U.S. patent application number 16/632566 was filed with the patent office on 2020-05-28 for tobacco constituent releasing components.
The applicant listed for this patent is British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited. Invention is credited to Dietmar FRANKE, Oliver GRUNER, Josef KNOTHE, Thorsten KONIG, Volker KUHL, Matthias LINK, Frank PLUCKHAHN.
Application Number | 20200163377 16/632566 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59713443 |
Filed Date | 2020-05-28 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200163377 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FRANKE; Dietmar ; et
al. |
May 28, 2020 |
Tobacco constituent releasing components
Abstract
The invention relates to tobacco constituent releasing
components for inclusion in an aerosol provision device, the
tobacco constituent releasing component including tobacco
particles, optionally in an agglomerated structure. The invention
also relates to apparatus including the tobacco constituent
releasing components and to methods of manufacturing the tobacco
constituent releasing components.
Inventors: |
FRANKE; Dietmar; (London,
GB) ; GRUNER; Oliver; (London, GB) ; KNOTHE;
Josef; (London, GB) ; KONIG; Thorsten;
(London, GB) ; KUHL; Volker; (London, GB) ;
LINK; Matthias; (London, GB) ; PLUCKHAHN; Frank;
(London, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited |
London |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
59713443 |
Appl. No.: |
16/632566 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
July 17, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2018/052020 |
371 Date: |
January 21, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 40/20 20200101;
A24F 40/10 20200101; A24B 15/165 20130101; A24B 15/16 20130101;
A24F 40/30 20200101; A24D 3/06 20130101; A24C 5/01 20200101; A24B
15/167 20161101; A24F 40/40 20200101; A24D 3/061 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 40/30 20060101
A24F040/30; A24F 40/40 20060101 A24F040/40; A24C 5/01 20060101
A24C005/01; A24B 15/167 20060101 A24B015/167 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 18, 2017 |
GB |
1711534.6 |
Oct 23, 2017 |
GB |
1717408.7 |
Claims
1. A tobacco constituent releasing component for inclusion in an
aerosol provision device, the tobacco constituent releasing
component having an agglomerated structure formed from a precursor
composition comprising tobacco particles, wherein the pH of the
precursor composition has been adjusted to a basic pH.
2. A component as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pH is increased
by the addition of one or more bases or a basic buffer system.
3. A tobacco constituent releasing component for inclusion in an
aerosol provision device, the tobacco constituent releasing
component comprising tobacco particles and one or more bases or a
basic buffer system, the tobacco constituent releasing component
having a basic pH.
4. A component as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more base
is selected from the group consisting of hydroxides, carbonates and
hydrogen carbonates.
5. A component as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the
one or more base is selected from the group consisting of:
potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate and sodium
bicarbonate.
6. A component as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the pH of the precursor composition is at least about
7.5.
7. A component as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the tobacco particles have an average diameter no greater
than 3 mm, no greater than 1 mm, no greater than 0.5 mm, or no
greater than 0.3 mm.
8. A component as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,
further comprising one or more aerosol forming agent.
9. A component as claimed in claim 8, wherein the aerosol forming
agent is selected from the group consisting of glycerol, propylene
glycol and glyceryl triacetate.
10. A component as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,
further comprising one or more binder.
11. A component as claimed in claim 10, wherein the one or more
binder is selected from the group consisting of: thermoreversible
gelling agents, such as gelatin; starches; polysaccharides;
pectins; celluloses; cellulose derivatives, such as
carboxymethylcellulose; and alginates.
12. A component as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,
further comprising one or more flavour-modifier.
13. A component as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the precursor composition is granulated or spheronised to
form the agglomerated structure.
14. A component as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the precursor composition is extruded to form the
agglomerated structure.
15. A component as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in
the form of granules.
16. A component as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,
having an elongated or rod-shaped form.
17. A component as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,
wherein having a cross sectional shape to increase the surface area
of the tobacco constituent releasing component.
18. An aerosol provision device comprising a tobacco constituent
releasing component as claimed in any one of the preceding
claims.
19. A device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the device is a
tobacco heating product comprising a tobacco segment which is to be
heated to volatilise constituents, and optionally including a
filter or filter element.
20. A device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the device is a Hybrid
product comprising a tobacco segment which is to be heated to
volatilise constituents, and a liquid which is to be heated to form
a vapour, and optionally including a filter or filter element.
21. A device as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the
tobacco constituent releasing component is located in a filter or
filter element of the device.
22. A device as claimed in claim 21, wherein one or more tobacco
constituent releasing components are surrounded by filter material
in the filter or filter element.
23. A device as claimed in claim 21, wherein one or more tobacco
constituent releasing components are located in a cavity of a
multi-segment filter.
24. A device as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein one or
more tobacco constituent releasing components are located in the
tobacco segment.
25. A device as claimed in claim 24, wherein the tobacco segment
consists of one or more tobacco constituent releasing
components.
26. A device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the device is a Hybrid
product comprising a tobacco segment which is to be heated to
volatilise constituents, and a liquid which is to be heated to form
a vapour, wherein one or more tobacco constituent releasing
components are located in the tobacco segment and wherein the
tobacco segment is heated by the vapour.
27. A device as claimed in claim 26, wherein the liquid is a
nicotine-free liquid.
28. A device as claimed in claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the device
includes a means for heating the liquid to form a vapour, but does
not include a separate means for heating the tobacco segment.
29. A method of manufacturing a tobacco constituent releasing
component, comprising preparing a precursor composition comprising
tobacco particles; adjusting the pH of the precursor composition to
a basic pH; and treating said precursor composition to form an
agglomerated structure.
30. A method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the precursor
composition is granulated or spheronised to form the agglomerated
structure.
31. A method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the precursor
composition is extruded to form the agglomerated structure.
32. A method as claimed in claim 31, wherein the extruded
agglomerate is cooled during or after extrusion.
33. A method as claimed in claims 31 or claim 32, wherein the
extrusion creates inner channels within the extruded
agglomerate.
34. An apparatus for heating smokeable material to volatilise at
least one component of the smokeable material, and a nicotine-free
liquid which is to be heated to form a vapour, wherein the
smokeable material comprises tobacco particles having a basic pH,
and wherein the smokeable material is heated by the vapour.
35. An apparatus as claimed in claim 34, including a means for
heating the liquid to form a vapour, but not including a separate
means for heating the smokeable material.
36. An apparatus as claimed in claim 34 or claim 35, wherein the pH
is increased by the addition of one or more bases or a basic buffer
system.
37. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein
the pH of the tobacco particles is at least about 7.5.
38. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 37, wherein
the tobacco particles have an average diameter no greater than 3
mm, no greater than 1 mm, no greater than 0.5 mm, or no greater
than 0.3 mm.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to tobacco constituent releasing
components for inclusion in an aerosol provision device, such as an
apparatus for heating smokeable material to volatilise at least one
component of the smokeable material, the tobacco constituent
releasing component including tobacco particles, optionally in an
agglomerated structure. The invention also relates to apparatus
including the tobacco constituent releasing components and to
methods of manufacturing the tobacco constituent releasing
components.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like
burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been
made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products
that release compounds without combusting. Examples of such
products are so-called "heat not burn" products or tobacco heating
devices or products, which release compounds by heating, but not
burning, smokeable material.
[0003] It is also known to include flavours in smoking articles to
add specific desirable flavours to the aerosol generated by the
smoking article. This has been achieved in a variety of different
ways, including the use of crushable capsules that contain flavour
compositions.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is
provided a tobacco constituent releasing component for inclusion in
an aerosol provision device, the tobacco constituent releasing
component having an agglomerated structure formed from a precursor
composition comprising tobacco particles, wherein the pH of the
precursor composition has been adjusted to a basic pH.
[0005] In some embodiments the pH is increased by the addition of
one or more bases or a basic buffer system.
[0006] Alternatively, there is provided a tobacco constituent
releasing component for inclusion in an aerosol provision device,
the tobacco constituent releasing component comprising tobacco
particles and one or more bases or a basic buffer system, the
tobacco constituent releasing component having a basic pH.
[0007] In some embodiments the one or more base is selected from
the group consisting of hydroxides, carbonates and hydrogen
carbonates. In some embodiments the one or more base is selected
from the group consisting of: potassium hydroxide, sodium
hydroxide, sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate.
[0008] In some embodiments the pH of the precursor composition is
at least about 7.5.
[0009] In some embodiments the tobacco particles have an average
diameter no greater than 3 mm, no greater than 1 mm, no greater
than 0.5 mm, or no greater than 0.3 mm.
[0010] In some embodiments one or more aerosol forming agent is
included. In some is embodiments the aerosol forming agent is
selected from the group consisting of glycerol, propylene glycol
and glyceryl triacetate.
[0011] In some embodiments one or more binder is included. In some
embodiments the one or more binder is selected from the group
consisting of: thermoreversible gelling agents, such as gelatin;
starches; polysaccharides; pectins; celluloses; cellulose
derivatives, such as carboxymethylcellulose; and alginates.
[0012] In some embodiments one or more flavour-modifier is
included.
[0013] In some embodiments the precursor composition is granulated
or spheronised to form the agglomerated structure.
[0014] In some embodiments the precursor composition is extruded to
form the agglomerated structure.
[0015] In some embodiments the components are in the form of
granules.
[0016] In some embodiments the components have an elongated or
rod-shaped form.
[0017] In some embodiments the components have a cross sectional
shape to increase the surface area of the tobacco constituent
releasing component.
[0018] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is
provided an aerosol provision device comprising a tobacco
constituent releasing component according to the first aspect of
the invention.
[0019] In some embodiments the device is a tobacco heating product
comprising a tobacco segment which is to be heated to volatilise
constituents, and optionally including a filter or filter
element.
[0020] In some embodiments the device is a Hybrid product
comprising a tobacco segment which is to be heated to volatilise
constituents, and a liquid which is to be heated to form a vapour,
and optionally including a filter or filter element.
[0021] In some embodiments the tobacco constituent releasing
component is located in a filter or filter element of the device.
In some embodiments one or more tobacco constituent releasing
components are surrounded by filter material in the filter or
filter element. In other embodiments one or more tobacco
constituent releasing components are located in a cavity of a
multi-segment filter.
[0022] In some embodiments one or more tobacco constituent
releasing components are located in the tobacco segment. In some
embodiments the tobacco segment consists of one or more tobacco
constituent releasing components.
[0023] In some embodiments the device is a Hybrid product
comprising a tobacco segment which is to be heated to volatilise
constituents, and a liquid which is to be heated to form a vapour,
wherein one or more tobacco constituent releasing components are
located in the tobacco segment and wherein the tobacco segment is
heated by the vapour. In some embodiments, the liquid is a
nicotine-free liquid. In some embodiments, the device includes a
means for heating the liquid to form a vapour, but does not include
a separate means for heating the smokeable material.
[0024] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method of manufacturing a tobacco constituent releasing
component, comprising preparing a precursor composition comprising
tobacco particles; adjusting the pH of the precursor composition to
a basic pH; and treating said precursor composition to form an
agglomerated structure.
[0025] In some embodiments the precursor composition is granulated
or spheronised to form the agglomerated structure.
[0026] In some embodiments the precursor composition is extruded to
form the agglomerated structure. In some embodiments the extruded
agglomerate is cooled during or after extrusion. In some
embodiments the extrusion creates inner channels within the
extruded agglomerate.
[0027] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is
provided an apparatus for heating smokeable material to volatilise
at least one component of the smokeable material, and a
nicotine-free liquid which is to be heated to form a vapour,
wherein the smokeable material comprises tobacco particles having a
basic pH, and wherein the smokeable material is heated by the
vapour.
[0028] In some embodiments the apparatus includes a means for
heating the liquid to form a vapour, but does not include a
separate means for heating the smokeable material.
[0029] In some embodiments the pH is increased by the addition of
one or more bases or a basic buffer system.
[0030] In some embodiments the pH of the tobacco particles is at
least about 7.5.
[0031] In some embodiments the tobacco particles have an average
diameter no greater than 3 mm, no greater than 1 mm, no greater
than 0.5 mm, or no greater than 0.3 mm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way
of example only, with reference to accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0033] FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing key steps of a process
according to embodiments of the present invention;
[0034] FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c show examples of nozzle designs for
forming extruded agglomerates having inner channels, whilst FIGS.
2d and 2e show how such nozzles may be used to shape the extruded
agglomerates;
[0035] FIG. 3 is a photograph of some extruded agglomerates,
showing different cross-sectional geometries forming inner
channels;
[0036] FIG. 4a shows an example of a die used to produce granules
by extrusion, whilst
[0037] FIG. 4b shows how such a die may be used to form the
extruded agglomerates;
[0038] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of some extruded
granules;
[0039] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tobacco
heating product for heating smokeable material to volatilise at
least one component of the smokeable material including a tobacco
constituent releasing component;
[0040] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a Hybrid device for heating
smokeable material to volatilise at least one component of the
smokeable material including a tobacco constituent releasing
component; and
[0041] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of
a cartridge containing multiple tobacco constituent releasing
components.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] The invention relates to tobacco constituent releasing
components that are formed from tobacco particles. These components
are able to release tobacco constituents including flavours and
nicotine, for example when heated.
[0043] At least some of the released constituents are directly
derived from the tobacco particles used to form the components. In
some embodiments, further materials may be added to the components
for release. These further materials may, for example, also
comprise tobacco constituents added to supplement those directly
derived from the tobacco particles. Alternatively or in addition,
the further materials added to the components for release may not
be derived from tobacco. For example, the components may also, in
some embodiments, carry and release other flavours, including those
not derived from tobacco.
