Components for a delivery system, and methods and apparatus for manufacturing components for a delivery system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a component (3) for a delivery system. The component comprises a main body formed of a sheet material (10) and at least one object (11) held in a space within the main body. The sheet material comprises a first inner edge (10A, 10B) at least partially defining a boundary of the space. The present disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing a component for a delivery system and an apparatus of manufacturing a component for a delivery system. The present disclosure also relates to a rod configured to be cut at least once to form a plurality of components and a delivery system comprising the components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a component for a conveying system and a conveying system including the component. This disclosure also relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing the component for the conveying system. Background Technology

[0002] A cigarette having a flavoring capsule is known in the art. During use, the user can break the capsule to release the flavoring into the smoke flowing through the cigarette. Thus, the user can selectively add flavoring to the smoke. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to some embodiments described herein, a component for a delivery system is provided, the component comprising: a body formed of a sheet material; and at least one object held in a space within the body, wherein the sheet material includes a first inner edge that at least partially defines the boundary of the space.

[0004] In some implementations, the first inner edge is the cut edge of the sheet material.

[0005] In some embodiments, the sheet material includes a slit forming a first inner edge.

[0006] In some embodiments, the sheet material includes an aperture in the sheet material, wherein the edge of the aperture includes a first inner edge of the sheet material, and preferably, the aperture is substantially rectangular.

[0007] In some implementations, the opening is a cut in the sheet material.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first inner edge is continuous. In other embodiments, the first inner edge is discontinuous, interspersed with one or more intermediate portions of the sheet material.

[0009] In some embodiments, the sheet material includes a first outer edge and a second outer edge at an axial end of the sheet material, wherein a first inner edge is substantially parallel to the first outer edge and / or the second outer edge.

[0010] In some implementations, the first inner edge is configured to prevent at least one object from moving out of the space.

[0011] In some embodiments, the component includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is the mouth end of the component and the second end is opposite to the first end, wherein a first inner edge is located between at least one object and the first end of the component or between at least one object and the second end of the component.

[0012] In some implementations, the first inner edge forms a first wall portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, the sheet material further includes a second inner edge that at least partially defines the boundary of the space.

[0014] In some implementations, the second end is opposite to the first end of the space.

[0015] In some implementations, the second inner edge has any of the characteristics of the first inner edge as described herein.

[0016] In some embodiments, the sheet material includes a slit forming one of a first inner edge and a second inner edge, and the sheet material includes an aperture in the sheet material, wherein the edge of the aperture includes the other of the first inner edge and the second inner edge.

[0017] In some implementations, the first inner edge and the second inner edge are axially spaced apart by a distance ranging from 3 mm to 50 mm.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first edge and the second edge are axially spaced apart by a distance ranging from 4 mm to 6 mm.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first inner edge and the second inner edge are spaced apart by a distance of at least 3 mm, and preferably by a distance of at least 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm or 50 mm.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first inner edge and the second inner edge are spaced apart by a distance of up to 50 mm, and preferably by a distance of up to 45 mm, 40 mm, 35 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, 15 mm, 10 mm, 5 mm or 3 mm.

[0021] In some implementations, the second inner edge forms a second wall portion.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first wall portion faces the first axial direction, and the second wall portion faces the second axial direction.

[0023] In some embodiments, the wall portion or each wall portion extends to the central axis of the component.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first wall portion extends to the central axis of the component. Alternatively or additionally, the second wall portion extends to the central axis of the component.

[0025] In some embodiments, the wall portion or each wall portion faces the entire central axis of the component. In some embodiments, the first wall portion faces the entire central axis of the component. Alternatively or additionally, the second wall portion faces the entire central axis of the component.

[0026] In some implementations, the wall portion or each wall portion is porous.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first wall portion is porous. Alternatively or additionally, the second wall portion is porous.

[0028] In some embodiments, the component includes at least one additional object, and preferably, the at least one additional object is axially spaced from the at least one object.

[0029] In some embodiments, at least one additional object is received in the space. In another embodiment, the sheet material includes a second portion arranged to define a second space for receiving at least one additional object, and wherein the sheet material includes a third inner edge forming a third wall portion that at least partially covers a first end of the second space.

[0030] In some embodiments, at least one additional object is held in a second space within the body, wherein the sheet material includes a third inner edge that at least partially defines the boundary of the second space.

[0031] In some embodiments, the sheet material further includes a fourth inner edge that at least partially defines the boundary of the second space.

[0032] In some implementations, the third inner edge and / or the fourth inner edge have any of the characteristics of the first inner edge as described herein.

[0033] In some implementations, the second inner edge and the third inner edge are separated by a distance ranging from 3 mm to 50 mm.

[0034] In some embodiments, the second inner edge and the third inner edge are spaced apart by a distance ranging from 4 mm to 45 mm, from 4 mm to 25 mm, or from 4 mm to 10 mm.

[0035] In some embodiments, the second inner edge and the third inner edge are spaced apart by at least 3 mm, and preferably by at least 4 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm or 50 mm.

[0036] In some embodiments, the second inner edge and the third inner edge are spaced apart by a distance of up to 50 mm, and preferably by a distance of up to 45 mm, 40 mm, 35 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, 15 mm, 10 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm or 3 mm.

[0037] In some implementations, the third inner edge forms a third wall portion and / or the fourth inner edge forms a fourth wall portion.

[0038] In some implementations, the second end is opposite to the first end of the second space.

[0039] In some implementations, the first inner edge and the second inner edge are located at opposite ends of the space.

[0040] In some implementations, the third inner edge and the fourth inner edge are located at opposite ends of the second space.

[0041] In some embodiments, a first portion of the sheet material surrounds at least one object. A first inner edge and a second inner edge may be located on opposite sides of the first portion. The first portion may be generally cylindrical.

[0042] In some embodiments, a second portion of the sheet material surrounds at least one additional object. A third and fourth inner edge may be located on opposite sides of the second portion. The second portion may be generally cylindrical.

[0043] According to this disclosure, a method for manufacturing a component for a conveying system is also provided, the method comprising: setting an assembly including at least one object and including a sheet material including a first inner edge; and arranging the sheet material into a body such that the body includes a space for receiving at least one object, wherein the first inner edge at least partially defines the boundary of the space.

[0044] In some implementations, the setting component includes forming a first inner edge in a sheet material.

[0045] In some embodiments, forming a first inner edge in a sheet material includes cutting the sheet material to form the first inner edge, and preferably, cutting through the entire thickness of the sheet material to form the first inner edge.

[0046] In some implementations, forming the first inner edge includes cutting sheet material using a blade and / or a laser.

[0047] In some implementations, forming the first inner edge includes forming a slit in the sheet material.

[0048] In some embodiments, forming the first inner edge includes forming an aperture in the sheet material such that the edge of the aperture includes the first inner edge of the sheet material, and preferably, the aperture is substantially rectangular.

[0049] In some embodiments, forming an aperture includes forming a cut in the sheet material.

[0050] In some embodiments, the setting component includes setting a sheet material including a first inner edge and then setting at least one object on the sheet material, and preferably, the setting component includes forming the first inner edge in the sheet material and then setting at least one object on the sheet material.

[0051] In some implementations, the setting component includes setting a sheet material, setting at least one object on the sheet material, and then forming a first inner edge in the sheet material.

[0052] In some embodiments, the method includes: curling a sheet material, and preferably curling the sheet material to a curl depth in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, and preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm or in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0053] In some implementations, the method includes curling the sheet material after forming the first inner edge.

[0054] In some implementations, the method includes curling the sheet material before forming the first inner edge.

[0055] In some implementations, the method includes using an object conveying wheel to set at least one object onto a sheet material.

[0056] In some embodiments, the sheet material of the component includes a second inner edge, and wherein arranging the sheet material into a body includes arranging the sheet material such that the second inner edge at least partially forms the boundary of a space.

[0057] In some implementations, the setting component includes forming a second inner edge in the sheet material.

[0058] In some implementations, the second inner edge is formed in the same manner as the first inner edge as described herein.

[0059] In some implementations, the setting component includes a continuous web of sheet material.

[0060] In some embodiments, the method includes cutting continuous webs of the sheet material after arranging it into a body. In some embodiments, cutting the continuous webs of the sheet material forms one or more discrete parts.

[0061] In some implementations, the method includes forming a plurality of inner edges in a continuous web at regularly spaced intervals.

[0062] The method may include forming a first inner edge, a second inner edge, a third inner edge, and / or a fourth inner edge at regularly spaced intervals in a continuous web.

[0063] In some embodiments, the method includes moving a continuous web along a transport path and setting at least one object at regular intervals as the continuous web moves along the transport path.

[0064] In some embodiments, the web has a width in the range of 30 mm to 400 mm, and preferably in the range of 40 mm to 300 mm, 50 mm to 280 mm, 75 mm to 225 mm, or 100 mm to 200 mm.

[0065] In some embodiments, the web has a width of at least 30 mm, and preferably has a width of at least 40 mm, 50 mm, 75 mm, 100 mm, 125 mm, 150 mm, 175 mm or 190 mm.

