METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING AN INHALATION PRODUCT HAVING A SUPPORT ELEMENT

Abstract

A method for manufacturing an inhaler article comprising the steps of: placing a support member into an outer tube body, the outer tube body comprising an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein the upstream end and the downstream end are opposite ends; an outer surface and an internal surface, the internal surface defining a cavity inside the outer tube body, the outer tube body having an internal diameter; wherein support member is placed into the outer tube body from the upstream end or the downstream end of the outer tube body, and wherein the support member contacts the internal surface of the outer tube body and the support member extends across the internal diameter of the outer tube body.

Description

[0001] METHOD OF MANUFACTURING AN INHALER ARTICLE HAVING A SUPPORT MEMBER

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an inhaler article. An inhaler article is used to deliver dry powder to a user by releasing dry powder from a capsule in the inhaler article, entraining dry powder into an airflow through the inhaler article, so that the dry powder is inhaled by the user. The present disclosure relates to internal structures in an inhaler article to improve the delivery of dry particles to a user. The present disclosure relates to methods of manufacturing inhaler articles having internal structures.

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing the inhaler article having a support member. The present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing an inhaler article having an outer tube body with support member placed inside the outer tube body.

[0004] The present disclosure also relates to an inhaler article for use with a holder to form an inhaler system. The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing the inhaler article.

[0005] Inhaler articles are used to deliver dry powder to the lungs of a user. Inhaler articles provide an airflow path. A user inhales through the inhaler article. An airflow is generated. The airflow flows through the inhaler article via an airflow path. The airflow path through the inhaler article begins at an airflow inlet, travels through the inhaler article, and exits the inhaler article at a mouth end or downstream end where the air traveling in the airflow path is inhaled by a user. Inhaler articles may contain a capsule containing dry powder. The dry powder may comprise an active compound. The dry powder may comprise a pharmaceutically active compound. The dry powder may comprise an active compound that is delivered to a user when the dry powder is released from the capsule, is entrained in the airflow traveling through the inhaler article and is inhaled by a user. To release the dry powder from the capsule and to introduce dry powder into an airflow so that the dry powder can be delivered to a user, the capsule may be pierced. The pierced capsule releases its dry powder contents into airflow as the air flows through the inhaler article around and past the pierced capsule. The inhaler article is depleted when the contents of the capsule have been released into the airflow. Once the inhaler article is depleted, the inhaler article is discarded.

[0006] The dose of active compounds is limited by the contents of the capsule. The dose of active compounds is also limited by the degree to which all of the contents of the capsule can be released from the capsule and delivered to the user. It would be desirable provide an inhaler article structured to enable the release of the contents of the capsule.

[0007] Inhaler articles are manipulated before, during and after use. For example, inhaler articles may be subjected to longitudinal and radial pressures as they are manufactured, packaged, unpackaged, inserted into devices, activated, pierced, used and discarded. Inhaler articles are not always fully suitable to withstand this manipulation. For example, when inhaler articles are manufactured, multiple parts may be assembled to form the final inhaler articles. Multiple parts may require multiple assembly steps each of which may bend, dent, tear or otherwise damage the parts of the article or the assembled article. It would be desirable to provide inhaler articles structured to enable manufacture and assembly of the inhaler article without damaging or bending the parts.

[0008] When using the inhaler article, the capsule may be pierced. Another word for piercing the capsule is activating the capsule. For example, when the capsule is pierced, a piercing element is pressed into the capsule. The piercing element may be pressed into the capsule from the upstream side of the capsule. When the piercing element is pressed into the upstream end of the capsule, the capsule may move in response to the pressure of the piercing element. The pressure may be transmitted to structures in the inhaler article downstream of the capsule. This may cause the downstream structures to deform. This may cause the pierced capsule to be pushed downstream in the inhaler article. This may cause the pierced capsule to be pushed out of the inhaler article. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article structured to reduce the deformation of the structures of the inhaler article. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article that is structured to prevent the capsule from being pushed out of the inhaler article. It would be desirable to prevent the pierced capsule from being pushed out of the inhaler article.

[0009] It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article having improved stability. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article providing sufficient rigidity to resist longitudinal force, such as the force provided by the piercing of the capsule. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article providing sufficient rigidity to resist radial force such as crushing forces against the sidewalls of the inhaler article which may occur during manufacturing, packaging or use. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article with sufficient stability to withstand compression forces exerted during one or more of manufacturing, packaging and use of the article. It would be desirable to provide an article having sufficient rigidity to resist deforming or crushing of the inhaler article when the capsule of the inhaler article is pierced. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article structured to provide enhanced rigidity. For example, if the inhaler article is bent or deformed, the ability of the capsule to move inside the inhaler article and release its contents to provide a dose of dry powder may be reduced. If the capsule cannot move inside the inhaler article, it may not fully release the dry powder contained in the capsule during use.

[0010] It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article structured to prevent the capsule from escaping from the inhaler article. If the capsule escapes from the inhaler article, it may be ingested. The capsule containing dry powder may be dangerous if ingested. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article that requires fewer manufacturing steps. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article that is cost-effective to manufacture. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article that can reliably contain the capsule before, during and after use, to prevent escape of the capsule containing dry powder. It would be desirable to provide an article offering improved sustainability. It would be desirable to provide a biodegradable article. It would be desirable to provide a biodegradable retainer portion. It would be desirable to provide a recyclable retainer portion. It would be desirable to provide a biodegradable retainer portion providing sufficient rigidity to the article during one or more of manufacturing, packaging and use of the article. It would be desirable to provide an article offering an improved user experience. It would be desirable to provide an article offering improved alignment of the capsule in the article.

[0011] It would also be desirable to provide an inhaler article having internal structures that allow the capsule to move with less contact points between the capsule and the internal structures of the inhaler article. Contact points create friction when the capsule moves. Contact points interfere with the movement of the capsule inside the inhaler article. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article having internal structures that minimize contact points with the capsule and allow the capsule to move and agitate more freely, thus releasing dry powder more freely.

[0012] It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article that is a tube which contains a support member downstream of a capsule containing dry powder so that the support member can prevent the capsule from being pushed downstream in the inhaler article when the capsule is pierced from the upstream end of the tubular inhaler article. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article that is a tube containing a support member downstream of a capsule to prevent the capsule from being pushed out of the tubular inhaler article when the capsule is pierced from the upstream end of the tubular inhaler article.

[0013] The present disclosure relates to an inhaler article having a support member structured to define airflow through the inhaler article. The present disclosure relates to a support member which improves the release of dry powder from a capsule contained in the inhaler article. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article having internal structures that improve the delivery of dry powder to the user. For example, it would be desirable to provide an inhaler article having an airflow path structured to control airspeed through the inhaler article to improve the agitation of the capsule in the inhaler article and therefore improve the emptying of the capsule, it would be desirable to provide an inhaler article having an airflow path structured to increase airspeed through the inhaler article to improve the agitation of the capsule in the inhaler article and therefore improve the emptying of the capsule. It would be desirable to provide a support member that provides support member airways that allow airflow to pass from upstream of the support member where the capsule is located to downstream of the support member where the airflow outlet is located, so that the airflow may be inhaled by a user. This allows air to flow past the capsule, entraining particles of dry powder released from the capsule, through support member airways which have a smaller cross-section than the tubular inhaler article to accelerate the airflow and exit the inhaler article at an airflow outlet to be inhaled by a user. It would also be desirable to provide a support member that has an upstream face that is closed in a central area. This closed central area may provide a flat surface to contact the downstream end of the capsule. When the capsule contacts the flat surface of this central area, it provides a single contact point between the capsule and internal structures of the inhaler article. This closed central area provides less contact points between the capsule and the internal structures of the inhaler article compared to a support member having support member airways in the center of the support member, for example. For example, if support member airways are located where the capsule contacts the support member, the capsule may contact the edges of the support member airways, forming more contact points between the capsule and the upstream face of the support member. Contact points create friction when the capsule moves. Contact points interfere with the movement of the capsule inside the inhaler article. If the support member airways are located where the capsule contacts the support member, the capsule may block airflow through the support member airways. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article that doesn’t have support member airways in the center of the support member where the capsule may contact the support member. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article having internal structures that minimize contact points with the capsule and allow the capsule to move and agitate more freely, thus releasing dry powder more freely. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article having internal structures that minimize contact points with the capsule.

[0014] It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article containing a support member that provides rigidity and stability to the inhaler article. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article containing a support member to provide rigidity and stability in the longitudinal direction. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article containing a support member to provide rigidity and stability in radial direction. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article containing a support member to hold the capsule inside the cavity of the inhaler article. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article containing a support member to prevent the capsule from escaping from the inhaler article.

[0015] In a manufacturing environment, it can be difficult to predictably and reliably set a part within another part. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article structured to predictably and reliably assemble an inhaler article having a support member inside an outer tube body. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article structured so that the inhaler article can be predictably and reliably assembled. It would be desirable to manufacture an inhaler article having a support member so that the placement of the support member is predictable and reliable. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article structured to be predictably and reliably assembled so that additional parts and manufacturing steps are not needed. It would be desirable to assemble parts using adhesive where the structure of the inhaler article allows for placement of the adhesive in a location that is accessible during manufacture.

[0016] It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article containing a support member that is placed inside the inhaler article in a way that makes the manufacture of the inhaler article containing a support member easier and more predictable. Providing an inhaler article structured so that it is easier and more predictable to assemble the parts together and place the support member inside the cavity of the inhaler article would make manufacturing more efficient. In addition, providing an inhaler article structure so that it is easier and more predictable to assemble results in an inhaler article that is more rigid and more stable.

[0017] It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article that can be used as a work in progress (WIP) part. For example, it would be desirable to provide an inhaler article that is pre-assembled and ready for the next step in a manufacturing process. Pre-manufacturing a WIP part may reduce the overall number of manufacturing steps, reducing the cost of manufacture and improving the efficiency of manufacture.

[0018] It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article to prevent dry powder from escaping from the inhaler article before, during or after use. It would be desirable to design an inhaler article that is cheaper and easier and more efficient to assemble. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article that is cheaper and easier to manufacture. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article having an airflow path that maximizes the emptying of the contents of a dry powder containing capsule.

[0019] It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article made from a stiff outer tube body. It would be desirable to provide an inhaler article made from a single stiff outer tube body. It would be desirable to provide a method of manufacturing an inhaler article having a stiff outer tube body using methods that accurately and reliably place a support member inside the outer tube body. It would be desirable to provide a method of manufacturing an inhaler article having a stiff outer tube body using methods that accurately and reliably place a support member inside the outer tube body so that the support member is reliably placed inside the outer tube body and remains in place once placed.

[0020] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing an inhaler article comprising the steps of: placing a support member into an outer tube body, the outer tube body comprising an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein the upstream end and the downstream end are opposite ends; an outer surface and an internal surface, the internal surface defining a cavity inside the outer tube body, the outer tube body having an internal diameter; wherein support member is placed into the outer tube body from the upstream end or the downstream end of the outer tube body, and; wherein the support member contacts the internal surface of the outer tube body and the support member extends across the internal diameter of the outer tube body.

[0021] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing an inhaler article comprising the steps of: placing a support member into an outer tube body, the support member comprising a diameter, a perimeter, a thickness and a center, the outer tube body comprising an upstream end and a downstream end, an outer surface and an internal surface, the internal surface defining a cavity inside the outer tube body, the outer tube body having an internal diameter; wherein the perimeter of the support member contacts the internal surface of the outer tube body and the support member extends across the internal diameter of the outer tube body. Advantageously, the method provides a method for manufacturing an inhaler article having an outer tube body and a support member in the cavity inside the outer tube body where the outer tube body is a single tube.

[0022] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing an inhaler article comprising the steps of: placing a support member into an outer tube body, the outer tube body comprising an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein the upstream end and the downstream end are opposite ends; an outer surface and an internal surface, the internal surface defining a cavity inside the outer tube body, the outer tube body having an internal diameter; wherein support member is placed into the outer tube body from the upstream end or the downstream end of the outer tube body, and; wherein the support member contacts the internal surface of the outer tube body and the support member extends across the internal diameter of the outer tube body.

