WO2023161258A1

WO2023161258A1 - Long lasting flavour delivery for heated tobacco products

Info

Publication number: WO2023161258A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/054386
Authority: WO
Inventors: Oswaldo PEREZ; Cecile Sinkinson
Original assignee: Jt International Sa
Priority date: 2022-02-23
Filing date: 2023-02-22
Publication date: 2023-08-31
Also published as: US20250176612A1; KR20240144921A; EP4482336A1; JP2025505825A

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating article comprising: - an aerosol substance containing portion; - at least a filter being spaced from the aerosol substance containing portion by a tubular or spacing element; - at least a first flavour element comprising a first temperature sensitive carrier contain-ing a first flavour; - at least a second flavour element comprising a second temperature sensitive carrier containing a second flavour, wherein the first flavour carrier is configured to start the release of the first flavour after a first time period upon heating the aerosol generating article during a vaping session and the second flavour carrier is configured to start release the second flavour after a second time period upon heating the aerosol generating article during the same vaping session and wherein the second time period is delayed from the first time period. The invention relates also to a method for forming aerosol in a vaping session with an aerosol generating article which comprises at least a first and a second flavour element.

Description

LONG LASTING FLAVOUR DELIVERY FOR HEATED TOBACCO PRODUCTS

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating article comprising at least a first and a second flavour element for long lasting flavour delivery, wherein the first and the second favour element each comprise temperature sensitive carrier containing flavour. The invention also relates to a method for forming aerosol in a vaping session with such an aerosol generating article comprising at least a first and a second flavour element.

The taste of the usual vaping articles which contain smokable substances, such as tobacco, can be modified by flavourings as additives which enhance the aerosol during the vaping session. This is achievable by various flavoring devices for enhancing the taste of the vaping articles. A vaping session is usually limited by a maximum number puffs possible, such as 15 to 20 puffs by session. However, there is a risk that the flavour quality and intensity of the aerosol decays over time of the vaping session. The flavour intensity of the last puffs may be significantly lower than the one of the first puffs.

The flavour release is also usually monotonous and substantially the same flavour is released during the vaping session. A change of flavour during the vaping session, for example from an original flavour (e.g., menthol) to a secondary flavour (e.g., citrus), is usually not perceivable.

It is therefore the objective of the invention to provide an aerosol generating article which enables enriching the aerosol with flavourings during the whole vaping session while controlling the flavour intensity of the aerosol flavour and/or allowing a perceivable change of the released flavour during the session. Furthermore, the objective of the invention is also to provide a method for forming aerosol with the mentioned aerosol generating article.

The above-mentioned requirement is met by the object of claim 1 . Preferred embodiments are objects of the dependent claims.

According to the invention, an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol substance containing portion; at least a filter being spaced from the aerosol substance containing portion by a tubular or spacing element; at least a first flavour element comprising a first temperature sensitive carrier containing a first flavour; at least a second flavour element comprising a second temperature sensitive carrier containing a second flavour, wherein the first flavour carrier is configured to start the release of the first flavour after a first time period upon heating the aerosol generating article during a vaping session and the second flavour carrier is configured to start release the second flavour after a second time period upon heating the aerosol generating article during the same vaping session.

According to the invention, the second time period is delayed from the first time period.

For example, the vaping session may be allocated a total time of, e.g., about 180 seconds and/or a number of maximum puffs, e.g. 14 puffs, from the heating is started to the heating is stopped and a session is terminated. For example, the first time period may be set to fall within a half of the allocated time, withing a time comprised between 0 and 90 seconds of the vaping session or an equivalent time based on a determined number of counted puffs. For example, the first time period after which the first flavour is released may be e.g., 2, 5 or 10 seconds. The release of the flavour may last a certain release time period, for example e.g., about 88, 85 or 80 seconds during which the users enjoys the vapour flavoured with the first flavour. Preferably, the aerosol is enriched with an original flavour, e.g. original tobacco flavour before the first time period. The second time period may be set to fall after the first favour starts being released and shortly before the release of the first flavour stops or fades away. For example, the second time period may be 50, 60 or 80 seconds or another time equivalent based on determined number of counted puffs. In this example, the time delay between the first time period of the vaping session and the second time period of the same vaping session may vary between 10 and 100 seconds. Therefore, the delay enables to extend the overall time flavour is released during the session. The delay also enables to provide a distinct release of the first and second flavours. The delay may be chosen so that an overlap of the first flavour and second flavour is obtained thereby avoiding a sudden drop of flavour.

The aerosol generating article of the present invention relates to articles for use with an apparatus for heating smokable material to produce aerosol. Examples of such products are so-called “heat not burn” articles, also known as tobacco heating products or tobacco heating apparatus, which release compounds by heating, but not burning, material. Preferably, the said aerosol generating article comprises a heatable portion which may contain a substance for generating aerosol. Furthermore, the aerosol substance containing portion of the aerosol generating article is preferably heatable by an electrical vaping device. The portion can be heated by an external heater (e.g., oven) or a heater inserted or embedded in the substance (e.g., resistive blade or inductive heating element or material). Preferably, the heatable portion comprises tobacco substrates such as tobacco lamina, reconstituted tobacco (or processed tobacco mixture) or other heatable products, which comprise nicotine. In the following, the aerosol substance containing portion is referred to as the heatable portion for simplicity's purposes.

The aerosol generating article preferably further comprises a filter portion which comprises at least one filter segment. The filter portion may be divided into at least two segments. Preferably a first segment of the filter portion comprises a fibrous material such as cellulose acetate or paper fibres. Additional segments may comprise filtering granulate such as charcoal granules or a tubular filter segment or a tubular mouth end segment. The segments of the filter portion are preferably attached to each other and may be fixed with a common wrapper. It is also conceivable that each segment of the filter portion is surrounded by its own wrapping and/or the common wrapper.

