Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES OF CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
  • A24D1/00—Cigars; Cigarettes
  • A24D1/20—Cigarettes specially adapted for simulated smoking devices
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors

Definitions

• the present invention relates to an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a system including the article and a non-combustible aerosol provision device.
• an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device comprising an aerosol-generating section having a first axial end and a second axial end, wherein the aerosol-generating section comprises aerosol-generating material, and an outer wrapper which at least partially surrounds the aerosol-generating section, wherein the article is configured for use in a chamber of the non-combustible aerosol provision device in a first configuration and in a second configuration, wherein the first configuration is different to the second configuration.
• the outer wrapper may comprise at least one air permeable section for providing a flow path through the outer wrapper.
• the at least one air permeable section may comprise an air permeable section between the first axial end and the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section.
• the at least one air permeable section may extend across at least 1mm.
• the air permeable section may be centrally-located between the first axial end of the aerosol-generating section and the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section.
• the article may be configured to produce aerosol when it is heated in the first configuration and when it is heated in the second configuration.
• the article may be configured such that an aerosol produced by the article when it is heated in the first configuration is different to an aerosol produced by the article when it is heated in the second configuration.
• the outer wrapper may at least partially cover the first axial end of the aerosol-generating section.
• the outer wrapper may at least partially cover the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section.
• the at least one air permeable section may comprise an air permeable section in the outer wrapper on the axial face at the first axial end of the aerosol-generating section.
• the at least one air permeable section may comprise an air permeable section in the outer wrapper on the axial face at the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section.
• the at least one air permeable section may comprise a window, wherein at least part of the aerosol-generating material is visible through the window.
• the window may be formed by a hole in the outer wrapper.
• the aerosol-generating material may comprises tobacco and/or nicotine.
• the aerosol-generating material may be a rod of aerosol-generating material.
• the aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol former in an amount of greater than 10% by weight of the aerosol-generating material.
• the article may further comprise a first segment at the first axial end of the aerosol-generating section and/or a second segment at the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section.
• the first segment may at least partially cover the first axial end.
• the second segment may at least partially cover the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section.
• the first segment may comprise a first body of material.
• the second segment may comprise a second body or material.
• the outer wrapper may circumscribe the first segment and/or the outer wrapper may circumscribe the second segment.
• the first segment may comprise a first aerosol-generating material.
• the second segment may comprise a second aerosol-generating material.
• the first aerosol-generating material may comprise a first active substance and/or a first flavour.
• the second aerosol-generating material may comprise a second active substance and/or a second flavour.
• the first active substance is different to the second active substance.
• the first flavour is different to the second flavour.
• a system comprising a non-combustible aerosol provision device, and an article
• the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises a chamber for receiving the article, the chamber having a first axial end and a second axial end, and a heater for heating the article when it is located in the chamber, wherein the article is configured to be used in the chamber in the first configuration and in the second configuration which is different to the first configuration.
• the heater may be positioned closer to the second axial end of the chamber than to the first axial end of the chamber or closer to the first axial end of the chamber than to the second axial end of the chamber.
• the article may extend between a first article axial end and a second article axial end.
• first article axial end and the second article axial end When the article is located in the chamber in the first configuration then the first article axial end and the second article axial end may be located between the first and second axial ends of the chamber, and wherein when the article is located in the chamber in the second configuration then the first article axial end and the second article axial end may be located between the first and second axial ends of the chamber.
• the first article axial end When the article is located in the chamber in the first configuration, then the first article axial end may be towards the first axial end of the chamber and the second article axial end may be towards the second axial end of the chamber and when the article is located in the chamber in the second configuration, the first article axial end of the article may be towards the second axial end of the chamber and the second article axial end of the article may be towards the first axial end of the chamber.
• the chamber may comprise a vent between the first axial end of the chamber and the second axial end of the chamber.
• the chamber may comprise an opening at the first axial end for receiving the article therethrough.
• the chamber may comprise a vent at the second axial end of the chamber.
• the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a body and a mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a first end for contacting a user's mouth and a second end for connecting to the body.
• the chamber may be located within the body.
• the mouthpiece may be movable relative to the body.
• an article is configured for use in a chamber of a non-combustible aerosol provision device in a first configuration and in a second configuration, wherein the first configuration is different to the second configuration.
• Example articles are described and/or contemplated herein.
• Figs. 1A to 1D show an example of an article 1 for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device.
• the article 1 can be used in a chamber of the non-combustible aerosol provision device in a first configuration and in a second configuration, wherein the first configuration is different to the second configuration.
• the article 1 extends between a first article axial end 11 and a second article axial end 12.
• the first article axial end 11 is a free end of the article.
• the second article axial end 12 is a free end of the article.
• the article 1 comprises an aerosol-generating section 30 which extends between a first axial end 4 and a second axial end 5, which can be seen in Fig. 1B in which the outer wrapper has been partly removed.
• the aerosol-generating section 30 comprises aerosol-generating material 3.
• the article 1 has an axis 8.
• the aerosol-generating material 3 is in the form of a rod of aerosol-generating material.
• the rod of aerosol-generating material extends along the axis 8.
• a first segment 9 is located between the first axial end 4 of the aerosol generating section 30 and the first article axial end 11.
