JP7843749B2 - Compositions and methods - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to aerosol generation for caffeine delivery. This invention also relates to compositions for oral delivery of caffeine.

background

Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars produce tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Alternatives to these types of articles release inhalable aerosols or vapors by heating a substrate material without combustion, thereby releasing compounds from the substrate. These are sometimes called non-combustible smoking articles, aerosol-generating assemblies, or non-combustible aerosol supply systems.

An example of such a product is a heating device that releases compounds by heating a solid aerosolizable material without combustion. In some examples, this solid aerosolizable material may include tobacco material. Heating volatilizes at least one component of the material, typically forming an inhalable aerosol. These products are sometimes called heat-not-burn devices, tobacco heating devices, or tobacco heating products (THPs). Various different configurations are known for volatilizing at least one component of the solid aerosolizable material.

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

overview

In a first embodiment, an aerosol generating material used for aerosol generation is provided. This aerosol generating material is
Approximately 10 to 50% by weight of caffeine,
Approximately 15 to 60% by weight of a gelling agent,
Approximately 10 to 50% by weight of an aerosol-forming material,
This includes, where the weight percentage value is calculated on a dry weight basis.

In a second embodiment, an aerosol-generating composition comprising the aerosol-generating material of the first embodiment is provided.

In a third embodiment, a consumable for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply device is provided. This consumable comprises an aerosol generating composition according to the second embodiment.

In a fourth embodiment, a non-combustible aerosol supply system is provided, comprising the consumables and non-combustible aerosol supply device of the third embodiment.

In a fifth embodiment, a composition for oral delivery of caffeine is provided. This composition is
Approximately 10 to 50% by weight of caffeine,
Approximately 15 to 60% by weight of a gelling agent,
Approximately 10 to 50% by weight of a humectant,
This includes, where the weight percentage value is calculated on a dry weight basis.

In a sixth embodiment, a method is provided for forming an aerosol-generating material of the first embodiment, or a composition defined in the fifth embodiment. This method is
(a) A step of preparing a slurry containing caffeine, a gelling agent, an aerosol-forming material or humectant, a solvent, and any further components of an aerosol-generating material or composition,
(b) The step of forming a slurry layer,
(c) Optionally, a step to solidify the slurry layer,
(d) A step of drying the slurry to form an aerosol generating material or composition,
It is equipped with.

In a seventh embodiment, a slurry is provided. This slurry is
Approximately 10 to 50% by weight of caffeine,
Approximately 15 to 60% by weight of a gelling agent,
Approximately 10 to 50% by weight of aerosol-forming material (where the weight percentage is calculated on a dry weight basis),
Solvent and,
Includes.

The aerosol-forming material used in aerosol generation is the same as the humectant in the composition for oral delivery of caffeine.

Features described herein in relation to one aspect of the present invention are expressly disclosed in combination with each of the other aspects, insofar as they are combinatorial.

Further aspects of the present invention described herein may provide the use of aerosol-generating materials, aerosol-generating compositions, consumables, or non-combustible aerosol supply systems in the generation of inhalable aerosols.

Further features and advantages of the present invention are provided for illustrative purposes only and will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

This is a cross-sectional view of an example of a consumable item. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the consumables. This is a cross-sectional elevation view of an example of a consumable part. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the consumables. This is a perspective view of an example of a non-combustion type aerosol supply system. This is a cross-sectional view of an example of a non-combustible aerosol supply system. This is a perspective view of an example of a non-combustion type aerosol supply system. This is an exploded view of an example of a consumable part. This is an example of a consumable product containing multiple separate parts of an aerosol-generating material.

Detailed explanation

As described above, this specification provides an aerosol generating material used for aerosol generation. This aerosol generating material is
Approximately 10 to 50% by weight of caffeine,
Approximately 15 to 60% by weight of a gelling agent,
Approximately 10 to 50% by weight of an aerosol-forming material,
This includes, where the weight percentage value is calculated on a dry weight basis.

Furthermore, a composition for oral delivery of caffeine is also provided. This composition comprises an aerosol-generating material, and this aerosol-generating material is
Approximately 10 to 50% by weight of caffeine,
It contains approximately 15 to 60% by weight of a gelling agent and approximately 10 to 50% by weight of a humectant, where the weight percentage values are calculated on a dry weight basis.

The aerosol-generating material may form part of the aerosol-generating composition. The aerosol-generating composition is a material capable of generating aerosols when energy is supplied, for example, by heating, radiation, or any other method.

The aerosol-generating material may be an "amorphous solid." In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material includes an aerosol-generating film that is an amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid is a "monolithic solid." The aerosol-generating material may be non-fibrous or fibrous. For example, the aerosol-generating material may be substantially non-fibrous. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be a dry gel. The aerosol-generating material may be a solid material capable of holding some fluid, such as a liquid. In some embodiments, the held fluid may be water (such as water absorbed from the surroundings of the aerosol-generating material), or the held fluid may be a solvent (such as when the aerosol-generating material is formed from a slurry). In some embodiments, the solvent may be water.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating composition may contain, for example, about 50% by weight, 60% by weight, or 70% by weight of aerosol-generating material to about 90% by weight, 95% by weight, or 100% by weight of aerosol-generating material, based on the weight of the aerosol-generating composition. These weight percentage values are calculated on a wet weight basis (WWB), i.e., including any water or other solvent present in the aerosol-generating composition or aerosol-generating material.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating composition comprises an aerosol-generating material.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material and/or aerosol-generating composition essentially consists of, or comprises, a gelling agent, a solvent, an aerosol-forming material, caffeine, and optionally a flavoring, and/or optionally further active substances, and/or optionally a filler.

In some examples, aerosol-generating materials and/or aerosol-generating compositions consist essentially of, or comprise, a gelling agent, a solvent, an aerosol-forming material, and caffeine.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material and/or aerosol-generating composition essentially consists of, or comprises, a gelling agent, water, an aerosol-forming material, caffeine, and optionally a flavoring, and/or optionally further active substances, and/or optionally a filler.

In some examples, aerosol-generating materials and/or aerosol-generating compositions consist essentially of, or comprise, a gelling agent, water, an aerosol-forming material, and caffeine.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is a hydrogel containing less than about 20% by weight of water on a wet weight basis. In some examples, the hydrogel may contain less than 15% by weight, 12% by weight, or 10% by weight of water on a wet weight basis (WWB). In some examples, the hydrogel may contain at least about 1% by weight, 2% by weight, or at least about 5% by weight of water (WWB).

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may contain less than about 20% by weight of water on a wet weight basis (WWB), for example, about 15% by weight, 12% by weight, or less than 10% by weight of water. For example, the aerosol-generating material may contain about 1 to 15% by weight of water on a wet weight basis (WWB), for example, 3 to 12% by weight of water. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may contain about 1 to 5% by weight of water on a wet weight basis (WWB).

Caffeine Preferably, the aerosol-generating material may contain about 10% to about 50% by weight of caffeine, for example, about 20% by weight, 25% by weight, or 30% to about 45% by weight, 40% by weight, or 35% by weight of caffeine (all calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the aerosol-generating material may contain about 20-50% by weight, about 20-45% by weight, about 20-40% by weight, about 25-40% by weight, about 25-35% by weight, or about 30-35% by weight of caffeine.

Caffeine may be extracted from plant-based sources, including coffee beans.

The inventors have found that caffeine has limited solubility in solutions used in liquid e-cigarette delivery systems, meaning that such systems may not be able to deliver caffeine at high levels. The use of aerosol-generating materials may enable the incorporation of higher levels of caffeine and, consequently, the delivery of larger quantities of caffeine to the user.

Preferably, the aerosol-generating material contains about 15% to about 60% by weight of a gelling agent, for example, about 20% by weight, 25% by weight, or 30% to about 60% by weight, 50% by weight, 45% by weight, 40% by weight, or 35% by weight of a gelling agent (all calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the aerosol-generating material may contain about 20-50% by weight, 25-45% by weight, or 30-40% by weight of a gelling agent.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may contain about 30 to 50% by weight of a gelling agent.

In some embodiments, the gelling agent includes a hydrophilic colloid.

In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises (or is comprised of) one or more compounds selected from polysaccharide gelling agents, such as alginates, pectin, starch or its derivatives, cellulose or its derivatives, pullulan, carrageenan, agar and agarose, gelatin, gums, such as xanthan gum, guar gum and acacia gum, silica or silicone compounds, such as PDMS and sodium silicate, clay, such as kaolin, and polyvinyl alcohol.

In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises (or consists of) one or more polysaccharide gelling agents.

In some embodiments, the polysaccharide gelling agent is selected from alginate, pectin, starch or its derivatives, or cellulose or its derivatives. In some embodiments, the polysaccharide gelling agent is selected from alginate and cellulose derivatives.

In some embodiments, the gelling agent is a polysaccharide gelling agent, which is optionally selected from alginates and cellulose derivatives.

In some embodiments, the alginate is sodium alginate.

In some embodiments, the polysaccharide gelling agent is a cellulose derivative. While we do not wish to be bound by theory, the inventors believe that such gelling agents do not react with calcium ions to form crosslinks.

In some embodiments, the polysaccharide gelling agent is alginate.

In some examples, the gelling agent is not crosslinked. The absence of crosslinking in the gelling agent facilitates faster delivery of caffeine (and any further active substances and/or flavorings) from the aerosol-generating material.

Examples of cellulosic gelling agents (sometimes referred to as cellulose derivatives herein) include, but are not limited to, hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). In some embodiments, cellulose or its derivatives are selected from hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). In some embodiments, the cellulose derivative is CMC.

For example, in some embodiments, the gelling agent includes (or is) one or more of the following: alginate, pectin, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, pullulan, xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, agarose, acacia gum, fumed silica, PDMS, sodium silicate, kaolin, and polyvinyl alcohol.

