KR20230015462A - filter rod consumables - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filter rod consumable for use in an aerosol delivery system, the filter rod consumable comprising a filter, and retained within the filter, comprising: an aerosolizable material comprising nicotine; and one or more capsules containing a basic solution, the basic solution capable of being released from the capsule upon actuation by a user to contact the aerosolizable material. The present invention also relates to aerosol delivery systems, kits, and related methods and uses that include a filter rod consumable.

Description

filter rod consumables

The present invention relates to a filter rod consumable for use with an aerosol provision system. The invention also relates to systems comprising the filter rod consumable, as well as kits and methods of using the consumable, and uses thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars, and the like burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combusting. Examples of such products are so-called “heat not burn” products, or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating the smokable material without burning it.

According to a first aspect of the invention as described herein, there is provided a filter rod consumable for use in an aerosol delivery system, wherein a flavor insert comprises a filter and is retained within the filter: an aerosolizable material comprising; and one or more capsules containing a basic solution, the basic solution capable of being released from the capsule upon actuation by a user to contact the aerosolizable material.

In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol-providing system is a hybrid system comprising an aerosol-generating material to be heated to volatilize the constituents, and a liquid to be heated to form a vapor.

In some embodiments, the basic solution has a pH of about 8 to about 10. In some embodiments, the basic solution has a pH of about 8 to about 9.

In some embodiments, a basic solution includes one or more bases or a basic buffer system.

In some embodiments, the one or more bases are selected from the group consisting of hydroxides, carbonates and hydrogen carbonates.

In some embodiments, the basic solution includes a flavoring agent.

In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material includes tobacco granules.

In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material is ground tobacco, tobacco fiber, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stem, tobacco lamina and and at least one selected from the group consisting of reconstituted tobacco.

In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material includes one or more aerosol-former materials.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material is selected from the group consisting of glycerol, propylene glycol and glyceryl triacetate.

In some embodiments, the filter is cellulose acetate (CA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly (1-4 butanediol succinate) (poly(1-4 butanediol succinate)) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), starch and at least one filter material selected from the group consisting of base materials, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials and polysaccharide polymers.

In some embodiments, the filter includes a filamentary tow material. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material is dispersed within the filter tow.

In some embodiments, one or more capsules containing a basic solution are surrounded by a filter material.

In some embodiments, the filter includes a cavity between two spaced apart sections of filter material, and the aerosolizable material is positioned in the filter cavity.

In some embodiments, one or more capsules containing a basic solution are placed in the filter cavity.

According to a second aspect of the present invention as described herein, an aerosol delivery system comprising the filter rod consumable according to the first aspect is provided.

In some embodiments, the system is an aerosol generating material heating system that includes an aerosol generating material to be heated to form an aerosol.

In some embodiments, the system is a hybrid system comprising an aerosol generating material to be heated to volatilize the components, and a liquid to be heated to form vapor.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is heated by steam.

In some embodiments, the liquid is a nicotine-free liquid.

In some embodiments, the device includes means for heating the liquid to form vapor, but does not include separate means for heating the aerosol generating material.

In some embodiments, an aerosol generated by the system is drawn through a filter rod consumable.

In some embodiments, the filter rod consumable forms the mouthpiece of the system.

According to a third aspect of the invention as described herein, there is provided a kit comprising the filter rod consumable according to the first aspect, and a device for use in generating an inhalable aerosol.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention as described herein, there is provided a method for modifying an aerosol generated by an aerosol delivery system by drawing the aerosol through a filter rod consumable according to the first aspect.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention as described herein, actuating one or more capsules comprising a basic solution in the filter rod consumable according to the first aspect, and forming an aerosolizable aerosol of an aerosolizable material. A method of generating an inhalable aerosol comprising volatilizing the components is provided.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention as described herein, there is provided use of a filter rod consumable according to the first aspect for modifying an aerosol generated by an aerosol dispensing system.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings:
1 is a schematic representation of a filter rod consumable in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
2 is a schematic representation of a filter rod consumable according to alternative embodiments of the present invention.
3 is a schematic diagram of a hybrid system for heating an aerosol generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol generating material, including an insert according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a filter rod consumable for use in an aerosol delivery system.