• a second segment 10 is located between the second axial end 5 of the aerosol generating section 30 and the second article axial end 12.
• the first segment 9 abuts the first end 4 of the aerosol-generating section.
• the second segment 10 abuts the second end 5 of the aerosol-generating section.
• the first segment 9 extends between the first article axial end 11 and the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating section 30.
• the second segment 10 extends between the second article axial end 12 and the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section.
• first segment 9 and the aerosol-generating section 30 there may be a separation between the first segment 9 and the aerosol-generating section 30 and/or between the second segment 10 and the aerosol-generating section 30. Additionally or alternatively, there may be an additional component between the first segment 9 and the first article axial end 11, and/or an additional component between the second segment 10 and the second article axial end 12. In another embodiment the first segment 9 and/or the second segment 10 may not be present in the article.
• the outer wrapper 6 surrounds the aerosol-generating section 30 around the axis 8.
• the outer wrapper 6 can be said to circumscribe the aerosol-generating section 30.
• the outer wrapper 6 extends from the first axial end 4 to the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section.
• the outer wrapper 6 further circumscribes the first segment 9 and the second segment 10.
• the outer wrapper extends to the first article axial end 11 of the article and the second article axial end 11 of the article.
• the outer wrapper circumscribes the first wrapper 1001 and the second wrapper 1002, which are discussed in more detail below. In another embodiment, the outer wrapper 6 does not circumscribe the first segment 9 and/or the second segment 10.
• the outer wrapper 6 comprises tipping paper.
• the outer wrapper 6 is opaque.
• the outer wrapper 6 may be formed from a different material or the outer wrapper 6 may not extend to the first end 11 of the article and/or the second end 12 of the article.
• the first segment 9 comprises a first body of material 52.
• the second segment 10 comprises a second body of material 53.
• the first body of material 52 abuts the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating section.
• the second body of material 53 abuts the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section.
• the first body of material 52 covers the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating section 30. This may assist in maintaining the aerosol-generating material 3 within the article.
• the second body of material 53 covers the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section 30. The first and second bodies of material 52, 53 fully cover the first and second axial ends 4, 5 of the aerosol-generating section 30 respectively.
• the first body of material 52 may include an internal channel in the first body of material and/or the second body of material 53 may include an internal channel in the second body of material so that the first and second bodies of material partially cover the first and second axial ends of the aerosol generating section 30.
• the first body of material 52 is formed by sheet material such as paper, bandcast tobacco or cellulose-based material.
• the sheet material is crimped and/or gathered to form the first body of material 52.
• the first body of material 52 may be formed from shredded or cut strips of the sheet material.
• the first body of material 52 may be formed from a cellulose-based material such as wood pulp or cotton.
• the second body of material 53 is formed by sheet material such as paper, bandcast tobacco or cellulose-based material.
• the sheet material is crimped and/or gathered to form the second body of material 53.
• the second body of material 53 may be formed from shredded or cut strips of the sheet material.
• the second body of material 53 may be formed from a cellulose-based material such as wood pulp or cotton.
• the first segment 9 has a first wrapper 1001 Ih circumscribes the first body of material 52.
• the second segment 10 has a second wrapper 1002 which circumscribes the second body of material 53.
• the first and second wrappers 1001, 1002 may be omitted.
• the first body of material 52 may be formed from cellulose acetate tow.
• the second body of material 53 may be formed from cellulose acetate tow.
• the first segment 9 and the second segment 10 may be the same or different to each other.
• the first segment 9 may comprise a wall, a plug or a filter.
• the second segment 10 may comprise a wall, a plug or a filter.
• the first segment 9 may have a first flavour.
• the second segment 10 may have a second flavour which is different to the first flavour.
• the first segment 9 may comprise a first aerosol-generating material.
• the second segment 10 may not comprise any aerosol-generating material or may comprise a second aerosol-generating material.
• the first aerosol-generating material may be the same as or different to the second aerosol-generating material.
• the first aerosol-generating material may comprise a first flavour.
• the second aerosol-generating material may comprise a second flavour which is different to the first flavour.
• the first aerosol-generating material may be in the form of an aerosol-generating film or a gel, or the first aerosol-generating material may be provided in a breakable capsule, for example.
• the second aerosol-generating material may be in the form of an aerosol-generating film or a gel, or the second aerosol-generating material may be provided in a breakable capsule, for example.
• the first aerosol-generating material may comprise an active substance such as nicotine.
• the second aerosol-generating material may also comprise an active substance such as nicotine.
• the total amount of the active substance in the first aerosol-generating material may be greater than the total amount of the active substance in the second aerosol-generating material.
• the active substance may be a sensate.
• the first aerosol-generating material may comprise around 1% of nicotine by volume of the first aerosol-generating material.
• the second aerosol-generating material may comprise around 3% of nicotine by volume of the second aerosol-generating material.
• the first aerosol-generating material may comprise between 3mg and 10mg of nicotine.
• the second aerosol-generating material may comprise between 30mg and 50mg of nicotine.
• the first aerosol-generating material may comprise an active substance such as nicotine and the second aerosol-generating material may not comprise an active substance or may comprise a different active substance to nicotine.
• the first and second aerosol-generating materials may be activated by heat and/or moisture.
• the first segment 9 is air permeable for providing a flow path through the first segment.
