KR20220122611A - aerosol generation - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a consumable for use in a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, the consumable comprising a plurality of discrete portions of an aerosol-generating material, each of the discrete portions comprising less than about 15 mg of water.

Description

aerosol generation

The present invention relates to a consumable for use in a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, a non-combustible aerosol delivery system and methods for generating an aerosol.

Smoking consumables, such as cigarettes, cigars, etc., produce cigarette smoke by burning a cigarette during use. Alternatives to these types of consumables release an inhalable aerosol or vapor by heating without combustion, releasing compounds from the substrate material. These may be referred to as non-combustible smoking consumables or aerosol generating assemblies.

One example of such an article is a heating device that releases compounds by heating but not burning a solid aerosol generating material. This solid aerosol generating material may, in some cases, comprise plant material. Heating volatilizes at least one component of the material, typically forming an inhalable aerosol. Such products may be referred to as heat-not-burn devices, tobacco heating devices or tobacco heating products. A variety of different arrangements for volatilizing at least one component of a solid aerosol generating material are known.

As another example, hybrid devices exist. They contain a liquid source (which may or may not contain nicotine) that is vaporized by heating to produce an inhalable vapor or aerosol. The device additionally comprises a solid aerosol generating material (which may or may not comprise tobacco material), the components of which are entrained in an inhalable vapor or aerosol to produce a medium that is inhaled.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a consumable for use in a non-combustible aerosol providing system, the consumable comprising a plurality of discrete portions of an aerosol-generating material, each of the discrete portions of the aerosol-generating material being about 15 less than mg of water.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the method comprising subjecting a portion of the aerosol-generating material to a temperature of at least 120° C. to produce an aerosol comprising up to about 15 mg of water. heating with a furnace.

A further aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol-generating material for use in a consumable, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises an amorphous solid, wherein when the aerosol-generating material is heated to a temperature of at least 120 °C, less than about 15 mg of water is aerosolized.

The present invention also provides a non-flammable aerosol providing system comprising a consumable according to the first aspect of the present invention and a non-flammable aerosol providing device, wherein the non-flammable aerosol providing device generates an aerosol from the consumable when the consumable is used in the non-flammable aerosol providing device. an aerosol-generating device for

The present invention also relates to the use of the consumables described herein in a non-combustible aerosol providing device, comprising an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from the consumable when the consumable is used in a non-combustible aerosol providing device.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given only by way of example, made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a consumable.
FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the consumable of FIG. 1 ;
3 shows a cross-sectional elevation view of an example of a consumable.
Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the consumable of Fig. 3;
5 shows a perspective view of an example of a non-combustible aerosol delivery system.
6 shows a perspective view of an example of a non-combustible aerosol delivery system.
7 shows a perspective view of an example of a non-combustible aerosol delivery system.
8 shows an example of a consumable comprising a plurality of discrete portions of aerosol-generating material, wherein the discrete portions of aerosol-generating material are provided such that each individual portion can be heated and aerosolized separately.

As described above, the present invention provides a consumable for use in a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, the consumable comprising a plurality of discrete portions of an aerosol-generating material, each of the discrete portions comprising less than about 15 mg of water. do.

The inventors have found that when the water content in each puff of the aerosol from the aerosol providing device is less than about 15 mg, the temperature of the puff is not perceived as too high by the user. Accordingly, it is expected that the consumables of the present invention will be configured such that less than about 15 mg of water is aerosolized during each puff inhaled by the user. Thus, each of the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material of the consumable comprises less than about 15 mg of water, such as in some embodiments, each of the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material contains 14 mg, 13 mg, 12 mg, 11 mg, 10 mg, 9 mg, 8 mg, 7 mg, 6 mg, 5 mg, 4 mg, 3 mg or 2 mg of water. In certain embodiments, each of the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material comprises less than about 5 mg of water, such as less than about 4 mg, 3 mg, or 2 mg of water. Exemplary ranges of water in each of the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material of the consumable are 0.5 - 15 mg, 1 - 15 mg, 2 - 15 mg, 2 - 10 mg, 2 - 5 mg, 2 - 4 mg, 2 - 3 mg, 5 - 15 mg, 5 - 12 mg and 10 - 15 mg. In certain embodiments, each of the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material comprises a minimal amount of water, such as at least about 0.1 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 1.5 mg or 2 mg of water. The water content of the aerosol-generating material is determined by standard procedures known in the art, such as Karl-Fischer-titration or Gas Chromatography with Thermal Conductivity Detector (GC-TCD).

The low water content of the individual parts of the aerosol-generating material also allows for faster heating and aerosolization of the aerosol-former material, since heat absorption by water is reduced.

Suitably, the size of each of the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material is selected such that the aerosol is provided for a fixed number of puffs; For example, each of the individual portions has a mass of aerosol-generating material sufficient to generate an aerosol for inhalation of about 4 puffs, 3 puffs, 2 puffs, or a single puff. In certain embodiments, the size of each individual portion of the aerosol-generating material is less than about 60 mg, such as less than about 50 mg, less than about 40 mg, less than about 30 mg, less than about 20 mg, less than about 10 mg. . Exemplary weight ranges for each of the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material include 10 - 60 mg, 20 - 40 mg, 15 - 30 mg or 5 - 20 mg. In some embodiments, separate portions of the aerosol-generating material are provided such that each individual portion can be heated and aerosolized separately. The inventors have found that a consumable having such a configuration allows a consistent aerosol to be delivered to the user with each puff.

8 shows an example of a consumable 401 , wherein individual portions of aerosol-generating material 403 are provided such that each individual portion can be heated and aerosolized separately.

A further aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol-generating material for use in a consumable, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises an amorphous solid, wherein when the aerosol-generating material is heated to a temperature of at least 120 °C, less than about 15 mg of water is aerosolized. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises less than about 15 mg of water. For example, the aerosol generating material may contain less than about 15 mg of water, such as about 14 mg, 13 mg, 12 mg, 11 mg, 10 mg, 9 mg, 8 mg, 7 mg, 6 mg, 5 mg, 4 mg, 3 mg or less than 2 mg of water. Exemplary weight ranges of water in the aerosol-generating material are 0.5 - 15 mg, 1 - 15 mg, 2 - 15 mg, 2 - 10 mg, 2 - 5 mg, 2 - 4 mg, 2 - 3 mg, 5 - 15 mg , 5 - 12 mg and 10 - 15 mg. In certain embodiments, each of the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material comprises less than about 5 mg of water, such as less than about 4 mg, 3 mg, or 2 mg of water. In certain embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises a minimal amount of water, such as at least about 0.1 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 1.5 mg or 2 mg of water. The water content of the aerosol-generating material is determined by standard procedures known in the art, such as Karl-Fischer-titration or Gas Chromatography with Thermal Conductivity Detector (GC-TCD).

Suitably, the aerosol generating material for use in the consumable has a size selected such that the aerosol is provided for a fixed number of puffs; For example, the aerosol-generating material has a mass sufficient to generate an aerosol for inhalation of about 4 puffs, 3 puffs, 2 puffs, or a single puff. Thus, in certain embodiments, the aerosol-generating material has a mass of less than about 60 mg, such as less than about 50 mg, less than about 40 mg, less than about 30 mg, less than about 20 mg, less than about 10 mg. Exemplary ranges for the mass of the aerosol-generating material include 10 - 60 mg, 20 - 40 mg, 15 - 30 mg or 5 - 20 mg. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is provided in fixed weight portions, so that each can be heated and aerosolized separately. The inventors have found that such a configuration allows a consistent aerosol to be delivered to the user with each puff.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material of the present invention comprises an amorphous solid. It may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (ie, non-fibrous), or a “dried gel”. An amorphous solid is a solid material capable of holding some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material comprises from about 50%, 60% or 70% by weight of amorphous solids to about 90% or 95% by weight of amorphous solids. In some cases, the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material are composed of an amorphous solid.

The amorphous solid material is formed from a dried gel. The inventors have found that when the gel is cured, using this component ratio means, the flavor compounds are stabilized within the gel matrix, allowing higher flavor loadings to be achieved than in non-gel compositions. Flavoring agents (eg, menthol) are stabilized at high concentrations, and products have good shelf life.

In some cases, the amorphous solid may have a thickness of from about 0.015 mm to about 1.0 mm. Suitably, the thickness may range from about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm. The inventors have found that a material having a thickness of 0.2 mm is particularly suitable. An amorphous solid may include more than one layer, and the thicknesses described herein refer to the total thickness of these layers.

The inventors have demonstrated that if the amorphous solid is too thick, the heating efficiency is compromised. This adversely affects power consumption when in use. Conversely, if the amorphous solid is too thin, it is difficult to manufacture and process; Very thin materials are more difficult to cast and can be brittle, jeopardizing aerosol formation in use.

The inventors have demonstrated that the amorphous solid thicknesses defined herein have optimized material properties in view of these competitive considerations.

The thicknesses defined herein are average thicknesses for the material. In some cases, the amorphous solid thickness may vary by no more than 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, or 1%.

Suitably, the amorphous solid is from about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% or 25% by weight to about 60%, 50%, 45%, 40% or 35% by weight. weight percent of a gelling agent (all calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the amorphous solid may comprise 1 to 50% by weight, 5 to 45% by weight, 10 to 40% by weight, or 20 to 35% by weight of the gelling agent.