Preferably, the heatable portion and the filter portion of the aerosol generating article are spaced apart with at least one spacing element and/or tubular element. The spacing and/or tubular element may comprise a cavity to ensure cooling of the generated aerosol as it flows along the article from the heated portion to the filter portion and into a mouth of a consumer. The cavity may be completely empty or at least partially filled with a heat transfer structure such as polylactic acid non-woven mat and the like. Preferably the spacing and/or tubular element is formed of a wrapping, wherein the wrapping connects the heatable portion and the filter portion of the article. Alternatively or additionally, the spacing and/or tubular element may be formed of a paper tube to ensure a resistance to compressibility and/or buckling of the aerosol generating article.

During a vaping session, the heatable portion of the aerosol generating article comprises a higher temperature range and the filter portion of the article comprises a lower temperature range. Thus, a relatively large gradient of the temperature develops along the article. It is possible that the heatable portion of the article may comprise temperatures varying in a range of 320°C and 230°C. The temperature at the position of the flavour elements in the heatable portion will vary in relation to the distance with the heating element. The temperature cycle may cause variations of the temperature in the heatable portion in particular during temperature ramp up, controlled increase or reduction of temperatures during the session. Moreover, the filter portion of the article might comprise temperatures varying in a range of 60°C and 30°C.

The temperature will also vary in the tubular or spacing element. The tubular or spacing element may also comprise a ventilation area allowing air inside the element. The ventilation area may be provided by multiple perforations (e.g., laser perforations). In particular, the ventilation area may be located at a distance of 18 to 28 mm from the mouth end of the article and/or 2 to 10 mm from a downstream end of the tubular or spacing element. Upstream the ventilation area, the aerosol temperature may be significantly higher than at and downstream the ventilation area. Therefore the temperature gradient along the aerosol generating article can essentially be used to control the release of the flavour in the aerosol generating article and so extend the flavour delivery and/or modulate the flavour taste perceived by the consumer.

The aerosol generating article preferably comprises at least a first flavour element comprising a first temperature sensitive carrier containing a first flavour. Also preferably, the aerosol generating article comprises at least a second flavour element comprising a second temperature sensitive carrier containing a second flavour. The first and second flavour element are contained in the same or different portions of the aerosol generating article. It is conceivable that the first and/or the second flavour element is comprised in the heatable portion of the article preferably being surround by the substance for generating aerosol. Alternatively or additionally the first and/or second flavour element may be comprised in the filter portion of the article preferably in at least one part of the filter portion. Alternatively or additionally, the spacing or tubular element may comprise the first and/or second flavour element, wherein the first and/or second flavour element may be a part of the spacing or tubular portion of the article. In a possible mode, the first flavour element is contained in the heatable portion and the second flavour element is contained in the spacing or tubular portion or in the filter of the article.

Such an aerosol generating article is suitable for long lasting flavour delivery during one vaping session, wherein at least the first and/or the second flavour element discharges flavouring molecules of the first and/or second flavour out of the first and/or second temperature sensitive carrier. The released flavouring molecules preferably enrich the generated aerosol with specific fragrance, flavour and/or taste properties. Thus, the first flavour carrier is configured to start release of the first flavour, preferably first kind flavouring molecules, after a first period of time upon heating the aerosol generating article, especially the heatable portion of the article. Furthermore, the second flavour carrier is configured to start release of the second flavour, preferably second kind flavouring molecules, after a second period of time upon heating the aerosol generating article during the same vaping session.

Due to the fact, that the first time period and the second time period preferably are delayed to each other, the flavour release in general may be extended over a longer period than if the first flavour and second flavour were released after a same period of time. It is possible that the first flavour carrier starts to release the first flavour after the predefined first time period and the second flavour carrier starts to release the second flavour during the predefined second time period; the second period of time being predetermined to start before the release (i.e. released concentration) of the first flavour starts declining or at least before the release of the first flavour is exhausted. As a result, there is no or reduced perception of a lack of flavour during the vaping session. The exhaustion of the first and/or second flavour might occur after 20 seconds, preferably 90 seconds, also preferably 120 seconds. Preferably, before the first flavour is exhausted, the second flavour carrier starts the release of the second flavour, so that there is no time gap between the first time period and the second time period. Thus, preferably the release of the first and second flavours overlaps in time and provides a continuous overall delivery of flavour for the whole vaping session with a less noticeable flavour transition, such as a drop in taste saturation.

It is conceivable that the aerosol generating article comprises more than two flavour elements, preferably three or four flavour elements, wherein each of the flavour elements comprises a flavour carrier. Preferably each flavour carrier comprises releasable flavour, preferably flavouring molecules. For example, the aerosol generating article with three flavour elements might provide an enhanced long lasting flavour delivery by releasing the flavours one after another from the carriers upon heating the article. Therefore, the third flavour carrier might be configured to start the release of the third flavour upon heating the aerosol generating article during the same vaping session as the release of the first and/or the second flavour.

The flavour contained in different flavour carriers might be in alignment with the original flavour of the aerosol generating article and/or might comprise another, secondary flavour. Due to this, it is possible to enrich, modulate or produce the generated aerosol and/or create a combined flavour with a different flavour nuance.

In one example, the first flavour and the second flavour contain the same flavour molecules. As a result, a sustained release of the same flavour can be controlled over the full vaping session while decreasing the risk of perceivable loss of flavour intensity. The first flavour may be dosed in the first element differently than the second flavour in the second element. As a result, the second flavour may create a boost of flavour that overlaps with the release of the first flavour when it is released. As the user becomes accustomed with the flavour, the boost of flavour from the second element can maintain a satisfying perception of intensity.

