JP7438948B2 - Smoking alternative consumables - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to consumables for smoking alternative devices. The present invention relates to non-combustible heated consumables, including, inter alia, but not limited to, tobacco.

It is generally believed that ``smoking'' cigarettes exposes smokers to potentially harmful substances. It is generally believed that significant amounts of potentially harmful substances are produced by the heat generated by burning and/or combusting tobacco, and by the components of tobacco combustion products contained in the tobacco smoke itself.

It is known that when organic materials such as tobacco are burned, potentially harmful by-products such as tar are produced. Various smoking replacement devices have been proposed to avoid smoking cigarettes.

Such replacement devices can be part of nicotine replacement therapy aimed at people who want to quit smoking and overcome dependence on nicotine.

Alternative devices include electronic systems that allow users to mimic the act of smoking by creating an aerosol that is drawn into the lungs through the mouth and exhaled (inhaled). Inhaled aerosols typically contain nicotine and/or flavor, but lack or reduce the odor and health risks associated with traditional smoking.

In general, alternative devices and systems are intended to provide an alternative to the habit of smoking while providing the user with an experience and satisfaction similar to that obtained with traditional smoking and tobacco products.

The popularity and use of smoking alternative devices has skyrocketed in recent years. Originally marketed as an aid to help addicts who wanted to quit smoking cigarettes, consumers are increasingly viewing smoking replacement devices as desirable lifestyle products. . Some alternative devices are designed to resemble traditional cigarettes and are cylindrical in shape with a mouthpiece at one end. Other alternative devices generally do not resemble cigarettes (eg, the alternative device may be generally box-shaped).

Various categories of alternative systems exist, each employing methods to replace smoking. The alternative approach corresponds to the manner in which the alternative system operates for the user.

One alternative system approach is the so-called "heat-not-burn" (HNB) approach, which heats or warms the tobacco, whether leaf or reconstituted tobacco, to release vapor. The vapor may contain nicotine and/or flavor. In the HNB method, the tobacco is not burned and is intended not to be combusted.

Generally, HNB systems include heating equipment and consumables. Consumables include tobacco materials. The consumable is configured to engage the heating device. During use, heat is applied to the tobacco material from the heat source of the heating device. As air flows through the tobacco material, moisture in the tobacco material is released as vapor. The first vapor is thus formed with a carrier in the tobacco material, such as polyglycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG). Additionally, volatile compounds are also released from the tobacco as a second vapor. The vapor released from the cigarette is entrained in the airflow passing through the cigarette.

As the vapor passes through the device from the inlet (entrained in the airflow) to the mouthpiece (outlet), it is cooled and condensed to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the user. Aerosols contain volatile compounds.

In HNB systems, heating the tobacco material rather than burning it is believed to reduce the amount or amount of more harmful compounds normally produced during smoking. As a result, HNB techniques can reduce the odor and/or health risks caused by burning, combusting, and pyrolyzing tobacco.

An example of an existing implementation of the HNB technique is the IQOS ^™ device manufactured by Philip Morris. The IQOS ^™ device uses a consumable member in which reconstituted tobacco is placed within a package. The consumable has a holder incorporating a mouthpiece. Consumables can be inserted into the heating device. The thermal heating device includes a thermally conductive heating knife that penetrates the reconstituted tobacco of the consumable when the consumable is inserted into the heating device. Activation of the heating device heats the heating element, which in turn heats the tobacco in the consumable. When the tobacco is heated, it releases nicotine vapor and flavor, which the user inhales through the mouthpiece.

The next existing implementation of the HNB technique is a device manufactured by British American Tobacco Company known as the "Glo ^™ ". Glo ^TM has a relatively thin consumable. The consumables include leaf tobacco that is heated with a heating device. When the consumable is placed in the heating device, the tobacco is surrounded by the heating element. Activation of the heating device heats the heating element, which in turn heats the tobacco in the consumable. When the tobacco is heated, it releases nicotine vapor and flavor, which the user inhales and draws from the consumable. When heated in a heating device, tobacco is configured to produce vapor during heating rather than during combustion (as in smoking devices such as cigarettes). Tobacco may contain high concentrations of aerosol forming agents (carriers) such as vegetable glycerin ("VG") or propylene glycol ("PG").

Common to both the IQOS ^™ and Glo ^™ devices is that the tobacco is heated unevenly and incompletely, or that portions of the tobacco may burn.

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention have been devised with the above in mind.

In its most general sense, the present invention is a non-combustible, heated consumable article having a tubular steam generating member defining a flow path therethrough, wherein at least an active portion of said steam generating member is heated. the tubular steam generating member has an inlet to the flow path at a first end of the consumable; The end provides a non-combustible heated consumable for cooperation with a heating device.

Such non-burning, heating consumables may be combined with one or more of the features disclosed below.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a non-combustible, heated consumable according to claim 1. The non-combustion heating consumable has a tubular steam generating member and an inert structural tube, the tubular steam generating member defining a flow passage therethrough; At least the active section is configured to generate steam when heated by a heater, and the inert structural tube is axially adjacent to and downstream of the tubular steam generating member. and the vapor generating member and at least a portion of the inert tube are wrapped in a package.

The consumable has an air flow path extending between an inlet opening and an outlet opening located at a second end of the consumable, the flow path through the active portion Advantageously, the air channel constitutes a first part of the air flow path, and the flow path passing through the inert tube forms a second part of the air flow path.

