Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
  • A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
  • A24B15/10—Chemical features of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
  • A24B15/16—Chemical features of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes of tobacco substitutes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
  • A24D1/00—Cigars; Cigarettes
  • A24D1/20—Cigarettes specially adapted for simulated smoking devices

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a consumable for a smoking substitute device.
• a heat not burn consumable comprising tobacco.
• the "smoking" of tobacco is generally considered to expose a smoker to potentially harmful substances. It is generally thought that a significant amount of the potentially harmful substances are generated through the heat caused by the burning and/or combustion of the tobacco and the constituents of the burnt tobacco in the tobacco smoke itself.
• Such substitute devices can form part of nicotine replacement therapies aimed at people who wish to stop smoking and overcome a dependence on nicotine.
• Substitute devices may comprise electronic systems that permit a user to simulate the act of smoking by producing an aerosol that is drawn into the lungs through the mouth (inhaled) and then exhaled.
• the inhaled aerosol typically bears nicotine and/or flavourings without, or with fewer of, the odour and health risks associated with traditional smoking.
• substitute devices and systems are intended to provide a substitute for the rituals of smoking, whilst providing the user with a similar experience and satisfaction to those experienced with traditional smoking and tobacco products.
• HNB heat not burn
• an HNB system includes a heating device and consumable.
• the consumable includes the tobacco material.
• the consumable is configured for engagement with the heating device.
• heat is imparted to the tobacco material from a heat source of the heating device.
• Air flow through the tobacco material causes moisture in the tobacco material to be released as vapour.
• a first vapour may thus be formed from a carrier in the tobacco material, for example polyglycol (PG) or vegetable glycerine (VG).
• PG polyglycol
• VG vegetable glycerine
• volatile compounds may also be released from the tobacco as a second vapour.
• the vapour(s) released from the tobacco are entrained in the airflow drawn through the tobacco.
• the vapours As the vapours pass through the device (entrained in the airflow) from an inlet to a mouthpiece (outlet), the vapours cool and condense to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user.
• the aerosol contains the volatile compounds.
• HNB heating as opposed to burning the tobacco material is believed to cause fewer, or smaller quantities, of the more harmful compounds ordinarily produced during smoking. Consequently, the HNB approach may reduce the odour and/or health risks that can arise through the burning, combustion and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco.
• a first existing implementation of the HNB approach is the IQOSTM device from Philip Morris Ltd.
• the IQOSTM device uses a consumable element, including reconstituted tobacco located in a wrapper.
• the consumable includes a holder incorporating a mouthpiece.
• the consumable may be inserted into a heater device.
• the thermal heater device has a thermally conductive heating knife which penetrates the reconstituted tobacco of the consumable, when the consumable is inserted into the heating device. Activation of the heating device heats the heating element, which, in turn, heats the tobacco in the consumable.
• the heating of the tobacco causes it to release nicotine vapour and flavours which may be drawn through the mouthpiece by the user through inhalation.
• a second existing implementation of the HNB approach is the device known as "Glo"TM from British American Tobacco p.l.c .. GloTM comprises a relatively thin consumable.
• the consumable includes leaf tobacco which is heated in a heating device.
• the tobacco when heated by the heating device, is configured to produce vapour when heated rather than when burned (as in a smoking apparatus, e.g. a cigarette).
• the tobacco may contain high levels of aerosol formers (carrier), such as vegetable glycerine (“VG”) or propylene glycol (“PG”).
• the present invention provides a heat not burn consumable comprising: a tubular vapour generating member defining a channel therethrough, wherein at least an active portion of the vapour generating member is configured to be heated by a heater to produce vapour, wherein: the tubular vapour generating member has an inlet to the channel at a first end of the consumable, the first end of the consumable being for cooperation with a heating device.
• Such a heat not burn consumable may be combined with any one or more features from the following disclosure.
• a heat not burn consumable according to claim 1.
• the heat not burn consumable comprises a tubular vapour generating member defining a channel therethrough, wherein at least an active portion of the vapour generating member is configured to be heated by a heater to produce vapour, and; an inactive structural tube in axial abutment with the tubular vapour generating member and located downstream of the vapour generating member; wherein a wrapper overwraps the vapour generating member and at least a portion of the inactive tube.
• the consumable has an airflow passage extending between an inlet opening and an outlet opening located at a second end of the consumable, the channel through the active portion forming a first portion of the airflow passage, and a channel through the inactive tube forming a second portion of the airflow passage.
• said active portion has a sidewall which has a thickness less than 1.5 mm.
• the active portion has an overall length which is greater than 10 mm.