In a second example, the first flavour and the second flavour contain different flavour molecules thereby providing different tastes profiles (e.g., menthol vs. citrus) when vaporized. The advantage of such configuration would be that taste can be modulated during the smoking session providing possible taste changes and nuances.

According to one aspect of the invention, the flavour carriers are made of material comprising a melting or glass transition point above ambient temperature, preferably between 24°C and 140°C, more preferably between 34°C and 140°C. At least the first and the second flavour, preferably at least first and second kind of flavouring molecules, are encapsulated in at least the first and/or second flavour carrier. Also preferably each flavour carrier comprises a predefined melting point, or respectively glass transition point, which may be distinct from a melting point, or respectively glass transition point, of another carrier used in the article. Alternatively or additionally, one flavour carrier may contain at least two different flavours, preferably two different kinds of flavouring molecules, which are releasable by heating the aerosol generating article.

It is conceivable that the material of which the flavour carrier is made comprises pure organic or inorganic components, also preferably a combination of several components.

In the present application, the terms “melting point” (Tm) means the temperature or range of temperatures of transition of a material from the solid to the liquid state at standard pressure (1 atm). During the transition, the temperature of the material remains constant, all heat supplied is invested in the change of state and simultaneously in release of the flavour, preferably flavouring molecules.

The terms “glass transition” refers to a change of state from a glass solid state to a viscous or rubbery state of the material as the temperature increases. The glass transition temperature (Tg) refers a temperature or range of temperatures at standard pressure (1 atm) over which the glass transition occurs. For certain materials, the release of flavour can already be achieved when the glass transition temperature is reached due to the change of state of the flavour carrier.

Preferably the flavour carriers of different flavour elements are meltable at different melting points, or respectively at different glass transition points, so that the material of each carrier changes from the solid to the liquid or viscous state at a predetermined period of time which corresponds to the time the carrier reaches the melting temperature, or respectively glass transition, in the article for the material to become liquid or viscous. In particular, the flavour carrier may comprise flavour-loaded waxes, butter, solid oil/fat or other organic compounds solid at ambient temperature. For example, a first melting point for the first flavour carrier may be in range of 145°C and 135°C, preferably 140°. A second melting point for the second flavour carrier may be in range of 135°C and 120°C. Alternatively or additionally, a third melting point for the third flavour carrier may be in range of 90°C and 80°C, preferably 82°C. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a fourth melting point for a fourth flavour carrier may be in range of 70° and 60°C, preferably in range of 64°C and 63°C. A fifth melting point for a fifth flavour carrier may be in range of 40°C and 30°C, preferably 34°C. and finally, a sixth melting point for a sixth flavour carrier may be in range of 29°C and 20°C, preferably 24°C. According to another aspect of the invention, the first flavour element and second flavour element are positioned at different locations along an air and/or aerosol flowpath of the article, wherein the flavour carrier of the first flavour element has substantially the same melting point, or respectively glass transition point, as the flavour carrier of the second flavour element.

The air and/or aerosol flowpath extends preferably from the heatable portion of the aerosol generating article to the filter portion and ends in the mouth of the consumer. The movement of the aerosol and/or air along the air and/or aerosol flowpath of the article is induced by drawing (i.e., taking a puff) on the article. In a possible mode, the first and second flavour elements are embedded in the heatable portion of the article so that the flavour carrier with a higher melting point, or respectively higher glass transition point, can be used while being ensured to melt, or respectively softens, during heating of the article in the device. An advantage is that the flavour carrier is less subject to possible melting, liquifying, softening or degradation due to possible temperature or pressure differences during storage or transport.

Preferably the first flavour element is spaced apart from the second flavour element along the aerosol and/or air flowpath of the article. In this case, preferably the second flavour element is more distant from the heatable portion of the article than the first flavour element. According to this, the first flavour element may release the first flavour or flavouring molecules sooner than the second element, if both of elements comprise a flavour carrier with the same or close melting point, or respectively glass transition point. The first flavour carrier might start the flavour release when the melting point temperature, or respectively glass transition point, is reached. Furthermore, the second flavour carrier might start the flavour release after the first flavour carrier reaches the liquid state before or when the first flavour is exhausted. Preferably the second flavour carrier reaches the melting temperature, or respectively the glass transition point, later than the first flavour carrier, so that the second flavour carrier starts the release of the flavour later than the first flavour carrier. This allows a more constant release of the same flavour over the full vaping session, wherein the first flavour element and the second flavour element comprise the same flavour.

In general, it is also possible to control a staggered release of the flavour for several flavour elements with the same or close melting point, or respectively glass transition point, by distributing the flavour elements in different positions along the aerosol and/or air flowpath of the article.

For example, the first flavour element might be positioned in the tubular and/or spacing element of the aerosol generating article and the second flavour element might be positioned in the filter portion of the article. Alternatively or additionally, the first flavour element might be positioned in a first part of the filter portion and the second flavour element might be positioned in the second part of the filter portion. Alternatively or additionally, the first flavour element might be positioned in the heatable portion of the article, wherein the second flavour element is preferably positioned longitudinally distant from the heatable portion. Alternatively or additionally, the first flavour element may be positioned in a more longitudinally and radially central position of the heatable portion and the second flavour element may be positioned in a more off-centred position of the heatable portion. As a result, the first flavour element and the second flavour element are so placed at a different distance from the heating source. In the example the heating source is e.g. an external heater of the device, the first carrier element will melt earlier than a same or similar carrier element of second element. More generally, the relative position of the flavour elements and the choice of the material (i.e., melting point, or respectively glass transition point) for the flavour carrier can be determined to provide the desired staggered release of the first and second flavour.

In a possible embodiment, several flavour elements with the same melting point, or respectively glass transition point, might be distributed along the entire aerosol and/or air flowpath of the article, wherein preferably the heatable portion, the tubular element, the spacer element and/or the filter portion of the article comprise at least one flavour element.