Advantageously, the active part has side walls with a thickness of less than 1.5 mm.

It is preferable that the active part has a total length of more than 10 mm.

Advantageously, the active part has a total length of less than 35 mm.

Advantageously, the flow path passing through the active part has a cross-sectional size and shape approximately equal to the cross-section of the inlet opening.

Preferably, the active portion has a cross-sectional size and shape substantially equal to that of the inert tube.

Advantageously, the active substrate contained in the active part has a total mass of more than 100 mg and less than 1000 mg.

The active substrate of the active part conveniently contains from 0.2 milligrams to 2.0 milligrams of active substance.

Preferably, the active substrate of the active portion contains from 0.0002 milligrams to 0.02 milligrams of active substance per milligram of active substrate.

Advantageously, the above-mentioned consumable has a total longitudinal length of 100 mm or less.

It is convenient for the above-mentioned consumables to have a total longitudinal length of 50 mm or more.

Preferably, the consumable further comprises a mixing zone located downstream of the active part and within the inert tube.

Advantageously, said vapor generating member comprises an active substance, said active substance comprising nicotine.

Advantageously, the vapor generating member comprises a reconstituted tobacco sheet.

The invention includes combinations of the described embodiments and preferred features except where clearly unacceptable or clearly avoided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to facilitate understanding of the invention and to appreciate its further features, embodiments and experimental examples illustrating the principles of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 represents a first consumable according to the invention partially assembled; FIG. FIG. 4 represents a cross-sectional view of a second consumable product according to the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a second consumable product according to the present invention to explain the principle of internal heating. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a second consumable product according to the present invention to explain the principle of external heating. Figure 3 depicts a third consumable according to the invention partially assembled; FIG. 6 represents a cross-sectional view of a third consumable product according to the present invention. FIG. 3 depicts an end view of a consumable product according to the present invention. Figure 3 depicts an end view of another consumable according to the present invention. Figure 3 depicts an end view of yet another consumable product according to the present invention.

Aspects and embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference.

Generally, the present invention relates to HNB consumables. HNB consumables form a component of the HNB system. The HNB consumable according to the present invention is configured to be used with a heating device. In combination, the HNB consumables and heating equipment constitute the HNB system. The HNB consumable may be configured to engage the heating device.

As can be seen, the heated non-combustion (HNB) concept is based on vaporization. Therefore, HNB and HNB devices can be considered vaporizers.

FIG. 1 shows an HNB consumable 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The consumable 1 is shown in open and partially formed form so that the components and their relationships can be clearly seen. It is understood that both the tipping paper and the overwrap are rolled during the manufacturing process to longitudinally seal the consumable.

The consumable item 1 has an elongated shape. That is, the consumable has a longitudinal dimension along the longitudinal axis that is larger than a dimension of the consumable along the transverse axis of the consumable.

The consumable item 1 has a substantially elongated outer shape. For example, the consumable 1 has a substantially circular external cross-sectional shape. However, it is also conceivable for the consumable 1 to have another external cross-sectional shape. For example, it may be approximately square, approximately rectangular, or approximately elliptical. The external cross-sectional shape is substantially constant along the longitudinal length of the consumable 1.

In the most general sense, the consumable 1 forms an elongated airflow path 2 extending from a first end 3 to a second end 4 of the consumable 1 . The first end 3 of the consumable 1 may be configured to interact with a heating device. The second end 4 of the consumable 1 may be configured to form a mouthpiece. The user may hold the second end 4 directly in the mouth, or the user may attach the mouthpiece member to the second end and then hold the mouthpiece member in the user's mouth. Such mouthpiece members do not form part of the present invention. Thus, as will be understood, the first end 3 of the consumable 1 is the so-called "upstream" of the consumable 1 in the sense of a sequence of flows relative to the direction of airflow passing through the consumable 1 along the airflow path 2 during use. The second end 4 of the consumable 1 can be considered to represent the so-called "downstream" end of the consumable 1.

The consumable has an inlet 5 at the first end 3 and an outlet 6 at the opposite second end 4. In use, when the user inhales at the second end 4 , an airflow is drawn into the consumable 1 at the inlet 5 and passes through the consumable 1 along the airflow path 2 to the outlet 6 .

Immediately adjacent to the inlet 5 a vapor generating member (VGM) 7 is located. VGM 7 defines a flow path passing through its interior. The flow path passing through the VGM 7 constitutes a part of the air flow path 2 passing through the consumable item 1 .

A support structure tube 8 is located adjacent to the VGM 7. Support tube 8 defines a flow path therethrough. The flow path passing through the support tube 8 constitutes a part of the air flow path 2 passing through the consumable 1 . The support tube 8 is arranged downstream (ie in the sense of a flow chain) of the VGM 7 and thus between the VGM 7 and the outlet 6 .

The support tube 8 may be made of a paper-based material such as a cardboard material. The paper-based material of the support tube 8 may have a density of greater than 50 gsm (grams per square meter), for example about 100 gsm. The support tube 8 is therefore an inert member insofar as it is configured not to produce steam even when heated.

The support tube 8 may define a mixing zone within its central channel. Therefore, the mixing zone is located downstream of VGM7. That is, the mixing zone is located between the VGM 7 and the outlet 6. In the mixing zone, vapor from the VGM 7 is mixed with one another either from the VGM 7 or from other sources. For example, the support tube 7 may have a perforation through its side wall. Perforations allow airflow to pass through the perforations and into the mixing zone.