[0044] In some embodiments, the tobacco constituent releasing
components are agglomerated structures. This means that they are a
mass or cluster formed by fusing or adhering multiple particles to
one another. The constituent particles include tobacco particles.
In some embodiments, particles of other materials may also be
included.
[0045] pH Adjustment
[0046] In some embodiments, the agglomerated structures are formed
from a precursor composition comprising tobacco particles, wherein
the pH of the precursor composition has been adjusted to a basic
pH. For example, the pH may be adjusted to at least about 7.5. The
pH may be adjusted by the addition of one or more bases.
Alternatively, the pH may be adjusted by the use of a buffer
solution.
[0047] In some embodiments, the tobacco constituent releasing
component comprises tobacco particles and one or more bases or a
basic buffer system, so that the tobacco constituent releasing
component has a basic pH. For example, the pH may be at least about
7.5.
[0048] The purpose of adjusting the pH of the tobacco particles
and/or of the precursor composition is to provide the tobacco
constituents in a chemical form which means that they are readily
released from the releasing component, and/or they are readily
transferred to the aerosol generated by the smoking article.
Adjusting the pH of tobacco changes the natural balance of those
acid-base reactions that bind certain classes of chemicals within
the tobacco. For example, in natural tobacco leaf, nicotine tends
to bind with organic acids that are present in the leaf and hence
is more stable is and less likely to volatilise when exposed to
mild heat. If the pH of the leaf is raised, this reduces the
nicotine's natural association with the acids. Such unbound of
"free" nicotine is more volatile. The same principle applies to
other chemical equilibria within tobacco.
[0049] In some embodiments, the pH of the precursor composition is
adjusted to at least about 7.5, at least about 8, at least about
8.5, at least about 9, at least about 9.5 or at least about 10. In
some embodiments, the pH is adjusted to no higher than about 14, no
higher than about 13.5, no higher than about 13, no higher than
about 12.5, no higher than about 12, no higher than about 11.5, no
higher than about 11, no higher than about 10.5 or no higher than
about 10. In some embodiments, the pH of the precursor composition
is adjusted to from about 8 to about 10, or from about 8.5 to about
9.5.
[0050] In some embodiments, the pH of the tobacco constituent
releasing component is at least about 7.5, at least about 8, at
least about 8.5, at least about 9, at least about 9.5 or at least
about 10. In some embodiments, the pH is no higher than about 14,
no higher than about 13.5, no higher than about 13, no higher than
about 12.5, no higher than about 12, no higher than about 11.5, no
higher than about 11, no higher than about 10.5 or no higher than
about 10. In some embodiments, the pH of the tobacco constituent
releasing component is adjusted to from about 8 to about 10, or
from about 8.5 to about 9.5.
[0051] In some embodiments, the pH is adjusted to from about 7.5 to
about 10, or from about 8 to about 9, or to about 8.5, about 9,
about 9.5 or about 10.
[0052] In some embodiments, the base used to adjust the pH is a
hydroxide or a carbonate. Hydroxides used may be monoacidic bases,
diacidic bases or triacidic bases. Suitable bases include, for
example, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, silver hydroxide,
ammonium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium
bicarbonate (also known as sodium hydrogen carbonate), and
potassium carbonate.
[0053] The base may be added to the precursor composition in the
form of a liquid, such as an aqueous or non-aqueous solution or
suspension, or in the form of a solid, such as a powder.
[0054] The precursor composition comprises a mixture of tobacco
particles and a pH adjuster. In embodiments where the tobacco
particles and pH adjuster are dry, for example where the base is in
the form of a dry powder, the pH of the precursor composition will
be adjusted (compared to the pH of the tobacco particles without
the pH adjuster) once water is added to the composition.
[0055] As used herein, the pH of the precursor composition or of
the tobacco constituent releasing component refers to the pH once
water is added to the composition or component where the
composition or component is dry.
[0056] In some embodiments, the buffer system used to adjust the pH
is a mixture of a weak base and its conjugate acid. Suitable buffer
systems include, for example, ones having a pH of at least about
7.5, at least about 8, at least about 8.5 or at least about 9. In
some embodiments, the pH of the buffer system is from about 8 to
about 10, or from about 8.5 to about 9.5. Suitable buffer systems
include, for example, those based on ammonia, carbonates or
hydroxides, with suitable counterions. An example of a specific
buffer system is a mixture of ammonia and ammonium chloride.
[0057] Tobacco Particles
[0058] The tobacco particles present in the precursor composition
have a size small enough to ensure that multiple such particles can
be agglomerated to form tobacco constituent releasing components
having desired dimensions based upon their intended use.
[0059] Smaller tobacco particles have a greater surface area to
volume ratio and they may therefore exhibit enhanced release of
tobacco constituents compared to particles of larger sizes.
[0060] In addition, the size of the tobacco particles (and of other
particles in the precursor composition) will have an effect on the
porosity and density of the agglomerated structures and tobacco
constituent releasing components. Thus, the size of the tobacco
particles may be selected to produce a more porous agglomerated
structure, which will have an impact on the release of the tobacco
constituents. Thus, the size of the tobacco particles is another
factor that may be adjusted in order to influence the release of
tobacco constituents, in particular where the agglomerated
structure is made by granulation as opposed to extrusion.
[0061] The preferred size of the tobacco particles may also depend
upon the method used to form the agglomerated structures. For
example, extrusion processes can be sensitive to the size of the
particles within the composition being extruded. Specifically, in
some embodiments where the precursor composition is extruded to
form the agglomerated structure, it may be desirable for the
particles in the precursor composition, including the tobacco
particles, to have an average particle size of no greater than
about 3 mm, of no greater than 1 mm, of no greater than about 0.5
mm, or to have an average particle size of no greater than about
0.3 mm, when measured by sieving.
[0062] In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the tobacco
particles in the precursor composition and/or in the tobacco
constituent releasing component to have an average particle size of
no greater than about 3 mm, of no greater than 1 mm, of no greater
than about 0.5 mm, or to have an average particle size of no
greater than about 0.3 mm, when measured by sieving. In some
embodiments, the average particle size is within the range of about
0.1 to about 3 mm, of about 0.1 to about 1 mm, of about 0.1 to
about 0.5 mm, of about 0.1 to about 0.4 mm, or in the range of
about 0.2 to about 0.3 mm. In some embodiments, at least about 90%
of the particles of the precursor composition will have a particle
size within the range of about 0.1 to about 3 mm, or of about 0.1
to about 1 m, or of about 0.1 to about 0.5 mm. In some embodiments,
at least about 90% of the tobacco particles of the precursor
composition will have a particle size within the range of about 0.1
to about 3 mm, or of about 0.1 to about 1 mm, or of about 0.1 to
0.5 mm. In some embodiments, none of the particles in the precursor
composition have a particle size greater than 5 mm, greater than 4
mm, greater than 2 mm, greater than 1.5 mm, or greater than about 1
mm.
