound to the gel when the gel hardens and forms crosslinks. This provides a strong bond between the gel and the carrier (and between the dried gel and the carrier). A porous layer (eg, paper) can also be used to hold the perfume. Optionally, the porous layer may comprise paper having a porosity of preferably 0-300 Coresta units (CU), preferably 5-100 CU or 25-75 CU.

Additionally, surface roughness can contribute to the strength of the bond between the aerosolizable material and the carrier. The inventors have found that the paper roughness (on the side contacting the aerosolizable material) is preferably in the range of 50 to 1000 Beck seconds, preferably 50 to 150 Beck seconds, preferably 100 Beck seconds (50 (measured over an air pressure range of 0.66 to 48.00 kPa)). (The Bekk smoothness tester is an instrument used to determine the smoothness of paper surfaces. Air at a specified pressure is leaked between a smooth glass surface and a paper sample, and the specified The time (in seconds) for an amount of air to leak out is the "Beck smoothness".)

In some embodiments, consumables 1, 2 are suitable for insertion into a heating region of a device, such as heating region 110 of device 100 shown in FIG. It has a device that causes heating of the aerosolizable material of the consumables 1, 2 when 2 is in the heating area. When within the heating region 110, the device of the apparatus causes heating of the aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material.

In some embodiments the device is configured to apply thermal energy to the consumables 1, 2, in particular to the aerosolizable material thereof. In some such embodiments, the device comprises a resistive heater that is heated by electrically connecting the resistive heater to a source of electricity, heat energy being passed from the resistive heater to the consumables 1,2. do.

In some other embodiments, the device may comprise a magnetic field generator for generating a changing magnetic field that penetrates the heating region 110 when the consumables 1, 2 are in the heating region 110, and the consumables 1, 2 comprise a heating material that can be heated by penetrating a changing magnetic field to heat the aerosolizable material. Thus, in such an embodiment, the device is such that electromagnetic energy is applied to the heating material of the consumables 1, 2 to generate heat in the heating material, and then thermal energy is applied from the heating material to the aerosolizable material. configured to be In some embodiments, the consumables 1, 2 may include heating material partially or wholly embedded in the aerosolizable material.

In yet another embodiment, the device 100 has a heatable element that includes a heating material, the heatable element is in thermal contact with the heating region, and the magnetic field generator heats the heatable element, thus It is for generating a varying magnetic field that penetrates the heatable elements of the device to cause heating of the heating area. Thermal energy is thus applied to any consumable present in the heating zone.

In any event, the volatile component(s) of the aerosolizable material pass from the aerosolizable material by the user sucking on the consumable 1, 2 or the mouthpiece of the device (if provided), You can exit from consumables 1 and 2.

Referring to FIG. 5, an example of a system comprising a consumable and apparatus for heating a consumable aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the consumable aerosolizable material, according to one embodiment of the present invention. A schematic cross-sectional side view is shown.

System 1000 comprises consumable 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2 and apparatus 100 for heating the aerosolizable material of consumable 1 to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material. In other embodiments, the consumable may be replaced with any of the other consumables described herein, such as consumable 2 shown in FIGS. In this embodiment, apparatus 100 is a tobacco heating product (also known in the art as a tobacco heating device or non-combustion heating device).

The apparatus comprises a heating area 110 for receiving consumables 1 , 2 and a device 112 for causing heating of the aerosolizable material when the consumables 1 , 2 are in the heating area 110 .

Device 100 may define at least one air inlet (not shown) that fluidly couples heating region 110 with the exterior of device 100 . A user may be able to inhale the volatile(s) of the aerosolizable material by inhaling the volatile(s) from the heated region 110 . As the volatile component(s) are removed from the heating region 110 and consumables 1, 2, air may be drawn into the heating region 110 via the air inlet(s) of the device 100. FIG.

In this embodiment, the heating area 110 includes recesses for receiving at least a portion of the consumables 1,2. In other embodiments, the heating area 110 may be other than recessed, such as a ledge, surface, or protrusion, and may be used to cooperate with or receive consumables 1,2. 2 may need to be mechanically matched. In this embodiment, the heating area 110 is elongated and sized and shaped to accommodate the entire consumable 1,2. In other embodiments, the heating area 110 may be sized to receive only a portion of the consumables 1,2.