The support tube 8 may also form a cooling zone within a flow path passing through the support tube 8. In the cooling zone, the vapor from the VGM 7 is cooled, so that the vapor condenses into an aerosol that is inhaled by the user.

The flow path formed through the VGM 7 may be substantially continuous with the flow path that penetrates the support tube 8. The internal cross-sectional shape of the support tube 8 may be the same size and shape as the internal cross-sectional shape of the VGM 7.

A filter 9 is arranged adjacent to and downstream of the support tube 8. The filter 9 abuts the downstream end of the support tube 8 proximal to the second end 6 of the consumable 1 . Alternatively, the filter 9 may be placed within the end of the support tube 8 proximal to the second end 6 of the consumable 1. That is, the filter 9 may be formed within the air flow path 2 passing through the consumable 1. Filter 9 is therefore placed downstream of VGM 7. The filter 9 is also arranged downstream of the support tube 8 (if the filter 9 is in contact with the end of the support tube 8) or at least partially downstream of the support tube 8 (the filter 9 is located within the end of the support tube 8).

The filter 9 can act as a cooling element and may be configured to cool the vapor or aerosol passing therethrough. Additionally or alternatively, the filter 9 may be configured to form an airflow resistive element and provide resistance to airflow passing therethrough. Additionally or alternatively, the filter 9 may form a filter mixing element, in which the vapor from the VGM 7 is mixed with other fluid components, either from the VGM 7 or from other sources. Ru. Alternatively, it is contemplated that filter 9 could be omitted in some embodiments.

Surrounding the VGM 7 is chip paper 10. Chip paper 10 surrounds VGM 7. The tip paper 10 may be made of paper-based material. The paper-based material of the chipping paper 10 may have a density of, for example, 45 to 80 gsm. The tip paper 10 may be held in position surrounding the VGM 7 by, for example, an adhesive.

The tip paper 10 is longer than the VGM 7 in the longitudinal dimension of the consumable item 1. Therefore, when the first (upstream) longitudinal edge 11 of the tipping paper 10 is aligned with the edge of the inlet 5, the opposite (downstream) edge 12 of the tipping paper 10 exceeds the longitudinal extent of the VGM 7 and the support tube 8 at least partially overlap. Therefore, the tip paper 10 facilitates engagement between the VGM 7 and the support tube 8. The length of the portion overlapping with the support tube 8 may be, for example, 20 to 45 mm.

Moreover, by having the tip paper 10, the rigidity and strength of the consumable item 1 are improved around the VGM 7.

Surrounding the tip paper 10, VGM 7, support tube 8, and filter 9 is an overwrap 13. The overwrap 13 extends along the entire longitudinal length of the consumable 1. The overwrap 13 may be made of paper-based material. The paper-based material of the overwrap may have a density of 10 to 30 gsm, for example 15 gsm. Overwrap 13 may be held in position surrounding VGM 7, support tube 8, and filter 9, for example by adhesive.

FIG. 2 represents a longitudinal section of another HNB consumable 1 according to the invention.

The consumable 1 has a tubular VGM 7 arranged substantially facing the first end 3 of the consumable 1 . At the first end 3 of the consumable 1 there is an inlet 5. The filter 9 is disposed at the second end 4 of the consumable 1 and is formed over substantially the entire surface of the outlet 6 of the consumable 1. In this embodiment, filter 9 is separate from VGM 7. An outer package 14 surrounds and connects the VGM 7 and filter 9. In the consumable 1 in FIG. 2, the support tube 8 and the tip paper 10 are omitted compared to the consumable 1 in FIG. 1, and the upper wrapper in FIG. has been replaced. The outer packaging 14 may be made of paper-based material. The paper-based material of the outer wrapper 14 may have a density of 20 to 100 gsm. The heavier paper of the outer wrapper 14 compared to the tipping paper 10 allows the outer wrapper 14 to provide some rigidity to the consumable 1 of FIG.

Furthermore, by forming the consumable with fewer parts, the consumable can be manufactured more simply and at lower cost.

For the avoidance of doubt, a gap is depicted between the VGM 7 and the outer wrapper 14 in the radial direction for clarity of explanation of FIG. Similarly, a gap is shown between the filter 9 and the outer packaging 14 in the radial direction for clarity of explanation. The outer packaging 14 is in contact with the outer surface of the VGM 7 and the outer surface of the filter 9.

VGM7 has a total longitudinal length of 15 (L_vgm) and an inner diameter of 16 (D_vgm). The consumable has a total longitudinal length of 17 (L_cons).

L_vgm/L_cons may be 0.25 to 0.5, for example 0.25 to 0.333. Alternatively, 0.50 or more, 0.55 or more, 0.60 or more, 0.65 or more, 0.70 or more, 0.75 or more, 0.80 or more, 0.85 or more, 0.90 or more, or 0. It may be 95 or more. See FIG. 5 as an example.

The consumable item 1 may have a total length 17 (L_cons) of 30 mm to 100 mm.

The overall length 17 (L_cons) may be at least 30 mm, preferably at least 40 mm, more preferably at least 50 mm, more preferably at least 60 mm, more preferably at least 60 mm, more preferably at least 70 mm, more preferably at least 80 mm, More preferably it may be at least 90 mm.

