U.S. patent application number 15/733577 was filed with the patent office on 2021-01-07 for aerosol generation.
The applicant listed for this patent is NICOVENTURES TRADING LIMITED. Invention is credited to RICHARD JOHN HEPWORTH.
Application Number | 20210000169 15/733577 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2021-01-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210000169 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HEPWORTH; RICHARD JOHN |
January 7, 2021 |
AEROSOL GENERATION
Abstract
Provided herein is a heat-not-burn article including an aerosol
generating medium and a filter. The filter contains one or more
crushable capsules. In use, the aerosol generating medium is heated
without being combusted, and the capsule is exposed to a
temperature of about 30 to 100.degree. C. During the exposure the
structural integrity of the capsule is not compromised such that
the capsule can be crushed by the user before, during or after
heating.
Inventors: |
HEPWORTH; RICHARD JOHN;
(LONDON, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NICOVENTURES TRADING LIMITED |
LONDON |
|
GB |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
15/733577 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
March 1, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2019/055179 |
371 Date: |
September 2, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
International
Class: |
A24D 3/17 20060101
A24D003/17; A24D 3/06 20060101 A24D003/06; A24D 1/22 20060101
A24D001/22; A24D 1/20 20060101 A24D001/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 2, 2018 |
GB |
1803424.9 |
Claims
1. A heat-not-burn article comprising: an aerosol generating
medium; and a filter, the filter containing one or more crushable
capsules, wherein, in use, the aerosol generating medium is heated
without being combusted, and the one or more crushable capsules are
exposed to a temperature of about 30-100.degree. C. during which
exposure a structural integrity of the one or more crushable
capsules is not compromised, such that the one or more crushable
capsules can be crushed by the user before, during or after
heating.
2. The heat-not-burn article according to claim 1, wherein, in use,
the aerosol generating medium generates a humid aerosol and the one
or more crushable capsules are exposed to at least 12 mg of
water.
3. The heat-not-burn article according to claim 1, wherein the one
or more crushable capsules have a core-shell structure, the core
comprising a liquid and the shell encapsulating the core, and
wherein the shell comprises 5-90% by weight based on a total
capsule shell weight of a gelling agent, wherein the gelling agent
comprises carrageenan.
4. The heat-not-burn article according to claim 1, wherein the
aerosol generating medium comprises an aerosol generating
agent.
5. The heat-not-burn article according to claim 4, wherein the
aerosol generating medium comprises at least 10% by weight of an
aerosol generating agent based on a total weight of the aerosol
generating medium.
6. The heat-not-burn article according to claim 1, wherein the
aerosol generating medium comprises a tobacco material.
7. The heat-not-burn article according to claim 1, wherein the
aerosol generating medium comprises an aerosol generating agent and
a tobacco material, and wherein the aerosol generating agent and
the tobacco material are provided in one of: a same portion of the
aerosol generating medium, or in separate sections of the aerosol
generating medium.
8. The heat-not-burn article according to claim 1, wherein the one
or more capsules fill about 5-30% v/v of the filter.
9. The heat-not-burn article according to claim 1, wherein the
filter comprises 70-95% v/v of a filter material.
10. The heat-not-burn article according to claim 9, wherein at
least one of: the filter material has an average melting point of
at least about 150.degree. C., or the filter material has an
average thermal conductivity of at least 0.130 W/mK.
11. (canceled)
12. The heat-not-burn article according to claim 1, wherein the
filter comprises a wrapper that circumscribes other filter
components.
13. The heat-not-burn article according to claim 3, wherein the
shell of the one or more crushable capsules comprises 5-60% by
weight based on a total capsule shell weight of carrageenan as a
gelling agent.
14. (canceled)
15. The heat-not-burn article according to claim 3, wherein the
shell of the one or more crushable capsules additionally comprises
at least one of a plasticizer or a carbohydrate.
16. The heat-not-burn article according to claim 1, wherein the one
or more crushable capsules have a crush strength, before heating is
initiated, of from about 0.8 kp to about 3.5 kp.
17. The heat-not-burn article according to claim 3, wherein the
core of the one or more crushable capsules comprises a
flavorant.
18. A heat-not-burn assembly comprising the heat-not-burn article
according to claim 1 and a heater.
19. The heat-not-burn assembly according to claim 18, wherein the
one or more crushable capsules are disposed at least about 25 mm
from the heater.
20. The heat-not-burn assembly according to claim 18, wherein: the
heater comprises a combustible fuel source which is arranged such
that, on ignition, the combustible fuel source heats but does not
burn the aerosol generating medium of the heat-not-burn article, or
the heater is a device into which the heat-not-burn article is at
least partially inserted, such that in use, the aerosol generating
medium is heated but not burned.
21. (canceled)
22. The heat-not-burn assembly according to claim 18, configured
such that the one or more crushable capsules are exposed to a
temperature of about 30-100.degree. C.
23. (canceled)
24. The heat-not-burn assembly according to claim 18, configured to
expose the aerosol forming medium to at least 200.degree. C. for at
least 50% of a heating period.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT
Application No. PCT/EP2019/055179, filed Mar. 1, 2019, which claims
priority from GB Patent Application No. 1803424.9, filed Mar. 2,
2018, each of which is hereby fully incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a heat-not-burn article
and a heat-not-burn assembly.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn
tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Alternatives to these
combustible articles generate an inhalable aerosol by heating a
substrate material.
[0004] These products may generally be referred to as aerosol
generating devices. An example of such aerosol generating devices
are the so-called heat-not-burn products, also known as tobacco
heating products or tobacco heating devices, which release
compounds by heating, but not burning, a solid substrate material
to form an inhalable aerosol. The material may be for example
tobacco or other non-tobacco products or a combination, such as a
blended mix, which may or may not contain nicotine.
SUMMARY
[0005] A first aspect of the disclosure provides a heat-not-burn
article comprising an aerosol generating medium and a filter, the
filter containing one or more crushable capsules, wherein, in use,
the aerosol generating medium is heated without being combusted,
and the capsule is exposed to a temperature of about 30-100.degree.
C. during which exposure its structural integrity is not
compromised, such that the capsule can be crushed by the user
before, during or after heating.
[0006] In some cases, in use, the aerosol generating medium
generates a humid aerosol and the capsule is exposed to at least 12
mg of water.
[0007] In some cases, the capsule has a core-shell structure, the
core comprising a liquid and the shell encapsulating the core, and
wherein the shell comprises 5-90% by weight based on the total
capsule shell weight of a gelling agent, wherein the gelling agent
comprises carrageenan.
[0008] In some cases, the aerosol generating medium comprises an
aerosol generating agent. In some cases, the aerosol generating
medium comprises at least 10% by weight of an aerosol generating
agent based on the total weight of the aerosol generating
medium.
[0009] In some cases, the aerosol generating medium comprises a
tobacco material.
[0010] In some cases, the aerosol generating medium comprises an
aerosol generating agent and a tobacco material, which may be
provided in the same portion of the aerosol generating medium or in
separate sections of the aerosol generating medium.
[0011] In some cases, the capsule fills about 5-30% v/v of the
filter.