In use, substantially all of the amorphous solid is less than about 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm from the heater (ie, heatable element or resistive heater) as the case may be. Optionally, the solid is positioned between about 0.010-2.0 mm, preferably between about 0.02-1.0 mm, preferably between about 0.1-0.5 mm from the heater. be done. These minimum distances sometimes reflect the thickness of the carrier that supports the amorphous solid. In some cases, the surface of the amorphous solid directly abuts the heater.
In some embodiments, device 112 comprises a power source, a resistive heater that is heated by passing electricity through the resistive heater, and a controller for controlling the passing of electricity through the resistive heater. The resistive heaters are configured to apply thermal energy to the heating area 110 and thus to the consumables 1, 2 when the consumables are in the heating area 110 . A resistive heater allows thermal energy to be applied to the aerosolizable material of the consumables 1,2. In some embodiments, the resistive heater can protrude into the heating region 110 so as to be positioned within the passageway 20 of the consumables 1 , 2 when the consumables 1 , 2 are in the heating region 110 . In some other embodiments, the resistive heater can be positioned radially outward of the consumables 1, 2 when the consumables are in the heating zone 110. FIG. For example, a resistive heater can at least partially define the heating region 110 . In some embodiments, the device includes a first resistance heater in the passageway 14 of the consumables 1,2 when the consumables 1,2 are in the heating region 110 and a A second resistive heater located radially outwardly of the consumables 1,2 is sometimes provided.
In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 5, the device 12 includes a magnetic field generator to generate a changing magnetic field that penetrates the heating region 110 when the consumables 1, 2 are in the heating region 110. equip.

As discussed above, in some embodiments the consumable includes a heating material for use in heating the aerosolizable material. In such an embodiment, the magnetic field generator of the device is configured to generate a varying magnetic field that penetrates the heating material of the consumables 1,2 when the consumables 1,2 are in the heating region 110. can be done.

In other embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 5, the device 112 of the apparatus 100 comprises a heatable heating element 111 and the magnetic field generator is adapted to generate a varying magnetic field penetrating the heating element 111. configured to In some embodiments, the heating element is located radially outward of the consumables 1,2 when the consumables 1,2 are in the heating region 110. FIG. For example, the heating element can at least partially define the heating region 110 . In other embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 5, heating element 111 protrudes into heating region 110 . The heating element 111 may be insertable into the passageway 20 of the consumables 1,2 in use. In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 5, heating element 111 enters passage 20 while consumables 1 , 2 are inserted into heating region 110 . In another embodiment, the device is such that the heating element 111 is movable relative to the heating area 110 to protrude into the passageway 20 when the consumables 1, 2 are already placed in the heating area 110. may be configured to

In some embodiments, the heating element 111 of the device has an outer cross-sectional shape such that the innermost surfaces 1b, 2b of the hollow tubes 1a, 2a of the consumables 1, 2 are outside the heating element 111 It has an inner cross-sectional shape that matches the cross-sectional shape. For example, these inner and outer cross-sectional shapes can be circular or non-circular such as elliptical, polygonal, rectangular, square, triangular, wavy, or star-shaped. In some embodiments, the heating element 111 of the device and the innermost surfaces 1b, 2b of the hollow tubes 1a, 2a of the consumables 1, 2 are configured to provide thermal energy from the heating element 111 to the innermost surfaces. For efficiency and effectiveness, the innermost surface is relatively sized to abut the heating element 111 during use. The innermost surface can be an interference or snug fit for the heating element 111 .

In this embodiment, the magnetic field generator includes a power source 113, a coil 114, a device 116 for passing a varying current, such as alternating current, through the coil 114, a controller 117, and a user interface 118 for user operation of the controller 117. and

The power source 113 in this embodiment is a rechargeable battery. In other embodiments, the power source 113 may be other than a rechargeable battery, such as a non-rechargeable battery, a capacitor, a battery-capacitor hybrid, or a connection to a mains power source.

Coil 114 may take any suitable shape. In some embodiments, coil 114 is a helical coil made of a conductive material such as copper. In some embodiments, the coil is a flat coil. That is, the coil can be a two-dimensional helix made of an electrically conductive material such as copper. In some embodiments, coil 114 surrounds heating region 110 . In some embodiments, coil 114 extends along a longitudinal axis that is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of heating region 110 . These aligned axes may coincide. Alternatively, the aligned axes may be parallel or slanted to each other.

In this embodiment, a device 116 for passing a varying current through coil 114 is electrically connected between power supply 113 and coil 114 . In this embodiment, controller 117 is also electrically connected to power source 113 and communicatively connected to device 116 for controlling device 116 . More specifically, in this embodiment controller 117 is for controlling device 116 to control the supply of power from power source 113 to coil 114 . In this embodiment, controller 117 comprises an integrated circuit (IC), such as an IC on a printed circuit board (PCB). In other embodiments, controller 117 may take different forms. In some embodiments, apparatus 100 may have a single electrical or electronic component including device 116 and controller 117 . Controller 117 is operated by user manipulation of user interface 118 in this embodiment. User interface 118 may include push buttons, toggle switches, dials, touch screens, and the like. In other embodiments, user interface 118 is remote and wirelessly connected to the rest of device 100, such as via Bluetooth.

