WO2022269239A1

WO2022269239A1 - An article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: WO2022269239A1
Application number: PCT/GB2022/051568
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Holford
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Limited
Priority date: 2021-06-22
Filing date: 2022-06-20
Publication date: 2022-12-29
Also published as: GB202108935D0; KR20240019155A; US20240284965A1; CN118102897A; JP2024523508A; EP4358753A1

Abstract

An article (1) for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device is disclosed. The article (1) comprises: an aerosol generating material (3), a mouth end section (3), and a tubular element (4), having a longitudinal axis, located between the aerosol generating material (3) and the mouth end section (2). The tubular element (4) comprises an inner wall (7), and a ventilation area (8) in the tubular element (4) through which air is drawn into the tubular element (4). A component (6) is received in the tubular element (4) and the component (6) has an outer surface and is configured so that aerosol flow through the tubular element (4) is diverted into a flow path formed between the outer surface of the component (6) and the inner wall (7) of the tubular element (4). The ventilation area (8) is configured such that ventilation air enters the flow path through the ventilation area (8) to mix with the aerosol which is flowing along the flow path, before flowing into the mouth end section (2).

Description

An article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device Technical Field

The following relates to an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a method of manufacturing an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device.

Background

Certain tobacco industry products produce an aerosol during use, which is inhaled by a user. For example, tobacco heating devices heat an aerosol generating substrate such as tobacco to form an aerosol by heating, but not burning, the substrate. Such tobacco industry products commonly include mouthpieces through which the aerosol passes to reach the user’s mouth. Summary

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, the article comprising an aerosol generating material, a mouth end section, and a tubular element, having a longitudinal axis, located between the aerosol generating material and the mouth end section, the tubular element comprising an inner wall and a ventilation area in the tubular element through which air is drawn into the tubular element, wherein a component is received in the tubular element, the component having an outer surface and being configured so that aerosol flow through the tubular element is diverted into a flow path formed between the outer surface of the component and said inner wall of the tubular element, and wherein the ventilation air is configured such that ventilation air enters the flow path through the ventilation area to mix with the aerosol which is flowing along the flow path, before flowing into said mouth end section.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, the article comprising an aerosol generating material, a mouth end section, a spacer element, a tubular element, having a longitudinal axis, located between the aerosol generating material and the spacer element, the tubular element comprising an inner wall, wherein a component is received in the tubular element, the component having an outer surface and being configured so that aerosol flow through the tubular element is diverted into a flow path formed between the outer surface of the component and said inner wall of the tubular element, and a ventilation area in the spacer element through which air is drawn into the spacer element, wherein the ventilation area is configured such that ventilation air enters the spacer element and mixes with the aerosol which flowed along the flow path, before flowing into said mouth end section.

Optionally, the spacer element may be hollow.

The ventilation area may be configured such that ventilation air passes directly into the flow path along which the aerosol is flowing.

The aerosol may flow in an axial direction along the tubular element, and the ventilation area maybe configured such that ventilation air entering the flow path through the ventilation area flows towards the aerosol flowing along the flow path at an angle to said longitudinal axis of the tubular element.

The ventilation area may be configured such that ventilation air entering the flow path through the ventilation area flows towards the aerosol flowing along the flow path substantially at right angles to said longitudinal axis of the tubular element. Optionally, the component may be shaped and positioned within the tubular element so that the flow path extends between the outer surface of said component and the inner wall of the tubular element.

The component can be cylindrical and have a longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the component may be positioned in the tubular element such that its longitudinal axis is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the tubular element.

A pocket or depression may be formed in said outer surface of the component to form at least a portion of the flow path.

Said pocket or depression may extend in an axial direction along the length of the component.

Said pocket or depression may extend linearly in a longitudinal direction along the component. The pocket or depression may at least partially extend circumferentially about the component as it extends in an axial direction along the component.

Optionally, the component may comprise a plurality of pockets or depressions formed in said outer surface of the component.

Each pocket or depression maybe circumferentially spaced from its adjacent pocket or depression. The ventilation area may comprise a series of ventilation openings spaced from each other and extending about the circumference of the tubular element.

The ventilation area may comprise a series of ventilation openings spaced from each other and extending about the circumference of the hollow spacer element.

Each ventilation opening maybe positioned in alignment with a corresponding pocket or depression in the component.

The outer surface of the component may be spaced from the inner wall of the tubular element.

Optionally, at least a portion of the outer surface of the component may be in contact with the inner wall of the tubular element. The component may be longitudinally spaced from the aerosol generating material.

The hollow spacer element may comprise a paper tube.

The article may further comprise a filtration section between the tubular element and the mouth end section.

The component may extend into the tubular element from the filtration section.

The component may be integrally formed with the filtration section. Optionally, the component and the filtration section maybe formed from the same material.

Optionally, the component is air permeable.

The filtration section and/ or the component may comprise filamentary tow.

Optionally, the filamentary tow comprises cellulose acetate. The component may be impermeable.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, the method comprising providing an aerosol generating material and a mouth end section, positioning a tubular element, having a longitudinal axis, an inner wall and a ventilation area through which air is drawn into the tubular element, between the aerosol generating material and the mouth end section, and positioning a component, having an outer surface, in the tubular element that is configured to define a flow path between the component and said inner wall so that ventilation air enters the flow path through the ventilation area to mix with the aerosol which is flowing along the flow path, before the mixture flows into said mouth end section.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, the method comprising providing an aerosol generating material, a mouth end section, and a spacer element, positioning a tubular element, having a longitudinal axis and an inner wall, between the aerosol generating material and the spacer element, and positioning a component, having an outer surface, in the tubular element that is configured to define a flow path between the component and said inner wall so that ventilation air enters the spacer element and mixes with the aerosol which flowed along the flow path, before flowing into said mouth end section.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising a non-combustible aerosol provision device and an article according to the above. Brief Description of the Drawings

So that the invention may be more fully understood, embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side-on cross sectional view of an article according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a side-on cross sectional view of another article according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a side-on cross sectional view of another article according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figures 4A to 4D show front cross sectional views of an article according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective illustration of a non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from the aerosol generating material of the articles of Figures 1 to 3; Figure 6 illustrates the device of Figure 5 with the outer cover removed and without an article present;

Figure 7 is a side view of the device of Figure 5 in partial cross-section;

Figure 8 is an exploded view of the device of Figure 5, with the outer cover omitted; Figure 9A is a cross sectional view of a portion of the device of Figure 5; Figure 9B is a close-up illustration of a region of the device of Figure 9A;

Figure 10 is a flow chart of a method of manufacturing an article according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 11 is a flow chart of a method of manufacturing another article according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

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

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality 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. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non combustible aerosol provision device. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/ or an aerosol-modifying agent. In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/ or an aerosol-modifying agent.

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

The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or Bi2 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

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

Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. 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 flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosol- generating material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 6owt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or ioowt% of amorphous solid.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material. The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerine, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

The materials described herein maybe present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material. A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/ or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor. An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent maybe in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy to release one or more volatiles 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 the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator maybe configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

Articles, such as consumables described herein, for instance those in the shape of rods, are often named according to the product length: “regular” (typically in the range 68 - 75 mm, e.g. from about 68 mm to about 72 mm), “short” or “mini” (68 mm or less), “king size” (typically in the range 75 - 91 mm, e.g. from about 79 mm to about 88 mm), “long” or “super-king” (typically in the range 91 - 105 mm, e.g. from about 94 mm to about 101 mm) and “ultra-long” (typically in the range from about 110 mm to about 121 mm). They are also named according to the product circumference: “regular” (about 23 - 25 mm), “wide” (greater than 25 mm), “slim” (about 22 - 23 mm), “demi-slim” (about 19 - 22 mm), “super-slim” (about 16 - 19 mm), and “micro-slim” (less than about 16 mm).

Accordingly, an article in a king-size, super-slim format will, for example, have a length of about 83 mm and a circumference of about 17 mm.