[0063] Particles of the desired size may be formed by grinding,
shredding, cutting or crushing tobacco material. Suitable machinery
to create such tobacco particles includes, for example, shredders,
cutters, or mills, such as hammer mills, roller mills or other
types of commercially available milling machinery. The size of the
tobacco particles is selected to provide particles which can be
readily prepared from a variety of different types of tobacco
material, which can be formed into agglomerated structures using
the processes described herein and having the properties described
herein, and which provide a source of tobacco constituents that are
readily released.
[0064] Without wishing to be bound by any one particular theory, it
is speculated that the chopping of the tobacco to form the tobacco
particles enhances the release of tobacco constituents including
volatile flavours and aromatic constituents, as well as nicotine.
The increased surface area of the tobacco particles is also thought
to aid volatilisation. The smaller tobacco particles also improve
the homogeneity of agglomerated structures formed therefrom
together with other components.
[0065] The tobacco material used to form the tobacco particles may
be any type of tobacco and any part of the tobacco plant, including
tobacco lamina, stem, stalk, ribs, scraps and shorts or mixtures of
two or more thereof. Suitable tobacco materials include the
following types: Virginia or flue-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco,
Oriental tobacco, or blends of tobacco materials, optionally
including those listed here. The tobacco may be expanded, such as
dry-ice expanded tobacco (DIET), or processed by any other means.
In some embodiments, the tobacco material may be reconstituted
tobacco material. The tobacco may be pre-processed or unprocessed,
and may be, for instance, solid stems (SS); shredded dried stems
(SDS); steam treated stems (STS); or any combination thereof. The
tobacco material may be fermented, cured, uncured, toasted, or
otherwise pre-treated.
[0066] Additional Components of Precursor Composition
[0067] The tobacco constituent releasing components having an
agglomerated structure are formed from a precursor composition
comprising tobacco particles.
[0068] In some embodiments, the precursor composition and/or the
tobacco constituent releasing component does not include a binder
or binding additive. In other embodiments, the precursor
composition comprises a binder or binding additive. The binding
additive may be selected to assist in the formation of an
agglomerated structure by helping to adhere the tobacco particles
to each other and to other components in the composition. Suitable
binding additives include, for example, thermoreversible gelling
agents such as gelatin, starches, polysaccharides, pectins,
alginates, wood pulp, celluloses, and cellulose derivatives such as
carboxymethylcellulose.
[0069] In some embodiments, the precursor composition and/or the
tobacco constituent releasing component further comprises a
diluent. The diluent may be in solid or liquid form. In some
embodiments, the diluent is inert or substantially inert.
[0070] In some embodiments, the agglomerated structure formed from
the precursor is composition may have an increased surface area by
including in the precursor composition particles of an inert filler
material. Suitable inert fillers may be porous or non-porous.
[0071] In some embodiments, the precursor composition and/or the
tobacco constituent releasing component further comprises at least
one aerosol forming agent which may be, for instance, a polyol
aerosol generator or a non-polyol aerosol generator, preferably a
non-polyol aerosol generator. It may be a solid or liquid at room
temperature, but preferably is a liquid at room temperature.
Suitable polyols include sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols like
propylene glycol or triethylene glycol. Suitable non-polyols
include monohydric alcohols, high boiling point hydrocarbons, acids
such as lactic acid, and esters such as diacetin, triacetin,
triethyl citrate or isopropyl myristate. A combination of aerosol
forming agents may be used, in equal or differing proportions.
Glycerol and propylene glycol are particularly preferred.
[0072] In some embodiments, the the precursor composition and/or
tobacco constituent releasing components may include a
flavour-modifier, to modify the flavour provided by the tobacco
particles or to add flavour. In some embodiments, the
flavour-modifier may be included in the precursor composition.
Alternatively or in addition, the flavour-modifier may be added to
or applied to the agglomerated structure. Flavour-modifiers
include, for example, casing materials, as well as "flavour" and
"flavourant" materials which, where local regulations permit, may
be used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult
consumers. They may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea,
Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove,
menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen,
cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey,
spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamon, celery, cascarilla,
nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil,
vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine,
ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander,
coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha),
flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial
receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar
substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame,
saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose,
sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal,
chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents.
They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends
thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil,
liquid, gel, wax or powder.
[0073] In some embodiments, the precursor composition and/or the
tobacco constituent releasing component further comprises a
preservative. Suitable preservatives would be readily known to the
skilled person and would include, for example, those that are safe
for use in products producing inhalable aerosols. Examples of
preservatives that might be used include: propylene glycol,
carvacrol, thymol, L-menthol, 1,8-cineole, phenoxyethanol,
PhytoCide, sorbic acid and its salts, sodium
hydroxymethylglycinate, ethylhexylglycerin, parabens and vitamins
such as vitamin E or vitamin C.
[0074] In some embodiments, neither the precursor composition nor
the tobacco constituent releasing component includes a gelling
agent.
[0075] Form of Agglomerated Structures
[0076] In some embodiments, the tobacco constituent releasing
components are in particulate form, being small, separate
particles. In most embodiments, multiple particles will be
incorporated into an apparatus in order to have the desired effect
on the aerosol of the apparatus.
[0077] In some embodiment, the particulate tobacco constituent
releasing components have an average size (as measured by sieving)
of from about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm. In some embodiments, it may be
preferable for the granules to have an average size of from about
0.7 mm to about 3 mm. Where, for example, the granules are to be
dispersed within the filter material of a filter element (as in a
Dalmatian style filter element), it may be preferable for the
granules to have an average size of from about 0.3 mm to about 1
mm. Where, for example, the granules are to be included in a
cavity, such as a cavity within a filter, it may be preferable for
the granules to have an average size of from about 0.5 mm to about
4 mm.
[0078] In other embodiments, the tobacco constituent releasing
components are in monolithic form, being larger articles. In most
embodiments, a single monolithic component will be incorporated
into an apparatus in order to have the desired effect on the
aerosol of the apparatus.
[0079] In some embodiments, the monolithic components are roughly
spherical or cylindrical in shape. They may have a diameter of from
about 4 mm to about 10 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter may be
from about 5 mm to about 8 mm. Cylindrical components may
additionally have a length of from about 5 mm to about 80 mm, from
about 15 mm to about 50 mm, or from about 20 mm to about 30 mm.
[0080] Forming the Agglomerated Structures
[0081] FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing the key steps in the
processes of the present invention. The tobacco starting material,
which may be pre-treated or pre-processed, is ground to the desired
particle size. The pH is adjusted, either by adding one or more
bases or by adding a buffer solution to the tobacco particles. Any
additional components may be added to the tobacco material. These
additional components may be in liquid form or is solid form.
Additional solid components are preferably in particulate or powder
form. The additional components may be added before, during or
after the pH adjustment step. An agglomerated structure is then
formed from the resultant precursor composition, by adhering the
pH-adjusted tobacco particles and optional other components to form
multi-particle entities.