Aerosolizable materials containing nicotine may be treated with a base to facilitate liberation of the nicotine. For example, nicotine is liberated from the nicotine salts of tobacco by reaction with a base. The pH-adjusted nicotine is then volatilized at a lower temperature upon use.

The inventors have determined that when a base treated cigarette is used in known e-cigarette hybrid devices, the nicotine delivery per puff is significantly reduced during use. The reaction between base and nicotine occurs rapidly; The pH treated nicotine is then rapidly released, and delivery during consumption can be reduced from puff to puff. The inventors have also observed that pH treated nicotine can be lost from the device prior to use due to the high volatility of pH treated nicotine.

Moreover, the pH treatment of tobacco causes the release of ammonia. Thus, control of the pH treatment rate controls the rate of release of ammonia, which improves the organoleptic properties of the tobacco (because the release of ammonia is more gradual and therefore the odor of ammonia is less intense). can make it

The present invention provides improved consistency of nicotine delivery per puff by delaying the pH treatment of nicotine-bearing aerosolizable material (eg, tobacco material). The present invention uses a basic solution with an aerosolizable material. In use, the basic solution comes into contact with the aerosolizable material to liberate the nicotine. In some cases, the rate at which the basic solution contacts the aerosolizable material is controlled in use, thereby controlling the rate of nicotine release by the pH treatment.

The basic solution is provided in one or more capsules, and prior to release from the capsule, the aerosolizable material containing nicotine is not pH treated to facilitate nicotine release. The basic solution is only released immediately prior to or during use of the aerosol delivery system, so that pH treatment of the aerosolizable material to enhance nicotine release occurs immediately prior to or during use of the filter rod consumable, so that the aerosol delivery system provides a more controlled release of nicotine during use of the filter rod consumable.

The filter rod consumable includes a filter and is retained within the filter and there are one or more capsules containing an aerosolizable material comprising nicotine and a basic solution.

One or more capsules containing a basic solution are included to provide the filter rod consumable with a pH modifier that remains separate from the aerosolizable material, including nicotine, until the consumable is used with the aerosol delivery system.

In use, the basic solution is released from one or more capsules and comes into contact with an aerosolizable material containing nicotine. Upon contact with the basic solution, the pH of the aerosolizable material is increased. This leads to the formation of nicotine in free base form.

In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material is tobacco. Adjusting the pH of tobacco changes the natural balance of acid-base reactions that bind certain classes of chemicals within tobacco. For example, in natural tobacco leaves, nicotine tends to bind with organic acids present in the leaves, so nicotine is more stable and less likely to volatilize when exposed to mild heat. If the pH of the leaves is elevated, this reduces the natural association of acids with nicotine. This unbound "free" nicotine is more volatile.

Thus, the purpose of releasing the basic solution from one or more capsules within the filter of the flavor insert is to allow the nicotine contained in the aerosolizable material to be readily released from the aerosolizable material and/or into an aerosol generated by the aerosol dispensing system. It is provided in a chemical form that is easily delivered. Nicotine is ideally converted to this readily released form just before or only while the aerosolizable material is used and an aerosol is generated.

In some embodiments, the capsule is actuated by the user to release the basic solution prior to or during use of the aerosol delivery system.

In some embodiments, the at least one capsule is a breakable capsule, eg, a capsule having a hard, frangible shell surrounding a liquid payload.