• the active portion has an overall length which is less than 35 mm.
• the channel through the active portion has a transverse cross-section substantially equal in size and shape to a transverse cross-section of the inlet opening.
• the active portion has a transverse cross-section substantially equal in size and shape to a transverse cross-section of the inactive tube.
• a total mass of an active substrate comprised in the active portion is greater than 100mg and less than 1000mg.
• the active substrate of the active portion includes between 0.2 milligrams and 2.0 milligrams of active substance.
• the active substrate of the active portion includes between 0.0002 milligrams and 0.02 milligrams of active substance per milligram of said active substrate.
• the consumable has a total longitudinal length less than or equal to 100 mm.
• the consumable has a total longitudinal length greater than or equal to 50 mm.
• the consumable further includes a mixing zone located downstream of the active portion and within the inactive tube.
• the vapour generating member includes an active substance, wherein the active substance includes nicotine.
• the vapour generating member includes a sheet of reconstituted tobacco.
• the invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.
• Figure 1 shows a partially assembled first consumable in accordance with the present invention
• Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view through a second consumable in accordance with the present invention
• Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view through the second consumable in accordance with the present invention and illustrates the principle of internal heating
• Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view through the second consumable in accordance with the present invention and illustrates the principle of external heating
• Figure 5 shows a partially assembled third consumable in accordance with the present invention
• Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view through the third consumable in accordance with the present invention.
• Figure 7 shows an end view of a consumable in accordance with the present invention
• Figure 8 shows an end view of an alternative consumable in accordance with the present invention
• Figure 9 shows an end view of another alternative consumable in accordance with the present invention.
• the present invention is directed to an HNB consumable.
• the HNB consumable forms a constituent element of an HNB system.
• An HNB consumable according to the present invention is configured for use with a heating device.
• an HNB consumable and a heating device form an HNB system.
• the HNB consumable may be configured for engagement with the heating device.
• HNB heat not burn
• Figure 1 shows an HNB consumable 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention.
• the consumable 1 is shown in an opened, part-formed, configuration so that the constituent elements and the relationships between them can be clearly identified. It will be understood that the tipping paper and the overwrap will both be rolled to seal the consumable longitudinally during the manufacturing process.
• the consumable 1 has an elongate shape.
• the consumable has a longitudinal dimension along a longitudinal axis that is larger than a dimension of the consumable along a transverse axis of the consumable.
• the consumable 1 has a generally elongate outer shape.
• the consumable 1 has an external transverse cross-sectional shape having a generally circular shape.
• the consumable 1 could equally have a different external transverse cross- sectional shape.
• a generally square, rectangular, or oval shape For example, a generally square, rectangular, or oval shape.
• the external transverse cross-sectional shape is generally constant along the longitudinal length of the consumable 1.
• the consumable 1 forms an elongate airflow passage 2 which extends from a first end 3 to a second end 4 of the consumable 1.
• the first end 3 of the consumable 1 may be configured for interaction with a heating device.
• the second end 4 of the consumable 1 may be configured to form a mouthpiece.
• the user may directly engage the second end 4 with their mouth, or a mouthpiece component may be attached to the second end, and then, in turn, the user may engage the mouthpiece component.
• a mouthpiece component does not form part of the present invention.
• the first end 3 of the consumable 1 may be considered to represent a so-called “upstream” end of the consumable 1
• the second end 4 of the consumable 1 may be considered to represent a so-called“downstream” end of the consumable 1 , in a flow-series sense with respect to the direction of airflow through the consumable 1 along the airflow passage 2 during use.
• the consumable has inlet 5 at the first end 3 and an outlet 6 at the second, opposite end 4.
• the user draws on the second end 4, which causes airflow into the consumable 1 at the inlet 5, through the consumable 1 along the airflow passage 2, to the outlet 6.
• VGM vapour generating member 7
• the VGM 7 defines a channel therethrough. The channel through the VGM 7 forms a portion of the airflow passage 2 through the consumable 1.
• the supporting tube 8 Adjacent to the VGM 7 there is located a supporting structural tube 8.
• the supporting tube 8 defines a channel therethrough.
• the channel through the supporting tube 8 forms a portion of the airflow passage 2 through the consumable 1.
• the supporting tube 8 is located downstream from the VGM 7 - i.e. in a flow-series sense, and thus between the VGM 7 and the outlet 6.
• the supporting tube 8 may be formed from a paper-based material, for example a cardboard material.
• the paper-based material of the supporting tube 8 may have a density of greater than 50 g.s.m. (grams per square meter). For example, substantially equal to 100 g.s.m., for example.