[0066] In some embodiments, the web has a width of up to 400 mm, and preferably has a width of up to 300 mm, 280 mm, 225 mm, 200 mm, 175 mm, 150 mm, 125 mm or 100 mm.

[0067] In some embodiments, arranging sheet material into a body includes gathering the sheet material together to form a body.

[0068] In some embodiments, a first wall portion is defined by bringing together a first inner edge of the sheet material and / or a second wall portion is defined by bringing together a second inner edge of the sheet material.

[0069] In some implementations, the component includes at least one additional object.

[0070] In some embodiments, the sheet material of the component further includes a third inner edge, wherein arranging the sheet material into a body includes arranging the sheet material such that the body includes a second space for receiving at least one additional object, wherein the third inner edge at least partially defines the boundary of the second space, and preferably, the component includes forming the third inner edge in the sheet material.

[0071] In some embodiments, the first end of the second space is located on the side of at least one object and at least one additional object opposite to the first end of the space.

[0072] In some embodiments, the sheet material of the component further includes a fourth inner edge, wherein arranging the sheet material as a body includes arranging the sheet material such that the fourth inner edge at least partially defines the boundary of the second space, and preferably, setting the component includes forming the fourth inner edge in the sheet material.

[0073] In some implementations, the third inner edge and / or the fourth inner edge are formed in the same manner as the first inner edge as described herein.

[0074] In some embodiments, the third wall portion is defined by bringing together the third inner edge of the sheet material and / or by bringing together the fourth inner edge of the sheet material.

[0075] In some implementations, the method includes detecting information indicating at least one internal edge of the sheet-like material.

[0076] In some implementations, the method includes controlling the position of at least one supplied object relative to the sheet material based on information detected by a sensor indicating at least one internal edge.

[0077] In some embodiments, the method includes controlling an object supply device based on information detected by a sensor indicating the position of at least one inner edge, so as to control the position of at least one supplied object relative to the sheet material, and preferably, controlling the time and / or frequency of dispensing at least one object onto the sheet material.

[0078] According to this disclosure, an apparatus for manufacturing components for a conveying system is also provided, the apparatus comprising: an edge forming device configured to form a first inner edge in a sheet material; an object supply device configured to position at least one object on the sheet material; and a body forming device configured to arrange the sheet material into a body such that the body includes a space for receiving at least one object, wherein the first inner edge at least partially defines the boundary of the space.

[0079] In some embodiments, the edge forming apparatus is configured to form a first inner edge in a sheet material by cutting the sheet material to form a first inner edge, and preferably the edge forming apparatus is configured to cut through the entire thickness of the sheet material to form the first inner edge.

[0080] In some embodiments, the edge forming apparatus includes one or more blades and / or one or more lasers configured to cut sheet-like material.

[0081] In some embodiments, the edge forming apparatus is configured to form an aperture in the sheet material such that the edge of the aperture includes a first inner edge of the sheet material, and preferably, the aperture is substantially rectangular.

[0082] In some embodiments, the edge forming apparatus is configured to form cuts in the sheet material to form orifices.

[0083] In some embodiments, the edge forming apparatus is configured to form a first inner edge before the object supply apparatus positions at least one object on a first portion of the sheet material.

[0084] In some embodiments, the edge forming apparatus is configured to form a first inner edge after the object supply apparatus positions at least one object on a first portion of the sheet material.

[0085] In some embodiments, the device further includes a curling device configured to curl the sheet material, and preferably, the curling device is configured to curl the sheet material to a depth in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, and more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm or in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0086] In some embodiments, the curling device is configured to curl the sheet material before the edge forming device forms the first inner edge, or the curling device is configured to curl the sheet material after the edge forming device forms the first inner edge.

[0087] In some embodiments, the object supply device includes an object conveying wheel.

[0088] In some embodiments, the edge forming apparatus is configured to form a second inner edge in a sheet material, and wherein the body forming apparatus is configured to arrange the sheet material into a body such that the second inner edge at least partially defines the boundary of the space.

[0089] In some implementations, the edge forming apparatus is configured to form a second inner edge in the same manner as the first inner edge as described herein.

[0090] In some embodiments, the device is configured to supply a continuous web of sheet material along a conveying path.

[0091] In some embodiments, the cutting device is configured to cut continuous webs of the sheet material after the sheet material has been arranged into a body.

[0092] In some embodiments, the edge forming apparatus is configured to form a plurality of first inner edges in a continuous web at regularly spaced intervals and / or to form a plurality of second inner edges in a continuous web at regularly spaced intervals.

[0093] In some embodiments, the object supply device is configured to place at least one object at regular intervals as the continuous web moves along the conveyor path.

[0094] In some embodiments, the device includes a sheet material supply section, and preferably, the sheet material supply section includes a roll of sheet material.

[0095] In some embodiments, the object supply device is configured to position at least one additional object on the sheet material.

[0096] In some embodiments, the edge forming apparatus is configured to form a third inner edge in the sheet material, and the body forming apparatus is configured to arrange the sheet material into a body such that the body includes a second space for receiving at least one additional object, wherein the third inner edge at least partially forms the boundary of the second space.

[0097] In some embodiments, the first end of the second space is located on the side of at least one object and at least one additional object opposite to the first end of the space.

[0098] In some embodiments, the edge forming apparatus is configured to form a fourth inner edge in the sheet material, and wherein the body forming apparatus is configured to arrange the sheet material into a body such that the fourth inner edge at least partially defines the boundary of the second space.

[0099] In some implementations, the edge forming apparatus is configured to form a third and / or a fourth inner edge in the same manner as the first inner edge as described herein.

[0100] In some embodiments, the body forming apparatus is configured to gather sheet material to form a body.

[0101] In some embodiments, the body forming apparatus is configured to gather a first inner edge of the sheet material to form a first wall portion. In some embodiments, the body forming apparatus is configured to gather a second inner edge of the sheet material to form a second wall portion. In some embodiments, the body forming apparatus is configured to gather a third inner edge of the sheet material to form a third wall portion. In some embodiments, the body forming apparatus is configured to gather a fourth inner edge of the sheet material to form a fourth wall portion.

[0102] In some embodiments, the device includes at least one sensor configured to detect information indicating at least one inner edge of the sheet material.

[0103] In some embodiments, the device also includes a controller configured to control the position of at least one supplied object relative to the sheet material based on information detected by a sensor indicating at least one internal edge.

[0104] In some embodiments, the controller controls the object supply device based on information detected by a sensor indicating the position of at least one inner edge, so as to control the position of at least one supplied object relative to the sheet material, and preferably, the controller is configured to control the time and / or frequency of dispensing at least one object onto the sheet material.

[0105] In some implementations, the first inner edge of the component, or a component produced by the method or apparatus, is substantially linear.

[0106] In some implementations, the first inner edge extends substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the component.

[0107] In some implementations, the first inner edge extends over a range of 10% to 95% of the width of the sheet material.

[0108] In some embodiments, the first inner edge extends at least 10% of the width of the sheet material, and preferably at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% of the width of the sheet material.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first inner edge extends up to 95% of the width of the sheet material, and optionally extends up to 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20% or 10% of the width of the sheet material.

[0110] In some embodiments, the inner edge or each inner edge has a length ranging from 5 mm to 360 mm, and preferably from 5 mm to 270 mm.

[0111] In some embodiments, the inner edge or each inner edge has a length of at least 5 mm, and preferably has a length of at least 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 100 mm, 120 mm, 140 mm, 160 mm, 180 mm, 200 mm, 250 mm, or 300 mm. In some embodiments, the first inner edge, the second inner edge, the third inner edge, and / or the fourth inner edge has a length of at least 5 mm, and preferably has a length of at least 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 100 mm, 120 mm, 140 mm, 160 mm, 180 mm, 200 mm, 250 mm, or 300 mm.

[0112] In some embodiments, the sheet material includes a first outer edge and a second outer edge extending substantially parallel to the central axis of the component, wherein a first inner edge is spaced apart from at least one of the first outer edge and the second outer edge, and preferably spaced apart from both the first outer edge and the second outer edge.

[0113] In some implementations, the first inner edge is substantially perpendicular to the first outer edge and / or the second outer edge.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first inner edge is spaced at least 3 mm from the first outer edge and / or the second outer edge, and preferably at least 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm or 10 mm apart.

[0115] In some embodiments, the sheet material faces relative to the central axis of the component, and preferably the sheet material wraps around at least one object.

[0116] In some embodiments, the sheet material is curled, and preferably, the sheet material has a curling depth in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, and more preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm or 0.2 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0117] In some embodiments, the sheet material includes cellulose.

[0118] In some embodiments, the sheet material comprises at least one of, is composed of at least one of, or is substantially composed of at least one of: paper, cotton, tobacco, lyocell, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(butylene succinate-1,4-butylene succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), starch-based materials, aliphatic polyester materials, polysaccharide polymers; nonwoven materials; and / or biodegradable materials.

[0119] In some embodiments, the sheet material may include a fragmented sheet material selected from at least one of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(butylene succinate-1,4-butylene succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), starch-based materials, paper, aliphatic polyester materials, and polysaccharide polymers.

[0120] In some implementations, the sheet material is rolled PLA, tobacco, or paper material.

