WO2023247960A1

WO2023247960A1 - An article for use in an aerosol provision system

Info

Publication number: WO2023247960A1
Application number: PCT/GB2023/051635
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrei GRISHCHENKO; Gilbert AYINA; Junior KABIRAT; Louise ADAMS; Zohal KURDOGHLEE
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Limited
Priority date: 2022-06-23
Filing date: 2023-06-22
Publication date: 2023-12-28
Also published as: GB202209208D0

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an article (1) for use in an aerosol provision system (100), an aerosol provision system (100) comprising the article (1) and a method for forming the article (1). In examples of the invention the article (1) comprises an aerosol generating material (3) and a downstream portion (2) located downstream of the aerosol generating material (3). The downstream portion (2) comprises separate first and second bodies of material (6a, 6b), each of the first and second bodies of material (6a, 6b) being formed from respective first and second crimped sheet materials (6A, 6B) which are gathered into said bodies of material. The first body of material (6a) is downstream of the second body of material (6b) and the first body of material (6a) is provided with a tubular element (8) disposed within the first body of material (6a) so as to be circumferentially surrounded by the first body of material (6a). An aerosol modifying release component (11) is provided within the second body of material (6b).

Description

An article for use in an aerosol provision system

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an article for use in an aerosol provision system, an aerosol provision system comprising the article and a method for forming the article.

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 In accordance with embodiments described herein, according to a first aspect, there is provided an article for use in an aerosol provision system, the article comprising: an aerosol generating material, and a downstream portion located downstream of the aerosol generating material, wherein the downstream portion comprises separate first and second bodies of material, each of the first and second bodies of material being formed from respective first and second crimped sheet materials which are gathered into said bodies of material, wherein the first body of material is downstream of the second body of material and the first body of material is provided with a tubular element disposed within the first body of material so as to be circumferentially surrounded by the first body of material, and wherein an aerosol modifying release component is provided within the second body of material.

In accordance with embodiments described herein, according to a second aspect, there is provided an article for use in an aerosol provision system, the article comprising: an aerosol generating material, and a downstream portion located downstream of the aerosol generating material, wherein the downstream portion comprises separate first and second bodies of material, each of the first and second bodies of material being formed from respective first and second crimped sheet materials which are gathered into said bodies of material, wherein the first body of material is downstream of the second body of material, wherein an aerosol modifying release component is provided within the second body of material, and wherein the closed pressure drop per mm length of the first body of material is greater than the closed pressure drop per mm length of the second body of material. In accordance with embodiments described herein, according to a third aspect, there is provided an article for use in an aerosol provision system, the article comprising: an aerosol generating material, and a downstream portion located downstream of the aerosol generating material, wherein the downstream portion comprises separate first and second bodies of material, each of the first and second bodies of material being formed from respective first and second crimped sheet materials which are gathered into said bodies of material, wherein the first body of material is downstream of the second body of material, wherein an aerosol modifying release component is provided within the second body of material, and wherein the first crimped sheet material comprises a first level of crimping and the second crimped sheet material comprises a second level of crimping, less than the first level of crimping.

In accordance with embodiments described herein, according to a fourth aspect, there is provided a non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising an article according to the first, second or third aspect.

In accordance with embodiments described herein, according to a fifth aspect, there is provided a method for forming an article according to the first, second or third aspect, the method comprising: applying a crimp pattern to a first sheet material; gathering said first sheet material into a first body of material applying a crimp pattern to a second sheet material; providing an aerosol release component; gathering said second sheet material into a second body of material around the aerosol modifying release component; and combining said first and second bodies of material with an aerosol generating material.

Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure i is a side-on cross sectional view of an embodiment of an article;

Figure 2 is a side-on cross sectional view of an embodiment of an article;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional end view of a body of material of the article of Figure 1, along the line A-A of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows an example crimping patter of a sheet material for forming the body of material of figure 3;

Figure 5 is a side-on cross sectional view of a multiple length rod for manufacture of a body of material of the article of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a perspective illustration of a non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from the aerosol generating material of the article of Figures 1 or 2;

Figure 7 illustrates the device of Figure 6 with the outer cover removed and without an article present;

30 Figure 8 is a side view of the device of Figure 6 in partial cross-section;

Figure 9 is an exploded view of the device of Figure 6, with the outer cover omitted; Figure 10A is a cross sectional view of a portion of the device of Figure 6; and,

Figure 10B is a close-up illustration of a region of the device of Figure 6.

Detailed Description

According to the present disclosure, an “aerosol provision system” includes both combustible aerosol provision systems and non-combustible aerosol provision systems.

According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper or a cigarette paper. 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 aerosolgenerating 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 downstream portion, 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 downstream portion, 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 B12 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.

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. 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, may be 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 maybe 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. 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 aerosolgenerating 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 material may be 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 downstream portion, 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.

A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material maybe magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor maybe both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance 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, so as 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, 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.

Each format may be produced with downstream portions of different lengths. The downstream portion length will be from about 30mm 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 of substrate material, 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.

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.

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

Figure 1 is a side-on cross sectional view of an article 1 for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision system. The article 1 comprises a downstream portion 2, and a cylindrical rod of aerosol generating material 3, in the present case tobacco material, connected to the downstream portion 2. In some embodiments, the downstream portion 2 may extend to a downstream end 2b of the article 1. The downstream portion 2 may be a mouthpiece 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-former material. The aerosol-former material is glycerol. Alternatively, the aerosol-former material can be another material as described herein or a combination thereof. The aerosol-former 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. The downstream portion 2 comprises first and second 6a, 6b bodies of material. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second bodies 6a, 6b are directly adjacent and in abutting relation, with the first body 6a downstream of the second body 6b. The downstream portion 2 includes a tubular portion 4a, also referred to as a cooling element 4a.The tubular portion 4a is disposed in between the second body 6b and the rod of aerosol generating material 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular portion 4a is directly adjacent and abutting both the second body of material 6b and the rod 3. In embodiments described herein, an aerosol modifying release component 11 is provided within the second body of material 6b, as explained further below.The bodies of material 6a, 6b and tubular portion 4a each define a substantially cylindrical overall outer shape and share a common longitudinal axis.

It will be appreciated that the tubular portion 4a is optional and that, in an unillustrated embodiment, the tubular portion 4a may be omitted so that the second body 6b is instead directly adjacent and abutting the rod of aerosol generating material 3-

Figure 2 illustrates embodiments in which a tubular element 8 is provided within the first body of material 6a. In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular element 8 extends from the downstream end 2b of the article 1 and partially through the first body of material 6ato form a cavity within the first body of material 6a. The tubular element 8 is located substantially radially centrally within the first body of material 6a so as to be circumferentially surrounded by the first body of material 6a. The terms ‘tubular element 8’ and ‘hollow tubular element 8’ are used herein interchangeably.

With the exception of the tubular element 8, figures 1 and 2 illustrate the same features which retain the same reference numbers.

The first and second bodies of material 6a, 6b are wrapped in respective first and second plug wraps 7a, 7b. The tubular portion 4a and both bodies of material 6a, 6b are combined using a third plug wrap 9 which is wrapped around all three sections 4a, 6a, 6b. A tipping paper 5 is wrapped around the full length of the downstream portion 2 and over part of the rod of aerosol generating material 3 and has an adhesive on its inner surface to connect the downstream portion 2 and rod 3. The tubular portion 4a is formed from a plurality of layers of paper which are parallel wound, with butted seams, to form a hollow tube. For example, first and second paper layers are provided in a two-ply tube. In other examples three, four or more paper layers can be used forming three, four or more ply tubes. Other constructions can be used, such as spirally wound layers of paper, cardboard tubes, tubes formed using a papier-mache type process, moulded or extruded plastic tubes or similar.