The total length 17 (L_cons) may be 100 mm or less, preferably 90 mm or less, more preferably 80 mm or less, more preferably 70 mm or less, more preferably 60 mm or less, more preferably 50 mm or less, and more preferably 40 mm or less. There may be.

The upper and lower limits of the total length 17 (L_cons) of the consumable item 1 can be independently selected from the above values, and may be, for example, 30 mm to 50 mm or 80 mm to 100 mm.

For example, the consumable item 1 may have an overall length 17 (L_cons) that is approximately the same as a conventional cigarette, for example, 83 mm. Alternatively, the consumable item 1 may have a total length 17 (L_cons) of 40 to 60 mm, for example about 50 mm.

The inner diameter 16 (D_vgm) of the flow path passing through the VGM 7 may be between 3 mm and 12 mm. For example, the inner diameter 16 (D_vgm) of the flow path through the VGM 7 may be approximately 7.0 mm. The consumables 1 have an outer diameter in a substantially similar diameter range, taking into account additional members (for example, tipping paper 10 and overwrap 13 or outer wrapper 14) arranged radially outward of VGM 7. Good too.

The inner diameter 16 (D_vgm) may be at least 3 mm, preferably at least 4 mm, more preferably at least 5 mm, more preferably at least 6 mm, more preferably at least 7 mm, more preferably at least 8 mm, more preferably at least 9 mm, More preferably it may be at least 10 mm, more preferably at least 11 mm.

The inner diameter 16 (D_vgm) may be 12 mm or less, preferably 11 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less, more preferably 9 mm or less, more preferably 8 mm or less, more preferably 7 mm or less, more preferably 6 mm or less, More preferably, it is 5 mm or less, and more preferably 4 mm or less.

The upper and lower limits of the inner diameter 16 (D_vgm) can be independently selected from the above values, and for example, the inner diameter 16 (D_vgm) may be 4 mm to 11 mm or 8 mm to 10 mm.

The total radial distance between the inner surface of the VGM 7 and the outer surface of the immediately adjacent consumable 1 may preferably be between 0.5 and 1.5 mm, preferably between 0.6 and 1.4 mm, preferably may be 0.7 to 1.3 mm, preferably 0.6 to 1.2 mm, preferably 0.9 to 1.1 mm.

The thickness of VGM7 may preferably be 0.2 to 1.0 mm, preferably 0.3 to 0.9, preferably 0.4 to 0.8 mm, preferably 0.4 to 0.7 mm. , preferably 0.4 to 0.6 mm, preferably about 0.5 mm.

The thickness of the VGM7 may be at least 0.2 mm, preferably at least 0.3 mm, more preferably at least 0.4 mm, more preferably at least 0.5 mm, more preferably at least 0.6 mm, more preferably It may be at least 0.7 mm, more preferably at least 0.8 mm, more preferably at least 0.9 mm.

The thickness of VGM7 may be 1.0 mm or less, preferably 0.9 mm or less, more preferably 0.8 mm or less, more preferably 0.7 mm or less, more preferably 0.6 mm or less, more preferably It may be 0.5 mm or less, more preferably 0.4 mm or less, more preferably 0.2 mm or less.

The upper and lower limits of the thickness of VGM7 can be independently selected from the above values, and may be, for example, 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm, or 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm.

The thickness of VGM7 may correspond to the thickness of the sidewalls of VGM7.

3 and 4 illustrate the principle of internal and external heating of the active part of the VGM 7 of the consumable 1 according to the invention, respectively.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, the direction in which heat is applied by the heater of the heating device is indicated by an arrow. The active portion of the VGM 7 may be a portion of the VGM 7 configured to be heated by a heating element of a heating device. Certain heating devices may be configured to provide internal and external heating.
The active portion may be longer than the distance over which heat is directly applied to the VGM 7. For example, VGM 7 may be heated somewhat downstream of the region where heat is applied directly to VGM 7.

Furthermore, the active part may constitute the entire VGM 7. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the lengths of support tube 8 and VGM 7 may be selected such that the entire VGM 7 is included in the active section.

Additionally, the active part of VGM7 may contain an active substance and/or a carrier. Alternatively, the active part may contain additional active substances and/or carriers (compared to the inactive downstream part of VGM7).

The active part of VGM7 has an active length of 18 (L_act). The active length 18 (L_act) may be shorter than the total length 17 (L_cons) of the consumable 1. L_act/L_cons may be between 0.25 and 0.5, preferably between 0.3 and 0.45, preferably about 0.3333 (ie 1/3).

The active length 18 (L_act) may be shorter than the total length 15 (L_vgm) of the VGM7. Alternatively, the active length 18 (L_act) may be approximately the same as the total length 15 (L_vgm) of the VGM 7.

The active length 18 (L_act) may be, for example, 10 to 35 mm.

For all embodiments described herein, the flow path through the VGM 7 allows for rapid heating of the active portion of the VGM 7 once heating by the heating device occurs. It is also possible to heat the active part consistently to a single temperature or within a narrow temperature range. This is an improvement over prior art techniques where the tobacco heats up slowly and the temperature range within the tobacco is large. For example, in the prior art, a portion of the tobacco is combusted while other portions remain cool enough that no aerosol is substantially produced.