In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises (or is) one or more of the following: hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, guar gum, acacia gum, alginate, and/or pectin.

In some examples, the gelling agent may include (or be) alginate and/or pectin, and may be combined with a solidifying agent or crosslinking agent (such as a calcium source) during the formation of the aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may include calcium-crosslinked alginate and/or calcium-crosslinked pectin.

In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises (or is) an alginate, and optionally, this alginate is present in the aerosol-generating material in an amount of about 15–50% by weight, for example, about 25–45% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of the aerosol-generating material.

In some embodiments, alginates are the only gelling agents present in the aerosol-generating material.

In other embodiments, the gelling agent comprises an alginate and at least one further gelling agent, such as pectin.

In certain embodiments, the gelling agent is carboxymethylcellulose, and optionally, this carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is present in an amount of about 15–50% by weight, for example, about 25–45% by weight, or about 30% by weight. In some embodiments, CMC is the only gelling agent present in the aerosol-generating material.

Aerosol-forming material: The aerosol-forming material may contain one or more components capable of forming aerosols.

Preferably, the aerosol-generating material may contain about 10% to about 50% by weight of aerosol-forming material (calculated on a dry weight basis), for example, about 20% to 50% by weight, or about 10%, 20%, or 30% to about 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, or 25% by weight of aerosol-forming material. For example, the aerosol-generating material may contain about 10% to 50% by weight, about 20% to 45% by weight, about 25% to 40% by weight, or about 30% to 35% by weight of aerosol-forming material.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may contain one or more of the following: glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzylphenyl acetate, tributyline, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may comprise one or more of erythritol, propylene glycol, glycerol, and triacetin. In some examples, the aerosol-forming material is essentially composed of glycerol, or composed of glycerol, optionally combined with propylene glycol.

The aerosol-forming material may act as a plasticizer. If the plasticizer content is too high, the aerosol-forming material may absorb water, resulting in a material that does not produce a satisfactory consumption experience during use. If the plasticizer content is too low, the aerosol-forming material may become brittle and easily break. The plasticizer content specified herein provides aerosol-forming material flexibility that allows sheets of the aerosol-forming material or aerosol-forming composition to be wound onto bobbins, which is useful in the manufacture of aerosol products (consumables).

The aerosol-generating composition may further contain one or more additional active substances and/or fragrances, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating composition may further contain one or more other functional materials.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may further comprise one or more additional active substances and/or fragrances, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may further include one or more other functional materials.

Further Active Substances In certain embodiments, caffeine is the only active substance present in the aerosol-generating material. In certain embodiments, caffeine may be the only active substance present in the aerosol-generating composition. However, the aerosol-generating material and/or aerosol-generating composition may further contain further active ingredients.

In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may contain, in addition to caffeine, about 1% by weight, 5% by weight, 10% by weight, 15% by weight, 20% by weight, or 25% by weight to about 65% by weight, 60% by weight, 50% by weight, 45% by weight, 40% by weight, 35% by weight, or 30% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of another active substance.

Further active substances used herein are physiologically active materials, i.e., materials for achieving or enhancing physiological reactions. These further active substances may be selected from, for example, functional foods, nootropics, and psychoactive substances. They may be naturally occurring or obtained by synthesis. These further active substances may include, for example, nicotine, taurine, theine, vitamins (such as B6, B12, and C), melatonin, cannabinoids, or their components, derivatives, or combinations. These further active substances may also include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, hemp, or other plant materials.

In one embodiment, the active substance is a legally recognized recreational drug.

In some embodiments, the further active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the further active substance includes melatonin or vitamin B12.

As described above, the further active substances may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of hemp, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

The active substance may be CBD or a derivative thereof.

Cannabinoids are a class of naturally occurring or synthetic compounds that act on intracellular cannabinoid receptors (i.e., CB1 and CB2) that inhibit the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. Cannabinoids may be naturally occurring in plants such as hemp (phytocannabinoids), naturally occurring in animals (endogenous cannabinoids), or artificially produced (synthetic cannabinoids). Hemp species express at least 85 different phytocannabinoids, which are divided into subcategories including cannabigerol, cannabichromene, cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinol, and cannabinodiol, as well as other cannabinoids. Cannabinoids found in hemp include, but are not limited to, cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), cannabinodiol (CBDL), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromvaline (CBCV), cannabigerovaline (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabinerol acid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), cannabitriol (CBO), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), and tetrahydrocannabivaric acid (THCV A).

As described herein, further active substances may include or be derived from one or more plant materials or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term “plant material” includes, but is not limited to, any material derived from a plant, including extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, shells, peels, etc. Alternatively, the material may include active compounds that are naturally present in plant materials or obtained by synthesis. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, fragments, shards, sheets, etc. Examples of plant-based ingredients include tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba extract, hazelnut, hibiscus, laurel, licorice, matcha, mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea (green tea, black tea, etc.), thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, and safflower. Orchid, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, shiso, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, calvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. Mint includes the following mint varieties: Mentha arvensis, grapefruit mint (Mentha c.v.), Egyptian mint (Mentha niliaca), peppermint (Mentha piperita), lime mint (Mentha piperita citrata c.v.), chocolate mint (Mentha piperita c.v.), curly mint (Mentha spicata crispa), wild mint (Mentha cordifolia), horse mint (Mentha longifolia), pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens variegata), and pennyroyal mint (Mentha spicata crispa). You may choose from *Pulegium*, English spearmint (*Mentha spicata* c.v.), and apple mint (*Mentha suaveolens*).

In some embodiments, the further active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant substances or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, where the plant substance is tobacco.

In some embodiments, the further active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant substances or their components, derivatives, or extracts, the plant substances being selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, and hemp. In some embodiments, the further active substance comprises (or is) plant materials selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, and hemp.

In some embodiments, the further active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant substances or their components, derivatives, or extracts, the plant substances being selected from rooibos and fennel. In some embodiments, the further active substance comprises (or is) plant materials selected from rooibos and fennel.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant-derived materials.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating composition is substantially free of plant-derived materials. For example, in some cases, the aerosol-generating material further comprises tobacco material and/or nicotine. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may contain 5 to 60% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of tobacco material and/or nicotine.

In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may contain approximately 1% by weight, 5% by weight, 10% by weight, 15% by weight, 20% by weight, or 25% by weight to approximately 65% by weight, 60% by weight, 50% by weight, 45% by weight, 40% by weight, 35% by weight, or 30% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of tobacco material. For example, the aerosol-generating material may contain up to approximately 50% by weight of tobacco material. For example, the aerosol-generating material may contain approximately 10-50% by weight, 15-40% by weight, or 20-35% by weight of tobacco material. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may contain approximately 1% by weight, 2% by weight, 3% by weight, or 4% by weight to approximately 20% by weight, 18% by weight, 15% by weight, or 12% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of nicotine. For example, the aerosol-generating material may contain approximately 1-20% by weight, 2-18% by weight, or 3-12% by weight of nicotine.

In some examples, the aerosol-generating material contains further active substances such as tobacco extract. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may contain 5–60% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of tobacco extract. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may contain about 5% by weight, 10% by weight, 15% by weight, 20% by weight, or 25% to about 60% by weight, 50% by weight, 45% by weight, 40% by weight, 35% by weight, or 30% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of tobacco extract. For example, the aerosol-generating material may contain about 10–50% by weight, 15–40% by weight, or 20–35% by weight of tobacco extract. The tobacco extract may contain nicotine at a concentration such that the aerosol-generating material contains about 1% by weight, 1.5% by weight, 2% by weight, or 2.5% to about 6% by weight, 5% by weight, 4.5% by weight, or 4% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of nicotine. In some cases, nicotine other than that derived from any tobacco extract may not be present in the aerosol-generating material.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material does not contain tobacco material but contains nicotine. In some such examples, the aerosol-generating material may contain about 1% by weight, 2% by weight, 3% by weight, or 4% by weight to about 20% by weight, 18% by weight, 15% by weight, or 12% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of nicotine. For example, the aerosol-generating material may contain about 1 to 20% by weight, 2 to 18% by weight, or 3 to 12% by weight of nicotine.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material and aerosol-generating composition do not contain tobacco material (including tobacco extract) or nicotine.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating composition is substantially free of tobacco.

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

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating composition does not contain tobacco fibers. In certain embodiments, the aerosol-generating composition does not contain fibrous materials.

Fragrance Aerosol-generating materials and/or aerosol-generating compositions may optionally contain fragrance. For example, the aerosol-generating material may contain up to about 65% by weight, 55% by weight, 50% by weight, or 45% by weight of fragrance. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may contain at least about 0.1% by weight, 1% by weight, 10% by weight, 20% by weight, 30% by weight, 35% by weight, or 40% by weight of fragrance (all calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the aerosol-generating material may contain 1 to 65% by weight, 10 to 65% by weight, 20 to 50% by weight, or 30 to 40% by weight of fragrance.

As used herein, the terms “flavoring” and “flavoring” refer to materials that can be used to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatosensory effect in products intended for adult consumers, where local regulations permit. These include naturally occurring flavoring materials, plant materials, extracts of plant materials, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, hemp, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, mint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya). Ya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, cabbage Lethwei, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, bell pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, mint oil from any variety of mint, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange peel, rose, tea (green tea, black tea, etc.), thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, shiso, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pi It may also contain menthol, mace, damian, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, calvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators, or stimulants, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives, such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plant materials, or breath fresheners. These may be imitation ingredients, synthetic ingredients, natural ingredients, or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, e.g., liquid (e.g., oil), solid (e.g., powder), or gas.

In some embodiments, the fragrance includes menthol, spearmint, and/or peppermint.