Articles may include an aerosol-generating material and a downstream portion downstream of the aerosol-generating material, and each format may be produced with downstream portions of different lengths. The downstream portion length will usually be from about 30 mm to 50 mm. A tipping paper connects the downstream portion to the aerosol generating material and will usually have a greater length than the downstream portion, for example from 3 to 10 mm longer, such that the tipping paper covers the downstream portion and overlaps the aerosol generating material, for instance in the form of a rod, to connect the downstream portion to the rod. Articles and their aerosol generating materials and downstream portions described herein can be made in, but are not limited to, any of the above formats.

The terms ‘upstream’ and ‘downstream’ used herein are relative terms defined in relation to the direction of mainstream aerosol drawn though an article or device in use.

The filamentary tow material described herein can comprise cellulose acetate fibre tow. The filamentary tow can also be formed using other materials used to form fibres, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(i-4 butanediol succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)(PBAT), starch based materials, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials and polysaccharide polymers or a combination thereof. The filamentary tow may be plasticised with a suitable plasticiser for the tow, such as triacetin where the material is cellulose acetate tow, or the tow may be non-plasticised. The tow can have any suitable specification, such as fibres having a Ύ’ shaped or other cross section such as ‘X’ shaped, filamentary denier values between 2.5 and 15 denier per filament, for example between 8.0 and 11.0 denier per filament and total denier values of 5,000 to 50,000, for example between 10,000 and 40,000.

As used herein, the term “tobacco material” refers to any material comprising tobacco or derivatives or substitutes thereof. The term “tobacco material” may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. The tobacco material may comprise one or more of ground tobacco, tobacco fibre, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stem, tobacco lamina, reconstituted tobacco and/or tobacco extract.

As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of - il liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like. Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint maybe chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

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

As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, maybe used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice

(liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, 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 fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang- ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.

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

In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.

In the figures described herein, like reference numerals are used to illustrate equivalent features, articles or components.

Figure 1 illustrates an article for use with a delivery system. The article 1 comprises a mouth end section 2 to be received in a user’s mouth, a cylindrical rod of aerosol generating material 3, in the present case tobacco material, and a tubular element 4. The tubular element 4 comprises a longitudinal axis and is located between the aerosol generating material 3 and the mouth end section 2. The aerosol generating material 3 provides an aerosol when heated, for instance within a non-combustible aerosol provision device as described herein, for instance a non-combustible aerosol provision device comprising a coil, forming a system. In other embodiments the article 1 can include its own heat source, forming an aerosol provision system without requiring a separate aerosol provision device.

The aerosol generating material 3, also referred to herein as an aerosol generating substrate 3, comprises at least one aerosol forming material. In the present example, the aerosol forming material is glycerol. In alternative examples, the aerosol forming material can be another material as described herein or a combination thereof. The aerosol forming material has been found to improve the sensory performance of the article, by helping to transfer compounds such as flavour compounds from the aerosol generating material to the consumer. However, an issue with adding such aerosol forming materials to the aerosol generating material within an article for use in a non combustible aerosol provision system can be that, when the aerosol forming material is aerosolised upon heating, it can increase the mass of aerosol which is delivered by the article, and this increased mass can maintain a higher temperature as it passes through the mouth end section. As it passes through the mouth end section, the aerosol transfers heat into the mouth end section and this warms the outer surface of the mouth end section, including the area which comes into contact with the consumers lips during use. The mouth end section temperature and/or aerosol temperature can be significantly higher than consumers may be accustomed to when smoking, for instance, conventional cigarettes, and this can be an undesirable effect caused by the use of such aerosol forming materials. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the temperature of the aerosol generated to prevent the mouth end section from becoming too hot.

The tubular element 4 comprises an inner wall 7 and a ventilation area 8 through which air is drawn into the tubular element 4. The article further comprises a component 6, comprising an outer surface, located within the tubular element 4 and which defines a flow path A for the mixing of aerosol generated by the aerosol generating material 3 with the air drawn into the tubular element 4 through the ventilation area 8 thereby cooling the aerosol generated before it reaches the mouth end section 2. The flow path A, defined by the outer surface of the component 6 and the inner wall 7 of the tubular element 4, forces the aerosol to flow through the tubular element 4 towards the mouth end section 2 around the outside of the component 6. The ventilation area 8 is configured such that the air entering through the ventilation area 8 into the tubular element 4 flows into the aerosol as it flows along the flow path A. Since the ventilation area 8 and the flow path A are in close proximity, the air drawn into the tubular element 4 through the ventilation area 8 directly flows into the aerosol flowing along the flow path A. The air entering the flow path A through the ventilation area 8 is flowing towards the aerosol flowing along the flow path A. The aerosol flows in an axial direction along the tubular element 4 and the ventilation area is configured such the ventilation air may flow towards the aerosol and intersect the aerosol at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the tubular element 4 in the flow path A. The ventilation air may also intersect at right angles to the longitudinal axis to promote mixing.

Forcing the aerosol to mix with the air drawn through the ventilation area 8 in close proximity to the ventilation area 8, i.e. in the flow path A, promotes mixing of the two streams and therefore significantly reduces the temperature of the generated aerosol before it reaches the mouth end section 2.

Figure 2 is a side-on cross sectional view of another article 1 for use with a non- combustible aerosol provision system. The article 1 further comprises a filtration section 5 disposed between the mouth end section 2 and the tubular element 4. The component 6 received within the tubular element 4 maybe formed from an impermeable material. The aerosol flowing through the tubular element 4 is forced by the component 6 to flow in close proximity to the ventilation area 8 and therefore mix more effectively with air drawn into the tubular element 4 from the ventilation area 8. This ensures that the aerosol is sufficiently cooled before reaching the mouth end section 2. Alternatively, the component 6 received within the tubular element 4 maybe formed from a semi-permeable material such as filtration material. The filtration material may be filamentary tow and may further comprise cellulose acetate. The component 6 may also be integrally formed with the filtration section 5 and extend from the end of the filtration section 5 into the tubular element 4.

Figure 3 illustrates another article 1 for use with a delivery system. The article 1 comprises a mouth end section 2 and a rod of aerosol generating material 3. The article further comprises a spacer element 11. The article comprises a tubular element 4, comprising an inner wall and having a longitudinal axis, located between the aerosol generating material 3 and the spacer element 11. The tubular element 4 comprises a component 6 as described above which defines a flow path A through the tubular element 4. The aerosol generated by the aerosol generating material 3 is diverted along the flow path by the outer wall of the component 6 and the inner wall 7 of the tubular element 4. The spacer element 11 comprises a ventilation area 8 through which air is drawn into the spacer element. The ventilation area 8 is configured such that air entering the spacer element 11 mixes with the aerosol which has flowed along the flow path A, before flowing to the mouth end section 2. The mixing of aerosol and ventilation air reduces the temperature of the aerosol before it reaches the mouth end section. In this embodiment, the mixing of the aerosol and ventilation air is the same as described above, however the mixing takes place in the spacer element 11 as the aerosol exits the flow path A. The spacer element 11 maybe hollow and may comprise a paper tube. The article 1 may further comprise a filtration section 5 located between the spacer element 11 and the mouth end section 2. Additionally, the spacer element 11 may be another filtration section 5, such as a plug of cellulose acetate.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3 the component 6 extends partially along the length of the tubular element 4, i.e. the component 6 is longitudinally spaced from the aerosol generating material 3. In some embodiments the component 6 may extend along the full length of the tubular element 4 so that a downstream end of the component 6 abuts the mouth end section 2 or additional section 5 and an upstream end abuts the aerosol generating material 3.