[0023] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the inhaler article is constructed from a single outer tube body. The outer tube body may be, for example, a tube. The outer tube body may be, for example, cardboard. The outer tube may be, for example, stiff cardboard. A cardboard outer tube may be biodegradable. A cardboard outer tube may be stiffer than outer wrap paper traditionally used in the manufacture of aerosol-generating articles. Because the outer tube body is a single tube body, not constructed from multiple tube bodies abutted against each other and then assembled together by, for example, wrapping multiple tube elements with a wrapping paper, this outer tube body provides a rigid inhaler article compared to an inhaler article assembled from multiple tube elements. The abutment where tube elements are assembled together may be less rigid, less strong, more prone to bending or crushing, compared to a single tube body. In addition, the use of a single outer tube body decreases manufacturing complexity in the assembly of multiple tubular parts to form a tube body of an inhaler article because it requires fewer parts. Reducing the number of parts reduces the number of manufacturing steps. On the other hand, in the manufacturing setting, when an element such as a support element is to be inserted into the tube body, the use of a single tube body may introduce different manufacturing complexity related to the placement of an internal element or affixing an internal element to the inside of single tube body. It may be challenging to ensure that the support member is inserted into a single outer tube body in the correct position and held there securely thereafter. Accordingly, the presently disclosed methods include steps and structures to ensure that the support member is inserted into a single outer tube body in the correct position.

[0024] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a support member is placed into the outer tube body. The support member provides strength, rigidity and stability to the inhaler article. Advantageously, the support member provides rigidity and stability in the longitudinal direction. The support member provides rigidity and stability in radial direction. The support member holds the capsule inside the cavity of the inhaler article. The support member prevents the capsule from escaping from the inhaler article. In addition, the placement of the support member so that the perimeter of the support member contacts the internal surface of the outer tube makes the manufacture of the inhaler article containing a support member easier and more predictable. The support member is structured to fit inside the outer tube body. Because the support member is structured to fit inside the outer tube member, it is easier and more predictable to assemble the parts together and place the support member inside the cavity of the inhaler article. The manufacturing is more efficient because the outer tube body and the support member are structured to fit with each other. The manufacture may be accomplished with or without adhesive, lending more manufacturing flexibility. In addition, providing an inhaler article structure so that it is easier and more predictable to assemble results in an inhaler article that is more rigid and more stable.

[0025] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the manufacturing method provides a loading step prior to the placing step wherein the support member is loaded into a funnel guide upstream or downstream of the outer tube body and then the support member is placed into the outer tube body through the funnel guide. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the manufacturing method provides a loading step prior to the placing step wherein the support member is loaded into a funnel guide prior to the placing step. The funnel guide ensures that the support member approaches the outer tube body and is oriented appropriately so that the support member will fit into the outer tube body in the correct orientation. Advantageously, the use of a funnel guide, or a jig ensures that the support member is inserted into a single outer tube body in the correct position.

[0026] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the method further comprises a pushing step wherein a push rod is used to push the support member into the cavity of the outer tube body. According to an aspect of the disclosure, the method further comprises a pushing step wherein a push rod is used to push the support member into the cavity of the outer tube body during the placing step.

[0027] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, when the funnel guide is upstream or downstream of the outer tube body, a positioning plug may be positioned at an opposite end of the outer tube body, the positioning plug structured to prevent the support member from advancing too far into the outer tube body during the placing step. Advantageously, the use of a funnel guide ensures that the support member is inserted into the single outer tube body in the correct position. The funnel guide prevents the support member from being pushed too far into the cavity of the outer tube body. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a positioning plug is inserted into an end of the outer tube body and the support member is placed into the opposite end of the outer tube body. The funnel guide may be at the opposite end from the positioning plug during the placing step.

[0028] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the method further comprises the manufacturing method further comprising a positioning step before the placing step, wherein a positioning plug is inserted into an end of the outer tube body and the support member is placed into the opposite end of the outer tube body.

[0029] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a positioning plug is positioned at an opposite end of the outer tube body from the upstream end or the downstream end where the support member is placed into the outer tube body, the positioning plug structured to prevent the support member from advancing too far into the outer tube body during the placing step. Advantageously, the use of a positioning plug opposite the end of the outer tube body prevents the support member form advancing too far into the outer tube body during the placing step. For example, when the funnel guide is upstream or downstream of the outer tube body, the positioning plug is positioned at an opposite end of the outer tube body from the funnel guide during the placing step. The positioning plug may comprise one or more protrusions structured to fit with and orient the support member in the cavity of the outer tube body to ensure the desired placement of the support member during the placing step. The one or more protrusions may be pins. One or more protrusions may be a pin. Advantageously, the use of a push rod in the placing step ensures that an appropriate amount of force is used to push the support member into the cavity inside the outer tube body.

[0030] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a push rod may be used to push the support member into the outer tube body in the placing step. The pushing step may employ a push rod to push the support member into the outer tube body in the presence or in the absence of the funnel guide. The push rod may be used to push the support member into the outer tube body in the placing step. The push rod may be used to push the support member from the funnel guide into the outer tube body in the placing step. Advantageously, this push step using a push rod ensures that the support member is inserted into a single outer tube body at an appropriate speed and to an appropriate location.

[0031] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, these features may be combined. For example, when the funnel guide is upstream or downstream of the outer tube body, the positioning plug may be positioned at an opposite end of the outer tube body the positioning plug structured to prevent the support member from advancing too far into the outer tube body during the placing step. Advantageously, the use of a positioning plug, where the positioning plug may have a pin (or may not), a funnel guide and a push rod, alone or in combination, ensure that the support member is inserted into a single outer tube body in the correct position. After the funnel guide, the push rod, and the positioning plug have been used to place the support member into the outer tube body, the funnel guide, the push rod and the positioning plug may be removed the inhaler article. During manufacture, these structures, the funnel guide, the push rod and the positioning plug are temporarily placed to accomplish the placement of the support member into the outer tube body. Advantageously, these structures can be removed during the manufacturing process without leaving remnants on the inhaler article. For example, the method may further comprise the step of removing the funnel guide from the upstream or downstream end of the outer tube body after the placing step. The method may further comprise the step of removing the positioning plug from the opposite end of the outer tube body after the placing step.

[0032] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the support member is placed into the outer tube body and remains in place by a friction fit. That is, the outer diameter of the support member may be about the same as the inner diameter of the outer tube body. The outer diameter of the support member may be slightly less than the inner diameter of the outer tube body. For example, the outer diameter of the support member may be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the outer tube body. Or the outer diameter may be the same as the inner diameter of the outer tube body. When the support member is placed as described above, the support member may remain in the correct location inside the outer tube body due to a friction fit. This is advantageous in that no adhesive is necessary if the support member is placed by a friction fit.

[0033] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, adhesive is used to ensure that the support member is placed and remains in the correct position inside the outer body tube. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a step of applying an adhesive to the internal surface of the outer tube body before placing the support member into the outer tube body is provided. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the method further comprises a step of applying an adhesive to the internal surface of the outer tube body before the placing step. Advantageously, the use of an adhesive ensures that the support member is firmly placed in the outer tube body and remains in place.

[0034] According to aspects of the present disclosure, the adhesive may be applied to the internal surface of the outer tube body in an adhesive zone. According to aspects of the present disclosure, the adhesive may be applied to the internal surface of the outer tube body in an adhesive zone prior to the placing step. According to aspects of the present disclosure, the adhesive may be applied to the internal surface of the outer tube body by an applicator. The applicator may comprise an applicator tube and a nozzle. The applicator may comprise a reservoir, an applicator tube and a nozzle. The nozzle of the applicator may spray adhesive onto the interior surface of the outer tube body. The nozzle may be supplied with adhesive from an adhesive reservoir. The adhesive may flow through the applicator tube from the reservoir to the nozzle by means of a pump. Adhesive may be provided from the adhesive reservoir to the nozzle through the applicator tube. Adhesive may be stored in a reservoir. When the nozzle is introduced into the internal cavity of the outer tube body, the adhesive may be pumped from the reservoir by the pump. The adhesive may move through the applicator tube from the reservoir to the nozzle.

[0035] According to aspects of the present disclosure, the nozzle delivers adhesive to the internal surface of the outer tube body in an adhesive zone. The adhesive zone may be the area of the internal surface of the outer tube body where the support member is to be placed, and where the placement of adhesive would be desirable, in order to place the support member in the correct location. The applicator may comprise a stop member structured to allow the applicator to advance into the outer tube body until the nozzle reaches an adhesive zone. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the nozzle has a diameter where the diameter is less than the internal diameter of the outer tube body. By allowing some space between the nozzle and the internal surface of the outer tube body, the adhesive can be sprayed from the nozzle. In addition, the nozzle can be more easily removed from the outer tube body without touching the applied adhesive if the diameter of the nozzle is less than the diameter of the internal surface of the outer tube body. After the adhesive is applied to the internal surface of the outer tube body, the support member is placed into the outer tube body so that the perimeter of the support member contacts the adhesive zone with applied adhesive. The adhesive zone may comprise a surface area between 150 and 300 mm2. According to aspects of the disclosure, the pump may be capable of handling liquids of viscosities between and 1 and 1000cP. Further, the pump may comprise shear mechanisms to temporarily reduce the viscosity of an adhesive. Appropriate adhesives may include polyvinyl alcohol(PVA), gum arabic, polyurethane (PU), epoxy, cyanoacrylate, polychloroprene, structural acrylic or methacrylate or combinations. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the applicator may comprise a stop member structured to allow the applicator to advance into the outer tube body until the nozzle reaches the adhesive zone and wherein the nozzle delivers adhesive to the internal surface of the outer tube body. The stop member may be a cross-member having a length longer than the diameter outer tube body so that as the applicator is inserted into the outer tube body the stop member prevents the applicator from advancing further into the outer tube body.

[0036] The article resulting from the methods described above, an inhaler article having an outer tube body and a support element placed inside the outer tube body, may be pre-manufactured and used as work in progress (WIP) in additional manufacturing steps. For example, an article comprising an outer tube body having a support member in the outer tube body cavity may be a WIP part that can be pre-manufactured and stored until needed. During later manufacturing steps, a capsule may be inserted into the outer tube body having a support member. The capsule containing dry powder may have a shorter shelf life than the tube with the support member. Therefore, providing the inhaler article comprising the tube and the support member without the capsule may allow for more flexible inventory control for an inhaler article containing a capsule.

[0037] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further comprise a step of inserting a capsule into the into the outer tube body. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further comprise a step of flanging the upstream end of the outer tube body. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further comprise a step of curving the downstream end of the outer tube body. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further comprise a step of adding an outer wrap to the outer surface of the outer tube body. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the support member comprises internal structure.

[0038] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the manufacturing method described herein provides an inhaler article comprising: an outer tube body, the outer tube body comprising an upstream end, a downstream end, a central axis, an outer surface and an internal surface, wherein the internal surface defines a cavity inside the outer tube body, the outer tube body cavity having a diameter; a support member in the outer tube body cavity, the support member comprising an upstream face, a downstream face, a thickness and a center, the support member arranged to extend across the diameter of the cavity of the outer tube body, wherein the support member comprises at least two support member airways comprising apertures extending from the upstream face to the downstream face through the thickness of the support member; wherein none of the support member airways pass through the center of the support member. A wrap may be wrapped around the outer tube body. The wrap may be tipping paper. Where an outer tube body is used, the wrap is optional and can be used decorate the inhaler article, or to provide bar codes, information, advertising, trademarks or other information to the consumer.

[0039] The support member, including the internal structure of the support member, may be made from biodegradable materials. The support member may be made by punching or cutting support member airways into the support member. The wrapping paper may be biodegradable. The support member, including the internal structure of the support member, may be the same material. For example, reducing the number of materials may reduce the number of manufacturing steps to produce the inhaler article.