In some embodiments, the flavoring includes flavor components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruit, and/or red berry.

In some embodiments, the fragrance contains eugenol.

In some embodiments, the fragrance includes flavoring components extracted from tobacco.

In some embodiments, the fragrance contains flavor components extracted from hemp.

In some embodiments, the fragrance may include sensory agents intended to achieve somatosensory effects that are normally chemically induced and perceived by stimulating the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to, or instead of, the olfactory or gustatory nerves. These may include agents that provide heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effects. Suitable heating agents may include, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and suitable cooling agents may include, but are not limited to, eucalyptol or WS-3 (N-ethyl-2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanecarboxamide).

In certain cases, the flavoring contains coffee, is essentially derived from coffee, or consists of coffee.

In some embodiments, the flavoring includes coffee and/or tea, such as green tea or black tea. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes flavoring components extracted from coffee and/or tea, such as green tea or black tea.

In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may further contain an emulsifier, which emulsifies the molten flavor during manufacturing. For example, the aerosol-generating material may contain about 5% to about 15% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of emulsifier, preferably about 10% by weight. The emulsifier may contain acacia gum.

In some embodiments, the total content of further active substances and/or fragrances may be at least about 0.1% by weight, 1% by weight, 5% by weight, 10% by weight, 20% by weight, 25% by weight, or 30% by weight. In some examples, the total content of further active substances and/or fragrances may be less than about 60% by weight, 50% by weight, or 40% by weight (all calculated on a dry weight basis).

In some examples, the total content of tobacco material, nicotine, and/or flavorings may be at least about 0.1% by weight, 1% by weight, 5% by weight, 10% by weight, 20% by weight, 25% by weight, or 30% by weight. In some examples, the total content of tobacco material, nicotine, and/or flavorings may be less than about 60% by weight, 50% by weight, or 40% by weight (all calculated on a dry weight basis).

Other functional materials: One or more other functional materials may include one or more of the following: pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

In some embodiments, the other functional material includes (or is a filler).

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may contain less than about 65% by weight of filler, for example, about 1% to 60% by weight, or 5% to 50% by weight, or 5% to 30% by weight, or 10% to 20% by weight of filler.

In other embodiments, the aerosol-generating material contains less than 20% by weight, preferably less than 10% by weight, or less than 5% by weight of filler. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material contains less than 1% by weight of filler, and in some examples, the aerosol-generating material contains no filler.

If a filler is present, it may include one or more inorganic fillers, such as calcium carbonate, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, and a suitable inorganic adsorbent (such as molecular sieves). The filler may also include one or more organic fillers, such as wood pulp, tobacco pulp, hemp fiber, starch and starch derivatives, such as maltodextrin, chitosan, cellulose and cellulose derivatives, such as pulverized cellulose, crystalline cellulose, and nanocrystalline cellulose. In certain examples, the aerosol-generating material does not contain calcium carbonate, such as chalk.

As those skilled in the art will understand, crystalline cellulose can be formed by depolymerizing cellulose through a chemical process (e.g., using acids or enzymes). One example of a method for forming crystalline cellulose involves acid hydrolysis of cellulose using an acid such as HCl. The cellulose produced after this treatment is crystalline (i.e., no amorphous regions remain). Suitable methods and conditions for forming crystalline cellulose are well known in the art.

In certain embodiments including a filler, the filler is fibrous. For example, the filler may be a fibrous organic filler material, such as wood pulp, tobacco pulp, hemp fiber, cellulose, or a cellulose derivative. In some embodiments, the fibrous organic filler material is wood pulp, hemp fiber, cellulose, or a cellulose derivative. In some embodiments, the fibrous filler is wood pulp. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is thought that including a fibrous filler in an aerosol-generating material may increase the tensile strength of the material. This may be particularly advantageous in examples where the aerosol-generating material is provided as a sheet, for example, when the aerosol-generating material sheet surrounds a rod of aerosolizable material.

In some embodiments, the aerosol product does not contain tobacco fibers. In certain embodiments, the aerosol product does not contain fibrous material.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is formed as a sheet. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material sheet may be incorporated into a sheet-type non-combustible aerosol supply system or consumable. The aerosol-generating material sheet may be incorporated as a flat sheet, a gathered or pleated sheet, a corrugated sheet, or a rolled sheet (i.e., in the form of a tube). In some such examples, the aerosol-generating material of these embodiments may be incorporated into the system/consumable as a sheet, for example, as a sheet surrounding a rod of aerosolizable or aerosol-generating material (such as cigarettes, or a combination of cigarettes and aerosol-generating materials as described herein). For example, the aerosol-generating material sheet may be formed on a roll surrounding an aerosolizable material such as cigarettes. In other examples, the sheet may be shredded and then incorporated into an assembly, preferably mixed with an aerosolizable material such as shredded rag cigarettes.

In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a sheet or layer having a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1.0 mm. Preferably, the thickness may be in the range of about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm, or 0.3 mm, for example, 0.1 to 3 mm or 0.15 to 0.3 mm. A material having a thickness of 0.2 mm may be particularly suitable. The aerosol-generating material may comprise two or more layers, and the thickness described herein refers to the total thickness of these layers.

If the aerosol-generating material is too thick, heating efficiency may be impaired. This negatively impacts power consumption during use. Conversely, if the aerosol-generating material is too thin, manufacturing and handling may be difficult. Specifically, very thin materials are more difficult to cast, are more fragile, and may impair aerosol formation during use.

The thicknesses specified herein are the average thickness of the material. In some examples, the thickness of the aerosol-generating material may vary by 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, or less than 1%.

In some examples, the aerosol-generating material in sheet form may have a tensile strength of about 200 N/m to about 2000 N/m. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material in sheet form may have a tensile strength of about 200 N/m to about 900 N/m. In some examples, such as when the aerosol-generating material does not contain fillers, the aerosol-generating material in sheet form may have a tensile strength of about 200 N/m to about 400 N/m, or about 200 N/m to about 300 N/m, or about 250 N/m. Such tensile strengths may be particularly suitable for embodiments in which the aerosol-generating material and/or aerosol-generating composition is formed as a sheet, then shredded, and incorporated into a consumable. In some examples, such as when the aerosol-generating material includes a filler, the aerosol-generating material may have a tensile strength of about 600 N/m to about 900 N/m, or about 700 N/m to about 900 N/m, or about 800 N/m. Such tensile strengths are particularly suitable for embodiments in which the aerosol-generating material and/or aerosol-generating composition is included in a consumable/non-combustible aerosol supply system, preferably in the form of a wound sheet or, more preferably, a tube.

An aerosol-generating composition containing an aerosol-generating material may have any suitable surface density, for example, 30 g/ ^m² to 120 g/ ^m² . In some examples, the aerosol-generating composition may have a mass per unit area of 80 to 120 g/ ^m² , or about 70 to 110 g/ ^m² , or particularly about 90 to 110 g/ ^m² , or preferably about 100 g/ ^m² (so the sheet has a density similar to shredded rag tobacco, and the mixture of these materials does not easily separate). Such surface densities may be particularly suitable when the aerosol-generating composition is included in assembly consumables/systems in sheet form or as shredded sheets (as further described below). In some examples, the aerosol-generating composition may have a mass per unit area of about 30 to 70 g/ ^m² , 40 to 60 g/ ^m² , or 25 to 60 g/ ^m² , and may be used to surround an aerosolizable material such as tobacco.

The aerosol-generating material used for aerosol generation may be present on or within a support to form a substrate. The support may be, for example, paper, cardboard, thick paper, recycled material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy, or may contain such materials. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is incorporated into the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is located on one or both sides of the material.

The aerosol-generating composition may include a carrier on which the aerosol-generating material is provided. The carrier functions as a support for the aerosol-generating material layer, facilitating manufacturing. The carrier may also provide tensile strength to the aerosol-generating material layer, facilitating handling.

In some examples, the carrier may be formed from a material selected from metal foil, paper, carbon paper, oil-resistant paper, ceramics, carbon allotropes (e.g., graphite and graphene), plastics, cardboard, wood, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the carrier may contain or consist of tobacco material (e.g., a sheet of reconstituted tobacco). In some examples, the carrier may be formed from a material selected from metal foil, paper, cardboard, wood, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the carrier itself is a laminated structure comprising layers of multiple materials selected from the aforementioned list. In some examples, the carrier may also function as a flavor carrier. For example, the carrier may be impregnated with a flavor or tobacco extract.

In some examples, the carrier may be magnetic. This feature may be used to fix the carrier to a non-combustible aerosol supply device during use, or to generate a specific aerosol-generating material shape. In some examples, the aerosol-generating composition may contain one or more magnets that can be used to fix the material to an induction heater during use.

In some examples, the carrier may be substantially or completely impermeable to gases and/or aerosols. This prevents aerosols or gases from passing through the carrier layer, thereby controlling the flow and ensuring that the aerosols or gases are reliably delivered to the user. This can also be used to prevent gases/aerosols from condensing or forming other deposits on the surface of heaters, for example, located within an aerosol generation assembly, during use. In this way, in some examples, consumption efficiency and hygiene can be improved.

In some examples, the surface of the carrier in contact with the aerosol-generating material may be porous. For example, in one example, the carrier includes paper. Porous carriers such as paper have been found to be particularly suitable, as the porous (e.g., paper) layer in contact with the aerosol-generating material layer forms a strong bond. The aerosol-generating material may also be formed by drying a gel, and although not limited by theory, the slurry forming the gel is thought to partially impregnate the porous carrier (e.g., paper), resulting in the carrier partially bonding to the gel as it solidifies. This results in a strong bond between the gel and the carrier (and between the dried gel and the carrier).

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be laminated on a carrier such as a paper sheet.