In some embodiments, the tubular portion preferably has a wall thickness of at least about 325 pm and up to about 2 mm, preferably between 500 pm and 1.5 mm and more preferably between 750 pm and 1 mm. The tubular portion may have a wall thickness of about 1 mm. The "wall thickness" of the tubular portion corresponds to the thickness of the wall of the tubular portion in a radial direction. This may be measured, for example, using a caliper. In some embodiments, the thickness of the wall of the tubular portion is at least 325 microns and, preferably, at least 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 or 1000 microns. In some embodiments, the thickness of the wall of the tubular portion is at least 1250 or 1500 microns. In some embodiments, the thickness of the wall of the tubular portion is less than 2000 microns and, preferably, less than 1500 microns.

The increased thickness of the wall of the tubular portion means that it has a greater thermal mass, which has been found to help reduce the temperature of the aerosol passing through the tubular portion and reduce the surface temperature of the downstream portion at locations downstream of the tubular portion. This is thought to be because the greater thermal mass of the tubular portion allows the tubular portion to absorb more heat from the aerosol in comparison to a tubular portion with a thinner wall thickness. The increased thickness of the tubular portion also channels the aerosol centrally within the downstream portion such that less heat from the aerosol is transferred to the outer portions of the downstream portion such as outer portions of the body of material.

In some embodiments, the permeability of the material of the wall of the tubular portion 4a is at least too Coresta Units and, preferably, at least 500 or 1000 Coresta Units. It has been found that the relatively high permeability of the tubular portion increases the amount of heat that is transferred to the tubular portion from the aerosol and thus reduces the temperature of the aerosol. The permeability of the tubular portion has also been found to increase the amount of moisture that is transferred from the aerosol to the tubular portion, which has been found to improve the feel of the aerosol in the user’s mouth. A high permeability of tubular portion 4a also makes it easier to cut ventilation 12 holes using a laser, meaning that a lower power of laser can be used. The article 1 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 downstream portion 2 and thereby enable the aerosol to cool sufficiently before it reaches a downstream end 2b of the downstream portion 2. The ventilation is provided directly into the downstream portion 2 of the article 1. In The ventilation may be provided into the tubular portion 4a, which has been found to be particularly beneficial in assisting with the aerosol generation process. The ventilation may be provided via first and second parallel rows of ventilation holes 12 formed as laser perforations at positions 17.925 mm and 18.625 mm respectively from the downstream, mouth-end 2b of the downstream portion 2. These ventilation holes 12 pass though the tipping paper 5, third plug wrap 9 and tubular portion 4a. In alternative embodiments, the ventilation can be provided into the downstream portion at other locations. For example, the ventilation maybe provided into either body of material 6a, 6b. In such examples, the ventilation is provided at least imm from an end of the body of material 6a, 6b into which the ventilation is provided, as measured along the length of the article.

Alternatively, the ventilation can be provided via a single row of ventilation holes, for instance laser perforations, into the portion of the article in which the tubular body 4a is located. This has been found to result in improved aerosol formation, which is thought to result from the airflow through the ventilation holes being more uniform than with multiple rows of ventilation holes, 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 some examples, the aerosol generating material 3 described herein is a first aerosol generating material and the tubular portion 4a may include a second aerosol generating material. In one example, wall 4b of tubular portion 4a comprises the second aerosol generating material. For example, the second aerosol generating material can be disposed on an inner surface of wall 4b of the tubular portion 4a.

The second aerosol generating material comprises at least one aerosol former material, and may also comprise at least one aerosol modifying agent, or other sensate material. The aerosol former material and/ or aerosol modifying agent can be any aerosol former material or aerosol modifying agent as described herein, or a combination thereof.

As the aerosol generated from aerosol generating material 3, referred to herein as the first aerosol, is drawn through the tubular portion 4a of the downstream portion, heat from the first aerosol may aerosolise the aerosol forming material of the second aerosol generating material, to form a second aerosol. The second aerosol may comprise a flavourant, which may be additional or complementary to the flavour of the first aerosol. Providing a second aerosol generating material on the tubular body 4a can result in generation of a second aerosol which boosts or complements the flavour or visual appearance of the first aerosol.

The article 1 may have an outer circumference of about 21 mm (i.e. the article is in the demi-slim format). Preferably, 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 25mm. To achieve improved aerosol via heating, while maintaining a suitable product length, rod circumferences of greater than 19mm and less than 25mm are preferable. In some examples, the rod circumference can be between 20mm and 25mm, which has been found to provide a good balance between providing effective aerosol delivery while allowing for efficient heating.

The outer circumference of the downstream portion 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 some embodiments, the outer circumference of the downstream portion 2 is about 20.4mm, or about 24.2mm.

In some examples, the tipping paper 5 comprises citrate, such as sodium citrate or potassium citrate. In such examples, the tipping paper 5 may have a citrate content of 2% by weight or less, or 1% by weight or less. Reducing the citrate content of the tipping paper 5 is thought to assist with reducing the charring effect which may occur during use.

In some embodiments, the tipping paper 5 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 downstream portion 2 and rod 3. The tipping paper 5 can have a basis weight of 40 gsm to 80 gsm, more preferably between 50 gsm and 70 gsm, and in some embodiments 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.

In some embodiments, the first plug wrap 7a has a basis weight of less than 110 gsm, and more preferably between about 40 gsm and too gsm. In such embodiments, the second plug wrap 7b has a basis weight of less than 6ogsm, and more preferably between about 26 gsm and 50 gsm. It should be recognised that the basis weight of the plug wrap affects the hardness of the downstream portion 2. In some embodiments, the basis weight of the first plug wrap 7a is different to the basis weight of the second plug wrap 7b. In some embodiments, the basis weight of the first plug wrap 7a is greater than the basis weight of the second plug wrap 7b. In such embodiments, the hardness of the downstream portion 2 in the region of the first body of material 6a may be greater than the hardness of the downstream portion 2 in the region of the second body of material 6b .Alternatively, where a tubular element 8 is incorporated in the first body of material 6a, the greater basis weight of the first plug wrap 7a compensates for the tubular element 8, which may otherwise have led to a less than desirable hardness of the downstream portion 2 in the region of the first body 6a.

Preferably, the first and second plug wraps 7a, 7b are a non-porous plug wrap, for instance having a permeability of less than too Coresta units, for instance less than 50 Coresta units. However, in other embodiments, the first and second plug wraps 7a, 7b can be a porous plug wrap, for instance having a permeability of between too Coresta

Units and 5000 Coresta Units. For example, the second plug wrap 7b maybe a porous PWP plug wrap having a porosity of greater than too Coresta Units. Preferably, either the first or second plug wraps 7a, 7b have a porosity of around 1500 Coresta Units. Preferably, the first body of material 6a has an axial length of between about 6 mm and about 8 mm.

Preferably, the second body of material 6b has an axial length of between about 10mm and about 12mm.

The first body of material 6a may have an axial length of about 6mm, or about 8mm, or about 10mm. The second body of material 6b may have an axial length of about 10mm, or about 12 mm. Each of the first and second bodies of material 6a, 6b are formed from respective sheet materials 6A, 6B arranged into the bodies of material 6a, 6b. The sheet material 6A of the first body of material 6a may be the same or different to the sheet material 6B of the second body of material 6b. The sheet material 6A of the first body of material 6a is shown in section in figure 3 as an example of how the sheet materials 6A, 6B of the first and second bodies 6a, 6b are folded, or crimped, and gathered to form the first and second bodies 6a, 6b. Each body of material 6a, 6b may be formed from a continuous web of sheet material 6A, 6B which is crimped and gathered as shown in figure 3. The sheet materials 6A, 6B may be gathered to manufacture respective bodies 6a, 6b using a CU-20 filter making machine manufactured by Decoufle (TM). However, a skilled person will appreciate that other machines may be used to manufacture the bodies of material 6a, 6b.