[0012] In some cases, the filter comprises 70-95% v/v of a filter
material. In some cases, the filter material has an average melting
point of at least about 150.degree. C. In some cases, the filter
material has an average thermal conductivity of at least 0.130
W/mK.
[0013] In some cases, the filter additionally comprises a wrapper
that circumscribes the other filter components.
[0014] In some cases, the shell comprises 5-60% by weight based on
the total capsule shell weight of carrageenan as a gelling agent.
Suitably, the shell comprises 10-35% by weight based on the total
capsule shell weight of carrageenan as a gelling agent.
[0015] In some cases, the gelling agent in the capsule shell
comprises a carrageenan. In some cases, that carrageenan has a
melting point of at least about 30.degree. C. or at least about
40.degree. C.
[0016] In some cases, the capsule shell additionally comprises a
plasticizer. In some cases, the total amount in the shell of
plasticizer and gelling agent combined may be about 40-70% by
weight based on the total capsule shell weight.
[0017] In some cases, the capsule shell additionally comprises a
carbohydrate, such as a starch.
[0018] In some cases, the capsule has an initial crush strength
(before heating) of from about 0.8 kilopond (kp) to about 3.5 kp,
suitably from about 1.0 kp to about 2.5 kp, or from about 1.0 kp to
about 2.0 kp.
[0019] In some cases, the capsule core comprises a flavorant.
[0020] A second aspect of the disclosure provides a heat-not-burn
assembly, comprising a heat-not-burn article according to the first
aspect and a heater.
[0021] In some cases, the capsule is at least about 25 mm or at
least about 30 mm from the heater. In some cases, the capsule is
25-30 mm from the heater. In some other cases, the capsule is 30-35
mm from the heater.
[0022] In some cases, the heater comprises a combustible fuel
source which is arranged such that, on ignition, the fuel source
heats but does not burn the aerosol generating medium of the
heat-not-burn article.
[0023] In some cases, the heater is a device into which the
heat-not-burn article is at least partially inserted such that in
use, the aerosol generating medium is heated but not burned.
[0024] In some cases, the assembly is configured such that the one
or more capsules are exposed to a temperature of about
30-100.degree. C. In some cases, the assembly is configured such
that the one or more capsules are exposed to a temperature of about
40-90.degree. C.
[0025] In some cases, the assembly may be configured to expose the
aerosol forming medium to at least 200.degree. C. for at least 50%
of a heating period.
[0026] According to a further aspect, the disclosure provides a
filter for a heat-not-burn article, the filter containing a
crushable capsule, wherein, in use, the aerosol generating medium
is heated without being combusted, and the capsule is exposed to a
temperature of about 30-100.degree. C. during which exposure its
structural integrity is not compromised, such that the capsule can
be crushed by the user before, during or after heating.
[0027] To the extent that they are compatible, features disclosed
in relation to one aspect of the disclosure are explicitly
disclosed in combination with all other aspects.
[0028] Further features and advantages of the disclosure will
become apparent from the following description of examples of the
disclosure, given by way of example only, which is made with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of an example of a
heat-not-burn article.
[0030] FIG. 2 shows a schematic side view an example of a
heat-not-burn assembly.
[0031] FIG. 3 shows a section view of an example of a heat-not-burn
article.
[0032] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the article of FIG.
3.
[0033] FIG. 5 shows a sectional elevation of an example of a
heat-not-burn article.
[0034] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the article of FIG.
5.
[0035] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an example of a
heat-not-burn assembly.
[0036] FIG. 8 shows a section view of an example heat-not-burn
assembly.
[0037] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an example an example
heat-not-burn assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] A first aspect of the disclosure provides a heat-not-burn
article comprising an aerosol generating medium and a filter, the
filter containing one or more crushable capsules, wherein, in use,
the aerosol generating medium is heated without being combusted,
and the capsule is exposed to a temperature of about 30-100.degree.
C. during which exposure its structural integrity is not
compromised, such that the capsule can be crushed by the user
before, during or after heating.
[0039] The aerosol generated by a heat-not-burn product is
typically warm and moist due to the nature of the heating profile
and the composition of the aerosol generating medium. For example,
the aerosol generating medium in a heat-not-burn product according
to the disclosure may contain a greater proportion of aerosol
generating agent than a smokable material used in a combustible
product. Further, or in the alternative, the aerosol generating
medium in a heat-not-burn product according to the disclosure may
be heated to a high temperature and/or for a longer period than the
burning temperature/period of a combustible product. The inventors
have established that the capsules detailed in claim 1 are
particularly suitable for use in a heat-not-burn product and the
conditions therein. The capsules stipulated in claim 1 have been
found to be less likely to fail or rupture on exposure to the
conditions in a heat-not-burn product, when compared to other
capsules.
[0040] In some cases, in use, the aerosol generating medium
generates a humid aerosol and the capsule is exposed to at least 12
mg of water.
[0041] The inventors have established that the temperature profile
of the center of the filter peaks at the time of each puff during
use. This is due to hot aerosol being drawn through the filter on
puffing. In some cases, the capsule may be exposed to a temperature
in excess of about 30.degree. C., 40.degree. C. or 50.degree. C.
during use. In some cases, the maximum temperature that the capsule
is exposed to in use is less than about 100.degree. C., 90.degree.
C., 80.degree. C. or 70.degree. C. In some cases, the capsule may
be exposed to temperatures in the range of 30.degree.
C.-100.degree. C., suitably from 40.degree. C.-80.degree. C. or
50.degree. C.-70.degree. C.
[0042] As used herein, the term "heat-not-burn article" refers to
an article containing an aerosol generating medium; in use,
components of the aerosol generating medium are volatilized by
heating, without burning/combustion, to from an inhalable vapor or
aerosol.
[0043] The aerosol generating medium of a heat-not-burn article
comprises a solid component (in contrast to the aerosol generating
medium of e-cigarettes in which the aerosol generating medium is
liquid). By "solid", it is meant that the aerosol generating medium
exhibits no flow when in the steady-state. Solid may encompass gels
and the like. For the avoidance of doubt, the aerosol generating
medium of a heat-not-burn article may comprise, in addition to a
solid component, a liquid component.
[0044] The capsule described herein may have a core-shell
structure. In such cases, the core comprises a liquid. In some
cases, the core may comprise one or more aerosol generating agents
and/or one or more flavorants. In some cases, the core may comprise
an acid, a base, and/or water. In some cases, the core may comprise
a solvent. In some particular cases, the core may comprise
menthol.
[0045] The capsule shell material (which may alternatively be
referred to herein as the barrier material or the encapsulating
material) encapsulates the core. The shell material may, in some
cases, function to minimize migration of the core during storage of
the product. In some cases, the shell material may provide
controlled release of the core during use. The capsule can be
ruptured (i.e. crushed) to release the contents before, during or
after heating of the heat-not-burn article.