[0040] The wrapping paper material may be, for example, paper having a weight from 20 gsm to 200 gsm. The wrapping paper may have a weight of from 25 to 100 gsm. The wrapping paper may have a weight of from 30 to 100 gsm. The wrapping paper may have a weight of from 40 to 100 gsm. The wrapping paper may have a weight of from 50 to 100 gsm. The wrapping paper may have a weight of from 25 to 150 gsm. The wrapping paper may have a weight of from 30 to 150 gsm. The wrapping paper may have a weight of from 50 to 150 gsm.

[0041] The outer tube body material may be cardboard having a weight from 40 gsm to 600 gsm. The front plug may be cardboard having a weight from 50 gsm to 600 gsm. The front plug may be cardboard having a weight from 60 gsm to 600 gsm. The front plug may be cardboard having a weight from 40 gsm to 500 gsm. The front plug may be cardboard having a weight from 50 gsm to 600 gsm. The front plug may be cardboard having a weight from 60 gsm to 600 gsm. The front plug may be cardboard having a weight from 40 gsm to 400 gsm. The front plug may be cardboard having a weight from 50 gsm to 400 gsm. The front plug may be cardboard having a weight from 60 gsm to 600 gsm.

[0042] The support member material may be, for example, bioplastic or cardboard having a weight from 200 gsm to 700 gsm. The support member material may be, for example, bioplastic or cardboard having a weight from 250 gsm to 700 gsm. The support member material may be, for example, bioplastic or cardboard having a weight from 300 gsm to 700 gsm. The support member material may be, for example, bioplastic or cardboard having a weight from 400 gsm to 700 gsm.

[0043] Advantageously, the support member provides structural rigidity by providing an internal structure extending across the diameter of the cavity of the outer tube body. The support member may have a disk shape where the disk has an upstream face, a downstream face, a thickness and a center. The support member may be cylindrical. The support member has a central axis that passes through the center of the support member. The support member upstream face may have a diameter. The support member downstream face may have a diameter. The upstream face diameter and the downstream face diameter may be the same. The upstream face of the support member may have a flat structure transverse to the central axis of the outer tube body. The support member may have a perimeter. The support member may be arranged transverse to the center axis of the outer tube body. The support member may be a disk arranged inside the outer tube body where the support member fits into the outer tube body so that the perimeter of the support member fits against the internal surface of the outer tube body. The support member may be made from biodegradable material.

[0044] In embodiments, the upstream face of the support member may have a closed central area. This closed central area does not have support member airways. The closed central area may provide a flat surface. A flat surface, which does not have support member airways, may provide an area that contacts the downstream end of the capsule. The closed central area may contact the downstream end of the capsule as the capsule is pierced. When the capsule is pierced, for example by a needle introduced into the upstream end of the capsule, this may push the capsule against the upstream face of the support member located downstream of the capsule. Where the upstream face of the support member has a closed central area, when the capsule is pierced the capsule is pressed against the closed central area of the upstream face of the support member. When air flows through the inhaler article, the air flows past the capsule. The flow of air past the capsule causes the capsule to shake or rotate or agitate. This capsule movement causes dry powder to be released from the capsule. To fully empty the capsule, it may be desirable to provide internal structures that reduce friction between the capsule and the internal structures of the inhaler article. When the upstream face of the support member has a closed central area, there are no support member airways located in the closed central area. This reduces friction between the capsule and the region where the capsule contacts the upstream face of the support member. When the closed central area of the upstream face of the support member is a flat structure, friction is reduced between the capsule and the region where the capsule contacts the upstream face of the support member.

[0045] In addition, this structure provides a block to airflow from the upstream end of the outer tube body to the downstream end of the outer tube body. The support member airways provide the only pathways for air to flow from the upstream side of the support member to the downstream side of the support member so that air flowing must pass through these support member airways. The structure of these support member airways are the controls, the valves, that control flow of air through the inhaler article. Advantageously, the at least two support member airways are smaller than the diameter of the cavity of the outer tube body. These restricted airways accelerate airflow. Accelerated airflow may be more able to entrain dry powder released from the capsule and carry that dry powder toward the air outlet at the downstream end of the outer tube of the inhaler article. Advantageously, the at least two support member airways are peripheral to the closed central area of the support member. The at least two support member airways are offset from the center of the support member. None of the support member airways pass through the center of the support member. The support member fits into the cavity of the outer tube body. The support member has a diameter. The center of the support member is the point at which diameters drawn from multiple points around the support member intersect. The center of the support member may be at the central axis of the outer tube body. The placement of the at least two support member airways peripheral to the closed central area of the support member ensures that air flowing through support member of the inhaler article must follow a circuitous or convoluted airflow pathway. It is desirable to provide an inhaler article that reduces leakage of dry powder. It is desirable to provide an inhaler article that reduces leakage of active powder. It is desirable to provide an inhaler article that reduces leakage of active powder from the upstream end or from the downstream end of the inhaler article. This leakage may occur when the inhaler article is not in use. This leakage occurs more readily when there is a relatively unrestricted or open airflow path. This leakage occurs more readily when there is a direct and open pathway between the capsule and the airflow outlet. If there is a direct and open pathway between the capsule and the airflow outlet, dry powder released from the capsule may fall out of the inhaler article when the inhaler article is not in use. By introducing a more convoluted airflow pathway, dry powder released from the capsule gets caught in the convoluted airflow pathway. Dry powder that is caught in the convoluted airflow pathway cannot fall out of the inhaler article. Instead, in order for dry powder to find its way to the airflow outlet, it must be pulled along through the convoluted airflow pathway in an airflow initiated by the user. Advantageously, a convoluted airflow path reduces leakage of dry powder from the inhaler article.

[0046] In an embodiment, the support member may comprise structure that allows for air flow through the center of the support member. This support member structure provides rigidity in the radial direction by providing support in the radial direction, at least where the support member is placed inside the outer tube body.

[0047] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the at least two support member airways may comprise spaces between the internal surface of the outer tube body and the support member. That is, the support airways may be partially defined by the internal surface of the outer tube body and partially defined by the perimeter of the support element. The at least two support member airways may comprise, in part, the internal surface of the outer tube body. The partial contour of a support member airway at the perimeter of the support element may be called a “flute”. Advantageously, this structure may create a convoluted airflow which may improve the delivery of dry particles to the user during use. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the at least two support member airways are apertures extending form the upstream face to the downstream face of the support member. Advantageously, the support member airways allow air to pass from the area upstream of the support member to the area downstream of the support member. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, each of the at least two support member airways have a diameter, and the support member airway diameters are less than the diameter of the outer tube body cavity. These support member airways may form straight passageways from the upstream face to the downstream face of the support member along the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article. Or the support member airways may be straight passageways that are angled with respect to the central axis of the inhaler article. Or, the support member airways may form curved or angled passageways between the upstream face and the downstream face of the support member. The support member airways may form circuitous or convoluted passageways between the upstream face and the downstream face of the support member.

[0048] When the at least two support member airways have a narrower diameter than the diameter of the outer tube body, as air flows into the inhaler article through an air inlet, passes around the capsule, then flows through the at least two support member airways having diameters less than the diameter of the outer tube cavity, the flowing air accelerates due to the Venturi effect (using Bernoulli’s principle”). The at least two support member airways accelerate airflow. This acceleration of airflow can help to extract dry powder from the area surrounding the capsule.

[0049] In addition, the airpath of air flowing into the inhaler article, around the capsule, through the at least two support member airways, and then downstream to the air outlet, is a convoluted airpath. Advantageously, a convoluted airpath may reduce leakage of dry powder from the inhalator article because particles may be captured in this convoluted airpath instead of falling out of the air outlet.

[0050] According to an aspect of the disclosure, one or more of the support airways may have filter material. One or more of the at least two support airways may contain filter material. This filter material may span the airway so that particles released from the capsule are filtered by the filtered material. The filter material may be mesh. Advantageously, the presence of filter material, which may be mesh, filters out unwanted larger dry particles and prevents particles that are too large from being delivered to a user. According to an aspect of the disclosure, more than two support airways are present. For example, at least four support member airways may be present. Or more support member airways may be present.

[0051] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a capsule may be in the cavity of the outer tube body. The capsule may be in the outer tube cavity upstream of the support element. The center of the support member is at the central axis of the outer tube body. When the capsule is contained in the cavity of the outer tube body, the capsule is upstream of the support member and the capsule is aligned along the central axis of the outer tube body. The capsule may be in the shape of a cylinder with two hemispherical ends. The capsule may be symmetrical. The capsule may have an upstream end and a downstream end. The upstream end and the downstream end of the capsule may be considered the radial ends of the capsule. The radial ends of the capsule may be the points of the capsule that are furthest apart from each other. The radial ends of the capsule may be along the central longitudinal axis of the capsule. Because the capsule is centered in the outer tube body and because the capsule may be symmetrical, the downstream radial end of the capsule may contact the upstream face of the support member in the center of the upstream face of the support member. When air flows through the inhaler article and passes the capsule, the flow of air agitates and rotates the capsule. The capsule moves in response to the flow of air. This movement of the capsule shakes the capsule’s contents out of the capsule. It would be desirable to provide a support member that enables the capsule to agitate and rotate as freely as possible as air flows past the capsule, to allow the capsule to empty its contents as freely as possible. One way to improve the rotation of the capsule and the emptying of the capsule is to reduce friction between the capsule and the structures that the capsule contacts as it rotates. Because the radial end of the capsule contacts the upstream face of the support member, reducing friction at that point improves the rotation of the capsule and emptying of the capsule. When the upstream face of the support member is flat, friction is reduced, providing the advantage of improved rotation of the capsule and improved emptying of the capsule. Support member airways require apertures in the upstream face of the support member. These apertures are not a flat, smooth surface. That is, the presence of an aperture introduces roughness to the upstream surface of the support element. This roughness may introduce friction between the upstream face of the support element. For example, a central aperture will have an aperture edge. A capsule, rotating and shaking in response to airflow through the inhaler article may contact the edge or circumference of the aperture. This contact between the capsule and the edge or circumference of the aperture may create friction and reduce the rotation or shaking of the capsule. That is, structure such as an aperture may increase friction between the capsule and the structure. Friction created by the support element acting against the capsule limits the rotation speed of the capsule. If the capsule contacts an area of the upstream face of the support member where there is roughness, the roughness may inhibit the movement or agitation of the capsule during air movement. Advantageously, the at least two support member airways are not located at the central axis. Advantageously, the at least two support member airways are not located at the center point of the upstream face of the support member. Keeping the center of the upstream face of the support member free of structures such as support member airways may reduce friction between the capsule and the upstream face of the support member and allows the capsule to move as freely as possible in this environment. Allowing the capsule to move more freely may allow the capsule to release its contents more efficiently. Therefore, a support member wherein none of the support member airways pass through the center of the support member is advantageous because that configuration reduces friction and may allow the capsule to rotate more freely and empty its contents more efficiently.

[0052] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a capsule is contained in the cavity of the outer tube body upstream of the support element. The capsule may be inserted outer tube body cavity upstream of the support member after the support member has been inserted into the outer tube body.

[0053] The capsule may contain dry powder. The dry powder may be an active agent. The dry powder may comprise an active compound. The dry powder may comprise a pharmaceutically active compound. Dry powder is dry when it can be entrained in the airflow of the inhaler article. The dry powder may comprise nicotine. For example, the capsule may contain nicotine powder having a mean diameter particle size expressed as a volume based particle size distribution having a D50 of the particle size distribution as measured by laser diffraction. For example, the capsule may contain nicotine powder have D50 mean diameter particle sizes of between 0.5 - 3 pm. The capsule may contain nicotine powder have D50 mean diameter particle sizes of between 0.5 pm to 2.5 pm. The capsule may contain nicotine powder have D50 mean diameter particle sizes of between 0.6 pm to 2.4 pm. The capsule may contain nicotine powder have D50 mean diameter particle sizes of between 0.7 pm to 2.3 pm. The capsule may contain nicotine powder have D50 mean diameter particle sizes of between 0.7 pm to 2.0 pm. The capsule may contain nicotine powder have D50 mean diameter particle sizes of between 0.7 pm to 1.8 pm. The capsule may contain nicotine powder have D50 mean diameter particle sizes of between 1 .3 pm + / - 0.5 pm.