[0121] In some embodiments, the sheet material does not contain cellulose acetate.

[0122] In some embodiments, the sheet material has a density of at least 0.1 gms / cm3, and preferably at least 0.15 gms / cm3.

[0123] In some embodiments, the sheet material has a density of up to 1.5 gms / cm3, and preferably has a density of up to 1.2 gms / cm3, 1 gms / cm3, 0.9 gms / cm3, 0.8 gms / cm3, 0.7 gms / cm3, 0.6 gms / cm3, 0.5 gms / cm3, 0.45 gms / cm3 or 0.4 gms / cm3.

[0124] In some embodiments, the sheet material of the component has a length ranging from 5 mm to 50 mm, and preferably from 10 mm to 30 mm.

[0125] In some embodiments, the sheet material of the component has a length of at least 5 mm, and optionally has a length of at least 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm or 45 mm.

[0126] In some embodiments, the sheet material of the component has a length of up to 50 mm, and optionally has a length of up to 45 mm, 40 mm, 35 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, 15 mm, 10 mm or 5 mm.

[0127] In some embodiments, the sheet material of the component has a width in the range of 30 mm to 400 mm, and preferably in the range of 40 mm to 300 mm, 50 mm to 280 mm, 75 mm to 225 mm, or 100 mm to 200 mm.

[0128] In some embodiments, the sheet material has a width of at least 30 mm, and preferably has a width of at least 40 mm, 50 mm, 75 mm, 100 mm, 125 mm, 150 mm, 175 mm or 190 mm.

[0129] In some embodiments, the sheet material has a width of up to 400 mm, and preferably has a width of up to 300 mm, 280 mm, 225 mm, 200 mm, 175 mm, 150 mm, 125 mm or 100 mm.

[0130] In some embodiments, the sheet material of the component has a thickness ranging from 20 micrometers to 1000 micrometers.

[0131] In some embodiments, the sheet material has a thickness of at least 20 micrometers, and preferably has a thickness of at least 50 micrometers, 100 micrometers, 200 micrometers, 300 micrometers, 400 micrometers, 500 micrometers, 600 micrometers, 700 micrometers, 800 micrometers, 900 micrometers or 1000 micrometers.

[0132] In some embodiments, the sheet material has a thickness of up to 1000 micrometers, and preferably has a thickness of up to 900 micrometers, 800 micrometers, 700 micrometers, 600 micrometers, 500 micrometers, 400 micrometers, 300 micrometers, 200 micrometers, 100 micrometers or 50 micrometers.

[0133] In some embodiments, the sheet material of the component has a basis weight in the range of 20 gsm to 200 gsm, and preferably in the range of 25 gsm to 70 gsm or 35 gsm to 65 gsm.

[0134] In some embodiments, the body has an axial length ranging from 5 mm to 50 mm, and preferably from 10 mm to 30 mm.

[0135] In some embodiments, the body has an axial length of at least 5 mm, and optionally has an axial length of at least 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm or 45 mm.

[0136] In some embodiments, the device includes a sensor configured to detect information indicating at least one inner edge of the sheet material (e.g., one or more of a first inner edge, a second inner edge, a third inner edge, and / or a fourth inner edge). In some embodiments, the device also includes a controller configured to control the position of at least one object based on the information indicating the at least one inner edge detected by the sensor. In some embodiments, the controller controls the object supply device based on the information indicating the position of at least one inner edge detected by the sensor to control the position of at least one object. Additionally or alternatively, the controller is configured to control the speed at which the sheet material is conveyed along a conveying path to control the position of at least one object.

[0137] The sensor may include a camera configured to detect each inner edge as it passes by. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor may include different types of sensors, such as light gates, capacitive sensors, magnetic sensors, Hall effect sensors, or ultrasonic sensors. In some embodiments, the sensor, or one or more other sensors, additionally or alternatively detects a second, third, and / or fourth inner edge.

[0138] The controller may include a memory and a processor. The controller may be configured to control the object supply device based on information detected by sensors indicating the position of at least one inner edge, in order to control the position of at least one object by, for example, controlling the time and / or frequency of dispensing at least one object onto the sheet material, thereby aligning each at least one object into the space between adjacent first and second inner edges. For example, in embodiments where the object supply device includes an object insertion wheel, the controller may control the speed at which the object supply device rotates by, for example, controlling the speed of the motor of the object insertion wheel. Additionally or alternatively, the controller may be configured to control the speed at which the sheet material is conveyed along a conveyor path (e.g., controlling the speed of a conveyor belt, roller, and / or roll supplying the sheet material 10 along conveyor path Y) to control the position of at least one object. Furthermore, this facilitates aligning each at least one object into the space between adjacent first and second inner edges (and / or aligning each at least one additional object into a second space between adjacent third and fourth inner edges).

[0139] Controlling the position of at least one object / at least one additional object supplied to the sheet material based on information detected by sensors indicating at least one first inner edge, second inner edge, third inner edge, and / or fourth inner edge helps ensure that at least one object / at least one additional object does not become misaligned with the sheet material, for example, due to stretching or sliding of the sheet material in the transport path. However, it should be appreciated that the sensors may be omitted in other embodiments.

[0140] In some embodiments, the body has an axial length of up to 50 mm, and optionally has an axial length of up to 45 mm, 40 mm, 35 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, 15 mm, 10 mm or 5 mm.

[0141] In some embodiments, at least one object comprises one or more burst beads, and preferably comprises one or more additive burst beads.

[0142] In some implementations, at least one object can break when the user applies force to the body.

[0143] In some embodiments, at least one object includes multiple objects, and preferably includes multiple popping beads, beads or granules.

[0144] In some embodiments, at least one object has a diameter in the range of 0.1 mm to 8 mm, and preferably in the range of 0.2 mm to 4 mm.

[0145] In some embodiments, at least one additional object includes one or more burst beads, and preferably includes one or more additive burst beads.

[0146] In some embodiments, the sheet material includes a coating, and preferably, the coating includes an aerosol modifier.

[0147] Aerosol modifiers can include seasonings.

[0148] According to this disclosure, a component manufactured according to the methods described herein and / or manufactured by the apparatus described herein is also provided.

[0149] According to this disclosure, a rod is provided that is configured to be cut at least once to form a plurality of components as described herein. Each component can be incorporated into a separate conveying system.

[0150] In some embodiments, the rod is at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten times the length of a single component, such that the rod is configured to be cut to form at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten components. That is, the rod is a base rod of multiple times its length. In some embodiments, the rod includes at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten objects, each object in a corresponding space. In some embodiments, the rod also includes at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten additional objects, each additional object in a corresponding second space. In some embodiments, the length of the rod is between 60 mm and 180 mm and includes at least six spaces, each space receiving at least one corresponding object.

[0151] According to this disclosure, a delivery system including the components described herein is also provided. In some embodiments, the delivery system includes an aerosol supply system, and preferably, the aerosol supply system is a combustible aerosol supply system or a non-combustible aerosol supply system. Attached Figure Description

[0152] The embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a conveying system including components according to one embodiment; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side cross-sectional view of the conveyor system in the middle; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Side cross-sectional view of the component; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 End view of the component; Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A top view of the sheet material of the component, wherein the sheet material is laid flat and is in place before the sheet material is formed into the body of the component; Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of the capsule delivery system in the middle; Figure 7 This is a side cross-sectional view of a component used in a conveying system, shown for reference only; Figure 8 This is a top view of a sheet material before it is formed into the body of the component, representing another embodiment of a component used in a conveying system. Figure 9 This is a side cross-sectional view of a component for a conveying system according to another embodiment. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A top view of the sheet material of the component before the sheet material is formed into the main body of the component; Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating the steps of one embodiment of a method for manufacturing components for a conveying system; Figure 12 An embodiment of a continuous web of sheet material having popping beads thereon is shown, wherein the web passes along a conveying path; Figure 13 An embodiment of an apparatus for manufacturing components for a conveying system is shown; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a sensor and an object supply device controller connected to a device according to one embodiment; and Figure 15 This is a schematic side view of the base rod in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0153] Now for reference Figures 1 to 6 The following shows an embodiment of the conveying system 1.

[0154] In this embodiment, the conveying system 1 is a combustible aerosol supply system 1, which includes a smoke rod 2 and a component 3 for the conveying system. In this example, the component 3 for the conveying system is the component 3 for the combustible aerosol supply system 1. However, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the conveying system 1 is a device other than the combustible aerosol supply system 1. For example, the conveying system 1 may be a non-combustible aerosol supply system (not shown) or an aerosol-free conveying system (not shown).

[0155] The outer wrapping part 4 surrounds the component 3 and a portion of the smoke rod 2. The outer wrapping part 4 includes a splicing paper 4 for attaching the smoke rod 2 to the component 3. The smoke rod 2 includes a column of smokeable material 5 surrounded by a rod wrapping part 6.

[0156] Component 3 includes a sheet material 10 arranged in the body 7 such that the body 7 includes a space 8 within the body 7 for receiving at least one object 11. In this example, the at least one object 11 is an aerosol modifier release component 11, and in particular, the at least one object is a burstable bead 11. In another embodiment (not shown), the at least one object may include a plurality of burstable beads or one or more other objects.