[0046] The capsule shell material is crushable; that is, it is
frangible or breakable. The capsule is crushed or otherwise
fractured or broken by the user to release the contents. Typically,
the capsule is broken immediately prior to heating being initiated
but the user can select when to release the contents (i.e. it can
be crushed after heating is initiated). The term "crushable
capsule" refers to a capsule in which the encapsulating material
(which may be a shell) can be broken by means of a pressure to
release the encapsulated material (which may be a capsule core);
more specifically the encapsulating material (e.g. shell) can be
ruptured under the pressure imposed by the user's fingers (or any
other pressure creating means) when the user wants to release the
contents of the capsule. In some cases, the capsule may have an
initial (pre-heating) crush strength from about 0.8 kp to about 3.5
kp, suitably from about 1.0 kp to about 2.5 kp or from about 1.0 to
about 2.0 kp. The inventors have established that capsules may be
weakened on heating. The inventors have established that capsules
having an initial crush strength of at least 0.8 kp are less likely
to break/rupture on heating. The inventors have established that
capsules having a crush strength of more than 3.5 kp are difficult
to crush prior to heating. The inventors have determined that an
initial crush strength in the range of 1.0 kp to 2.0 kp provides
the best capsule performance.
[0047] In some cases, the capsules described herein 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 capsules may be 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 may be 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 may have a diameter of about 3.0 mm to about 3.5 mm. These
sizes are particularly suitable for incorporation of the capsule
into a filter for a heat-not-burn article.
[0048] In some cases, the total weight of a capsule described
herein may be in the range of about 1 mg to about 100 mg, suitably
about 5 mg to about 60 mg, about 10 mg to about 50 mg, about 15 mg
to about 40 mg, or about 15 mg to about 30 mg.
[0049] In some cases, 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.
[0050] The shell comprises 5-90% by weight based on the total
capsule shell weight of a gelling agent, wherein the gelling agent
comprises, consists essentially of or consists of a carrageenan. In
some cases, the shell comprises 5-60%, 5-50% or 10-35% by weight
based on the total capsule shell weight of the said gelling agent.
In some cases, the gelling agent in the capsule shell comprises a
carrageenan. In some cases, that carrageenan has a melting point of
at least about 30.degree. C. or at least about 40.degree. C.
[0051] In addition to carrageenan, the shell may comprise
additional gelling agents. Suitable gelling agents which may be
included in the capsule shell material may include, without
limitation, polysaccharide or cellulosic gelling agents, gelatins,
gums, gels, waxes or a mixture thereof. Suitable polysaccharides
include alginates, dextrans, maltodextrins, cyclodextrins and
pectins. Suitable alginates include, for instance, a salt of
alginic acid, an esterified alginate or glyceryl alginate. Salts of
alginic acid include ammonium alginate, triethanolamine alginate,
and group I or II metal ion alginate salts, such as sodium,
potassium, calcium and magnesium alginate. Esterified alginates
include propylene glycol alginate and glyceryl alginate. In some
examples, the barrier material comprises sodium alginate and/or
calcium alginate. Suitable cellulosic materials include methyl
cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl
cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate and cellulose
ethers. The gelling agent may comprise one or more modified
starches. The gelling agent may comprise one or more carrageenans.
Suitable gums include agar, gellan gum, gum Arabic, pullulan gum,
mannan gum, gum ghatti, gum tragacanth, Karaya, locust bean, acacia
gum, guar, quince seed and xanthan gums. Suitable gels include
agar, agarose, carrageenans, furoidan and furcellaran. Suitable
waxes include carnauba wax. In some cases, the gelling agent may
comprise carrageenans and/or gellan gum; these gelling agents are
particularly suitable for inclusion as the gelling agent as the
pressure required to break the resulting capsules is particularly
suitable. In some cases, the capsule shell does not comprise
gelatin.
[0052] The capsule shell may additionally comprise one or more of a
bulking agent, a buffer, a coloring agent, and a plasticizer.
[0053] In some cases, the capsule shell material may comprise one
or more bulking agents, such as starches, modified starches (such
as oxidized starches) and sugar alcohols such as maltitol.
[0054] In some cases, the capsule shell material may comprise a
coloring agent which renders easier the location of the capsule
within the tobacco industry product during manufacture. The
coloring agent can be chosen among colorants and pigments.
[0055] In some cases, the capsule shell material may further
comprise at least one buffer, such as a citrate or phosphate
compound.
[0056] In some cases, the capsule shell material may further
comprise at least one plasticizer, which may be glycerol, sorbitol,
maltitol, triacetin, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol or
another polyalcohol with plasticizing properties, and optionally
one acid of the monoacid, diacid or triacid type, especially citric
acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, and the like. In some cases, the
amount of plasticizer ranges from 1% to 30% by weight, such as from
2% to 15% by weight, and for example from 3 to 10% by weight of the
total weight of the shell. In some cases, the total amount in the
shell of plasticizer and gelling agent combined is about 40-70%,
suitably 50-60% by weight based on the total capsule shell weight.
In some cases, the plasticizer comprises, consists essentially of
or consists of glycerol.
[0057] In some cases, the capsule shell may also comprise one or
more filler materials. Suitable filler materials include comprising
starch derivatives such as dextrin, maltodextrin, cyclodextrin
(alpha, beta or gamma), or cellulose derivatives such as
hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC),
methylcellulose (MC), carboxy-methylcellulose (CMC), polyvinyl
alcohol, polyols or mixture thereof. The capsule shell may
comprise, in some cases, up to about 60% by weight of filler, based
on the total capsule shell weight. In some cases, the capsule shell
may comprise up to about 50%, 40%, 30% or 20% by weight of filler,
based on the total capsule shell weight. In some particular cases,
the capsule shell may comprise no filler.
[0058] The capsule shell may additionally comprise a hydrophobic
outer layer which reduces the susceptibility of the capsule to
moisture-induced degradation. The hydrophobic outer layer is
suitably selected from the group comprising waxes, especially
carnauba wax, candelilla wax or beeswax, carbowax, shellac (in
alcoholic or aqueous solution), ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl
methyl cellulose, hydroxyl-propylcellulose, latex composition,
polyvinyl alcohol, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments,
the at least one moisture barrier agent is ethyl cellulose or a
mixture of ethyl cellulose and shellac.
[0059] Methods of making the capsules include co-extrusion,
optionally followed by centrifugation and curing and/or drying.
These and other suitable techniques are known in the art.
[0060] The filter may comprise a filter material. For example, the
filter may comprise a cellulosic material such as cellulose
acetate, a ceramic material, polylactic acid, a polymer matrix
and/or activated carbon. Suitable examples of ceramic materials
include silicon carbide (SiC), silicon nitride (Si.sub.3N.sub.4),
titanium carbide, and zirconium dioxide (zirconia).
[0061] In some cases, the filter material has an average melting
point of at least about 150.degree. C. In use in an aerosol
generating device, the filter is generally exposed to temperatures
below 150.degree. C.; thus, in such embodiments, the filter does
not melt and supports the capsule well. This helps a user seeking
to crush a capsule after heating is initiated. In some case, the
filter material has an average melting point of at least about
160.degree. C., 170.degree. C., 180.degree. C., 190.degree. C. or
200.degree. C.
[0062] In some cases, the filter material has an average thermal
conductivity of at least 0.130 W/mK. The inventors have found that
this aids the user seeking to crush a capsule after heating is
initiated. In some cases, the filter material has an average
thermal conductivity of at least 0.140 W/mK, 0.150 W/mK or 0.160
W/mK.