• the second segment 10 is air permeable for providing a flow path through the second segment.
• one of the first and second segments 9, 10 could be air impermeable or substantially air impermeable for controlling air flow through the or each window 7.
• the first segment 9 may have a lower air permeability that the second segment 10 for controlling air flow through the window 7.
• the aerosol-generating material 3 may be of varying forms.
• the aerosol-generating material 3 may comprise tobacco or another material.
• the aerosol-generating material may comprise nicotine.
• the aerosol-generating material and/or the article may comprise an aerosol former in an amount of greater than 10% by weight of the aerosol-generating material 3.
• An aerosol-former material comprises one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol.
• the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.
• the outer wrapper 6 comprises air permeable sections in the form of windows 7.
• the windows 7 are in the shape of circles although it will be appreciated that a window 7 could alternatively have other shapes such as an oval or have straight sides.
• the aerosol-generating material 3 is visible through each of the windows 7. Although two windows 7 are shown in Fig. 1A , it will be appreciated that more than two windows 7 could be provided in the outer wrapper 6 or just one window 7.
• Each window 7 is formed by a hole in the outer wrapper.
• a window 7 may be formed by a transparent section or a translucent section in the outer wrapper 6 provided that the transparent or translucent section is air-permeable.
• a window 7 may be formed by a porous section in the wrapper, for example the porous section may be translucent.
• windows may be spaced along the longitudinal axis 8 of the article and/or around the circumference of the article. Multiple rows of windows 7 could be provided.
• the air permeable section is in the form of a window 7 then this additionally allows a user to identify the article.
• the user can see the aerosol-generating material 3 through the window 7 to ascertain or confirm its form.
• the windows also allow the user to identify if the article has been used or not yet used in a non-combustible aerosol provision device, if the aerosol-generating material undergoes a visual change during use in the device.
• the or each window 7 extends across an axial length of at least 1 mm.
• the axial length of the or each window may be up to around 5mm or up to around 22mm. This allows the aerosol-generating material 3 to be easily visible through the window and/or for the window to allow air to easily flow therethrough.
• the windows 7 are provided between the first axial end 4 and the second axial end 5 of the aerosol generating section 30.
• the or each window 7 may be centrally located between the first axial end 4 and the second axial end 5 of the aerosol generating section 30.
• the article 1 further comprises a second wrapper 15 which surrounds the aerosol-generating section 30.
• the second wrapper 15 extends between the first and second axial ends 4, 5 of the aerosol generating section 30.
• the outer wrapper 6 surrounds the second wrapper 15, as shown, for example, in Fig. 1C which is a cross-section taken along the line A-A from Fig. 1A .
• the second wrapper 15 is transparent or translucent for allowing the aerosol-generating material to be seen through the windows 7 and the second wrapper.
• the second wrapper 15 may be made from a shine-through paper.
• the second wrapper 15 may prevent the aerosol-generating material 3 from falling out through the windows 7 if the windows 7 are in the form of holes in the outer wrapper 6.
• the second wrapper 15 comprises perforations which form an air permeable section which is aligned with the or each window 7 for allowing air to flow through the window 7 and the second wrapper 15. It will be appreciated that the air permeable section in the second wrapper 15 could alternatively be formed by a porous section, for example.
• the second wrapper 15 could instead be a sheet of aerosol-generating material which is visible through the windows 7.
• the sheet of aerosol-generating material could comprise a tobacco material and/or an organic material, for example.
• the second wrapper 15 could be omitted from the article or the second wrapper 15 may not comprise an air permeable section.
• the second wrapper 15 may not be necessary, for example if the aerosol-generating material has a form such that it will not fall out through the window 7 or if the window 7 is not present.
• the article 1 and the aerosol-generating material 3 are in the shape of a cylinder although it will be appreciated that they do not need to be limited to this shape or to having a circular cross section.
• the windows 7 are not present in the article 1 such that there is no air permeable section in the outer wrapper 6.
• Figs. 2A and 2B show another example of an article 50 which can be used in a chamber of the non-combustible aerosol provision device in a first configuration and in a second configuration, wherein the first configuration is different to the second configuration.
• the article 50 has corresponding features to those described above and contemplated in relation to Figs. 1A to 1D , and corresponding reference numerals are used for corresponding features.
• a layer 150 is provided which surrounds the aerosol-generating section 30.
• the layer 150 further surrounds the first segment 9 and the second segment 10 although this is optional.
• the layer 150 comprises a visual indicator 13 for a user to identify the article 50, for example the visual indicator may be a colour, such as brown, to indicate that the article 50 comprises tobacco.
• the layer 150 may be in the form of a sheet of material and the sheet may be brown for example.
• the visual indicator 13 may additionally or alternatively allow the user to identify if the article has been used.
• the visual indicator 13 may be configured to change colour when the article has been used in a non-combustible aerosol provision device.
• the visual indicator may comprise a heat activated dye or ink which changes colour when it is heated and/or the layer or sheet may comprise an additive such as citrate which changes shade such as becoming darker post-use.
• the layer 150 may comprise aerosol-generating material.
• the layer may be a sheet 13 which comprises a tobacco material and/or an organic material, for example.
• the material of the layer may be the visual indicator.