When the article 1 is viewed from the downstream end 2b, it is desirable that the aerosol modifying release component 11 is not visible through the sheet material 6A of the first body of material 6a. To achieve this, the average density of at least a portion of first body of material 6a needs to be sufficient to conceal the aerosol modifying release component 11. However, manufacturing a downstream portion with both first and second bodies of material 6a, 6b having the average density sufficient to conceal the aerosol modifying release component 11 through the sheet material 6A of the first body of material 6a is likely to result in an undesirably high pressure drop across the downstream portion 2 or an unacceptable hardness of the second body of material 6a.

Therefore, in some embodiments, the first body of material 6a is configured to have a greater average density than the second body of material 6b. In some embodiments, the first body of material 6a is configured to have at least a portion of the first body of material 6a with a greater average density than the second body of material 6b.

‘Average density’ is herein defined as the mass of the body of material 6a, 6b formed by the sheet material 6A, 6B, divided by the volume of the body of material 6a, 6b formed by the sheet material 6A, 6B. Therefore it will be understood that the addition of a further component within the body of material 6a, 6b - such as the tubular element 8 in the first body 6a, or the aerosol modifying release component 11 of the second body

6b - does not affect the ‘average density’ of the body of material 6a, 6b, because the volume occupied by the further component does not contribute to the volume of the body of material 6a, 6b formed by the sheet material 6A, 6B. In some embodiments, the average density of the first and second bodies of material 6a, 6b is between about 0.1 and about 0.25 mg/mm3.

In some embodiments, the average density of the first body of material 6a is greater than about 0.18 mg/mm3 and the average density of the second body of material is less than about 0.18 mg/mm3. In some embodiments, the average density of the first body of material is between about 0.2 and about 0.25 mg/mm3 and the average density of the second body of material is between about 0.1 and about 0.15 mg/mm3. The continuous web of sheet materials is a continuous web of crimped sheet materials 6A, 6B. By ‘crimped sheet material’ it is meant that the material has a series of folds pressed into it that form a corrugated pattern of ridges and grooves, as explained further below. In some embodiments, the crimped sheet materials 6A, 6B may have an extended width of between about 80mm and about 250mm. By ‘extended width’ it is meant the width of the sheet material before it is crimped, as crimping reduces the width of the sheet material as a result of the concertina effect of introducing a series of ridges and grooves.

As mentioned, the continuous web of sheet material 6A used to form the first body of material 6a may be different to the continuous web of sheet material 6B used to form the second body of material 6b. The continuous web of sheet material 6A used to form the first body 6a is herein alternatively referred to as a first sheet material 6A, while the continuous web of sheet material 6B used to form the second body 6b is alternatively referred to as a second sheet material 6B.

In some embodiments, the first sheet material 6A has an extended width that is greater than the extended width of the second sheet material 6B. For example, the first sheet material 6A may have an extended width that is greater than about 160 mm, the second sheet material 6B having an extended width that is less than about 160 mm.

In some embodiments, the first sheet material 6A has an extended width between about 180 and about 200 mm, and the second sheet material 6B has an extended width between about 120 and about 140 mm. It will be understood that the extended width of the sheet of materials 6A, 6B that are gathered into respective bodies of material 6a, 6b affects the average density of the respective bodies of material 6a, 6b. The greater the extended width of the sheet of materials 6A, 6B that are gathered into respective bodies of material 6a, 6b, the greater the average density of the respective bodies of material 6a, 6b. Therefore, by using a first sheet material 6A of greater extended width for forming the first body 6a than the second sheet material 6B used for forming the second body 6b, the average density of the first body 6a is greater than the average density of the second body 6b. Where a tubular element 8 is provided in the first body of material 6a, the available volume for the sheet material 6A is reduced and so the extended width of sheet material may be reduced to achieve an equivalent average density. In embodiments having a tubular element 8, the extended width of the first sheet material 6A maybe between 8omm and 160mm. The sheet materials 6A, 6B may comprise cellulose. In some embodiments, the sheet materials 6A, 6B are paper. However, the sheet materials 6A, 6B may additionally or alternatively comprise a different material. For example, in some embodiments the sheet materials 6A, 6B comprise reconstituted tobacco that is formed into the sheet materials 6A, 6B. The reconstituted tobacco comprises cellulose. The reconstituted tobacco may optionally be paper reconstituted tobacco.

In one embodiment, the sheet materials 6A, 6B comprise paper with a basis weight in the range of 20 to 65 gsm and, preferably, in the range of 20 to 50 gsm. In some embodiments, the basis weight of the first sheet material 6A is greater than the basis weight of the second sheet material 6B. In some embodiments, the basis weight of the first crimped sheet material 6A is between 24 and 62 gsm and the basis weight of the second crimped sheet material is between 26 and 50 gsm. It will be understood that the greater the basis weight of the sheet materials 6A, 6B that are gathered into respective bodies of material 6a, 6b, the greater the average density of the respective bodies of material 6a, 6b. Therefore, by using a sheet material 6A for forming the first body 6a of greater basis weight than the basis weight of the sheet material 6B used for forming the second body 6b, the average density of the first body 6a is greater than the average density of the second body 6b.

In some embodiments, the first and second crimped sheet materials 6A, 6B comprise fibres having an average length in the range 2 mm to 6 mm, 2 mm to 5 mm, 2 mm to 4 mm or 2 mm to 3 mm. In some embodiments, the first and second sheet materials 6A, 6B comprise a thickness of between about 50 and about 2500 pm, or between about 60 and about 90 pm.

In some embodiments, the width Wi of the first and second bodies of material 6a, 6b (which corresponds to the diameter of the bodies of material 6a, 6b) is at least 6.5 mm, or at least 7.5mm. In one embodiment, the diameter of the first and second bodies of material 6a, 6b is 6.5mm. In another embodiment, the diameter of the first and second bodies of material 6a, 6b is 7.7mm. The first body of material 6a has an axial length of between about 6 mm and about 8 mm. For example, the axial length of the first body of material 6a may be about 6mm, or about 8mm, or about 10mm.

The second body of material 6b has an axial length of between about 10mm and about 12mm. For example, the axial length of second body of material 6b may about 10mm, or about 12 mm.

In some embodiments, the first and/or second body of material 6a, 6b has a volume of at least 115 mm3. By ‘and/or’ it is meant that the first and second bodies of material 6a, 6b may have a combined volume of the stated amount, or they may individually have a volume of the stated amount. The bodies of material 6a, 6b are generally cylindrical and thus has a generally cylindrical volume. It should be recognised that in other embodiments the first and/ or second body of material 6a, 6b may have a volume that is smaller than 115 mm³. In other embodiments, the first and/ or second body of material 6a, 6b has a volume of at least too mm3, at least 115 mm3, at least 150 mm3, at least

200 mm3, at least 300 mm3, at least 400 mm3, at least 500 mm3, at least 600 mm3, at least 700 mm3, at least 800 mm3, at least 900 mm3 or at least 1000 mm3.

It has been found that a body of material comprising cellulose and having a volume of at least 115mm³ helps to remove moisture from aerosol generated by the aerosol generating material 3 as the aerosol passes through the body of material of the mouthpiece 2. That is, the cellulose containing sheet material absorbs water from the aerosol. Removing moisture from the aerosol makes the aerosol feel cooler in the user’s mouth. In some embodiments, each body of material 6a, 6b has a volume of at least 19 mm3 per mm axial length of the body of material 6a, 6b and, preferably, at least 25 mm3 per mm axial length or at least 30 mm3 per mm. For instance, if the body of material 6a, 6b has a volume of 19 mm³ per mm axial length, and a length Li of 10 mm, then the volume of the body of material would be 190 mm³.

In some embodiments, the sheet materials 6A, 6B are crimped prior to being arranged into the respective body of material 6a, 6b. For instance, each sheet material 6A, 6B maybe passed through a pair of crimping rollers. The crimping may make it easier to gather each sheet material 6A, 6B to form respective bodies of material 6a, 6b. The crimping may also increase the length of each sheet material 6A, 6B that can be used to form respective bodies of material 6a, 6b of a particular volume. Increasing the amount of each sheet material 6A, 6B in the respective body of material 6a, 6b may increase the surface area of each sheet material 6A, 6B that is in contact with aerosol passing through the respective body of material 6a, 6b and thus increase the amount of moisture absorbed from the aerosol by the sheet materials 6A, 6B.