[0157] The body 7 is generally cylindrical. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other shapes are possible. In this example, the body 7 forms a filter rod 7.

[0158] In this embodiment, component 3 is filter 3. However, it should be recognized that in other embodiments, component 3 may be configured merely as a carrier or support for at least one object, without substantially filtering the inhalant of the delivery system 1.

[0159] In this embodiment, the sheet material 10 comprises paper. However, it should be recognized that in other embodiments, the sheet material 10 comprises different materials, such as cotton; tobacco, lyocell; polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(butylene succinate-1,4-butylene succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), starch-based materials, aliphatic polyester materials, polysaccharide polymers, and / or woven or nonwoven materials. The sheet material 10 may be biodegradable. In some embodiments, the sheet material comprises cellulose. In one embodiment, the sheet material 10 may be non-plastic or plastic. In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 does not contain cellulose acetate.

[0160] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 comprises a fragmented sheet material selected from at least one of tobacco, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(butylene succinate-1,4-butylene succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), starch-based materials, paper, aliphatic polyester materials, and polysaccharide polymers.

[0161] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 comprises fibers woven into or otherwise formed into a sheet material.

[0162] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 is rolled PLA, tobacco, or paper material.

[0163] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 does not contain cellulose acetate.

[0164] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 has a density of at least 0.1 gms / cm3, and preferably at least 0.15 gms / cm3.

[0165] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 has a density of up to 1.5 gms / cm3, and preferably has a density of up to 1.2 gms / cm3, 1 gms / cm3, 0.9 gms / cm3, 0.8 gms / cm3, 0.7 gms / cm3, 0.6 gms / cm3, 0.5 gms / cm3, 0.45 gms / cm3 or 0.4 gms / cm3.

[0166] The sheet material 10 (e.g., paper) may have a thickness of at least 20 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 has a thickness of at least 50 micrometers, 100 micrometers, 200 micrometers, 300 micrometers, 400 micrometers, 500 micrometers, 600 micrometers, 700 micrometers, 800 micrometers, 900 micrometers, or 1000 micrometers.

[0167] The sheet material 10 (e.g., paper) may have a thickness of up to 1000 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 has a thickness of up to 900 micrometers, 800 micrometers, 700 micrometers, 600 micrometers, 500 micrometers, 400 micrometers, 300 micrometers, 200 micrometers, 100 micrometers, or 50 micrometers.

[0168] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 has a thickness ranging from 20 micrometers to 1000 micrometers.

[0169] The sheet material 10 (e.g., paper) may have a basis weight of at least 20 GSM. In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 has a basis weight of at least 20 GSM, 25 GSM, 30 GSM, or 35 GSM.

[0170] The sheet material 10 (e.g., paper) may have a basis weight of up to 200 GSM. In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 has a basis weight of up to 150 GSM, 100 GSM, 70 GSM, 65 GSM, or 50 GSM.

[0171] The sheet material 10 (e.g., paper) may have a basis weight in the range of 20 GSM to 200 GSM. In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 has a basis weight in the range of 25 GSM to 70 GSM or 35 GSM to 65 GSM.

[0172] The sheet material 10 includes a first outer edge 10A and a second outer edge 10B located at opposite ends of the sheet material 10. When the sheet material 10 is arranged to form a body 7, the first outer edge 10A and the second outer edge 10B form the first axial end 7A and the second axial end 7B of the body 7.

[0173] The sheet material 10 has a length (as measured between the first end 10A and the second end 10B) Figure 2 and Figure 5 (As indicated by the arrow "X" in the diagram). The length X of the sheet material 10 corresponds to the axial length X of the body 7.

[0174] The sheet material 10 may have a length X ranging from 5 mm to 50 mm, and preferably from 10 mm to 30 mm. However, in other embodiments, the sheet material 10 has different lengths X.

[0175] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 of component 3 has a length of at least 5 mm X, and optionally has a length of at least 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm or 45 mm.

[0176] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 of component 3 has a length X of up to 50 mm, and optionally has a length of up to 45 mm, 40 mm, 35 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, 15 mm, 10 mm or 5 mm.

[0177] In this embodiment, the sheet material 10 is gathered together, giving the body 7 a "pleated filter" structure. The sheet material 10 can filter the airflow as it passes through the body 7. In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 includes gathered paper, making the body 7 a "paper filter".

[0178] In some embodiments (not shown), component 3 further includes one or more segments (not shown) upstream and / or downstream of body 7. For example, filter rods (not shown) of filter material (e.g., cellulose acetate) upstream and / or downstream of body 7. In some embodiments, component 3 includes a tubular filter tip (not shown) downstream of body 7. The tubular filter tip may form the end of component 3 and may include an annular portion of filter material (e.g., an annular portion of cellulose acetate).

[0179] The main body 7 has an axial length ranging from 5 mm to 50 mm (by...). Figure 2 (as depicted by the arrow "X"), and preferably has an axial length in the range of 10 mm to 30 mm. However, in other embodiments, the body 7 has a different axial length X.

[0180] In some embodiments, component 3 has an axial length X of at least 5 mm, and optionally has an axial length of at least 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm or 45 mm.

[0181] In some embodiments, component 3 has an axial length X of up to 50 mm, and optionally has an axial length of up to 45 mm, 40 mm, 35 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, 15 mm, 10 mm or 5 mm.

[0182] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 is gathered and / or folded to form a body 7, such that at least one object 11 is held within a space 8 within the body 7. In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 can be formed into the body 7 using a CU-20 machine manufactured by Decoufle™. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other equipment (e.g., equipment known for manufacturing “paper filters” and “pleated filters”) can be used to arrange the sheet material 10 into the filter rod.

[0183] In this example, the sheet material 10 is arranged into the body 7 after being rolled. For example, the sheet material 10 can pass through a pair of rolling rollers. Rolling makes it easier for the sheet material 10 to gather together to form the body 7. Rolling also increases the length of the sheet material 10 that can be used to form the body 7 of a specific volume. Increasing the amount of sheet material 10 in the body 7 increases the surface area of ​​the sheet material 10 in contact with the aerosol passing through the body 7, and thus increases the amount of moisture absorbed by the sheet material 10 from the aerosol.

[0184] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 is rolled to a rolling depth of at least 0.1 mm, and preferably to a rolling depth of at least 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm or 2 mm.

[0185] In some embodiments, the sheet material is rolled to a rolling depth of up to 2 mm, and preferably to a rolling depth of up to 1.5 mm, 1 mm, 0.9 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.2 mm or 0.1 mm.

[0186] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 is curled to a curl depth ranging from 0.1 mm to 2 mm, and preferably to a curl depth ranging from 0.1 mm to 1 mm or from 0.2 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0187] The curl depth (also known as the "curl factor") refers to the depth of the curled grooves formed in the sheet material 10. That is, when viewed from a first side of the sheet material 10, curling the sheet material 10 creates multiple grooves in the sheet material 10, where the curl depth is the depth of the grooves. The curling can form a serrated or other shape. In some embodiments, adjacent grooves of the curled sheet material 10 are spaced apart by a distance ranging from 0.1 mm to 3 mm, and preferably by a distance ranging from 0.2 mm to 2 mm. In some embodiments, adjacent grooves of the curled sheet material are spaced apart by a distance of at least 0.1 mm, preferably by a distance of at least 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, or 3 mm. In some embodiments, the adjacent grooves of the rolled sheet material 10 are spaced apart by a distance of up to 3 mm, preferably by a distance of up to 2.5 mm, 2 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.2 mm or 0.1 mm.

[0188] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 is heated as it is rolled up. For example, the sheet material 10 passes between rolling rollers, wherein one or both rolling rollers are heated.

[0189] At least one object 11 (e.g., one or more popping beads 11) may be applied to the sheet material 10 before or simultaneously with the formation of the sheet material 10 as the body 7. In some embodiments, at least one object 11 is attached to the sheet material 10, for example, by an adhesive (not shown), which may be sprayed onto the sheet material 10 and / or at least one object 11, or may be applied to the sheet material 10 or the object 11 using a brush or roller. In another embodiment (not shown), at least one object 11 is attached to the sheet material 10 by electrostatic charging of the sheet material 10 and / or at least one object 11. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, at least one object 11 is not attached to the sheet material 10.

[0190] In some embodiments, at least one object 11 includes one or more aerosol modifier release components 11, which may be burst beads 11.

[0191] Figure 6 The image shows a side cross-sectional view of one of a plurality of burst beads 11. Each burst bead 11 includes a shell portion 13 and a core portion 14.

[0192] The shell portion 13 of each burst bead 11 may be solid at room temperature. The shell portion 13 may comprise, be composed of, or be substantially composed of alginate. However, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the shell portion 13 is made of different materials. For example, the shell portion 13 may alternatively comprise, be composed of, or be substantially composed of gelatin, carrageenan, or pectin. The shell portion 13 may comprise one or more of alginate, gelatin, carrageenan, and pectin, be composed of, or be substantially composed of, one or more of alginate, gelatin, carrageenan, and pectin.