[0063] In some cases, the filter may additionally comprise a
wrapper that circumscribes the other filter components. The wrapper
may comprise tobacco tipping paper.
[0064] In some cases, the capsule fills about 5-30% v/v of the
filter. In some cases, the filter comprises 70-95% v/v of filter
material, suitably cellulose acetate. The inventors have
established that these proportions result in appropriate heat
absorption by the capsule.
[0065] In some cases, the filter is substantially cylindrical and
the capsule is arranged substantially centrally with respect to the
diameter of the cylinder. In some cases, the capsule is arranged
substantially centrally with respect to the cylinder length. In
some cases, the cylindrical filter may be approximately 8-14 mm in
length, suitably 9-13 mm or 10-12 mm. It may have a cross-sectional
diameter of approximately 5-9 mm, suitably 7.5-8 mm. It may be
formed from cellulose acetate fibers.
[0066] In some cases, the pressure difference across the filter
when the user inhales is in the range of 30 to 90 mmH.sub.2O, when
the capsule is in an unbroken state. Suitably, the pressure
difference across the filter may be in the range of from about 30
mmH.sub.2O, 33 mmH.sub.2O, 35 mmH.sub.2O, 38 mmH.sub.2O or 40
mmH.sub.2O to about 90 mmH.sub.2O, 75 mmH.sub.2O, 65 mmH.sub.2O, 60
mmH.sub.2O, 55 mmH.sub.2O or 50 mmH.sub.2O, when the capsule is in
an unbroken state. Illustratively, the pressure difference across
the filter when the capsule is in an unbroken state may be in the
range of about 35-60 mmH.sub.2O, such as 38-55 mmH.sub.2O or 40-50
mmH.sub.2O.
[0067] In some cases, the filter contains only one capsule. In
other cases, the filter contains more than one capsule. Where the
filter comprises a plurality of capsules, the individual capsules
may be the same as each other or may differ. For example, a
plurality of capsules may be provided so that the user can select
when/whether to break the capsule, thereby controlling the aerosol
delivery profile.
[0068] In some cases, the aerosol generating medium comprises an
aerosol generating agent. In some cases, the aerosol generating
medium comprises a tobacco material. In some cases, the aerosol
generating medium comprises a flavorant. In some cases, the aerosol
generating medium substantially consists of or consist of an
aerosol generating agent and/or a tobacco material and/or a
flavorant. In some cases, the aerosol generating medium may be
provided as a single, unitary component. In other cases, the
aerosol generating medium may comprise distinct sections containing
different compositions. For example, the aerosol generating medium
may comprise an aerosol generating agent and a tobacco material and
these may be provided in distinct, separate sections of the aerosol
generating medium.
[0069] In some embodiments, the capsule contains a flavorant and
the aerosol generating medium comprises a flavorant, wherein the
flavorant in both cases is substantially the same. This may provide
for delivery of a more consistent flavor profile. In some cases,
the capsule contains menthol and the aerosol generating medium
comprises menthol.
[0070] As used herein, the term "tobacco material" refers to any
material comprising tobacco or derivatives 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 fiber, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco,
tobacco stem, reconstituted tobacco and/or tobacco extract.
[0071] The tobacco used to produce tobacco material may be any
suitable tobacco, such as single grades or blends, cut rag or whole
leaf, including Virginia and/or Burley and/or Oriental. It may also
be tobacco particle `fines` or dust, expanded tobacco, stems,
expanded stems, and other processed stem materials, such as cut
rolled stems. The tobacco material may be a ground tobacco or a
reconstituted tobacco material. The reconstituted tobacco material
may comprise tobacco fibers, and may be formed by casting, a
Fourdrinier-based paper making-type approach with back addition of
tobacco extract, or by extrusion.
[0072] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating agent" refers
to an agent that promotes the generation of an aerosol. An aerosol
generating agent may promote the generation of an aerosol by
promoting an initial vaporization and/or the condensation of a gas
to an inhalable solid and/or liquid aerosol.
[0073] Suitable aerosol generating agents 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 cases, the
aerosol generating agent may comprise glycerol and/or propylene
glycol.
[0074] In some cases, the aerosol generating medium comprises at
least 10% by weight of an aerosol generating agent based on the
total weight of the aerosol generating medium. Suitably, the
aerosol generating medium comprises at least 12%, 15%, 18% or 20%
by weight of an aerosol generating agent based on the total weight
of the aerosol generating medium. The remainder may, in some cases,
be tobacco material.
[0075] In some cases, the heat-not-burn article may be
substantially cylindrical.
[0076] In some cases, the heat-not-burn article may additionally
comprise a cooling element. This may be arranged between the filter
and the aerosol generating medium, for example. The cooling
element, if present, spaces the filter from the hottest parts (in
use) of the heat-not-burn article. The cooling element, if present,
may comprise a vacant tube, suitably formed from paper. Vaporized
components of the aerosol generating medium may condense to form an
aerosol in use in the cooling element, if present.
[0077] The heat-not-burn article may additionally comprise
ventilation apertures. These may be provided in the sidewall of the
article. In some cases, the ventilation apertures may be provided
in the filter and/or cooling element. These apertures allow cool
air to be drawn into the article during use, which mixes with the
heated volatilized components thereby cooling the aerosol.
[0078] The ventilation enhances the generation of visible heated
volatilized components from the article when it is heated in use.
The heated volatilized components are made visible by the process
of cooling the heated volatilized components such that
supersaturation of the heated volatilized components occurs. The
heated volatilized components then undergo droplet formation,
otherwise known as nucleation, and eventually the size of the
aerosol particles of the heated volatilized components increases by
further condensation of the heated volatilized components and by
coagulation of newly formed droplets from the heated volatilized
components.
[0079] In some cases, the ratio of the cool air to the sum of the
heated volatilized components and the cool air, known as the
ventilation ratio, is at least 15%. A ventilation ratio of 15%
enables the heated volatilized components to be made visible by the
method described above. The visibility of the heated volatilized
components enables the user to identify that the volatilized
components have been generated and adds to the sensory experience
of the smoking experience.
[0080] In another example, the ventilation ratio is between 50% and
85% to provide additional cooling to the heated volatilized
components.
[0081] As used herein, the term "heat-not-burn assembly" refers to
the combination of a heat-not-burn article and a heater. The heater
heats the aerosol generating medium of the heat-not-burn article,
without burning, to volatilize components of the substrate and
generate an inhalable vapor or aerosol.
[0082] In some cases, the heater may be provided integrally with
the article. For example, the heater may be a combustible fuel
source that is attached to the article, such that in use,
combustion of the fuel source heats the aerosol generating medium
without burning of that medium. In another example, the heater may
comprise a chemical heat source, such as a phase-change material,
which undergoes an exothermic reaction to produce heat in use.
[0083] In other cases, the heater may be a separate entity,
configured for use with the article. For example, the heater may be
a device into which the heat-not-burn article is at least partially
inserted. In another example, the heater may be a device which is
at least partially inserted into the heat-not-burn article. The
heater may be electrically controlled. In some cases, the heater
comprises a thin film, electrically resistive heater, an induction
heater or the like.