Figures 4a to 4d show cross sectional views of embodiments of the article 1 at a point along the tubular element 4. As can be seen in Figure 4a the component 6 has a cylindrical cross section. Figure 4b shows another embodiment where the component 6 has a generally cylindrical cross section and comprises at least one pocket or depression 9 around its circumference. In this embodiment the pocket or depression 9 around the circumference of the component 6 are serrations 9. Figure 4c shows another embodiment where the serrations 9 extend from the component 6 to the inner wall 7 of the tubular element 4. Figure 4d shows another embodiment where the component 6 has a generally cylindrical cross section and comprises at least one pocket or depression around its circumference wherein the pockets or depressions form channels 10 in the component 6. The at least one pocket or depression described in the embodiments above extend along the full length of the component 6. In some embodiments the at least one pocket or depression extends partially along the length of component 6 in an axial direction. The pockets or depressions may be linear or alternatively may extend circumferentially about the component 6 as they extend in an axial direction along the component 6. In other words the pockets or depressions may spiral around the component 6. In embodiments comprising a plurality of pockets or depressions, the pockets or depressions may be circumferentially spaced from adjacent pockets or depressions. It will be appreciated that the cross section of the component 6 can form any shape and may comprise any number of pockets or depressions and is not limited to the embodiments described above. The pockets or depressions form at least a portion of the flow path A which the aerosol flows along through the tubular element 4. The above components 6 each comprise a longitudinal axis. The component 6 may be arranged within the tubular element 4 such that its longitudinal axis is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the tubular element 4. The outer surface of the component 6 may be spaced from the inner wall 7 of the tubular element 4. Alternatively, a portion of the outer surface of the component 6 may be in contact with the inner wall 7 of the tubular element 4.

The ventilation area 8 comprises a series of ventilation openings spaced from each other and extending about the circumference of the tubular element 4 or hollow spacer element 11. Each ventilation opening may be aligned with a corresponding pocket or depression I order to maximise mixing of the aerosol and ventilation air.

In the present example, the article 1 has an outer circumference of about 21 mm (i.e. the article is in the demi-slim format). Optionally, the article 1 has a rod of aerosol generating material having a circumference greater than 19mm. This has been found to provide a sufficient circumference to generate an improved and sustained aerosol over a usual aerosol generation session preferred by consumers. As the article is heated, heat transfers through the rod of aerosol generating material 3 to volatise components of the rod, and circumferences greater than 19mm have been found to be particularly effective at producing an aerosol in this way. Since the article is to be heated to release an aerosol, improved heating efficiency can be achieved using articles having circumferences of less than about 23mm. To achieve improved aerosol via heating, while maintaining a suitable product length, rod circumferences of greater than 19mm and less than 23mm are preferable. In some examples, the rod circumference can be between 20mm and 22mm, which has been found to provide a good balance between providing effective aerosol delivery while allowing for efficient heating.

The outer circumference of the mouth end section 2 is substantially the same as the outer circumference of the rod of aerosol generating material 3, such that there is a smooth transition between these components. In the present example, the outer circumference of the mouth end section 2 is about 20.8mm.

In some examples, the article 1 may be configured such that there is a separation (i.e. a minimum distance) between a heater of the non-combustible aerosol provision device too and the tubular element 4. This prevents heat from the heater from damaging the material forming the tubular element 4.

The minimum distance between a heater of the non-combustible aerosol provision device too and the tubular element may be 3 mm or greater. In some examples, minimum distance between the heater of the non-combustible aerosol provision device too and the tubular element may be in the range 3 mm to 10 mm, for example 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm or 10 mm.

The separation between the heating element of the non-combustible aerosol provision device too and the tubular element maybe achieved by, for example, adjusting the length of the rod of aerosol generating material 3.

In the present example, the tipping paper extends 5 mm over the rod of aerosol generating material 3 but it can alternatively extend between 3 mm and 10 mm over the rod 3, or more preferably between 4 mm and 6 mm, to provide a secure attachment between the mouth end section 2 and rod 3. The tipping paper can have a basis weight which is higher than the basis weight of plug wraps used in the article 1, for instance a basis weight of 40 gsm to 80 gsm, more preferably between 50 gsm and 70 gsm, and in the present example 58 gsm. These ranges of basis weights have been found to result in tipping papers having acceptable tensile strength while being flexible enough to wrap around the article 1 and adhere to itself along a longitudinal lap seam on the paper.

The outer circumference of the tipping paper, once wrapped around the mouth end section 2, is about 21mm.

In the present example, the aerosol generating material 3 is wrapped in a wrapper. The wrapper can, for instance, be a paper or paper-backed foil wrapper. In the present example, the wrapper is substantially impermeable to air. In alternative embodiments, the wrapper optionally has a permeability of less than too Coresta Units, more preferably less than 60 Coresta Units. It has been found that low permeability wrappers, for instance having a permeability of less than too Coresta Units, more preferably less than 60 Coresta Units, results in an improvement in the aerosol formation in the aerosol generating material 3. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is hypothesised that this is due to reduced loss of aerosol compounds through the wrapper. The permeability of the wrapper can be measured in accordance with ISO 2965:2009 concerning the determination of air permeability for materials used as cigarette papers, filter plug wrap and filter joining paper. In the present embodiment, the wrapper comprises aluminium foil. Aluminium foil has been found to be particularly effective at enhancing the formation of aerosol within the aerosol generating material 3. In the present example, the aluminium foil has a metal layer having a thickness of about 6 pm. In the present example, the aluminium foil has a paper backing. However, in alternative arrangements, the aluminium foil can be other thicknesses, for instance between 4 pm and 16 pm in thickness. The aluminium foil also need not have a paper backing, but could have a backing formed from other materials, for instance to help provide an appropriate tensile strength to the foil, or it could have no backing material. Metallic layers or foils other than aluminium can also be used. The total thickness of the wrapper is optionally between 20 pm and 60 pm, more preferably between 30 pm and 50 pm, which can provide a wrapper having appropriate structural integrity and heat transfer characteristics. The tensile force which can be applied to the wrapper before it breaks can be greater than 3,000 grams force, for instance between 3,000 and 10,000 grams force or between 3,000 and 4,500 grams force.

In some examples, the wrapper surrounding the aerosol generating material comprises citrate, such as sodium citrate and/ or potassium citrate. In such examples, the wrapper may have a citrate content of 2% by weight or less, or 1% by weight or less. Reducing the citrate content of the wrapper can assist with reducing any visible discolouration of the wrapper during use.

In some examples, the wrapper surrounding the aerosol generating material has a high level of permeability, for example greater than about 1000 Coresta Units, or greater than about 1500 Coresta Units, or greater than about 2000 Coresta Units. The permeability of the wrapper can be measured in accordance with ISO 2965:2009 concerning the determination of air permeability for materials used as cigarette papers, filter plug wrap and filter joining paper.

The wrapper may be formed from a material with a high inherent level of permeability, an inherently porous material, or may be formed from a material with any level of inherent permeability where the final level of permeability is achieved by providing the wrapper with a permeable zone or area. Providing a permeable wrapper provides a route for air to enter the smoking article. The wrapper can be provided with a permeability such that the amount of air entering through the rod of aerosol generating material is relatively more than the amount of air entering the article through the ventilation area 8 in the mouth end section 2. An article having this arrangement may produce a more flavoursome aerosol which may be more satisfactory to the user.

The article has a ventilation level of about 75% of the aerosol drawn through the article. In alternative embodiments, the article can have a ventilation level of between 50% and 80% of aerosol drawn through the article, for instance between 65% and 75%.

Ventilation at these levels helps to slow down the flow of aerosol drawn through the mouth end section 2 and thereby enable the aerosol to cool sufficiently before it reaches the downstream end of the mouth end section 2. The ventilation is provided directly into the tubular element 4 of the article 1. The ventilation is provided via first and second parallel rows of perforations, in the present case formed as laser perforations.

In alternative embodiments, the ventilation can be provided at other locations, such as the hollow spacer element 11.

Alternatively, the ventilation can be provided via a single row of perforations, for instance laser perforations, into the portion of the article in which the hollow tubular element is located. This has been found to result in improved aerosol formation, which is thought to result from the airflow through the perforations being more uniform than with multiple rows of perforations, for a given ventilation level.