In some embodiments, the gelling agent is a hydrocolloid, such as alginate, cellulose derivatives (eg, methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)), gums, silica or silicone compounds, clays, and combinations thereof. one or more compounds selected from the group comprising In some embodiments, the gelling agent is alginate, pectin, starch (and derivatives), cellulose (and derivatives such as methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)), gums, silica or silicone compounds, one or more compounds selected from the group comprising clays, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the gelling agent is alginates, pectins, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, pullulan, xanthan gum guar gum, carrageenan, agarose, gum acacia, fumed one or more of silica, PDMS, sodium silicate, kaolin, and polyvinyl alcohol. In some cases, the gelling agent includes alginate and/or pectin and may be combined with a curing agent (eg, a calcium source) during formation of the amorphous solid. In some cases, the amorphous solid may include calcium-crosslinked alginate and/or calcium-crosslinked pectin.

In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises alginate, wherein the alginate is present in the amorphous solid in an amount of 10 to 30% by weight of the amorphous solid (calculated on a dry weight basis). In some embodiments, alginate is the only gelling agent present in the amorphous solid. In other embodiments, the gelling agent comprises at least one additional gelling agent such as alginate and pectin.

In some cases, the gelling agent comprises from about 2% to about 20% by weight of iota- and/or kappa-carrageenan, or from about 3% to about 15% by weight, or from about 4% to about 10% by weight, or from about 2% to about 5% by weight; In some cases, the gelling agent comprises kappa-carrageenan in an amount from about 2% to about 5% by weight.

The gelling agent may include one or more compounds selected from cellulosic gelling agents, non-cellulosic gelling agents, guar gum, acacia gum and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the cellulose gelling agent is hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate ( CA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises (or is one or more of) hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), carboxymethylcellulose, guar gum, or acacia gum. ).

In some embodiments, the gelling agent is one or more non-, including, but not limited to, agar, xanthan gum, gum arabic, guar gum, locust bean gum, pectin, carrageenan, starch, alginates, and combinations thereof. cellulosic gelling agents (or one or more non-cellulosic gelling agents). In preferred embodiments, the non-cellulosic gelling agent is alginate or agar.

In cases where the aerosol-generating material is an amorphous solid, in certain embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises:

- from 1 to 60% by weight of a gelling agent;

- 0.1 to 50% by weight of an aerosol-former material; and

- from 0.1 to 80% by weight of flavorants and/or active substances;

Here, these weights are calculated on a dry weight basis.

In some embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises:

- from 1 to 50% by weight of a gelling agent;

- 0.1 to 50% by weight of an aerosol-former material; and

- from 30 to 60% by weight of flavorants and/or active substances;

Here, these weights are calculated on a dry weight basis.

Suitably, the amorphous solid is from about 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 7% or 10% by weight to about 50%, 45%, 40%, 35% by weight. weight percent, 30 weight percent or 25 weight percent of aerosol-former material (all calculated on a dry weight basis). The aerosol former may act as a plasticizer. For example, the amorphous solid may comprise from 0.5 to 40% by weight, from 3 to 35% by weight or from 10 to 25% by weight of the aerosol-former material. In some cases, the aerosol-former material comprises one or more compounds selected from erythritol, propylene glycol, glycerol, triacetin, sorbitol and xylitol. In some cases, the aerosol-former material comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of glycerol. The inventors have demonstrated that if the content of plasticizer is too high, the amorphous solid can absorb water, resulting in a material that does not produce an adequate consumption experience in use. The inventors have demonstrated that if the plasticizer content is too low, the amorphous solid can be brittle and break easily. The plasticizer content specified herein provides an amorphous solid flexibility that allows the sheet to be wound onto a bobbin, which is useful in the manufacture of aerosol generating consumables.

In some embodiments, the aerosol former is one or more polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and/or aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

In some cases, the aerosol-generating material comprises a flavoring agent. Suitably, the aerosol-generating material may comprise up to about 80%, 70%, 60%, 55%, 50% or 45% by weight of a flavoring agent. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material comprises at least about 0.1%, 1%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 35%, or 40% by weight of a flavoring agent (all calculated on a dry weight basis). ) may be included. For example, the aerosol-generating material may comprise 1 to 80 wt%, 10 to 80 wt%, 20 to 70 wt%, 30 to 60 wt%, 35 to 55 wt% or 30 to 45 wt% of a flavoring agent. . In some cases, the flavoring agent comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of menthol.

In some cases, the amorphous solid includes a flavoring agent. Suitably, the amorphous solid may comprise up to about 80%, 70%, 60%, 55%, 50%, or 45% by weight of a flavoring agent. In some cases, the amorphous solid comprises at least about 0.1%, 1%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 35%, or 40% by weight of a flavoring agent (all calculated on a dry weight basis). may include For example, the amorphous solid may comprise 1 to 80% by weight, 10 to 80% by weight, 20 to 70% by weight, 30 to 60% by weight, 35 to 55% by weight or 30 to 45% by weight of a flavoring agent. In some cases, the flavoring agent comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of menthol.

In some cases, the amorphous solid may further comprise an emulsifier that emulsifies the molten flavoring agent during manufacture. For example, the amorphous solid may comprise from about 5% to about 15% by weight, suitably about 10% by weight of an emulsifier (calculated on a dry weight basis). The emulsifier may include gum acacia.

In some embodiments, the amorphous solid is a hydrogel and comprises less than about 20 weight percent water calculated on a wet weight basis. In some cases, the hydrogel may comprise less than about 15%, 12%, or 10% water by weight calculated on a dry weight basis. In some cases, the hydrogel may comprise at least about 1 wt%, 2 wt%, or at least about 5 wt% water (calculated on a wet weight basis).

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material further comprises an active substance. For example, in some cases, the aerosol-generating material further comprises tobacco material and/or nicotine. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may comprise 5 to 60 weight percent (calculated on a dry weight basis) of tobacco material and/or nicotine. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material comprises from about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% to about 70%, 60%, 50%, 45% by weight. %, 40% by weight, 35% by weight or 30% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of active substance. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material comprises from about 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% to about 70%, 60%, 50%, 45% by weight. %, 40% by weight, 35% by weight or 30% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of vegetable material. For example, the aerosol-generating material may comprise 10 to 50% by weight, 15 to 40% by weight or 20 to 35% by weight of vegetable material. In some such cases, the plant material is tobacco. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material comprises from about 1%, 2%, 3% or 4% to about 20%, 18%, 15% or 12% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis). ) may contain nicotine. For example, the aerosol-generating material may comprise 1 to 20% by weight, 2 to 18% by weight, or 3 to 12% by weight of nicotine.

In some cases, the aerosol-generating material comprises an active substance, such as a tobacco extract. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may comprise 5 to 60 weight percent (calculated on a dry weight basis) tobacco extract. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material comprises from about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% to about 60%, 50%, 45%, 40%, 35% by weight. % or 30% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of tobacco extract. For example, the aerosol-generating material may comprise 10 to 50% by weight, 15 to 40% by weight or 20 to 35% by weight of tobacco extract. Tobacco extract comprises 1 wt%, 1.5 wt%, 2 wt% or 2.5 wt% to about 6 wt%, 5 wt%, 4.5 wt% or 4 wt% (calculated on a dry weight basis) of the aerosol-generating material It may contain nicotine at a concentration such that it contains nicotine of In some cases, nicotine other than nicotine resulting from tobacco extract cannot be present in the aerosol-generating material.

In some embodiments, the active agent is cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol (CBN) , cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromen (CBC), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabi one or more cannabinoid compounds selected from the group consisting of chromevarine (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabielsoin (CBE) and cannabicitran (CBT) include those

The active substance may comprise one or more cannabinoid compounds selected from the group consisting of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

The active substance may include cannabidiol (CBD).

Active substances may include nicotine and cannabidiol (CBD).

Active substances may include nicotine, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

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

In some cases, the total content of active substance and/or flavoring agent may be at least about 0.1%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 25%, or 30% by weight. In some cases, the total content of active substance and/or flavoring agent is less than about 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50% or 40% by weight, all calculated on a dry weight basis. can

In some cases, the total content of plant material, nicotine and flavoring agent may be at least about 0.1%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 25%, or 30% by weight. In some cases, the total content of active substance and/or flavoring agent is less than about 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50% or 40% by weight, all calculated on a dry weight basis. can

The amorphous solid may be prepared as a gel, and the gel may further include a solvent contained in an amount of 0.1 to 50% by weight. However, the inventors have demonstrated that the inclusion of solvents in which the flavoring agent becomes soluble can reduce gel stability and that the flavoring agent can crystallize out of the gel. As such, in some cases, the gel does not include a solvent in which the flavoring agent is soluble.

The aerosol-generating material or amorphous solid may comprise an acid. The acid may be an organic acid. In some of these embodiments, the acid may be at least one of a monoproton, a biprotic, and a samsung. In some such embodiments, the acid may contain at least one carboxyl functional group. In some such embodiments, the acid can be at least one of an alpha-hydroxy acid, a carboxylic acid, a dicarboxylic acid, a tricarboxylic acid, and a keto acid. In some such embodiments, the acid may be an alpha-keto acid.

In some such embodiments, the acid may be at least one of succinic acid, lactic acid, benzoic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, levulinic acid, acetic acid, malic acid, formic acid, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, propanoic acid and pyruvic acid.