According to an embodiment, the first flavour element and second flavour element are positioned at substantially the same longitudinal location along the air and/or aerosol flowpath of the article and the melting point, or respectively glass transition point, of the flavour carrier of the first flavour element differs from the melting point, or respectively glass transition point, of the flavour carrier of the second flavour element.

It is conceivable that the flavour elements are positioned at the same longitudinal location along the aerosol and/or air flowpath of the article and at the distinct circumferential locations. In this case, the circumferential location of the flavour elements is preferably distributed along a radius of the aerosol generating article from a center to an outer surface or wrapper of the article. At least one flavour element may be positioned at the center of the aerosol generating article, wherein at least another flavour element is positioned at a distance and along a radius of the aerosol generating article, wherein a circumferential expansion direction is perpendicular to the aerosol and/or air flowpath.

Preferably the more distant located flavour element from a heating source from the electrical vaping device melts later than to the heating source closer located flavour element, wherein the aerosol generating article is inserted in a receiving chamber of the electrical device for heating the heatable portion of the article. Thus, the more distant located flavour element from the heating source of the electrical vaping device is preferably closer to the center of the aerosol generating article. Due to this, it is conceivable that the flavour element located closer from the heating source of the device achieves sooner the melting point, or respectively glass transition point, and the flavour release, than the more distant flavour element.

In general, the flavour release from the flavour element might be controllable by positioning along the circumferential and/or longitudinal direction of the article. Alternatively or additionally, the flavour released from the flavour element may be controllable by selection of the melting point, or respectively glass transition point, of the flavour carrier, wherein the carrier releases the flavour when a predefined time period elapses after heating starts.

According to an embodiment, the first flavour element and the second flavour element comprise the same or a common flavouring agent. Due to this, it is conceivable to modulate and prolong the taste from the article during the entire vaping session, wherein the different carriers might comprise different melting points, or respectively different glass transition points, and thus different time periods to start the release of the flavouring agent.

According to an embodiment, the first flavour element and the second flavour element comprise a different flavouring agent. This configuration might result in a change of aerosol taste during only one vaping session, so the consumer might enjoy a new pleasant vaping experience with different flavour profiles. The change of aerosol taste might be progressive depending on the elapsed time before the release of each flavour and the loading (i.e., weight) of the flavour in the carrier.

Generally, the flavour carriers of the first and/or second flavour element may comprise vegetable fat and/or aliphatic ester-type wax. It has been found that such organic carrier provides reliable release of flavour by being physically and chemically stable in contact with the other components of the article (e.g., tobacco, aerosol forming agent, additives) during storage and additonally are food grade. Additionally, it is possible that the third and/or the fourth flavour elements also comprise vegetable and/or aliphatic ester-type components. Alternatively, it is conceivable that several or some of the flavour elements comprise a combination of vegetable fat, aliphatic ester-type wax and other organic components. Alternatively or additionally the several or some of the flavour elements may also comprise inorganic components.

The flavour carriers may be selected from the group of: palm wax, soybean wax, carnauba wax, beewax, cocoa butter, coconut fat and combinations thereof. Correspondingly, preferably the said flavour carriers comprise the following melting points:

Name Melting point °C

Palm wax 140

Soybean wax 120-135

Carnauba wax 82 Beewax 63-64

Cocoa butter 34

Coconut fat 24

The above shown extract of different possible meltable substances for use as the flavour carrier in the flavour element is not intended to be restrictive. It is possible to use other meltable substances comprising melting points deviating from those described above. In particular, the melting point of these flavour carriers may also be changed or modulated by partial hydrogenation or cross-linking.

According to an embodiment, the first flavour element and the second flavour element are each formed of a different layer, wherein the layers are overlapping or superimposed. Preferably both flavour elements are formed as tubes, wherein the first flavour element is adhesively attached to the second flavour element. Preferably the aerosol and/or air flowpath passes through the tube formed of different layers. It is conceivable that the second flavour element fully covers a surface of the first flavour element. In this case the surface of the first flavour element and the surface of the second flavour element preferably comprise identical dimensions.

Alternatively, the second flavour element might cover the surface of the first flavour element only partially. In this case, the surface of the second flavour element might comprise recesses, wherein the first flavour element preferably remains uncovered.

In an embodiment, it is possible that more than two flavour elements are formed of different layers which are preferably attached to each other.

According to an embodiment, the layers comprise at least one outer layer and at least one inner layer, wherein the outer layer comprises a flavour carrier having a lower melting point, or respectively lower glass transition point, than the flavour carrier of the inner layer. The outer layer and the inner layer might comprise different flavour carriers. It is also possible to combine three or more layers made of different flavour carriers having different melting points, or respectively, different glass transition points.

For example, a first outer layer might comprise the aliphatic ester-type wax, such as beewax with the melting point of about 63°C, a second outer layer might comprise the vegetarian wax, such as carnauba wax, with the melting point of about 82°C, a first inner layer might comprise another type vegetarian wax, such as soyabean wax, with the melting point of about 120°C and a second inner layer may comprise another type of vegetarian wax, such as palm wax, with a melting point of about 140°C. According to another embodiment, the first flavour element and/or the second flavour element are formed of flavour encapsulation elements such as beads, microcapsules or films.

In one embodiment, several flavour elements comprised in the aerosol generating are formed as beads, microcapsules or films. In this case, the fabrication process of an aerosol generating article comprising flavour elements might be simple because already existing production machines might be used, wherein one further processing step might be added. Preferably the processing step is adjusted to the type of flavour elements used in the aerosol generating article.