In some embodiments, when an aerosol-generating material is formed from a slurry as described herein, the slurry layer may be formed on a carrier such as a paper sheet.

In addition, surface roughness can contribute to the strength of the bond between the aerosol-generating material and the carrier. The inventors found that the roughness of the paper (the surface in contact with the carrier) is preferably in the range of 50 to 1000 Bekk seconds, preferably 50 to 150 Bekk seconds, and preferably 100 Bekk seconds (measured over an air pressure range of 50.66 to 48.00 kPa). (A Bekk smoothness tester is an instrument used to measure the smoothness of a paper surface. In this tester, air at a specific pressure is introduced between a smooth glass surface and a paper sample. The time (in seconds) it takes for a fixed volume of air to penetrate between these surfaces is called "Bekk smoothness.")

Conversely, the carrier surface not facing the aerosol-generating material may be positioned in contact with the heater, and a smoother surface may provide more efficient heat transfer. Therefore, in some examples, the carrier is arranged to have a rougher surface in contact with the aerosol-generating material and a smoother surface not facing the material.

In one specific example, the carrier may be foil backed with paper, where the paper layer is in contact with the aerosol-generating material layer, and the properties discussed in the previous paragraphs are brought about by this contact. The foil backing is substantially impermeable, resulting in control of the aerosol flow path. Metal foil backing can also serve to transfer heat to the aerosol-generating material.

In another example, the foil layer of the paper backing comes into contact with the aerosol-generating material. The foil is substantially impermeable, preventing moisture introduced into the aerosol-generating material from being absorbed by the paper (which could weaken the paper's structural integrity).

In some cases, the carrier is formed from or includes a metal foil, such as aluminum foil. The metal carrier can enable better transfer of thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material. In addition, or alternatively, the metal foil may function as a susceptor in the induction heating system. In certain embodiments, the carrier comprises a metal foil layer and a support layer (such as cardboard). In these embodiments, the metal foil layer may have a thickness of less than 20 μm, for example, about 1 μm to about 10 μm, preferably about 5 μm.

In some examples, the carrier may have a thickness of approximately 0.010 mm to approximately 2.0 mm, preferably approximately 0.015 mm, 0.02 mm, 0.05 mm, or 0.1 mm to approximately 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm, or 0.5 mm.

Consumables In another aspect of this disclosure, consumables for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply device are provided. These consumables comprise an aerosol generating composition, the aerosol generating composition comprises an aerosol generating material, the aerosol generating material comprises
Approximately 10 to 50% by weight of caffeine,
It contains approximately 15 to 60% by weight of a gelling agent and approximately 10 to 50% by weight of an aerosol-forming material, where the weight percentage values are calculated on a dry weight basis.

In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating compositions and configured for use with non-combustible aerosol supply devices. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout this disclosure.

The consumables may be used with any suitable non-combustible aerosol supply device.

Consumables are articles containing or comprising an aerosol-generating composition, which is intended to be partially or entirely consumed during use by the user. Consumables may also include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating composition storage area, an aerosol-generating composition transport component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a rolled paper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and/or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater that generates heat to cause aerosol generation from the aerosol-generating composition during use. The heater may comprise, for example, a flammable material, an electrically conductive material, or a susceptor.

A susceptor is a material that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically conductive material, in which case its intrusion with a fluctuating magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, in which case its intrusion with a fluctuating magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically conductive and magnetic, in which case the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

Aerosol modifiers are typically substances located downstream of an aerosol-generating region, configured to modify the resulting aerosol, for example, by altering its taste, flavor, acidity, or other properties. Aerosol modifiers may be contained within an aerosol modifier-releasing component that can be manipulated to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

The aerosol modifier may be, for example, an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may contain, for example, one or more of the following: flavorings, colorings, water, and carbon adsorbents. The aerosol modifier may be, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel. The aerosol modifier may be in powder, thread, or granular form. The aerosol modifier does not necessarily contain a filter material.

An aerosol generator is a device configured to induce the generation of an aerosol from an aerosol-generating composition. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to expose the aerosol-generating composition to thermal energy, thereby releasing one or more volatile substances from the composition to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to induce the generation of an aerosol from an aerosol-generating composition without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to expose the aerosol-generating composition to one or more of the following: vibration, high pressure, or electrostatic energy.

The aerosol-generating material may include or be in the form of an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may not contain substantially any plant-based material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating film is substantially tobacco-free.

The aerosol-generating film may have a thickness of approximately 0.015 mm to approximately 1 mm. For example, the thickness may be in the range of approximately 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, or 0.15 mm to approximately 0.5 mm, or 0.3 mm.

The aerosol-generating film may be continuous. For example, the film may include a continuous sheet of material, or a continuous sheet of material. The sheet may be in the form of a roll, and the roll may be gathered to form a gathered sheet, or the roll may be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The shredded sheet may contain one or more strands or strips of the aerosol-generating material.

As an example, a consumable used in a non-combustible aerosol supply system is provided. This consumable comprises a flat support (e.g., a continuous aerosol-generating film) that completely covers the aerosol-generating material. Figure 8 provides a schematic diagram of such a consumable, which includes a support layer 4 and an aerosol-generating material layer 2.

The aerosol-generating film may be discontinuous. For example, the aerosol-generating film may include one or more distinct parts or regions of the aerosol-generating material, such as dots, stripes, or lines, which may be supported by a support. In such embodiments, the support may be flat or not.

In some examples, distinct portions of the aerosol-generating material are substantially circular, cylindrical, or hemispherical. In some examples, there is a grid-like distribution of the aerosol-generating material that is substantially circular, cylindrical, or hemispherical.

In several examples, consumables used in non-combustible aerosol supply systems are provided. These consumables comprise a flat support (containing multiple distinct portions of aerosol-generating material) having a deposited discontinuous aerosol-generating film.

Figure 9 shows an example of a consumable (401), which includes a discontinuous aerosol-generating film (which includes a separate portion (403) of the aerosol-generating material).

Non-combustible aerosol supply system In another aspect of this disclosure, a non-combustible aerosol supply system is provided, comprising consumables and a non-combustible aerosol supply device as described herein.

According to this disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol delivery system is one in which the aerosol-generating composition (or its components) of the aerosol delivery system does not combust or burn during use in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

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

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating composition heating system, also known as a non-combustible heating system. An example of such a system is a cigarette heating system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply device is of the non-combustible heating type.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates aerosols using a combination of aerosol-generating compositions, one or more of which may be heated. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes an aerosol-generating material and an aerosol-generating composition described herein, comprising or consisting of further liquid or gel aerosol-generating compositions.

In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply device is an e-cigarette hybrid device.

Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol supply device and consumables used in conjunction with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, for example, a non-combustible aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power source or a heat source. In some embodiments, the heat source comprises a carbon substrate that may be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating composition or a heat transfer material adjacent to the heat source.

In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, for example, a non-combustible aerosol supply device, may include a consumable receiving area, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and/or an aerosol modifier.

A non-combustible aerosol supply system or device may include a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate without combustion. In some examples, the heater may be a thin-film electrical resistance heater. In other examples, the heater may be an induction heater or other type of heater. Furthermore, in some examples, the heater may be a flammable heat source or a chemical heat source that generates heat through an exothermic reaction during use.

In some examples, the heater may heat the aerosolizable material to 120°C to 350°C during use without combustion. In some examples, the heater may heat the aerosolizable material to 140°C to 250°C during use without combustion. In some examples, substantially the entire aerosol-generating material is less than about 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm from the heater during use. In some examples, the solid is positioned about 0.017 mm to 2.0 mm, preferably about 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, from the heater. These minimum distances may, in some examples, reflect the thickness of the carrier supporting the aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the surface of the aerosol-generating material may be in direct contact with the heater.

In some examples, the heater may be incorporated into the aerosol-generating composition. In some such examples, the heater may be an electrical resistance heater (with exposed contacts for connection to an electrical circuit). In other such examples, the heater may be a susceptor incorporated into the aerosol-generating composition, heated by induction.

A non-combustible aerosol supply system may further include a cooling element and/or a filter. If a cooling element is present, it may act or function to cool the gaseous component or the aerosol component. In some examples, the cooling element may act to cool the gaseous component so that it condenses to form an aerosol. The cooling element may also act to keep the very hot parts of the device away from the user. If a filter is present, it may consist of any suitable filter known in the art, such as a cellulose acetate plug.

In some examples, the non-combustible aerosol supply system may be a non-combustible heating system. That is, the non-combustible aerosol supply system may include solid materials (but not liquid aerosolizable materials). A non-combustible heating device is disclosed in WO2015/062983A2, the entire publication of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In some examples, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may be an e-cigarette hybrid device. That is, the non-combustible aerosol supply system may include a solid aerosolizable material and a liquid aerosol-generating material. These separate aerosolizable materials may be heated by separate heaters or by the same heater, and in some examples, the downstream aerosolizable material may be heated by a high-temperature aerosol generated from the upstream aerosolizable material. An e-cigarette hybrid device is disclosed in WO2016/135331A1, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This consumable may also be referred to as a cartridge in this specification. This consumable may be adapted for use in a THP, an e-cigarette hybrid device, or another aerosol generating device. In some examples, the consumable may further comprise a filter and/or cooling element as already described. In some examples, the consumable may be enclosed in packaging material such as paper.

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

Ventilation facilitates the generation of visible heat-volatile components from an article when it is heated during use. These heat-volatile components are made visible by a process of cooling them until supersaturation occurs. The heat-volatile components then undergo droplet formation (also known as nucleation), and ultimately, the size of the heat-volatile component aerosol particles increases due to further condensation of the heat-volatile components and the aggregation of newly formed droplets from them.