Suitably, the acid is lactic acid. In other embodiments, the acid is benzoic acid. In other embodiments, the acid may be an inorganic acid. In some of these embodiments, the acid may be an inorganic acid. In some such embodiments, the acid may be at least one of sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, boric acid, and phosphoric acid. In some embodiments, the acid is levulinic acid.

Comprising an acid is particularly preferred in embodiments where the aerosol-generating material or amorphous solid comprises nicotine. In such embodiments, the presence of the acid may stabilize dissolved species in the slurry from which the aerosol-generating material or amorphous solid is formed. The presence of the acid may reduce or substantially prevent evaporation of nicotine during drying of the slurry, thereby reducing loss of nicotine during manufacture.

In certain embodiments, the aerosol-generating material or amorphous solid comprises a gelling agent, including a cellulosic gelling agent and/or a non-cellulosic gelling agent, an active substance and an acid.

In some cases, the amorphous solid comprises 1 to 60 weight percent filler, such as 5 to 50 weight percent, 10 to 40 weight percent, or 15 to 30 weight percent filler. In some such cases, the amorphous solid comprises at least 1 wt% of a filler, such as at least 5 wt%, at least 10 wt%, at least 20 wt%, at least 30 wt%, at least 40 wt%, or at least 50 wt% filler includes

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

In other embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises less than 20 wt%, suitably less than 10 wt% or less than 5 wt% filler. In some cases, the amorphous solid comprises less than 1 wt % filler, and in some cases no filler.

If present, the filler may include one or more inorganic filler materials, such as calcium carbonate, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfite, magnesium carbonate, and suitable inorganic adsorbents such as molecular sieves. can do. The filler may include one or more organic filler materials, such as wood pulp, cellulose and cellulose derivatives (such as methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)). In certain instances, the amorphous solid does not include calcium carbonate, such as chalk.

In certain embodiments comprising a filler, the filler is a fiber. For example, the filler may be a fibrous organic filler material such as wood pulp, hemp fiber, cellulose or cellulose derivatives (such as methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)). Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the inclusion of fibrous fillers in the amorphous solid may increase the tensile strength of the material. This can be particularly advantageous in instances where the amorphous solid is provided as a sheet, such as when the amorphous solid sheet surrounds a rod of aerosol-generating material. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may be formed as a sheet prior to being cut into a plurality of discrete parts for incorporation into a consumable of the present invention.

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

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material does not include tobacco fibers. In certain embodiments, the aerosol generating material does not include a fibrous material.

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

In some embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises 10 to 35% by weight of the gelling agent, 25 to 50% by weight of the aerosol-former material, and 30 to 55% by weight of the active substance (calculated on a dry weight basis). can do. In some cases, the amorphous solid will comprise from 20 to 30% by weight of the gelling agent, from 30 to 40% by weight of the aerosol-former material, and from 35 to 50% by weight of the active substance (calculated on a dry weight basis). can For example, an amorphous solid may comprise about 22 weight percent gelling agent, about 36 weight percent aerosol-former material, and about 42 weight percent active material (calculated on a dry weight basis).

In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may comprise 10 to 35 weight percent alginate, 25 to 50 weight percent glycerol, and 30 to 55 weight percent tobacco extract (calculated on a dry weight basis). In some cases, the amorphous solid may comprise 20 to 30 weight percent alginate, 30 to 40 weight percent glycerol, and 35 to 50 weight percent tobacco extract (calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the amorphous solid may comprise about 22 weight percent alginate, about 36 weight percent glycerol, and about 42 weight percent tobacco extract (calculated on a dry weight basis).

In some examples, the amorphous solid in the form of a sheet may have a tensile strength of from about 200 N/m to about 900 N/m. In some examples, such as when the amorphous solid does not include a filler, the amorphous solid will have a tensile strength of 200 N/m to 400 N/m, or 200 N/m to 300 N/m, or about 250 N/m. can Such tensile strengths may be particularly suitable for embodiments in which the aerosol generating material is formed as a sheet and then crushed and incorporated into an aerosol generating consumable. In some examples, such as when the amorphous solid includes a filler, the amorphous solid can have a tensile strength of 600 N/m to 900 N/m, or 700 N/m to 900 N/m, or about 800 N/m. have. Such tensile strengths may be particularly suitable for embodiments wherein the aerosol generating material is incorporated into the aerosol generating consumable/assembly as a rolled sheet, suitably in the form of a tube.

The amorphous solid may include a colorant. The addition of colorants can alter the visual appearance of the amorphous solid. The presence of colorants within the amorphous solid can enhance the visual appearance of the amorphous solid and aerosol generating material. By adding a colorant to the amorphous solid, the amorphous solid can be color-matched with other components of the aerosol generating material or other components of the article comprising the amorphous solid.

Various colorants can be used depending on the desired color of the amorphous solid. The color of the amorphous solid may be, for example, white, green, red, purple, blue, brown or black. Other colors are also contemplated. Natural or synthetic colorants may be used, such as natural or synthetic dyes, food-grade colorants and pharmaceutical-grade colorants. In certain embodiments, the colorant is caramel, which can give the amorphous solid a brown appearance. In such embodiments, the color of the amorphous solid may be similar to the color of other components (eg, tobacco material) within the aerosol generating material comprising the amorphous solid. In some embodiments, adding a colorant to the amorphous solid makes the amorphous solid visually indistinguishable from other components in the aerosol generating material.

The colorant may be included during formation of the amorphous solid (eg, when forming a slurry comprising materials that form the amorphous solid), or the colorant may be incorporated into the amorphous solid after formation of the amorphous solid (eg, by spraying it onto the amorphous solid). can be applied.

In some cases, the amorphous solid may consist essentially of, or consist of, a gelling agent, water, an aerosol-former material, a flavoring agent and optionally an active substance. In such cases, the water content of each individual portion of the amorphous solid is less than about 15 mg; eg, less than about 14 mg, 13 mg, 12 mg, 11 mg, 10 mg, 9 mg, 8 mg, 7 mg, 6 mg or 5 mg. The water content of the amorphous solid should be determined by standard procedures known in the art, such as Karl-Fischer-titration or Gas Chromatography with Thermal Conductivity Detector (GC-TCD).

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

In some cases, the amorphous solid has a thickness of from about 0.015 mm to about 1.5 mm, suitably from about 0.05 mm to about 1.5 mm or from 0.05 mm to about 1.0 mm. Suitably, the thickness may range from about 0.1 mm or 0.15 mm to about 1.0 mm, 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm. The inventors have found that a material having a thickness of 0.2 mm is particularly suitable.

The inventors have demonstrated that if the aerosol-generating material is too thick, the heating efficiency is poor. This adversely affects power consumption when in use. Conversely, if the aerosol-generating material is too thin, it is difficult to manufacture and process; Very thin materials are more difficult to cast and can be brittle, jeopardizing aerosol formation in use. The inventors have demonstrated that the aerosol-generating material thicknesses defined herein have optimized material properties taking these competitive considerations into account.

The thickness values specified herein are average values for the thickness in question. In some cases, this thickness may vary by no more than 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, or 1%.

The thickness values specified herein for aerosol-generating materials also apply to amorphous solids.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is formed as a sheet. In some cases, the sheet of aerosol-generating material may be included in an assembly or consumable in the form of a sheet, eg, the plurality of discrete parts may be a plurality of sheets. Aerosol-generating material sheets may be included as planar sheets, as gathered or bunched sheets, as crimped sheets or as rolled sheets (ie, in the form of a tube). In some such cases, the aerosol-generating material of these embodiments may be included in the aerosol-generating consumable/assembly as sheets such as sheets surrounding a rod of aerosol-generating material (eg, tobacco). For example, sheets of aerosol-generating material may be formed on a wrapping paper surrounding an aerosol-generating material, such as a cigarette. In other cases, the sheets may be shredded and then incorporated into an assembly and suitably blended into an aerosol-generating material such as cut rag tobacco. In such cases, the consumables of the present invention will retain the ability to aerosolize up to 15 mg of water per user's inhalation action when the aerosol-generating material is heated to at least 120°C.

The aerosol-generating material may have any suitable areal density, such as 30 g/m 2 to 120 g/m 2 . In some cases, the sheet has a density similar to that of a cut rag tobacco, such that mixtures of these materials do not separate easily from 80 to 120 g/m, or from about 70 to 110 g/m, or particularly from about 90 to 110 It may have a mass per unit area of g/m 2 , or suitably about 100 g/m 2 . Such areal densities may be particularly suitable where the aerosol-generating material is included in the aerosol-generating consumable/assembly in sheet form or in crushed sheets (described further below). In some cases, the sheet may have a mass per unit area of about 30 to 70 g/m, 40 to 60 g/m, or 25 to 60 g/m, which will be used to wrap an aerosol-generating material such as tobacco. can

The consumable may include a support provided with an aerosol-generating material. The support functions as a support on which an aerosol-generating material is formed to facilitate manufacture. The support may provide tensile strength to the aerosol-generating material to facilitate handling. In some cases, a plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol-generating material are deposited on such a support. In some cases, a plurality of discrete portions of amorphous material are deposited on such a support. In some cases, individual portions of the aerosol-generating material are deposited on such a support such that each individual portion can be heated and aerosolized separately. In an exemplary embodiment, the consumable comprises a plurality of discrete portions of an aerosol-generating material comprising an amorphous solid, the discrete portions provided on a support, each of the discrete portions comprising less than 15 mg of water.