In another embodiment, it is conceivable that several flavour elements comprised in the aerosol generating article are formed as different flavour encapsulation elements. Preferably the aerosol generating article comprises a combination of different flavour encapsulation elements. In this way, the use of different types of flavour elements might be advantageous because their individual properties, such as geometry or size, may be fully exploited for the modulation of special taste of generated aerosol.

The flavour element formed as the bead preferably comprises at least a core. The core might comprise a meltable or not-meltable material, preferably a flavour carrier (i.e. , a “core carrier”). Additionally, the core might be coated with a coating. The coating of the bead may also comprise meltable or not-meltable material, preferably another flavour carrier (i.e., a “coating” carrier). Preferably the bead is meltable and starts the release of a flavour from the coating flavour carrier after a first predefined time period upon heating the aerosol generating article, especially the heatable portion of the article. After a second predefined time, the flavour of the core carrier is released. For example, the coating carrier may be selected with a melting point, or respectively glass transition point, which is lower than the core carrier. For example, the coating carrier is selected from a material having a melting point below 100°C and the core carrier is selected from a material having a melting point above 100°C. Under the influence of the rising temperature when the article is heated, the bead comprising the flavour carrier delivers the flavour to the aerosol and/or air flowpath in a staggered manner.

The flavour element formed as the microcapsule comprises at least similar components as the bead. Preferably, the microcapsule comprises a core and is coated with a coating. Thus, the core and/or the coating might comprise two different or similar flavour carriers.

It is conceivable that the flavour element is a flavour capsule comprising a flavoring core encapsulated in a shell. The core is a liquid, gel or powder configured for modifying the flavour of the aerosol, wherein the core is encapsulated by a shell. In this case, the shell comprises the flavour carrier and encapsule the core. The core may comprise a flavour. The shell may also comprise a flavour that is different or identical to the flavour in the core. The shell comprising the carrier is temperature sensitive and melts after a predefined period of time to release the core. Different flavour elements with different flavour carriers for the shells can be inserted in the article, such as in different locations as previously described, to provide staggered release of flavour liquid.

The flavour element formed as the film preferably comprises a layered structure. Thus, the film might comprise at least one layer comprising the flavour carrier. Additionally, the film might comprise further layers with flavour carriers having the same or different melting points, or respectively the same or different glass transition points.

It is conceivable that the film, bead or microcapsule comprises a barrier material such as flavour- free meltable material such as the one already described for the flavour carrier. The barrier material does not comprise flavour, also preferably flavouring molecules. Furthermore, the barrier material is preferably configured for isolating different or similar types of flavour carrier from each other or from the environment. For example, the barrier material may further improve the physical and chemical stability of the flavour element. In this context, environment means a surrounding of the flavour element within the article. The barrier material can be used to change the release time of the flavour. The barrier material can be selected to not affect the flavour of the aerosol (e.g., taste-free upon transition).

According to an embodiment, the first flavour element and/or the second flavour element are formed of a film coated on a non-meltable element of the article. The non-meltable element is preferably formed of paper, wood or a synthetic material. In this context, the non-meltable element might be formed as a wrapper, tube or pellet. The non-meltable element is preferably a supporting element for the flavour carrier and is insertable in the aerosol generating article. In an example, the non- meltable element can be a tubular element configured to allow air flow direction to the flavour element.

According to another embodiment, at least one of the first or second flavour elements are located in the aerosol substance containing portion, in the filter, a cavity or tubular or spacing element.

The objective is also reached by a method for forming aerosol in a vaping session with an aerosol generating article which comprises an aerosol substance containing portion, at least a filter being spaced by a tubular element, at least a first flavour element comprising a first temperature sensitive carrier and at least a second flavour element comprising a second temperature sensitive carrier, wherein the first carrier comprises a first flavour and the second carrier comprises a second flavour. The method comprises heating the aerosol generating article, wherein the first flavour carrier releases the first flavour at a first time period of the vaping session, and the second flavour carrier releases the second flavour at a second time period of the vaping session, wherein the second time period is delayed from the first time period.

Preferably, the method provides an opportunity for long lasting flavour delivery during one vaping session. The flavour elements discharge flavouring molecules out of the temperature sensitive flavour carriers. The released flavouring molecules preferably modulate the generated aerosol with specific fragrance and/or taste.

Also preferably, the configuration of the first flavour element or flavour carrier to start release of the first flavour after the first period of time upon heating the aerosol generating article, especially the heatable portion of the article, is achievable preferably by positioning the flavour element in at least one portion of the aerosol generating article and/or selecting the temperature sensitive material of the flavour carrier. In particular, the temperature sensitive material of the flavour carrier can be selected amongst: the melting temperature (Tm) or the transition temperature (Tg) of the material constituting the carrier. The selection of the relevant temperature depends on the ability of the carrier to release the flavour.

The predefined time periods for release the flavour off the flavour carrier are preferably distinct to each other. The flavour release in general may be extended or shortened by the different time periods when the flavour carriers comprise high or low melting point or respectively high or low glass transition point.

According to another embodiment, the flavour carriers release the flavours at different melting points, wherein the melting points are between 24°C and 140°C.

Additionally or alternatively, the method may comprise positioning step of at least the first and or the second flavour element at different locations along the air and/or aerosol flowpath of the article. Additionally, the positioning may comprise arranging the flavour elements at the same longitudinal location along the aerosol and/or air flowpath of the article and at the distinct circumferential locations. However, the positioning step preferably comprises arranging of at least one flavour element, preferably several flavour elements, within at least one portion of the aerosol generating article.

In another embodiment, the method comprises an enhancement step, wherein several flavouring elements comprise similar flavour or flavouring molecules and different flavour carriers for enhancing a taste of the generated aerosol. In another embodiment, the method comprises a modification step, wherein several flavouring elements comprise different flavours or flavouring molecules and preferably different flavour carriers to modify a taste of the generated aerosol.