[0193] Each burst bead 11 has a core portion 14 comprising, or substantially comprising, an aerosol modifier, such as an additive (e.g., a flavoring agent) configured to impart a gaseous flavor to the body 7 when exposed to a gas. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the aerosol modifier may alternatively or additionally comprise different types of additives (e.g., humectants). In this embodiment, the core portion 14 is a liquid. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the core portion 14 may comprise a solid (e.g., a powder).

[0194] The shell portion 13 of each burst bead 11 may be impermeable or substantially impermeable to the aerosol modifier of the core portion 14. Therefore, the shell portion 13 initially prevents the aerosol modifier of the core portion 14 from escaping from the burst bead 11 and being entrained in the gas flowing through the body 7. When the user wishes to entrain the aerosol modifier in the gas (e.g., to flavor the gas in an embodiment where the modifier is a seasoning), the shell portion 13 of the burst bead 11 is ruptured, allowing the modifier to be entrained in the gas.

[0195] In some embodiments (not shown), the bursting beads 11 also include a carrier material. The carrier material may include, for example, gelatin.

[0196] Object 11 may alternatively or additionally include different types of objects, such as filter materials, such as beads or granules.

[0197] The aerosol modifier component 11 allows the user to control whether the aerosol modifier is introduced into the airflow passing through the body 7. Initially, the shell 13 of each bead 11 is intact, so the modifier from the core 14 is not introduced into the airflow. When the user wishes to introduce the aerosol modifier, he or she applies external force to the component 3 to break the shell 13 of the bead 11. In one example, the user firmly grasps the component 3 and rolls it between his or her fingers.

[0198] In some embodiments, the body 7 is surrounded by a wrapping element 16 (e.g., a molding paper forming the filter rod wrapping portion 16). The filter rod wrapping portion 16 can help the sheet material 10 maintain its shape as the body 7, for example, by preventing the sheet material 10 from unfolding.

[0199] The tipping paper 4 includes one or more indicators 19 that provide visual indication to the user at the location where external force should be applied to the component 3 to release the aerosol modifier. For example, the indicators 19 may indicate the location where the component 3 should be held and rolled between the fingers to release the modifier. The indicators 19 may be printed onto the tipping paper 4, for example, or may include a label adhered to the tipping paper 4. The indicators 19 may cover the body 10 of the filter material.

[0200] Optionally, the filter rod wrapping portion 16 and the tipping paper 4 are deformable, such that during use, the user applies external force to deform the tipping paper 4 and the body 7 radially inward, thereby destroying the aerosol modifier release component 11. In the above example, the user grasps the wall portion and rolls the component 3 between their fingers, causing the bursting bead 11 to release the aerosol modifier from it. In embodiments where the filter rod wrapping portion 16 is omitted, the tipping paper 4 is deformed. In embodiments where the tipping paper 4 is omitted, the filter rod wrapping portion 16 is deformed. In some embodiments, the wall portion includes additional sheet material (not shown) besides the tipping paper 4 and / or the filter rod wrapping portion 16. In other embodiments (not shown), neither the tipping paper 4 nor the filter rod wrapping portion 16 surrounds the body 7 (or the entire body 7), so the user applies force directly to the body 7.

[0201] The filter rod wrapping portion 16 includes a paper layer 17 and a sealing layer 18. The sealing layer 18 is impermeable or substantially impermeable to the aerosol modifier of the bursting bead 11. Therefore, when the bursting bead 11 is broken to entrain the aerosol modifier in the airflow, the sealing layer 18 prevents the aerosol modifier from seeping through the filter rod wrapping portion 16. This is advantageous because the combustible aerosol supply system 1 is typically held between the user's fingers in the area of ​​component 3, and therefore the sealing layer 18 helps prevent the aerosol modifier from coming into contact with the user's fingers.

[0202] In this embodiment, the sealing layer 18 is in the form of a coating 18 disposed on the paper layer 17. For example, the coating 18 may include ethyl cellulose. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the sealing layer 18 comprises a layer of material (e.g., a plastic sheet or foil bonded to the paper layer 17 by an adhesive). In some embodiments, the sealing layer 18 is oil-resistant.

[0203] In one embodiment, the sealing layer 18 is disposed on the inner surface of the paper layer 17, such that the paper layer 17 is disposed between the sealing layer 18 and the tipping paper 4. Alternatively, the sealing layer 18 may be disposed on the outer surface of the paper layer 17, such that the sealing layer 18 is disposed between the paper layer 17 and the tipping paper 4.

[0204] In one embodiment, the sealing layer 18 is disposed on the entire inner and / or outer surface of the paper layer 17. However, in an alternative embodiment, the sealing layer 18 is disposed only on a portion of the inner and / or outer surface of the paper layer 17 (e.g., only on the portion of the paper layer 17 surrounding the body 7).

[0205] The filter rod wrap 16 is configured to provide structural support for the component 3 to help maintain the structural integrity of the component 3 during the rolling of the component 3 to release the aerosol modifier. In some embodiments, the filter rod wrap 16 has a basis weight of at least 20 gsm, and preferably at least 60 gsm, and more preferably at least 80 gsm. This basis weight provides increased stiffness to the filter rod wrap 16 to help maintain the structural integrity of the component 3 during the rolling of the component 3. In some embodiments, the basis weight of the filter rod wrap 16 is in the range of 20 gsm to 110 gsm, 60 gsm to 110 gsm, and preferably in the range of 80 gsm to 110 gsm. The basis weight of the filter rod wrap 16 can be in the range of 20 gsm to 100 gsm, 60 gsm to 100 gsm, or 80 gsm to 100 gsm.

[0206] In one embodiment, the rigidity of the filter rod wrapping portion 16 is achieved by a paper layer 17 made of paper, having a thickness of at least 30 micrometers, and preferably at least 35 micrometers, and more preferably at least 50 micrometers, 60 micrometers, 70 micrometers, 80 micrometers, 90 micrometers, or 100 micrometers. In some embodiments, the paper layer 17 has a thickness in the range of 30 micrometers to 137 micrometers, preferably in the range of 35 micrometers to 137 micrometers. After the user finishes rolling the component 3 to release the aerosol modifier, the rigidity of the filter rod wrapping portion 16 helps the component 3 return to its initial shape.

[0207] In one embodiment (not shown), component 3 is a cavity filter tip. A tipping paper 4, a filter rod wrapping portion 16, or other wrapping material (not shown) may extend through the tip of the body 7 to form a space including a gap (not shown).

[0208] In some embodiments, at least one object 11 (e.g., a bursting bead 11) has a diameter in the range of 0.1 mm to 8 mm, and preferably in the range of 0.2 mm to 4 mm.

[0209] In some embodiments, at least one object 11 (e.g., a bursting bead 11) has a diameter of at least 0.1 mm, and preferably has a diameter of at least 0.2 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm, 6.5 mm, 7 mm, 7.5 mm or 8 mm.

[0210] In some embodiments, at least one object 11 (e.g., a popping bead 11) has a particle size of at least 0.1 mm, and preferably has a particle size of at least 0.2 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm, 6.5 mm, 7 mm, 7.5 mm, or 8 mm. The term "particle size" refers to the particle size when measured by sieving.

[0211] In some embodiments, at least one object 11 includes multiple objects (e.g., multiple popping beads, beads, and / or granules). In other embodiments, a single object 11 (e.g., a single popping bead 11) is disposed in space 8.

[0212] In the above embodiments, the burst bead or each burst bead 11 includes an outer shell portion 13 and a core portion 14. However, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the outer shell portion 13 is omitted. In one embodiment (not shown), the burst bead or each burst bead 11 includes a body of material containing an aerosol modifier, wherein no shell portion surrounds the body. In one embodiment (not shown), the burst bead or each burst bead 11 includes a solid material that, when an external force is applied to the component 3, decomposes, for example, to form a powder to allow the aerosol modifier to be entrained in the gas flowing through the body 7.

[0213] The sheet material 10 includes a first outer edge 10A and a second outer edge 10B, and also includes a third outer edge 10C and a fourth outer edge 10D, which are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the first outer edge 10A and the second outer edge 10B. When the sheet material 10 is arranged to form the body 7, the third outer edge 10C and the fourth outer edge 10D are substantially parallel to the central axis AA of the component 3. The sheet material 10 may be generally rectangular.

[0214] The sheet material 10 includes a first slit 20 and a second slit 21.

[0215] The first slit 20 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the third outer edge 10C and the fourth outer edge 10D of the sheet material 10. The first slit 20 also extends in a direction substantially parallel to the first outer edge 10A and the second outer edge 10B.

[0216] The sheet material 10 has a width (measured between the third outer edge 10C and the fourth outer edge 10D) of the sheet material 10. Figure 5 The arrow "W" is shown in the image.

[0217] In some embodiments, when measured with the sheet material 10 laid flat, the sheet material 10 has a width W in the range of 30 mm to 400 mm, and preferably has a width in the range of 40 mm to 300 mm, 50 mm to 280 mm, 75 mm to 225 mm, or 100 mm to 200 mm.

[0218] In some embodiments, when measured with the sheet material 10 laid flat, the sheet material 10 has a width W of at least 30 mm, and preferably has a width of at least 40 mm, 50 mm, 75 mm, 100 mm, 125 mm, 150 mm, 175 mm or 190 mm.