• the supporting tube 8 is an inactive element insofar as it is configured not to generate a vapour, even if heated.
• the supporting tube 8 may define a mixing zone within its central channel.
• the mixing zone is thus located downstream of the VGM 7.
• the mixing zone is located between the VGM 7 and the outlet 6.
• the vapours from the VGM 7 mix with each other, either from the VGM 7, or from other sources.
• the supporting tube 7 may include perforations through its sidewall. The perforations may allow an airflow into the mixing zone through the perforations.
• the supporting tube 8 may also form a cooling zone in the channel therethrough. In the cooling zone, the vapours from the VGM 7 cool, which may result is condensation from vapour to an aerosol for user inhalation.
• the channel formed through the VGM 7 may be generally contiguous with the channel through the supporting tube 8.
• the internal transverse cross sectional shape of the supporting tube 8 may be of the same size and shape as the internal transverse cross- sectional shape of the VGM 7.
• a filter 9 Adjacent to, and downstream of, the supporting tube 8 there is located a filter 9.
• the filter 9 abuts against the downstream end of the supporting tube 8 proximal to the second end 6 of the consumable 1.
• the filter 9 may alternatively be located within an end of the supporting tube 8 proximal to the second end 6 of the consumable 1. In other words, the filter 9 may be formed within the airflow passage 2 through the consumable 1.
• the filter 9 is thus located downstream from the VGM 7. Also, the filter 9 is either located downstream from the supporting tube 8 (if the filter 9 abuts the end of the supporting tube 8), or is located downstream from at least a portion of the supporting tube 8 (if the filter 9 is located within the end of the supporting tube 8).
• the filter 9 may act as a cooling element, configured to cool a vapour or aerosol passing therethrough.
• the filter 9 may additionally or alternatively be configured to form an airflow resistance element, which provides a resistance to airflow therethrough.
• the filter 9 may additionally or alternatively form a filter mixing element within which the vapour from the VGM 7 mixes with other fluid components, either also from the VGM 7, or from other sources. Alternatively, in some embodiments, it is envisaged that the filter 9 may be omitted.
• the tipping paper 10 Surrounding the VGM 7 is a tipping paper 10.
• the tipping paper 10 circumscribes the VGM 7.
• the tipping paper 10 may be formed from a paper-based material.
• the paper-based material of the tipping paper 10 may have a density of between 45 and 80 g.s.m., for example.
• the tipping paper 10 may be held in position surrounding the VGM 7 with an adhesive, for example.
• the tipping paper 10 is longer in the longitudinal dimension of the consumable 1 than the VGM 7.
• first (upstream) longitudinal edge 11 of the tipping paper 10 is aligned with the edge of the inlet 5, then the opposing (downstream) edge 12 of the tipping paper 10 extends beyond the longitudinal extent of the VGM 7, and overlaps with at least a portion of the supporting tube 8.
• the tipping paper 10 facilitates the engagement of the VGM 7 with the supporting tube 8.
• the length of the overlap with the supporting tube 8 may be between 20 and 45 mm, for example.
• Including the tipping paper 10 also increases the rigidity and strength of the consumable 1 in the vicinity of the VGM 7.
• an overwrap 13 Surrounding the tipping paper 10, the VGM 7, the supporting tube 8 and the filter 9, is an overwrap 13.
• the overwrap 13 extends along the full longitudinal length of the consumable
• the overwrap 13 may be formed from a paper-based material.
• the paper-based material of the overwrap may have a density of 10 to 30 g.s.m.. For example, 15 g.s.m..
• the overwrap 13 may be held in position surrounding the VGM 7, the supporting tube 8 and the filter 9 with an adhesive, for example.
• Figure 2 shows a longitudinal cross-section through another FINB consumable 1 according to the present invention.
• the consumable 1 includes a tubular VGM 7 located generally towards a first end 3 of the consumable 1. At the first end 3 of the consumable 1 is an inlet 5. A filter 9 is located at a second end 4 of the consumable 1 , and is formed generally across an outlet 6 of the consumable 1. In this embodiment, the filter 9 is spaced apart from the VGM 7. An external wrapper 14 surrounds and connects the VGM 7 and the filter 9.
• the supporting tube 8 and tipping paper 10 are omitted relative to the consumable 1 of Figure 1 ; the overwrap of Figure 1 is replaced by the external wrapper 14 of the consumable 1 of Figure 2.
• the external wrapper 14 may be formed from a paper-based material.
• the paper-based material of the external wrapper 14 may have a density of 20 to 100 g.s.m..