• the outer wrapper 6 surrounds the layer 150. At least part of the visual indicator 13 is visible through the air permeable section which is in the form of a window 7.
• the layer 150 may surround the aerosol-generating section of any of the other embodiments described herein. If a layer 150 is provided with any of the articles described or contemplated herein, then the visual indicator 13 may be visible through one or more of the windows of the article.
• Figs. 3A and 3B shows an alternative example of an article 100 which can be used in a chamber of the non-combustible aerosol provision device in a first configuration and in a second configuration, wherein the first configuration is different to the second configuration.
• the article of Figs. 3A and 3B has corresponding features to those described above and contemplated in relation to Figs. 1A to 1D , and corresponding reference numerals are used for corresponding features.
• the outer wrapper comprises a first part 106A and a second part 106B.
• the first part of the outer wrapper 106A surrounds the aerosol-generating section 30 towards the first axial end 4 of the aerosol generating section.
• the first part of the wrapper 106A fully surrounds the aerosol-generating section around its circumference.
• the first part of the outer wrapper 106A also surrounds the first segment 9, although it will be appreciated that the first part of the outer wrapper 106A may not extend to the first end 11 of the article 100.
• the second part of the outer wrapper 106B surrounds the aerosol-generating section 30 towards the second axial end 5 of the aerosol generating section.
• the second part of the outer wrapper 106B fully surrounds the aerosol-generating section around its circumference.
• the second part of the outer wrapper 106B also surrounds the second segment 10, although it will be appreciated that the second part of the outer wrapper 106B may not extend to the second end 12 of the article 100.
• the first and the second segments 9, 10 could be omitted from the article.
• the separation may be at least 1mm.
• the separation may be up to around 5mm or up to around 22mm.
• the separation extends around the entire circumference of the article so that the window extends around the entire circumference of the article.
• the separation may extend only partly around the circumference, so that the window is formed along part of the circumference. Multiple windows may be formed if multiple separations are formed at different positions around the circumference of the article between the first part of the outer wrapper 106A and the second part of the outer wrapper 106B.
• Figs. 4A to 4C show an alternative example of an article 200 which can be used in a chamber of the non-combustible aerosol provision device in a first configuration and in a second configuration, wherein the first configuration is different to the second configuration.
• the example of Figs. 4A to 4C has corresponding features to those described above in relation to Figs. 3A and 3B , but the first and second segments 9, 10 are not present.
• the first part of the outer wrapper 206A surrounds the aerosol-generating section 30 towards the first end 4 of the aerosol generating section.
• the second part of the outer wrapper 206B surrounds the aerosol-generating section 30 towards the second end 5 of the aerosol generating section.
• the first part of the outer wrapper 206A comprises folds 19 which partially cover the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating section 30 to form an air permeable section in the form of a window 217A at the axial face 20 at the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating section. At least part of the aerosol-generating material 3 is visible through the window 217A. At least part of the axial face 20 of the first end of the aerosol-generating section is visible through the window 217A.
• the window 217A may extend at least 1mm across the axial face.
• the second part of the outer wrapper 206B comprises folds 19 which partially cover the second end 5 of the aerosol-generating section to form an air permeable section in the form of a window 217B at the axial face 21 at the second end 5 of the aerosol generating section, as shown, for example, in Fig. 4C .
• At least part of the aerosol-generating material is visible through the window 217B.
• At least part of the axial face 21 of the second end of the aerosol-generating section is visible through the window 217B.
• the window 217B may extend at least 1mm across the axial face.
• the folds 19 comprise perforations which may have been formed in the wrapper for example by a laser or pins or by electrostatic techniques. In other embodiments the perforations may be omitted.
• first part of the wrapper 206A comprises folds 19 which partially cover the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating section to form the window 217A.
• the folds 19 of the second part of the wrapper 206B may fully cover the second end 5 of the aerosol-generating section as shown, for example in Fig. 4D .
• the folds 19 on the first part of the wrapper 206A fully cover the axial face 20 at the first end 4 of aerosol-generating section
• the folds 19 on the second part of the wrapper 206B fully cover the axial face 21 at the second end 5 of the aerosol-generating section.
• the outer wrapper may have a circular end sheet comprising a hole therethrough to form the air permeable section in the form of a window at the axial face 20 at the first axial end and/or at the axial face 21 at the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section 30.
• Figs. 5A to 5C show an alternative example of an article 300 which can be used in a chamber of the non-combustible aerosol provision device in a first configuration and in a second configuration, wherein the first configuration is different to the second configuration.
• the example of Figs. 5A to 5C has corresponding features to those described above in relation to Figs. 4A to 4D , and corresponding reference numerals are used for corresponding features, but the wrapper 306 does not have a window between the first axial end 4 and the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section.
• the wrapper 306 extends from the first axial end of the aerosol-generating section 4 to the second axial end of the aerosol-generating section 5.
• the wrapper 306 comprises folds 19 which partially cover the axial face 20 at the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating section to form an air permeable section in the form of a window 317A. At least part of the aerosol-generating material 3 is visible through the window 317A. At least part of the axial face 20 of the aerosol-generating section is visible through the window 317A.