In some embodiments, the capsule may be crushable, and release of the basic solution is effected by crushing the capsule upon use by the user. In some such cases, the capsule may be ruptured by the piercing member. In one case, the piercing member can be moved by the user into contact with the capsule; For example, such movement may be button driven. In other cases, the piercing member may be provided as part of the device into which the article is inserted, the piercing member rupturing the capsule when the article is inserted. In still further instances, the basic solution melts, decomposes, reacts, degrades, or swells to release the basic solution at a temperature above room temperature but below the temperature reached by the flavor insert in use. It may be encapsulated by an encapsulating material that rises or dissolves or deforms. For example, the basic solution may be encapsulated by an encapsulating material selected from polysaccharide or cellulosic barrier materials, gelatin, gums, gels, waxes or mixtures thereof. In some cases, the encapsulating material is selected from the group consisting of alginates, dextran, maltodextrin, cyclodextrin, pectin, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose ethers, gum arabic, from one or more of ghatti gum, tragacanth gum, karaya, locust bean, acacia gum, guar, quince seed, xanthan gums, agar gel, agarose gel, carrageenans, furoidan, furcellaran and carnauba wax is chosen

Upon release of the basic solution from the capsule(s), the basic solution contacts the aerosolizable material. This may occur because the aerosolizable material is immediately adjacent to the capsule. Alternatively or additionally, the basic solution can be released from the capsule and brought into contact with the aerosolizable material. In some embodiments, this may be accomplished by releasing the basic solution into a wicking material that carries the basic solution to the aerosolizable material. In some embodiments, the wicking material can help spread the basic solution into or through the aerosolizable material. In some embodiments, a filter material such as a fibrous filter tow may act as a wicking material.

In some embodiments, the basic solution is heated to form a vapor and/or aerosol during use, and the vapor and/or aerosol flows into contact with the aerosolizable material during use. In some cases, volatilization of the basic solution is puff driven. This means that pH treatment of the aerosol-able material occurs only during puffing, and release of nicotine between puffs is minimized (reducing unintended nicotine losses and providing continuous nicotine delivery during consumption).

In some cases, the basic solution is pumped into contact with the aerosolizable material within the filter rod consumable upon actuation of the pump by the user. The pump may be provided as part of an aerosol delivery system into which the flavor insert is inserted. In some such cases, the pump may be, for example, button-driven, such that the user controls the rate of pH treatment of the aerosolizable material, thereby controlling the rate of nicotine release. In some other cases, the pump may be puff driven, such that pH treatment of the aerosolizable material only occurs during puffing, and nicotine release between puffs is minimized (reducing unintended nicotine losses and providing continuous nicotine delivery for the duration of consumption).

In some embodiments where the filter comprises two or more capsules, the capsules may be identical to each other or may differ from each other in terms of size, type and/or capsule payload.

In some embodiments, the basic solution includes at least one of water, glycerol and propylene glycol.

In some embodiments, the basic solution has a pH greater than about 8. In some embodiments, the basic solution has a pH less than about 10. In some embodiments, the pH of the basic solution is between about 8 and about 9.

In some embodiments, a basic solution includes one or more bases or a basic buffer system. For example, the one or more bases can be one or more of hydroxides, carbonates and hydrogen carbonates. In some cases, the basic solution includes sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium hydrogen carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, calcium carbonate or mixtures thereof.

The base must be in excess molar ratio to nicotine (in some embodiments, approximately 1.5 equivalents of base) to complete the acid-base reaction and thus induce efficient conversion of the nicotine salt to free nicotine.

Aerosolizable materials containing nicotine are typically solid. In some cases, the aerosolizable material includes tobacco material. As used herein, the term “tobacco material” refers to any material comprising tobacco or derivatives thereof. The term “tobacco material” may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, puffed tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. Tobacco materials include ground tobacco, tobacco fibers, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stems, reconstituted tobacco, agglomerated tobacco, and spheronised tobacco. and/or tobacco extract.

The tobacco used to produce the tobacco material may be any suitable tobacco, such as single grades or blends, cut rag or whole leaf, including Virginia and/or Burley and/or Oriental. It can also be tobacco particle 'fines' or powder, puffed tobacco, stems, puffed stems and other processed stem materials (such as cut rolled stems). The tobacco material may be ground tobacco or reconstituted tobacco material. The reconstituted tobacco material may include tobacco fibers and may be formed by casting, a Fourdrinier-based paper making-type approach by reverse addition of tobacco extract, or extrusion.