In some examples, the ratio of cold air to the total amount of heated volatile components (known as the permeability ratio) is at least 15%. A permeability ratio of 15% allows for the visualization of heated volatile components using the method described above. The visibility of heated volatile components allows the user to identify the generation of volatile components, enhancing the perceptual experience of smoking.

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

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a partial cross-sectional view and a perspective view of an example of an article consumable 101 ("article"). Article 101 is adapted for use with a device having a power supply and a heater. Article 101 of this embodiment is particularly suitable for use with the device 51 shown in Figures 5 to 7, which are described below. When in use, article 101 can be removably inserted into the device at the insertion point 20 of the device 51 shown in Figure 5.

One example article 101 has the form of a substantially cylindrical rod, comprising an aerosol-generating composition 103 and a filter assembly 105 in the form of a rod. The aerosol-generating composition comprises the aerosol-generating material described herein. In some embodiments, it may be included in sheet form. In some embodiments, it may be included in shredded sheet form. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating composition described herein may be incorporated in both sheet and shredded forms.

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

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

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

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

The aerosol-generating composition 103 is bonded to the filter assembly 105 by annular tip paper (not shown), which is positioned substantially around the filter assembly 105 so as to surround it and partially extends along the length of the aerosol-generating composition 103. In one example, the tip paper is made from 58GSM standard tip base paper. In one example, the tip paper has a length of 42 mm to 50 mm, preferably 46 mm.

In one example, the cooling segment 107 is an annular tube positioned around a void within the cooling segment, defining that void. This void provides a chamber through which heated volatile components generated from the aerosol-generating composition 103 flow. The cooling segment 107 is hollow to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation, but is rigid enough to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacturing and while the article 101 is being used in insertion into the device 51. In one example, the wall thickness of the cooling segment 107 is approximately 0.29 mm.

The cooling segment 107 provides a physical displacement between the aerosol-generating composition 103 and the filter segment 109. The physical displacement provided by the cooling segment 107 creates a thermal gradient between the two ends of the cooling segment 107 in the longitudinal direction. In one example, the cooling segment 107 is configured to create a temperature difference of at least 40 degrees Celsius between the heated volatile components entering the first end of the cooling segment 107 and the heated volatile components exiting the second end of the cooling segment 107. In another example, the cooling segment 107 is configured to create a temperature difference of at least 60 degrees Celsius between the heated volatile components entering the first end of the cooling segment 107 and the heated volatile components exiting the second end of the cooling segment 107. This temperature difference between the two ends of the cooling element 107 in the longitudinal direction protects the temperature-sensitive filter segment 109 from the high temperature of the aerosol-generating composition 103 when the aerosol-generating composition 103 is heated by the device 51. If no physical displacement is provided between the filter segment 109 and the aerosol-generating composition 103 and the heating element of the device 51, the temperature-sensitive filter segment 109 may be damaged during use and fail to effectively perform its required function.

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

The cooling segment 107 is made of paper, meaning that it is constructed from a material that does not generate compounds of concern (e.g., toxic compounds) when it is adjacent to the heater of the device 51 during use. In one example, the cooling segment 107 is manufactured from a spiral-wound paper tube that provides a hollow internal chamber while maintaining mechanical rigidity. The spiral-wound paper tube can meet the stringent dimensional accuracy requirements of high-speed manufacturing processes in terms of tube length, outer diameter, roundness, and straightness.

In another example, the cooling segment 107 is a recess made from rigid plug wrap or tip paper. The rigid plug wrap or tip paper is manufactured to be sufficiently rigid to withstand the axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacturing and while the article 101 is being used during insertion into the device 51.

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

In some embodiments, a capsule (not shown) may be provided within the filter segment 109. This capsule may be positioned substantially at the center of the filter segment 109 in both its radial and longitudinal directions. In other examples, the capsule may be offset from the center in one or more dimensions. In some examples, if a capsule is present, it may contain volatile components such as fragrances or aerosol-forming materials.

The density of the cellulose acetate tow material in the filter segment 109 controls the pressure drop between the ends of the filter segment 109, and consequently, the suction resistance of article 101. Therefore, the selection of the material for the filter segment 109 is crucial for controlling the suction resistance of article 101. Furthermore, the filter segment performs a filtration function in article 101.

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

The presence of the filter segment 109 provides an insulating effect by further cooling the heated volatile components emanating from the cooling segment 107. This further cooling effect lowers the contact temperature of the user's lips with the surface of the filter segment 109.

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

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

The mouth end segment 111 may be manufactured from a helical-wound paper tube that provides a hollow internal chamber while maintaining important mechanical rigidity. The helical-wound paper tube can meet the stringent dimensional accuracy requirements of high-speed manufacturing processes in terms of tube length, outer diameter, roundness, and straightness.

The mouth-side end segment 111 provides a function to prevent liquid condensation accumulating at the outlet of the filter segment 109 from coming into direct contact with the user.

In one example, the mouth end segment 111 and the cooling segment 107 may be formed from a single tube, and the filter segment 109 may be placed inside that tube to separate the mouth end segment 111 and the cooling segment 107.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, a partial fractured section view and a perspective view of an example of article 301 are shown. The reference numerals shown in Figures 3 and 4 correspond to those shown in Figures 1 and 2, but the numerals are increased by 200.

In the example of article 301 shown in Figures 3 and 4, a ventilation region 317 is provided in the article 301 to allow air to flow from the outside of the article 301 into the inside of the article 301. In one example, the ventilation region 317 takes the form of one or more ventilation holes 317 formed through the outer layer of the article 301. These ventilation holes may be located in a cooling segment 307 to help cool the article 301. In one example, the ventilation region 317 comprises one or more rows of holes, preferably, each row of holes is arranged along the outer circumference of the article 301 in a cross section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the article 301.

In one example, article 301 has 1 to 4 rows of ventilation holes to provide ventilation. Each row of ventilation holes may have 12 to 36 ventilation holes 317. The diameter of the ventilation holes 317 can be, for example, 100 to 500 μm. In one example, the axial spacing between rows of ventilation holes 317 is 0.25 mm to 0.75 mm, preferably 0.5 mm.

In one example, the vents 317 have a uniform size. In another example, the vents 317 have varying sizes. The vents can be fabricated using one or more of any suitable techniques, such as laser technology, mechanical perforation of the cooling segment 307, or pre-perforation of the cooling segment 307 before it is formed in the article 301. The vents 317 are positioned to effectively cool the article 301.

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

By providing a row of vents 17 mm to 20 mm from the proximal end 313 of article 301, the vents 317 can be positioned outside the device 51 when article 301 is fully inserted into the device 51, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. Positioning the vents outside the device allows unheated air to enter article 301 from outside the device 51 through the vents, aiding in the cooling of article 301.

The length of the cooling segment 307 is such that when the article 301 is fully inserted into the device 51, the cooling segment 307 is partially inserted into the device 51. This length of the cooling segment 307 provides a first function: to provide a physical gap between the heating device and the heat-sensitive filter device 309 of the device 51; and a second function: to allow the vents 317 to be located within the cooling segment while also being located outside the device 51 when the article 301 is fully inserted into the device 51. As can be seen from Figures 6 and 7, the majority of the cooling element 307 is located inside the device 51. However, the cooling element 307 has a portion that extends outside the device 51. The vents 317 are located in this portion of the cooling element 307 that extends outside the device 51.

Referring more closely to Figures 5 to 7, an example of a device 51 configured to heat an aerosol-generating composition to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating composition, typically forming an inhalable aerosol. Device 51 is a heating device that releases compounds by heating the aerosol-generating composition but without combustion.

The first end 53 may be referred to herein as the oral end or proximal end 53 of the device 51, and the second end 55 may be referred to herein as the distal end 55 of the device 51. The device 51 has an on/off button 57, which allows the user to start/stop the entire device 51 as desired.

The device 51 includes a housing 59 for arranging and protecting various internal components of the device 51. In the illustrated example, the housing 59 comprises a single sleeve 11 surrounding the outer edge of the device 51, which is covered by a top panel 17 that generally forms the "upper" part of the device 51 and a bottom panel 19 that generally forms the "bottom" part of the device 51. In another example, the housing comprises a front panel, a rear panel, and a pair of opposing side panels, in addition to the top panel 17 and bottom panel 19.

The top panel 17 and/or bottom panel 19 may be detachably fixed to the single-piece sleeve 11 to allow easy access to the interior of the device 51, or they may be "permanently" fixed to the single-piece sleeve 11 to prevent, for example, a user from accessing the interior of the device 51. In one example, the panels 17 and 19 are made of plastic material (including glass-filled nylon formed by injection molding, etc.), and the single-piece sleeve 11 is made of aluminum, but other materials and other manufacturing processes may be used.

The top panel 17 of device 51 has an opening 20 at the mouth end 53 of device 51, allowing the user to insert articles 101, 301 containing the aerosol-generating composition into and remove them from device 51 through this opening 20 during use.

The housing 59 houses or secures the heating device 23, control circuit 25, and power supply 27. In this example, the heating device 23, control circuit 25, and power supply 27 are located close together laterally (i.e., close together when viewed from one end), and the control circuit 25 is generally positioned between the heating device 23 and the power supply 27, although other arrangements are possible.

The control circuit 25 may include a controller, such as a microprocessor, configured and positioned to control the heating of the aerosol-generating composition within articles 101 and 301, as will be further discussed below.

The power source 27 may be, for example, a battery, which may be either a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Suitable battery examples include lithium-ion batteries, nickel batteries (e.g., nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries. The battery 27 is electrically coupled to the heating device 23 and, when needed, supplies power under the control of the control circuit 25 to heat the aerosol-generating composition within the article (volatilizing the aerosol-generating composition without combustion, as described above).