• the wrapper 306 comprises folds 19 which partially cover the axial face 21 at the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section to form an air permeable section in the form of a window 317B, as shown, for example, in Fig. 5C . At least part of the aerosol-generating material 3 is visible through the window 317B. At least part of the axial face 21 of the aerosol-generating section is visible through the window 317B.
• the window 317A is formed, and the axial face 21 at the second end 5 of the aerosol-generating section is not visible.
• the folds 19 may extend to fully cover the axial face at the second end 5 of the aerosol-generating material.
• Figs. 6A to 6C show an alternative example of an article 400 which can be used in a chamber of the non-combustible aerosol provision device in a first configuration and in a second configuration, wherein the first configuration is different to the second configuration.
• the article of Figs. 6A to 6B has corresponding features to those described above in relation to Figs. 5A to 5C , and corresponding reference numerals relate to corresponding features, but air permeable sections in the form of windows 407 are additional provided in the outer wrapper 406 between the first axial end 4 and the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section.
• the windows 407 have similar features to those described above in relation to Figs. 1A to 1D . As noted in relation to figs. 1A to 1D , it is possible to provide only one window 407 between the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating section and the second end 5 of the aerosol-generating section or more than two windows. If multiple windows are provided then they may be spaced along the longitudinal axis 8 of the article and/or around the circumference of the article. Multiple rows of windows 407 could be provided.
• the outer wrapper 406 comprises folds 19 which partially cover the axial faces at the first and second axial ends 4,5 aerosol-generating section to form air permeable sections in the form of windows as shown, for example, in Fig. 6B .
• one end of the outer wrapper 406 may be closed at an axial face so that a window is only provided at one of the ends of the aerosol-generating section.
• both ends of the outer wrapper 406 may be closed so that windows are not provided at either of the axial faces at the axial ends of the aerosol-generating section 30.
• the or each window may only be provided between the first axial end 4 and the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section 30.
• the articles discussed in relation to Figs. 1A to 6C include air permeable sections in the form of windows. However, these articles may be modified so that the windows are not present in the article or instead of providing a window, perforations or a porous section may be provided in the wrapper to form an air permeable section.
• Figs. 7A to 7C show an article 500 which can be used in a chamber of the non-combustible aerosol provision device in a first configuration and in a second configuration, wherein the first configuration is different to the second configuration.
• the article of Figs. 7A to 7C has corresponding features to those described in relation to Figs. 1A to 1D , and corresponding reference numerals relate to corresponding features.
• an air permeable section 507 is provided which comprises perforations 509 in the outer wrapper 506.
• the air permeable section 507 is provided between the first and the second axial ends 4, 5 of the aerosol-generating section 30.
• the air permeable section 507 has a circular shape.
• the perforations 509 define a circle-shaped area and perforations 509 are within the circle-shaped area.
• the perforations 509 may define an area having straight sides, and perforations 509 are within the area.
• the air permeable section 507 extends across an axial length of at least 1mm.
• the axial length of the air permeable section may be up to around 5mm or up to around 22mm.
• the size of the air permeable section 507 allows the air to flow at a desired rate through the air permeable section. Although the dimensions of the air-permeable section may differ in other embodiments.
• the air permeable section 507 is centrally located between the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating material and the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating material. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the air permeable section 507 may be located closer to the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating material, for example.
• the air permeable section 507 may instead be porous.
• the porous section could have an air permeability of around 24,000 Coresta units.
• the article 500 further comprises a second wrapper 15 which surrounds the aerosol-generating material 3, as discussed for example, in relation to Figs. 1A to 1D .
• the outer wrapper 506 surrounds the second wrapper 15.
• the second wrapper 15 has corresponding features to those described above in relation to Figs. 1A to 1D except that the second wrapper 15 comprises perforations 508 which align with the air permeable section 507 in the first wrapper 506.
• the second wrapper 15 may not be present in the article 500.
• Figs. 8A and 8B show an article 600 which has features corresponding to those described above in relation to Figs. 5A to 5C except that instead of the air permeable sections being in the form of windows at the axial ends, the air permeable sections comprise perforations 609 in the outer wrapper 606.
• the article 600 can be used in a chamber of the non-combustible aerosol provision device in a first configuration and in a second configuration, wherein the first configuration is different to the second configuration.
• the wrapper 606 extends from the first axial end of the aerosol-generating section 4 to the second end of the aerosol-generating section 5.
• the wrapper 606 comprises folds 19 which cover the axial face at the first end 4 of the aerosol-generating material 3.
• the folds 19 fully cover the axial face.
• An air permeable section 617A comprising perforations 609 is provided in the outer wrapper 606 at the axial face at the first axial end of the aerosol generating section.
• the perforations 609 may extend at least 1mm across the axial face.
• the wrapper 606 comprises folds 19 which cover the axial face at the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section 30.
• the folds 19 fully cover the axial face.
• An air permeable section 617B comprising perforations 609 is provided in the outer wrapper 606 at the axial face at the second axial end of the aerosol generating section.
• the perforations 609 may extend at least 1mm across the axial face.
• the wrapper 606 could comprise a circular end sheet comprising perforations which form an air permeable section at the axial face at the first axial end and/or at the axial face at the second axial end of the rod of aerosol-generating section 30.
• the wrapper 606 does not comprise an air permeable section between the first axial end 4 and the second axial end 5 of the aerosol-generating section.