The total active internal surface area of VGM7 is equal to pi x D_vgm x L_act. This is the total active internal surface area of the VGM 7 configured to be heated internally by the heating device. For external heating, the total active external surface area of the VGM7 typically corresponds to the total active internal surface area of the VGM7.

Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that for VGMs 7 with different cross-sectional shapes, the formula for the inner surface area will be different.

As mentioned above, the active internal surface area of VGM7 is equal to pi x D_vgm x L_act. When L_vgm is equal to L_act, the active internal surface area may be approximately equal to the total internal surface area of VGM7.

The total active internal surface area of the VGM7 may be at least 100 square millimeters ( ^mm2 ), preferably at least 200 ^mm2 , more preferably at least 300 ^mm2 , more preferably at least 400 ^mm2 , more preferably at least 500 ^mm2 , and more. Preferably at least 600 mm ² , more preferably at least 700 mm ² , more preferably at least 800 mm ² , more preferably at least 900 mm ² , more preferably at least 1000 mm ² , more preferably at least 1100 mm ² , more preferably at least 1200 mm ² , more preferably at least may be at least 1300 mm ² , more preferably at least 1400 mm ² , more preferably at least 1500 mm ² , more preferably at least 1600 mm ² , more preferably at least 1700 mm ² , more preferably at least 1800 mm ² , more preferably at least 1900 mm ² good.

The total active internal surface area of the VGM7 may be 2000 square millimeters ( ^mm2 ) or less, preferably 1900mm2 ^or less, more preferably 1800mm2 ^or less, more preferably 1700mm2 ^or less, more preferably 1600mm2 ^or less, and more. Preferably 1500 mm ² or less, more preferably 1400 mm ² or less, more preferably 1300 mm ² or less, more preferably 1200 mm ² or less, more preferably 1100 mm ² or less, more preferably 1000 mm ² or less, more preferably 900 mm ² or less, more preferably is 800 mm ² or less, more preferably 700 mm ² or less, more preferably 600 mm ² or less, more preferably 500 mm ² or less, more preferably 400 mm ² or less, more preferably 300 mm ² or less, more preferably 200 mm ² or less, more preferably It may be 100 mm ² or less.

The total active internal surface area of the VGM7 can be independently selected from the above values; for example, the total active internal surface area of the VGM7 may be between 300 mm ² and 1300 mm ² , between 500 mm ² and 600 mm ² .

VGM7 has a vapor generating substrate. The vapor generating substrate is a member of the VGM 7 on which at least one active substance is placed, from which the active substance is vaporized. The total mass of vapor generating substrate in a single consumable may be between 100 and 1000 milligrams (mg).

The total mass of the vapor generating substrate may be at least 100 milligrams, preferably at least 200 milligrams, more preferably at least 300 milligrams, more preferably at least 400 milligrams, more preferably at least 500 milligrams, more preferably at least 600 milligrams. milligrams, more preferably at least 700 milligrams, more preferably at least 800 milligrams, more preferably at least 900 milligrams.

The total mass of the vapor generating substrate may be 1000 milligrams or less, preferably 900 milligrams or less, more preferably 800 milligrams or less, more preferably 700 milligrams or less, more preferably 600 milligrams or less, more preferably 500 milligrams or less. The amount may be more preferably 400 milligrams or less, more preferably 300 milligrams or less, more preferably 200 milligrams or less, and even more preferably 100 milligrams or less.

The total mass of the vapor-generating substrate can be independently selected from the above values; for example, the total mass of the vapor-generating substrate can be from 300 milligrams to 900 milligrams, or from 200 milligrams to 600 milligrams.

The total mass of the vapor-generating substrate in the active part can be selected from the same values as the vapor-generating substrates described above.

As mentioned above, the vapor generating substrate may include at least one active substance. A particular vapor generating substrate may contain a total amount of a particular active material from 0.2 to 2.0 mg. One such active substance is, for example, nicotine.

The parameter expression of the present invention includes the amount of active substance per unit active internal surface area of VGM7. In the case of consumable 1, which contains 0.2 to 2.0 mg of an active substance (nicotine, etc.) and has an active part inner surface of 100 to 2000 ^mm2 , consumable 1 has an active substance surface density of 0.0001 mg/ ^mm2. ~0.02mg/ ^mm2 . The active substance areal density of consumable 1 is 0.0005mg/mm ² to 0.015mg/mm ² , 0.001mg/mm ² to 0.03mg/mm ² , 0.0015mg/mm ² to 0.025mg/mm It is preferable that it is ² .

An example of the VGM7 according to the present invention is one using tobacco. VGM7 may include reconstituted tobacco. For example, VGM 7 may include one or more reconstituted tobacco sheets (see, eg, FIGS. 7-9). Methods of using tobacco materials in the preparation of reconstituted tobacco (or "recon") can generally be carried out as follows.

First, tobacco is collected in the form of dust, granules, or shredded plant leaf or stem material (hereinafter referred to as "plant material"). The plant material may be a by-product of tobacco processing. The plant material is uniformly mixed with a binding material (as the term suggests, something that binds and aggregates the plant material). Binding materials that can be used in this method include materials that themselves bind and agglomerate plant material particles, as well as naturally occurring binders contained in the plant material itself (which then actually bind and agglomerate the plant material). Examples include materials that indirectly cause such bonding and aggregation by having a releasing effect.

Binding materials that themselves bind and aggregate plant materials include, for example, film-forming materials, crosslinking agents, and the like. Film-forming materials and techniques for converting such materials into water-insoluble fibers, sheets, etc. are well known in the art.