• the heavier paper of the external wrapper 14, relative to the tipping paper 10, may allow the external wrapper 14 to contribute some rigidity to the consumable 1 of Figure
• the consumable can be manufactured more simply and at a lower cost.
• the radial gap between the VGM 7 and the external wrapper 14 is shown for clarity of explanation in Figure 2.
• the radial gap between the filter 9 and the external wrapper 14 is shown for clarity of explanation.
• the external wrapper 14 is in contact with an external surface of the VGM 7 and with an external surface of the filter 9.
• the VGM 7 has a total longitudinal length 15, L_vgm and an internal diameter 16, D_vgm.
• the consumable has a total longitudinal length 17, L_cons.
• L_vgm / L_cons may be between 0.25 and 0.5. For example between 0.25 and 0.333. Alternatively, 0.50 or greater, 0.55 or greater, 0.60 or greater, 0.65 or greater, 0.70 or greater, 0.75 or greater, 0.80 or greater, 0.85 or greater, 0.90 or greater, or 0.95 or greater. See Figure 5 for an example.
• the consumable 1 may have a total length 17, L_cons, of between 30 mm and 100 mm.
• a total length 17, L_cons may be at least 30 mm, preferably at least 40 mm, more preferably at least 50 mm, more preferably at least 60 mm, more preferably at least 60 mm, more preferably at least 70 mm, more preferably at least 80 mm, more preferably at least 90 mm,
• a total length 17, L_cons may be no more than 100 mm, preferably no more than 90 mm, more preferably no more than 80 mm, more preferably no more than 70 mm, more preferably no more than 60 mm, more preferably no more than 50 mm, more preferably no more than 40 mm.
• the upper and lower limits for the total length 17, L_cons, of the consumable 1 may be selected independently from the above values, for example a length of between 30 mm and 50 mm; 80 mm and 100 mm.
• the consumable 1 may have a total length 17, L_cons, substantially equal to that of that of a traditional cigarette - e.g. 83 mm.
• the consumable 1 may have a total length 17, L_cons, of between 40 and 60 mm. For example, substantially 50mm.
• the internal diameter 16, D_vgm, of the channel through the VGM 7 may between 3 mm and 12 mm.
• the internal diameter 16, D_vgm, of the channel through the VGM 7 may be substantially 7.0 mm.
• the consumable 1 may have an external diameter of a substantially similar diameter range, whilst accounting for additional components located radially outward of the VGM 7 (for example, tipping paper 10 and overwrap 13, or external wrapper 14).
• the internal diameter 16, D_vgm may be at least 3 mm, preferably at least 4 mm, more preferably at least 5 mm, more preferably at least 6 mm, more preferably at least 7 mm, more preferably at least 8 mm, more preferably at least 9 mm, more preferably at least 10 mm, more preferably at least 11 mm.
• the internal diameter 16, D_vgm may be no more than 12 mm, preferably no more than 11 mm, more preferably no more than 10 mm, more preferably no more than 9 mm, more preferably no more than 8 mm, more preferably no more than 7 mm, more preferably no more than 6 mm, more preferably no more than 5 mm, more preferably no more than 4 mm.
• the upper and lower limits for the internal diameter 16, D_vgm may be selected
• an internal diameter 16, D_vgm of between 4 mm and 11 mm; 8 mm and 10 mm.
• a total radial distance between an internal surface of the VGM 7 to an immediately adjacent external surface of the consumable 1 may be preferably be between 0.5 and 1.5 mm.
• a thickness of the VGM 7 may be preferably be between 0.2 and 1.0 mm. Preferably between 0.3 and 0.9; preferably between 0.4 and 0.8mm; preferably between 0.4 and 0.7 mm; preferably between 0.4 and 0.6 mm; preferably substantially equal to 0.5 mm.
• a thickness of the VGM 7 may be at least 0.2 mm, preferably at least 0.3 mm, more preferably at least 0.4 mm, more preferably at least 0.5 mm, more preferably at least 0.6 mm, more preferably at least 0.7 mm, more preferably at least 0.8 mm, more preferably at least 0.9 mm,
• a thickness of the VGM 7 may be no more than 1.0 mm, preferably no more than 0.9 mm, more preferably no more than 0.8 mm, more preferably no more than 0.7 mm, more preferably no more than 0.6 mm, more preferably no more than 0.5 mm, more preferably no more than 0.4 mm, more preferably no more than 0.2 mm,
• the upper and lower limits for the thickness of the VGM 7 may be selected independently from the above values, for example a thickness of between 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm; 0.4 mm and 1.0 mm.
• the thickness of the VGM 7 may correspond to a thickness of a sidewall of the VGM 7
• FIGS 3 and 4 illustrate the principles of internal and external heating, respectively, of an active portion of the VGM 7 of a consumable 1 according to the present invention.