[0219] In some embodiments, when measured with the sheet material 10 laid flat, the sheet material 10 has a width W of up to 400 mm, and preferably has a width of up to 300 mm, 280 mm, 250 mm, 225 mm, 200 mm, 175 mm, 150 mm, 125 mm or 100 mm.

[0220] In some embodiments, the first slit 20 is spaced apart from the third outer edge 10C and the fourth outer edge 10D; in other words, the first slit 20 does not extend over the entire width W of the sheet material 10.

[0221] The second slit 21 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the third outer edge 10C and the fourth outer edge 10D of the sheet material 10. The second slit 21 also extends in a direction substantially parallel to the first outer edge 10A and the second outer edge 10B.

[0222] In some embodiments, the second slit 21 is spaced apart from the third outer edge 10C and the fourth outer edge 10D; in other words, the second slit 21 is not located across the entire width of the sheet material 10 (by...). Figure 5 The arrow "W" in the diagram extends upwards.

[0223] The first slit 20 forms a first inner edge 22 of the sheet material 10, and the second slit 21 forms a second inner edge 23 of the sheet material 10. That is, when the sheet material 10 is brought together to form the body 7, the first slit 20 allows the sheet material 10 to come together on a first side (e.g., downstream side) of at least one object 11, such that the first inner edge 22 at least partially defines the boundary of the space 8 accommodating at least one object 11. The first inner edge can thus form a first wall portion 22A. Similarly, when the sheet material 10 is brought together to form the body 7, the second slit 21 allows the sheet material 10 to come together on a second side (e.g., upstream side) of at least one object 11, such that the second inner edge 23 at least partially defines the boundary of the space 8 accommodating at least one object 11. The second inner edge 23 can thus form a second wall portion 23A.

[0224] Therefore, the first inner edge 22 allows the sheet material 10 to converge on one side of the space 8 to at least partially or completely define the boundary of the space 8, thereby preventing at least one object 11 from moving out of the first end of the space 8. This improves the positioning of at least one object 11 within the component 3. Additionally, because the sheet material 10 converges, when viewed from the first end 3A of the component 3, the sheet material helps to conceal at least one object 11 in the space 8, which improves the aesthetics of the component 3. Advantageously, the first inner edge 22 achieves these benefits without requiring a separate component (e.g., a cellulose acetate filter rod) downstream of the object 11 or downstream of the body 7.

[0225] The second inner edge 23 allows the sheet material 10 to converge on one side of the space 8 to at least partially or completely define the boundary of the space 8, thereby preventing at least one object 11 from moving out of the second end of the space 8. This also improves the positioning of at least one object 11 within the component 3. Furthermore, because the sheet material 10 converges, when viewed from the second end 3B of the component 3, the sheet material helps to conceal at least one object 11 in the space 8, thereby improving the aesthetics of the component 3. Advantageously, the second inner edge 23 achieves these benefits without requiring a separate component (e.g., a cellulose acetate filter rod) upstream of the object 11 or upstream of the body 7.

[0226] For reference only. Figure 7The diagram shows a component 303 comprising a body 307 formed of sheet material 310 and at least one object 311 held within a space 308 within the body 307, wherein the sheet material 310 does not include a first inner edge or a second inner edge. It has been found that when the sheet material 310 is wrapped around or gathered around the object 11, the space 308 tends to form a continuous column extending from a first end 303A to a second end 303B of the component 303. This is due to the inherent rigidity of the sheet material 310 and because the sheet material 310 does not include any inner edges that would help gather the sheet material 310 together to at least partially form the boundary of the space 308. Therefore, the object 311 within the space 308 may move along the continuous columnar space 308 toward either the first end 303A or the second end 303B of the component 303, or excessive adhesive may be required to hold the object 311 in place during transport and use of the component 303. Furthermore, when viewed from either the first end 303A or the second end 303B of component 303, the entire object 311 will be visible. Conversely, Figures 1 to 6 In the embodiment, the first inner edge 22 and the second inner edge 23 of the sheet material 10 cause the sheet material 10 to converge around the space to at least partially define the boundary of the space 8.

[0227] In some implementations, for example Figures 1 to 6 In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22 and the second inner edge 23 are axially spaced apart by a distance ranging from 3 mm to 50 mm. In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22 and the second inner edge 23 are spaced apart by at least 3 mm, and preferably by at least 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, or 50 mm. In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22 and the second inner edge 23 are spaced apart by at most 50 mm, and preferably by at most 45 mm, 40 mm, 35 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, 15 mm, 10 mm, 5 mm, or 3 mm.

[0228] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first slit 20 and the second slit 21 extends linearly, and preferably the entire first slit 20 and / or second slit 21 extends linearly. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first slit 20 and / or the second slit 21 may be at least partially or completely non-linear (e.g., curved). In one embodiment (not shown), the first outer edge and / or the second outer edge follow a zigzag path.

[0229] In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22 is continuous. In other embodiments, the first inner edge 23 is discontinuous, with one or more intermediate portions of the sheet material 10 interspersed connecting adjacent portions of the first inner edge 23. Similarly, the second inner edge 23 may be continuous or discontinuous.

[0230] The first inner edge 22 and the second inner edge 23 can be disposed on opposite sides of at least one object 11 and can face opposite directions.

[0231] Component 3 includes a first end 3A and a second end 3B, wherein the first end 3A is the mouth end of component 3, and the second end 3B is opposite to the first end 3A. In this example, the first inner edge 22 is located between at least one object 11 and the first end 3A of component 3. In other embodiments, the first inner edge 22 is located between at least one object 11 and the second end 3B of component 3.

[0232] In this example, the second inner edge 23 is located between at least one object 11 and the first end 3B of the component 3. In other embodiments, the second inner edge 23 is located between at least one object 11 and the first end 3A of the component 3.

[0233] In some implementations, the first inner edge 22 or the second inner edge 23 may be omitted. The remaining inner edges 22, 23 will still at least partially define the boundary of the space 8, thus helping to improve the positioning of at least one object 11 within the component 3 and helping to at least partially conceal the component 3.

[0234] In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22 is configured such that when the sheet material 10 is brought together to form the body 7, the sheet material 10 on the side of the first inner edge 22 opposite to at least one object 11 will extend all the way to the central axis AA of the component 3 (e.g., Figure 4 (As shown). Similarly, the second inner edge 23 is configured such that when the sheet material 10 is brought together to form the body 7, the sheet material 10 on the side of the second inner edge 23 opposite to at least one object 11 will extend all the way to the central axis AA of the component 3. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first inner edge 22 and / or the second inner edge 23 are configured such that the sheet material 10 does not extend all the way to the central axis AA, but can instead form an annular wall portion (not shown). This annular wall portion will still at least partially define the boundary of the space 8, and thus helps improve the positioning of at least one object 11 within the component 3 and the aesthetics of the component 3, provided that the space within the annular portion has a smaller diameter than the space 8 that accommodates at least one object 11.

[0235] In some embodiments, the first wall portion 22A and / or the second wall portion 23A are oriented relative to the entire central axis AA of the component 3. Alternatively or additionally, the second wall portion 23A is oriented relative to the entire central axis AA of the component 3.

[0236] In some embodiments, the first wall portion 22A and / or the second wall portion 22B are porous. In this example, the inhaled material can flow through the layer of aggregated sheet material 10 in the first wall portion 22A and through the layer of aggregated sheet material 10 in the second wall portion 23A.

[0237] In some embodiments, a first portion 9 of the sheet material 10 surrounds at least one object 11. A first inner edge 22 and a second inner edge 23 may be disposed on opposite sides of the first portion 9 of the sheet material 10. The first portion 9 may be generally tubular or cylindrical. A space 8 is formed within the first portion 9 of the sheet material 10.

[0238] In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22 and / or the second inner edge 23 extend over a range of 10% to 95% of the width W of the sheet material 10. For example, when the sheet material 10 has a width W of 150 mm, the first inner edge 22 extends over a range of 15 mm to 142.5 mm of the width W of the sheet material 10 when the sheet material is laid flat, and / or the second inner edge 23 extends over a range of 15 mm to 142.5 mm of the width W of the sheet material 10.

[0239] In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22 and / or the second inner edge 23 extend at least 10% over the width W of the sheet material 10, and preferably at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% over the width W of the sheet material 10.

[0240] In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22 and / or the second inner edge 23 extend at most 95% of the width W of the sheet material 10, and optionally extend at most 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20% or 10% of the width W of the sheet material 10.

[0241] In some embodiments, when the sheet material 10 is laid flat, the first inner edge 22 has a length L1 ranging from 5 mm to 360 mm, and preferably from 5 mm to 270 mm.

[0242] In some embodiments, when the sheet material 10 is laid flat, the first inner edge 22 has a length L1 of at least 5 mm, and preferably has a length of at least 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 100 mm, 120 mm, 140 mm, 160 mm, 180 mm, 200 mm, 250 mm, 270 mm or 300 mm.

[0243] In some embodiments, when the sheet material 10 is laid flat, the second inner edge 23 has a length L2 ranging from 5 mm to 360 mm, and preferably from 5 mm to 270 mm.