[0054] The dry powder may comprise flavor particles or flavorants. For example, the capsule may contain flavorants having D50 mean diameter particle sizes as measured by laser diffraction of between 50 and 200 pm. The capsule may contain flavorants having D50 mean diameter particle sizes of between 100 and 150 pm. The capsule shell may be, for example, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC).

[0055] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the upstream end of the outer tube body is flanged. According to an aspect of the disclosure, the upstream end of the outer tube body is folded. A fold is formed by bending the upstream end of the outer tube body of the inhaler article. The fold may be an inward fold, toward the central axis of the outer tube body. Or, the upstream end of the outer tube body may be flanged. A flange is a closure or partial closure at the upstream end of the outer tube body made from multiple folds. A flanged end may have multiple folds in the form of a fan fold. This folded or flanged upstream end may be advantageous to contain the capsule inside the cavity of the outer tube body of the inhaler article. Advantageously, using an outer tube body made from stiff cardboard makes the manufacturing process more reliable by reducing the chance of damage during the folding or flanging process.

[0056] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the downstream end or mouth end of the inhaler article is curved. This curved downstream end provides a curved airflow exit. The curved downstream end may be a torus shape. When the user places the downstream end of the inhaler article into the mouth, this curved airflow exit may be more comfortable to the user. This curved airflow exit may allow the user to inhale dry powder released in the inhaler article while also controlling the pressure drop through the inhaler article. Advantageously, this curved end at the downstream end or mouth-end may prevent dry powder from leaking from the airflow exit. That is, as dry powder mixed with air flows through the inhaler article, air and dry powder that does not flow out of the air outlet to be inhaled by the user is captured in the internal space of the curve.

[0057] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the outer tube body may provide an airflow inlet. The airflow inlet may be at the upstream end of the outer tube body. The airflow inlet may be an aperture through the outer tube body. There may be multiple airflow inlets. The airflow inlets may be a combination of airflow inlets at the upstream end of the outer tube body and airflow inlets through the outer tube body. According to an aspect of the disclosure, the inhaler article may provide an airflow outlet. The airflow outlet may be the downstream end of the outer tube body. The airflow outlet may be defined by the curved downstream end of the outer tube body, the airflow outlet being the center of the torus-shaped curved downstream end.

[0058] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the diameter of the support member is equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the outer tube body cavity so that the support member fits into the cavity of the outer tube body in an interference fit. According to an aspect of the disclosure, the support member is affixed to the internal surface of the outer tube body with adhesive. Examples of acceptable adhesives include polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), gum Arabic, polyurethane (PU), epoxy, cyanoacrylate and polychloroprene, while other adhesives may be used. Advantageously, with the use of adhesive, the inhaler article may be more stable and rigid.

[0059] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure provides an inhaler article comprising an outer tube body, the outer tube body comprising an upstream end, a downstream end, a central axis, an outer surface and an internal surface, wherein the internal surface defines a cavity inside the outer tube body, the outer tube body cavity having a diameter; a support member in the outer tube body cavity, the support member comprising an upstream face, a downstream face, a thickness and a center, the support member arranged to extend across the diameter of the cavity of the outer tube body, wherein the support member comprises at least two support member airways comprising apertures extending from the upstream face to the downstream face and passing through the thickness of the support member; wherein none of the support member airways pass through the center of the support member; a capsule in the outer tube body cavity upstream of the support member; wherein the upstream end of the outer tube body is flanged; and wherein the downstream end of the outer tube body is curved. According to an aspect of the disclosure, the inhaler article provides an airflow path from an airflow inlet, around the capsule, through the at least two support member airways, to an airflow outlet. Advantageously, the inhaler article provides a convoluted airflow path as air passes through the at least two support member airways wherein none of the support member airways pass through the center of the support member.

[0060] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure provides an inhaler article comprising an outer tube body, the outer tube body comprising an upstream end and a downstream end, an outer surface and an internal surface, the internal surface defining a cavity, the outer tube body comprising cardboard, a support member contained in the cavity, and a capsule contained in the cavity upstream of the support member. According to an aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure provides an inhaler article comprising an outer tube body, the outer tube body comprising an upstream end and a downstream end, an outer surface and an internal surface, the internal surface defining a cavity, the outer tube body comprising cardboard, a support member contained in the cavity and a capsule contained in the cavity upstream of the support member, wherein the support member is affixed to the internal surface of the outer tube body by adhesive.

[0061] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the upstream end of the outer tube body is folded. The fold is formed by bending the upstream end of the outer tube body of the inhaler article. The fold may be an inward fold, toward the central axis of the outer tube body. Or, the upstream end of the outer tube body may be flanged. A flange is a closure or partial closure at the upstream end of the outer tube body made from multiple folds. This folded or flanged upstream end may be advantageous to contain the capsule inside the cavity of the outer tube body of the inhaler article.

[0062] According to an aspect of the disclosure, in use, air flows through the inhaler article via an airflow path. The airflow path through an inhaler article begins at an airflow inlet, travels through the inhaler article, past the capsule, through the support member, and exits the inhaler article at a mouth end or downstream end where the air traveling in the airflow path is inhaled by a user. Air flows through the support member through the support member airways.

[0063] According to an aspect of the disclosure, activation or piercing of the inhaler article may occur by using a separate piercing element. The piercing element may be a needle, for example. The user may introduce a needle into the upstream end of the capsule to release dry powder prior to using the inhaler article.

[0064] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the piercing element may be a component of a holder. The inhaler article may be inserted into a cavity of the holder, the piercing element may extend into the inhaler article to pierce the capsule, and the piercing element may withdraw from the inhaler article. The holder may have an air inlet aligned with the air inlet of the inhaler article. According to an aspect of the disclosure, the holder may have an airflow management system which provides spiral or angled airflow into the cavity of the inhaler article. This spiral or angled airflow may assist in moving the capsule inside the cavity of the inhaler article. The movement of the capsule in this spiral or angled airflow allows the dry powder contained in the capsule to shake loose. Advantageously, the presence of a spiral or angled airflow improves the emptying of dry powder from a capsule in an inhaler article.

[0065] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the at least two support member airways are apertures extending from the upstream face to the downstream face of the support member. Advantageously, the support member airways allow air to pass from the area upstream of the support member to the area downstream of the support member. The support member airways allow air to pass from the outer tube body cavity upstream of the support member to the outer tube body cavity downstream of the support member.

[0066] In addition, the airpath of air flowing into the inhaler article, around the capsule, through the at least two support member airways, and then downstream to the air outlet, is a convoluted airpath. Advantageously, a convoluted airpath may reduce leakage of powder from the inhalator article because particles may be captured in this convoluted airpath instead of falling out of the air outlet.

[0067] According to an aspect of the disclosure, more than two support airways are present. For example, at least four support member airways may be present. Or more support member airways may be present.

[0068] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the support airways may have filter material. This filter material may span the airway so that particles released from the capsule are filtered by the filtered material. The filter material may be mesh. Advantageously, the presence of filter material, which may be mesh, filters out unwanted larger dry particles and prevents particles that are too large from being delivered to a user.

[0069] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a capsule is contained in the cavity of the outer tube body upstream of the support element. The capsule may be inserted into the upstream cavity after the support member has been inserted into the outer tube body. The capsule may contain dry powder. The dry powder may comprise an active agent. The dry powder may comprise an active compound. The dry powder may comprise nicotine. For example, the capsule may contain nicotine powder having mean diameter particle sizes of 1.3-2 pm. The dry powder may comprise flavor particles or flavorants. For example, the capsule may contain flavorants having a mean diameter particle size of from 50 to 200 pm and 100 to 150 pm. In embodiments, the dry powder comprises an active agent. In embodiments, the active agent comprises nicotine. In embodiments, the dry powder includes flavorants. In embodiments, the dry powder has a range of particle sizes of from 50 to 200 pm in average diameter. In embodiments the dry powder has a range of particle sizes of from 100 to 150 pm in average diameter.

[0070] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the upstream end of the outer tube body is folded. The fold is formed by bending the upstream end of the outer tube body of the inhaler article. The fold may be an inward fold, toward the central axis of the outer tube body. Or, the upstream end of the outer tube body may be flanged. A flange is a closure or partial closure at the upstream end of the outer tube body made from multiple folds. This folded or flanged upstream end may be advantageous to contain the capsule inside the cavity of the outer tube body of the inhaler article.

[0071] According to an aspect of the disclosure, in use, air flows through the inhaler article via an airflow path. The airflow path through an inhaler article begins at an airflow inlet, travels through the inhaler article, past the capsule, through the support member, and exits the inhaler article at a mouth end or downstream end where the air traveling in the airflow path is inhaled by a user. Air flows through the support member through the support member airways.

[0072] For the purpose of the present disclosure, a longitudinal axis of a component may extend between the upstream end of the component and the downstream end of the component. A longitudinal axis of a component may extend between the distal end of the component and the proximal end of the component.

[0073] Skilled artisans will understand that the elements described in this disclosure have been described individually, but may be combined. Skilled artisans will understand that the advantages described in this disclosure may be described in view of one element or a combination of elements, but these advantages may also apply to any element described and claimed herein.

[0074] For the purpose of the present disclosure including the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± {10 %} of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

[0075] All scientific and technical terms used herein have meanings commonly used in the art unless otherwise specified. The definitions provided herein are to facilitate understanding of certain terms used frequently herein.

[0076] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” encompass embodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0077] As used herein, “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and / or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The term “and / or” means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

[0078] As used herein, “have”, “having”, “include”, “including”, “comprise”, “comprising” or the like are used in their open-ended sense, and generally mean “including, but not limited to”. It will be understood that “consisting essentially of”, “consisting of”, and the like are subsumed in “comprising,” and the like.

[0079] As used herein “peripheral” means outside. For example, that the support member airways are located “peripheral” to the closed central area of the support member means that the support member airways are between the outer periphery of the support member and the closed central area of the support member.

[0080] The words “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, including the claims. As used herein “plug” means an element of an inhaler article as described.

[0081] Any advantage described herein may result from or relate to any feature described or claimed herein. The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0082] Example Ex1 : A method for manufacturing an inhaler article comprising the steps of: placing a support member into an outer tube body, the outer tube body comprising an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein the upstream end and the downstream end are opposite ends; an outer surface and an internal surface, the internal surface defining a cavity inside the outer tube body, the outer tube body having an internal diameter; wherein support member is placed into the outer tube body from the upstream end or the downstream end of the outer tube body, and; wherein the support member contacts the internal surface of the outer tube body and the support member extends across the internal diameter of the outer tube body.

[0083] Example Ex2: The method according to Example Ex1 , further comprising a loading step prior to the placing step wherein the support member is loaded into a funnel guide upstream or downstream of the outer tube body and then the support member is placed into the outer tube body through the funnel guide.

[0084] Example Ex3: The method according to Example Ex1 or Example Ex2, further comprising a pushing step wherein a push rod is used to push the support member into the cavity of the outer tube body in the placing step.

[0085] Example Ex4: The method according to any one of the preceding Examples wherein a positioning plug is inserted into an end of the outer tube body and the support member is placed into the opposite end of the outer tube body.

[0086] Example Ex5: The method according to any one of the preceding Examples wherein the funnel guide is at the opposite end from the positioning plug during the placing step.

[0087] Example Ex6: The method according to any one of the Examples 4 or 5 wherein the positioning plug comprises one or more protrusions structured to fit with and orient the support member in the cavity of the outer tube body to ensure the desired placement of the support member during the placing step.