• the active portion of the VGM 7 may be the portion of the VGM 7 that is configured to be heated by the heating element of the heating device.
• a particular heating device may be configured to implement internal heating and external heating.
• the active portion may be longer than a distance along which heat is directly applied to the VGM 7. For example, there may be some heating of the VGM 7 downstream of a region to which heat is directly applied to the VGM 7.
• the active portion may comprise the whole of the VGM 7.
• the length of the supporting tube 8 and VGM 7 may be chosen such that the whole of the VGM 7 is comprised in the active portion.
• the active portion of the VGM 7 may also include the active substance and/carrier. Or the active portion may include additional active substance and/or carrier (relative to an inactive downstream portion of the VGM 7).
• the active portion of the VGM 7 has an active length 18, L_act.
• the active length 18, L_act may be shorter than the total length 17, L_cons of the consumable 1.
• L_act / L_cons may be between 0.25 and 0.5. Preferably between 0.3 and 0.45; preferably substantially 0.3333 (i.e. 1/3).
• the active length 18, L_act may be shorter than the total length 15, L_vgm of the VGM 7.
• the active length 18, L_act may be substantially equal to the total length 15, L__vgm, of the VGM 7.
• the active length 18, L_act may be between 10 and 35 mm, for example.
• the channel through the VGM 7 permits the heating of the active portion of the VGM 7 to occur rapidly when heating by a heating device occurs. It is also possible to consistently heat the active portion to a single temperature, or to within a narrow temperature range. This is an improvement on the prior art, where heating of the tobacco is slow and a large temperature range can be formed within the tobacco. For example, some tobacco in the prior art may be burned, while other parts remain sufficiently cool that substantially no aerosol is generated.
• a total active internal surface area of the VGM 7 is equal to pi * D_vgm * L_act. This is the total active internal surface area of the VGM 7 that is configured for heating by a heating device with internal heating. For external heating, a total external active surface area of the VGM 7 generally corresponds to the total internal active surface area of the VGM 7.
• the active internal active surface area of the VGM 7 is equal to pi * D_vgm * L_act.
• the active internal surface area may be generally equal to the total internal surface area of the VGM 7 when L_vgm is equal to L_act.
• a total internal active surface area of the VGM 7 may be at least 100 square millimetres (mm A 2), preferably at least 200 mm A 2, more preferably at least 300 mm A 2, more preferably at least 400 mm A 2, more preferably at least 500 mm A 2, more preferably at least 600 mm A 2, more preferably at least 700 mm A 2, more preferably at least 800 mm A 2, more preferably at least 900 mm A 2, more preferably at least 1000 mm A 2; more preferably at least 1100 mm A 2, more preferably at least 1200 mm A 2, more preferably at least 1300 mm A 2, more preferably at least 1400 mm A 2, more preferably at least 1500 mm A 2, more preferably at least 600 mm A 2, more preferably at least 1700 mm A 2, more preferably at least 1800 mm A 2, more preferably at least 1900 mm A 2.
• a total internal active surface area of the VGM 7 may be no more than 2000 square millimetres (mm A 2), preferably no more than 1900 mm A 2, more preferably no more than 1800 mm A 2, more preferably no more than 1700 mm A 2, more preferably no more than 600 mm A 2, more preferably no more than 1500 mm A 2, more preferably no more than 1400 mm A 2, more preferably no more than 1300 mm A 2, more preferably no more than 1200 mm A 2, more preferably no more than 1100 mm A 2, more preferably no more than 1000 mm A 2, more preferably no more than 900 mm A 2; more preferably no more than 800 mm A 2, more preferably no more than 700 mm A 2, more preferably no more than 600 mm A 2, more preferably no more than 500 mm A 2, more preferably no more than 400 mm A 2, more preferably no more than 300 mm A 2, more preferably no more than 200 mm A 2, more preferably no more than 100 mm A 2.
• the VGM 7 comprises a vapour generating substrate.
• the vapour generating substrate is the component of the VGM 7 in which at least one active substance is located, and from which the active substance may be vapourised.
• the total mass of the vapour generating substrate in a single consumable may be between 100 and 1000 milligrams (mg).
• the total mass of the vapour generating substrate may be at least 100 milligrams, preferably at least 200 milligrams, more preferably at least 300 milligrams, more preferably at least 400 milligrams, more preferably at least 500 milligrams, more preferably at least 600 milligrams, more preferably at least 700 milligrams, more preferably at least 800 milligrams, more preferably at least 900 milligrams.