[0082] In some embodiments, water may be added to the precursor
composition as a processing aid. For example, the presence of water
may help to dissolve components of the precursor composition, such
as the pH adjusting agent and sugars, and/or it may assist with
binding or improve agglomeration.
[0083] In some embodiments, the agglomerated structure may be
formed from the precursor composition by a process including one or
more steps selected from the group consisting of granulation,
extrusion and spheronisation.
[0084] Granulation
[0085] Granulation of the precursor composition involves the
binding or fusing together of the particles of the precursor
composition to form larger, multi-particle entities which are
referred to herein as agglomerated structures. The multi-particle
entities formed by granulation are called granules and they may
have various geometric shapes, including, for example, the general
form of spheres, cylinders, and the like.
[0086] In one embodiment, the granulation step used is wet
granulation. In wet granulation, granules are formed by the
addition of a granulation liquid onto a powder bed. Agitation in
the system, along with the wetting of the components within the
precursor composition, results in the aggregation of the particles
to produce wet granules. The granulation liquid may be at least
partially removed by drying to provide dry granules. The
granulation liquid may be water-based or solvent-based. Suitable
granulation liquids include, for example, water, glycerol, ethanol
and isopropanol, either alone or in combination. In some
embodiments, the granulation liquid comprises an aerosol forming
agent, such as glycerol or one of the other agents mentioned
herein, and/or a binder or binding agent. In some embodiments, no
water is added to the precursor composition to aid granulation.
[0087] In another embodiment, the granulation step used is dry
granulation. In dry granulation, granules are formed without using
a granulation liquid. This type of process has the advantage that
it does not expose the precursor composition to moisture and so
there is no requirement to expose the granules to heat in order to
dry them. Forming granules by dry granulation involves compacting
and densifying the precursor composition, usually under high
pressure.
[0088] Extrusion
[0089] Extrusion of the precursor composition involves the feeding
of the precursor composition through an orifice to produce an
extruded agglomerate. The process, which applies pressure to the
precursor composition combined with shear forces, results in
agglomerated structures.
[0090] Extrusion may be performed using one of the main classes of
extruders: screw, sieve and basket, roll, ram and pin barrel
extruders. A single screw or twin screw extruder may be used.
Forming the tobacco constituent releasing components by extrusion
has the advantage that this processing combines mixing,
conditioning, homogenizing and molding of the precursor
composition.
[0091] In some embodiments, during extrusion the free-flowing
precursor composition is exposed to elevated pressure and
temperature and is forced though an orifice, such as a shaping
nozzle or die, to form an extruded agglomerate. In some
embodiments, the extruded agglomerate has a rod-like form and/or it
may be cut into segments of a desired length as it exits the
orifice. A rod-like extruded agglomerate may subsequently be cut
into segments of desired length.
[0092] In some embodiments, the precursor composition comprising
tobacco particles is exposed to temperatures from about 40.degree.
C. to about 150.degree. C., or from about 80.degree. C. to about
130.degree. C., or from about 60.degree. C. to about 95.degree. C.
within the extruder. In some embodiments, including those using
double extrusion, the precursor composition is exposed to
temperatures from about 70.degree. C. to about 95.degree. C. within
the extruder. In some embodiments, including those using single
extrusion, the precursor composition is exposed to temperatures
from about 60.degree. C. to about 80.degree. C. within the
extruder. The composition may be exposed to pressures (immediately
before the die or nozzle) ranging from about 2 bar to about 100
bar, or from about 5 bar to about 60 bar, depending on the design
of the die or nozzle being used.
[0093] In some embodiments, due to the relatively high density of
the extruded agglomerate and the relatively open surface of the
tobacco particles within it, the tobacco constituent releasing
components formed from the extruded agglomerate exhibit good heat
transfer and mass transfer, which has a positive impact on the
release of tobacco constituents, such as flavours and nicotine.
[0094] In some embodiments, the extrusion may be a generally dry
process, with the precursor composition being a dry or
substantially dry material that includes tobacco particles, as well
as optionally other particulate materials including, for example,
base, diluent, solid aerosol forming agents, solid flavour
modifiers, etc.
[0095] In some embodiments, liquids may be added to the precursor
composition during the extrusion process. For example, water may be
added to the precursor composition, for example as a processing aid
to assist dissolution or solubilisation of components of the
composition, or to aid binding or agglomeration. Alternatively or
additionally, a wetting agent may be added to the precursor
composition.
[0096] In some embodiments, the liquid may be an aerosol forming
agent such as glycerol or others discussed herein. When liquid is
added to the precursor composition in this manner, the liquid is
applied not only on the surface, but, as a result of the extruder
pressure combined with the intensive mixing by high shear forces,
the extruded agglomerate becomes impregnated with the liquid. Where
the liquid is an aerosol forming agent, this can result in a high
availability of the aerosol forming agent in the agglomerated
product to enhance evaporation of flavour components from the
tobacco particles and other components of the agglomerated
structure, enhancing release of tobacco constituents from the
resultant extruded tobacco constituent releasing components.
[0097] In some embodiments, in view of the impregnation of the
extruded agglomerate with the aerosol forming agent, greater
volumes of this additive can be incorporated into the tobacco
constituent releasing component than if the aerosol forming agent
were simply being applied to the surface of the precursor
composition or of the extruded agglomerate. In some embodiments,
the amount of aerosol forming agent incorporated into the tobacco
constituent releasing component may be at least about 1% by weight,
at least about 1.5% by weight, at least about 2% by weight, at
least about 3% by weight, at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at
least about 15% or at least about 20% by weight.
[0098] In some embodiments, the amount of aerosol forming agent
incorporated into the tobacco constituent releasing component may
be up to about 30% by weight and even up to about 40% by weight.
High amounts of aerosol forming agent, such as at least about 10%
or at least about 20% by weight, may be advantageous where the
tobacco constituent releasing component is to generate an aerosol
in addition to releasing the tobacco constituents. Smaller amounts
of aerosol forming agent, such as up to about 5% by weight, may be
sufficient where the tobacco constituent releasing component's
primary function is to releasing the tobacco constituents or other
flavours carried by the components into an existing aerosol or air
flow.
[0099] The extruded agglomerate will be shaped by the nozzle or die
through which it is forced. In some embodiments, the extruded
agglomerate is cut into pieces of desired length. The pieces formed
in this way may be used as tobacco constituent releasing components
or they may undergo further processing.
[0100] In some embodiments, the nozzle or die is shaped to provide
a solid strand of extruded agglomerate. For example, the extruded
agglomerate may have the form of a solid cylindrical rod.
Alternatively, the extruded agglomerate may have different
cross-sectional shapes, including oval, polygonal (such as
triangular, square, etc.), and stars.
[0101] In some embodiments, the extruded composition is formed into
a desired shape selected to enhance or promote the release of
flavour, for example by providing a form having a large surface
area per unit volume. This large surface area may be provided on
the outer surface of the extruded agglomerate, for example by
selecting cross-sectional is shapes with large perimeter.