[0088] Example Ex7: The method according to any one of Examples 2-6 further comprising the step of removing the funnel guide from the upstream or downstream end of the outer tube body after the placing step.

[0089] Example Ex8: The method according to any one of Examples 4-6 further comprising the step of removing the positioning plug from the opposite end of the outer tube body after the placing step.

[0090] Example Ex9: The method according to any one of the preceding Examples wherein the support member remains in the outer tube body by means of a friction fit.

[0091] Example Ex10: The method according to any one of the preceding Examples further comprising a step of applying an adhesive to the internal surface of the outer tube body before the placing step.

[0092] Example Ex11 : The method according to Example 10 wherein an applicator applies the adhesive to the internal surface of the outer tube body in the applying step. Example Ex12: The method according to Example 11 wherein the applicator comprises an applicator tube and a nozzle.

[0093] Example Ex13: The method according to Example 12 wherein the nozzle is supplied with adhesive from an adhesive reservoir.

[0094] Example Ex14: The method according to Example 13 wherein the adhesive is provided from the adhesive reservoir to the nozzle by a pump.

[0095] Example Ex15: The method according to Example 14 wherein the adhesive is provided from the adhesive reservoir to the nozzle through the applicator tube.

[0096] Example Ex16: The method according to Example 14 or Example 15 wherein the nozzle delivers adhesive to the internal surface of the outer tube body in an adhesive zone.

[0097] Example Ex17: The method according to Example 12 wherein the applicator comprises a stop member structured to allow the applicator to advance into the outer tube body until the nozzle reaches an adhesive zone.

[0098] Example Ex18: The method according to any one of Example 12 to Example 17 wherein the nozzle has a diameter and wherein the diameter of the nozzle is less than the internal diameter of the outer tube body.

[0099] Example Ex19: The method according to Example 16 wherein the placing step comprises placing the support member into the outer tube body so that the perimeter of the support member contacts the adhesive zone.

[0100] Example Ex20: The method according to Example 19 wherein the adhesive zone comprises a surface area between 150 and 300 mm2.

[0101] Example Ex21 : The method according to Example 14 wherein the pump is capable of handling liquids of viscosities between and 1 and 1000cP.

[0102] Example Ex22: The method according to Example 14 wherein the pump comprises shear mechanisms to temporarily reduce the viscosity of an adhesive.

[0103] Example Ex23: The method according to any one of Examples 10-22 wherein the adhesive comprises PVA, gum Arabic, PU, epoxy, cyanoacrylate, polychloroprene, structural acrylic or methacrylate or combinations.

[0104] Example Ex24: The method according to any one of the preceding Examples further comprising a step of inserting a capsule into the into the outer tube body.

[0105] Example Ex25: The method according to any one of the preceding Examples further comprising the step of flanging the upstream end of the outer tube body.

[0106] Example Ex26: The method according to any one of the preceding Examples further comprising the step of curving the downstream end of the outer tube body. Example Ex27: The method according to any one of the preceding Examples further comprising the step of adding an outer wrap to the outer surface of the outer tube body.

[0107] Example Ex28: The method according to any one of the preceding Examples wherein the outer tube body comprises cardboard.

[0108] Example Ex29: The method according to any one of the preceding Examples wherein the support member comprises internal structure.

[0109] Example Ex30: The method according to any one of the preceding Examples wherein the outer tube body comprises cardboard.

[0110] Example Ex31 : The method of any one of the preceding Examples, further comprising a capsule in the outer tube body cavity upstream of the support element.

[0111] Example Ex32: The method of Example 31 , wherein the capsule comprises dry powder.

[0112] Example Ex33: The method of Example 31 or Example 32, wherein the dry powder comprises nicotine.

[0113] Example Ex34: The method of any one of Examples 31 to 33, wherein the dry powder further comprises flavorants.

[0114] Example Ex35: An inhaler article comprising an outer tube body, the outer tube body comprising an upstream end and a downstream end, an outer surface and an internal surface, the internal surface defining a cavity, the outer tube body comprising cardboard, a support member contained in the cavity, and a capsule contained in the cavity upstream of the support member.

[0115] Example Ex36: An inhaler article comprising: an outer tube body, the outer tube body comprising an upstream end, a downstream end, a central axis, an outer surface and an internal surface, wherein the internal surface defines a cavity inside the outer tube body, the outer tube body cavity having a diameter; a support member in the outer tube body cavity, the support member comprising an upstream face, a downstream face, a thickness and a center, the support member arranged to extend across the diameter of the cavity of the outer tube body, wherein the support member comprises at least two support member airways comprising apertures extending from the upstream face to the downstream face through the thickness of the support member; wherein the upstream face of the support member comprises a closed central area.

[0116] Example Ex37: The inhaler article of Example 36, wherein the closed central area of the upstream face of the support member comprises a flat structure transverse to the central axis of the outer tube body.

[0117] Example Ex38: The inhaler article of any one of the preceding Examples, wherein at least two support member airways comprise, in part, the internal surface of the outer tube body. Example Ex39: The inhaler article of any one of the preceding Examples wherein the at least two support member airways are located peripheral to the closed central area of the support member. Example Ex40: The inhaler article of any one of the preceding Examples, wherein the at least two support member airways are at an angle with respect to the central axis of the outer tube body.

[0118] Example Ex41 : The inhaler article of any one of the preceding Examples, wherein one or more of the at least two support member airways comprise filter material.

[0119] Example Ex32: The inhaler article of Example 36, wherein the filter material is mesh material.

[0120] Example Ex43: The inhaler article or method of any one of the preceding Examples, further comprising a capsule in the outer tube body cavity upstream of the support element.

[0121] Example Ex44: The inhaler article or method of Example 43, wherein the capsule comprises dry powder.

[0122] Example Ex45: The inhaler article or method of Example 43 or Example 44, wherein the dry powder comprises nicotine.

[0123] Example Ex46: The inhaler article or method of any one of Examples 43 to 45, wherein the dry powder further comprises flavorants.

[0124] Example Ex47: The inhaler article of any one of the preceding Examples wherein the upstream end of the outer tube body is folded or flanged.

[0125] Example Ex48: The inhaler article of any one of the preceding Examples wherein the downstream end of the outer tube body is curved.

[0126] Example Ex49: The inhaler article of any one of the preceding Examples wherein a diameter of the support member is equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the outer tube body cavity so that the support member fits into the cavity of the outer tube body in an interference fit.

[0127] Example Ex50: The inhaler article of any one of the preceding Example wherein the support member is affixed to the internal surface of the outer tube body with adhesive.

[0128] Example Ex51 : An inhaler article comprising: an outer tube body, the outer tube body comprising an upstream end, a downstream end, a central axis, an outer surface and an internal surface, wherein the internal surface defines a cavity inside the outer tube body, the outer tube body cavity having a diameter; a support member in the outer tube body cavity, the support member comprising an upstream face, a downstream face, a thickness and a center, the support member arranged to extend across the diameter of the cavity of the outer tube body, wherein the support member comprises at least two support member airways comprising apertures extending from the upstream face to the downstream face and passing through the thickness of the support member; wherein none of the support member airways pass through the center of the support member; a capsule in the outer tube body cavity upstream of the support member; wherein the upstream end of the outer tube body is flanged; and wherein the downstream end of the outer tube body is curved.

[0129] Example Ex52: An inhaler article comprising an outer tube body, the outer tube body comprising an upstream end and a downstream end, an outer surface and an internal surface, the internal surface defining a cavity, the outer tube body comprising cardboard, a support member contained in the cavity, and a capsule contained in the cavity upstream of the support member; wherein the support member is affixed to the internal surface of the outer tube body by adhesive.

[0130] Examples will now be further described with reference to the figures in which:

[0131] Figure 1A shows a perspective view of an inhaler article according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 B shows a side perspective view of an inhaler article according to the present disclosure. Figure 1C shows a view of an embodiment of the upstream end of an inhaler article according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 D shows a view of an embodiment of the downstream end of an inhaler article according to the present disclosure.

[0132] Figure 2A, Figure 2B, Figure 2C, Figure 2E, Figure 2F, Figure 2G Figure 2H, Figure 2I, Figure 2J, Figure 2K, Figure 2L, Figure 2M and Figure 2N are top views of embodiments of the support member. Figure 2D is a perspective view of an embodiment of the support member as shown in Figure 2F.

[0133] Figure 3 is a transparent view of an embodiment of the inhaler article.

[0134] Figure 4 is a transparent view of an embodiment of the inhaler article.

[0135] Figure 5 is a transparent view of an embodiment of the inhaler article.

[0136] Figure 6 is a transparent view of an embodiment of the inhaler article containing a capsule.

[0137] Figure 7 is a transparent view of an embodiment of the inhaler article containing a capsule.

[0138] Figure 8A, Figure 8B and Figure 8C are illustrations of steps in the manufacturing methods according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0139] Figure 9A, Figure 9B and Figure 9C are illustrations of steps in the manufacturing methods according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0140] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating steps in manufacturing methods according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0141] Figure 11 is an illustration of a holder with an inhaler article inserted into the holder according to the present disclosure.

[0142] Figure 12 is an illustration of an embodiment of a spiral air inlet according to the present disclosure. Figure 1A is a perspective view of an inhaler article 10 according to the present disclosure. Figure 1A shows that the inhaler article has an upstream end 21 , a downstream end 22, and a central axis 29. The optional outer wrapper 11 is also shown. Figure 1B shows a side perspective view of an inhaler article 10 according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 B illustrates the central axis 29 of the inhaler article 10. The downstream end 22 is curved 25. The upstream end 21 is flanged 23. Figure 1 C shows a view of an embodiment of the upstream end 21 of an inhaler article 10 according to the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1C, the upstream end 21 of the inhaler article 10 is flanged 23. Figure 1 D shows a view of an embodiment of the downstream end 22 of an inhaler article according to the present disclosure. The downstream end 22 is curved 25.

[0143] Figure 2A and Figure 2B are views of embodiments of the support member 50 of the inhaler article from the top down, or from the upstream face 51 . The view from the downstream face 52 (not shown in Figure 2A) would be the same. The support member 50 has internal structure 60. As shown in all of the embodiments of support members 50 as shown in Figures 2A-2N, the features of a support member 50 inside the perimeter 56 of the support member 50 is internal structure 60. Internal structure 60 includes support member airways 69, dampers 67, an array of tubes 62, a triangular 63 or omega-shaped 66 structure, honeycomb structure 61 , spoked structure 62 or other structures. Each of the embodiments of the support member provided in Figure 2A - Figure 2N have internal structure 60. Support member internal structure 60 not shown in Figure 2A - Figure 2N may also be used in the methods claimed herein.

[0144] As shown in Figure 2A, the support member 50 has an upstream face 51 , a center 54, at least two support member airways 69. The support member 50 has a closed central area 690. The closed central area 690 may be a flat structure. The support member airways 69 are peripheral to the closed central area 690. The support member 50 has a perimeter 57. The support member airways 69 have a diameter 66. The support member 50 fits into the outer tube body cavity 25 of the outer tube 20. Eight support member airways 69 are shown in Figure 2A and Figure 2B. However, any number of support member airways 69 may be present. In embodiments at least two support member airways 69 are present. It may be that it is desirable to provide more than one support member airway 69, or at least two support member airways 69 so that the support member airways 69 can be arrange symmetrically around the periphery of the support member 50. It may be that it is desirable to provide support member airways 69 that are symmetrical to promote appropriate air flow through the inhaler article 10. The support member airways 69 are not located at the center 54 of the support member 50. The support member airways 69 are not located at the center of the upstream face 51 of the support member 50. Support member airways 69 are not located at the center 54 of the support member 50 to force air to flow in a convoluted airflow path (see 100 in Figure 6 or Figure 8, for example) through the inhaler article. That is, for the embodiments of the support member as shown in Figure 2A and Figure 2B, there is no airflow path that flows through the center 54 of the support member 50 or through the center 54 of the inhaler article 10. Instead, the airflow path 100 (see Figure 6 or Figure 8) must follow a convoluted airflow path. The diameter 66 of the support member airways 69 is smaller than the internal diameter 28 of the outer tube body 20 of the inhaler article 10.