Suitably, the individual parts of the aerosol-generating material are provided on the support such that each individual part can be heated and aerosolized separately. The inventors have discovered that a consumable having such a shape allows a consistent aerosol to be delivered to the user with each puff.

In some cases, the support may be formed of materials selected from metal foil, paper, carbon paper, oil resistant paper, ceramic, carbon allotropes such as graphite and graphene, plastic, cardboard, wood, or combinations thereof. In some cases, the support may comprise or consist of tobacco material, such as a sheet of reconstituted tobacco. In some cases, the support may be formed of materials selected from metal foil, paper, cardboard, wood, or combinations thereof. In some cases, the support itself is a laminate structure comprising layers of materials selected from the preceding listings. In some cases, the support may also function as a flavor carrier. For example, the support may be impregnated with a flavoring agent or tobacco extract.

In some cases, the support may be non-magnetic.

In some cases, the support may be magnetic. This functionality can be used to fasten a support to an assembly in use, or it can be used to create certain amorphous solid shapes. In some cases, the aerosol-generating material may include one or more magnets that may be used to couple the material to an inductive heater in use.

In some cases, the support may be substantially or wholly impermeable to gases and/or aerosols. This prevents passage of the aerosol or gas through the support layer, thereby controlling the flow and ensuring that the aerosol or gas is delivered to the user. It may also be used to prevent condensation or other deposition of gases/aerosols in use, for example, on the surface of a heater provided in an aerosol generating assembly. Accordingly, consumption efficiency and hygiene may be improved in some cases.

In some cases, the surface of the support that contacts the aerosol-generating material may be porous. For example, in one case, the support comprises paper. The inventors have found that porous supports, such as paper, are particularly suitable for the present invention; The porous (eg, paper) layer contacts the aerosol-generating material and forms a strong bond. The aerosol-generating material is formed by drying the gel, and without being bound by theory, when the slurry from which the gel is formed partially impregnates the porous support (eg, paper), the gel hardens and forms cross-links. , the support is considered to be partially bonded into the gel. This provides a strong bond between the gel and the support (and between the dried gel and the support).

In addition, surface roughness can contribute to the bond strength between the aerosol-generating material and the support. The inventors have determined that the paper roughness (for the surface abutting the support) is suitably measured over an air pressure interval of 50.66 to 48.00 kPa, suitably 50 to 1000 Bekk seconds, suitably 50 to 150 Bekk seconds, suitably 100 Bekk seconds (50.66 to 48.00 kPa). ) was found to be in the range of (The Bekk smoothness tester is an instrument used to determine the smoothness of a paper surface, where air at a specified pressure leaks between a smooth glass surface and a paper sample, and the time (in seconds) that a fixed volume of air leaks between these surfaces. ) is the "Bekk smoothness".)

Conversely, a surface of the support facing away from the aerosol-generating material may be arranged in contact with the heater, and a smoother surface may provide for more efficient heat transfer. Thus, in some cases, the support is arranged to have a rougher side facing the aerosol-generating material and a smoother side facing away from the aerosol-generating material.

In a particular case, the support may be a paper-backed foil; The paper layer abuts the aerosol-generating material, and the properties discussed in the previous paragraphs are provided by this joint. The foil backing is substantially impermeable, providing control of the aerosol flow path. The metal foil backing may also serve to conduct heat to the aerosol-generating material.

In other cases, the foil layer of the paper-backed foil abuts the aerosol-generating material. The foil is substantially impermeable, thereby preventing water provided as the aerosol-generating material from being absorbed into the paper and weakening the structural integrity of the paper.

In some cases, the support is formed from or includes a metal foil, such as an aluminum foil. The metallic support may enable better conduction of thermal energy to the amorphous solid. Additionally or alternatively, the metal foil may function as a susceptor in an induction heating system. In certain embodiments, the support includes a metal foil layer and a support layer such as cardboard. In such embodiments, the metal foil layer may have a thickness of less than 20 μm, such as from about 1 μm to about 10 μm, suitably about 5 μm.

In some cases, the support may have a thickness of from about 0.010 mm to about 2.0 mm, suitably from about 0.015 mm, 0.02 mm, 0.05 mm or 0.1 mm to about 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm, or 0.5 mm.

An aerosol generating material for use in the consumable of the first aspect forms a further aspect of the invention. Suitably, the aerosol-generating material comprises an amorphous solid, wherein less than about 15 mg of water is aerosolized during each puff when the aerosol-generating material is heated in the aerosol providing device to a temperature of at least 120 °C. Certain features discussed above with respect to aerosol-generating materials when present in consumables apply equally to aerosol-generating materials when taken alone and form part of the present invention.

Manufacturing method

A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of making the consumable of the present invention. Such methods include methods of making an aerosol-generating material and incorporating the aerosol-generating material into a consumable. Suitably, the aerosol-generating material is an amorphous solid.

The method comprises the steps of (a) forming a slurry comprising components of an amorphous solid or precursors thereof, (b) forming a layer of the slurry, (c) curing the slurry to form a gel; , (d) drying the gel to form an amorphous solid, (e) dividing the amorphous solid into discrete portions, each portion comprising up to 15 mg of water, and (f) individual portions of the amorphous solid integrating the parts into the consumable.

Block (b) forming the layer of slurry may include, for example, spraying, casting or extruding the slurry. In some cases, the layer of slurry is formed by electrospraying the slurry. In some cases, the layer of slurry is formed by casting the slurry.

In some cases, step (b) and/or step (c) and/or step (d) may occur at least partially simultaneously (eg, during electrospray). In some cases, steps (b)-(d) may occur sequentially.

In some cases, a curing agent (eg, a calcium source) may be added to the slurry before or during step (b). This is suitable for cases where gelation occurs relatively slowly (eg, using an alginate gelling agent), so that the slurry can be cast, eg after the curing agent has been added.

In other cases, step (c) of curing the slurry as a gel may include adding a curing agent to the slurry layer. The curing agent may, for example, be sprayed onto the gel, or the slurry may be preloaded onto the layered surface.

For example, a curing agent comprising a calcium source (eg, calcium chloride or calcium citrate) can 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 (eg where a pectin gelling agent is used), calcium must be added after casting (since the gel is too viscous to cast).

In embodiments, the curing agent comprises or consists of calcium acetate, calcium formate, calcium carbonate, calcium hydrogencarbonate, calcium chloride, calcium lactate, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the curing agent comprises or consists of calcium formate and/or calcium lactate. In certain instances, the curing agent comprises or consists of calcium formate. The inventors of the present application have typically found that the use of calcium formate as a curing agent produces an amorphous solid having greater tensile strength and greater elongation resistance.

The total amount of curing agent, such as calcium source, may be 0.5 to 5% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis). Suitably, the total amount may be from about 1%, 2.5% or 4% to about 4.8% or 4.5% by weight. The inventors have discovered that adding too little curing agent can result in the gel not stabilizing the flavor, and can cause the flavor to escape out of the gel. The inventors have discovered that the addition of too much curing agent results in a very tacky gel and consequently has poor handleability.

When the amorphous solid does not contain tobacco, a higher amount of hardener may need to be applied. Thus, in some cases the total amount of curing agent may be 0.5 to 12% by weight, such as 5 to 10% by weight, calculated on a dry weight basis. Suitably, the total amount may be from about 5%, 6% or 7% to about 12% or 10% by weight. In this case, the amorphous solid will generally not contain any tobacco.

Alginate salts are derivatives of alginic acid, typically high molecular weight polymers (10 to 600 kDa). Alginic acid is a copolymer of β-D-mannuronic acid (M) and α-L-guluronic acid (G) units (blocks) joined together by (1,4)-glycosidic bonds to form a polysaccharide . Upon addition of calcium cations, the alginate cross-links to form a gel. The inventors have determined that alginate salts with a high G monomer content form a gel more readily upon addition of a calcium source. Thus, in some cases, the gel-precursor pay is such that at least about 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, or 70% of the monomer units in the alginate copolymer are α-L- alginate salts comprising guluronic acid (G) units.

In some cases, the slurry may be warmed prior to and during casting. This can slow gelation, improve handleability, and facilitate the casting process. Also, warming the slurry can melt flavoring components (eg, menthol) to facilitate handling.

In some cases, menthol (or other flavoring agents) may be dispensed through the slurry in powder form. In some cases, menthol (or other flavoring agents) may be melted in the slurry (when warmed). In such cases, an emulsifier such as gum acacia may be added to disperse the molten menthol in the slurry.

In some cases, the slurry may be cast as a bandcast sheet. The sheet can be loaded with a releasing agent such as lecithin which can aid in the separation of bandcast and amorphous solids.

In some embodiments, the slurry comprises:

- from 1 to 60% by weight of a gelling agent;

- 0.1 to 50% by weight of an aerosol-former material; and

- 0.1 to 80% menthol by weight;

- weights are calculated on a dry weight basis; and

- Solvent.

In cases where the solvent consists of water, the dry weight content of the slurry will match the dry weight content of the amorphous solid. Accordingly, the discussion herein with respect to solid compositions is expressly disclosed in combination with any slurry aspect of the present invention.