Aerosol temperature has been found to generally increase with a drop in the ventilation level. However the relationship between aerosol temperature and ventilation level does not appear to be linear, with variations in ventilation, for instance due to manufacturing tolerances, having less impact at lower target ventilation levels. For instance, with a ventilation tolerance of ±15%, for a target ventilation level of 75%, the aerosol temperature could increase by approximately 6°C at the lower ventilation limit (60% ventilation). However, with a target ventilation level of 60% the aerosol temperature may only increase by approximately 3-5°C at the lower vent limit (45% ventilation). The target ventilation level of the article can therefore be within the range 40% to 70%, for instance, 45% to 65%. The mean ventilation level of at least 20 articles can be between 40% and 70%, for instance between 45% and 70% or between 51% and 59%·

In the present example, the aerosol forming material added to the aerosol generating substrate 3 comprises 14% by weight of the aerosol generating substrate 3. Optionally, the aerosol forming material comprises at least 5% by weight of the aerosol generating substrate, more preferably at least 10%. Optionally, the aerosol forming material comprises less than 25% by weight of the aerosol generating substrate, more preferably less than 20%, for instance between 10% and 20%, between 12% and 18% or between 13% and 16%. Optionally the aerosol generating material 3 is provided as a cylindrical rod of aerosol generating material. Irrespective of the form of the aerosol generating material, it optionally has a length of about 10 mm to too mm. In some embodiments, the length of the aerosol generating material is optionally in the range about 25 mm to 50 mm, more preferably in the range about 30 mm to 45 mm, and still more preferably about 30 mm to 40 mm.

The volume of aerosol generating material 3 provided can vary from about 200 mm3 to about 4300 mm3, optionally from about 500 mm3 to 1500 mm3, more preferably from about 1000 mm3 to about 1300 mm3. The provision of these volumes of aerosol generating material, for instance from about 1000 mm3 to about 1300 mm3, has been advantageously shown to achieve a superior aerosol, having a greater visibility and sensory performance compared to that achieved with volumes selected from the lower end of the range.

The mass of aerosol generating material 3 provided can be greater than 200 mg, for instance from about 200 mg to 400 mg, optionally from about 230 mg to 360 mg, more preferably from about 250 mg to 360 mg. It has been advantageously found that providing a higher mass of aerosol generating material results in improved sensory performance compared to aerosol generated from a lower mass of tobacco material. Optionally the aerosol generating material or substrate is formed from tobacco material as described herein, which includes a tobacco component.

In the tobacco material described herein, the tobacco component optionally contains paper reconstituted tobacco. The tobacco component may also contain leaf tobacco, extruded tobacco, and/ or bandcast tobacco.

The aerosol generating material 3 can comprise reconstituted tobacco material having a density of less than about 700 milligrams per cubic centimetre (mg/cc). Such tobacco material has been found to be particularly effective at providing an aerosol generating material which can be heated quickly to release an aerosol, as compared to denser materials. For instance, the inventors tested the properties of various aerosol generating materials, such as bandcast reconstituted tobacco material and paper reconstituted tobacco material, when heated. It was found that, for each given aerosol generating material, there is a particular zero heat flow temperature below which net heat flow is endothermic, in other words more heat enters the material than leaves the material, and above which net heat flow is exothermic, in other words more heat leaves the material than enters the material, while heat is applied to the material. Materials having a density less than 700 mg/ cc had a lower zero heat flow temperature. Since a significant portion of the heat flow out of the material is via the formation of aerosol, having a lower zero heat flow temperature has a beneficial effect on the time it takes to first release aerosol from the aerosol generating material. For instance, aerosol generating materials having a density of less than 700 mg/cc were found to have a zero heat flow temperature of less than I64°C, as compared to materials with a density over 700 mg/ cc, which had zero heat flow temperatures greater than I64°C. The density of the aerosol generating material also has an impact on the speed at which heat conducts through the material, with lower densities, for instance those below 700 mg/ cc, conducting heat more slowly through the material, and therefore enabling a more sustained release of aerosol.

Optionally, the aerosol generating material 3 comprises reconstituted tobacco material having a density of less than about 700 mg/cc, for instance paper reconstituted tobacco material. More preferably, the aerosol generating material 3 comprises reconstituted tobacco material having a density of less than about 600 mg/cc. Alternatively or in addition, the aerosol generating material 3 optionally comprises reconstituted tobacco material having a density of at least 350 mg/cc, which is considered to allow for a sufficient amount of heat conduction through the material.

The tobacco material maybe provided in the form of cut rag tobacco. The cut rag tobacco can have a cut width of at least 15 cuts per inch (about 5.9 cuts per cm, equivalent to a cut width of about 1.7mm). Optionally, the cut rag tobacco has a cut width of at least 18 cuts per inch (about 7.1 cuts per cm, equivalent to a cut width of about 1.4mm), more preferably at least 20 cuts per inch (about 7.9 cuts per cm, equivalent to a cut width of about 1.27mm). In one example, the cut rag tobacco has a cut width of 22 cuts per inch (about 8.7 cuts per cm, equivalent to a cut width of about 1.15mm). Optionally, the cut rag tobacco has a cut width at or below 40 cuts per inch (about 15.7 cuts per cm, equivalent to a cut width of about 0.64mm). Cut widths between 0.5 mm and 2.0 mm, for instance between 0.6 mm and 1.5 mm, or between 0.6 mm and 1.7mm have been found to result in tobacco material which is preferably in terms of surface area to volume ratio, particularly when heated, and the overall density and pressure drop of the substrate 3. The cut rag tobacco can be formed from a mixture of forms of tobacco material, for instance a mixture of one or more of paper reconstituted tobacco, leaf tobacco, extruded tobacco and bandcast tobacco. Optionally the tobacco material comprises paper reconstituted tobacco or a mixture of paper reconstituted tobacco and leaf tobacco.

In the tobacco material described herein, the tobacco material may contain a filler component. The filler component is generally a non-tobacco component, that is, a component that does not include ingredients originating from tobacco. The filler component may be a non-tobacco fibre such as wood fibre or pulp or wheat fibre. The filler component may also be an inorganic material such as chalk, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulphate, magnesium carbonate. The filler component may also be a non-tobacco cast material or a non-tobacco extruded material. The filler component maybe present in an amount of o to 20% by weight of the tobacco material, or in an amount of from 1 to 10% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the filler component is absent.

In the tobacco material described herein, the tobacco material contains an aerosol forming material. In this context, an "aerosol forming material" is an agent that promotes the generation of an aerosol. An aerosol forming material may promote the generation of an aerosol by promoting an initial vaporisation and/ or the condensation of a gas to an inhalable solid and/or liquid aerosol. In some embodiments, an aerosol forming material may improve the delivery of flavour from the aerosol generating material. In general, any suitable aerosol forming material or agents may be included in the aerosol generating material of the invention, including those described herein. Other suitable aerosol forming materials include, but are not limited to: a polyol such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols like propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; a non-polyol such as monohydric alcohols, high boiling point hydrocarbons, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as diacetin, triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate or myristates including ethyl myristate and isopropyl myristate and aliphatic carboxylic acid esters such as methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming material may be glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol. Glycerol may be present in an amount of from to to 20 % by weight of the tobacco material, for example 13 to 16 % by weight of the composition, or about 14% or 15% by weight of the composition. Propylene glycol, if present, may be present in an amount of from 0.1 to 0.3% by weight of the composition.

The aerosol forming material may be included in any component, for example any tobacco component, of the tobacco material, and/ or in the filler component, if present. Alternatively or additionally the aerosol forming material may be added to the tobacco material separately. In either case, the total amount of the aerosol forming material in the tobacco material can be as defined herein.