Alternatively or additionally, the method may comprise a melting step, wherein the flavour carriers start to release the flavour when the melting point or predefined temperature gradient in at least a portion of the article is reached initiating a melting of the flavour carrier.

Alternatively or additionally, the method may comprise a glass transition steps, wherein the flavour carriers start to release the flavour when the glass transition point or predefined temperature gradient in at least a portion of the article is reached initiating a glass transition of the flavour carrier.

The aerosol generating article for the method for forming aerosol in a vaping session may comprise any of the characteristics aforementioned.

Further advantages, objectives and features of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, in the following description with reference to the appended figures. In the figures, like components in different embodiments can exhibit the same reference symbols.

The figures show:

Fig. 1 schematic cross-sectional lateral view of an aerosol generating article comprising flavour elements in a heatable portion;

Fig. 2 schematic cross-sectional lateral view of an aerosol generating article comprising flavour elements in a heatable portion and a spacing element;

Fig. 3 schematic cross-sectional lateral view of a bead formed of two flavour elements comprising two different flavours;

Fig. 4 schematic cross-sectional lateral view of a bead formed of two flavour elements comprising one flavour and two different carriers;

Fig. 5a schematic top view of a tube formed of two flavour elements comprising two flavours; Fig. 5b schematic cross-sectional lateral view of a tube formed of two flavour elements comprising two flavours;

Fig. 6a schematic top view of a tube formed of two flavour elements comprising one flavour and two different carriers;

Fig. 6b schematic cross-sectional lateral view of a tube formed of two flavour elements comprising one flavour and two different carriers;

Fig. 7 schematic cross-sectional lateral view of an aerosol generating article comprising flavour elements formed as films in a tubular element;

Fig. 8 schematic cross-sectional lateral view of an aerosol generating article comprising flavour elements formed as films and beads;

Fig. 9 schematic view of a the first and second time periods plotted on a timeline during a vaping session.

Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional lateral view of an aerosol generating article 1 comprising flavour elements 6a, 6b in a heatable portion 2. The shown aerosol generating article 1 comprises the heatable portion 2 comprising aerosolisable material 3, a spacing or tubular element 5 and a filter portion 4. The spacing or tubular element 5 comprises a paper tube 5a and the filter portion 4 comprises at least a filter material 4a. The filter material 4a is preferably a common suitable fibrous material for filtering the aerosol, for example a cellulose. During a vaping session a consumer draws on the aerosol generating article 1 and creates an air and/or aerosol flowpath ap, wherein the air and/or aerosol flowpath ap flows from the heatable portion 2 to the filter portion 4. In the following, only the aerosol flowpath ap is mentioned. It is not to be understood as restrictive, but simplifies the formulations.

The aerosolisable material may include one or more of: reconstituted tobacco material, homogenized tobacco or processed tobacco mixture (e.g., cast sheet, tobacco paper, extruded tobacco, laminated tobacco and combinations thereof), tobacco substitutes, expanded tobacco, tobacco mousse or agglomerates, tobacco extract, tobacco lamina, tobacco cut filler. The material may be processed in the portion in the form of gathered sheet, shreds, strips, granules, fragments, powder, foam, gel and combinations thereof. The aerosolisable material may comprise aerosol forming agent such as glycerol propylene glycol (e.g., in amount between 8 and 25 dry basis wt.% of the material). It may comprise additional ingredients such as binder (e.g. CMC, starch, gums, etc.) and fillers (e.g. cellulose).

The aerosol generating article 1 is preferably insertable in a receiving chamber rc of an electrical vaping device (not shown). Preferably the receiving chamber rc is connected to a heating source ht of the device which is suitable for heating the heatable portion 2 of the article 1 . It should be noted that the heating source ht is not necessarily external to the article and could also be inserted in the heatable portion such as in the form of a resistive heating blade or pin or element(s) heatable by induction (e.g., susceptor(s)).

The shown aerosol generating article 1 comprises four flavour elements 6a, 6b of two types in the heatable portion 2. The flavour elements 6a, 6b may be formed as beads, wherein two first (shown in fig. 2) comprise a first flavour carrier and the other two second beads 8a (shown in fig. 2) comprise the second flavour carrier. Two first flavour elements 6a comprising first flavour carrier are preferably positioned in the aerosol flowpath ap and are longitudinally distanced to each other. Preferably one first flavour element 6a comprising first flavour carrier is located at a first longitudinal location L1 of the article 1 and another first flavour element 6a comprising first flavour carrier is located at a second longitudinal location L1 of the article 1. Two other flavour elements 6b comprising second flavour carrier are preferably positioned at the same longitudinal location L2 but preferably at distinct circumferential locations of the article 1 . In other words, the first flavour elements 6a are more distant from the heat source ht than the second flavour elements 6b. The same elements 6a are also more protected from heat coming from the heat source ht by the higher thickness of aerosolisable material.

Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional lateral view of an aerosol generating article comprising flavour elements in a heatable portion and a spacing element. The shown aerosol generating article

1 is similar to the article 1 shown in figure 1. The difference is that the flavour elements 6a, 6b are arranged in two different portions of the article 1.

Preferably, the first flavour elements 6a are located distant from each other in the heatable portion

2 of the article 1 . The second flavour elements 6b are preferably arranged in the spacing or tubular element 5 of the article 1. Preferably the second flavour elements 6b are also distinct from each other. All flavour elements 6a, 6b are arranged in a circumferential middle of the aerosol generating article 1 and along the aerosol generating flowpath ap. In a variant of this embodiment, the first flavour elements 6a in the heatable portion could be positioned circumferentially distance one another (as 6b in figure 1) but at the same longitudinal position L1. The second flavour element 6b could be positioned as illustrate in Figure 2 or alternatively circumferentially distance one another in the tubular element 5. Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional lateral view of a multiple-flavour bead 8a formed of two flavour elements 6a, 6b comprising two different flavours f 1 , f2.

Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional lateral view of a single-flavour bead 8a formed of two flavour elements 6a, 6b comprising one flavour f1 and two different carriers 7a, 7b.

In both figures, the second flavour element 6b is preferably a core, which is coated by the first flavour element 6a. Preferably the second flavour element 6b comprises a diameter d1 of e.g. between 0.1 and 1.5 mm. The first flavour element 6a is preferably applied on the core, wherein the total diameter d2 of the bead 8a is e.g. in range of 0.2mm to 2.5mm.

In figure 3 is shown an embodiment of a bead 8a comprising two different flavours f 1 , f2, wherein the first flavour f1 is releasable by melting the first flavour element 6a and the second flavour f2 is releasable by melting the second flavour element 6b. Due to this, the properties of the generated aerosol are modified during the same vaping session. The consumer experiences two different taste profiles of the aerosol in the vaping session of the aerosol generating article 1.

In figure 4 is shown an embodiment of a bead 8a comprising one flavour f1 , wherein the flavour f1 is releasable by melting the first flavour element 6a and the second flavour element 6b. Due to this, the properties of the generated aerosol, like taste, remain and extend during the same vaping session. The consumer experiences a prolonged intensity of the flavour during the whole vaping session of the aerosol generating article 1 .

It should be noted that the multiple-flavour bead of figure 3 or the single-flavour bead of figure 4 can be positioned in the configuration of the aerosol article of figures 1 or 2.

Figure 5a shows a schematic top view of a tube 8c formed of two flavour elements 6a, 6b comprising two flavours f 1 , f2.

Figure 6a shows a schematic top view of a tube 8c formed of two flavour elements 6a, 6b comprising one flavour f1 and two different carriers. The first flavour elemet 6a comprises the first flavour carrier 7a and the second flavour element 6b comprises the second flavour carrier 7b. Thus, the first and the second flavour carriers 7a, 7b comprise two different flavours f1 , f2.

The first flavour element 6a is formed as a rolled film 8c or layer which is applied to the second flavour element 6b being also a film 8c or layer. Thus, the flavour elements 6a, 6b are adhesively attached to each other. It is conceivable that the first 6a and/or second 6b flavour element is applied to a supporting film or layer. Such supporting film or layer might comprise temperature resistant (e.g., non-melting) properties.

The rolled film 8c comprising the first and the second flavour elements 6a, 6b preferably form a tube, wherein tube is insertable in the article 1 and the aerosol might flow along the aerosol flow path through the rolled film 8c.

Figure 5b shows a schematic cross-sectional lateral view of the tube 8c shown in figure 5a. Figure 6b shows a schematic cross-sectional lateral view of the tube 8c shown in figure 6a.

Figures 5a and 5b relate to the rolled film 8c comprising two different flavours f1 , f2. Similar to the flavour elements formed as beads, with the rolled films 8c comprising two different flavours f1 , f2 a change of taste profile within one vaping session is achievable. Through the thicknesses of the flavour elements 6a, 6b and the melt point of the material of the flavour carriers the time period of flavour f 1 , f2 release can be regulated.

The typical thickness t1 for the first flavour element 6a is preferably in range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm. The typical thickness t2 of the second flavour element 6b is preferably in range of 0.1 mm and 1mm. In some embodiments, the thickness t1 of the first flavour element 6a and the thickness t2 of the second flavour element 6b are similar to each other.

It is also conceivable to apply further films or layers to the rolled film 8c or tube.

For all embodiments, it should be noted that the number of flavour elements, film or layers is not limited and could vary from 1 to 10 or more (depending on the size and flavouring loading required).

Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional lateral view of an aerosol generating article 1 comprising the rolled film 8c as shown in figures 6a and 6b.

Figure 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional lateral view of an aerosol generating article 1 comprising flavour elements 6a, 6b, 6c 6d formed as films and beads as described in figures 3, 4, 5a, 6a. The article 1 might comprise a third 6c and a fourth 6d flavour element. In the shown embodiment, the first flavour element 6a comprises a first carrier 7a which may be enriched with a first flavour. Preferably the first flavour element 6a is formed as a bead or microcapsule and is arranged in the heatbale portion 2 of the article 1 . The article 1 might also comprise a rolled film 8c comprising two further flavour elements 6b and 6d, wherein the rolled film 8c is arranged in the spacer or tubular element 5 of the article 1. In the shown embodiment, a second and fourth flavour elments 6b, 6d comprise similar flavour f2. It is also conceivable that the second and fourth flavour elements 6b, 6d comprise different flavours.

In the filter portion 4 of the aerosol generating article 1 is preferably comprised a third flavour element 6c. The third flavour element 6c might comprise a third flavour 3.

However, preferably all flavour elements 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d might comprise different flavour carriers 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d.

In the embodiments of figures 7 and 8, the tube 8c is positioned in or as part of the spacing and tubular element 5. However, it is possible to have the tube be located elsewhere such as in the heatable portion 2 and/or the filter portion 4. There may be also more than one tube 8c in the aerosol generating article.

Figure 9 shows a schematic view of the first t1 and second t2 time periods plotted on a timeline T during a vaping session. The vaping session begins by heating the aerosol generating article 1 and preferably lasts at least 180 seconds. Preferably a consumer of the article 1 tastes the original tobacco flavor from tobacco inside the article 1 , before the first flavour f1 is released.

According to the timeline T from figure 1 , a vaping session with the article 1 comprises two time periods t1 , t2 which are delayed by a time delay td. The first time period t1 preferably lasts for at least 10 seconds and begins by heating the aerosol generating article 1 and ends by releasing of the first flavour f1. After the first time period t1 ends, the first flavour f1 enriches the generated aerosol with additional flavour. The first flavour f1 is preferably released for at least 80 seconds during the vaping session.