Consumables and non-flammable aerosol delivery systems

As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to include systems that deliver a substance to a user (tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other Combustible, such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos and cigarlets for pipe or roll-your-own or make-your-own use (whether or not based on smokeable material) aerosol delivery systems; Providing a non-flammable aerosol that releases compounds from an aerosol-generating material without burning the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems for generating an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials systems; consumables comprising an aerosol-generating material and configured for use within one of these non-combustible aerosol delivery systems; and articles including lozenges, gums, patches, inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco, including snus or moist snuff. aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver one or more substances orally, nasally, transdermally, or otherwise to a user without forming an aerosol, wherein the substance may or may not comprise nicotine. it may not be

In accordance with the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol delivery system is a system in which a constituent aerosol-generating material (or a component thereof) of the aerosol delivery system burns or burns during use to facilitate delivery to a user.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol delivery system is a system in which a constituent aerosol-generating material (or a component thereof) of the aerosol delivery system does not burn or burn to facilitate delivery to a user.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol delivery system selected from the group consisting of cigarettes, cigarillos, and cigars.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a component for use in a combustible aerosol delivery system, such as a filter, filter rod, filter segment, tobacco rod, spill, additive release component, such as a capsule, thread , or beads, or paper, such as plug wrap, tipping paper or cigarette paper.

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

It is noted that in some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a necessary condition. .

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is a cigarette heating system, also known as a heat-non-burn system.

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

Typically, a non-combustible aerosol providing system may include a non-combustible aerosol providing device and a consumable for use in the non-combustible aerosol providing device. However, it is contemplated that consumables that themselves comprise means for powering the aerosol generating component may themselves form a non-combustible aerosol delivery system.

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

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

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol providing system is a heater capable of interacting with the aerosol-generating material to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating component is capable of generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol-generating component may generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without applying heat to the aerosol-generating material, such as via one or more of vibration, mechanical, pressurization, or electrostatic means.

A non-combustible aerosol providing system includes a heater configured to heat but not burn the aerosol-generating material. The heater may in some cases be a thin film electrical resistance heater. In other cases, the heater may include an inductive heater or the like. In still further cases, the heater may be a combustible heat source or a chemical heat source that undergoes an exothermic reaction to generate heat in use.

In some cases, the heater may heat but not burn the aerosol-generating material(s) to 120° C. to 350° C. in use. In some cases, the heater may heat but not burn the aerosol-generating material(s) to 140 °C to 250 °C in use. In some cases in use, substantially all of the amorphous solid is less than about 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm from the heater. In some cases, the solid is disposed between about 0.017 mm and 2.0 mm, suitably between about 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm, from the heater. These minimum distances may, in some cases, reflect the thickness of the support supporting the amorphous solid. In some cases, the surface of the amorphous solid may directly contact the heater.

In some cases, the heater may be embedded within the aerosol generating material. In some such cases, the heater may be an electrical resistance heater (with exposed contacts for connection to an electrical circuit). In other such cases, the heater may be a susceptor embedded in an aerosol generating substrate, heated by induction.

The non-combustible aerosol providing system may additionally include a cooling element and/or a filter. The cooling element, if present, may act or function to cool the gas or aerosol components. In some cases, this may act to cool the gas components so that the gas components condense to form an aerosol. This may also act to distance very hot parts of the device from the user. The filter, if present, may comprise any suitable filter known in the art, such as a cellulose acetate plug.

In some cases, the non-combustible aerosol providing system may be a non-combustible heating device. That is, it may contain solid tobacco-containing material (not liquid aerosol-generating material). In some cases, the amorphous solid may comprise tobacco material. A non-combustion heating device is disclosed in WO 2015/062983 A2, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In some cases, the non-flammable aerosol providing system may be a hybrid device. That is, it may contain a solid aerosol-generating material and a liquid aerosol-generating material. In some cases, the amorphous solid may include nicotine. In some cases, the amorphous solid may comprise tobacco material. In some cases, the amorphous solid may comprise tobacco material and a separate source of nicotine. The separate aerosol-generating materials may be heated by separate heaters, the same heater, or in one case, the downstream aerosol-generating material may be heated by a hot aerosol generated from the upstream aerosol-generating material. A hybrid device is disclosed in WO 2016/135331 A1, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Alternatively, the consumable may be referred to herein as a cartridge. The consumable may be adapted for use in a THP, hybrid device or other aerosol generating device. In some cases, the consumable may further include a filter and/or cooling element, as previously described. In some cases, the consumable may be surrounded by a wrapping material such as paper.

The consumable may further include vent holes. These may be provided on the sidewall of the consumable. In some cases, vent holes may be provided in the filter and/or cooling element. These apertures may allow cooling air to be drawn into the consumable during use, which may mix with the heated volatilized components to cool the aerosol.

Ventilation enhances the production of visible heated volatilized components from the consumable as the consumable is heated in use. By the process of cooling the heated volatilized components so that supersaturation of the heated volatilized components occurs, the heated volatilized components become visible. The heated volatilized components then undergo droplet formation, otherwise known as nucleation, and finally heated by further condensation of the heat volatilized components, and by solidification of newly formed droplets from the heat volatilized components. The size of the aerosol particles of the volatilized components increases.

In some cases, the ratio of the cooling air to the sum of the heated volatilized components and the cooling air, known as the aeration ratio, is at least 15%. A ventilation rate of 15% allows the heated volatilized components to become visible by the method described above. The visibility of the heated volatilized components enables the user to identify which volatilized components have been generated, adding to the sensory experience of the smoking experience.

In another example, the aeration rate is between 50% and 85% to provide additional cooling to the heated volatilized components. In some cases, the ventilation rate may be at least 60% or 65%.

1 and 2 , partial cut-away and perspective views of an example of an aerosol-generating consumable 101 are shown. The consumable 101 is suitable for use in a device having a power source and a heater. The consumable 101 of this embodiment is particularly suitable for use in the device 51 shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 described later. In use, the consumable 101 may be removably inserted into the device shown in FIG. 5 at the insertion point 20 of the device 51 .

An example consumable 101 is in the form of a substantially cylindrical rod comprising a body 103 of an aerosol-generating material and a filter assembly 105 in the form of a rod. Aerosol-generating materials include the amorphous solid materials described herein. In some embodiments, it may be included in the form of a sheet. In some embodiments, it may be included in the form of crushed sheets. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material described herein may be included in sheet form and crushed form.

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

In one example, the rod of aerosol-generating material 103 is between 34 mm and 50 mm in length, suitably between 38 mm and 46 mm in length, suitably between 42 mm in length.

In one example, the total length of the consumable 101 is 71 mm to 95 mm, suitably 79 mm to 87 mm, suitably 83 mm.

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

The body of the aerosol-generating material 103 is bonded to the filter assembly 105 by an annular tipping paper (not shown), which tipping paper substantially surrounds the filter assembly 105 with the filter It is located around the circumference of the assembly 105 and extends partially along the length of the body 103 of the aerosol-generating material. In one example, the tipping paper is made of 58GSM standard tipping base paper. In one example, the tipping paper has a length of 42 mm to 50 mm, suitably 46 mm.

In one example, cooling segment 107 is an annular tube and is positioned around the air gap to define an air gap within the cooling segment. The air gap provides a chamber through which the heated volatilized components generated from the body of the aerosol-generating material 103 flow. The cooling segment 107 is used while the consumable 101 is inserted into the device 51 and is rigid enough to withstand the axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacture to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation. is hollow In one example, the thickness of the wall of the cooling segment 107 is approximately 0.29 mm.

The cooling segment 107 provides a physical displacement between the aerosol-generating material 103 and the filter segment 109 . The physical displacement provided by the cooling segment 107 will provide a thermal gradient over the length of the cooling segment 107 . In one example, the cooling segment 107 is at least 40° C. between the heated volatilized component entering the first end of the cooling segment 107 and the heated volatilized component exiting the second end of the cooling segment 107 . is configured to provide a temperature difference of In one example, the cooling segment 107 is at least 60° C. between the heated volatilized component entering the first end of the cooling segment 107 and the heated volatilized component exiting the second end of the cooling segment 107 . is configured to provide a temperature difference of This temperature difference over the length of the cooling element 107 protects the temperature sensitive filter segment 109 from the high temperature of the aerosol-generating material 103 when the aerosol-generating material 103 is heated by the device 51 . . If no physical displacement is provided between the filter segment 109 and the body of the aerosol-generating material 103 and the heating elements of the device 51 , the temperature-sensitive filter segment 109 may be damaged in use, requiring It will not perform its function effectively.

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

The cooling segment 107 is made of paper, meaning that the cooling segment is constructed of a material that does not produce compounds of concern, eg toxic compounds, when used adjacent to the heater of the device 51 . In one example, the cooling segment 107 is made of a spirally wound paper tube that provides a hollow inner chamber but retains mechanical rigidity. Spirally wound paper tubes can meet the stringent dimensional accuracy requirements of high-speed manufacturing processes with respect to tube length, outer diameter, roundness and straightness.

In another example, the cooling segment 107 is a recess created with stiff plug wrap or tipping paper. The rigid plug wrap or tipping paper is manufactured to have sufficient rigidity to withstand the axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacture and use while the consumable 101 is inserted into the device 51 .