[0145] Advantageously, this convoluted airflow path prevents leakage of dry powder 303 from the inhaler article. Dry powder 303 is released into the outer tube body cavity 24 upstream of the support member 50. The dry powder 303 is released from the capsule 300 after the capsule 300 has been pierced because the capsule 300 is agitated or shaken or rotated by air that flows past the capsule 300. This airflow shakes the dry powder 303 from the capsule 300. Further, the dry powder 303 becomes entrained in the airflow. The airflow follows an airflow path (see Figure 6 or Figure 8, for example). Air does not flow unless there is a pressure drop across the inhaler article. This pressure drop may occur when a user places the downstream end 22 of the inhaler article 10 in the mouth and inhales. Because of this pressure drop, air carrying entrained dry powder 303 moves through the inhaler article 10. Because the diameter of the support member airways 69 is smaller than the diameter 28 of the outer tube body 20, air carrying entrained dry powder 303 will not pass through these support member airways 69 in the absence of a pressure drop. Therefore, when the inhaler is not in use, dry powder 303 from the outer tube body cavity 25 upstream of the support member 50 will not leak from the inhaler article.

[0146] Advantageously, because the diameter of the support member airways 69 is smaller than the diameter 28 of the outer tube body 20, as air passes from the outer tube body 20 upstream of the support member through the support member airways 69, the airflow accelerates. This is due to the venturi effect (using Bernoulli’s principle). This acceleration of airflow can help to extract powder 303 from the area surrounding the capsule 300.

[0147] Figure 2C illustrates another embodiment of the support member 50. As shown in Figure 2C, the support member may comprise an array of a plurality of tubular elements 61, 62. Some of the tubular elements are hollow tubular elements 61 . The tubular element in the center of the array of tubular elements is a closed tubular element 60. The closed tubular element 60 provides an upstream face 51 of the support member 50. The upstream face 50 of the support member 50 provided by the closed tubular element 60 is a closed central area 690. The closed central area 690 is a flat structure transverse to the central axis of the outer tube body. As discussed above, the advantages of blocking the center 54 of the support member 50 are realized.

[0148] Such an array of a plurality of tubular elements 61, 62 may provide sufficient rigidity to resist longitudinal force exerted on the outer tube body 20. Such an array of a plurality of tubular elements 61, 62 may provide sufficient rigidity to resist radial force exerted on the outer tube body 20. Such an array of a plurality of tubular elements 61 , 62 may provide the inhaler article 20 with sufficient stability to withstand compression forces exerted during one or more of manufacturing, packaging and use of the inhaler article 20. The support member may provide sufficient rigidity to the inhaler article 20 to resist deforming or crushing of the article when the capsule 300 is pierced. One or both of the article and the support member may be simple and cost-effective to manufacture. The article comprising the support member may offer improved sustainability. The article comprising the support member may be a biodegradable article. The support member may be a biodegradable support member. The support member may be a recyclable support member. The support member may be a biodegradable support member providing sufficient rigidity to the article during one or more of manufacturing, packaging and use of the article. The article comprising the support member may offer an improved user experience. The article comprising the support member 50 may offer improved alignment of the capsule 300 in the article.

[0149] This support member 50 internal structure 60 may provide advantages. For example, this array of a plurality of tubular elements 61, 62 may provide improved stability of the inhaler article. This array of a plurality of tubular elements 61 , with the center tubular element 62 being a closed tubular element 62, may provide a rigid support member 50. Such an array of plurality of tubular elements 61, 62 may provide sufficient rigidity to resist longitudinal force exerted on the outer tube body 20. Such an array of tubular elements array of a plurality of tubular elements 61, 62 may provide sufficient rigidity to resist radial force exerted on the outer tube body 20. Such an array of tubular elements array of a plurality of tubular elements 61, 62 may provide the inhaler article 20 with sufficient stability to withstand compression forces exerted during one or more of manufacturing, packaging and use of the inhaler article 20. The support member may provide sufficient rigidity to the inhaler article 20 to resist deforming or crushing of the article when the capsule 300 is pierced. One or both of the article and the support member may be simple and cost-effective to manufacture. The article comprising the support member may offer improved sustainability. The article comprising the support member may be a biodegradable article. The support member may be a biodegradable support member. The support member may be a recyclable support member. The support member may be a biodegradable support member providing sufficient rigidity to the article during one or more of manufacturing, packaging and use of the article. The article comprising the support member may offer an improved user experience. The article comprising the support member 50 may offer improved alignment of the capsule 300 in the article.

[0150] Figure 2D is another illustration of an embodiment of the support member 50. The support member 50 has an upstream face 51 , a downstream face 52, a center 54 a perimeter 56 and a thickness 53. The support member airways 69 are apertures extending from the upstream face 51 to the downstream face 52 of the support member 50, passing through the thickness 53 of the support member 50. The upstream face 51 of the support member 50 is closed at the center 54 of the support member 50. That is, none of the support member airways 69 pass through the center 54 of the support member.

[0151] Figure 2E is another illustration of an embodiment of the support member 50. The upstream face 51 of the support member 50 is shown in Figure 2E. The support member 50 has a perimeter 56 and a center 54. Support member airways 69 may comprise filter material 68 which may be mesh material. One or more of the at least two support member airways 69 may contain filter material 68 which may be mesh material.

[0152] Figure 2F is another illustration of an embodiment of the support member 50. In this embodiment, the support member airways 69 are located at the perimeter 56 of the support member 50. The support member airways 69 are indentations in the perimeter 56 of the support member 50. This divot or indentation in the perimeter 56 of the support member 50 is called a flute 55. When the support member shown in Figure 2F is placed into the outer tube body cavity 26, as shown in Figure 2G, the flute 55 forms part of the support member airway 69 and the internal surface 23 of the outer tube body 20 forms part of the support member airway 69. As shown in Figure 2G, the support member 50 extends across the internal diameter 28 of the outer tube body. Figure 2G illustrates the outer tube body 20 and the inner diameter 28 of the outer tube body 20 for comparison with the diameter 66 of the support member airways 69.

[0153] Figures 2H illustrates a support member having a honeycomb structure 61. According to the embodiment shown in Figure 2H, the central area is a support member airway 69. That is, according to the embodiment shown in Figure 2H, the support member does not have a closed central area 690. Figure 2I illustrates a support member 50 having a spoke structure 62. Figure 2J illustrates a support member having a triangular structure 63. Figure 2K illustrates a support member having an array of tubes structure 64. Figure 2L illustrates a support member having a central aperture structure 65. Figure 2M illustrates a support member having an omega structure 666. Figure 2N illustrates a support member 50 having a flat upstream face 51 and a damper 67. The closed central area 690 is a structure that prevents air from flowing through the center 54 of the support member. In each example, the support member has at least one support member airway 69. In embodiments, the support member airways 69 may have filter material 68. This filter material 68 may prevent larger particles from entering the mouth of the user.

[0154] Figure 3 is a transparent view of an embodiment of the inhaler article 10. The outer tube body 20 is shown. The outer tube body has an upstream end 21 , a downstream end 22, an outer surface 27 and an internal surface 26 defining a cavity 24 inside the outer tube body. The support member 50 is in the outer tube body cavity 24. The outer tube body cavity 24 is upstream and downstream of the support member 50. The support member 50 has support member airways 69. The support member airways 69 are apertures extending from the upstream face 51 to the downstream face 52 of the support member 50 through the thickness 53 of the support member 50. The support member 50 has a center 54. In some embodiments, the support member airways do not pass through the center 54 of the support member 50. As shown in Figure 3, the upstream face 51 of the support member is a flat structure transverse to the central axis 29 of the outer tube body 20. Also shown is the inner diameter 28 of the outer tube body 20. As shown in Figure 3, the perimeter 56 of the support member 50 contacts the internal surface 26 of the outer tube body 20 and the support member 50 extends across the diameter 28 of the outer tube body 20.

[0155] A wrapper 11 may be present or absent. The wrapper may be used to decorate the inhaler article, or to provide bar codes, information, advertising, trademarks or other information to the consumer. The embodiments of Figure 3, Figure 4 and Figure 5 do not contain a capsule. These inhaler articles may serve as works in progress or WIP. These inhaler articles without a capsule may be useful to pre-manufacture so that they can be filled with a capsule according to business needs, allowing for management of the manufacture, supply, shelving and sale of inhaler articles containing capsules where the capsules may have a limited shelf life.

[0156] Figure 4 is a transparent view of an embodiment of the inhaler article 10. The outer tube body 20 is shown. A support member 50 is in the outer tube body cavity 24. The support member 50 shown in Figure 4 is like the support members shown in Figures 2E, 3F and 2G where the support member airways 69 are indentations in the perimeter 56 of the support member 50. This divot or indentation in the perimeter 56 of the support member 50 is called a flute 55. When the support member 50 shown in Figure 2F is placed into the outer tube body cavity 24, as shown in Figure 2G and Figure 4, the flute 55 forms part of the support member airway 69 and the internal surface 26 of the outer tube body 20 forms part of the support member airway. Figure 2F illustrates the outer tube body 20 and the inner diameter 28 of the outer tube body 20 for comparison with the diameter of the support member airways 69. In addition, at least two of the support member airways 69 has filter material 68. A wrapper 11 may be present or absent. The wrapper may be used to decorate the inhaler article, or to provide bar codes, information, advertising, trademarks or other information to the consumer.

[0157] Figure 5 is a transparent view of an embodiment of the inhaler article 10. The embodiment shown in Figure 5 illustrates the support member embodiment of Figure 2C where the support member may comprise an array of a plurality of tubular elements 61, 62. As shown in Figure 5, the support member 50 has support member airways 69 which are the hollow tubular elements 61 . The closed tubular element 62 at the center 54 of the support member 50 is a closed central area 690 because that tubular element is closed 62. The support member airways 69 are apertures extending from the upstream face 51 to the downstream face 52 of the support member 50 through the thickness 53 of the support member. The support member 50 has a center 54. According to the embodiment of Figure 5, the support member airways 69 do not pass through the center 54 of the support member 50. According to the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the tubular element at the center of the array of a plurality of tubular elements is a closed tubular element 62, and therefore air cannot pass through the center of the support member 50. Figure 6 is an illustration of an embodiment of the inhaler article 10. according to the present disclosure. Figure 6 provides measurements of features of the inhaler article 10. The parameters shown in Figure 6 are defined below in Table 1.

[0158] Parameter Range (a) (mm) Range (b) (mm) Range (c) (mm)

[0159] L1 30 to 80 35 to 60 40 to 50

[0160] L2 15 to 40 18 to 35 20 to 30

[0161] L3 10 to 20 12 to 18 14 to 17

[0162] L4 3 to 10 5 to 9 6 to 8

[0163] L5 10 to 20 11 to 18 12 to 15

[0164] L6 5 to 45 10 to 35 15 to 25

[0165] L7 0 to 4 0 to 3 O to 2

[0166] D1 0 to 5 0 to 1 0

[0167] D2 4 to 12 5 to 10 6 to 8

[0168] D3 5 to 13 6 to 11 7 to 9

[0169] D4 3 to 10 4 to 8 5 to 7 D5 D2-1 D2-0.2 D2-0.1

[0170] D6 0.5 to 6 1 to 5 2 to 4

[0171] Figure 6 shows ranges of diameters and lengths of elements of the inhaler article. L1 is the length of the inhaler article 10 from the upstream end 21 to the downstream end 22. L2 is the length of the inhaler article 10 from the upstream end 21 to the upstream face 51 of the support member 50. L3 is the length of the capsule 300. The capsule 300 is oriented along the central axis 29 of the outer tube body 20. L4 is the thickness of the support member 50. L5 is the length of the outer tube body 20 from the downstream face of the support member 52 to the downstream end 22 of the outer tube body 20. L6 is the length of the wrapper 11. L7 is the depth of the curve 25 at the downstream end 22 of the outer tube body 20. D1 is the diameter of airflow inlet 200. D2 is the inner diameter 28 of the outer tube body 20. D3 is the outer diameter of the outer tube body 20. D4 is the diameter of the capsule 300. D5 is the outer diameter 66 of the support member 50. Three ranges of each of these measurements are provided in Table 1. Each of these measurements are shown in millimeters in Table 1 . As illustrated in Figure 6 and Table 1 , the diameter D5 of the support member is slightly less than the internal diameter D2 of the outer tube body 20, or the diameter D2 of the outer tube body cavity 24 so that the support member 50 can fit into the cavity 24 of the outer tube body 20 in an interference fit.