The tobacco material can contain between 10% and 90% by weight tobacco leaf, wherein the aerosol forming material is provided in an amount of up to about 10% by weight of the leaf tobacco. To achieve an overall level of aerosol forming material between 10% and 20% by weight of the tobacco material, it has been advantageously found that this can be added in higher weight percentages to the another component of the tobacco material, such as reconstituted tobacco material. The tobacco material described herein contains nicotine. The nicotine content is from 0.5 to 1.75% by weight of the tobacco material, and maybe, for example, from 0.8 to 1.5% by weight of the tobacco material. Additionally or alternatively, the tobacco material contains between 10% and 90% by weight tobacco leaf having a nicotine content of greater than 1.5% by weight of the tobacco leaf. It has been advantageously found that using a tobacco leaf with nicotine content higher than 1.5% in combination with a lower nicotine base material, such as paper reconstituted tobacco, provides a tobacco material with an appropriate nicotine level but better sensory performance than the use of paper reconstituted tobacco alone. The tobacco leaf, for instance cut rag tobacco, can, for instance, have a nicotine content of between 1.5% and 5% by weight of the tobacco leaf.

The tobacco material described herein can contain an aerosol modifying agent, such as any of the flavours described herein. In one embodiment, the tobacco material contains menthol, forming a mentholated article. The tobacco material can comprise from 3mg to 20mg of menthol, optionally between 5mg and i8mg and more preferably between 8mg and i6mg of menthol. In the present example, the tobacco material comprises i6mg of menthol. The tobacco material can contain between 2% and 8% by weight of menthol, optionally between 3% and 7% by weight of menthol and more preferably between 4% and 5.5% by weight of menthol. In one embodiment, the tobacco material includes 4.7% by weight of menthol. Such high levels of menthol loading can be achieved using a high percentage of reconstituted tobacco material, for instance greater than 50% of the tobacco material by weight. Alternatively or additionally, the use of a high volume of aerosol generating material, for instance tobacco material, can increase the level of menthol loading that can be achieved, for instance where greater than about 500 mm3 or suitably more than about 1000 mm3 of aerosol generating material, such as tobacco material, are used.

In the compositions described herein, where amounts are given in % by weight, for the avoidance of doubt this refers to a dry weight basis, unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Thus, any water that may be present in the tobacco material, or in any component thereof, is entirely disregarded for the purposes of the determination of the weight %. The water content of the tobacco material described herein may vary and may be, for example, from 5 to 15% by weight. The water content of the tobacco material described herein may vary according to, for example, the temperature, pressure and humidity conditions at which the compositions are maintained. The water content can be determined by Karl-Fisher analysis, as known to those skilled in the art. On the other hand, for the avoidance of doubt, even when the aerosol forming material is a component that is in liquid phase, such as glycerol or propylene glycol, any component other than water is included in the weight of the tobacco material. However, when the aerosol forming material is provided in the tobacco component of the tobacco material, or in the filler component (if present) of the tobacco material, instead of or in addition to being added separately to the tobacco material, the aerosol forming material is not included in the weight of the tobacco component or filler component, but is included in the weight of the "aerosol forming material" in the weight % as defined herein. All other ingredients present in the tobacco component are included in the weight of the tobacco component, even if of non-tobacco origin (for example non tobacco fibres in the case of paper reconstituted tobacco).

In an embodiment, the tobacco material comprises the tobacco component as defined herein and the aerosol forming material as defined herein. In an embodiment, the tobacco material consists essentially of the tobacco component as defined herein and the aerosol forming material as defined herein. In an embodiment, the tobacco material consists of the tobacco component as defined herein and the aerosol forming material as defined herein. Paper reconstituted tobacco is present in the tobacco component of the tobacco material described herein in an amount of from 10% to 100% by weight of the tobacco component. In embodiments, the paper reconstituted tobacco is present in an amount of from 10% to 80% by weight, or 20% to 70% by weight, of the tobacco component. In a further embodiment, the tobacco component consists essentially of, or consists of, paper reconstituted tobacco. In preferred embodiments, leaf tobacco is present in the tobacco component of the tobacco material in an amount of from at least 10% by weight of the tobacco component. For instance, leaf tobacco can be present in an amount of at least 10% by weight of the tobacco component, while the remainder of the tobacco component comprises paper reconstituted tobacco, bandcast reconstituted tobacco, or a combination of bandcast reconstituted tobacco and another form of tobacco such as tobacco granules. Paper reconstituted tobacco refers to tobacco material formed by a process in which tobacco feedstock is extracted with a solvent to afford an extract of solubles and a residue comprising fibrous material, and then the extract (usually after concentration, and optionally after further processing) is recombined with fibrous material from the residue (usually after refining of the fibrous material, and optionally with the addition of a portion of non-tobacco fibres) by deposition of the extract onto the fibrous material. The process of recombination resembles the process for making paper. The paper reconstituted tobacco may be any type of paper reconstituted tobacco that is known in the art. In a particular embodiment, the paper reconstituted tobacco is made from a feedstock comprising one or more of tobacco strips, tobacco stems, and whole leaf tobacco. In a further embodiment, the paper reconstituted tobacco is made from a feedstock consisting of tobacco strips and/or whole leaf tobacco, and tobacco stems. However, in other embodiments, scraps, fines and winnowings can alternatively or additionally be employed in the feedstock.

The paper reconstituted tobacco for use in the tobacco material described herein may be prepared by methods which are known to those skilled in the art for preparing paper reconstituted tobacco.

A non-combustible aerosol provision device is used to heat the aerosol generating material 3 of the article 1 described herein. The non-combustible aerosol provision device optionally comprises a coil, since this has been found to enable improved heat transfer to the article 1 as compared to other arrangements.

In some examples, the coil is configured to, in use, cause heating of at least one electrically-conductive heating element, so that heat energy is conductible from the at least one electrically-conductive heating element to the aerosol generating material to thereby cause heating of the aerosol generating material.

In some examples, the coil is configured to generate, in use, a varying magnetic field for penetrating at least one heating element, to thereby cause induction heating and/ or magnetic hysteresis heating of the at least one heating element. In such an arrangement, the or each heating element may be termed a “susceptor” as defined herein. A coil that is configured to generate, in use, a varying magnetic field for penetrating at least one electrically-conductive heating element, to thereby cause induction heating of the at least one electrically-conductive heating element, may be termed an “induction coil” or “inductor coil”. The device may include the heating element(s), for example electrically-conductive heating element(s), and the heating element(s) may be suitably located or locatable relative to the coil to enable such heating of the heating element(s). The heating element(s) may be in a fixed position relative to the coil. Alternatively, the at least one heating element, for example at least one electrically-conductive heating element, may be included in the article 1 for insertion into a heating zone of the device, wherein the article 1 also comprises the aerosol generating material 3 and is removable from the heating zone after use. Alternatively, both the device and such an article 1 may comprise at least one respective heating element, for example at least one electrically- conductive heating element, and the coil may be to cause heating of the heating element(s) of each of the device and the article when the article is in the heating zone.

In some examples, the coil is helical. In some examples, the coil encircles at least a part of a heating zone of the device that is configured to receive aerosol generating material. In some examples, the coil is a helical coil that encircles at least a part of the heating zone.

In some examples, the device comprises an electrically-conductive heating element that at least partially surrounds the heating zone, and the coil is a helical coil that encircles at least a part of the electrically-conductive heating element. In some examples, the electrically-conductive heating element is tubular. In some examples, the coil is an inductor coil.

In some examples, the use of a coil enables the non-combustible aerosol provision device to reach operational temperature more quickly than a non-coil aerosol provision device. For instance, the non-combustible aerosol provision device including a coil as described above can reach an operational temperature such that a first puff can be provided in less than 30 seconds from initiation of a device heating program, more optionally in less than 25 seconds. In some examples, the device can reach an operational temperature in about 20 seconds from the initiation of a device heating program. The use of a coil as described herein in the device to cause heating of the aerosol generating material has been found to enhance the aerosol which is produced. For instance, consumers have reported that the aerosol generated by a device including a coil such as that described herein is sensorially closer to that generated in factory made cigarette (FMC) products than the aerosol produced by other non-combustible aerosol provision systems. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is hypothesised that this is the result of the reduced time to reach the required heating temperature when the coil is used, the higher heating temperatures achievable when the coil is used and/or the fact that the coil enables such systems to simultaneously heat a relatively large volume of aerosol generating material, resulting in aerosol temperatures resembling FMC aerosol temperatures. In FMC products, the burning coal generates a hot aerosol which heats tobacco in the tobacco rod behind the coal, as the aerosol is drawn through the rod. This hot aerosol is understood to release flavour compounds from tobacco in the rod behind the burning coal. A device including a coil as described herein is thought to also be capable of heating aerosol generating material, such as tobacco material described herein, to release flavour compounds, resulting in an aerosol which has been reported to more closely resemble an FMC aerosol. Particular improvements in aerosol can be achieved through the use of a device including a coil to heat an article comprising a rod of aerosol generating material having a circumference greater than 19mm, for instance a circumference between about 19 mm and about 23 mm.