Once the plant material has been added to the binder material in the form of a dispersion or solution (or the plant material has been dry mixed with the binder material and then added to the solvent), the resulting mixture is thoroughly blended to form a uniform and homogeneous mixture. get. This mixture is then treated with one of a number of methods known in the art to insolubilize the film-forming material added to or released from the plant material or to remove the cross-linking agent. If it is added, it will be crosslinked.

It should be understood that the resulting plant material combination can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and forms with various dimensions. Thus, as discussed above, the mixture of binder material and dust tobacco may be spun into fibers, rolled into sheets, cast into frames, or extruded into other shapes.

Preferably, plant material by-products such as stems and microstructures are mixed with water to form a slurry prior to purification. Once the agglomerated plant material particles are added to the slurry, the slurry is mixed using methods conventional in the art to thoroughly blend each component to obtain a uniform and homogeneous mixture. A reconstituted sheet of plant material is formed from the slurry by either a papermaking process, layering the slurry on a paper substrate, casting the slurry into a mold, or an extrusion process.

Methods of preparing reconstituted plant material by papermaking processes are well known in the art, as exemplified by Canadian Patent No. 862,497, incorporated herein by reference. The process described in that document is particularly advantageous in papermaking processes for preparing reconstituted tobacco material ("recon") sheets.

Typically, once a sheet of material containing agglomerated plant material particles is formed by a papermaking process, the sheet is dried and cut or pressed into the desired physical form.

As used herein, VGM7 may include or be formed from plant products. "Plant product" means a plant from which the active substance is aerosolized into a stream of respirable fluid that is inhaled by a user. For the avoidance of doubt, suitable botanical products include Amaranthus dubius, Arctostaphylos va-ursi, Argemone mexicana, Amica, Artemisia vulgaris, Yellow Tees, Gale. a zacatechichi, Canavalia maritima, Cannabis, Cecropia mexicana (Guamura), Cestrum noctumum, Cynoglossum virginianum (wild comfrey), Cytisus scoparius, Damiana, Entada rheeedii, Eschscholzia califomica (California) Poppy), Fittonia albivenis, Hippobroma longiflora, Humulus japonica (Cunnamgra), Humulus lupulus (hop), Lactuca virosa (opium lettuce), Laggera alata, Leonotis leonurus, Leonurus cardiaca (motherwort), Leonurus sibiricus (honeyweed), Lobelia cardinalis, Lobelia inflata (Indian tobacco) ), Lobelia inflata, Lobelia siphilitica, Nepeta cataria (catnip), Nicotiana species (tobacco ), Nymphaea alba (white lily), Nymphaea caerulea (blue lily), Opium poppy, Passiflora incamata (passion flower), Pedicularis densiflora (Indian warrior), Pedicularis gro enlandica (elephant's head), Salvia divinorum, Salvia dorrii (tobacco sage), Salvia species (sage), Scutellaria galericulata, Scutellaria lateriflora, Scutellaria nana, Scutellaria species (skullcap), Sida acuta (wireweed), Sida rhombifo lia, Silene capensis, Syzygium aromaticum (clove), Tagetes lucida (Mexican tarragon), Tarchonanthus camphoratus , Tumera diffusa (Damiana), Verbascum (Malein), Zamia latifolia (Maconha Brava), combinations thereof, functional equivalents thereof, and/or alternative compositions thereof.

As used herein, "active substance" refers to a chemically and/or physiologically active species, or a combination or mixture of such chemically and/or physiologically active species, intended to be aerosolized. , which provides a recreational and/or medicinal effect to the user when the user inhales a flow of respirable fluid containing the aerosol. For the avoidance of doubt, suitable chemically and/or physiologically active species include nicotine, cocaine, THC, CBD, caffeine, cannaboids, opiates and opoids, cathine and Mention may be made of the group consisting of cathinone, kavalactone, mysticin, β-carboline alkanoids, salvinorin A, combinations thereof, functional equivalents thereof, and/or alternative compositions thereof.

The remaining figures represent further consumables 1 and principles according to the invention, which will be explained below. The above considerations for the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 apply equally to the embodiments of the remaining figures. The discussion below regarding the remaining figures applies equally to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 5 depicts another consumable 1 useful in understanding the invention. The consumable 1 has a tubular VGM 7. VGM 7 extends substantially between a first (upstream) end 3 and a second (downstream) end 4 of consumable 1 . VGM7 has enough rigidity to support its own weight without collapsing. For example, VGM 7 may be formed from reconstituted tobacco sheet material (see, eg, FIGS. 7-9). The sheet member may have a density of 80 gsm to 145 gsm.

At the first end 3 there is an inlet 5. The filter 9 is located at the second end 4 of the consumable 1 and is formed over the outlet 6 of the consumable 1. An outer wrapper 19 surrounds and interconnects the VGM 7 and filter 9. In the consumable item 1 of FIG. 5, the support tube 8, tipping paper 10, and overwrap 13 are omitted compared to the consumable item 1 of FIG. 1.

The filter 9 may be placed in contact with the end of the VGM 7 and adjacent the second end 4 of the consumable 1, or the filter 9 may be placed within the VGM 7 and adjacent to the second end 4 of the consumable 1. It may be arranged adjacent to the second end 4.