Alternatively or in addition, the large surface area may be
provided through the creation of channels within the extruded
agglomerate.
[0102] In some embodiments, the nozzle is shaped to provide an
extruded agglomerate with inner channels. These inner channels
provide further surface area and can enhance constituent
release.
[0103] Examples of some nozzle designs are shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b
and 2c. These nozzles 1 have orifices 2 through which the extruded
composition is forced to produce an extruded agglomerate with a
cartwheel-like spoked structure. These nozzles are used in an
extruder, as shown in FIGS. 2d and 2e, in which the direction of
the flow of the material being extruded is indicated by the arrow
A.
[0104] FIG. 3 is a photograph of some extruded rod-shaped
agglomerates, showing different cross-sectional geometries
including inner channels. Some of these extruded agglomerates have
been made using the nozzle designs of FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c.
[0105] FIG. 4a shows an example of a die used to produce granules
by extrusion. This die 3 has multiple orifices 4 through which the
extruded composition is forced to produce extruded agglomerates
which exit the die in the form of a numerous solid cylindrical rods
which are cut at the die to form extruded granules of the desired
length. The diameter of the granules is driven primarily by the
diameter of the orifice 4. Such a die can be used in an extruder,
and the direction of the flow of the material being extruded is
indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 4b, which includes a side view of
the die 3.
[0106] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of some extruded
agglomerates in the form of granules.
[0107] Tobacco constituent releasing components formed from such
shaped extruded agglomerate sections have an inner channel
structure which have advantageous adjustable strand ventilation
properties and a significantly enlarged inner surface leading to
improved heat and mass transfer. As a result, such components
exhibit better, more uniform release of flavour by evaporation.
Furthermore, the structure with inner channels exhibits
significantly improved strength in both the radial and axial
directions, which is beneficial for the further processing of the
extruded agglomerate, for example when it is cut into segments.
[0108] By means of various nozzle or die designs and/or different
process parameters within the extruder, including the temperature,
pressure and shear forces, extruded agglomerates with different
physical properties may be prepared, including different heat
transfer properties, draft resistance, and capable of producing
different aerosols and/or of modifying aerosols being drawn through
the extruded agglomerate.
[0109] In some embodiments, the extruded agglomerate is shaped upon
discharge from the extruder. In some embodiments, the extruded
agglomerate is cut to an initial length, for example 1 metre, and
allowed to cool before then being cut into sections of the desired
length to provide tobacco constituent releasing components of the
desired dimensions.
[0110] In some embodiments, the extruded agglomerate may be cooled
just before or just as it leaves the extruder. In some embodiments,
the cooling is intensive and involves exposing the extruded
agglomerate, which will be at an elevated temperature, for example
from about 30.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C., or from about
40.degree. C. to about 70.degree. C., to a cooling means that will
reduce the temperature to within a range of from about 0.degree. C.
to about 70.degree. C., from about 0.degree. C. to about 50.degree.
C., from about 5.degree. C. to about 25.degree. C. or from about
5.degree. C. to about 15.degree. C. This rapid cooling of the
extruded agglomerate may enhance the internal and external
stability of the extruded agglomerate. In some embodiments, it is
the nozzle or die that is cooled to achieve this effect.
[0111] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to control the
temperature of the precursor composition during extrusion,
including before feeding the composition through the nozzle or die.
This is especially the case where the precursor composition
includes temperature sensitive components, such as aerosol forming
agents such as glycerol. Thus, in some embodiments, extrusion of
the precursor composition includes reducing the temperature of the
precursor composition before it reaches the nozzle or die. Such
cooling of the precursor composition may result in the formation of
an extruded agglomerate with beneficial properties, or may improve
the strand-shaping process, for example where channels are to be
formed within the extruded agglomerate strand.
[0112] In some embodiments, spheronisation is used to further
process extruded segments. These segments are typically
cylindrically-shaped and are cut or broken into uniform lengths
following extrusion. They are then gradually transformed into
spherical shapes is by spheronisation. This shaping occurs as a
result of plastic deformation and spheronisation can lead to
spherical agglomerated structures, often with a nearly uniform
diameter.
[0113] Incorporation into an Apparatus
[0114] One or more tobacco constituent releasing components may be
incorporated into an aerosol provision device, such as an apparatus
for heating smokeable material to volatilise at least one component
of the smokeable material.
[0115] As used herein, an aerosol provision device includes vapour
devices such as e-cigarettes, devices for heating smokeable
material such as tobacco heating devices and hybrid devices.
[0116] As used herein, the apparatus for heating smokeable material
to volatilise at least one component of the smokeable material
includes so-called "heat not burn" products or tobacco heating
devices or products, which release compounds by heating, but not
burning, smokeable material. It also includes other nicotine
delivery products such as aerosol generation devices including
e-cigarettes and Hybrid products, in which a liquid, such as a
nicotine-containing liquid or a nicotine-free liquid, is heated to
form an aerosol and this aerosol is then drawn through a smokeable
material, such as a tobacco segment, picking up tobacco flavours or
wherein a separate aerosol is formed by heating a smokeable
material. The aforementioned apparatus may be provided with a
filter for the aerosol drawn by the user.
[0117] The tobacco constituent releasing component may be
positioned within the apparatus or device so that the tobacco
constituents that are released become entrained in an aerosol
generated by the apparatus or device upon use, modifying the
properties of the aerosol, for example by imparting tobacco
constituents, including tobacco flavour, to that aerosol.
Additionally or alternatively, the tobacco constituent releasing
component may itself generate an aerosol during use, said aerosol
including the released tobacco constituents.
[0118] In some embodiments, an apparatus or device may be provided
with a filter having tobacco constituent releasing component
located within said filter. This may be in addition to or instead
of the apparatus or device including other tobacco constituent
releasing components.
[0119] In some embodiments the filter or filter element may
comprise a filter material which has a filtering effect. Suitable
filter material may include, for example, tow comprising or
consisting of cellulose acetate, polylactic acid, and/or other
suitable polymers, or the filter or filter element may comprise a
hard material such as plastic with holes.
[0120] In some embodiments where multiple tobacco constituent
releasing components are incorporated into a filter, this may be in
a "Dalmatian" style filter section, where the tobacco constituent
releasing components are dispersed throughout a fibrous filter plug
material. Alternatively, the tobacco constituent releasing
components may be located in a cavity within the filter. The cavity
may, for example, be a cavity section positioned between two (or
more) adjacent filter plugs or the cavity may be a pocket defined
within a filter plug. In such embodiments, the tobacco constituent
releasing components may be small in size, for example in the form
of granules.
[0121] In other embodiments, a larger, single tobacco constituent
releasing component is incorporated into a filter. For example, a
single tobacco constituent releasing component may be embedded in a
fibrous filter plug material.