• the wrapper 606 may additionally comprise an air permeable section between the first axial end 4 and the second axial end 5, which may be in the form of a window or comprise perforations or a porous section.
• any of the articles described or contemplated herein may comprise air permeable sections in different forms, for example an article may comprise a window and/or perforations and/or a porous section.
• Figs. 9A to 9C show an example of a non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising a non-combustible aerosol provision device 2, and an article such as the article 1 described in relation to Figs. 1A to 1D .
• the article could be any of the articles described or contemplated herein.
• the aerosol provision device 2 is configured to receive the article 1 and to generate an aerosol or inhalable medium from the aerosol-generating material 3 to be inhaled by a user.
• the aerosol provision device 2 comprises a body 34 having a housing 18 or outer cover which surrounds and houses various components of the device within the body 34.
• the device 2 comprises a chamber 35 within the body 34 for receiving the article 1 into the device 2.
• the chamber 35 has an opening 33 through which the article 1 is inserted into the chamber 35.
• the chamber 35 extends along an axis 49.
• the chamber 35 has a first axial end 46 and a second axial end 47.
• the device 2 comprises a mouthpiece 31 which engages with the body 34.
• the mouthpiece 31 has a first end 44 for contacting a user's mouth and a second end 45 for connecting to the body 44.
• the mouthpiece 31 has a passage 22 which extends through the mouthpiece 31 from a first opening 54 at the first end 44 of the mouthpiece to a second opening 55 at the second end 45 of the mouthpiece for conveying aerosol through the mouthpiece for inhalation by a user.
• the mouthpiece 31 is movable relative to the body 34 to allow a user to close the chamber, and to access the chamber 35 to insert the article 1 therein.
• the mouthpiece 31 may be removably attached to the body 34 by magnets, or the mouthpiece 31 may be attached to the body 34 by a hinged or other type of connection.
• the diameter of the second opening 55 of the passage 22 is less than the diameter of the opening 33 of the chamber 35 for maintaining the article in the chamber when the mouthpiece is connected to the body.
• the non-combustible aerosol provision device 2 comprises an aerosol generator, such as a heater, for heating the aerosol-generating material 3 to release the aerosol therefrom.
• the heater is provided in the body 34.
• the heater has a first part 32A and a second part 32B which circumferentially surround the chamber 35.
• aerosol generators such as induction heaters or pin heaters may be provided.
• the heater in Fig. 9C aligns with the aerosol-generating section 30 and not the first and second segments 9, 10 of the article 1 when the article 1 is located in the chamber.
• the heater may partially align with the first segment 9 and/or the second segment 10 of the article in addition to aligning with the aerosol-generating section 30.
• Fig. 9C the article 1 is shown to be fully enclosed in the chamber 35.
• the first and second axial ends 11, 12 of the article are located within the chamber 35.
• the chamber 35 comprises a vent 36.
• the vent 36 is located between the first axial end 46 and the second axial end 47 of the chamber. If the article comprises an air permeable section, such as the window 7, then this aligns with the vent 36 when the article 1 is located in the chamber 35 for allowing air to flow into the article 1 through the vent 36 and the window 7 in use.
• the vent 36 aligns with the air permeable section of the article which is between the first axial end 4 of the aerosol-generating section and the second axial end 5 of the aerosol generating section.
• the vent 36 may additionally or alternatively prevent condensation from building up within the chamber 35.
• the opening 33 to the chamber and the passageway 22 allows air, and any aerosol entrained therein, to flow out from the article.
• the perforations align with the vent 36 when the article is located in the chamber 35.
• the vent 36 is connected to a passage 38 which extends through the housing 18 to an aperture 136 in the housing.
• the chamber 35 could alternatively be positioned closer to the housing such that a passage 38 is not required.
• the vent 36 may be joined to an aperture 136 in the housing 18.
• the chamber 35 comprises a channel 51 which is connected to the first vent 36.
• the channel 51 extends around the axis 49 of the chamber.
• the channel 51 allows air to flow into or out of the article through the vent 36 and the air permeable section via the channel 51. This can be useful if the article which is inserted in the chamber has more than one air permeable section or if the air permeable section is not perfectly aligned with the vent 36.
• the article 1 can be located in the chamber 35 in a first configuration in which the first axial end of the article 11 is towards the first axial end 46 of the chamber 35 and the second axial end of the article 12 is towards the second axial end 47 of the chamber 35 as shown, for example in Fig. 9C .
• the article 1 can be located in the chamber 35 in a second configuration, in which the first axial end 11 of the article is towards the second axial end 47 of the chamber and the second axial end 12 of the article is towards the first axial end 46 of the chamber.
• first article axial end 11 and the second article axial end 12 are located between the first and second axial ends of the chamber 46, 47, and wherein when the article is located in the chamber in the second configuration then the first article axial end 11 and the second article axial end 12 are located between the first and second axial ends of the chamber 46, 47.
• the air permeable section aligns with the vent 36 when the article 1 is located in the chamber 35 in the first configuration and the second configuration.
• the air permeable section may only align with the vent 36 when the article is located in the chamber in the first configuration and not when the article is located in the chamber in the second configuration.
• a user removes the mouthpiece 31 from the body 34 and inserts an article 1 into the chamber 35 through the opening 33. The user then replaces the mouthpiece 31 on the body 34 and activates the heater to heat the aerosol-generating material 3.