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

In some embodiments, a capsule (not shown) may be provided in the filter segment 109 . The capsule may be disposed substantially central to the filter segment 109 across the filter segment 109 diameter and along the length of the filter segment 109 . In other cases, the capsule may be offset in one or more dimensions. The capsule, if present, may in some cases contain volatile components such as flavoring agents or aerosol generating agents.

The density of the cellulose acetate tow material in the filter segment 109 controls the pressure drop across the filter segment 109 , which in turn controls the draw resistance of the consumable 101 . Accordingly, the selection of the material of the filter segment 109 is important in controlling the resistance to suction of the consumable 101 . In addition, the filter segment performs a filtering function in the consumable 101 .

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

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

In one example, the filter segment 109 is between 6 mm and 10 mm in length, suitably 8 mm.

The mouth end segment 111 is an annular tube and is positioned around the air gap to define an air gap within the mouth end segment 111 . The air gap provides a chamber for the heated volatilized components flowing from the filter segment 109 . The mouth end segment 111 is hollow to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation that is sufficiently rigid to withstand the axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacture and while the consumable is inserted into the device 51 . to be. In one example, the thickness of the wall of the mouth end segment 111 is approximately 0.29 mm. In one example, the length of the mouth end segment 111 is between 6 mm and 10 mm, suitably 8 mm.

Mouth end segment 111 may be made from a spirally wound paper tube that provides a hollow inner chamber while maintaining critical mechanical stiffness. Spirally wound paper tubes can meet the stringent dimensional accuracy requirements of high-speed manufacturing processes with respect to tube length, outer diameter, roundness and straightness.

The mouth end segment 111 serves to prevent any liquid condensate 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 of a single tube, and a filter segment 109 is positioned within the tube to separate the mouth end segment 111 and the cooling segment 107 . It must be understood that

3 and 4 , partial cut-away and perspective views of an example of the consumable 301 are shown. Reference numerals shown in Figs. 3 and 4 correspond to reference numerals shown in Figs. 1 and 2, but in increments of 200. As shown in Figs.

In the example of the consumable 301 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , a ventilation area 317 is provided in the consumable 301 to allow air to flow from the outside of the consumable 301 to the inside of the consumable 301 . . In one example, the vent area 317 takes the form of one or more vent holes 317 formed through the outer layer of the consumable 301 . Vent holes may be located in the cooling segment 307 to aid cooling of the consumable 301 . In one example, the vent area 317 comprises one or more rows of holes, preferably each row of holes is formed around the consumable 301 in a cross section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the consumable 301 . arranged in the circumferential direction.

In one example, there are rows 1 to 4 of vent holes to provide ventilation for the consumable 301 . Each row of vent holes may have 12 to 36 vent holes 317 . The ventilation holes 317 may have, for example, a diameter of 100 to 500 μm. In one example, the axial separation between the rows of vent holes 317 is between 0.25 mm and 0.75 mm, suitably 0.5 mm.

In one example, the ventilation holes 317 have a uniform size. In another example, the vent holes 317 vary in size. The vent holes may be formed by any suitable technique, such as the following techniques: laser technique, mechanical drilling of the cooling segment 307 , or pre-treatment of the cooling segment 307 before the cooling segment 307 is formed in the consumable 301 . It may be made using one or more of the perforations. The vent holes 317 are positioned to provide effective cooling to the consumable 301 .

In one example, the rows of vent holes 317 are located at least 11 mm from the proximal end 313 of the consumable, suitably between 17 mm and 20 mm from the proximal end 313 of the consumable 301 . The position of the ventilation holes 317 is positioned so that the user does not block the ventilation holes 317 when the consumable 301 is in use.

Providing rows of vent holes from 17 mm to 20 mm from the proximal end 313 of the consumable 301 ensures that the consumable 301 is fully inserted into the device 51 , as can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7 . When done, it allows the ventilation holes 317 to be located outside the device 51 . By locating the vent holes outside the device, unheated air can enter the consumable 301 from outside the device 51 through the vent holes to help cool the consumable 301 .

The length of the cooling segment 307 is such that, when the consumable 301 is fully inserted into the device 51 , the cooling segment 307 is partially inserted into the device 51 . The length of the cooling segment 307 is the first function of providing a physical gap between the heater arrangement of the device 51 and the thermal filter arrangement 309 , and the consumable 301 is fully inserted into the device 51 . When done, the vent holes 317 are located external to the device 51 while providing a second function allowing them to be located in the cooling segment. As can be seen from FIGS. 6 and 7 , most of the cooling element 307 is located within the device 51 . However, there is a portion of the cooling element 307 extending out of the device 51 . It is in this part of the cooling element 307 extending out of the device 51 , in which the ventilation holes 317 are located.

Referring now in more detail to FIGS. 5-7 , a device 51 arranged to heat the aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material, typically to form an aerosol that can be inhaled. An example is shown. Device 51 is a heating device that releases compounds by heating but not burning the aerosol-generating material.

The first end 53 is sometimes referred to herein as the mouth or proximal end 53 of the device 51 , and the second end 55 is sometimes referred to herein as the distal end 55 of the device 51 . The device 51 has an on/off button 57 that allows the device 51 as a whole to be switched on and off as desired by the user.

Device 51 includes a housing 59 for positioning and protecting various internal components of device 51 . In the example shown, the housing 59 is capped with a top panel 17 that generally defines the 'top' of the device 51 and a bottom panel 19 that generally defines the 'bottom' of the device 51 . a uni-body sleeve 11 surrounding the periphery of the device 51 . In another example, the housing includes, in addition to a top panel 17 and a bottom panel 19 , a front panel, a rear panel, and a pair of opposing side panels.

The top panel 17 and/or the bottom panel 19 may be removably secured to the integral sleeve 11 to allow easy access to the interior of the device 51 , or, for example, by the user ) can be “permanently” secured to the integral sleeve 11 to prevent access to the interior of the . In one example, panels 17 and 19 are made of a plastic material, including glass-filled nylon, which is formed by, for example, injection molding, and integral sleeve 11 is made of aluminum, but with other materials and other manufactures. Processes may be used.

The top panel 17 of the device 51 has an opening 20 at the mouth end 53 of the device 51 , through which the consumables 101 , 301 contain, in use, an aerosol-generating material. ) may be inserted into and removed from the device 51 by a user.

The housing 59 locates or secures the heater arrangement 23 , the control circuit 25 and the power source 27 therein. In this example, the heater arrangement 23 , the control circuit 25 and the power source 27 are laterally adjacent (ie adjacent when viewed from the end), and the control circuit 25 is generally adjacent to the heater arrangement. It is located between 23 and the power source 27 , although other positions are possible.

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

The power source 27 may be, for example, a battery, which may be a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium-ion batteries, nickel batteries (eg, nickel-cadmium batteries), alkaline batteries, and the like. The battery 27 supplies power to heat the aerosol-generating material in the consumable (as discussed, to volatilize the aerosol-generating material without burning the aerosol-generating material) when required and under the control of the control circuit 25 . electrically coupled to the heater arrangement 23 for

An advantage of locating the power source 27 laterally adjacent the heater arrangement 23 is that a physically large power source 25 can be used without making the device 51 overall unduly elongated. As will be appreciated, a physically larger power source 25 generally has a larger capacity (ie, the total electrical energy that can be supplied, often measured in Amp-hours or the like), and thus the battery for the device 51 . lifespan could be longer.

In one example, the heater arrangement 23 is generally in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube having a hollow internal heating chamber 29 into which a consumable 101 , 301 comprising an aerosol-generating material is inserted for heating in use. . Different arrangements for the heater arrangement 23 are possible. For example, the heater arrangement 23 may comprise a single heating element, or it may be formed of a plurality of heating elements aligned along the longitudinal axis of the heater arrangement 23 . The or each heating element may be annular or tubular around its circumference, or at least partially annular, or partially tubular. In an example, the or each heating element may be a thin film heater. In another example, the heating element or each heating element may be made of a ceramic material. Examples of suitable ceramic materials include alumina and aluminum nitride and silicon nitride ceramics, which can be laminated and sintered. Other heating arrangements are possible, for example comprising induction heating, infrared heater elements that heat by emitting infrared radiation, or resistive heating elements formed for example by a resistive electrical winding.

In one particular example, the heater arrangement 23 is supported by a stainless steel support tube and includes a polyimide heating element. The heater arrangement 23 is such that, when the consumables 101 , 301 are inserted into the device 51 , substantially the entirety of the body of the aerosol-generating material 103 , 303 of the consumables 101 , 301 is the heater arrangement. (23) dimensioned to be inserted into.

The heating element, or each heating element, is configured such that selected regions of the aerosol-generating material can be heated together (simultaneously) as desired, eg, sequentially (over time, as discussed above) sequentially and independently. can be arranged.

In this example, the heater arrangement 23 is surrounded by a thermal insulation material 31 along at least part of its length. The insulation 31 helps reduce heat transferred from the heater arrangement 23 to the outside of the device 51 . This helps to lower the power requirements for the heater arrangement 23 as it generally reduces heat losses. The insulation 31 also helps to keep the outside of the device 51 cool during operation of the heater arrangement 23 . In one example, the insulation 31 may be a double wall sleeve that provides a low pressure region between the two walls of the sleeve. That is, the insulation 31 may be, for example, a “vacuum” tube, ie a tube that is at least partially evacuated to minimize heat transfer by conduction and/or convection. Other arrangements for the insulation 31 are possible in addition to or instead of the double wall sleeve, including using heat insulating materials, including for example suitable foamed materials.