[0084] In some cases, the assembly may be configured such that at
least a portion of the aerosol generating medium in the
heat-not-burn article is exposed to a temperature of at least
180.degree. C. or 200.degree. C. for at least 50% of the heating
period. In some examples, the aerosol generating medium may be
exposed to a heat profile as described in co-pending application
PCT/EP2017/068804, the contents of which are incorporated herein in
their entirety.
[0085] In some particular cases, a heat-not-burn assembly is
provided which is configured to heat two portions of the aerosol
generating medium separately. By controlling the temperature of the
first and second portions over time such that the temperature
profiles of the portions are different, it is possible to control
the puff profile of the aerosol during use. The heat provided to
the two portions of the aerosol generating medium may be provided
at different times or rates; staggering the heating in this way may
allow for both fast aerosol production and longevity of use.
[0086] In one particular example, the assembly may be configured
such that on initiation of the consumption experience, a first
heating element corresponding to a first portion of the aerosol
generating medium is immediately heated to a temperature of
240.degree. C. This first heating element is maintained at
240.degree. C. for 145 seconds and then drops to 135.degree. C.
(where it remains for the rest of the consumption experience). 75
seconds after initiation of the consumption experience, a second
heating element corresponding to a second portion of the aerosol
generating medium is heated to a temperature of 160.degree. C. 135
seconds after initiation of the consumption experience, the
temperature of the second heating element is raised to 240.degree.
C. (where it remains for the rest of the consumption experience).
The consumption experience lasts 280 seconds, at which point both
heaters are cool to room temperature.
[0087] In some cases, the assembly is configured such that the
filter of the heat-not-burn article is not directly heated. For
example, in cases where the heater is a device into which the
article is partially inserted, the assembly may be configured such
that the filter of the heat-not-burn article is not inserted into
the device.
[0088] In some particular cases, the assembly is configured such
that the filter and, if present, the cooling element of the
heat-not-burn article are not directly heated. For example, in
cases where the heater is a device into which the article is
partially inserted, the assembly may be configured such that the
filter and, if present, the cooling element of the heat-not-burn
article are not inserted into the device. In other cases, at least
part of the cooling element may be inserted into the device.
[0089] In such cases, even though the filter is not subject to
direct heating, heat will be drawn through the heat-not-burn
article during the consumption experience (when the user puffs).
The inventors have established that the temperature profile of the
center of the filter peaks at the time of each puff. This is due to
hot aerosol being drawn through the filter on puffing. In some
cases, the filter (and capsule) may be exposed to a temperature in
excess of about 30.degree. C., 40.degree. C. or 50.degree. C.
during use. In some cases, the maximum temperature that the filter
(and capsule) is exposed to in use is less than about 100.degree.
C., 90.degree. C., 80.degree. C. or 70.degree. C. In some cases,
the filter (and capsule) may be exposed to temperatures in the
range of 30.degree. C.-100.degree. C., suitably from 40.degree.
C.-80.degree. C. or 50.degree. C.-70.degree. C.
[0090] The inventors have established that the capsules stipulated
in claim 1 are particularly suitable for use in a heat-not-burn
article. Even though the capsules may, in some cases, be exposed to
a temperature that exceeds the shell melting point or glass
transition temperature, the capsules stipulated in claim 1 have
been found to be less likely to fail or rupture on exposure to the
conditions in a heat-not-burn assembly, when compared to other
capsules. Such capsules can be readily crushed by the user before,
during or after heating has been initiated to release their
contents. A click sensation on crushing is maintained, providing
tactile feedback to the user that crushing has been effected. This
click sensation is useful, since the user then knows that enough
pressure has been applied and the capsule contents have been
released. Excess pressure, which may damage the heat-not-burn
article, is therefore less likely to be applied.
[0091] Without wishing to be bound by theory, the suitability of
the capsules described herein for use in a heat-not-burn article is
thought to be due to the shell material composition and water
uptake. Other factors which may be relevant include the heat
capacity of the shell material, the melting point or the glass
transition temperature of the shell material, and/or the distance
of the capsule from the heater.
[0092] In some cases, the capsule may be disposed within the
heat-not-burn article so that it is at least about 25 mm or at
least about 30 mm from the heater in the heat-not-burn assembly. In
some cases, the capsule may be disposed within the heat-not-burn
article so that it is about 25-30 mm or about 30-35 mm from the
heater. (These distances refer to the distance from the center of
the capsule to the nearest point of the heater.) This positioning
may mean that the capsule is exposed to an appropriate heat level
whilst ensuring that the heat-not-burn article has appropriate
dimensions.
[0093] Capsules formed from a shell material comprising a
carrageenan having a melting point of at least 30.degree. C. or at
least 40.degree. C. have been found to survive exposure to
heat-not-burn conditions very well.
[0094] An example heat-not-burn article is illustrated in FIG. 1.
The illustrated heat-not-burn article 10 is substantially
cylindrical in shape. The heat-not-burn article 10 may include a
rod of aerosol generating medium 1, suitably a rod of tobacco
material, towards a first end 2 and a filter 3 towards the second
end 4. Second end 4 is a mouth end. A capsule 5 is disposed within
the filter 3. The filter 3 comprises a filter material that may be
cellulose acetate. A paper sheath 6 retains the components in the
cylindrical configuration and provides a passage 7 between the
tobacco rod 1 and filter plug 3. Passage 7 functions as a cooling
element and may be omitted in alternative embodiments. A further
short passage is shown between the filter plug 3 and the second end
4. This may also be omitted in alternative embodiments.
[0095] In use, the heat-not-burn article 10 is partially inserted
into a heater of heat-not-burn assembly (not shown) so that it can
be heated to from an inhalable aerosol. In an embodiment, the
heater forms an oven-type arrangement around the aerosol generating
medium. In some embodiments, the first end 2 of the heat-not-burn
article 10 is inserted, so that the aerosol generating medium 1 is
contained within the heater. The heat-not-burn article 10 and
heat-not-burn assembly are configured such that filter 3 and at
least some of the passage 7 are not in the heater.
[0096] In alternative embodiments, the substantially cylindrical
heat-not-burn article may include the aerosol generating medium 1
immediately adjacent to the filter 3. A passage may be provided on
the opposite side of the filter to the medium, or there may be no
passageway.
[0097] After use, the heat-not-burn article is removed from the
heater and typically disposed of. Subsequent uses of the heater use
further heat-not-burn articles.
[0098] An alternative heat-not-burn assembly is depicted in FIG. 2.
In this assembly a combustible heat source 8 is arranged adjacent
to the aerosol generating medium 1 at the first end 2 of the
heat-not-burn article 10. The combustible heat source 8 may be
separated from the aerosol generating medium 1 by a non-combustible
material (not shown), such as an aluminum foil layer. Aluminum foil
or other conductive, non-combustible materials are useful as they
(a) conduct heat to the aerosol generating medium and (b) prevent
combustion of the fuel source resulting in combustion of the
aerosol generating medium. In use, the fuel source 8 is ignited by
the user; heat is conducted by the aluminum foil (or the like) to
the aerosol generating medium 1, to volatilize components of the
medium 1 without combustion.