• a user draws on the mouthpiece 31 to draw air into the vent 36 and into the aerosol-generating material through the air permeable section, if present, in the outer wrapper.
• the aerosol which is released from the aerosol-generating material 3 travels through the passage 22 from the second end 55 to the first end 54 of the mouthpiece and is inhaled by the user through the first opening 54.
• a user can choose whether to insert the article 1 into the chamber 35 in the first configuration or the second configuration.
• the composition of the aerosol which the user inhales differs depending on whether the article is in the first configuration or the second configuration as the air which flows in through the vent 36 will either travel through the first segment 9 if the article is in the first configuration or the second segment 10 if the article is in the second configuration.
• the composition of the aerosol which the user inhales may be different if the first segment 9 is different to the second segment 10.
• the article is configured to produce aerosol when it is heated in the first configuration and when it is heated in the second configuration.
• the article may additionally be configured such that the aerosol produced by the article when it is heated in the first configuration is different to the aerosol produced by the article when it is heated in the second configuration.
• the user When the article 1 is used up, the user removes the mouthpiece 31 from the body 34 and places a new article 1 in the chamber 35.
• Fig. 10 is an alternative example of a non-combustible aerosol provision system.
• the system is the same as that described above in relation to Figs. 9A to 9C , but the device 2 has a different heater.
• the heater 32 in Fig. 10 circumscribes the chamber.
• the heater 32 is located closer to the second axial end 47 of the chamber 35 than the first axial end 46 of the chamber.
• the heater 32 aligns with the second segment 10 as well as with part of the aerosol-generating section 30.
• the heater 32 aligns with the first segment 9 as well as with part of the aerosol-generating section 30.
• the composition of the aerosol which the user inhales will differ depending on whether the article is in the first configuration or the second configuration since the first segment has a different composition to the second segment.
• Fig. 10 shows the heater 32 fully aligning with the second segment 10 but in another example the heater 32 may only partially align with the second segment 10.
• Fig. 10 shows the heater partially aligning with the aerosol-generating section 30 but in another example the heater 32 may extend to fully align with the aerosol-generating section 30.
• the heater 32 may be located closer to the first axial end 46 of the chamber than to the second axial end 47 of the chamber.
• 57 means that the heater 32 will heat one of the segments 9, 10 more than the other segment 9, 10 to produce a different user experience when the article is located in the chamber 35 in the first configuration compared to the second configuration.
• the heater 32 selectively heats one of the first and second segments more than the other segment.
• the article does not have the first and second segments 9, 10 and is an article such as the article 200 as shown and described in relation to Figs. 4A to 4D
• having the heater located closer to one of the axial ends of the chamber than the other end of the chamber means that the heater 32 will heat one end of the article more than the other end of the article.
• a user can choose to locate the article 200 in the chamber in the first configuration or the second configuration which makes the system easier to use since they do not have to ascertain the correct orientation for the article before locating it in the device.
• Fig. 11 is an alternative example of a non-combustible aerosol provision system.
• the system is similar to that described in relation to Figs. 9A to 9C and corresponding reference numerals relate to corresponding features.
• the chamber 35 does not comprise a vent 36.
• Fig. 11 shows the article 1 inserted in the chamber 35, although any of the other articles described or contemplated in this application can be used in the device of Fig. 11 .
• the device 34 comprises a heater 132 which is located closer to the second axial end 47 of the chamber 35 than the first axial end 46 of the chamber 35.
• the heater 132 circumscribes the chamber 35.
• the heater 132 aligns with the second segment 10 as well as the aerosol-generating section 30.
• the heater 132 aligns with the first segment 9 as well as the aerosol-generating section 30.
• the composition of the aerosol which the user inhales will differ depending on whether the article is in the first configuration or the second configuration if the first segment has a different composition to the second segment.
• the heater 132 may only partially align with the second segment 10 and the aerosol-generating section 30 when the article is located in the device in the first configuration.
• the heater 132 does not align with the first segment 9 as shown in Fig. 11 .
• the heater 132 could partially align with the first segment 9 in the first configuration and still selectively heat one of the segments of the article more than the other segment of the article.
• the heater 132 is positioned closer to the second axial end 47 of the chamber but it could alternatively be positioned closer to the first axial end 46 of the chamber for selectively heating one of the segments of the article more than the other segment of the article.
• FIG. 11 has been described in conjunction with the article 1, any of the other articles described and/or contemplated herein could be used with the device of Fig. 11 .
• Figs. 12A and 12B show an alternative example of a non-combustible aerosol provision device, with an article located therein.
• the device is similar to that that described in relation to Figs. 9A to 9C , and corresponding reference numerals relate to corresponding features, but the chamber 35 does not comprise a vent 36.
• Figs. 12A shows the article 1 inserted in the chamber 35 although any of the other articles described in this application can be used in the system of Figs. 12A and 12B .
• the device comprises a heater 232.
• the heater 232 circumscribes the chamber 35.
• the heater 232 aligns with the aerosol-generating section 30 but not the first segment 9 or the second segment 10.
• the heater 232 aligns with the aerosol-generating section 30 but not the first segment 9 or the second segment 10.