• the total mass of the vapour generating substrate may be no more than 1000 milligrams, preferably no more than 900 milligrams, more preferably no more than 800 milligrams, more preferably no more than 700 milligrams, more preferably no more than 600 milligrams, more preferably no more than 500 milligrams, more preferably no more than 400 milligrams, more preferably no more than 300 milligrams, more preferably no more than 200 milligrams, more preferably no more than 100 milligrams.
• the total mass of the vapour generating substrate may be selected independently from the above values, for example total mass of the vapour generating substrate of between 300 milligrams and 900 milligrams; 200 milligrams and 600 milligrams.
• a total mass of the vapour generating substrate in the active portion may be selected from the same values as the vapour generating substrate above.
• the vapour generating substrate may include at least one active substance.
• a particular vapour generating substrate may include a total amount of a particular active substance of between 0.2 and 2.0 mg.
• One such active substance may be nicotine, for example.
• a parameterisation of the present invention is the amount of active substance per unit internal active surface area of the VGM 7.
• active substance e.g. nicotine
• the consumable 1 has an active substance surface density of between 0.0001 mg per mm A 2 and 0.02 mg per mm A 2.
• the consumable 1 has an active substance surface density of between 0.0005 mg per mm A 2 and 0.015 mg per mm A 2; between 0.001 mg per mm A 2 and 0.03 mg per mm A 2; between 0.0015 mg per mm A 2 and 0.025 mg per mm A 2.
• VGM 7 is tobacco-based.
• the VGM 7 may comprise reconstituted tobacco.
• the VGM 7 may comprise one or more sheets of reconstituted tobacco (see Figures 7 to 9, for example).
• a method for using tobacco material in the preparation of reconstituted tobacco may generally be carried out as follows:
• plant material Tobacco in the form of dust, granules, or shredded plant leaf or stem material is first collected (hereinafter "plant material").
• the plant material may be a tobacco processing by product.
• the plant material is uniformly admixed with a bonding material which, as the term implies, causes bonding and agglomeration of the plant material.
• the bonding materials that may be employed in the process include materials that by themselves cause bonding and agglomeration of particles of plant material and also include those materials which indirectly cause such bonding and agglomeration by having the effect of releasing naturally occurring bonding agents contained within the plant material itself which agents subsequently cause the actual bonding and agglomeration of the plant material.
• Bonding materials which by themselves cause bonding and agglomeration of the plant material include, for example, film-forming materials, cross-linking agents and the like. Filmforming materials and the techniques for converting these materials into water-insoluble fibers, sheets, etc., are well known in the art.
• the resulting mixture is then thoroughly blended so as to form a uniform, homogeneous mixture.
• This mixture is then treated by one of many methods known in the art in order to either insolubilize the film forming material added to or released from the plant material or allowed to cross-link if a cross-linking agent has been added.
• the resulting bonded plant material may be produced in a wide ranges of shapes and configurations of varying dimensions.
• the mixture of the bonding material and tobacco dust may be spun into fibres, rolled into sheets, cast in a frame, or extruded into other shapes.
• plant material by-products such as stems, fines, etc.
• plant material by-products such as stems, fines, etc.
• the slurry is thereafter mixed by techniques conventional in the art such that a thorough blending of the components takes place to form a uniform homogeneous mixture.
• a reconstituted plant material sheet is formed from the slurry either by a paper-making process, by forming the slurry into a layer on a paper substrate, by casting the slurry in a mould, or by extrusion.
• the VGM 7 may include, or be formed from, a plant product.
• The“Plant Product” denotes a plant from which an active substance may be aerosolized into a breathable fluid stream for inhalation by a user.
• suitable plant products include Amaranthus dubius, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry), Argemone mexicana, Arnica, Artemisia vulgaris, Yellow Tees, Galea zacatechichi, Canavalia maritima (Baybean), Cannabis, Cecropia mexicana (Guamura), Cestrum noctumum, Cynoglossum virginianum (wild comfrey), Cytisus scoparius, Damiana, Entada rheedii, Eschscholzia califomica (California Poppy), Fittonia albivenis, Flippobroma longiflora, Humulus ja
• Lobelia cardinalis Lobelia inflata (Indian-tobacco), Lobelia inflata, Lobelia siphilitica, Nepeta cataria (Catnip), Nicotiana species (Tobacco), Nymphaea alba (White Lily), Nymphaea caerulea (Blue Lily), Opium poppy, Passiflora incamata (Passionflower), Pedicularis densiflora (Indian Warrior), Pedicularis groenlandica (Elephant's Flead), Salvia divinorum, Salvia dorrii (Tobacco Sage), Salvia species (Sage), Scutellaria
• the "Active Substance” denotes a chemical and/or physiologically active species, or combination or mixture of such chemical and/or physiologically species, that are intended to be aerosolized, and that may provide the user with a recreational and/or medicinal effect when a breathable fluid stream comprising the aerosol is inhaled by a user.