[0099] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, there are shown a partially
cut-away section view and a perspective view of an example of a
heat-not-burn article 101, similar to that shown in FIG. 1. The
article 101 is adapted for use with a device having a power source
and a heater. The article 101 of this embodiment is particularly
suitable for use with the device 51 shown in FIGS. 7 to 9,
described below. In use, the article 101 may be removably inserted
into the device shown in FIG. 7 at an insertion point 20 of the
device 51.
[0100] The article 101 of one example is in the form of a
substantially cylindrical rod that includes a body of aerosol
generating medium 103 and a filter assembly 105 in the form of a
rod. The filter assembly 105 includes three segments, a cooling
segment 107, a filter segment 109 and a mouth end segment 111. The
article 101 has a first end 113, also known as a mouth end or a
proximal end and a second end 115, also known as a distal end. The
body of aerosol generating medium 103 is located towards the distal
end 115 of the article 101. In one example, the cooling segment 107
is located adjacent the body of aerosol generating medium 103
between the body of aerosol generating medium 103 and the filter
segment 109, such that the cooling segment 107 is in an abutting
relationship with the aerosol generating medium 103 and the filter
segment 103. In other examples, there may be a separation between
the body of aerosol generating medium 103 and the cooling segment
107 and between the body of aerosol generating medium 103 and the
filter segment 109. The filter segment 109 is located in between
the cooling segment 107 and the mouth end segment 111. The mouth
end segment 111 is located towards the proximal end 113 of the
article 101, adjacent the filter segment 109.
[0101] In one example, the filter segment 109 is in an abutting
relationship with the mouth end segment 111. In one embodiment, the
total length of the filter assembly 105 is between 37 mm and 45 mm,
for example, the total length of the filter assembly 105 is 41
mm.
[0102] In one embodiment, the body of aerosol generating medium 103
comprises tobacco. However, in other respective embodiments, the
body of aerosol generating medium 103 may consist of tobacco, may
consist substantially entirely of tobacco, may comprise tobacco and
other components such as an aerosol generating agent and/or
flavorant. In some cases, the aerosol generating medium may be free
of tobacco.
[0103] In one example, the rod of aerosol generating medium 103 is
between 34 mm and 50 mm in length, suitably between 38 mm and 46 mm
in length, suitably 42 mm in length.
[0104] In one example, the total length of the article 101 is
between 71 mm and 95 mm, suitably between 79 mm and 87 mm, suitably
83 mm.
[0105] An axial end of the body of aerosol generating medium 103 is
visible at the distal end 115 of the article 101. However, in other
embodiments, the distal end 115 of the article 101 may comprise an
end member (not shown) covering the axial end of the body of
aerosol generating medium 103.
[0106] The body of aerosol generating medium 103 is joined to the
filter assembly 105 by annular tipping paper (not shown), which is
located substantially around the circumference of the filter
assembly 105 to surround the filter assembly 105 and extends
partially along the length of the body of aerosol generating medium
103. In one example, the tipping paper is made of 58GSM standard
tipping base paper. In one example the tipping paper has a length
of between 42 mm and 50 mm, suitably of 46 mm.
[0107] In one example, the cooling segment 107 is an annular tube
and is located around and defines an air gap within the cooling
segment. The air gap provides a chamber for heated volatilized
components generated from the body of aerosol generating medium 103
to flow. The cooling segment 107 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 101 is in use during insertion
into the device 51. In one example, the thickness of the wall of
the cooling segment 107 is approximately 0.29 mm.
[0108] The cooling segment 107 provides a physical displacement
between the aerosol generating medium 103 and the filter segment
109. The physical displacement provided by the cooling segment 107
will provide a thermal gradient across the length of the cooling
segment 107. In one example the cooling segment 107 is configured
to provide a temperature differential of at least 40 degrees
Celsius between a heated volatilized component entering a first end
of the cooling segment 107 and a heated volatilized component
exiting a second end of the cooling segment 107. In one example the
cooling segment 107 is configured to provide a temperature
differential of at least 60 degrees Celsius between a heated
volatilized component entering a first end of the cooling segment
107 and a heated volatilized component exiting a second end of the
cooling segment 107. This temperature differential across the
length of the cooling element 107 protects the temperature
sensitive filter segment 109 from the high temperatures of the
aerosol generating medium 103 when it is heated by the device 51.
If the physical displacement was not provided between the filter
segment 109 and the body of aerosol generating medium 103 and the
heating elements of the device 51, then the temperature sensitive
filter segment 109 may become damaged in use, so it would not
perform its required functions as effectively.
[0109] In one example the length of the cooling segment 107 is at
least 15 mm. In one example, the length of the cooling segment 107
is between 20 mm and 30 mm, more particularly 23 mm to 27 mm, more
particularly 25 mm to 27 mm, suitably 25 mm.
[0110] The cooling segment 107 is made of paper, which means that
it is comprised of a material that does not generate compounds of
concern, for example, toxic compounds when in use adjacent to the
heater of the device 51. In one example, the cooling segment 107 is
manufactured from a spirally wound paper tube which provides a
hollow internal chamber yet maintains mechanical rigidity. Spirally
wound paper tubes are able to meet the tight dimensional accuracy
requirements of high-speed manufacturing processes with respect to
tube length, outer diameter, roundness and straightness.
[0111] In another example, the cooling segment 107 is a recess
created from stiff plug wrap or tipping paper. The stiff plug wrap
or tipping paper is manufactured to have a rigidity that is
sufficient to withstand the axial compressive forces and bending
moments that might arise during manufacture and whilst the article
101 is in use during insertion into the device 51.
[0112] The filter segment 109 may be formed of any filter material
sufficient to remove one or more volatilized compounds from heated
volatilized components from the aerosol generating medium. In one
example the filter segment 109 is made of a mono-acetate material,
such as cellulose acetate. The filter segment 109 provides cooling
and irritation-reduction from the heated volatilized components
without depleting the quantity of the heated volatilized components
to an unsatisfactory level for a user.
[0113] A crushable capsule 5 is provided in filter segment 109. It
may be disposed substantially centrally in the filter segment 109,
both across the filter segment 109 diameter and along the filter
segment 109 length. In other cases, it may be offset in one or more
dimension.
[0114] The density of the cellulose acetate tow material of the
filter segment 109 controls the pressure drop across the filter
segment 109, which in turn controls the draw resistance of the
article 101. Therefore the selection of the material of the filter
segment 109 is important in controlling the resistance to draw of
the article 101. In addition, the filter segment performs a
filtration function in the article 101.
[0115] In one example, the filter segment 109 is made of a 8Y15
grade of filter tow material, which provides a filtration effect on
the heated volatilized material, whilst also reducing the size of
condensed aerosol droplets which result from the heated volatilized
material.
[0116] The presence of the filter segment 109 provides an
insulating effect by providing further cooling to the heated
volatilized components that exit the cooling segment 107. This
further cooling effect reduces the contact temperature of the
user's lips on the surface of the filter segment 109.