In some embodiments, the first crimped sheet material 6A comprises a first level of crimping and the second crimped sheet material 6B comprises a second level of crimping, less than the first level of crimping.

The level of crimping may refer to the crimp amplitude A and/or the average spacing P of the crimping, as shown in figure 4. Figure 4 illustrates a section taken through an example sheet of crimped material, the sheet is representative of the crimping of the first and second sheets of material 6A, 6B. As illustrated, and mentioned above, the continuous web of crimped sheets 6A, 6B discussed herein comprise a corrugated pattern of ridges and grooves. The ridges and grooves are substantially parallel and extend in a longitudinal direction of the first and second sheets 6A, 6B, that is along the length of each of the first and second sheets 6A, 6B. By ‘crimp amplitude A,’ it is meant the distance between a plane Pi that lies across the peaks of the ridges and a plane P2 that lies across the bottom of the grooves. By ‘average spacing P’, it is meant distance between the peaks of adjacent grooves.

An increase in the level of crimping refers to an increase in the crimp amplitude A and/or a decrease in the average spacing P. Therefore, ‘a second level of crimping less than a first level of crimping’ means that the crimp amplitude A of the first sheet 6A is greater than the crimp amplitude A of the second sheet 6B and/ or the average spacing P of the first sheet 6A is less than the average spacing P of the second sheet 6B.

In some embodiments, the average spacing P of the first and second sheets 6A, 6B is greater than about 0.3 mm.

In some embodiments, the average spacing P of first sheet material 6A is less than the average spacing of the crimping of the second sheet material 6B. In some embodiments, the average spacing P of the crimping of the first sheet material 6A is less than about 0.5mm and the average spacing P of the crimping of the second sheet material 6B is greater than about 0.5mm or greater than about 0.6mm.

In some embodiments, the crimp amplitude A of the first and second sheet materials 6A, 6B is less than about 1.1mm,

In some embodiments, the crimp amplitude A of the first sheet material 6A is less than the crimp amplitude A of the second sheet material 6B. In some embodiments, the crimp amplitude A of the first sheet material 6A is less than about imm.

In some embodiments, the crimp amplitude A of the first sheet material 6A is between about 0.1mm and about 0.7mm, and the crimp amplitude A of the second sheet material 6B is between about 0.5mm and about imm.

It will be understood that the level of crimping of the sheet of materials 6A, 6B that are gathered into respective bodies of material 6a, 6b affects the average density of the respective bodies of material 6a, 6b. The greater the level of crimping of the sheet of materials 6A, 6B that are gathered into respective bodies of material 6a, 6b, the greater the average density of the respective bodies of material 6a, 6b.

Therefore, by using a first sheet material 6A having a higher level of crimping for forming the first body 6a than the level of crimping used for the second sheet material 6B for forming the second body 6b, the average density of the first body 6a is greater than the average density of the second body 6b. In some embodiments, the closed pressure drop per mm length of the first body of material 6a is greater than the closed pressure drop per mm length of the second body of material 6b. By ‘closed pressure drop per mm length’ it meant the closed pressure drop per mm of at least a section of the body of material 6a, 6b in the longitudinal direction of the article i, that is, the direction that extends between upstream and downstream ends 2a, 2b of the downstream portion 2. It shall be understood that the addition of a further component within the body of material 6a, 6b - such as the tubular element 8 in the first body 6a, or the aerosol modifying release component n of the second body 6b - does not affect the closed pressure drop per mm length of the body of material 6a, 6b. In some embodiments, the closed pressure drop across the first and second bodies of material 6a, 6b is between about i.o mmH20 per mm length and about 3 mmh20 per mm length.

In some embodiments, the closed pressure drop across the first body of material 6a is greater than 2.0 mmH20 per mm length, and wherein the closed pressure drop across the second body of material is less than 2.0 mmh20 per mm length.

In some embodiments, the closed pressure drop across the first body of material is between 2.5 and 3.0 mmh20 per mm of longitudinal length, and wherein the closed pressure drop across the second body of material is between 1.0 and 1.5 mmh20 per mm of longitudinal length.

In some of the embodiments, the combined or individual mass of each body of material 6a, 6b is at least 20 mg and, preferably, at least 30 mg, at least 40 mg, at least 50 mg, at least 55 mg, or at least 60 mg. It has been advantageously found that providing a higher mass of the body of material 6a, 6b increases the amount of moisture that is absorbed form the aerosol. In some embodiments, the mass of the body of material is about 44 mg. In some of the embodiments, the combined or individual mass of each body of material 6a, 6b is less than 150 mg and, preferably, less than too mg, less than 75 mg, less than 55 mg, less than 50 mg or less than 45 mg. In some embodiments, the mass of each body of material 6a, 6b is at least 2 mg per mm axial length of the body of material and, preferably, at least 3 mg per mm axial length or at least 4 mg per mm axial length.

In some embodiments, the mass of each body of material 6a, 6b is about 4.4 mg per mm. That is, if the body of material 6a, 6b has an axial length Li of 10 mm, as in some embodiments, then the mass would be about 44 mg.

In some embodiments, each body of material 6a, 6b is a solid cylindrical body of material.

In some embodiments, the downstream portion 2 has a hardness in the range of about 80% to 95% and, preferably, in the range of about 80% to 95%. The hardness of the downstream portion 2 may be at least 80% and, preferably, at least 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90% or 91% 92%.

The hardness of the downstream portion 2 may be measured according to the following protocol. Where the hardness of a section is referred to herein, the hardness is that as determined by the following measurement process. Any suitable device may be used for performing the measurement, such as the Borgwaldt Hardness Tester H10.

Hardness is defined as the ratio between the height ho of a body and the height hi of the body under a defined load, stated as a percentage of ho. Hardness maybe expressed as: Hardness = (hi/ho)xioo

For an individual body, or a body contained in a multi-section rod, the hardness measurement is performed at the longitudinal centre point of the body. A load bar is used to apply the defined load to the body. The length of the load bar should be significantly higher than that of the specimen to be measured. Prior to the hardness measurement, the body to be measured is conditioned according to ISO 3402 for a minimum of 48 hours, and is maintained in environmental conditions according to ISO 3402 during the measurement. To perform the hardness measurement, a body is placed into the Hardness Tester H10, a pre-load of 2 g is applied to the body, and after 1 s the initial height ho of the body under the 2 g pre-load is recorded. The pre-load is then removed and a load bar bearing a load of 150 g is lowered onto the sample at a rate of 0.6 mm/s, after 5 s the height hi of the body under the 150 g load is measured.

The hardness of the downstream portion is determined as the average hardness of at least 20 downstream portions measured according to this protocol.

The hardness of either the first or second body of material 6a, 6b circumscribed by the its respective plug wrap 7a, 7b (hereinafter together referred to as the “component” for the purposes of determining the hardness) may also be determined using the above protocol, by carefully cutting the article to remove one or other of the bodies of material 6a, 6b surrounded by the respective first plug wrap 7a, 7b. The hardness of the component may be at least 80% and, preferably, at least 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90% or 91% 92%.

The expression “roundness” refers to the percentage conformity of the cross-sectional shape of the article/component to a perfect circle. The roundness is calculated according to Equation 1 below: 100

[Equation 1]

To determine the roundness of the article 1 the maximum external diameter “X” of the component is measured using a calliper and the minimum external diameter “Y” of the article is measured using a calliper (the diameters being perpendicular to the central axis of the article 1). The less deviation between the maximum external diameter X and minimum external diameter Y of the article 1, the higher the roundness, which indicates that the cross-sectional shape of the article 1 is closer to a perfect circle. In some embodiments, the roundness of the article i is at least 90% and, preferably, is at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%.