Tobacco substrates with high surface area are recommended for faster acid base reaction and therefore faster nicotine release. Tobacco substrates can be of various forms including, for example, dry ice expanded tobacco (DIET), ground tobacco, extruded tobacco and granulated tobacco, and the like.

The aerosolizable material may further include other ingredients such as fragrances and/or aerosol-former materials.

The aerosol former material may include 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 vanillaate , ethyl laurate, diethyl subrate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate may contain one or more.

In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material is one or more casings, such as invert sugar, molasses, cane sugar, honey, cocoa, licorice, polyols such as glycerol and propylene glycol, and acids such as Malic acid may additionally be included.

In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may further include one or more binders, such as alginates, celluloses or modified celluloses, starches or modified starches, or natural gums. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material comprises an alginate, such as sodium alginate, calcium alginate, potassium alginate or ammonium alginate.

In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may further include one or more fillers. In some embodiments, the filler may include an inorganic material such as calcium carbonate, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate and magnesium carbonate. In some embodiments, the filler includes chalk. In some embodiments, the filler may include an organic material such as wood pulp, cellulose and cellulose derivatives.

Filter rod consumables include filters. A filter may include one or more filter elements or sections aligned along the longitudinal axis of the consumable to form the filter. In some embodiments, these filter elements or sections may be arranged to form a cavity within the filter.

In some embodiments, a filter includes one or more filter materials. Filter materials include cellulose acetate (CA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(1-4) butanediol succinate) (poly(1-4 butanediol succinate)) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), starch based materials, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials and polysaccharide polymers.

In some embodiments, the filter material includes a plasticizer.

The filter material may be a fibrous material. In some embodiments, the fibrous material may be in the form of a tow or web. In other embodiments, the filter material may be a sheet material. In some embodiments, the sheet material is folded or rolled to form a filter or filter elements.

In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material and/or one or more capsules are positioned within or surrounded by a filter material. For example, if the filter material is a fibrous tow, the aerosolizable material and/or one or more capsules are dispersed or embedded within the filter material. If the aerosolizable material is a plurality of particles, such as tobacco granules, it may be dispersed with the filter tow. The aerosolizable material may be uniformly or non-uniformly dispersed within the filter material of the filter or filter element.

In some embodiments, one or more capsules containing a basic solution and an aerosolizable material may be positioned on the same filter element or section.

In some embodiments, one or more capsules and/or aerosolizable material are positioned within a cavity formed in the filter. In some embodiments, the cavity may include additional components such as filler material, flavor material or wicking material.

In some embodiments, the cavity is between two spaced apart filter elements. Cavities are also enclosed by walls. This wall may also enclose the entirety of the filter and/or the entirety of the consumable.

In one particular exemplary embodiment, the cavity filter structure has a length of 28 mm and a total length of 40 mm of the cavity section with 6 mm cellulose acetate tow filter sections at both ends. The cavity section of the filter may be filled with tobacco material.

In some embodiments, one or more capsules containing a basic solution may be positioned upstream of the aerosolizable material when the consumable is positioned for use in the aerosol delivery system. In some embodiments, the capsule is positioned toward the mouth end section to avoid any direct interaction with the heat source.

In some embodiments, the filter rod consumable may include a flavor-modifier to modify or add flavor to the flavor provided by an aerosol provided by the aerosol delivery system. In some embodiments, a flavor-modifying agent may be included in the aerosolizable material. Alternatively or in addition, the flavor-modifying agent may be added to or included in the basic solution. As used herein, the terms “flavour” and “flavourant” refer to a taste, aroma desired in a product for adult consumers, when permitted by local regulations. ) or materials that can be used to create other somatosensory sensations. These may include naturally occurring flavor ingredients, plants, extracts of plants, synthetically obtained ingredients, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (licorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha green tea, menthol, Japanese mint, anise seed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen , cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, mint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery , cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood oil, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel nut, hookah, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, Coffee, hemp, mint oil from any species of the genus Menta, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus , bay, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano ), paprika, rosemary, saffron on, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, turmeric, coriander, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace , damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene ( limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g. sucralose ), acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals herbal medicines, or breath fresheners. These may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example liquids such as oils, solids such as powders or gases.