[0172] As shown in FIG. 6, the capsule 300 is shown contained in the outer tube body cavity 24 upstream of the support element. The capsule 300 contains dry powder 303. The capsule 300 may contain nicotine. The dry powder 303 may comprise nicotine powder. The capsule 300 may contain one or more flavorants. The capsule 300 may contain nicotine and one or more flavorants. The capsule may contain nicotine powder and powdered flavorant.

[0173] As shown in Figure 7, air flows through the inhaler article in an airflow path 100. Air enters the inhaler article 20 through an airflow inlet 200, flows through the outer tube body cavity 24, past the capsule 300 contained in the outer tube body cavity 24 upstream of the support member 50. Once the capsule 300 has been pierced at a capsule aperture 301 , as air flows through the outer tube body cavity 24, past the capsule 300, dry powder 303 contained inside the capsule is released from the capsule 300. Dry powder 303 is entrained in the airflow 100. The airflow 100, now containing entrained particles 303 from the capsule 300, passes around the capsule 300 and the flows through the support member 50 via the support member airways 69 to the outer tube body cavity 24 downstream of the support member 50, and exits the inhaler article via the airflow outlet 201 at the downstream end 22 of the inhaler article. Once the capsule is pierced, dry powder 303 is released from the capsule 300 and is entrained into the airflow path 100 as the airflow path 100 flows around the capsule 300. The capsule 300 may be pierced with a needle 101 introduced into the upstream end 21 of the inhaler article by the user. Or, the capsule 300 may be pierced when the inhaler article is introduced into a holder having a piercing mechanism as shown in Figure 11. Particles 303 entrained in the airflow path 100 flow through the support member airways 69, and pass through the outer tube body cavity 24 downstream of the support member 50, and then exit the inhaler article 10 via the airflow outlet 201 to be inhaled by the user. The support member 50 shown in Figure 7 is like the embodiments shown in Figure 3, Figure 4 or Figure 5 with the support member airways 69 are not at the center 54 of the upstream face 51 of the support member 50. As shown in Figure 7, the radial center 301 of the capsule is aligned with the center 54 of the support element 50. The center 54 of the upstream face 51 of the support element 50 is a flat structure transverse to the central axis of the outer tube body 20.

[0174] The support member 50 may provide sufficient rigidity to the inhaler article 20 to resist deforming or crushing of the article when the capsule 300 is pierced. One or both of the article and the support member may be simple and cost-effective to manufacture. The article comprising the support member may offer improved sustainability. The article comprising the support member may be a biodegradable article. The support member may be a biodegradable support member. The support member may be a recyclable support member. The support member may be a biodegradable support member providing sufficient rigidity to the article during one or more of manufacturing, packaging and use of the article. The article comprising the support member may offer an improved user experience. The article comprising the support member 50 may offer improved alignment of the capsule 300 in the article.

[0175] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a manufacturing method for making an inhaler article. The manufacturing method begins with a single outer tube 20. The single outer tube may be cardboard. The use of a single outer tube body 20, instead of a number of tubes that are assembled together to form an inhaler article 10 provides advantages in manufacturing and in the performance of the inhaler article in terms of the rigidity and strength of the outer tube body. By using a single outer tube body, multiple internal components do not need to be placed onto wrapping paper and combined to form a tube wrapped by the paper by wrapping. This assembly of multiple internal components may require gluing. This requires additional manufacturing steps. In addition, the abutments where multiple components are assembled together provide weaknesses that may cause the inhaler article to be less resistive to radial and longitudinal pressures. By using a single outer tube body, internal components can be loaded from either open end of the outer tube body 20. Manufacturing equipment can be used to ensure that internal components are placed in the correct location inside the outer tube body 20. For example, a positioning plug, a funnel guide and a push rod having a stop guide may be used to ensure that internal components are inserted into the outer tube body so that the internal components are placed at the correct location.

[0176] Manufacturing steps are shown in more detail in Figure 8A, Figure 8B, Figure 8C, Figure 9A, Figure 9B and Figure 9C and in the flowchart of Figure 10.

[0177] Figure 8A, Figure 8B and Figure 8C are illustrations of steps in the manufacturing methods according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0178] As shown in Figure 8A, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, adhesive 450 may be used to ensure that the support member is placed and remains in the correct position inside the outer body tube. The use of adhesive 450 is optional. If adhesive 450 is used, a step of applying an adhesive 450 to the internal surface of the outer tube body before placing the support member into the outer tube body is provided. If adhesive 450 is not used to place the support member 50 into the outer tube body 20, this step may be skipped.

[0179] The optional adhesive step, shown as optional Step 1 in Figure 10, is shown in Figure 8A. The use of adhesive 450 may advantageously ensure the accurate placement of the support member 50 into the outer tube body 20 to form an inhaler article 10. As shown in Figure 8A, an appropriate adhesive 450 is placed onto a localized area, an adhesive zone 414 of the internal surface 26 of the outer tube body 20. An applicator 400 may be used to apply adhesive 450 to the internal surface 26 of the outer tube body 20. The applicator 400 may comprise an applicator tube 401 and a nozzle 413. The nozzle 413 of the applicator 400 may spray adhesive 450 onto the interior surface 26 of the outer tube body 20. The nozzle may be supplied with adhesive 450 from an adhesive reservoir 410. The adhesive 450 may flow through the applicator tube 401 from the reservoir 410 to the nozzle 413 by means of a pump 411. Adhesive 450 may be provided from the adhesive reservoir 410 to the nozzle 413 through the applicator tube 401. Adhesive 450 may be stored in a reservoir 410. When the nozzle 413 is introduced into the internal cavity 24 of the outer tube body 20, the adhesive 450 may be pumped by the pump 411 from the reservoir 410.

[0180] The applicator nozzle 413 is lowered into position within the outer tube body 20 immediately prior to adhesive 450 application. The adhesive 450 should be applied within a defined adhesive zone 414. To ensure that the applicator nozzle 413 is lowered into the proper position so that adhesive 450 can be applied within the defined adhesive zone 414, the applicator 400 may have a stop member 412 structured to allow the applicator 400 to advance into the outer tube body 20 until the nozzle 413 reaches the desired position of the adhesive zone 414. The stop member 412 ensures that the applicator nozzle 413 automatically reaches the correct position in a repeatable way. The adhesive zone 414 preferably has a surface area of between 100 and 500mm2, most preferably between 150 and 300 mm2. It is also desirable that the applicator nozzle 413 can be removed from the outer tube body 20 after adhesive 450 application without contaminating the remainder of the outer tube with adhesive. Therefore, a gap 421 should exist between the nozzle 413 of the applicator 400 and the internal surface 26 of the outer tube body 20 when the nozzle 413 is in the cavity 24 of the outer tube body 20. The gap 421 , the distance between the nozzle 413 and the internal surface 26 of the outer tube body 20 is, for example, less than 3 mm. The gap, the distance between the nozzle 413 and the internal surface 26 of the outer tube body 20 is, for example, less than 2 mm.

[0181] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the nozzle 413 has a diameter where the diameter is less than the internal diameter D2 of the outer tube body 20. By allowing some space between the nozzle 413 and the internal surface 26 of the outer tube body 20, the adhesive 450 can be sprayed from the nozzle 413. In addition, the nozzle 413 can be more easily removed from the outer tube body 20 without touching the applied adhesive 450 if the diameter of the nozzle 413 is less than the diameter of the internal surface of the outer tube body. After the adhesive 450 is applied to the internal surface of the outer tube body, the support member 50 is placed into the outer tube body 20 so that the perimeter 56 of the support member 50 contacts the adhesive zone 414 having applied adhesive 450. The adhesive zone 414 may comprise a surface area between 150 and 300 mm2. According to aspects of the disclosure, the pump 411 may be capable of handling liquids of viscosities between and 1 and 1000cP. Further, the pump 411 may comprise shear mechanisms to temporarily reduce the viscosity of an adhesive 450. Appropriate adhesives 450 may include polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), gum Arabic, polyurethane (PU), epoxy, cyanoacrylate, polychloroprene, structural acrylic or methacrylate or combinations.

[0182] Once the nozzle 413 is in position, the adhesive 450 is applied through the applicator nozzle 413 via a plurality of spray nozzles which direct the adhesive 450 onto the internal surface 26 of the outer tube body 20. Alternatively, the applicator nozzle 413 may be a brush, roller, extrusion nozzle, or other applicator. Once adhesive 450 is applied, the applicator nozzle 413 is removed from the outer tube body 20. At this point, the time prior to the next step should be minimized to ensure the glue does not cure.

[0183] According to aspects of the present disclosure, the nozzle 413 delivers adhesive 450 to the internal surface 26 of the outer tube body 20 in an adhesive zone 414. The adhesive zone 414 may be the area of the internal surface 26 of the outer tube body 20 where the support member 50 is to be placed, and where the placement of adhesive 450 would be desirable in order to place the support member 50 in the correct location. The applicator may comprise a stop member 412 structured to allow the applicator 400 to advance into the outer tube body 20 until the nozzle 413 reaches an adhesive zone 414.

[0184] As shown in Figure 8B and Figure 8C, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the method may comprise a loading step prior to the placing step wherein the support member 50 is loaded into a funnel guide 420 upstream or downstream of the outer tube body 20. The support member 50 is placed into the funnel guide 420 before proceeding into the outer tube body 20. the outer tube body 20 through a funnel guide 420. Advantageously, the use of a funnel guide 420, or a jig, ensures that the support member 50 is oriented prior to inserting the support member 50 into the outer tube body 20. The funnel guide 420 may be slightly tapered to guide the support member 50 into position. The support member should have an outer diameter 57 that is slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the outer tube 20 so that the support member can pass into the outer tube 20 without excessive force. Advantageously, the use of a funnel guide 420 improves the manufacturing method by ensuring that the support member 50 is inserted into a single outer tube body 20 in the correct position. This reduces errors in manufacturing and damage to manufacturing equipment.

[0185] As shown in Figure 8B and Figure 8C, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, a push rod 430 may be used to push the support member 50 into the outer tube body 20 in the placing step. The push rod 430 may be used to push the support member 50 through the funnel guide 420 into the outer tube body 20 in the placing step. Advantageously, the use of a push rod 430 in the placing step ensures that an appropriate amount of force is used to push the support member 50 into the cavity 24 of the outer tube body 20. The funnel guide 420 ensures that the support member 50 approaches the outer tube body 20 and is oriented appropriately so that the support member 50 will fit into the outer tube body 20 in the correct orientation. This ensures that the support member 50 is inserted into a single outer tube body 20 at an appropriate speed and to an appropriate location.

[0186] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, when the funnel guide 420 is upstream or downstream of the outer tube body 20, a positioning plug 440 may be positioned at an opposite end of the outer tube body 20, the positioning plug 440 structured to prevent the support member 50 from advancing too far into the outer tube body 20 during the placing step. Advantageously, the use of a funnel guide 420 ensures that the support member 50 is inserted into the single outer tube body 20 in the correct position. The positioning plug 440 prevents the support member 50 from being pushed too far into the cavity 24 of the outer tube body 20.