Using an aerosol provision system including a coil as described herein, for instance an induction coil which heats at least some of the aerosol generating material to at least 200°C, more preferably at least 220°C, can enable the generation of an aerosol from an aerosol generating material that has particular characteristics which are thought to more closely resemble those of an FMC product. For example, when heating an aerosol generating material, including nicotine, using an induction heater, heated to at least 250°C, for a two-second period, under an airflow of at least i.50L/m during the period, one or more of the following characteristics has been observed: at least 10 pg of nicotine is aerosolised from the aerosol generating material; the weight ratio in the generated aerosol, of aerosol forming material to nicotine is at least about 2.5:1, suitably at least 8.5:1; at least 100 pg of the aerosol forming material can be aerosolised from the aerosol generating material; the mean particle or droplet size in the generated aerosol is less than about

1000 nm; and

Claims

the aerosol density is at least o.i pg/cc. In some cases, at least to pg of nicotine, suitably at least 30 pg or 40 pg of nicotine, is aerosolised from the aerosol generating material under an airflow of at least i.50L/m during the period. In some cases, less than about 200 pg, suitably less than about 150 pg or less than about 125 pg, of nicotine is aerosolised from the aerosol generating material under an airflow of at least i.50L/m during the period. In some cases, the aerosol contains at least too pg of the aerosol forming material, suitably at least 200 pg, 500 pg or 1 mg of aerosol forming material is aerosolised from the aerosol generating material under an airflow of at least i.50L/m during the period. Suitably, the aerosol forming material may comprise or consist of glycerol. As defined herein, the term “mean particle or droplet size” refers to the mean size of the solid or liquid components of an aerosol (i.e. the components suspended in a gas). Where the aerosol contains suspended liquid droplets and suspended solid particles, the term refers to the mean size of all components together. In some cases, the mean particle or droplet size in the generated aerosol may be less than about 900 nm, 800 nm, 700, nm 600 nm, 500nm, 450nm or 400 nm. In some cases, the mean particle or droplet size may be more than about 25 nm, 50 nm or loonm. In some cases, the aerosol density generated during the period is at least 0.1 pg/cc. In some cases, the aerosol density is at least 0.2 pg/cc, 0.3 pg/cc or 0.4 pg/cc. In some cases, the aerosol density is less than about 2.5 pg/cc, 2.0 pg/cc, 1.5 pg/cc or 1.0 pg/cc. The non-combustible aerosol provision device is optionally arranged to heat the aerosol generating material 3 of the article 1, to a maximum temperature of at least i6o°C. Optionally, the non-combustible aerosol provision device is arranged to heat the aerosol forming material 3 of the article 1, to a maximum temperature of at least about 200°C, or at least about 220°C, or at least about 240°C, more preferably at least about 270°C, at least once during the heating process followed by the non-combustible aerosol provision device. Using an aerosol provision system including a coil as described herein, for instance an induction coil which heats at least some of the aerosol generating material to at least 200°C, more preferably at least 220°C, can enable the generation of an aerosol from an aerosol generating material in an article 1 as described herein that has a higher temperature as the aerosol leaves the mouth end of the mouth end section 2 than previous devices, contributing to the generation of an aerosol which is considered closer to an FMC product. For instance, the maximum aerosol temperature measured at the mouth-end of the article 1 can optionally be greater than 50°C, more preferably greater than 55°C and still more preferably greater than 50°C or 57°C. Additionally or alternatively, the maximum aerosol temperature measured at the mouth-end of the article 1 can be less than 62°C, more preferably less than 6o°C and more preferably less than 59°C. In some embodiments, the maximum aerosol temperature measured at the mouth-end of the article 1 can optionally be between 50°C and 62°C, more preferably between 50°C and 6o°C. Figure 5 shows an example of a non-combustible aerosol provision device too for generating aerosol from an aerosol generating medium/material such as the aerosol generating material 3 of the article 1 described herein. In broad outline, the device too maybe used to heat a replaceable article 110 comprising the aerosol generating medium, for instance the article 1 described herein, to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium which is inhaled by a user of the device too. The device too and replaceable article 110 together form a system. The device too comprises a housing 102 (in the form of an outer cover) which surrounds and houses various components of the device too. The device too has an opening 104 in one end, through which the article 110 maybe inserted for heating by a heating assembly. In use, the article 110 may be fully or partially inserted into the heating assembly where it may be heated by one or more components of the heater assembly. The device too of this example comprises a first end member 106 which comprises a lid 108 which is moveable relative to the first end member 106 to close the opening 104 when no article 110 is in place. In Figure 5, the lid 108 is shown in an open configuration, however the lid 108 may move into a closed configuration. For example, a user may cause the lid 108 to slide in the direction of arrow “B”. The device 100 may also include a user-operable control element 112, such as a button or switch, which operates the device too when pressed. For example, a user may turn on the device too by operating the switch 112. The device too may also comprise an electrical component, such as a socket/port 114, which can receive a cable to charge a battery of the device too. For example, the socket 114 maybe a charging port, such as a USB charging port. Figure 6 depicts the device too of Figure 5 with the outer cover 102 removed and without an article 110 present. The device too defines a longitudinal axis 134. As shown in Figure 6, the first end member 106 is arranged at one end of the device too and a second end member 116 is arranged at an opposite end of the device too. The first and second end members 106, 116 together at least partially define end surfaces of the device too. For example, the bottom surface of the second end member 116 at least partially defines a bottom surface of the device too. Edges of the outer cover 102 may also define a portion of the end surfaces. In this example, the lid 108 also defines a portion of a top surface of the device too. The end of the device closest to the opening 104 may be known as the proximal end (or mouth end) of the device too because, in use, it is closest to the mouth of the user. In use, a user inserts an article 110 into the opening 104, operates the user control 112 to begin heating the aerosol generating material and draws on the aerosol generated in the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device too along a flow path towards the proximal end of the device too. The other end of the device furthest away from the opening 104 may be known as the distal end of the device too because, in use, it is the end furthest away from the mouth of the user. As a user draws on the aerosol generated in the device, the aerosol flows away from the distal end of the device too. The device too further comprises a power source 118. The power source 118 maybe, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, a lithium battery (such as a lithium-ion battery), a nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), and an alkaline battery. The battery is electrically coupled to the heating assembly to supply electrical power when required and under control of a controller (not shown) to heat the aerosol generating material. In this example, the battery is connected to a central support 120 which holds the battery 118 in place. The device further comprises at least one electronics module 122. The electronics module 122 may comprise, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB 122 may support at least one controller, such as a processor, and memory. The PCB 122 may also comprise one or more electrical tracks to electrically connect together various electronic components of the device 100. For example, the battery terminals maybe electrically connected to the PCB 122 so that power can be distributed throughout the device 100. The socket 114 may also be electrically coupled to the battery via the electrical tracks. In the example device too, the heating assembly is an inductive heating assembly and comprises various components to heat the aerosol generating material of the article 110 via an inductive heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conducting object (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. An induction heating assembly may comprise an inductive element, for example, one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a varying electric current, such as an alternating electric current, through the inductive element. The varying electric current in the inductive element produces a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates a susceptor suitably positioned with respect to the inductive element, and generates eddy currents inside the susceptor. The susceptor has electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and hence the flow of the eddy currents against this resistance causes the susceptor to be heated by Joule heating. In cases where the susceptor comprises ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt, heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e. by the varying orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material as a result of their alignment with the varying magnetic field. In inductive heating, as compared to heating by conduction for example, heat is generated inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating. Further, there need not be any physical contact between the inductive heater and the susceptor, allowing for enhanced freedom in construction and application. The induction heating assembly of the example device too comprises a susceptor arrangement 132 (herein referred to as “a susceptor”), a first inductor coil 124 and a second inductor coil 126. The first and second inductor coils 124, 126 are made from an electrically conducting material. In this example, the first and second inductor coils 124, 126 are made from Litz wire/cable which is wound in a helical fashion to provide helical inductor coils 124, 126. Litz wire comprises a plurality of individual wires which are individually insulated and are twisted together to form a single wire. Litz wires are designed to reduce the skin effect losses in a conductor. In the example device too, the first and second inductor coils 124, 126 are made from copper Litz wire which has a rectangular cross section. In other examples the Litz wire can have other shape cross sections, such as circular. The first inductor coil 124 is configured to generate a first varying magnetic field for heating a first section of the susceptor 132 and the second inductor coil 126 is configured to generate a second varying magnetic field for heating a second section of the susceptor 132. In this example, the first inductor coil 124 is adjacent to the second inductor coil 126 in a direction along the longitudinal axis 134 of the device too (that is, the first and second inductor coils 124, 126 to not overlap). The susceptor arrangement 132 may comprise a single susceptor, or two or more separate susceptors. Ends 130 of the first and second inductor coils 124, 126 can be connected to the PCB 