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

In some embodiments, a flavor is generally chemically induced by stimulation of the 5th cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or instead of scent or taste nerves, and produces a sensation intended to achieve the perceived somatosensory feeling. They may include agents that provide pyrogenic, cooling, tingling, or numbing effects. A suitable exothermic agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and a suitable cooling agent may be, but is not limited to, eucolyptol, WS-3.

As used herein, an aerosol-provisioning system is a non-combustible aerosol-provisioning system that releases compounds from an aerosol-generating material without burning the aerosol-generating material, eg, for generating an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials. Tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol-delivery system comprises a component aerosol-generating material of the aerosol-delivery system (or components thereof) to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user. It is a system that either combusts or does not burn.

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

In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol-delivery system can be 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 requirement. point should be noted.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol providing system is an aerosol generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol-provisioning system is a hybrid system that uses a combination of one or a plurality of heatable aerosol-generating materials to create an aerosol. Each of the aerosol generating materials may, for example, be in solid, liquid or gel form and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol generating material and a solid aerosol generating material. The solid aerosol generating material may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

The filter rod consumable may be incorporated into an aerosol provision system, such as a device for heating the aerosol generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material used in the aerosol-provisioning system further comprises one or more other aerosol-generating materials, such as a volatile material.

The present invention also provides an aerosol delivery system comprising a filter rod consumable according to embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the system includes a heater. In some embodiments, the heater is battery-operated. In some embodiments, the or each heater is an electrically resistive heater.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-dispensing system can be a non-combustion heating assembly in which the aerosol-capable material is heated during use to create an inhalable medium.

In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery system is an electronic tobacco hybrid assembly. In some such embodiments, a basic solution may be provided as a component of the first volatile material. Upon heating of these materials, the volatile materials volatilize and form an aerosol and/or vapor comprising a basic solution. The aerosol and/or vapor flows through the filter rod consumable and contacts the aerosolizable material to liberate the nicotine. In other embodiments, the basic solution is separated from the first volatile material.

In some specific embodiments, the aerosol delivery system includes a container holding a first volatile material, the first volatile material including a liquid component. A heater is provided to volatilize the first volatile material held in the vessel. In use of the aerosol delivery system, the first volatile material is volatilized by a heater to form a vapor and/or an aerosol, which is a basic solution released from the filter rod consumable holding the aerosolizable material and one or more capsules within the filter rod consumable. and entrains one or more components of the aerosolizable material, thereby forming an inhalable medium that passes out of the system and is inhaled by the user.

In some cases, the first volatile material includes a liquid or gel. Alternatively, the first volatile material may be referred to as a vapor/aerosol precursor. Suitably, the first volatile material comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a liquid. Suitable liquids include ingredients commonly used in e-cigarette liquids. The first volatile material may include an aerosol former material, such as propylene glycol and/or glycerol. Additionally, it may contain flavorings in some cases. The material typically volatilizes at approximately 150 to 250 °C.

In some cases, an aerosolizable material may be porous, such that an aerosol or vapor may pass through the material. This provides a high contact area for the material to come into contact with aerosols and/or vapors. Suitably, the aerosolizable material (prior to use) may have a pH of less than about 7, as measured according to the CORESTA protocol for determining the pH of tobacco.

In some cases, the assembly heats the aerosolizable material in use, facilitating the release of ingredients into the inhaled medium. In some cases, one heater can heat both the first volatile material and the aerosolizable material. In some cases, a second heater may be provided that heats the aerosolizable material. In some cases, the device relies on heat carried by the vapor/aerosol to heat the aerosolizable material to warm the material (and thereby volatilize components of the material entrained in the vapor/aerosol flow). I never do that.