[0117] In one example, the filter segment 109 is between 6 mm to 10
mm in length, suitably 8 mm.
[0118] The mouth end segment 111 is an annular tube and is located
around and defines an air gap within the mouth end segment 111. The
air gap provides a chamber for heated volatilized components that
flow from the filter segment 109. The mouth end segment 111 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 is in
use during insertion into the device 51. In one example, the
thickness of the wall of the mouth end segment 111 is approximately
0.29 mm. In one example, the length of the mouth end segment 111 is
between 6 mm to 10 mm, suitably 8 mm.
[0119] The mouth end segment 111 may be manufactured from a
spirally wound paper tube which provides a hollow internal chamber
yet maintains critical mechanical rigidity. Spirally wound paper
tubes are able to meet the tight dimensional accuracy requirements
of high-speed manufacturing processes with respect to tube length,
outer diameter, roundness and straightness.
[0120] The mouth end segment 111 provides the function of
preventing any liquid condensate that accumulates at the exit of
the filter segment 109 from coming into direct contact with a
user.
[0121] It should be appreciated that, in one example, the mouth end
segment 111 and the cooling segment 107 may be formed of a single
tube and the filter segment 109 is located within that tube
separating the mouth end segment 111 and the cooling segment
107.
[0122] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, there are shown a partially
cut-away section and perspective views of an example of an article
301. The reference signs shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are equivalent to
the reference signs shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, but with an increment
of 200.
[0123] In the example of the article 301 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a
ventilation region 317 is provided in the article 301 to enable air
to flow into the interior of the article 301 from the exterior of
the article 301. In one example the ventilation region 317 takes
the form of one or more ventilation holes 317 formed through the
outer layer of the article 301. The ventilation holes may be
located in the cooling segment 307 to aid with the cooling of the
article 301. In one example, the ventilation region 317 comprises
one or more rows of holes, and in some embodiments, each row of
holes is arranged circumferentially around the article 301 in a
cross-section that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal
axis of the article 301.
[0124] In one example, there are between one to four rows of
ventilation holes to provide ventilation for the article 301. Each
row of ventilation holes may have between 12 to 36 ventilation
holes 317. The ventilation holes 317 may, for example, be between
100 to 500 .mu.m in diameter. In one example, an axial separation
between rows of ventilation holes 317 is between 0.25 mm and 0.75
mm, suitably 0.5 mm.
[0125] In one example, the ventilation holes 317 are of uniform
size. In another example, the ventilation holes 317 vary in size.
The ventilation holes can be made using any suitable technique, for
example, one or more of the following techniques: laser technology,
mechanical perforation of the cooling segment 307 or
pre-perforation of the cooling segment 307 before it is formed into
the article 301. The ventilation holes 317 are positioned so as to
provide effective cooling to the article 301.
[0126] In one example, the rows of ventilation holes 317 are
located at least 11 mm from the proximal end 313 of the article,
suitably between 17 mm and 20 mm from the proximal end 313 of the
article 301. The location of the ventilation holes 317 is
positioned such that user does not block the ventilation holes 317
when the article 301 is in use.
[0127] Providing the rows of ventilation holes between 17 mm and 20
mm from the proximal end 313 of the article 301 enables the
ventilation holes 317 to be located outside of the device 51, when
the article 301 is fully inserted in the device 51, as can be seen
in FIGS. 8 and 9. By locating the ventilation holes outside of the
device, non-heated air is able to enter the article 301 through the
ventilation holes from outside the device 51 to aid with the
cooling of the article 301.
[0128] The length of the cooling segment 307 is such that the
cooling segment 307 will be partially inserted into the device 51,
when the article 301 is fully inserted into the device 51. The
length of the cooling segment 307 provides a first function of
providing a physical gap between the heater arrangement of the
device 51 and the heat sensitive filter arrangement 309, and a
second function of enabling the ventilation holes 317 to be located
in the cooling segment, whilst also being located outside of the
device 51, when the article 301 is fully inserted into the device
51. As can be seen from FIGS. 8 and 9, the majority of the cooling
element 307 is located within the device 51. However, there is a
portion of the cooling element 307 that extends out of the device
51. It is in this portion of the cooling element 307 that extends
out of the device 51 in which the ventilation holes 317 are
located.
[0129] Referring now to FIGS. 7 to 9 in more detail, there is shown
an example of a device 51 arranged to heat aerosol generating
medium to volatilize at least one component of said aerosol
generating medium, typically to form an aerosol which can be
inhaled. The device 51 is a heating device which releases compounds
by heating, but not burning, the aerosol generating medium.
[0130] A first end 53 is sometimes referred to herein as the mouth
or proximal end 53 of the device 51 and a second end 55 is
sometimes referred to herein as the distal end 55 of the device 51.
The device 51 has an on/off button 57 to allow the device 51 as a
whole to be switched on and off as desired by a user.
[0131] The device 51 comprises a housing 59 for locating and
protecting various internal components of the device 51. In the
example shown, the housing 59 comprises a uni-body sleeve 11 that
encompasses the perimeter of the device 51, capped with a top panel
17 which defines generally the `top` of the device 51 and a bottom
panel 19 which defines generally the `bottom` of the device 51. In
another example the housing comprises a front panel, a rear panel
and a pair of opposite side panels in addition to the top panel 17
and the bottom panel 19.
[0132] The top panel 17 and/or the bottom panel 19 may be removably
fixed to the uni-body sleeve 11, to permit easy access to the
interior of the device 51, or may be "permanently" fixed to the
uni-body sleeve 11, for example to deter a user from accessing the
interior of the device 51. In an example, the panels 17 and 19 are
made of a plastics material, including for example glass-filled
nylon formed by injection molding, and the uni-body sleeve 11 is
made of aluminum, though other materials and other manufacturing
processes may be used.
[0133] The top panel 17 of the device 51 has an opening 20 at the
mouth end 53 of the device 51 through which, in use, the article
101, 301 including the aerosol generating medium may be inserted
into the device 51 and removed from the device 51 by a user.
[0134] The housing 59 has located or fixed therein a heater
arrangement 23, control circuitry 25 and a power source 27. In this
example, the heater arrangement 23, the control circuitry 25 and
the power source 27 are laterally adjacent (that is, adjacent when
viewed from an end), with the control circuitry 25 being located
generally between the heater arrangement 23 and the power source
27, though other locations are possible.
[0135] The control circuitry 25 may include a controller, such as a
microprocessor arrangement, configured and arranged to control the
heating of the aerosol generating medium in the article 101, 301 as
discussed further below.
[0136] The power source 27 may be for example a battery, which may
be a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples
of suitable batteries include for example a lithium-ion battery, a
nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), an alkaline
battery and/or the like. The battery 27 is electrically coupled to
the heater arrangement 23 to supply electrical power when required
and under control of the control circuitry 25 to heat the aerosol
generating medium in the article (as discussed, to volatilize the
aerosol generating medium without causing the aerosol generating
medium to burn).
[0137] An advantage of locating the power source 27 laterally
adjacent to the heater arrangement 23 is that a physically large
power source 25 may be used without causing the device 51 as a
whole to be unduly lengthy. As will be understood, in general a
physically large power source 25 has a higher capacity (that is,
the total electrical energy that can be supplied, often measured in
Amp-hours or the like) and thus the battery life for the device 51
can be longer.