122. It will be appreciated that the first and second inductor coils 124, 126, in some examples, may have at least one characteristic different from each other. For example, the first inductor coil 124 may have at least one characteristic different from the second inductor coil 126. More specifically, in one example, the first inductor coil 124 may have a different value of inductance than the second inductor coil 126. In Figure 6, the first and second inductor coils 124, 126 are of different lengths such that the first inductor coil 124 is wound over a smaller section of the susceptor 132 than the second inductor coil 126. Thus, the first inductor coil 124 may comprise a different number of turns than the second inductor coil 126 (assuming that the spacing between individual turns is substantially the same). In yet another example, the first inductor coil 124 may be made from a different material to the second inductor coil 126. In some examples, the first and second inductor coils 124, 126 may be substantially identical. In this example, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 are wound in opposite directions. This can be useful when the inductor coils are active at different times. For example, initially, the first inductor coil 124 may be operating to heat a first section/portion of the article 110, and at a later time, the second inductor coil 126 may be operating to heat a second section/portion of the article 110. Winding the coils in opposite directions helps reduce the current induced in the inactive coil when used in conjunction with a particular type of control circuit. In Figure 6, the first inductor coil 124 is a right-hand helix and the second inductor coil 126 is a left-hand helix. However, in another embodiment, the inductor coils 124, 126 may be wound in the same direction, or the first inductor coil 124 may be a left-hand helix and the second inductor coil 126 may be a right-hand helix. The susceptor 132 of this example is hollow and therefore defines a receptacle within which aerosol generating material is received. For example, the article 110 can be inserted into the susceptor 132. In this example the susceptor 120 is tubular, with a circular cross section. The susceptor 132 maybe made from one or more materials. Optionally the susceptor 132 comprises carbon steel having a coating of Nickel or Cobalt. In some examples, the susceptor 132 may comprise at least two materials capable of being heated at two different frequencies for selective aerosolisation of the at least two materials. For example, a first section of the susceptor 132 (which is heated by the first inductor coil 124) may comprise a first material, and a second section of the susceptor 132 which is heated by the second inductor coil 126 may comprise a second, different material. In another example, the first section may comprise first and second materials, where the first and second materials can be heated differently based upon operation of the first inductor coil 124. The first and second materials maybe adjacent along an axis defined by the susceptor 132, or may form different layers within the susceptor 132. Similarly, the second section may comprise third and fourth materials, where the third and fourth materials can be heated differently based upon operation of the second inductor coil 126. The third and fourth materials maybe adjacent along an axis defined by the susceptor 132, or may form different layers within the susceptor 132. Third material may the same as the first material, and the fourth material may be the same as the second material, for example. Alternatively, each of the materials may be different. The susceptor may comprise carbon steel or aluminium for example. The device too of Figure 6 further comprises an insulating member 128 which may be generally tubular and at least partially surround the susceptor 132. The insulating member 128 may be constructed from any insulating material, such as plastic for example. In this particular example, the insulating member is constructed from polyether ether ketone (PEEK). The insulating member 128 may help insulate the various components of the device too from the heat generated in the susceptor 132. The insulating member 128 can also fully or partially support the first and second inductor coils 124, 126. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the first and second inductor coils 124, 126 are positioned around the insulating member 128 and are in contact with a radially outward surface of the insulating member 128. In some examples the insulating member 128 does not abut the first and second inductor coils 124, 126. For example, a small gap may be present between the outer surface of the insulating member 128 and the inner surface of the first and second inductor coils 124, 126. In a specific example, the susceptor 132, the insulating member 128, and the first and second inductor coils 124, 126 are coaxial around a central longitudinal axis of the susceptor 132. Figure 7 shows a side view of device too in partial cross-section. The outer cover 102 is present in this example. The rectangular cross-sectional shape of the first and second inductor coils 124, 126 is more clearly visible. The device too further comprises a support 136 which engages one end of the susceptor 132 to hold the susceptor 132 in place. The support 136 is connected to the second end member 116. The device may also comprise a second printed circuit board 138 associated within the control element 112. The device too further comprises a second lid/cap 140 and a spring 142, arranged towards the distal end of the device too. The spring 142 allows the second lid 140 to be opened, to provide access to the susceptor 132. A user may open the second lid 140 to clean the susceptor 132 and/or the support 136. The device too further comprises an expansion chamber 144 which extends away from a proximal end of the susceptor 132 towards the opening 104 of the device. Located at least partially within the expansion chamber 144 is a retention clip 146 to abut and hold the article 110 when received within the device 100. The expansion chamber 144 is connected to the end member 106. Figure 8 is an exploded view of the device 100 of Figure 7, with the outer cover 102 omitted. Figure 9A depicts a cross section of a portion of the device 100 of Figure 7. Figure 9B depicts a close-up of a region of Figure 9A. Figures 9A and 9B show the article 110 received within the susceptor 132, where the article 110 is dimensioned so that the outer surface of the article 110 abuts the inner surface of the susceptor 132. This ensures that the heating is most efficient. The article 110 of this example comprises aerosol generating material 110a. The aerosol generating material 110a is positioned within the susceptor 132. The article 110 may also comprise other components such as a filter, wrapping materials and/ or a cooling structure. Figure 9B shows that the outer surface of the susceptor 132 is spaced apart from the inner surface of the inductor coils 124, 126 by a distance 150, measured in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132. In one particular example, the distance 150 is about 3mm to 4mm, about 3-3-5mm, or about 3.25mm. Figure 9B further shows that the outer surface of the insulating member 128 is spaced apart from the inner surface of the inductor coils 124, 126 by a distance 152, measured in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132. In one particular example, the distance 152 is about 0.05mm. In another example, the distance 152 is substantially omm, such that the inductor coils 124, 126 abut and touch the insulating member 128. In one example, the susceptor 132 has a wall thickness 154 of about 0.025mm to imm, or about 0.05mm. In one example, the susceptor 132 has a length of about 40mm to 60mm, about 40mm to 45mm, or about 44.5mm. In one example, the insulating member 128 has a wall thickness 156 of about 0.25mm to 2mm, 0.25mm to imm, or about 0.5mm. In use, the article 1 described herein can be inserted into a non-combustible aerosol provision device such as the device too described with reference to Figures 5 to 8. At least a portion of the mouth end section 2 of the article 1 protrudes from the non combustible aerosol provision device too and can be placed into a user’s mouth. An aerosol is produced by heating the aerosol generating material 3 using the device too. The aerosol produced by the aerosol generating material 3 passes through the mouth end section 2 to the user’s mouth. When the article 1 is inserted into the device too, the minimum distance between the one or more components of the heater assembly and a tubular element of the article 1 may be in the range 3 mm to 10 mm, for example 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm or 10 mm. In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol provision system is provided comprising an aerosol modifying component and a heater which, in use, is operable to heat the aerosol generating material such that the aerosol generating material provides an aerosol. The aerosol modifying component comprises at least one capsule, for instance first and second capsules. The first capsule is disposed in a first portion of the aerosol modifying component and the second capsule is disposed in a second portion of the aerosol modifying component downstream of the first portion. The first portion of the aerosol modifying component is heated to a first temperature during operation of the heater to generate the aerosol and the second portion is heated to a second temperature during operation of the heater to generate aerosol, wherein the second temperature is at least 4 degrees Celsius lower than the first temperature. Optionally, the second temperature is at least 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 degrees Celsius lower than the first temperature. Figure 10 illustrates a method of manufacturing an article 1 for use in a delivery system. Specifically, Figure 10 illustrates the method of manufacturing the article 1 described in relation to Figures 1 and 2. The method comprises a first step Si of providing an aerosol generating material and a mouth end section. A second step S2 comprises positioning a tubular element, having a longitudinal axis, an inner wall and a ventilation area through which air is drawn into the tubular element, between the aerosol generating material and the mouth end section. A third step S3 comprises positioning a component, having an outer surface, in the tubular element that is configured to define a flow path between the component and said inner wall so that ventilation air enters the flow path through the ventilation area to mix with the aerosol which is flowing along the flow path, before the mixture flows into said mouth end section. Finally, the to form the article 1 depicted in Figure 2, the method may comprise an optional step S4 which comprises positioning a filtration section between the tubular element and mouth end section. Figure 11 illustrates a method of manufacturing another article for use in a delivery system. Specifically, Figure 11 illustrates a method of manufacturing the article 1 described in relation to Figure 3. The method comprises a first step Si of providing an aerosol generating material, a mouth end section, and a hollow spacer element. The method comprises a second step S2 of positioning a tubular element, having a longitudinal axis and an inner wall, between the aerosol generating material and the hollow spacer element. The method further comprises a third step S3 comprising positioning a component, having an outer surface, in the tubular element that is configured to define a flow path between the component and said inner wall so that ventilation air enters the hollow spacer element and mixes with the aerosol which flowed along the flow path, before flowing into said mouth end section. The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future. Claims