In one embodiment, the assembly includes a cooler or cooling zone downstream of the heater and upstream of the aerosolizable material, wherein the cooler or cooling zone cools the vaporized liquid so that, in use, it passes through the filter rod consumable and the aerosolizable material. Arranged to form an aerosol of liquid droplets. The cooler may in fact be arranged to act as a heat exchanger allowing recovery of heat from the vapor. The recovered heat can be used, for example, to preheat the aerosolizable material and/or to assist in heating the first volatile material. In some embodiments, this cooling zone may be part of the filter rod consumable.

In one embodiment, the heater is puff driven. That is, the device includes a puff-detector and upon detection of a puff heats only the first volatile material. This means that vapor/aerosol is only formed in the device during puffs. This, in some embodiments, further delays pH treatment of the aerosolizable material, reducing unintended nicotine losses and providing sustained nicotine delivery for the duration of consumption.

In one embodiment, the container holding the first volatile material is removable. The container may be in the form of a pot or the like (which in some embodiments may be, for example, annular) and/or an absorbent wadding or the like. The container may in fact be a disposable item that is entirely replaced after use. Alternatively, the arrangement may allow the user to remove the container from the device, replace the used volatile material, or refill the container with material, and then place the container back into the device.

In some cases, the container may be non-removable from the device. In this embodiment, the user can immediately replace the used material or replenish the material in the container after use as needed.

In some cases, the filter rod consumable holding the aerosolizable material and the capsule(s) containing the basic solution are removable from the device. Consumables may in fact be disposable items that are entirely replaced after use.

A filter rod consumable is configured for use in a hybrid device for generating an inhalable medium as described herein.

The present invention also provides a kit comprising a filter rod consumable according to embodiments of the present invention and a device for use in generating an inhalable medium. The device may include a heater. The various features described above in relation to the aerosol delivery system are explicitly disclosed in combination with the kit aspect of the present invention; Features described in relation to the system may be features of the device. Thus, for example, the device may include one or more of a puff actuator, a cooling element or cooling zone, a driving means such as a button, or additional heaters.

Examples of devices and consumables for producing an inhalable medium according to some embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, examples of filter rod consumables as described herein are shown. The illustrated consumable 1 is a shaped rod and includes at each end a filter section or filter element 2a, 2b. These filter elements include a filter material such as fibrous tow. The material of each filter element may be the same or different. In some embodiments, one or more of the filter elements may include additives such as adsorbent materials, flavors, and the like. The additives of each filter element may be the same or may be different.

Sections of the filter rod consumable 1 may be held together by a wrapper, such as a paper wrapper surrounding the rod.

In the embodiment illustrated in figure 1, the filter elements 2a, 2b abut a cavity. The cavity is filled with an aerosolizable material 3 such as tobacco granules. The cavity also contains a capsule 4 containing a basic solution, at least partially surrounded by or embedded in the aerosolizable material. The capsule 4 can be ruptured by the user by applying pressure to the sides of the consumable 1 . When the fragile shell of the capsule 4 is broken, the basic solution diffuses and contacts the aerosolizable material 3 within the cavity.

In the embodiment illustrated in figure 2, the filter elements 2a, 2b abut a further filter element 2c. The further filter element 2c comprises a filter material, in which particles of an aerosolizable material 3, such as tobacco granules, are dispersed. A further filter element 2c also holds the capsule 4 which holds the basic solution and is embedded in the filter material. The capsule 4 can be ruptured by the user by applying pressure to the sides of the consumable 1 . When the fragile shell of the capsule 4 is broken, the basic solution diffuses through the filter material of the filter element 2c and contacts the particles of the aerosolizable material 3 .

Referring to Figure 3, an example of a device 11 for producing an inhalable medium is shown. In general outline, the device 11 volatilizes a liquid held in a reservoir or container 12 to form a vapor or aerosol that passes through a filter rod consumable 1 that is inserted into a cavity in a housing 13 of the device.