[0187] As shown in Figure 8B, when adhesive 450 has been applied to the internal surface 26 of the outer tube body 20 as shown in Figure 8A, the support member 50 is pushed into the outer tube body 20 until the support member 50 is at the adhesive zone 414. When the support member 50 is placed in the adhesive zone 414, the support member 50 is placed.

[0188] The positioning plug 440 is shown in Figure 8C. As shown in Figure 8C, when the funnel guide 420 is at the upstream end 21 or downstream end 22 of the outer tube body 20, the positioning plug is positioned at an opposite end of the outer tube body 20 from the funnel guide 420 during the placing step. The positioning plug 440 may have one or more protrusions 441 structured to fit with and orient the support member 50 in the cavity 24 of the outer tube body 20 to ensure the desired placement of the support member 50 during the placing step. The one or more protrusions 441 structured to fit with and orient the support member 50 in the cavity 24 of the outer tube body 20 to ensure the desired placement of the support member 50 during the placing step. The one or more protrusions 441 may be structured to mate with the downstream face 52 of the support member 50, which may have support member structure 60 as shown in Figures 2 A-N. That is, the pin may be a feature having any shape that might be useful to engage with the downstream face 52 of the support member 50, regardless of the internal structure 60 of the support member 50.

[0189] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, funnel guide 420, the push rod 430, the positioning plug 440, the one or more protrusions 441 and adhesive 450 may be used alone or in combination in the method as disclosed herein. For example, when the funnel guide 420 is upstream or downstream of the outer tube body 20, the positioning plug 440 may be positioned at an opposite end of the outer tube body 20, the positioning plug 440 structured to prevent the support member 50 from advancing too far into the outer tube body 20 during the placing step. Advantageously, the use of a positioning plug 440, where the positioning plug 440 may have one or more protrusions 441 (or may not), a funnel guide 420 and a push rod 430, alone or in combination, ensure that the support member 50 is inserted into a single outer tube body 20 in the correct position. After the funnel guide 420, the push rod 430, and the positioning plug 4402 have been used to place the support member 50 into the outer tube body 20, the funnel guide 420, the push rod 430 and the positioning plug 440 may be removed from the inhaler article. During manufacture, these structures, the funnel guide 420, the push rod 430 and the positioning plug 440 are temporarily placed to accomplish the placement of the support member 50 into the outer tube body 20. Advantageously, these structures can be removed during the manufacturing process without leaving remnants on the inhaler article.

[0190] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the positioning plug 440 is structured to prevent the support member 50 from advancing too far into the outer tube body 20 during the placing step. Advantageously, the use of a positioning plug 440 opposite the end of the outer tube body 20 prevents the support member 50 form advancing too far into the outer tube body 20 during the placing step. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the support member 50 is placed into the outer tube body 20 without adhesive 450. For example, the support member 50 may remain in place by a friction fit. That is, the outer diameter of the support member may be about the same as or slightly less than the inner diameter of the outer tube body. For example, the outer diameter of the support member 50 may be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the outer tube body (see Table 1). Or the outer diameter may be the same as the inner diameter of the outer tube body. When the support member is placed as described above, the support member may remain in the correct location inside the outer tube body due to a friction fit. This is advantageous in that no adhesive 450 is necessary if the support member is placed by a friction fit.

[0191] The article resulting from the methods described above, an inhaler article 10 having an outer tube body 20 and a support element 50 placed inside the outer tube body 20, may be premanufactured and used as work in progress (WIP) in downstream manufacturing steps. For example, an article comprising an outer tube body 20 having a support member50 in the outer tube body cavity 24 may be a WIP part that can be pre-manufactured and stored until needed. During later manufacturing steps, a capsule 300 may be inserted into the outer tube body having a support member 50. The capsule 300 containing dry powder 303 may have a shorter shelf life than the tube with the support member. Therefore, providing the inhaler article comprising the tube and the support member without the capsule may allow for more flexible inventory control for an inhaler article containing a capsule 300. This step of placing the support member 50 into the outer tube body 20 is shown as Step 2 in Figure 10.

[0192] As shown in Figure 9A, after the support member is placed into the outer tube body 20, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further comprise a step of providing a curved downstream end 25 of the outer tube body 20. The step of providing a curved downstream end is shown as step 3 in Figure 10. The step of providing a curved downstream end 25 on the outer tube body 20 by introducing the downstream end 25 of the outer tube body 20 may be provided by introducing the downstream end 25 into a curving jig to introduce a bend or a curve. Or, the curved downstream end 25 may be provided by a separate part that is attached to the downstream end of the outer tube body 20. The curved downstream end is also shown in Figure 1 D.

[0193] As shown in Figure 9B, a capsule 300 may be inserted into the outer tube body 20. This is shown as Step 4 in Figure 10. Step 2 and Step 3 as shown in Figure 10 may occur in any order. The upstream end 21 of the outer tube body 20 may be folded or flanged 23. This is shown as Step 5 in Figure 10. A flanged upstream end 23 is shown in Figure 1 C. Folding or flanging the upstream end of the outer tube body may be provided by introducing the upstream end 21 of the outer tube body into a folding or flanging machine. At this point, the flanging and curling operations are made much simpler and more reliable due to the usage of the thicker, stiffer cardboard outer tube body. Inhaler articles are less likely to become damaged or undone during subsequent packing and storage due to the increased inherent strength of the stiffer cardboard outer tube body. This design reduces the number of material types used and the transformation steps required, as well as improving scrap rates during the formation of both ends. Additionally, product performance is improved due to better strength and reliability, as well as increased resistance to infant access thereafter.

[0194] As shown in Figure 9C, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the method may further comprise a step of adding an outer wrap 11 to the outer surface 27 of the outer tube body 20. Because the outer tube body 20 is a single cardboard tube, an outer wrap 11 is not necessary to hold the parts of the inhaler article together. Instead, the outer wrap 11 may be used for indicia or decoration of the inhaler article 10. Adding an outer wrap 11 is optional. Adding the outer wrap is shown in step 6 of Figure 10.

[0195] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating steps in manufacturing methods according to aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 10, the manufacturing method begins with a single outer tube body 20. The single outer tube 20 may be cardboard. The use of a single outer tube body 20, instead of a number of tubes that are assembled together to form an inhaler article provides advantages in manufacturing and in the performance of the inhaler article in terms of the rigidity and strength of the outer tube body. By using a single outer tube body, multiple internal components do not need to be placed onto wrapping paper and combined to form a tube wrapped by the paper by wrapping. By using a single outer tube body, internal components can be loaded from either open end of the outer tube body 20. The outer tube body 20 and a support member are provided. The support member may also be made of cardboard.

[0196] The flowchart of Figure 10 shows step 1 , the optional step of applying an adhesive 450 to the internal surface 26 of the outer tube body 20. Whether adhesive 450 is applied to the inside surface of the outer tube body or not, the outer tube body 20 and the support member 50 proceed to step 2. At step 2, the support member 50 is placed into the outer tube body 20. This is shown in Figure 8A, Figure 8B and Figure 8C. The support member 50 may be placed into the outer tube body 20 from the upstream end 21 of the outer tube body 20 or from the downstream end 22 of the outer tube body 20. After the support member 50 is inserted into the outer tube body 20, the perimeter 56 of the support member 50 contacts the internal surface 26 of the outer tube body 20 and the support member 50 extends across the inner diameter 28 of the outer tube body 20. A quality control step may be performed to ensure that the support member 50 is properly placed inside the outer tube body. If yes, proceed to Step 3. If not, reject the article. At step 3, the downstream end 22 (the mouth end) of the outer tube body 20 is curved to provide a curved downstream end 25. A quality control step may be performed to ensure that the downstream end is curved. If yes, proceed to Step 4. If not, reject the article. At step 4, capsule 300 is inserted into the cavity 24 of the outer tube body 20. A quality control step may be performed to ensure that the capsule 300 is present. If yes, proceed to Step 5. If not, reject the article. At step 5, the upstream end 21 of the outer tube body 20 may be flanged 23. A quality control step may be performed to ensure that the flanging is correct. If yes, proceed to Step 6. If not, reject the article. At step 6, a wrapping paper 11 (or tipping paper) is applied to the outer surface 27 of the outer tube body 20. Step 6 may be optional. A quality control step may be performed to ensure that the tipping is correct. If yes, release the article to finished goods. If not, reject the article.

[0197] Figure 11 is an illustration of a holder with an inhaler article inserted into the holder according to the present disclosure. Figure 11 is an illustration of a holder 1200 with an inhaler article 10 made according to the present disclosure inserted into the holder 1200. In use, the capsule 300 inside the inhaler article is pierced. As shown in Figure 11 , the inhaler article 10 may be inserted into a holder that has a piercing mechanism 109. This piercing mechanism 109 may include a needle 101 , that can be pushed into the capsule by a lever 127 activated by the user. The needle 101 may automatically retract from the capsule by a spring 102. The holder may have a case 111 that defines a cavity 112 into which the inhaler article 10 is inserted. The holder 1200 may also have a spiral air inlet 205 which introduces air into the front plug cavity 24 which contains the capsule 300. Air introduced into the front plug cavity 24, especially air that moves in a spiral fashion, causes the capsule 300 contained therein to be agitated. This agitation releases dry powder from the pierced capsule 300. LAis the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article 10 as it is inserted into a holder 1200.

[0198] Figure 12 is an illustration of an embodiment of a spiral air inlet 200 according to the present disclosure. The spiral air inlet 200 brings air into the holder 1200, spins the air in a spiral as shown by the arrow of Figure 10, and introduces this spirally flowing air into the front plug cavity 24 to agitate the capsule 300 and release dry powder 303.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an inhalation device for delivering dry powder to a user, comprising the steps of: placement of a rigid support element in the outer tubular casing, the outer tubular body comprises an upstream end and a downstream end, an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface forming a cavity within the outer tubular body, the outer tubular body having an inner diameter, the outer tubular body comprising cardboard; wherein the support element is located in the outer tubular body from the end located upstream of the flow or the end located further downstream of the flow of the outer tubular body, and wherein the support element is in contact with the inner surface of the outer tubular body.

2. The method according to claim 1, which further includes a loading step before the placing step, wherein the support element is loaded into the funnel-shaped guide element before the placing step.

3. The method according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the upstream end and the downstream end of the outer tubular body are opposite ends, further comprising a positioning step before the placing step, wherein the positioning plug is inserted into the end of the outer tubular body, and the support member is placed in the opposite end of the outer tubular body 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the positioning plug comprises one or more projections configured to seat and orient the support element in the cavity to ensure the desired placement of the support element during the placement step.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support member remains in the outer tubular body by means of a friction fit.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, which further includes the step of applying adhesive to the adhesive area of ​​the inner surface of the outer tubular body prior to the placing step.

7. The method according to claim 6, in which the applicator applies the adhesive to the adhesive zone of the inner surface of the outer tubular body during the application step.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the applicator comprises a reservoir, an applicator tube and a nozzle.

9. The method according to claim 8, in which glue is supplied to the nozzle from a reservoir by means of a pump.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, in which the applicator further comprises a stop member configured to allow the applicator to be advanced into the outer tubular body until the nozzle reaches the adhesive zone, and wherein the nozzle delivers adhesive to the inner surface of the outer tubular body.

11. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the placing step comprises placing the support element in the outer tubular body such that the perimeter of the support element contacts the adhesive zone.

12. The method according to any of the preceding paragraphs, further comprising the step of inserting the capsule into the outer tubular body.

13. The method of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of flanging the upstream end of the outer tubular body, the step of bending the downstream end of the outer tubular body, or both.

14. The method according to any of the preceding paragraphs, further comprising the step of adding an outer wrapper to the outer surface of the outer tubular body.

15. An inhalation product for delivering dry powder to a user, comprising an outer tubular body, wherein the outer tubular body comprises an upstream end and a downstream end, an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface forms a cavity, wherein the outer tubular body comprises cardboard, a rigid support element contained in the cavity, and a capsule contained in the cavity upstream of the flow relative to the support element; wherein the support element is attached to the inner surface of the outer tubular body using glue.