[0122] Alternatively, the tobacco constituent releasing component
may be incorporated into a multi-segment filter, the tobacco
constituent releasing component itself making up one of the filter
segments. In such embodiments, the tobacco constituent releasing
component may have any shape or size, but it may be advantageous
for the component to a have a cylindrical shape and the dimensions
similar to or compatible with those of the filter segments. In some
embodiments, the tobacco constituent releasing component may be
surrounded by filter material such as a layer of fibrous filter
tow, to form a filter segment. In other embodiments, the tobacco
constituent releasing component may have the dimensions of a filter
plug and it may be incorporated into a filter with one or more
adjacent filter plugs. Alternatively, a tobacco constituent
releasing component may be included in a cavity section positioned
between two (or more) adjacent filter plugs.
[0123] In some embodiments the tobacco constituent releasing
component itself may be the filter element in the aerosol provision
device, it being capable of filtering condensates and other
particulate matter in the aerosol, before the aerosol is inhaled by
the user.
[0124] According to some embodiments, one or more tobacco
constituent releasing components are included in an aerosol
provision device or apparatus for heating smokeable material to
volatilise at least one component of the smokeable material in
which a tobacco segment is heated but not combusted (i.e., a
tobacco heating product or so-called Heat-not-Burn product). In
some of these products, the tobacco segment is heated to generate
an aerosol.
[0125] One option is to incorporate the one or more tobacco
constituent releasing components in the filter of such products. In
some embodiments, multiple tobacco constituent releasing components
are incorporated into the filter of a tobacco heating product. In
other embodiments, a single tobacco constituent releasing component
is incorporated into the filter of a tobacco heating product.
[0126] Another option is to incorporate one or more tobacco
constituent releasing components in the tobacco segment of such
products. In some embodiments, one or more tobacco constituent
releasing components may be incorporated into tobacco material to
form the tobacco segment. For example, the one or more tobacco
constituent releasing components may be dispersed within the
tobacco material, such as cut tobacco or reconstituted tobacco, to
contribute to the flavour imparted by the tobacco. In other
embodiments, the tobacco included in the tobacco segment of the
tobacco heating product consists or consists essentially of one or
more tobacco constituent releasing components. In one embodiment,
the tobacco segment heated by the tobacco heating product consists
of or consists essentially of one or more tobacco constituent
releasing component. The tobacco constituent releasing component
may be heated directly. Where the tobacco segment is multiple
tobacco constituent releasing components, these may be held in a
container or cartridge. At least portions of the container or
cartridge may be permeable to air, to allow air to flow over or
through the tobacco constituent releasing components.
[0127] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a
tobacco heating product for heating a smokeable material. The
apparatus ii has a heating chamber 14 which in use contains the
smokeable material to be heated and volatilised. In this
embodiment, the smokeable material is in the form of a monolithic
tobacco constituent releasing component 13. The smokeable material
could however be multiple tobacco constituent releasing components
held in the heating chamber or provided in a cartridge like the one
illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0128] The apparatus ii of FIG. 6 further has an electronics/power
chamber 16 which may, for example, contain electrical control
circuitry and/or a power source (not shown). The electrical control
circuitry may include a controller, such as a microprocessor
arrangement, configured and arranged to control the heating of the
smokeable material via a heating element (not shown). The
electrical control circuitry may in use receive a signal from for
example a puff-actuated sensor which is sensitive to for example
changes in pressure or changes in rate of air flow that occur upon
initiation of a draw on the apparatus 11 by a user. The electrical
control circuitry can then operate so as to cause heating of the
smokeable material "on demand". Various arrangements for a
puff-actuated sensor are available, including for example a
thermistor, an electro-mechanical device, a mechanical device, an
optical device, an opto-mechanical device and a micro electro
mechanical systems (MEMS) based sensor. As an alternative, the
apparatus may have a manually operable switch for a user to
initiate a puff.
[0129] The heating chamber 14 is contained within the housing 12.
There may be a support and/or insulating means (not shown)
positioned between the heating chamber 14 and the housing 12, for
example to assist in heat-insulating the housing 12 from the
heating chamber 14, so that the housing 12 does not become hot or
at least too hot to touch during use.
[0130] The housing 12 includes an inlet 15 through which air is
drawn into the apparatus. The housing 12 also includes an outlet 17
at a mouthpiece 18 of the apparatus 11. Air is drawn into the
apparatus 11 through the inlet 15, travels through the apparatus
picking up tobacco constituents released by the tobacco constituent
releasing component 13, and the resulting aerosol generated by the
apparatus 11 leaves the apparatus 11 through the outlet 19 and is
inhaled by the user.
[0131] According to some embodiments, one or more tobacco
constituent releasing components are included in a so-called Hybrid
product for heating smokeable material to volatilise at least one
component of a smokeable material. In some of these products, the
tobacco segment is heated to generate an aerosol, in addition to
the heating of a liquid, such as a nicotine-containing liquid or a
nicotine-free liquid, which is heated by a heat source to form an
aerosol or vapour. In some Hybrid products, the is aerosol or
vapour formed from the liquid is drawn over or through the tobacco
segment, picking up tobacco flavours. In other embodiments, the
aerosol or vapour formed from the liquid is not drawn over or
through the tobacco segment.
[0132] In Hybrid products that include a filter, one option is to
incorporate the tobacco constituent releasing components in the
filter of such products, in a similar manner to that described for
tobacco heating products. In some embodiments, multiple tobacco
constituent releasing components are incorporated into the filter
of a Hybrid product. In other embodiments, a single tobacco
constituent releasing component is incorporated into the filter of
a Hybrid product.
[0133] Where the smoking article is a so-called Hybrid product
another option is to incorporate the tobacco constituent releasing
components in the tobacco segment of such products. In some
embodiments, one or more tobacco constituent releasing components
may be incorporated into tobacco material to form the tobacco
segment. For example, the one or more tobacco constituent releasing
components may be dispersed within the tobacco material, such as
cut tobacco or reconstituted tobacco, to contribute to the flavour
imparted by the tobacco. In other embodiments, the tobacco included
in the tobacco segment of the Hybrid product consists of one or
more tobacco constituent releasing components. In one embodiment,
the tobacco segment in the Hybrid product consists of or consists
essentially of one or more tobacco constituent releasing
components.
[0134] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a
Hybrid product for heating a smokeable material and a liquid. The
apparatus 21 has a housing 22 containing a chamber 24 which in use
contains the smokeable material to be heated and volatilised. In
this embodiment, the smokeable material is in the form of a
monolithic tobacco constituent releasing component 23. The
smokeable material could however be multiple tobacco constituent
releasing components held in the chamber or provided in a cartridge
like the one illustrated in FIG. 8. The housing 22 also contains a
liquid reservoir 25 containing a liquid 26 to be heated to form a
vapour.