The outer packaging 19 may be made of paper-based material. The paper-based material of the outer wrapper 19 may have a density of 20 to 100 gsm.

The outer packaging 19 may be omitted. Additionally or alternatively, filter 9 may be omitted. If the VGM 7 has sufficient rigidity, the consumable 1 may be substantially composed only of the VGM 7. For the avoidance of doubt, filter 9 may be included within the end of such VGM 7. Again, by reducing the number of components included in the consumable 1 in this way, the consumable 1 can be manufactured more simply and cost effectively.

FIG. 6 represents a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the consumable 1 useful for understanding the invention shown in FIG. VGM7 has an active part with an active length of 18 (L_act). The total length 15 (L_vgm) of VGM7 is also shown. Internal heating of the active part of VGM7 is represented by double-headed arrows. The outer packaging 19 enclosing the VGM 7 and filter 9 is shown.

In FIG. 6, a gap is shown between the VGM 7 and the outer wrapper 19 in the radial direction only for clarity of explanation. Similarly, a gap is shown between the filter 9 and the outer packaging 19 in the radial direction only for clarity of explanation. The outer packaging 19 is in contact with the outer surface of the VGM 7 and the outer surface of the filter 9.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6, the ratio (L_vgm/L_cons) of the total length 15 (L_vgm) of the VGM 7 to the total length (L_cons) of the consumable 1 may be 0.5 or more, preferably 0.55. or more, preferably 0.6 or more, preferably 0.65 or more, preferably 0.7 or more, preferably 0.75 or more, preferably 0.8 or more, preferably 0.85 or more, preferably 0.9 or more , preferably 0.95 or more.

The active length 18 (L_act) of the active part of the VGM7 may be the active part of the total length 15 (L_vgm) of the VGM7. That is, L_act/L_vgm may be 1 or less.

As a result, the inactive portion 20 of the VGM 7 is placed downstream of the active portion 21. The inert portion 20 is similar to the inert support tube 8 of the embodiment described in FIG. The inert portion 20 may form a mixing zone within a flow path passing therethrough. In the mixing zone, vapor from the VGM 7 is mixed with other fluid components from the VGM 7 or from other sources (eg, perforations formed in the VGM 7). Additionally, the inert portion 20 may form a cooling zone within a flow path passing through the interior thereof. In the cooling zone, the vapor from the VGM 7 is cooled, resulting in condensation of the vapor into an aerosol.

FIG. 7 represents an end view of the consumable 1 according to the invention. The consumable item 1 has a VGM 7 and an outer packaging 19. Although the consumable 1 of FIG. 7 does not have tipping paper therebetween, it is also conceivable, however, that it is included between the VGM 7 and the outer packaging 19. Therefore, the configuration of the VGM 7 shown in FIG. 7 can be applied to any of the consumables shown in FIGS. 1 to 6.

VGM 7 is formed from sheet member 22 (which is also an option for the consumables of FIGS. 1-6). Sheet member 22 is formed into tubular VGM 7 by just one wrap. That is, the opposing edges of the sheet member 22 are made adjacent to each other along the longitudinal seam 23 of the sheet member 22. In other words, both opposing portions of the sheet member 22 do not overlap each other. The opposing edges of the sheet members 22 that are adjacent to each other do not need to be bonded to each other, and may simply be held adjacent to each other so that the VGM 7 is tubular. The opposing edges may be held adjacent using the outer wrapper 19 or by utilizing the rigidity of the sheet member 22.

In FIG. 7 the inlet 5 of the tubular consumable 1 is visible. The size and shape of the inlet 5 is defined by the inner surface of the VGM 7. The inner diameter 16 of the VGM7 is shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 represents an end view of another consumable 1 according to the invention. The consumable 1 of FIG. 8 is similar to the consumable of FIG. 7, and similar parts are provided with the same reference numerals. The consumable VGM 7 of FIG. 8 has two generally concentric sheet members 22. The consumable VGM 7 of FIG. In each sheet member 22, opposing edges are adjacent to each other at respective longitudinal seams 23. The positions of the two longitudinal joints 23 are angularly shifted from each other. That is, the two longitudinal seams 23 are not aligned with each other. Thereby, the rigidity of the VGM 7 and the consumables 1 can be improved.

The VGM 7 may have more than the two sheet members 22 in FIG. 8. The longitudinal seams 23 of each sheet member 22 may be angularly offset from each other. Alternatively, each pair of immediately adjacent sheet members 22 may be angularly offset in the position of the longitudinal seam 23 of each pair.

FIG. 9 represents an end view of the consumable 1 according to the invention. The consumable item 1 has a VGM 7 and an outer packaging 19. Although the chipping paper 10 is not present in the consumable item 1 of FIG.

In the consumable item shown in FIG. 9, the VGM 7 is formed of a sheet member 22. The sheet member 22 is formed into a tubular VGM 7 by winding it multiple times. That is, both opposing portions of the sheet member 22 overlap each other. In FIG. 9, sheet members 22 are shown overlapping exactly three times. By overlapping an integral number of times, the wall thickness of the VGM 7 can be made more uniform. The rolled sheet member 22 may be held in a rolled form using the outer packaging 19 or using the material of VGM7. For example, the sheet member 22 may be configured to be rigid, meaning that the sheet member remains in a substantially rolled configuration. Alternatively, sheet member 22 may be held in a rolled configuration by adhesive. The number of times the sheet members 22 overlap may be less than three times or more than three times. The number of times the sheet members 22 overlap may be five or less times.