• the composition of the aerosol which the user inhales will differ depending on whether the article is in the first configuration or the second configuration since the aerosol which is heated and released from the aerosol-generating material 3 will either travel through the first segment 9 if the article is in the first configuration or the second segment 10 if the article is in the second configuration.
• the aerosol which is released from the aerosol-generating material 3 can cause aerosol to be released from the first segment and/or the second segment as it travels therethrough. It is not necessary for the first segment and/or the second segment to be directly heated by a heater if they contain aerosol-generating material which can be released by the aerosol generated in the aerosol-generating segment as it travels through the respective segment.
• Fig. 13 is an alternative example of a non-combustible aerosol provision system.
• the device is similar to that described above in relation to Figs. 9A to 9C and corresponding reference numerals relate to corresponding features.
• the heater has a first part 332A and a second part 332B.
• the device has a second vent 39 which is connected to a second passage 37 which extends through the housing 18.
• the chamber 35 could alternatively be positioned closer to the housing 18 such that a second passage 38 is not required.
• the second vent 39 may be connected to an aperture in the housing 18.
• a user removes the mouthpiece 31 from the body 34 and inserts an article into the chamber 35.
• the user then replaces the mouthpiece 31 on the body 34, and activates the heater to heat the aerosol-generating material 3 in an article located in the chamber.
• a user draws on the mouthpiece 31 to draw air into the first vent 36 and the second vent 39 and into the aerosol-generating material 3 through any air permeable sections of the wrapper which are aligned with the first vent 36 and/or the second vent 39.
• first vent 36 may be omitted and just the second vent 39 which can be aligned with an air permeable section on the axial face of the article is provided.
• Figs. 14A and 14B show an example of an alternative non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising a non-combustible aerosol provision device 702, and an article 700.
• the article 700 has features which correspond to the article 400 described in relation to Figs. 6A and 6B except that a susceptor 732 is additionally provided in the article 700.
• the article 700 has an air permeable section in the wrapper in the form of a window 407.
• the article is not limited to this form, and could have features which correspond to other articles described herein, for example the air permeable section could comprise perforations instead of a window 407.
• the other articles described or contemplated herein could be included in the system of Figs. 14A and 14B , and a susceptor need not be provided in the article if an alternative heater is provided.
• the aerosol provision device 702 is configured to receive the article 700 and to generate an aerosol or inhalable medium from its aerosol-generating material 3 to be inhaled by a user.
• the aerosol provision device 702 comprises a body 734 having a housing 718 or outer cover which surrounds and houses various components of the device within the body 734.
• the device 702 comprises a chamber 735 within the body 734 for receiving the article 700.
• the chamber 735 has an opening 733 through which the article 700 is inserted into the chamber 735.
• the chamber 735 has an axis 749.
• the chamber extends between a first axial end 746 and a second axial end 747.
• the device 702 comprises a mouthpiece 731 which is integrally formed with the body 734.
• the mouthpiece 731 has a passage 722 which extends through the mouthpiece 731.
• a plug 720 is provided for closing the opening 733 to the chamber.
• the opening is at an axial end of the chamber.
• the plug 720 is inserted in a passage 738, and can be removed therefrom by a user to access the chamber 735 and insert the article therein.
• the chamber 735 comprises a vent 736.
• the air permeable section of the article which is shown in Fig. 11B as the window 707, aligns with the vent 736 when the article is located in the chamber 735 for allowing air and aerosol entrained therein to flow out of the window 707 and through the vent 736 in use.
• the vent 736 aligns with the air permeable section of the article which is between the first axial end of the aerosol-generating section and the second axial end of the aerosol generating section.
• the vent 736 is between the first axial end 746 of the chamber and the second axial end 747 of the chamber.
• the chamber 735 comprises a channel 751 which is connected to the first vent.
• the channel 751 extends around the axis 749 of the chamber.
• the channel 751 allows air to flow into or out of the air permeable section of the article through the vent 736 and the air permeable section via the channel 751.
• the opening 733 to the chamber may form an additional vent for allowing air to flow into the article when it is located in the chamber.
• the opening 733 is at the second axial end 747 of the chamber.
• the article which is inserted in the device 702 could have features of any of articles described herein.
• the article may have an air permeable section comprising perforations between the first and second ends of the aerosol-generating material which aligns with the vent 736 when the article is located in the chamber 735.
• the vent 736 is connected to a passage 722 which extends through the mouthpiece 731.
• the chamber 735 comprises a second vent 741.
• the second vent is at the first axial end 746 of the chamber.
• the second vent 741 aligns with an air permeable section at an axial face of the first end or the second end of the aerosol generating material when the article is located in the chamber 735 for allowing air to flow into the article through the second vent 741 and the air permeable section at an axial face of the article in use.
• the aerosol-generating film may be continuous.
• the film may comprise or be a continuous sheet of material.
• the sheet may be in the form of a wrapper, it may be gathered to form a gathered sheet or it may be shredded to form a shredded sheet.
• the shredded sheet may comprise one or more strands or strips of aerosol-generating material.

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• 2024
  • 2024-06-11 EP EP24181448.2A patent/EP4663036A1/de active Pending
• 2025
  • 2025-06-10 WO PCT/GB2025/051274 patent/WO2025257542A1/en active Pending

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