To determine the roundness of either the first or second body of material 6a, 6b circumscribed by its respective plug wrap 7a, 7b (hereinafter together referred to as “the component” for the purposes of determining the roundness) the maximum external diameter “X” of the component is measured using a calliper and the minimum external diameter “Y” of the component is measured using a calliper (the diameters being perpendicular to the central axis of the component). The less deviation between the maximum external diameter X and minimum external diameter Y of the component, the higher the roundness, which indicates that the cross-sectional shape of the component is closer to a perfect circle.

In some embodiments, the roundness of the component is at least 90% and, preferably, is at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%.

The increased roundness of the article/component helps to ensure that the downstream portion can be processed, as otherwise a downstream portion that is too oval may become jammed or misaligned in the manufacturing machinery.

Preferably, the length of the tubular portion 4a is less than about 50 mm. More preferably, the length of the tubular portion 4a is less than about 40 mm. Still more preferably, the length of the tubular portion 4a is less than about 35 mm. In addition, or as an alternative, the length of the tubular portion 4a is preferably at least about 10 mm. Preferably, the length of the tubular portion 4a is at least about 15 mm.

In some preferred embodiments, the length of the tubular portion 4a is from about 15 mm to about 35 mm, more preferably from about 20 mm to about 30 mm, even more preferably from about 23 to about 27 mm, most preferably about 25 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the tubular portion 4a is 25 mm.

Preferably, the third plug wrap 9 has a basis weight of less than 50 gsm, more preferably between about 20 gsm and 45 gsm. However, it should be recognised that the basis weight of the third plug wrap 9 may be higher to increase the hardness of the downstream portion. For instance, the basis weight of the third plug wrap 9 may be at least 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 gsm. In some embodiments, the basis weight of the third plug wrap 9 is in the range of 50 to 110 gsm, or in the range of 60 to too gsm.

In some embodiments, the third plug wrap 9 has a basis weight of at least 10 gsm or at least 15 gsm or at least 20 gsm or at least 25 gsm.

In some embodiments, the third plug wrap 9 has a basis weight of less than 40, less than 35 or less than 30 gsm. In some embodiments, the third plug wrap 9 has a basis weight in the range of 10 to 40 gsm and, preferably, in the range of 15 to 35 gsm, or in the range of 20 to 30 gsm, or in the range of 25 to 30 gsm. In some embodiments, the basis weight of the third plug wrap 9 is about 27 gsm. Preferably, the third plug wrap 9 has a thickness of between 30 pm and 60 pm, more preferably between 35 pm and 45 pm. However, it should be recognised that the thickness weight of the third plug wrap 9 may be higher to increase the hardness of the downstream portion. In some embodiments, for example, the thickness of the third plug wrap 9 maybe at least 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or too microns. In some embodiments, the thickness of the third plug wrap 9 is in the range of 40 to 120 microns, or in the range of 50 to too microns.

The third plug wrap 9 is preferably a non-porous plug wrap having a permeability of less than too Coresta Units, for instance less than 50 Coresta Units. However, in alternative embodiments, the third plug wrap 9 can be a porous plug wrap, for instance having a permeability of greater than 200 Coresta Units.

The tubular portion 4a is located around and defines an air gap within the downstream portion 2 which acts as a cooling segment. The air gap provides a chamber through which heated volatilised components generated by the aerosol generating material 3 flow. The tubular portion 4a is hollow to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation yet rigid enough to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that might arise during manufacture and whilst the article 1 is in use. The tubular portion 4a provides a physical displacement between the aerosol generating material 3 and the second body of material 6b. The physical displacement provided by the tubular portion 4a will provide a thermal gradient across the length of the tubular portion 4a.

Preferably, the downstream portion 2 comprises a cavity having an internal volume greater than 450 mm3. Providing a cavity of at least this volume has been found to enable the formation of an improved aerosol. Such a cavity size provides sufficient space within the downstream portion 2 to allow heated volatilised components to cool, therefore allowing the exposure of the aerosol generating material 3 to higher temperatures than would otherwise be possible, since they may result in an aerosol which is too warm. In some embodiments, the cavity is formed by the tubular portion 4a, but in alternative arrangements it could be formed within a different part of the downstream portion 2. More preferably, the downstream portion 2 comprises a cavity, for instance formed within the tubular portion 4a, having an internal volume greater than 500 mm3, _and still more preferably greater than 550 mm3, allowing further improvement of the aerosol. In some examples, the internal cavity comprises a volume of between about 550 mm3 _and about 850 mm3 _and, preferably, between about 600 mm3 and about 800 mm^!7. In some embodiments, the internal cavity of the tubular portion 4a has a volume of about 762 mm3.

The tubular portion 4a can be configured to provide a temperature differential of at least 40 degrees Celsius between a heated volatilised component entering a first, upstream end of the tubular portion 4a and a heated volatilised component exiting a second, downstream end of the tubular portion 4a. The tubular portion 4a is preferably configured to provide a temperature differential of at least 60 degrees Celsius, preferably at least 80 degrees Celsius and more preferably at least too degrees Celsius between a heated volatilised component entering a first, upstream end of the tubular portion 4a and a heated volatilised component exiting a second, downstream end of the tubular portion 4a. This temperature differential across the length of the tubular portion 4a protects the temperature sensitive bodies of material 6a, 6b from the high temperatures of the aerosol generating material 3 when it is heated.

In alternative articles, the tubular portion 4a can be replaced with an alternative cooling element, for instance an element formed from a body of material which allows aerosol to pass through it longitudinally, and which also performs the function of cooling the aerosol.

The downstream portion 2 of the article 1 comprises an upstream end 3a adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate 3 and a downstream end 2b distal from the aerosol generating substrate 3.

The pressure drop or difference (also referred to a resistance to draw) across the downstream portion, for instance the part of the article 1 downstream of the aerosol generating material 3, is preferably less than about 4ommH₂O. Such pressure drops have been found to allow sufficient aerosol, including desirable compounds such as flavour compounds, to pass through the downstream portion 2 to the consumer. More preferably, the pressure drop across the downstream portion 2 is less than about 2ommH₂O. In some embodiments, particularly improved aerosol has been achieved using a downstream portion 2 having a pressure drop of less than 15 mmH₂0, for instance about 6 mmH₂0, about 10 mmH₂o or about 14 mmH₂0. Alternatively or additionally, the downstream portion pressure drop can be at least 3 mmH₂0, preferably at least 4 mmH₂0 and more preferably at least 5 mmH₂0. In some embodiments, the downstream portion pressure drop can be between about 5 mmH₂0 and 20 mmH₂0 and, preferably, between 5 mmH₂0 and 15 mmH₂0. These values enable the downstream portion 2 to slow down the aerosol as it passes through the downstream portion 2 such that the temperature of the aerosol has time to reduce before reaching the downstream end 2b of the downstream portion 2.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material 3 is wrapped in a wrapper 10. The wrapper 10 can, for instance, be a paper or paper-backed foil wrapper. In some embodiments, the wrapper 10 is substantially impermeable to air. In alternative embodiments, the wrapper 10 preferably 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 10. The permeability of the wrapper 10 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 some embodiments, the wrapper 10 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 some embodiments, the aluminium foil has a metal layer having a thickness of about 6 |um. In some embodiments, 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 preferably 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 10 surrounding the aerosol generating material 3 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 10 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 10 may be formed from a material with a high inherent level of permeability, an inherently porous material, or maybe formed from a material with any level of inherent permeability where the final level of permeability is achieved by providing the wrapper 10 with a permeable zone or area. Providing a permeable wrapper 10 provides a route for air to enter the article. The wrapper 10 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 holes 12 in the downstream portion. An article having this arrangement may produce a more flavoursome aerosol which may be more satisfactory to the user.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material added to the aerosol generating substrate 3 comprises 14% by weight of the aerosol generating substrate 3. Preferably, the aerosol-former material comprises at least 5% by weight of the aerosol generating substrate, more preferably at least 10%. Preferably, the aerosol-former 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%.