The advantage of positioning the power supply 27 laterally close to the heating device 23 is that a physically larger power supply 25 can be used without making the entire device 51 excessively long. Naturally, a physically larger power supply 25 generally has a higher capacity (i.e., the total electrical energy that can be supplied, often measured in ampere-hours, etc.), and therefore can extend the battery life of the device 51.

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

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

The heating elements, or each heating element, may be arranged to independently heat multiple selected zones (areas) of the aerosol-generating composition, for example, sequentially (over time as described above) or together (simultaneously), as desired.

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

The housing 59, like the heating device 23, may further comprise various internal support structures 37 for supporting all internal components.

The device 51 further comprises a collar 33 extending around the opening 20 and projecting from the opening 20 into the housing 59, and a substantially tubular chamber 35 positioned between the collar 33 and one end of the vacuum sleeve 31. The chamber 35 further comprises a cooling structure 35f, which in this example comprises a plurality of spaced-apart cooling fins 35f along the outer surface of the chamber 35, each cooling fin arranged to surround the outer surface of the chamber 35. When articles 101, 301 are inserted into the device 51 over at least a portion of the length of the hollow chamber 35, a gap 36 exists between the hollow chamber 35 and the articles 101, 301. The gap 36 surrounds the entire outer circumference of the articles 101, 301 over at least a portion of the cooling segment 307.

The collar 33 comprises a plurality of raised portions 60 arranged to surround the outer periphery of the opening 20, with these raised portions projecting into the opening 20. The raised portions 60 occupy space within the opening 20 such that the opening distance of the opening 20 at the location of the raised portions 60 is smaller than the opening distance of the opening 20 at the location without the raised portions 60. The raised portions 60 are configured to engage with the articles 101, 301 inserted into the device, helping to secure them within the device 51. The open spaces (not shown) defined by adjacent pairs of raised portions 60 and the articles 101, 301 form ventilation paths around the outer surfaces of the articles 101, 301. These ventilation paths allow hot vapor escaping from the articles 101, 301 to exit the device 51, and allow cooling air to flow into the device 51 around the articles 101, 301 within the void 36.

During operation, articles 101 and 301 are removably inserted into the insertion points 20 of the device 51, as shown in Figures 5-7. Referring particularly to Figure 6, in one example, the aerosol-generating compositions 103 and 303 (located on the distal ends 115 and 315 of articles 101 and 301) are fully housed within the heating element 23 of the device 51. The proximal ends 113 and 313 of articles 101 and 301 extend from the device 51 and function as a mouthpiece assembly for the user.

During operation, the heating device 23 heats articles 101 and 301 to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating composition from the aerosol-generating composition bodies 103 and 303.

The primary channel for heated volatile components from the aerosol-generating compositions 103, 303 passes axially through articles 101, 301, through the inner chambers of the cooling segments 107, 307, through the filter segments 109, 309, and through the mouth-end segments 111, 313 to the user. In one example, the temperature of the heated volatile components generated from the aerosol-generating compositions is 60°C to 250°C, which may exceed the user's acceptable inhalation temperature. As the heated volatile components move through the cooling segments 107, 307, they are cooled, and some of the volatile components condense on the inner surfaces of the cooling segments 107, 307.

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

Manufacturing method In another embodiment,
Approximately 10 to 50% by weight of caffeine,
Approximately 15 to 60% by weight of gelling agent, and approximately 10 to 50% by weight of aerosol-forming material (where the weight percentage is calculated on a dry weight basis).
A method is provided for forming an aerosol-generating material containing the following:
(a) A step of preparing a slurry containing caffeine, a gelling agent, an aerosol forming agent, a solvent, and any further components of the aerosol generating material,
(b) The step of forming a slurry layer,
(c) Optionally, a step to solidify the slurry layer,
(d) A step of drying the slurry to form an aerosol generating material,
It is equipped with.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for producing a consumable or system as described above. This method includes producing an aerosol-generating material and incorporating the aerosol-generating material into a consumable or system. This method may comprise the steps of: (a) forming a slurry containing components of the aerosol-generating material or their precursors; (b) forming a layer of the slurry; (c) optionally solidifying the slurry; (d) drying to form the aerosol-generating material; and (e) incorporating the obtained aerosol-generating material into a consumable or system.

The step (b) of forming a slurry layer in the above method may include, for example, spraying, casting, or extruding the slurry. In some examples, this layer is formed by electrostatic spraying of the slurry. In some examples, this layer is formed by casting the slurry.

In some examples, steps (b) and/or (c) and/or (d) may be performed at least partially simultaneously (e.g., during electrostatic spraying). In some examples, these steps may be performed sequentially.

In some cases, a solidifying agent or crosslinking agent (such as a calcium source) may be added to the slurry before or during step (b). This is suitable when gelation occurs relatively slowly (e.g., with an alginate gelling agent), and therefore the slurry may be cast, for example, after the solidifying agent or crosslinking agent has been added.

In other examples, step (c) of solidifying or crosslinking the slurry may include adding a solidifying agent or crosslinking agent to the slurry layer. The solidifying agent or crosslinking agent may, for example, be sprayed onto the slurry or pre-filled onto the surface on which the slurry is laminated. Therefore, step (c) includes crosslinking, for example, crosslinking of a gelling agent.

For example, a solidifying or crosslinking agent containing a calcium source (such as calcium chloride or calcium citrate) may be added to a slurry containing alginate and/or pectin to form a calcium-crosslinked alginate/pectin gel. In some cases where gelation occurs rapidly (such as when a pectin gelling agent is used), calcium should be added after casting (because the slurry is too viscous to cast).

The total amount of the solidifying agent or crosslinking agent, such as a calcium source, may be 0.5 to 5% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis). It has been found that if the amount of solidifying agent or crosslinking agent is too low, a gel may be obtained in which the fragrance is not stabilized and the fragrance falls out of the gel. It has also been found that if the amount of solidifying agent or crosslinking agent is too high, a gel that is very sticky and consequently difficult to handle may be obtained.

Alginates are derivatives of alginic acid and are typically high molecular weight polymers (10–600 kDa). Alginic acid is a copolymer of β-D-mannuronic acid (M) and α-L-guluronic acid (G) units (blocks) linked by (1,4)-glycosidic bonds to form polysaccharides. Upon addition of calcium cations, the alginate crosslinks to form a gel. Alginates with a high G monomer content can form a gel more readily upon addition of a calcium source. Therefore, in some examples, the gel precursor may contain an alginate in which at least about 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, or 70% of the monomer units in the alginate copolymer are α-L-guluronic acid (G) units.

In some cases, the slurry may be heated before and during casting. This can result in slow gelation, which improves handling and facilitates the casting process. Furthermore, heating the slurry may optionally melt fragrance components (e.g., menthol), further facilitating handling.

In some examples, menthol or any other flavoring may be distributed throughout the slurry in powder form. In some examples, menthol or other flavoring may be melted in the slurry (which is heated). In such examples, an emulsifier such as acacia gum may be added to disperse the melted menthol in the slurry.

Caffeine may be added to the slurry in powder form.

In some examples, caffeine may be added in solution form. The solvent may optionally be water or ethanol. In some embodiments, the solvent is water.

In some examples, the slurry may be cast onto a band-cast sheet. The sheet may be filled with a release agent, such as lecithin, which can assist in separating the band-cast from the aerosol-generating material.

During step (d), the slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, or 90% by weight of the solvent.

The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining caffeine, a gelling agent, an aerosol-forming agent, a solvent, and any further components to form a slurry, and then heating the slurry to evaporate at least a portion of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film. The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, or 90% by weight of the solvent.

In another embodiment, a slurry is provided. This slurry is
Approximately 10 to 50% by weight of caffeine,
Approximately 15 to 60% by weight of a gelling agent,
Approximately 10 to 50% by weight of aerosol-forming material (where the weight percentage is calculated on a dry weight basis),
Solvent and,
Includes.

In some embodiments, the slurry solvent comprises or is one or more of the following: water, ethanol, methanol, dimethyl sulfoxide, acetone, hexane, and toluene.

In certain embodiments, the slurry solvent may contain water. In some examples, the slurry solvent is essentially water or may consist of water.

In some examples, the slurry may contain approximately 50% by weight, 60% by weight, 70% by weight, 80% by weight, or 90% by weight of the solvent (in WWB).

In some examples, the slurry has a viscosity of approximately 1 to approximately 20 Pa·s at 46.5°C, for example, approximately 10 to approximately 20 Pa·s at 46.5°C, for example, approximately 14 to approximately 16 Pa·s at 46.5°C.

The discussions herein regarding aerosol-generating materials are expressly disclosed in combination with any slurry embodiment of the present invention.

Composition for Oral Delivery of Caffeine Also provided is a composition for oral delivery of caffeine. This composition,
Approximately 10 to 50% by weight of caffeine,
Approximately 15 to 60% by weight of a gelling agent,
Approximately 10 to 50% by weight of a humectant,
This includes, where the weight percentage value is calculated on a dry weight basis.

In some embodiments, compositions for oral delivery of caffeine may be provided in the form of chewing tobacco, soluble strips, lozenges, gum, snus, or wet snuff.

In some embodiments, the composition for oral delivery of caffeine further comprises one or more additives selected from sweeteners, flavor modifiers, salts, buffering agents, colorants, oral care additives, preservatives, disintegrants, emulsifiers, and antioxidants.

The aerosol-forming materials discussed above may be used as humectants in compositions for the oral delivery of caffeine. The above disclosures relating to aerosol-forming materials used for aerosol generation (e.g., caffeine, gelling agents, aerosol-forming materials [humectants], and any other optional components, such as further active substances, fragrances, and other functional materials) are equally applicable to this aspect of the present invention.