[0244] In some embodiments, when the sheet material 10 is laid flat, the second inner edge 23 has a length L2 of at least 5 mm, and preferably has a length of at least 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 100 mm, 120 mm, 140 mm, 160 mm, 180 mm, 200 mm, 250 mm, 270 mm or 300 mm.

[0245] In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22 and / or the second inner edge 23 is spaced apart from at least one of the third outer edge 10C and the fourth outer edge 10D of the sheet material 10. In this example, the first inner edge 22 and / or the second inner edge 23 is spaced apart from both the third outer edge 10C and the fourth outer edge 10D of the sheet material 10. This makes it easier to manipulate the sheet material 10 during the manufacture of the component 3, because otherwise, if the first inner edge 22 and / or the second inner edge 23 extended to the third outer edge 10C or the fourth outer edge 10D, a drooping sheet of the sheet material 10 would be created, which would be more difficult to maintain proper alignment. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first inner edge 22 and / or the second inner edge 23 extends to the third outer edge 10C and / or the fourth outer edge 10D.

[0246] In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22 and / or the second inner edge 23 are substantially perpendicular to the third outer edge 10C and / or the fourth outer edge 10D of the sheet material 10.

[0247] In some embodiments, when the sheet material 10 is laid flat, the first inner edge 22 and / or the second inner edge 23 are spaced at least 3 mm from the third outer edge 10C and / or the fourth outer edge 10D, and preferably at least 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm or 10 mm apart.

[0248] In some embodiments, when the sheet material 10 is laid flat, the first inner edge 22 and / or the second inner edge 23 are spaced apart from the third outer edge 10C and / or the fourth outer edge 10D by at least 2.5% of the width W of the sheet material 10, and preferably by at least 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9% or 10% of the width of the sheet material.

[0249] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 is oriented relative to the central axis AA of the component 3, and preferably relative to the entire central axis AA of the sheet material 10. The sheet material 10 may be gathered around or wrap around at least one object 11.

[0250] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 includes a coating, and preferably, the coating includes an aerosol modifier. The aerosol modifier may optionally include a flavoring agent.

[0251] The first slit 20 and the second slit 21 may have the same shape or may have different shapes. The first slit 20 and the second slit 21 may have the same size or may have different sizes.

[0252] Now for reference Figure 8 The sheet material 10 of an alternative embodiment of the component is shown. Figure 8 The sheet material 10 and Figures 1 to 6 The sheet material 10 of component 3 is similar, wherein similar features are referred to by the same reference numerals, except that the first slit 20 and the second slit 21 are omitted and replaced by the first orifice 120 and the second orifice 121.

[0253] The edge 122 of the first opening 120 forms the first inner edge 122 of the sheet material 10, and the edge 123 of the second opening 121 forms the second inner edge 123 of the sheet material 10.

[0254] In this example, the first opening 120 and the second opening 121 are formed as cuts in the sheet material 10, for example, by cutting off portions of the sheet material 10 from the rest of the sheet material 10 to form the first opening 120 and the second opening 121. For example, the first opening 120 and the second opening 121 can be formed by stamping the portions out of the sheet material 10.

[0255] In other embodiments, the first aperture 120 and / or the second aperture 121 can be formed by different methods, such as cutting the sheet material 10 using one or more lasers. In yet another embodiment, the sheet material 10 can be cast in a mold such that the first aperture 120 and / or the second aperture 121 are formed in the sheet material during casting.

[0256] In this example, the first opening 120 and the second opening 121 are rectangular. However, in other embodiments, the first opening 120 and / or the second opening 121 can be different shapes, such as circular, elliptical, triangular, hexagonal, or D-shaped.

[0257] The first opening 120 is closer to the first outer edge 10A of the sheet material 10, and the second opening 121 is closer to the second outer edge 10B of the sheet material. At least one object (not shown) is located on the portion of the sheet material 10 between the first opening 120 and the second opening 121, and then the sheet material 10 is brought together to form a body (not shown) having a space (not shown) for accommodating at least one object.

[0258] The first inner edge 122 is the edge 122 of the first aperture 120 that is closest to the first outer edge 10A of the sheet material 10 and furthest from the portion of the sheet material 10 that receives at least one object (not shown). The second inner edge 123 is the edge 123 of the second aperture 121 that is closest to the second outer edge 10B of the sheet material 10 and furthest from the portion of the sheet material 10 that receives at least one object (not shown).

[0259] When the sheet material 10 is brought together to form a body (not shown), the first opening 120 allows the sheet material 10 to come together on a first side of at least one object, such that the first inner edge 122 at least partially or completely defines the boundary of the space (not shown) accommodating at least one object. The first inner edge 122 can thus form a first wall portion (not shown). Similarly, when the sheet material 10 is brought together to form a body, the second opening 121 allows the sheet material 10 to come together on a second side of at least one object, such that the second inner edge 123 at least partially or completely defines the boundary of the space accommodating at least one object. The second inner edge 123 can thus form a second wall portion.

[0260] and Figures 1 to 6 The implementation method is similar to that in the previous one. Figure 8The first inner edge 122 of the embodiment allows the sheet material 10 to converge on one side of the space to at least partially define the boundary of the space, thereby preventing at least one object from moving out of the first end of the space. This improves the positioning of at least one object within the component. Additionally, because the sheet material 10 is converged, it helps to conceal at least one object in the space when viewed from the first end of the component. Furthermore, the second inner edge 123 allows the sheet material 10 to converge on one side of the space to at least partially define the boundary of the space, thereby preventing at least one object from moving out of the second end of the space, which also improves the positioning of at least one object within the component. Additionally, because the sheet material 10 is converged, it helps to conceal at least one object in the space when viewed from the second end of the component.

[0261] The first orifice 120 and the second orifice 121 may have the same shape or may have different shapes. The first orifice 120 and the second orifice 121 may have the same size or may have different sizes.

[0262] In this example, both the first inner edge 122 and the second inner edge 123 are linear. This facilitates a more uniform convergence of the sheet material 10 when it is formed as the bulk material. However, in some embodiments (not shown), the first inner edge 122 and / or the second inner edge 123 are partially or completely non-linear. For example, the first inner edge 122 and / or the second inner edge 123 may be curved. In one embodiment (not shown), the first outer edge and / or the second outer edge follow a zigzag path.

[0263] In some embodiments, the first inner edge 122 and / or the second inner edge 123 extend substantially perpendicular to the central axis AA of the component 3. When the sheet material 10 is laid flat, the first inner edge 122 and the second inner edge 123 are parallel to the first outer edge 10A and the second outer edge 10B and / or perpendicular to the third outer edge 10C and the fourth outer edge 10D. However, in alternative embodiments, the first inner edge 122 and / or the second inner edge 123 may be angled to the first outer edge 10A, the second outer edge 10B, the third outer edge 10C, and the fourth outer edge 10D.

[0264] It should be recognized that, Figures 1 to 6 Any feature or variation of the implementation method can be applied to Figure 8 The implementation method in the text.

[0265] In some implementations (not shown), one of the first inner edge and the second inner edge may be formed by a slit, and the other of the first inner edge and the second inner edge may be formed by an orifice.

[0266] In some implementations (not shown), one of the first inner edges 22, 122 and the second inner edges 23, 123 is omitted. For example, it may be omitted. Figures 1 to 6 The first slit 20 or the second slit 21 in the embodiment may be omitted. Figure 8 The first orifice 120 or the second orifice 121 in the embodiment.

[0267] Now for reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 This illustrates another embodiment of component 3. Figure 9 and Figure 10 Component 3 in the implementation method and Figures 1 to 6 The implementation method is similar, with similar features using the same reference numerals. The difference is that component 3 is configured to also include a body 7 that receives at least one additional object 211 in a second space 208. Furthermore, besides... Figures 1 to 6 In addition to the first slit 20 and the second slit 21 in the embodiment, Figure 9 and Figure 10 The sheet material 10 in the embodiment further includes a third slit 220 on one side of the attachment 211 and a fourth slit 221 on the other side of the attachment 211, wherein the third slit 220 forms a third inner edge 222 of the sheet material 10 and the fourth slit 221 forms a fourth inner edge 223 of the sheet material.

[0268] At least one object 11 (e.g., one or more popping beads 11) and at least one additional object 211 (e.g., one or more additional popping beads 211) may be applied to the sheet material 10 before or simultaneously with the sheet material 10 being formed into the body 7. In some embodiments, at least one object 11 and / or at least one additional object 211 are attached to the sheet material 10, for example, by an adhesive (not shown) or by electrostatic attachment. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, at least one object 11 and / or at least one additional object 211 are not attached to the sheet material 10. In fact, the advantage of the inner edges 22, 23, 222, 223 is that they improve the positioning of the object 11 / additional object 211 within the component 3, and therefore in some embodiments, such an adhesive may be omitted while still maintaining the correct positioning of the object 11 / additional object 211.

[0269] In some embodiments, at least one additional object 211 includes one or more aerosol modifier release components 211, which may be burst beads 211. At least one additional object 211 may differ from at least one object 11, for example, by including different aerosol modifiers or being configured to release different amounts or concentrations of modifiers. Alternatively, at least one object 11 and at least one additional object 211 may have the same construction.