Sheet member 22 may be spirally wound. The helical winding allows for a large overlapping surface area for, for example, adhesive application.

In FIG. 9 the inlet 5 of the tubular consumable 1 is visible. The size and shape of the inlet 5 is defined by the inner surface of the VGM 7. The inner diameter 16 of the VGM7 is shown in FIG.

In any of the embodiments described above, the VGM 7 may be formed from a reconstituted tobacco sheet member 22 having a density of, for example, 80-145 gsm. By adopting an overlapping configuration (such as in FIG. 9) or a multilayer configuration (such as in FIG. 8), the density of the sheet member can be reduced.

Therefore, all the forms of the VGM 7 explained in FIGS. 7 to 9 can be applied to any of the consumables according to the present invention.

Each of the embodiments described above may be configured to emit an aerosol "puff" when inhaled by a user. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, a puff is a puff that a user draws into the mouth, which is then inhaled into the lungs. Smoking a conventional cigarette typically involves multiple puffs, for example 10 puffs.

The carrier is vaporized from the active part of VGM7. The active substance is also vaporized from the VGM7. Both are taken into the airflow from the inlet 5. Both the carrier and active substance vapors form an aerosol which is inhaled by the user through the outlet 6. Aerosols contain an active substance and a carrier.

Carriers include, for example, polyglycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), or polyethylene glycol (PEG), or combinations thereof.

In use, the user inhales at the outlet 6 of the consumable 1 to draw (for example) one puff of aerosol into the user's mouth, which is then inhaled into the lungs. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there are clearly differences in the puffs that each user draws (due to physiological differences, user preferences, etc.).

When the user inhales on the device, for example for 0.5 to 5.0 seconds, a puff is released from the device. The volume of the puff may be between 20 and 120 milliliters (ml), such as between 50 and 60 ml. The puff may be released while the VGM 7 is heated in a heater at the activation temperature. The activation temperature may be 170°C to 250°C. The heater may be maintained at approximately the activation temperature throughout the time the user is smoking.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, the following claims, or the accompanying drawings may, from time to time, be presented as specific forms thereof or in terms of means for performing the disclosed functions, or methods or processes for obtaining the disclosed results. However, these features can be used individually or in combination to realize the invention in its various forms.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with the above-described exemplary embodiments, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention described above are to be considered illustrative and non-limiting. Various changes may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

For the avoidance of doubt, any theoretical explanation herein is presented for the purpose of improving the understanding of the reader. We do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

Any section headings herein are included for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limitations on the subject matter described.

Throughout this specification, including the following claims, the words "comprising" and "having" are used throughout the specification, including the claims below, unless the context requires otherwise. Variants such as "are understood to include the mentioned integer or process, group of integers or process, and do not exclude other integers or processes, groups of integers or processes. .

It must be noted that in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms (a, an, and the) include plural referents unless the context clearly requires otherwise. . Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when numerical values are expressed as approximations using the antecedent "about," it is understood that the particular value constitutes a separate embodiment. The term "about" in relation to numerical values is arbitrary and means, for example, ±10%.

Claims (13)

A non-combustion heated consumable article having a tubular steam generating member, a support structure tube, a filter, and a mixing zone, the article comprising:
the tubular steam-generating member defines a flow path therethrough, and at least an active portion of the steam-generating member is configured to generate steam when heated by a heater;
the support structure tube is located axially adjacent to and downstream of the tubular steam generating member;
the support structure tube is an inert member, the steam generating member and at least a portion of the inert tube are wrapped in a package;
the filter abuts a downstream end of the support structure tube;
the mixing zone is located downstream of the active section and within the support structure tube, the active section having a cross-sectional size and shape approximately equal to the cross-section of the support structure tube;
Non-combustible/heated consumables. The consumable has an air flow path extending between an inlet opening and an outlet opening located at a second end of the consumable, the flow path through the active portion 2. The non-combustible heated consumable of claim 1, wherein the flow path through the support structure tube constitutes a first portion of the air flow path and wherein the flow path through the support structure tube constitutes a second portion of the air flow path. 3. The non-combustible, heated consumable product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the active part has a side wall with a thickness of less than 1.5 mm. The non-combustion/heating type consumable product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the active part has a total length of more than 10 mm. The non-combustible/heated consumable product according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the active part has a total length of less than 35 mm. 3. The non-combustible heated consumable of claim 2 , wherein the flow path through the active portion has a cross-sectional size and shape approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of the inlet opening. The non-combustible/thermal consumable product according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the active base material contained in the active part has a total mass of more than 100 mg and less than 1000 mg. 8. The non-combustible, heated consumable product according to claim 7, wherein the active substrate of the active part contains 0.2 milligrams to 2.0 milligrams of active material. 9. A non-combustible, heated consumable product according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the active substrate of the active part contains from 0.0002 milligrams to 0.02 milligrams of active material per milligram of active substrate. The non-combustion/heating type consumable product according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which has a total longitudinal length of 100 mm or less. The non-combustion/heating type consumable product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which has a total longitudinal length of 50 mm or more. A non-combustible heating consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the vapor generating member comprises an active substance, the active substance comprising nicotine. A non-combustible heated consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the vapor generating member comprises a reconstituted tobacco sheet.

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