The housing 59 may further include various internal support structures 37 for supporting all internal components as well as the heating arrangement 23 .

Device 51 includes a collar 33 extending around opening 20 and projecting therefrom into housing 59 , and generally positioned between collar 33 and one end of vacuum sleeve 31 . It further comprises a tubular chamber (35). The chamber 35 further includes a cooling structure 35f, in this example the cooling structures 35f being spaced along an outer surface of the chamber 35 and respectively arranged circumferentially around the outer surface of the chamber 35 . and a plurality of cooling fins 35f. When the consumables 101 , 301 are inserted into the device 51 over at least a portion of the length of the hollow chamber 35 , an air gap 36 is formed between the hollow chamber 35 and the consumables 101 , 301 . exist. An air gap 36 is around all circumferences of the consumables 101 , 301 spanning at least a portion of the cooling segment 307 .

The collar 33 comprises a plurality of ridges 60 arranged circumferentially around the perimeter of the opening 20 and projecting into the opening 20 . The ridges 60 are configured such that the opening width of the opening 20 at the positions of the ridges 60 is narrower than the opening width of the opening 20 at the positions without the ridges 60 . ) takes up space in The ridges 60 are configured to engage the consumable 101 , 301 inserted into the device to assist in securing the consumable 101 , 301 within the device 51 . Open spaces (not shown in the figures) defined by an adjacent pair of consumables 101 , 301 and ridges 60 form ventilation paths around the outer perimeter of consumables 101 , 301 . These vent paths allow the hot vapors that have escaped from the consumables 101 , 301 to exit the device 51 , and cool air to the device 51 around the consumables 101 , 301 in the air gap 36 . make it move

In operation, the consumables 101 , 301 are removably inserted into the insertion point 20 of the device 51 , as shown in FIGS. 5-7 . With particular reference to FIG. 6 , in one example, the body of aerosol-generating material 103 , 303 positioned towards the distal end 115 , 315 of the consumable 101 , 301 is a heater arrangement of the device 51 ( 23) is accepted as a whole. The proximal ends 113 , 313 of the consumables 101 , 301 extend from the device 51 and serve as a mouthpiece assembly for the user.

In operation, the heater arrangement 23 will heat the consumables 101 , 301 to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material from the body of the aerosol-generating material 103 , 303 .

The main flow path for the heated volatilized components from the body of the aerosol-generating material (103, 303) is through the consumables (101, 301), in the axial direction, through the chamber inside the cooling segments (107, 307). through filter segments 109 , 309 , and through mouth end segments 111 , 313 to the user. In one example, the temperature of the heated volatilized components generated from the body of the aerosol generating material is between 60° C. and 250° C., which may exceed an acceptable inhalation temperature for a user. As the heated volatilized component moves through the cooling segments 107 , 307 , the heated volatilized component will cool and some volatilized components condense on the interior surfaces of the cooling segments 107 , 307 . will be

In the examples of the consumable 301 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , cooling air may enter the cooling segment 307 through vent holes 317 formed in the cooling segment 307 . This cooling air will mix with the heated volatilized components to provide additional cooling to the heated volatilized components.

Exemplary embodiments

In some embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises menthol.

Certain embodiments comprising a menthol-containing amorphous solid may be particularly suitable for inclusion as a shredded sheet in an aerosol generating consumable/assembly. In these embodiments, the amorphous solid may have the following composition, calculated as a percentage on a dry weight basis (calculated on a dry weight basis): from about 20% to about 40% by weight, or from about 25% to 35% by weight. an amount of a gelling agent (preferably comprising alginate, more preferably comprising a combination of alginate and pectin); menthol in an amount from about 35% to about 60% by weight, or from about 40% to 55% by weight; from about 10% to about 30% by weight, or from about 15% to about 25% by weight (calculated on a dry weight basis) of an aerosol-former material (preferably comprising glycerol).

In one embodiment, the amorphous solid comprises about 32 to 33 weight percent of an alginate/pectin gelling agent blend; about 47 to 48 weight percent of a menthol flavoring agent; and about 19 to 20 weight percent of a glycerol aerosol-former material (calculated on a dry weight basis).

As noted above, the amorphous solids of these embodiments can be incorporated into aerosol generating consumables/assemblies as shredded sheets. Shredded sheets may be provided in a consumable/assembly blended with cut tobacco. Alternatively, the amorphous solid may be provided as an unbroken sheet. Suitably, the shredded or non-crushed sheet has a thickness of from about 0.015 mm to about 1 mm, preferably from about 0.02 mm to about 0.07 mm.

Certain embodiments of the menthol-containing amorphous solid may be particularly suitable for including an aerosol-generating consumable/assembly as a sheet, such as a sheet, surrounding a rod of aerosol-generating material (eg, tobacco). In these embodiments, the amorphous solid may have the following composition (calculated on a dry weight basis): from about 5% to about 40% by weight, or from about 10% to 30% by weight of a gelling agent (preferably , comprising alginate, more preferably comprising a combination of alginate and pectin); menthol in an amount from about 10% to about 50% by weight, or from about 15% to 40% by weight; aerosol-former material (preferably comprising glycerol) in an amount from about 5% to about 40% by weight, or from about 10% to about 35% by weight; and optionally, fillers (calculated on a dry weight basis) in an amount of up to 60% by weight, such as from 5% to 20% by weight, or from about 40% to 60% by weight.

In one of these embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises about 11 weight percent alginate/pectin gellant blend, about 56 weight percent wood pulp filler, about 18 percent menthol flavoring agent, and about 15 weight percent glycerol (dry weight basis). calculated as ).

In another of these embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises about 22 weight percent alginate/pectin gellant blend, about 12 weight percent wood pulp filler, about 36 percent menthol flavoring agent, and about 30 weight percent glycerol (dry weight). calculated on the basis of).

As noted above, the amorphous solid of these embodiments may be incorporated as a sheet. In one embodiment, the sheet is provided on a support comprising paper. In one embodiment, the sheet is provided on a support comprising a metal foil, suitably an aluminum metal foil. In this embodiment, the amorphous solid may be in contact with the metal foil.

In one embodiment, the sheet forms part of a laminate material having a layer (preferably comprising paper) adhered to the top and bottom surfaces of the sheet. Suitably, the sheet of amorphous solid has a thickness of from about 0.015 mm to about 1 mm.

In some embodiments, the amorphous solid includes a flavoring agent that does not include menthol. In these embodiments, the amorphous solid can have the following composition (calculated on a dry weight basis): from about 5% to about 40% by weight, or from about 10% to about 35% by weight, or from about 20% to about a gelling agent (preferably comprising alginate) in an amount of 35% by weight; a flavoring agent in an amount from about 0.1% to about 40% by weight, from about 1% to about 30% by weight, or from about 1% to about 20% by weight, or from about 5% to about 20% by weight; an aerosol-former material (preferably comprising glycerol) in an amount from 15% to 75% by weight, or from about 30% to about 70% by weight, or from about 50% to about 65% by weight; and optionally, less than about 60% by weight, or about 20% by weight, or about 10% by weight, or about 5% by weight of a filler (suitably wood pulp) (preferably the amorphous solid contains no fillers) ) (calculated on a dry weight basis).

In one of these embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises about 27 weight percent alginate gelling agent, about 14 weight percent flavoring agent, and about 57 weight percent glycerol aerosol-former material (calculated on a dry weight basis). .

In another of these embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises about 29 weight percent alginate gelling agent, about 9 weight percent flavoring agent, and about 60 weight percent glycerol (calculated on a dry weight basis).

The amorphous solid of these embodiments may be included in the aerosol generating consumable/assembly as a shredded sheet, optionally blended with tobacco. Alternatively, the amorphous solid of these embodiments may be included in the aerosol-generating consumable/assembly as a sheet, such as a sheet, surrounding a rod of aerosol-generating material (eg, tobacco). Alternatively, the amorphous solid of these embodiments may be included in the aerosol generating consumable/assembly as part of a layer disposed on a support.

definitions

active substance

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.

An active substance as used herein can be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. active substances such as nutraceuticals, nootrophics, and psychoactive actives. The active substances may be naturally occurring or obtained synthetically. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, thein, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may include one or more ingredients, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or other botanical medicinal products.

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

In some embodiments, the active agent is cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol (CBN) , cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromen (CBC), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabi one or more cannabinoid compounds selected from the group consisting of chromevarine (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabielsoin (CBE) and cannabicitran (CBT) include those

The active substance may comprise one or more cannabinoid compounds selected from the group consisting of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

The active substance may include cannabidiol (CBD).

Active substances may include nicotine and cannabidiol (CBD).

Active substances may include nicotine, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

herbal medicine

As referred to herein, an active substance may include or be derived from one or more botanical drugs or components, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "vegetative medicinal" includes extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, hulls, barks, etc. (but but not limited to) any material derived from plants. Alternatively, the material may include an active compound naturally present in botanical medicine, obtained synthetically. A material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, powder, pulverized particles, granules, pellets, pieces, strips, sheets, and the like. Exemplary botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, laurel, licorice, matcha, mate Tree, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, anise seed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, Rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, hepatica, perilla, turmeric, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, bell pepper, mace, damian, marjoram , olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carbi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof to be. The mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v. (Mentha piperita citrata c.v.), Mentha piperita c.v. (Mentha piperita c.v.), Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia (Mentha cardifolia), Mentha longipolia (Mentha longipolia) Egaka (Mentha suaveolens variegata), Mentha pulegium (Mentha pulegium), Mentha spicata c.v. (Mentha spicata c.v.) and Mentha suaveolens (Mentha suaveolens) can be selected from.