[0138] In one example, the heater arrangement 23 is generally in
the form of a hollow cylindrical tube, having a hollow interior
heating chamber 29 into which the article 101, 301 comprising the
aerosol generating medium is inserted for heating in use. Different
arrangements for the heater arrangement 23 are possible. For
example, the heater arrangement 23 may comprise a single heating
element or may be formed of plural heating elements aligned along
the longitudinal axis of the heater arrangement 23. The or each
heating element may be annular or tubular, or at least part-annular
or part-tubular around its circumference. In an example, the or
each heating element may be a thin film heater. In another example,
the or each heating element may be made of a ceramics material.
Examples of suitable ceramics materials include alumina and
aluminum nitride and silicon nitride ceramics, which may be
laminated and sintered. Other heating arrangements are possible,
including for example inductive heating, infrared heater elements,
which heat by emitting infrared radiation, or resistive heating
elements formed by for example a resistive electrical winding.
[0139] In one particular example, the heater arrangement 23 is
supported by a stainless steel support tube and comprises a
polyimide heating element. The heater arrangement 23 is dimensioned
so that substantially the whole of the body of aerosol generating
medium 103, 303 of the article 101, 301 is inserted into the heater
arrangement 23 when the article 101, 301 is inserted into the
device 51.
[0140] The or each heating element may be arranged so that selected
zones of the aerosol generating medium can be independently heated,
for example in turn (over time, as discussed above) or together
(simultaneously) as desired.
[0141] The heater arrangement 23 in this example is surrounded
along at least part of its length by a thermal insulator 31. The
insulator 31 helps to reduce heat passing from the heater
arrangement 23 to the exterior of the device 51. This helps to keep
down the power requirements for the heater arrangement 23 as it
reduces heat losses generally. The insulator 31 also helps to keep
the exterior of the device 51 cool during operation of the heater
arrangement 23. In one example, the insulator 31 may be a
double-walled sleeve which provides a low pressure region between
the two walls of the sleeve. That is, the insulator 31 may be for
example a "vacuum" tube, i.e. a tube that has been at least
partially evacuated so as to minimize heat transfer by conduction
and/or convection. Other arrangements for the insulator 31 are
possible, including using heat insulating materials, including for
example a suitable foam-type material, in addition to or instead of
a double-walled sleeve.
[0142] The housing 59 may further comprises various internal
support structures 37 for supporting all internal components, as
well as the heating arrangement 23.
[0143] The device 51 further comprises a collar 33 which extends
around and projects from the opening 20 into the interior of the
housing 59 and a generally tubular chamber 35 which is located
between the collar 33 and one end of the vacuum sleeve 31. The
chamber 35 further comprises a cooling structure 35f, which in this
example, comprises a plurality of cooling fins 35f spaced apart
along the outer surface of the chamber 35, and each arranged
circumferentially around outer surface of the chamber 35. There is
an air gap 36 between the hollow chamber 35 and the article 101,
301 when it is inserted in the device 51 over at least part of the
length of the hollow chamber 35. The air gap 36 is around all of
the circumference of the article 101, 301 over at least part of the
cooling segment 307.
[0144] The collar 33 comprises a plurality of ridges 60 arranged
circumferentially around the periphery of the opening 20 and which
project into the opening 20. The ridges 60 take up space within the
opening 20 such that the open span of the opening 20 at the
locations of the ridges 60 is less than the open span of the
opening 20 at the locations without the ridges 60. The ridges 60
are configured to engage with an article 101, 301 inserted into the
device to assist in securing it within the device 51. Open spaces
(not shown in the Figures) defined by adjacent pairs of ridges 60
and the article 101, 301 form ventilation paths around the exterior
of the article 101, 301. These ventilation paths allow hot vapors
that have escaped from the article 101, 301 to exit the device 51
and allow cooling air to flow into the device 51 around the article
101, 301 in the air gap 36.
[0145] In operation, the article 101, 301 is removably inserted
into an insertion point 20 of the device 51, as shown in FIGS. 7 to
9. Referring particularly to FIG. 8, in one example, the body of
aerosol generating medium 103, 303, which is located towards the
distal end 115, 315 of the article 101, 301, is entirely received
within the heater arrangement 23 of the device 51. The proximal end
113, 313 of the article 101, 301 extends from the device 51 and
acts as a mouthpiece assembly for a user.
[0146] In operation, the heater arrangement 23 will heat the
article 101, 301 to volatilize at least one component of the
aerosol generating medium from the body of aerosol generating
medium 103, 303.
[0147] The primary flow path for the heated volatilized components
from the body of aerosol generating medium 103, 303 is axially
through the article 101, 301, through the chamber inside the
cooling segment 107, 307, through the filter segment 109, 309,
through the mouth end segment 111, 313 to the user. In one example,
the temperature of the heated volatilized components that are
generated from the body of aerosol generating medium is between
60.degree. C. and 250.degree. C., which may be above the acceptable
inhalation temperature for a user. As the heated volatilized
component travels through the cooling segment 107, 307, it will
cool and some volatilized components will condense on the inner
surface of the cooling segment 107, 307.
[0148] In the examples of the article 301 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6,
cool air will be able to enter the cooling segment 307 via the
ventilation holes 317 formed in the cooling segment 307. This cool
air will mix with the heated volatilized components to provide
additional cooling to the heated volatilized components.
[0149] The ventilation enhances the generation of visible heated
volatilized components from the article 317 when it is heated in
use by the device 51. The heated volatilized components are made
visible by the process of cooling the heated volatilized components
such that supersaturation of the heated volatilized components
occurs. The heated volatilized components then undergo droplet
formation, otherwise known as nucleation, and eventually the size
of the aerosol particles of the heated volatilized components
increases by further condensation of the heated volatilized
components and by coagulation of newly formed droplets from the
heated volatilized components.
[0150] In one embodiment, the ratio of the cool air to the sum of
the heated volatilized components and the cool air, known as the
ventilation ratio, is at least 15%. A ventilation ratio of 15%
enables the heated volatilized components to be made visible by the
method described above. The visibility of the heated volatilized
components enables the user to identify that the volatilized
components have been generated and adds to the sensory experience
of the smoking experience.
[0151] In another example, the ventilation ratio is between 50% and
85% to provide additional cooling to the heated volatilized
components.
[0152] As used herein, the terms "flavor", "flavoring" and
"flavorant" refer to 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, cardamom, 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), flavor 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, or powder.
[0153] For the avoidance of doubt, where in this specification the
term "comprises" is used in defining the invention or features of
the invention, embodiments are also disclosed in which the
invention or feature can be defined using the terms "consists
essentially of" or "consists of" in place of "comprises".
[0154] The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative
examples of the invention. Further embodiments of the invention are
envisaged. It is to be understood that any feature described in
relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination
with other features described, and may also be used in combination
with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any
combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore,
equivalents and modifications not described above may also be
employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which
is defined in the accompanying claims.
[0155] 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 utilized 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 the future.
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