Preferably 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 preferably has a length of about 10 mm to too mm. In some embodiments, the length of the aerosol generating material is preferably 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.

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 body 4a. This prevents heat from the heater from damaging the material forming the tubular body 4a.

The minimum distance between a heater of the non-combustible aerosol provision device too and the tubular body 4a 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 body 4a 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 heater of the non-combustible aerosol provision device too and the tubular body 4a may be achieved by, for example, adjusting the length of the rod of aerosol generating material 3.

The volume of aerosol generating material 3 provided can vary from about 200 mm3 to about 4300 mm3, preferably 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, preferably 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.

Preferably 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 preferably 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 164°C, as compared to materials with a density over 700 mg/cc, which had zero heat flow temperatures greater than 164°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. Preferably, 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 preferably 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). Preferably, 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). Preferably, 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. Preferably 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 aerosolformer material. In this context, an "aerosol-former material" is an agent that promotes the generation of an aerosol. An aerosol-former 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-former material may improve the delivery of flavour from the aerosol generating material. In general, any suitable aerosol-former material or agents may be included in the aerosol generating material of the invention, including those described herein. Other suitable aerosol-former 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-former material may be glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol. Glycerol may be present in an amount of from 10 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, maybe present in an amount of from 0.1 to 0.3% by weight of the composition.

The aerosol-former 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-former material may be added to the tobacco material separately. In either case, the total amount of the aerosol-former 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-former material is provided in an amount of up to about 10% by weight of the leaf tobacco. To achieve an overall level of aerosol-former 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 2omg of menthol, preferably between 5mg and i8mg and more preferably between 8mg and i6mg of menthol. In some embodiments, the tobacco material comprises i6mg of menthol. The tobacco material can contain between 2% and 8% by weight of menthol, preferably 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-former 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-former 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-former material is not included in the weight of the tobacco component or filler component, but is included in the weight of the "aerosol-former 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-former material as defined herein. In an embodiment, the tobacco material consists essentially of the tobacco component as defined herein and the aerosol-former material as defined herein. In an embodiment, the tobacco material consists of the tobacco component as defined herein and the aerosol-former 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.

The part of the downstream portion which comes into contact with a consumer’s lips has usually been a paper tube, which is either hollow or surrounds a cylindrical body of filter material. Providing a hollow tubular element 8 has advantageously been found to significantly reduce the temperature of the outer surface of the downstream portion 2’ at the downstream end 2b of the downstream portion which comes into contact with a consumer’s mouth when the article 1’ is in use. In addition, the use of the tubular portion 4a has also been found to significantly reduce the temperature of the outer surface of the downstream portion 2’ even upstream of the tubular portion 4a. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is hypothesised that this is due to the tubular portion 4a channelling aerosol closer to the centre of the downstream portion 2’, and therefore reducing the transfer of heat from the aerosol to the outer surface of the downstream portion 2’. In addition, the first and second bodies of material 6a, 6b have been found to remove moisture from aerosol generated by the aerosol generating material 3 as the aerosol passes through the bodies of material 6a, 6b of the downstream portion 2, which makes the aerosol feel cooler in the user’s mouth.

In some embodiments, the tubular element 8 has a length of at least 3 mm and, preferably, a length of about 4 mm. Therefore the tubular element 8 extends in the region which, in use, is placed between the lips of a user. In some embodiments hollow tubular element 8 is formed from filamentary tow or from a cellulose based material such as paper. Where paper is used, it maybe formed from woodpulp In alternative embodiments the hollow tubular element may be formed using any construction as described herein for the tubular portion 4a.

The "wall thickness" of the hollow tubular element 8 corresponds to the thickness of the wall of the tube 8 in a radial direction. This may be measured in the same way as that of the tubular portion. The wall thickness is advantageously greater than 0.9mm, and more preferably 1.0mm or greater. Preferably, the wall thickness is substantially constant around the entire wall of the hollow tubular element 8. However, where the wall thickness is not substantially constant, the wall thickness is preferably greater than 0.9 mm at any point around the hollow tubular element 8, more preferably 1.0mm or greater.

Preferably, the density of the hollow tubular element 8 is at least about 0.25 grams per cubic centimetre (g/cc), more preferably at least about 0.3 g/cc. Preferably, the density of the hollow tubular element 8 is less than about 0.75 grams per cubic centimetre (g/cc), more preferably less than 0.6 g/cc. In some embodiments, the density of the hollow tubular element 8 is between 0.25 and 0.75 g/ cc, more preferably between 0.3 and 0.6 g/cc, and more preferably between 0.4 g/cc and 0.6 g/cc or about 0.5 g/cc. These densities have been found to provide a good balance between improved firmness afforded by denser material and the lower heat transfer properties of lower density material. For the purposes of the present invention, the "density" of the hollow tubular element 8 refers to the density of the filamentary tow or cellulose material forming the element with any plasticiser incorporated. The density may be determined by dividing the total weight of the hollow tubular element 8 by the total volume of the hollow tubular element 8, wherein the total volume can be calculated using appropriate measurements of the hollow tubular element 8 taken, for example, using callipers. Where necessary, the appropriate dimensions may be measured using a microscope.

The hollow tubular element 8 preferably has an internal diameter of greater than 3.0mm. Smaller diameters than this can result in increasing the velocity of aerosol passing though the downstream portion 2’ to the consumers mouth more than is desirable, such that the aerosol becomes too warm, for instance reaching temperatures greater than 40°C or greater than 45°C. More preferably, the hollow tubular element 8 has an internal diameter of greater than 3.1 mm, and still more preferably greater than 3.5 mm or 3.6 mm. In one embodiment, the internal diameter of the hollow tubular element 8 is about 3.9 mm.

In some embodiments the tubular portion 4a is a first hollow tubular element, and hollow tubular element 8 is a second hollow tubular element.

In some embodiments the ventilation is provided into tubular portion 4a, as described above. In alternative embodiments, the ventilation can be provided into the downstream portion at other locations, for instance into either body of material 6a, 6b or hollow tubular element 8. In some embodiments, the aerosol-modifying release component 11 may be, for example, a capsule, thread or bead. In some embodiments, a plurality of aerosolmodifying agent release components 11 are provided, and may comprise a plurality of charcoal particles loaded with aerosol-modifying agent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-modifying release component 11 comprises a thread loaded with additive. The thread may made from fibres of, for example, cellulose acetate or cotton.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-modifying release component has in the range of 1 mg to 20 mg of aerosol-modifying agent and, preferably, in the range of 2 mg to I5mg of aerosol-modifying agent.

In some embodiments, the aerosol modifying release component 11 is a capsule 11. The aerosol-modifying release component 11 may be combined with the sheet material 6B, for instance, being adhered thereto, before the sheet material 6B is formed into the body of material 6b.

Thecapsule 11 comprises an outer shell and a liquid core of aerosol modifying agent. The shell of the capsule 11 may be solid at room temperature. The shell may comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of, alginate. However, it should be recognised that in alternative embodiments the shell is formed from a different material. For example, the shell may alternatively comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of, gelatin, carageenans or pectins. The shell may comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of, one or more of alginate, gelatin, carrageenans or pectins.

The shell of the capsule 11 maybe impermeable, or substantially impermeable, to the aerosol modifying agent agent of the core. Therefore, the shell initially prevents the agent of the core from escaping from the capsule 11. When the user desires to modify the aerosol, the shells of the capsule 11 is ruptured such that the agent is released.

In some embodiments (not shown), the capsule 11 further comprises a carrier material. The carrier material may comprise, for example, gelatin.

In some embodiments, the capsule 11 has a diameter in the range of i to 5 mm and, preferably, in the range of 2 to 4 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the or each capsule is about 3 mm. The or each capsule may be generally spherical. In other examples, other shapes and sizes of capsule can be used.