The filter rod consumable 1 shown is as illustrated in FIG. 2 and described above. In use, the capsule is ruptured immediately prior to insertion of the consumable 1 into the device 11 . This releases a basic solution within the capsule that will come into contact with the aerosolizable material (which in this example is the tobacco granules), adjusting the pH of the tobacco and forming the nicotine free base. As the liquid in the container 12 of the device is heated by the heater 16, the liquid volatilizes, and when the user inhales the mouth end 5 of the consumable 1, vapors and/or aerosols are released into the filter rod. It is sucked through consumables. The heated vapor warms the aerosolizable material, and nicotine and other volatile components are picked up as an aerosol and/or vapor.

In this respect, firstly, in general, a vapor is a substance that exists in the gas phase at a temperature lower than its critical temperature, which can be condensed into a liquid, for example by increasing its pressure without reducing its temperature. It can be noted that it means there is. On the other hand, in general, an aerosol is a colloid of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or other gas. A "colloid" is a substance in which microscopically dispersed insoluble particles are suspended throughout another substance.

Returning to FIG. 3 , the device 11 of this example has a generally hollow cylindrical outer housing 13 . Housing 13 has an open end 14 . In this example, a tubular filter rod consumable 1 is provided at an open end 14 . The filter rod consumable 1 is removable from the housing 13 by the user.

At or towards the other end of the housing 13 is a battery for powering the various components of the device 11 , including the heater 16 . The battery may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. Also, a controller is provided in the housing 13 to control the operation of various components of the device 11 .

The heater 16 is generally provided in the center of the housing 13, ie along the length and width of the housing 13 in these illustrated embodiments. In this example, the heater 16 is powered by and is thus electrically connected to the battery.

The heater may be an electrical resistance heater including, for example, a nichrome resistive heater, a ceramic heater, and the like. The heater 16 may be, for example, a wire, which may be, for example, in the form of a coil as shown. Alternatively, the heater may be a plate, which may be a multilayer plate of two or more different materials, one or more of which may be electrically conductive and one or more of which may be electrically non-conductive. -conductive), mesh (which can be, for example, woven or non-woven and again similarly multi-layered), film heaters, etc. can Other heating arrangements may be used including non-electric heating arrangements.

In some embodiments, the filter rod consumable 1 is inserted into the device 11 such that there is no air gap between the consumable 1 and the interior of the housing 13, so that the aerosol or vapor flows entirely through the consumable. .

The liquid is suitably a liquid that is volatilizable at suitable temperatures, such as in the range of 100 to 300 °C or more particularly 150 to 250 °C, such as to help lower the power consumption of the device 1 . Suitable materials include those commonly used in e-cigarette devices including, for example, propylene glycol and glycerol (also known as glycerin).

The aerosolizable material (3) imparts flavor to an aerosol or vapor generated from a liquid as it passes through the filter rod consumable (1). As the aerosol or vapor passes through and through the aerosolizable material 3, the hot aerosol or vapor entrains nicotine and other tobacco compounds or constituents from the aerosolizable material 3, whereby the aerosol or vapor Tobacco flavor is imparted when passing through the mouth end 5 of the consumable 1.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the only heat source for heating the aerosolizable material 3 required to entrain nicotine and other compounds or ingredients from the aerosolizable material 3 is from liquid heating. It is a high-temperature aerosol or vapour.