In this embodiment, when a user manipulates user interface 118 , controller 117 causes device 116 to pass alternating current through coil 114 . This causes the coil 114 to generate an alternating magnetic field. The coil 114 and heating region 110 of the device 100 are suitably arranged such that when the consumables 1, 2 are placed in the heating region 110, the changing magnetic field produced by the coil 114 penetrates the heating element 111 of the device 100. placed relatively. If the heating material of heating element 111 is electrically conductive, this intrusion will generate one or more eddy currents in the heating material. The heating material is heated by Joule heating when eddy currents flow in the heating material against the electrical resistance of the heating material. When the heating material of the heating element 111 is a magnetic material, heat is generated in the heating material by changing the orientation of the magnetic dipoles in the heating material due to the changing applied magnetic field.

In some embodiments, consumables 1 , 2 include a heating material, and coil 114 and heating region 110 of device 100 are generated by coil 114 when consumables 1 , 2 are placed in heating region 110 . Appropriately positioned relative to each other such that the changing magnetic field penetrates the heating material of the consumables 1,2. In some embodiments, the device 100 comprises a heating element 111, the heating element 111 comprises a heating material and the consumables 1, 2 also comprise a heating material. In some such embodiments, the coil 114 and heating region 110 of the device 100 are such that when consumables 1 , 2 are placed in the heating region 110 , the changing magnetic field produced by the coil 114 is applied to the consumable 1 . , 2 and the heating material of the heating element 111 .

The device 100 of this embodiment comprises a temperature sensor 119 for sensing the temperature of the heating area 110 . A temperature sensor 119 is communicatively connected to the controller 117 so that the controller 117 can monitor the temperature of the heating area 110 . Based on one or more signals received from temperature sensor 119, controller 117 causes device 112 to pass through coil 114 to ensure that the temperature of heating region 110 remains within a predetermined temperature range. The changing or alternating current characteristics can be adjusted as desired. This characteristic can be, for example, amplitude or frequency or duty cycle. Within a predetermined temperature range, the aerosolizable material in the consumable disposed in the heating region 110, in use, causes at least one component of the aerosolizable material 14 not to burn the aerosolizable material 14. is heated sufficiently to volatilize to Accordingly, the controller, as well as the device 100 as a whole, is configured to heat the aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material without burning the aerosolizable material. In some embodiments, the temperature range is between about 100°C and about 300°C, or between about 120°C and about 350°C, or between about 140°C and about 250°C, or between about 200°C and about 270°C, or the like. , between about 50 and about 350°C. In other embodiments, the temperature range may be other than one of these ranges. In some embodiments, the upper temperature range may exceed 350°C. In some embodiments, the consumable can be non-flammable, eg, in these temperature ranges. In some embodiments, temperature sensor 119 may be omitted.

In some embodiments, the device 112 that causes heating of the aerosolizable material when the consumable is in the heating region 110 separates the heating region 110, such as by comprising separately controllable heatable elements 111. configured to heat the portions independently of each other;

In some embodiments, the heating material of consumables 1, 2 or of heatable heating element 111 of device 100 is aluminum. However, in other embodiments, the heating material may comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of electrically conductive materials, magnetic materials, and magnetic electrically conductive materials. In some embodiments, the heating material can include metals or metal alloys. In some embodiments, the heating material is aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, steel, plain carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, copper, and It may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of bronze. Other heating material(s) may be used in other embodiments.
In some embodiments, such as those in which the heating material comprises iron, such as steel (e.g., mild steel or stainless steel), or aluminum, the heating material helps prevent corrosion or oxidation of the heating material during use. It is sometimes coated for Such coatings may include, for example, nickel plating, gold plating, or ceramic or inert polymer coatings.

In some embodiments, the consumables 1,2 may include a heating material that is partially or wholly embedded in the aerosolizable material of the consumables 1,2. In some embodiments, an aerosolizable material can include a heating material. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may be devoid of heating material.

In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material comprises tobacco. However, in other embodiments, the aerosolizable material may consist of tobacco, may consist substantially entirely of tobacco, and may include tobacco and non-tobacco aerosolizable materials. Yes, may contain aerosolizable materials other than tobacco, or may be tobacco-free. In some embodiments, aerosolizable materials may include vapor or aerosol forming agents or humectants, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, or diethylene glycol.

In some embodiments, the consumable is non-flammable. In some embodiments, the consumable is configured so as not to become flammable when in use.

In some embodiments, once all or substantially all of the volatilizable component(s) of the aerosolizable material in the consumables 1,2 have been depleted, the user removes the consumables 1,2 from the device. The heating area of 100 can be removed and the consumables 1, 2 discarded. The user can then reuse the device 100 with another of the consumables 1,2. However, in other respective embodiments, the device 100 and consumables 1, 2 may be discarded together when the volatilizable component(s) of the aerosolizable material is exhausted.