The total weight of the capsule 11 may be in the range about 5 mg to about 50 mg and, preferably, in the range of about 10 to 30 mg. In some embodiments, the capsule 11 has a weight of about 14 mg.

In some embodiments, the capsule 11 is centred on the longitudinal axis of the downstream portion 2.

As discussed above, the capsule 11 may have a core-shell structure. That is, the encapsulating material or barrier material creates a shell around a core that comprises the aerosol modifying agent. The shell structure hinders migration of the aerosol modifying agent during storage of the article but allows controlled release of the aerosol modifying agent, also referred to as an aerosol modifier, during use.

In some cases, the barrier material (also referred to herein as the encapsulating material) is frangible. The capsule 11 is crushed or otherwise fractured or broken by the user to release the encapsulated aerosol modifier. Typically, the capsule 11 is broken immediately prior to heating being initiated but the user can select when to release the aerosol modifier of said capsule n. The user can then choose to break the capsule a later time, for example, after heating being initiated.

The term "breakable capsule" refers to a capsule, wherein the shell can be broken by means of a pressure to release the core; more specifically the shell can be ruptured under the pressure imposed by the user's fingers when the user wants to release the core of the capsule.

In some cases, the barrier material is heat resistant. That is to say, in some cases, the barrier will not rupture, melt or otherwise fail at the temperature reached at the capsule site during operation of the aerosol provision device. Illustratively, a capsule located in a downstream portion 2 may be exposed to temperatures in the range of 3O°C to ioo°C for example, and the barrier material may continue to retain the liquid core up to at least about 5O°C to 12O°C. In other cases, the capsule 11 releases the core composition on heating, for example by melting of the barrier material or by capsule swelling leading to rupture of the barrier material.

The total weight of the capsule 11 may be in the range of about 1 mg to about too mg, suitably about 5 mg to about 60 mg, about 8 mg to about 50 mg, about 10 mg to about 20 mg, or about 12 mg to about 18 mg.

The total weight of the core formulation may be in the range of about 2 mg to about 90 mg, suitably about 3 mg to about 70 mg, about 5 mg to about 25 mg, about 8 mg to about 20 mg, or about 10 mg to about 15 mg.

In some embodiments, the capsule 11 comprises a core as described above, and a shell. The capsule 11 may present a crush strength from about 4.5 N to about 40 N, more preferably from about 5 N to about 30 N or to about 28 N (for instance about 9.8 N to about 24.5 N). The capsule burst strength can be measured when said capsule is removed from the body of material 6b and using a force gauge to measure the force at which the capsule bursts when pressed between two flat metal plates. A suitable measurement device is the Sauter FK 50 force gauge with a flat headed attachment, which can be used to crush the capsule against a flat, hard surface having a surface similar to the attachment. The capsule 11 may be substantially spherical and have a diameter of at least about 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.8 mm or 3.0 mm. The diameter of the capsule 11 maybe less than about 10.0 mm, 8.0 mm, 7.0 mm, 6.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 3.5 mm or 3.2 mm. Illustratively, the capsule diameter maybe in the range of about 0.4 mm to about 10.0 mm, about 0.8 mm to about 6.0 mm, about

2.5 mm to about 5.5 mm or about 2.8 mm to about 3.2 mm. In some cases, the capsule 11 may have a diameter of about 3.0 mm. These sizes are particularly suitable for incorporation of the capsule 11 into an article 1 as described herein. The cross-sectional area of the capsule 11 at its largest cross sectional area is in some embodiments less than 28% of the cross sectional area of the portion of the downstream portion 2 in which the capsule 11 is provided, more preferably less than 27% and still more preferably less than 25%. A capsule with a largest cross sectional area less than 28% of the cross sectional area of the portion of the downstream portion 2 in which the capsule is provided has the advantage that the pressure drop across the downstream portion 2 is reduced as compared to capsules with larger cross sectional areas and adequate space remains around the capsule for aerosol to pass without the body of material 6b removing significant amounts of the aerosol mass as it passes through the downstream portion 2. In some embodiments, first and second capsules are provided, which may be the same size or different sizes.

Each body of material 6a, 6b maybe manufactured from a multiple length rod 22., Figure 5 illustrates an example multiple length rod for forming the first body of material 6a with tubular element 8. In the illustrated example, the multiple length rod 22 is a four-length rod. The rod is cut at lines C-C to form individual bodies of material 6a each comprising a tubular element 8.

A non-combustible aerosol provision device is used to heat the aerosol generating material 3 of the articles! described herein. The non-combustible aerosol provision device preferably 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 maybe 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 preferably 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 25O°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-former material to nicotine is at least about 2.5:1, suitably at least 8.5:1; at least 100 pg of the aerosol-former 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 the aerosol density is at least 0.1 pg/cc.

In some cases, at least 10 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.soL/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 1.50L/ m during the period.

In some cases, the aerosol contains at least too pg of the aerosol-former material, suitably at least 200 pg, 500 pg or 1 mg of aerosol-former material is aerosolised from the aerosol generating material under an airflow of at least i.50L/m during the period. Suitably, the aerosol-former 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, soonm, 450nm or 400 nm. In some cases, the mean particle or droplet size maybe more than about 25 nm, 50 nm or toonm.

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 preferably arranged to heat the aerosol generating material 3 of the article 1, to a maximum temperature of at least i6o°C. Preferably, the non-combustible aerosol provision device is arranged to heat the aerosol-former 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 24O°C, more preferably at least about 27O°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.

In some embodiments, the temperature of the aerosol leaving the mouth end of the downstream portion 2 is less than 50 degrees Celsius and, preferably, is less than 45 degrees Celsius.

Figure 6 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 articles 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 articles 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 may be 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.

When the article 110 is inserted into the device too, the minimum distance between the one or more components of the heater assembly and a tubular body 4a of the article 110 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 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 7, 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 too 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 may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port.

Figure 7 depicts the device too of Figure 6 with the outer cover 102 removed and without an article 110 present. The device too defines a longitudinal axis 134. As shown in Figure 7, 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 7, 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 7, 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. Preferably 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 aerosolization 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 may be 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 100 of Figure 7 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 100 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 8, 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 8 shows a side view of device 100 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 100 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 100 further comprises a second lid/cap 140 and a spring 142, arranged towards the distal end of the device 100. 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 100 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 9 is an exploded view of the device 100 of Figure 8, with the outer cover 102 omitted. Figure 10A depicts a cross section of a portion of the device 100 of Figure 8. Figure 10B depicts a close-up of a region of Figure 10A. Figures 10A and 10B 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 10B 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 10B 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 articles 1 described herein can be inserted into a non-combustible aerosol provision device such as the device too described with reference to Figures 6 to 10B. At least a portion of the downstream portion 2 of the tarticle 1 protrudes from the noncombustible 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 downstream portion 2 to the user’s mouth.

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 in an aerosol provision system, the article comprising: an aerosol generating material, and a downstream portion located downstream of the aerosol generating material, wherein the downstream portion comprises separate first and second bodies of material, each of the first and second bodies of material being formed from respective first and second crimped sheet materials which are gathered into said bodies of material, wherein the first body of material is downstream of the second body of material and the first body of material is provided with a tubular element disposed within the first body of material so as to be circumferentially surrounded by the first body of material, and wherein an aerosol modifying release component is provided within the second body of material. 2. An article for use in an aerosol provision system, the article comprising: an aerosol generating material, and a downstream portion located downstream of the aerosol generating material, wherein the downstream portion comprises separate first and second bodies of material, each of the first and second bodies of material being formed from respective first and second crimped sheet materials which are gathered into said bodies of material, wherein the first body of material is downstream of the second body of material, wherein an aerosol modifying release component is provided within the second body of material, and wherein the closed pressure drop per mm length of the first body of material is greater than the closed pressure drop per mm length of the second body of material.