The various embodiments described herein are presented merely as an aid to understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These examples are provided only as a representative sample of examples and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and/or other aspects described herein are not limited to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or equivalents to the claims. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention suitably include or consist of suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, elements, features, parts, steps, means, and the like other than those specifically described herein. Or, or may be composed (consist essentially of) of these essential elements. In addition, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims (30)

As a filter rod consumable for use in an aerosol delivery system,
flavor inserts,
comprising a filter and retained within the filter;
aerosolizable material containing nicotine; and
comprising one or more capsules containing a basic solution;
wherein the basic solution can be released from the capsule for contact with the aerosolizable material upon actuation by a user.
Filter rod consumables. According to claim 1,
The aerosol provision system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system,
Filter rod consumables. According to claim 2,
wherein the non-flammable aerosol-providing system is a hybrid system comprising an aerosol-generating material to be heated to volatilize the constituents and a liquid to be heated to form vapor;
Filter rod consumables. According to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The basic solution has a pH of about 8 to about 10,
Filter rod consumables. According to claim 4,
The basic solution has a pH of about 8 to about 9,
Filter rod consumables. According to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The basic solution comprises one or more bases or a basic buffer system,
Filter rod consumables. According to claim 6,
wherein the one or more bases are selected from the group consisting of hydroxides, carbonates and hydrogen carbonates;
Filter rod consumables. According to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The basic solution contains a flavor,
Filter rod consumables. According to any one of claims 1 to 3,
wherein the aerosolizable material comprises tobacco granules;
Filter rod consumables. According to claim 9,
The aerosolizable material includes ground tobacco, tobacco fiber, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stem, tobacco lamina and reconstituted tobacco. Including one or more selected from the group consisting of tobacco (reconstituted tobacco),
Filter rod consumables. According to any one of claims 1 to 10,
wherein the aerosolizable material comprises one or more aerosol-former materials;
Filter rod consumables. According to claim 11,
wherein the aerosol-former material is selected from the group consisting of glycerol, propylene glycol and glyceryl triacetate;
Filter rod consumables. According to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The filter includes cellulose acetate (CA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly (1-4) butanediol succinate) (poly(1-4 butanediol succinate)) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), starch based materials, At least one filter material selected from the group consisting of cotton, aliphatic polyester materials and polysaccharide polymers,
Filter rod consumables. According to any one of claims 1 to 13,
wherein the filter comprises a filamentary tow material.
Filter rod consumables. According to claim 14,
wherein the aerosolizable material is dispersed within the filter tow;
Filter rod consumables. According to claim 13 or 14,
One or more capsules containing the basic solution are surrounded by the filter material.
Filter rod consumables. According to any one of claims 1 to 14,
wherein the filter comprises a cavity between two spaced apart sections of filter material, wherein the aerosolizable material is positioned within the filter cavity.
Filter rod consumables. According to claim 17,
one or more capsules containing the basic solution are placed in the filter cavity;
Filter rod consumables. As an aerosol delivery system,
Comprising the filter rod consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 18.
Aerosol delivery system. According to claim 19,
wherein the system is an aerosol generating material heating system comprising an aerosol generating material to be heated to form an aerosol.
Aerosol Generating System. According to claim 20,
The system is a hybrid system comprising an aerosol generating material to be heated to volatilize the constituents and a liquid to be heated to form vapor;
Aerosol Generating System. According to claim 21,
wherein the aerosol generating material is heated by the vapor;
Aerosol Generating System. 23. The method of claim 22,
The liquid is a nicotine-free liquid,
Aerosol delivery system. According to claim 22 or 23,
wherein the device includes means for heating the liquid to form vapor but does not include separate means for heating the aerosol generating material.
Aerosol delivery system. According to any one of claims 19 to 24,
wherein the aerosol generated by the system is drawn through the filter rod consumable;
Aerosol delivery system. According to any one of claims 19 to 25,
wherein the filter rod consumable forms the mouthpiece of the system;
Aerosol delivery system. A kit comprising a filter rod consumable according to claim 1 and a device for use in generating an inhalable aerosol. 19. A method for modifying an aerosol generated by an aerosol delivery system by drawing the aerosol through a filter rod consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 18. 19. A filter rod consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 18 comprising driving one or more capsules containing a basic solution and volatilizing the components of the aerosolizable material to form an inhalable aerosol. , A method for generating an inhalable aerosol. Use of a filter rod consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 18 for modifying an aerosol generated by an aerosol delivery system.

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