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanical drugs or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, wherein the botanical drug is tobacco.

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanical drugs or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, wherein the botanical drug is derived from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp. is chosen

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanical drugs or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, wherein the botanical drug is selected from rooibos and fennel.

spices

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavor.

As used herein, the terms "flavor" and "flavoring agent" are used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensory feeling in a product for adult consumers, where local regulations permit. Refers to materials that can be used.

These are naturally occurring flavoring ingredients, botanicals, extracts of botanical drugs, synthetically obtained ingredients, or combinations thereof (eg, tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark). Magnolia leaves, chamomile, fenugreek, cloves, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, anise, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, hepatica, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry , peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, cucumber, citrus, drambu, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila , rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascara, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, kat, naswar, betel nut, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla , lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, bell pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, any of the genus Mentha Mint oil from species of , basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, leaflet, turmeric, coriander, myrtle, cassis, valerian, bell pepper, mace, damian, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, carbi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, saccharides and/or sugar substitutes (e.g. sucralose, acetol) palm potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plants herbal medicines, or bad breath removers.

These may be man-made, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, such as a liquid such as an oil, a solid such as a powder, or a gas.

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

In some embodiments, a flavor is a sensate intended to achieve a somatosensory feeling that is normally chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal), in addition to or instead of aroma or taste nerves. sensates), which may include agents that provide a thermal, cooling, tingling, and paralyzing effect. A suitable heat benefit agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and a suitable coolant may be, but is not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3.

Aerosol-generating materials

An aerosol-generating material is a material capable of generating an aerosol, for example, when heated, irradiated, or energized in any other manner. The aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel, which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavoring agents. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (ie, non-fiber). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material capable of holding some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, from about 50%, 60%, or 70% by weight of amorphous solids to about 90%, 95%, or 100% by weight of amorphous solids.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavors, one or more aerosol-forming agent materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

aerosol-former material

The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material is glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate , ethyl laurate, diethyl subyrate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrine, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate may include one or more of

In some embodiments, the aerosol former material comprises one or more polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and/or aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

functional material

The one or more other functional materials may include one or more of pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

write

The material may be present on or on the support to form the substrate. The support may be or comprise, for example, paper, card, corrugated cardboard, cardboard, recycled material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support includes a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded in the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one side of the material or on both sides of the material.

Expendables

A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of an aerosol-generating material, some or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. The consumable may comprise one or more other components such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material delivery component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent. It may contain elements. The consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol in use. The heater may include, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

susceptor

A susceptor is a material that can be heated by penetration by a changing magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically conductive material such that penetration of the susceptor by the changing magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material such that penetration of the heating material by the changing magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically conductive and magnetic, such that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a variable magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

aerosol generator

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

All weight percentages (expressed in weight percent) set forth herein are calculated on a dry weight basis, unless expressly stated otherwise. All weight ratios are also calculated on a dry weight basis. Weights quoted on a dry weight basis refer to the extract or slurry or the entire material, excluding water, and may include components that are themselves liquid at room temperature and pressure, such as glycerol. Conversely, weight percentages recited on a wet weight basis refer to all components including water.

For the avoidance of doubt, in this specification, the term "comprises" is used to limit the invention or features of the invention, but instead of "comprises" the terms "consisting of Embodiments are also disclosed in which the invention or feature may be defined using “consisting essentially of” or “consisting of”. Reference to a material “comprising” certain features means that those features are included in the material, retained within the material, or retained within the material.

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

examples

In a first example, a slurry having the following composition was formed in a high-shear mixer. Water and glycerol were mixed first, followed by the addition of alginate and ground menthol powder. Before calcium citrate was added, the alginate was fully hydrated. The slurry was cast to a thickness of 2 mm at room temperature and allowed to cure as a gel. The gel was then dried in an oven (1 to 3 hours at 60° C.).

Component

Slurry composition (wt%-WWB)

Final composition (after drying) (wt%-WWB)
alginate 3.12 not measured* Calcium Citrate 0.18 not measured* menthol 7.2 50.2 glycerol 1.5 15.0 water 88 8.2

*The total percentage of alginate and calcium citrate in the final composition is 26.6%.

In a second example, a slurry having the following composition was formed in a high shear mixer. Water and glycerol were mixed preferentially, then pectin and ground menthol powder were added. The slurry was warmed to 50-80° C. during mixing to melt the menthol and reduce the slurry viscosity.

The warmed slurry was cast to a thickness of 2 mm. An aqueous solution of calcium chloride (2.1 g of calcium chloride dissolved in water) was sprayed onto the cast to effect gelation. The gel was then dried in an oven (1 to 3 hours at 60° C.).

Component

Slurry composition (wt%-WWB)

Final composition (after drying) (wt%-WWB)
pectin 4.2 ~33 menthol 6.0 ~40 glycerol 1.8 ~20 water 88 ~7

In this second example, the calcium source was added after casting due to the gelation rate of the pectin gelling agent. If calcium is added before casting, gelation will occur quickly and the material cannot be cast easily.

In this second example, the slurry may include molten menthol because the pectin gelling agent has groups along the polysaccharide chain that emulsify the menthol in the slurry. In the case of the first example, the alginate gelling agent does not have these emulsifying properties, and therefore menthol is used in dry powder form.

The composition of a third example of an aerosol-generating material and a corresponding slurry forming the material is shown in the table below.

Component

Slurry composition (wt% - WWB)
Final composition (after drying) (wt%-WWB) alginate ~2 ~20 glycerol ~3 ~32 water ~90 ~10 Tobacco Extract (solid) ~4 ~38

Claims (25)

A consumable for use in a non-flammable aerosol delivery system, comprising:
wherein the consumable comprises a plurality of discrete portions of aerosol-generating material, each of the discrete portions comprising less than about 15 mg of water;
Expendables. The method of claim 1,
wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises an amorphous solid. 3. The method of claim 2,
The amorphous solid is:
- from 1 to 60% by weight of a gelling agent;
- 0.1 to 50% by weight of an aerosol-former material; and
- from 0.1 to 80% by weight of flavoring agents and/or active substances;
Consumables, these percentages are calculated on a dry weight basis 4. The method of claim 2 or 3,
The amorphous solid is:
- from 1 to 50% by weight of a gelling agent;
- 0.1 to 50% by weight of an aerosol-former material; and
- from 30 to 60% by weight of flavoring agents and/or active substances;
Consumables, these percentages are calculated on a dry weight basis 5. The method of claim 3 or 4,
wherein the gelling agent comprises a hydrocolloid. 6. The method of claim 5,
wherein the hydrocolloid comprises one or more compounds selected from the group comprising alginates, cellulose derivatives, gums, silica or silicone compounds, clay and combinations thereof. 7. The method of claim 6,
wherein the gelling agent comprises calcium-crosslinked alginate and/or calcium-crosslinked pectin. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises a powdered vegetable material and/or nicotine and/or tobacco extract. 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises an acid. 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises benzoic acid. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises menthol. 12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
wherein each of the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material has a mass of 5 to 30 mg. 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
wherein each of the individual portions of the aerosol-generating material has a mass of between 10 and 20 mg. 14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
wherein each of said individual portions comprises less than about 5 mg of water. A method of generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising:
heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material to a temperature of at least 120 °C to produce an aerosol comprising less than about 15 mg of water;
How to generate an aerosol. 16. The method of claim 15,
The method comprises heating a plurality of discrete portions of the aerosol-generating material to a temperature of at least 120° C. to produce an aerosol comprising a total of less than about 15 mg of water. 17. The method of claim 15 or 16,
wherein the aerosol comprises less than about 5 mg of water. 18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17,
wherein the aerosol-generating material has a mass of 5 to 30 mg. 19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18,
wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises less than about 15 mg of water. 20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19,
wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises less than about 5 mg of water. An aerosol-generating material for use in a non-combustible aerosol providing system, comprising:
wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises an amorphous solid;
less than about 15 mg of water is aerosolized when the aerosol-generating material is heated to a temperature of at least 120° C. when the aerosol-generating material is used in the non-combustible aerosol providing system.
Aerosol-generating materials. 22. The method of claim 21,
wherein said material has a mass of 20 to 60 mg. 23. The method of claim 21 or 22,
An aerosol-generating material, wherein less than about 5 mg of water is aerosolized. A non-flammable aerosol delivery system comprising:
15. A device comprising a consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and a non-flammable aerosol providing device,
wherein the non-combustible aerosol providing device comprises an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from the consumable when the consumable is used in the non-combustible aerosol providing device.
Non-flammable aerosol delivery system. 15. Use of a consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 14 in a non-flammable aerosol providing device, comprising:
wherein the non-combustible aerosol providing device comprises an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from the consumable when the consumable is used in the non-combustible aerosol providing device.
use of consumables.

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