• suitable chemical and/or physiologically active species includes the group consisting of; nicotine, cocaine, THC, CBD, caffeine, cannaboids, opiates and opoids, cathine and cathinone, kavalactones, mysticin, beta-carboline alkaloids, salvinorin A together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and/or synthetic alternatives of the foregoing.
• FIG. 5 shows another consumable 1 useful for understanding the present invention.
• the consumable 1 includes a tubular VGM 7.
• the VGM 7 extends substantially between a first (upstream) end 3 and a second (downstream) end 4 of the consumable 1.
• the VGM 7 is sufficiently rigid to support its own weight without collapse.
• the VGM 7 may be formed from a sheet member of reconstituted tobacco (see Figures 7 to 9, for example).
• the sheet member may have a density of between 80 g.s.m. and 145 g.s.m.
• a filter 9 is located at the second end 4 of the consumable 1 , and is formed across an outlet 6 of the consumable 1.
• An external wrapper 19 surrounds and interconnects the VGM 7 and the filter 9.
• the supporting tube 8, tipping paper 10, and overwrap 13 are omitted relative to the consumable 1 of Figure 1.
• the filter 9 may be located to abut an end of the VGM 7 located adjacent the second end 4 of the consumable 1 , or the filter 9 may be located within the VGM 7 located adjacent the second end 4 of the consumable 1.
• the external wrapper 19 may be formed from a paper-based material.
• the paper-based material of the external wrapper 19 may have a density of 20 to 100 g.s.m..
• the external wrapper 19 may be omitted. Additionally or alternatively, the filter 9 may be omitted. If the VGM 7 is of sufficient rigidity, the consumable 1 may consist substantially of the VGM 7 only. For the avoidance of doubt, a filter 9 may be included within an end of such a VGM 7. Again, reducing the number of components in the consumable 1 in this manner may allow for the consumable 1 to be simpler and more cost effective to manufacture.
• Figure 6 shows a longitudinal cross-section through the consumable 1 useful for
• the VGM 7 has an active portion having an active length 18, L_act.
• the total length 15, L_vgm of the VGM 7 is also shown.
• Internal heating of the active portion of the VGM 7 is represented by the double headed arrows.
• the external wrapper 19 is shown wrapping the VGM 7 and the filter 9.
• the ratio of the total length 15 of the VGM 7, L_ygm, to the total length, L_cons, of the consumable 1 , L_vgm/L_cons may be greater than or equal to 0.5, preferably greater than or equal to 0.55, preferably greater than or equal to 0.6, preferably greater than or equal to 0.65, preferably greater than or equal to 0.7, preferably greater than or equal to 0.75, preferably greater than or equal to 0.8, preferably greater than or equal to 0.85, preferably greater than or equal to 0.9, preferably greater than or equal to 0.95.
• the active length, L_act, 18 of the active portion of the VGM 7 may be an active fraction of the total length 15, L_vgm, of the VGM 7. In other words, L_act/L_vgm may be equal to or less than 1.
• the inactive portion 20 is similar to the inactive supporting tube 8of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1.
• the inactive portion 20 may form a mixing zone in the channel therethrough. In the mixing zone, the vapour from the VGM 7 mixes with other fluid components, either from the VGM 7, or from other sources (e.g. perforations formed in the VGM 7).
• the inactive portion 20 may also form a cooling zone in the channel therethrough.
• the vapour from the VGM 7 cools, which may result in condensation from vapour to aerosol.
• FIG. 7 shows an end view of a consumable 1 according to the present invention.
• the consumable 1 includes a VGM 7 and an external wrapper 19.
• An intervening tipping paper is not present in the consumable 1 of Figure 7, but could nevertheless be included between the VGM 7 and the external wrapper 19.
• the configuration of the VGM 7 of Figure 7 is applicable to the consumables of any preceding Figures.
• the VGM 7 is formed from a sheet member 22 (this is also an option for the consumables of Figures 1 to 6).
• the sheet member 22 is formed into the tubular VGM 7 by rolling exactly once. That is, two opposing edges of the sheet member 22 are brought into mutual abutment along a longitudinal seam 23 of the sheet member 22. In other words, there is no mutual overlap between two opposing portions of the sheet member 22.