1. An article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, the article comprising: an aerosol generating material, a mouth end section, a tubular element, having a longitudinal axis, located between the aerosol generating material and the mouth end section, the tubular element comprising an inner wall, and a ventilation area in the tubular element through which air is drawn into the tubular element, wherein a component is received in the tubular element, the component having an outer surface and being configured so that aerosol flow through the tubular element is diverted into a flow path formed between the outer surface of the component and said inner wall of the tubular element, and wherein the ventilation area is configured such that ventilation air enters the flow path through the ventilation area to mix with the aerosol which is flowing along the flow path, before flowing into said mouth end section.

2. An article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, the article comprising: an aerosol generating material, a mouth end section, a spacer element, a tubular element, having a longitudinal axis, located between the aerosol generating material and the spacer element, the tubular element comprising an inner wall, wherein a component is received in the tubular element, the component having an outer surface and being configured so that aerosol flow through the tubular element is diverted into a flow path formed between the outer surface of the component and said inner wall of the tubular element, and a ventilation area in the spacer element through which air is drawn into the spacer element, wherein the ventilation area is configured such that ventilation air enters the spacer element and mixes with the aerosol which flowed along the flow path, before flowing into said mouth end section.

3. An article according to claim 2, wherein the spacer element is hollow.

4. An article according to claim 1, wherein the ventilation area is configured such that ventilation air passes directly into the flow path along which the aerosol is flowing.

5. An article according to claims 1 or 4, wherein the aerosol flows in an axial direction along the tubular element, and wherein the ventilation area is configured such that ventilation air entering the flow path through the ventilation area flows towards the aerosol flowing along the flow path at an angle to said longitudinal axis of the tubular element.

6. An article according to claim 5, wherein the ventilation area is configured such that ventilation air entering the flow path through the ventilation area flows towards the aerosol flowing along the flow path substantially at right angles to said longitudinal axis of the tubular element.

7. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the component is shaped and positioned within the tubular element so that the flow path extends between the outer surface of said component and the inner wall of the tubular element.

8. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the component is cylindrical and has a longitudinal axis.

9. An article according to claim 8, wherein the component is positioned in the tubular element such that its longitudinal axis is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the tubular element.

10. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein a pocket or depression is formed in said outer surface of the component to form at least a portion of the flow path.

11. An article according to claim 10, wherein said pocket or depression extends in an axial direction along the length of the component.

12. An article according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said pocket or depression is linear.

13. An article according to claim 10 or 11, wherein at least a part of the pocket or depression extends circumferentially about the component as it extends in said axial direction along the component.

14. An article according to any of claims 10 to 11, comprising a plurality of pockets or depressions formed in said outer surface of the component.

15. An article according to claim 14, wherein each pocket or depression is circumferentially spaced from its adjacent pocket or depression.

16. An article according to any of claims 4 to 15, when dependent on claim 1, wherein the ventilation area comprises a series of ventilation openings spaced from each other and extending about the circumference of the tubular element.

17. An article according to any of claims 7 to 15, when dependent on claim 2, wherein the ventilation area comprises a series of ventilation openings spaced from each other and extending about the circumference of the hollow spacer element.

18. An article according to claim 15, when dependent on any of claims 9 to 16, wherein each ventilation opening is aligned with a corresponding pocket or depression in the component.

19. An article according to claims 4 to 16 or 18, when dependent on claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the component is spaced from the inner wall of the tubular element.

20. An article according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein a portion of the outer surface of the component is in contact with the inner wall of the tubular element.

21. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the component is longitudinally spaced from the aerosol generating material.

22. An article according to claims 7 to 15, 17, 18, 20 or 21, when dependent on claim 3, wherein the hollow spacer element comprises a paper tube.

23. An article according to any of claims 4 to 16 or 18 to 21, when dependent on claim 1, comprising a filtration section between the tubular element and the mouth end section.

24. An article according to claim 23, wherein the component extends into the tubular element from the filtration section.

25. An article according to claim 24, wherein the component is integrally formed with the filtration section.

26. An article according to claim 25, wherein the component and the filtration section are formed from the same material.

27. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the component is air permeable.

28. An article according to claim 23, wherein the filtration section and the component comprises filamentary tow.

29. An article according to claim 28, wherein the filamentary tow comprises cellulose acetate.

30. An article according to any of claims 1 to 25, wherein the component is impermeable.

31. A method for manufacturing an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, the method comprising: providing an aerosol generating material and a mouth end section, positioning a tubular element, having a longitudinal axis, an inner wall and a ventilation area through which air is drawn into the tubular element, between the aerosol generating material and the mouth end section, and positioning a component, having an outer surface, in the tubular element that is configured to define a flow path between the component and said inner wall so that ventilation air enters the flow path through the ventilation area to mix with the aerosol which is flowing along the flow path, before flowing into said mouth end section.

32. A method for manufacturing an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, the method comprising: providing an aerosol generating material, a mouth end section, and a spacer element, positioning a tubular element, having a longitudinal axis and an inner wall, between the aerosol generating material and the spacer element, and positioning a component, having an outer surface, in the tubular element that is configured to define a flow path between the component and said inner wall so that ventilation air enters the spacer element and mixes with the aerosol which flowed along the flow path, before flowing into said mouth end section.

33. A system comprising; a non-combustible aerosol provision device; and an article according to any of claims 1 to 29.