3. An article for use in an aerosol provision system, the article comprising: an aerosol generating material, and a downstream portion located downstream of the aerosol generating material, wherein the downstream portion comprises separate first and second bodies of material, each of the first and second bodies of material being formed from respective first and second crimped sheet materials which are gathered into said bodies of material, wherein the first body of material is downstream of the second body of material, wherein an aerosol modifying release component is provided within the second body of material, and wherein the first crimped sheet material comprises a first level of crimping and the second crimped sheet material comprises a second level of crimping, less than the first level of crimping.

4. An article according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein a tubular element is disposed within the first body of material so as to be circumferentially surrounded by the first body of material

5. An article according to claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the closed pressure drop per mm length of the first body of material is greater than the closed pressure drop per mm length of the second body of material.

6. An article according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first crimped sheet material comprises a first level of crimping and the second crimped sheet material comprises a second level of crimping, less than the first level of crimping

7. An article according to claim 1 or claim 4, wherein the tubular element extends to a downstream end of the article.

8. An article according to claim 1, claim 4 or claim 7, wherein the tubular element is located substantially radially centrally within the first body of material.

9. An article according to claim 1, claim 4, claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the tubular element is formed from cellulose-based material. 10. An article according to claim 9, wherein the cellulose-based material is paper.

11. An article according to claim 10, wherein the paper is formed from woodpulp.

12. An article according to claim 1, claim 4, or any of claims 7 to 11, wherein the tubular element has a length of at least 3 mm and, preferably, a length of about 4 mm.

13. An article according to claim 1, claim 4, or any of claims 7 to 12 , wherein the tubular element extends only partially through the first body of material to form a cavity in the first body of material. 14- An article according to claim 2, claim 5, or any of claims 7 to 13 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the closed pressure drop across the first and second bodies of material is between about 1.0 mmH20 per mm length and about 5 mmH20 per mm length.

15. An article according to claim 14, wherein the closed pressure drop across the first body of material is greater than 2.0 mmH20 per mm length, and wherein the closed pressure drop across the second body of material is less than 2.0 mmH20 per mm length.

16. An article according to claim 15, wherein the closed pressure drop across the first body of material is between 2.5 and 3.0 mmH20 per mm of longitudinal length, and wherein the closed pressure drop across the second body of material is between 1.0 and 1.5 mmH20 per mm of longitudinal length.

17. An article according to claim 3, claim 6, or any of claims 7 to 16 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the level of crimping differs based on the crimp amplitude and/or average spacing of the crimping. 18. An article according to claim 17, wherein the first and second crimped sheet materials comprise a series of substantially parallel ridges and grooves, wherein the average spacing of the crimping comprises the average spacing between adjacent ridges of the first and second crimped sheet materials, and, optionally, wherein the average spacing of the crimping of the first and second crimped sheet materials is greater than about 0.3 mm.

19. An article according to claim 18, wherein the average spacing of the crimping of the first crimped sheet material is less than the average spacing of the crimping of the second crimped sheet material.

20. An article according to claim 19, wherein the average spacing of the crimping of the first crimped material is less than about 0.5mm and the average spacing of the crimping of the second crimped sheet material is greater than about 0.5mm or greater than about 0.6mm.

21. An article according to any of claims 17 to 20, wherein the crimp amplitude of the first and second crimped sheet materials is less than about 1.1mm,

22. An article according to any of claims 17 to 21, wherein the crimp amplitude of the first crimped sheet material is less than the crimp amplitude of the second crimped sheet material.

23. An article according to any of claims 17 to 22, wherein the crimp amplitude of the first crimped sheet material is less than about imm.

24. An article according to any of claims 17 to 23, wherein the crimp amplitude of the first crimped sheet material is between about 0.1mm and about 0.7mm, and wherein the crimp amplitude of the second crimped sheet material is between about 0.5mm and about imm.

25. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-modifying release component comprises an aerosol-modifying agent.

26. An article according to claim 25, wherein the aerosol-modifying release component comprises a capsule.

27. An article according to claim 26, wherein the capsule comprises a solid shell and a liquid core, the liquid core comprising the aerosol-modifying agent. 28. An article according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the capsule has a burst strength in the range 5 to 30 N.

29. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol modifying release component has a diameter in the range of 2.8mm and 4mm and, preferably, in the range of 2.8mm and 3.6mm and, preferably, about 3mm.

30. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the average density of the first body of material is greater than the average density of the second body of material. 31. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the average density of the first and second bodies of material is between about 0.1 and about 0.25 mg/mm3.

32. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the average density of the first body of material is greater than about 0.18 mg/mm3 and wherein the average density of the second body of material is less than about 0.18 mg/ mm3.

33. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the average density of the first body of material is between about 0.2 and about 0.25 mg/mm3 and wherein the average density of the second body of material is between about 0.1 and about 0.15 mg/mm3.

34. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and/ or second body of material has a volume of at least 100 mm3, at least 115 mm3, at least 150 mm3, at least 200 mm3, at least 300 mm3, at least 400 mm3, at least 500 mm3, at least 600 mm3, at least 700 mm3, at least 800 mm3, at least 900 mm3 or at least 1000 mm3.

35. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second crimped sheet materials have a basis weight of between about 20 and about 65 g/m2.

36. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the basis weight of the first crimped sheet material is greater than the basis weight of the second crimped sheet material.

37. An article according to claim 36, wherein the basis weight of the first crimped sheet material is between about 24 and 62 g/m2 and the basis weight of the second crimped sheet material is between about 26 and 50 g/ m2

38. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the first crimped sheet material has an extended width that is greater than the extended width of the second crimped sheet material.

39. An article according to claim 38, wherein the first and second crimped sheet materials have an extended width between about 80 and about 250 mm.

40. An article according to claim 38 or claim 39, wherein the first crimped sheet material has an extended width that is greater than about 160 mm and the second crimped sheet material has an extended width that is less than about 160 mm. 41. An article according to claim 40, wherein the first crimped sheet material has an extended width between about 180 and about 200 mm, and wherein the second crimped sheet material has an extended width between about 120 and about 140 mm.

42. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second crimped sheet materials comprise paper.

43. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second bodies of material are substantially cylindrical.

44. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second bodies of material are circumscribed by respective first and second plug wraps, and wherein the basis weight of the first plug wrap is greater than the basis weight of the second plug wrap.

45. An article according to claim 44, wherein the basis weight of the first plug wrap is between about 40 g/m2 and about ioog/m2, and wherein the basis weight of the second plug wrap is between about 26 g/m2 and about 50g/m2.

46. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the first body of material has an axial length of between about 6 mm and about 8 mm.

47. An article according to claim 46, wherein the axial length of the first body of material is about 6mm, or about 8mm, or about 10mm.

48. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the second body of material has an axial length of between about 10mm and about 12mm. 49. An article according to claim 48, wherein the axial length of second body of material is about 10mm, or about 12 mm.

50. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second bodies of material have a diameter of at least 6.5 mm, or at least 7.5 mm.

51. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second crimped sheet materials comprise fibres having an average length in the range 2 mm to 6 mm, 2 mm to 5 mm, 2 mm to 4 mm or 2 mm to 3 mm. 52. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second sheet materials comprises a thickness of between about 50 and about 2500 pm, or between about 60 and about 90 pm.

53. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second bodies of material are directly adjacent.

54. An article according to any preceding claim, wherein the article is for use in a non-combustible aerosol provision system 55- An aerosol provision system comprising an article according to claim 54.

56. An aerosol provision system according to claim 55, wherein the noncombustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol generating material heating system, optionally wherein the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a tobacco heating system.

57. A method for forming an article according to any of claims 1 to 54, the method comprising: applying a crimp pattern to a first sheet material; gathering said first sheet material into a first body of material applying a crimp pattern to a second sheet material; providing an aerosol release component; gathering said second sheet material into a second body of material around the aerosol modifying release component; and combining said first and second bodies of material with an aerosol generating material.