For example, the humectant may contain one or more compounds selected from glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzylphenyl acetate, tributyline, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

In some embodiments, the humectant may contain one or more of erythritol, propylene glycol, glycerol, and triacetin. In some examples, the humectant optionally contains glycerol in combination with propylene glycol, is essentially composed of glycerol, or consists of glycerol.

Preferably, the composition may contain about 10% to about 50% by weight of a humectant (calculated on a dry weight basis), for example, about 20% to 50% by weight, or about 10% by weight, or 20% to about 45% by weight, 40% by weight, 35% by weight, 30% by weight, or 25% by weight of a humectant.

Exemplary Embodiment 1. An aerosol-generating material or slurry as defined in the Outline of the Disclosure, comprising about 20 to 50% by weight of caffeine.
2. An aerosol generating material or slurry according to Embodiment 1, containing approximately 20-45% by weight of caffeine.
3. An aerosol generating material or slurry of Embodiment 2, containing approximately 20-40% by weight of caffeine.
4. An aerosol generating material or slurry according to Embodiment 3, containing approximately 20-35% by weight of caffeine.
5. An aerosol generating material or slurry according to Embodiment 1, containing approximately 25 to 45% by weight of caffeine.
6. An aerosol generating material or slurry according to Embodiment 5, containing approximately 25-40% by weight of caffeine.
7. An aerosol-generating material or slurry of Embodiment 6, containing approximately 25-35% by weight of caffeine.
7A. An aerosol generating material or slurry of Embodiment 6, containing approximately 30-35% by weight of caffeine.
8. An aerosol generating material or slurry according to any of Embodiments 1 to 7, comprising approximately 20 to 60% by weight of a gelling agent.
9. An aerosol generating material or slurry of Embodiment 8, comprising approximately 20 to 50% by weight of a gelling agent.
10. An aerosol generating material or slurry of Embodiment 9, comprising approximately 20 to 45% by weight of a gelling agent.
11. An aerosol generating material or slurry of Embodiment 10, comprising approximately 20 to 40% by weight of a gelling agent.
12. An aerosol generating material or slurry of Embodiment 11, comprising approximately 20-35% by weight of a gelling agent.
13. An aerosol generating material or slurry according to any of Embodiments 1 to 7, comprising approximately 25 to 60% by weight of a gelling agent.
14. An aerosol generating material or slurry of Embodiment 13, comprising approximately 25 to 50% by weight of a gelling agent.
15. An aerosol generating material or slurry of Embodiment 14, comprising approximately 25 to 45% by weight of a gelling agent.
16. An aerosol generating material or slurry of Embodiment 15, comprising approximately 25 to 40% by weight of a gelling agent.
17. An aerosol generating material or slurry of Embodiment 16, comprising approximately 25-35% by weight of a gelling agent.
18. An aerosol generating material or slurry according to any of Embodiments 1 to 7, comprising approximately 30 to 60% by weight of a gelling agent.
19. An aerosol generating material or slurry of Embodiment 18, comprising approximately 30 to 50% by weight of a gelling agent.
20. An aerosol-generating material or slurry of Embodiment 19, comprising approximately 30-45% by weight of a gelling agent.
21. An aerosol generating material or slurry of Embodiment 20, comprising approximately 30-40% by weight of a gelling agent.
22. An aerosol generating material or slurry of Embodiment 21, comprising approximately 30-35% by weight of a gelling agent.
23. An aerosol-generating material or slurry of any of the above embodiments, comprising approximately 10 to 45% by weight of an aerosol-forming material/humectant.
24. An aerosol-generating material or slurry of Embodiment 23, comprising approximately 10 to 40% by weight of an aerosol-forming material/humectant.
25. An aerosol-generating material or slurry of Embodiment 24, comprising approximately 10 to 35% by weight of an aerosol-forming material/humectant.
26. An aerosol-generating material or slurry of Embodiment 25, comprising approximately 10 to 30% by weight of an aerosol-forming material/humectant.
27. An aerosol-generating material or slurry of Embodiment 26, comprising approximately 10-25% by weight of an aerosol-forming material/humectant.
28. An aerosol-generating material or slurry according to any of Embodiments 1 to 22, comprising approximately 20 to 50% by weight of an aerosol-forming material/humectant.
29. An aerosol-generating material or slurry of Embodiment 28, comprising approximately 20-45% by weight of an aerosol-forming material/humectant.
30. An aerosol-generating material or slurry of Embodiment 29, comprising approximately 20-40% by weight of an aerosol-forming material/humectant.
31. An aerosol generating material or slurry of Embodiment 30, comprising approximately 20-35% by weight of an aerosol-forming material/humectant.
32. An aerosol generating material or slurry of Embodiment 31, comprising approximately 20-30% by weight of an aerosol-forming material/humectant.
33. An aerosol generating material or slurry of Embodiment 32, comprising approximately 20-25% by weight of an aerosol-forming material/humectant.
33A. An aerosol generating material or slurry according to any of Embodiments 1 to 22, comprising approximately 30 to 40% by weight of an aerosol-forming material/humectant.
33B. An aerosol-generating material or slurry according to any of Embodiments 1 to 22, comprising approximately 30 to 35% by weight of an aerosol-forming material/humectant.
34. An aerosol-generating material or slurry according to any of Embodiments 1 to 22, comprising approximately 30% by weight of an aerosol-forming material/humectant.
35. Aerosol-generating material or slurry of any of the above embodiments, wherein the aerosol-forming material/humectant comprises (or is) one or more of the following: glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzylphenyl acetate, tributyline, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.
36. An aerosol-generating material or slurry of Embodiment 35, wherein the aerosol-forming material/humectant comprises (or is) one or more of erythritol, propylene glycol, glycerol, and triacetin.
37. An aerosol-generating material or slurry of Embodiment 35 or 36, wherein the aerosol-forming material/humectant optionally contains (or is glycerol in combination with) propylene glycol.
38. An aerosol generating material or slurry according to any of the above embodiments, wherein the gelling agent contains a hydrophilic colloid.
39. Aerosol-generating material or slurry of any of the above embodiments, wherein the gelling agent comprises (or is) one or more compounds selected from polysaccharide gelling agents, such as alginate, pectin, starch or derivatives thereof, cellulose or derivatives thereof, pullulan, carrageenan, agar and agarose, gelatin, gum, such as xanthan gum, guar gum and acacia gum, silica or silicone compounds, such as PDMS and sodium silicate, clay, such as kaolin, and polyvinyl alcohol.
40. An aerosol-generating material or slurry according to any of the above embodiments, wherein the gelling agent comprises one or more polysaccharide gelling agents.
41. An aerosol-generating material or slurry of any of the above embodiments, wherein the gelling agent comprises one or more polysaccharide gelling agents.
42. An aerosol-generating material or slurry according to any of Embodiments 39 to 41, wherein the polysaccharide gelling agent is selected from alginate, pectin, starch or its derivatives, cellulose or its derivatives.
43. An aerosol-generating material or slurry of Embodiment 42, wherein the polysaccharide gelling agent is selected from alginates and cellulose derivatives.
44. An aerosol generating material or slurry of Embodiment 43, wherein the polysaccharide gelling agent is a cellulose derivative.
45. An aerosol-generating material or slurry according to any of Embodiments 39 to 44, wherein cellulose or its derivative, or the cellulose derivative is selected from hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP).
46. An aerosol generating material or slurry of Embodiment 45, wherein cellulose or a derivative thereof, or a cellulose derivative, is CMC.
47. The aerosol-generating material or slurry of Embodiment 46, wherein CMC is the only gelling agent present in the aerosol-generating material.
48. An aerosol generating material or slurry of Embodiment 43, wherein the polysaccharide gelling agent is alginate.
49. The aerosol-generating material or slurry of Embodiment 48, wherein alginate is the only gelling agent present in the aerosol-generating material.
50. An aerosol-generating material or slurry of Embodiment 39, wherein the gelling agent comprises (or is) one or more of the following: alginate, pectin, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, pullulan, xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, agarose, acacia gum, fumed silica, PDMS, sodium silicate, kaolin, and polyvinyl alcohol.
51. An aerosol-generating material or slurry of Embodiment 39, wherein the gelling agent comprises (or is) one or more of hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, guar gum, acacia gum, alginate, and/or pectin.
52. An aerosol generating material or slurry according to any of embodiments 39-43, 45, 46, or 48-51, wherein the alginate is sodium alginate.
53. An aerosol-generating material or slurry of any of the above embodiments, wherein the gelling agent is not crosslinked.
54. An aerosol-generating material or slurry of any of the above embodiments, further comprising one or more further active substances and/or fragrances, and optionally one or more other functional materials.
55. An aerosol-generating material or slurry of any of the above embodiments, further comprising one or more other functional materials.
56. An aerosol-generating material or slurry of Embodiment 54 or 55, wherein the other functional material comprises one or more of the following: pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.
57. An aerosol-generating material or slurry of Embodiment 55, wherein the other functional material comprises one or more fillers.
58. An aerosol-generating material or slurry of Embodiment 57, wherein the filler is selected from inorganic filler materials, wood pulp, hemp fibers, cellulose, and cellulose derivatives.
59. Any aerosol-generating material or slurry of the above embodiments, such as chalk, that does not contain calcium carbonate.
60. An aerosol-generating material or slurry according to any of Embodiments 1 to 57 or 59, which does not contain fibrous material.
61. Aerosol-generating material or slurry of any of the above embodiments, which does not contain tobacco fibers.
62. An aerosol-generating material of any of the above embodiments, comprising, or essentially comprising, a gelling agent, water, an aerosol-forming material, caffeine, and optionally a flavoring, and/or optionally a further active substance, and/or optionally a filler.
63. An aerosol-generating material of any of the above embodiments, comprising or essentially consisting of a gelling agent, water, an aerosol-forming material, and caffeine.
64. An aerosol-generating composition comprising an aerosol-generating material according to any of the above-described embodiments.
65. An aerosol-generating composition of Embodiment 64, further comprising one or more further active substances and/or fragrances, and optionally one or more other functional materials.
66. An aerosol-generating composition of embodiment 64 or 65, further comprising one or more other functional materials.
67. The aerosol-generating composition of Embodiment 65 or 66, wherein the other functional material comprises one or more of the following: pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.
68. The aerosol generating composition of Embodiment 67, wherein the other functional material comprises one or more fillers.
69. An aerosol-generating composition of Embodiment 67 or 68, wherein the filler is selected from inorganic filler materials, wood pulp, hemp fibers, cellulose, and cellulose derivatives.
70. An aerosol-generating composition according to any of embodiments 64 to 69, which does not contain calcium carbonate such as chalk.
71. An aerosol-generating composition according to any of embodiments 64 to 68 or 70, which does not contain fibrous material.
72. An aerosol-generating composition according to any of embodiments 64 to 71, which does not contain tobacco fibers.
73. An aerosol-generating composition according to any of embodiments 64 to 72, comprising approximately 50 to 100% by weight of an aerosol-generating material (in WWB).
74. An aerosol-generating composition according to any of embodiments 64 to 72, comprising approximately 50 to 95% by weight of an aerosol-generating material (in WWB).
75. An aerosol-generating composition according to any of embodiments 64 to 72, comprising approximately 50 to 90% by weight of an aerosol-generating material (in WWB).
76. An aerosol-generating composition according to any of embodiments 64 to 72, comprising approximately 60 to 100% by weight of an aerosol-generating material (in WWB).
77. An aerosol-generating composition according to any of embodiments 64 to 72, comprising approximately 60 to 95% by weight of an aerosol-generating material (in WWB).
78. An aerosol-generating composition according to any of embodiments 64 to 72, comprising approximately 60 to 90% by weight of an aerosol-generating material (in WWB).
79. An aerosol-generating composition according to any of embodiments 64 to 72, comprising approximately 70 to 100% by weight of an aerosol-generating material (in WWB).
80. An aerosol-generating composition according to any of embodiments 64 to 72, comprising approximately 70 to 95% by weight of an aerosol-generating material (in WWB).
81. An aerosol-generating composition according to any of embodiments 64 to 72, comprising approximately 70 to 90% by weight of an aerosol-generating material (in WWB).
82. An aerosol-generating composition according to any of embodiments 64 to 72, comprising or essentially consisting of an aerosol-generating material.
83. A consumable used in a non-combustible aerosol supply device, comprising an aerosol generating composition according to any of embodiments 64 to 82.
84. A non-combustible aerosol supply system comprising the consumables and non-combustible aerosol supply device of Embodiment 83.
85. Consumables used in the non-combustible aerosol supply device of Embodiment 83, or the non-combustible aerosol supply system of Embodiment 84, wherein the non-combustible aerosol supply device is a non-combustible heating device.
86. Consumables used in the non-combustible aerosol supply device of Embodiment 83, or the non-combustible aerosol supply system of Embodiment 84, wherein the non-combustible aerosol supply device is an e-cigarette hybrid device.
87. A method for forming an aerosol generating material as defined in any of Embodiments 1 to 63,
(a) A step of preparing a slurry containing caffeine, a gelling agent, an aerosol forming agent, a solvent, and any further components of the aerosol generating material,
(b) The step of forming a layer of the slurry,
(c) Optionally, a step to solidify the slurry layer,
(d) A step of drying the slurry to form an aerosol generating material,
A method that includes [a certain feature].
88. A slurry according to the method of Embodiment 87 or any of Embodiments 1 to 61, wherein the solvent contains water.
89. A slurry of the method of Embodiment 87 or any of Embodiments 1 to 61, wherein the solvent is essentially water or consists of water.
90. The method of Embodiments 87 to 89, or the slurry of any Embodiments 1 to 61, 88, or 89, wherein the slurry contains about 50% by weight, 60% by weight, 70% by weight, 80% by weight, or 90% by weight of the solvent (in WWB).