[0135] The apparatus 21 further has an electronics/power chamber 27
which may, for example, contain electrical control circuitry and/or
a power source (not shown). The electrical control circuitry may
include a controller, such as a microprocessor arrangement,
configured and arranged to control the heating of the smokeable
material is and of the liquid 26 via one or more heating elements
(not shown). The electrical control circuitry may allow the
apparatus 21 to be puff-actuated, so as to cause heating of the
smokeable material "on demand". As an alternative, the apparatus 22
may have a manually operable switch for a user to initiate a
puff.
[0136] The housing 22 also includes an inlet 28 through which air
is drawn into the apparatus. The housing 22 also includes an outlet
29 at a mouthpiece 30 of the apparatus 21. Air is drawn into the
apparatus 21 through the inlet 28, travels through the apparatus
picking up the vapour created by heating the liquid 26 in the
liquid reservoir 25, and tobacco constituents released by the
tobacco constituent releasing component 23, and the resulting
aerosol generated by the apparatus 21 leaves the apparatus 21
through the outlet 29 and is inhaled by the user.
[0137] The Hybrid device 21 shown schematically in FIG. 7
represents just one possible configuration of such an apparatus.
The relative positions of the liquid reservoir 25 and the smokeable
material chamber 24 can be changed, as can the path of the air
flowing through the apparatus.
[0138] In one embodiment, the liquid reservoir is positioned
upstream of the smokeable material to be volatilised.
Alternatively, the liquid reservoir may be positioned downstream of
the smokeable material to be volatilised. In a yet further
arrangement, the two sources of aerosol in the apparatus may be
arranged side-by-side, etc.
[0139] In some embodiments, the vapour produced by heating the
liquid in the liquid reservoir flows over or through the smokeable
material comprising or consisting of one or more tobacco
constituent releasing components. In some embodiments, the elevated
temperature of the vapour causes the tobacco constituents to be
released. Alternatively or in addition, the smokeable material may
be separately heated by a heating means.
[0140] In some embodiments, a Hybrid device is provided in which
the vapour created by heating a liquid heats the smokeable material
in order to volatilise at least one component of the smokeable
material. In some embodiments, the liquid is a nicotine-free
liquid. In other embodiments, the liquid contains nicotine. Where
the smokeable material is heated by the vapour to volatilise at
least one component of the smokeable material, in certain
embodiments the device does not include a separate means for
heating the smokeable material. The smokeable material may comprise
or consist of at least one tobacco constituent releasing
component.
[0141] In other embodiments, the vapour produced by heating the
liquid in the liquid reservoir does not flows over or through the
smokeable material comprising or consisting of one or more tobacco
constituent releasing components. Rather, this vapour and the
aerosol generated by heating the smokeable material only mix after
they are both formed.
[0142] The tobacco heating products and Hybrid products described
herein may, in some embodiments, include tobacco segments in the
form of containers or cartridges containing one or more tobacco
constituent releasing components. These containers or cartridges
may be removable. They may replace both the chamber holding the
smokeable material and the smokeable material in the apparatus
described above with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, and in the
alternative embodiments discussed.
[0143] Referring to FIG. 8, a tobacco segment cartridge 31 is
shown, comprising a housing 32 defining a cavity within which are
held one or more tobacco constituent releasing components according
to the invention (not shown). The housing 32 may, for example be
made from moulded plastic or the like. In order to allow air drawn
through the device to pass into the cartridge 31 and over or
through the one or more tobacco constituent releasing components
and then out of the cartridge 31, ventilation holes 33 are provided
in the housing 32 of the cartridge 31. In some embodiments, the
cartridge 31 may further comprise heating means that is heatable by
a suitable means in order to heat the one or more tobacco
constituent releasing components held therein.
[0144] Hybrid Product
[0145] An apparatus is provided for heating smokeable material to
volatilise at least one component of the smokeable material, and a
nicotine-free liquid which is to be heated to form a vapour,
wherein the smokeable material comprises tobacco particles having a
basic pH, and wherein the smokeable material is heated by the
vapour. This is a so-called Hybrid device.
[0146] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a means for
heating the liquid to form a vapour, but not including a separate
means for heating the smokeable material. Thus, the heat to
volatilise at least one component of the smokeable material comes
from the vapour created by heating the nicotine-free liquid (the
e-liquid, as it is often referred to as in such devices).
[0147] The tobacco particles are pH-adjusted. This may be achieved
by adding a pH adjuster to the tobacco particles or to a
composition including the tobacco particles. The pH may, for
example, be increased by the addition of one or more bases or a
basic buffer system. Any of the bases and buffer systems mentioned
herein may be suitable. Furthermore, the pH may be adjusted to any
of the pH values or ranges mentioned herein.
[0148] In some embodiments, the tobacco particles have an average
diameter no greater than 3 mm, no greater than 1 mm, no greater
than 0.5 mm, or no greater than 0.3 mm, as measured by sieving.
Once again, the particle size may be as discussed above.
[0149] The smokeable material comprising the tobacco particles may
include other materials.
[0150] In some embodiments, the smokeable does not include a binder
or binding additive. In other embodiments, the smokeable material
comprises a binder or binding additive. Suitable binding additives
include, for example, thermoreversible gelling agents such as
gelatin, starches, polysaccharides, pectins, alginates, wood pulp,
celluloses, and cellulose derivatives such as
carboxymethylcellulose.
[0151] In some embodiments, the smokeable material further
comprises a diluent. The diluent may be in solid or liquid form. In
some embodiments, the diluent is inert or substantially inert.
[0152] In some embodiments, the smokeable material further
comprises at least one aerosol forming agent which may be, for
instance, a polyol aerosol generator or a non-polyol aerosol
generator, preferably a non-polyol aerosol generator. It may be a
solid or liquid at room temperature, but preferably is a liquid at
room temperature. Suitable polyols include sorbitol, glycerol, and
glycols like propylene glycol or triethylene glycol. Suitable
non-polyols include monohydric alcohols, high boiling point
hydrocarbons, acids such as lactic acid, and esters such as
diacetin, triacetin, triethyl citrate or isopropyl myristate. A
combination of aerosol forming agents may be used, in equal or
differing proportions. In some embodiments, glycerol and propylene
glycol are particularly preferred.
[0153] In some embodiments, the smokeable material may include a
flavour-modifier, to modify the flavour provided by the tobacco
particles or to add flavour. Suitable flavour-modifiers are
discussed in detail above.
[0154] In some embodiments, the smokeable material further
comprises a preservative, as discussed above. In other embodiments,
the smokeable material is free of any preservative.
[0155] In some embodiments, the smokeable material comprises
tobacco particles in the form of one or more agglomerated
structures, as discussed in detail above. Optionally, such
agglomerated structures may be formed by extrusion.
[0156] In order to address various issues and advance the art, the
entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various
embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and
provide for superior tobacco constituent releasing components and
smoking articles. The advantages and features of the disclosure are
of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not
exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in
understanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be
understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions,
features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are
not to be considered limitations on the disclosure 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 and/or spirit of the disclosure.
Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist
essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements,
components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the
disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed, but
which may be claimed in future.
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