The second time period t2 also starts by heating the aerosol generating article 1 and lasts for at least 80 seconds until the second flavour f2 is releasable. The release of the second flavour f2 may last for at least 100 seconds. Preferably the release of the second flavour f2 begins during the release of the first flavour f1. However, the first time period t1 is preferably shorter than the second time period t2.

The time delay td preferably starts with the of releasing of the first flavour f1 and ends with of releasing of the second flavour f2. The applicant reserves his right to claim all features disclosed in the application document as being an essential feature of the invention, as long as they are new, individually or in combination, in view of the prior art. Furthermore, it is noted that in the figures features are described, which can be advantageous individually. Someone skilled in the art will directly recognize that a specific feature being disclosed in a figure can be advantageous also without the adoption of further features from this figure. Furthermore, someone skilled in the art will recognize that advantages can evolve from a combination of diverse features being disclosed in one or various figures.

List of reference symbols

1 aerosol generating article

2 aerosol substance containing portion I heatable portion

3 aerosol substance I aerosolisable heatable material

4 filter portion

4a filtering material

5 tubular or spacing element

5a paper tube

6a first flavour element

6b second flavour element

6c third flavour element

6d fourth flavour element

7a first temperature sensitive carrier

7b second temperature sensitive carrier

7c third temperature sensitive carrier

7d fourth temperature sensitive carrier

8a flavour encapsulation elements I beads

8c flavour encapsulation elements I rolled films

9 cavity f1 first flavour f2 second flavour f3 third flavour ap aerosol flowpath d1 first diameter d2 second diameter ht heating source of an electrical vaping device

L1 first longitudinal location

L2 second longitudinal location rc receiving chamber of an electrical vaping device t1 first time period t2 second time period td time delay

T timeline of a vaping session

Claims

1. An aerosol generating article (1) comprising: an aerosol substance containing portion (2); at least one filter (4) being spaced from the aerosol substance containing portion (2) by a tubular or spacing element (5); at least a first flavour element (6a) comprising a first temperature sensitive carrier (7a) containing a first flavour (f1); at least a second flavour element (6b) comprising a second temperature sensitive carrier (7b) containing a second flavour (f2), characterized in that the first flavour carrier (7a) is configured to start the release of the first flavour (f1) after a first time period upon heating the aerosol generating article (1) during a vaping session and the second flavour carrier (7b) is configured to start release the second flavour (f2) after a second time period upon heating the aerosol generating article (1) during the same vaping session and wherein the second time period is delayed from the first time period.

2. Aerosol generating product (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the flavour carriers (7a, 7b) are made of material comprising a melting point between 24°C and 140°C.

3. Aerosol generating article (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first flavour element (6a) and second flavour element (6b) are positioned at different locations (L1 , L2) along an air and/or aerosol flowpath (ap) of the article (1), wherein the flavour carrier (7a) of the first flavour element (6a) has substantially the same melting point, or respectively the same glass transition temperature as the flavour carrier (7b) of the second flavour element (6b).

4. Aerosol generating article (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that first flavour element (6a) and second flavour element (6b) are positioned at substantially the same longitudinal location along the air and/or aerosol flowpath (ap) of the article (1) and the melting point, or respectively the glass transition temperature of the flavour carrier (7a) of the first flavour element (6a) differs from the melting point, or respectively the glass transition temperature of the flavour carrier (7b) of the second flavour element (6b). Aerosol generating article (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first flavour element (6a) and the second flavour element (6b) comprise a same or a common flavouring agent. Aerosol generating article (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first flavour element (6a) and the second flavour elements (6b) comprise a different flavouring agent. Aerosol generating article (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the flavour carriers of the first and/or second element comprises vegetable fat and/or aliphatic ester-type wax. Aerosol generating article (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the flavour carriers (7a, 7b) are selected from the group of: palm wax, soybean wax, carnauba wax, beewax, cocoa butter, coconut fat and combinations thereof. Aerosol generating article (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first flavour element (6a) and the second flavour element (6b) are each formed of different layers, wherein the layers are overlapping. Aerosol generating article (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the layers comprise at least one outer layer and at least one inner layer, wherein the outer layer comprises a flavour carrier having a lower melting point, or respectively lower glass transition temperature than the flavour carrier of the inner layer. Aerosol generating article (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first flavour element (6a) and/or the second flavour element (6b) are formed of flavour encapsulation elements such as beads (8a), microcapsules or films (8c). Aerosol generating article (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the first flavour element (6a) and/or the second flavour element (6b) are formed of a film coated on a non-meltable element, in particular paper wrapper or tube, of the article (1). Aerosol generating article (1) according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one of the first (6a) or second (6b) flavour elements are located in the aerosol substance containing portion (2), in the filter (4), in a cavity (9) of the article (1) or in the tubular or spacing element (5). Method for forming aerosol in a vaping session with an aerosol generating article (1) which comprises an aerosol substance containing portion (2), at least a filter (4) being spaced by a tubular element (5), at least a first flavour element (6a) comprising a first temperature sensitive carrier (7a) and at least a second flavour element (6b) comprising a second temperature sensitive carrier, wherein the first carrier (7a) comprises a first flavour (f1) and the second carrier (7b) comprises a second flavour (f2), characterized by heating the aerosol generating article (1), wherein the first flavour carrier (7a) releases the first flavour (f1) at a first time period of the vaping session, and the second flavour carrier (7b) releases the second flavour (f2) at a second time period of the vaping session, wherein the second time period is delayed from the first time period. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the flavour carriers (7a, b) release the flavours (f 1 , f2) at different melting points, or respectively different glass transition temperatures, preferably wherein the melting points are between 24°C and 140°C.