• the two opposing edges of the sheet member 22 that are brought into mutual abutment may not be attached to one another; they may simply be retained in abutment so that the VGM 7 has the tubular shape.
• the two opposing edges may be retained in abutment by the external wrapper 19, or by virtue of the rigidity of the sheet member 22.
• an inlet 5 of the tube consumable 1 is apparent.
• the size and shape of the inlet 5 is defined by the internal surface of the VGM 7.
• the internal diameter 16 of the VGM 7 is indicated in Figure 7.
• Figure 8 shows an end view of another consumable 1 according to the present invention.
• the consumable 1 of Figure 8 is similar to the consumable of Figure 7, and similar elements are labelled with the same reference numerals.
• the VGM 7 of the consumable of Figure 8 includes two generally concentric sheet members 22. Each sheet member 22 has two opposing edges in mutual abutment at a respective longitudinal seam 23. The positions of the two longitudinal seams 23 have an angular offset between each other. In other words, the two longitudinal seams 23 are not aligned with one another. This may improve the rigidity of the VGM 7 and the consumable 1.
• the VGM 7 may include more than the two sheet members 22 of Figure 8.
• the longitudinal seams 23 of the sheet members 22 may each have an angular offset from one another.
• all directly adjacent pairs of sheet members 22 may have an angular offset between the positions of the respective pair of longitudinal seams 23.
• Figure 9 shows an end view of a consumable 1 according to the present invention.
• the consumable 1 includes a VGM 7 and an external wrapper 19.
• An intervening tipping paper 10 is not present in the consumable 1 of Figure 9, but could nevertheless be included between the VGM 7 and the external wrapper 19.
• the VGM 7 is formed from a sheet member 22.
• the sheet member 22 is formed into a tubular VGM 7 by rolling more than once. In other words, there is a mutual overlap between two opposing portions of the sheet member 22.
• the sheet member 22 is shown overlapping exactly 3 times. By overlapping an integer number of times, a more uniform thickness of a wall of the VGM 7 may be achievable.
• the rolled sheet member 22 may be retained in the rolled configuration by the external wrapper 19, or by virtue of the material of the VGM 7.
• the sheet member 22 may be configured to have rigidity properties that means that the sheet member remains substantially in the rolled configuration.
• the sheet member 22 may be held in the rolled configuration by an adhesive.
• the sheet member 22 may overlap less than 3 times or more than 3 times.
• the sheet member 22 may overlap up to 5 times.
• the sheet member 22 may be spiral rolled. Spiral rolling may allow for a greater overlapping surface area for adhesive application, for example.
• an inlet 5 of the tube consumable 1 is apparent.
• the size and shape of the inlet 5 is defined by the internal surface of the VGM 7.
• the internal diameter 16 of the VGM 7 is indicated in Figure 9.
• the VGM 7 may be formed from a sheet member 22 of reconstituted tobacco having a density between 80 and 145 g.s.m., for example. If an overlapping configuration is used (e.g. Figure 9) or a configuration with multiple layers (e.g. Figure 8), then the density of the sheet member may be lower.
• Each of the above-described embodiments may be configured to output a“puff’ of aerosol when drawn upon by a user.
• a puff is a single draw by user into the mouth, which may then be inhaled.
• the smoking of a traditional cigarette generally includes taking a plurality of puffs, for example, 10 puffs.
• the carrier is vapourised from the active portion of the VGM 7
• the active substance is also vapourised from the VGM 7. Both are entrained in an airflow from the inlet 5. Both the carrier and active substance vapours form an aerosol for inhalation by the user via the outlet 6.
• the aerosol includes the active substance and the carrier.
• the carrier may be polyglycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG) or polyethylene glycol (PEG), or any combination thereof, for example.
• PG polyglycol
• VG vegetable glycerine
• PEG polyethylene glycol
• a user draws on the outlet 6 of the consumable 1 (for example) to take a single puff of aerosol into the user’s mouth, which may then be inhaled.
• the person skilled in the art will appreciate that there are clearly differences in the puffs taken by different users (due to physiological differences or user preference, for example),

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• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
• General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Cigarettes, Filters, And Manufacturing Of Filters (AREA)
• Manufacture Of Tobacco Products (AREA)

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• 2017
  • 2017-12-15 GB GB1721038.6A patent/GB2569368A/en not_active Withdrawn
• 2018
  • 2018-12-07 WO PCT/EP2018/084047 patent/WO2019115410A1/en unknown
  • 2018-12-07 EP EP18826517.7A patent/EP3723520A1/en active Pending
  • 2018-12-07 JP JP2020532986A patent/JP7438948B2/ja active Active

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