The composition of the fifth embodiment as defined in the summary of the disclosure (i.e., the composition for oral delivery of caffeine) may be an aerosol-generating material as defined in any of the embodiments described above.

Definitions The aerosol-generating compositions described herein include an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material may be non-fibrous or fibrous. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be a dry gel. The aerosol-generating material may hold some fluid, such as a liquid, within it.

As used herein, the term "tobacco material" refers to any material containing tobacco or its derivatives. The term "tobacco material" may include one or more of the following: tobacco, tobacco derivatives, puffed tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Tobacco material may also include one or more of the following: ground tobacco, tobacco fibers, loose tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco leaf stalks, reconstituted tobacco, and/or tobacco extracts.

The tobacco used to manufacture the tobacco material may be any suitable tobacco, including Virginia and/or Burley and/or Oriental, single grade or blend, cut rag or whole leaf. It may also be tobacco particles, "fine powder" or dust, puffed tobacco, leaf stalks, puffed leaf stalks, and other processed leaf stalk materials (such as rolled cut leaf stalks). The tobacco material may be ground tobacco or reconstituted tobacco material. Reconstituted tobacco material may contain tobacco fibers and may be formed by casting, a wire mesh papermaking approach with backing addition of tobacco extract, or extrusion.

All weight percentages (indicated as wt%) described herein are calculated on a dry weight basis (DWB) unless otherwise specified. All weight ratios are also calculated on a dry weight basis. Weights expressed on a dry weight basis refer to the entirety of the extract, slurry, or material other than water or other solvents, and may include components that are liquid by themselves at room temperature and pressure, such as glycerol. Conversely, weight percentages expressed on a wet weight basis (WWB) refer to all components, including water or other solvents.

To avoid misunderstanding, while the term “contains” is used herein to define the invention or its features, embodiments are also disclosed in which the terms “essentially consist of” or “consist of” may be used instead of “contains.” References to materials “contain” specific features mean that those features are included in, contained within, or retained within the material.

The embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. Any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features described, or in combination with one or more features of any other embodiment or any combination of any other embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

The various embodiments described herein are provided solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of the embodiments and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or to equivalents thereof, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the claimed scope of the invention. Various embodiments of the invention may preferably include, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. of this disclosure other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims (20)

Aerosol generating material used for aerosol generation,
Approximately 10 to 50% by weight of caffeine,
Approximately 15 to 60% by weight of a gelling agent,
It contains approximately 10 to 50% by weight of aerosol-forming material, and the weight percentage value is calculated on a dry weight basis .
An aerosol-generating material in which the gelling agent is not crosslinked . The aerosol-generating material according to claim 1, comprising approximately 20 to approximately 40% by weight of caffeine, for example, approximately 30 to approximately 35% by weight of caffeine. The aerosol-generating material according to claim 1 or 2, comprising approximately 20 to approximately 40% by weight of an aerosol-forming material, for example, approximately 30 to approximately 35% by weight of an aerosol-forming material. An aerosol-generating material according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising approximately 30 to approximately 50% by weight of a gelling agent. The aerosol-generating material according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gelling agent comprises, or is composed of, one or more compounds selected from polysaccharide gelling agents, such as alginate, pectin, starch or its derivatives, cellulose or its derivatives, pullulan, carrageenan, agar, and agarose; gelatin; gums, such as xanthan gum, guar gum, and acacia gum; silica or silicone compounds, such as PDMS and sodium silicate; clays, such as kaolin; and polyvinyl alcohol. The aerosol generating material according to claim 5, wherein the gelling agent comprises one or more polysaccharide gelling agents, or is one or more polysaccharide gelling agents. The aerosol generating material according to claim 6 , wherein the polysaccharide gelling agent is selected from alginates and cellulose derivatives. The aerosol-generating material according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the gelling agent comprises or is a cellulose derivative selected from hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). The aerosol generating material according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gelling agent is a cellulose derivative. The aerosol-forming material according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises (or is composed of) one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3 -butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a mixture of diacetin, benzyl benzoate, benzylphenyl acetate, tributyline, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate. The aerosol-generating material according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein the aerosol-forming material contains glycerol or is glycerol. An aerosol-generating composition comprising the aerosol-generating material according to any one of claims 1 to 11 . The aerosol-generating composition according to claim 12 , comprising approximately 50 to 100% by weight of the aerosol-generating material , wherein the weight percentage is calculated on a wet weight basis . A consumable used in a non-combustible aerosol supply device, comprising the aerosol generating composition described in claim 12 or 13 . A non-combustible aerosol supply system comprising the consumables described in claim 14 and a non-combustible aerosol supply device. A composition for oral delivery of caffeine,
Approximately 10 to 50% by weight of caffeine,
Approximately 15 to 60% by weight of a gelling agent,
Approximately 10 to 50% by weight of a humectant,
A composition containing, where the weight percentage is calculated on a dry weight basis , and the gelling agent is not crosslinked . A method for forming an aerosol-generating material according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , or a composition for oral delivery according to claim 16 ,
(a) A step of preparing a slurry containing the caffeine, the gelling agent, the aerosol-forming material or humectant, and the solvent ,
(b) The step of forming a layer of the slurry,
(c ) The step of drying the slurry to form the aerosol generating material or composition,
A method that includes [a certain feature]. Approximately 10 to 50% by weight of caffeine,
Approximately 15 to 60% by weight of a gelling agent,
Approximately 10 to 50% by weight of an aerosol-forming material or humectant ,
Solvent and,
A slurry containing the gelling agent, the weight percentage is calculated on a dry weight basis, and the gelling agent is not crosslinked . The method according to claim 17 , wherein the solvent includes water . The slurry according to claim 18, wherein the solvent contains water.