In some embodiments, the consumables 1,2 are sold, supplied, or otherwise provided separately from the device 100 in which the consumables 1,2 are enabled. However, in some embodiments, the device 100 and one or more consumables 1, 2 are provided together as a system, such as a kit or assembly, possibly with additional components such as cleaning implements. There is something.

For the avoidance of doubt, when the term "comprising" is used herein to define an invention or a feature of the invention, if the invention or feature consists essentially of the term " Also disclosed are embodiments that can be defined using "consisting of" in place of "consisting of". A reference to a material that "includes" some features means that these features are included, contained, or retained in that material.

To address various problems and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure is provided to enable the practice of the claimed invention and to heat an aerosolizable material to produce at least one component of the aerosolizable material. Superior consumables for use with volatilizing devices, systems comprising such consumables and such devices, and methods of manufacturing hollow tubes for use in or as consumables Various embodiments are shown by way of description and example that provide for and. The advantages and features of this disclosure are merely representative of embodiments and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. These advantages and features are presented only to aid in understanding and teaching of the claimed or otherwise disclosed features. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the present disclosure shall not limit the present disclosure as defined by the claims or the equivalents of other claims. and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the present disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, members, steps, means, etc. The present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims (25)

A consumable for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, the consumable comprising a hollow tube having a wound structure containing the aerosolizable material. ,
A consumable, wherein the wound structure is a helical wound structure. 2. The consumable of claim 1, wherein the wound structure comprising an aerosolizable material defines at least a portion of a surface of the consumable. 3. The consumable of claim 2, wherein said surface is the innermost surface of said consumable. A consumable according to any preceding claim, wherein the wound structure comprising the aerosolizable material comprises corrugations, embossments or indentations. The consumable according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said wound structure forms a layer of said hollow tube, said hollow tube comprising one or more further layers. said hollow tube is defined by and between said corrugations, embossments or indentations of said structure comprising an aerosolizable material and at least one of said one or more additional layers; 6. A consumable according to claim 5 when dependent on claim 4, comprising one or more aerosol flow channels defined therein. A consumable according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow tube comprises a barrier layer defining at least part of the surface of the consumable. A consumable according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a heating material heatable by penetration of a changing magnetic field. 9. The consumable of claim 8, wherein said hollow tube comprises a layer containing said heating material. Claim 9 when indirectly depending on Claim 7 , wherein the layer containing the heating material is disposed between the barrier layer and the wound structure containing the aerosolizable material. Consumables as described. Claim 5, or any one of claims 6 to 10, when dependent on claim 5, wherein at least one of said one or more further layers comprises an aerosolizable material. consumables. The hollow tube comprises a layer comprising heating material, said layer comprising heating material being between said wound structure comprising aerosolizable material and said at least one further layer comprising aerosolizable material. 12. The consumable of claim 11, wherein the consumable is located in a Claim 5, or any one of claims 6 to 12 when dependent on claim 5, wherein at least one of said one or more further layers comprises a flavorant or an organoleptic agent. Consumables listed in section. A consumable according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosolizable material of the wound structure comprises an amorphous solid. 1. A system for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, comprising:
The consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 14;
a device for heating the aerosolizable material of the consumable to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolizable material, the device comprising a heating area for receiving the consumable; A system comprising a device that causes heating of the aerosolizable material when a consumable is in the heating region. 16. The system of Claim 15, wherein the device comprises a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field that penetrates the heating region when the consumable is in the heating region. A method of manufacturing a hollow tube for use in or as a consumable for use with an apparatus for heating an aerosolizable material to volatilize at least one component of said aerosolizable material. hand,
rolling a structure comprising the aerosolizable material;
The method, wherein the winding step comprises spirally winding the structure comprising the aerosolizable material. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the winding step comprises winding the structure comprising an aerosolizable material around a mandrel. 19. The method of claim 18, comprising applying the aerosolizable material to a material using the mandrel to form the structure. 20. A method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, comprising winding material while withdrawing it from a source and applying said aerosolizable material to said material downstream of said source. A method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the wound structure forms a layer of the hollow tube and the method comprises winding one or more further layers. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein at least one of said one or more further layers comprises a heating material heatable by penetration of a changing magnetic field. 23. Any of claims 17-22, wherein rolling the structure comprising an aerosolizable material comprises rolling the structure comprising an aerosolizable material to form an innermost surface of the hollow tube. or the method described in paragraph 1. 10. The structure comprising an aerosolizable material is composed of the aerosolizable material or comprises a carrier, the aerosolizable material being on the surface of the carrier or being impregnated in the carrier. 24. The method of any one of 17-23. A method according to any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein said aerosolizable material of said structure comprises an amorphous solid.

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