[0270] At least one additional object 211 may have the above-mentioned Figures 1 to 6 Any feature of at least one object 11 described. Additionally or alternatively, at least one additional object 211 may have the features described above. Figures 1 to 6 Any feature of at least one object 11 described may be, for example, an aerosol modifier release component 211, and may be a bursting bead 211 comprising an outer shell (not shown) and a core (not shown). At least one additional object 211 may alternatively or additionally include different types of objects, such as filter materials, such as beads or granules.

[0271] Aerosol modifier component 11 allows the user to control whether to introduce an aerosol modifier into the airflow passing through the body 7, and another aerosol modifier component 211 also allows the user to control whether to introduce an aerosol modifier into the airflow passing through the body 7 (whether this is an aerosol modifier of a different type than component 11, or allows for increased delivery of an aerosol modifier of the same type as component 11). When the user wishes to introduce the modifier, he or she applies an external force to component 3 according to the position of the user's finger and / or the amount of force applied, causing one or both of the aerosol modifier release components 11 and 211 to break.

[0272] The first slit 20, the second slit 21, the third slit 220, and the fourth slit 221 all extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the third outer edge 10C and the fourth outer edge 10D of the sheet material 10. The first slit 20, the second slit 21, the third slit 220, and the fourth slit 221 all extend in a direction substantially parallel to the first outer edge 10A and the second outer edge 10B. However, it should be recognized that in other embodiments, one or more of the first slit 20, the second slit 21, the third slit 220, and the fourth slit 221 extend at an angle to the first outer edge 10A, the second outer edge 10B, the third outer edge 10C, and the fourth outer edge 10D.

[0273] In some embodiments, the first slit 20, the second slit 21, the third slit 220, and the fourth slit 221 are all spaced apart from the third outer edge 10C and the fourth outer edge 10D. In other words, the first slit 20, the second slit 21, the third slit 220, and the fourth slit 221 are not located across the entire width of the sheet material 10 (by...). Figure 10 The arrow W in the diagram extends upwards.

[0274] and Figures 1 to 6 Similar to the implementation described above, the first slit 20 forms a first inner edge 22 of the sheet material 10, and the second slit 21 forms a second inner edge 23 of the sheet material 10. That is, when the sheet material 10 is brought together to form the body 7, the first slit 20 allows the sheet material 10 to be brought together on a first side (e.g., downstream side) of at least one object 11, such that the first inner edge 22 at least partially or completely defines the boundary of the space 8 accommodating at least one object 11. The first inner edge can thus form a first wall portion 22A. Similarly, when the sheet material 10 is brought together to form the body 7, the second slit 21 allows the sheet material 10 to be brought together on a second side (e.g., upstream side) of at least one object 11 but on a first side (e.g., downstream side) of at least one additional object 211, such that the second inner edge 23 at least partially or completely defines the boundary of the space 8 accommodating at least one object 11. The second inner edge 23 can thus form a second wall portion 23A.

[0275] Additionally, the third slit 220 forms the third inner edge 222 of the sheet material 10, and the fourth slit 221 forms the fourth inner edge 223 of the sheet material 10. That is, when the sheet material 10 is brought together to form the body 7, the third slit 220 allows the sheet material 10 to be brought together on a first side (e.g., downstream side) but on a second (e.g., upstream) side of at least one additional object 211, such that the third inner edge 222 at least partially or completely defines the boundary of the second space 208 accommodating at least one additional object 211. The third inner edge 222 can thus form the third wall portion 222A. Similarly, when the sheet material 10 is brought together to form the body 7, the fourth slit 221 allows the sheet material 10 to be brought together on a second side (e.g., upstream side) of at least one additional object 211, such that the fourth inner edge 223 at least partially defines the boundary of the second space 208 accommodating at least one additional object 211. The fourth inner edge 223 can therefore form the fourth wall portion 223A.

[0276] Therefore, the first inner edge 22 allows the sheet material 10 to converge on one side of the space 8 to at least partially define the boundary of the space 8, thereby preventing at least one object 11 from moving out of the first end of the space 8. This improves the positioning of at least one object 11 within the component 3. Additionally, because the sheet material 10 is converged, when viewed from the first (e.g., downstream) end of the component 3, the sheet material helps to conceal at least one object 11 in the space 8. Furthermore, the second inner edge 23 allows the sheet material 10 to converge on the other side of the space 8 to at least partially define the boundary of the space 8, thereby preventing at least one object 11 from moving out of the second end of the space 8, which also improves the positioning of at least one object 11 within the component 3. Additionally, because the sheet material 10 is converged, when viewed from the second (e.g., upstream) end of the component 3, the sheet material helps to conceal at least one object 11 in the space 8.

[0277] The third inner edge 222 allows the sheet material 10 to converge on one side of the second space 208 to at least partially define the boundary of the second space 208, thereby preventing at least one additional object 211 from moving out of the first end of the second space 208. This improves the positioning of at least one additional object 211 within the component 3. Additionally, because the sheet material 10 is converged, when viewed from the first (e.g., downstream) end of the component 3, the sheet material helps to conceal at least one additional object 211 in the second space 208. Furthermore, the fourth inner edge 223 allows the sheet material 10 to converge on the other side of the second space 208 to at least partially define the boundary of the second space 208, thereby preventing at least one additional object 211 from moving out of the second end of the second space 208, which also improves the positioning of at least one additional object 211 within the component 3. Additionally, because the sheet material 10 is converged, when viewed from the second (e.g., upstream) end of the component 3, the sheet material helps to conceal at least one additional object 211 in the second space 208.

[0278] In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22 and the second inner edge 23 are axially spaced apart by a distance ranging from 3 mm to 50 mm. In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22 and the second inner edge 23 are spaced apart by a distance of at least 3 mm, and preferably by a distance of at least 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, or 50 mm. In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22 and the second inner edge 23 are spaced apart by a distance of up to 50 mm, and preferably by a distance of up to 45 mm, 40 mm, 35 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, 15 mm, 10 mm, 5 mm, or 3 mm.

[0279] In some embodiments, the third inner edge 222 and the fourth inner edge 223 are axially spaced apart by a distance ranging from 3 mm to 50 mm. In some embodiments, the third inner edge 222 and the fourth inner edge 223 are spaced apart by a distance of at least 3 mm, and preferably by a distance of at least 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, or 50 mm. In some embodiments, the third inner edge 222 and the fourth inner edge 223 are spaced apart by a distance of up to 50 mm, and preferably by a distance of up to 45 mm, 40 mm, 35 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, 15 mm, 10 mm, 5 mm, or 3 mm.

[0280] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first slit 20, the second slit 21, the third slit 220, and the fourth slit 221 (and thus the corresponding inner edges of the sheet material) extends linearly, and preferably, the entire first slit 20, the second slit 21, the third slit 220, and / or the fourth slit 221 extends linearly. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first slit 20, the second slit 21, the third slit 220, and / or the fourth slit 221 (and thus the corresponding inner edges of the sheet material) may be at least partially non-linear, for example, curved. In some embodiments, one of the first slit 20, the second slit 21, the third slit 220, and / or the fourth slit 221 may follow a zigzag path.

[0281] In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22, the second inner edge 23, the third inner edge 222, and the fourth inner edge 223 are continuous. In other embodiments, one or more of the first inner edge 22, the second inner edge 23, the third inner edge 222, and / or the fourth inner edge 223 may be discontinuous, interspersed with one or more intermediate portions of the sheet material 10.

[0282] The first inner edge 22 and the second inner edge 23 can be disposed on opposite sides of at least one object 11 and can face opposite directions.

[0283] The third inner edge 222 and the fourth inner edge 223 may be disposed on opposite sides of at least one additional object 211 and may face opposite directions.

[0284] Component 3 includes a first end 3A and a second end 3B, wherein the first end 3A is the mouth end of component 3, and the second end 3B is opposite to the first end 3A. In this example, a first inner edge 22 is located between at least one object 11 and the first end 3A of component 3, a second inner edge 23 is located between at least one object 11 and the second end 3B of component 3, a third inner edge 222 is located between at least one additional object 211 and the first end 3A of component 3, and a fourth inner edge 223 is located between at least one additional object 211 and the second end 3B of component 3.

[0285] In this example, the first inner edge 22, the second inner edge 23, the third inner edge 222, and the fourth inner edge 223 are arranged in sequence.

[0286] In some embodiments, one or more of the first inner edge 22, the second inner edge 23, the third inner edge 222, and the fourth inner edge 223 may be omitted. The remaining inner edges 22, 23, 222, and 223 will still at least partially define the boundaries of space 8 and / or the second space 208, and thus help improve the positioning of at least one object 11 and / or at least one additional object 211 within component 3 and improve the aesthetics of component 3.

[0287] In one such embodiment, one of the second inner edge 23 and the third inner edge 222 is omitted, wherein the other of the second inner edge 23 and the third inner edge 222 will still help the sheet material 10 to be brought together between at least one object 11 and at least one additional object 211 to aid in their separation within the component 3. In yet another embodiment, both the second inner edge 23 and the third inner edge 222 are omitted.

[0288] In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22 is configured such that when the sheet material 10 is brought together to form the body 7, the sheet material 10 on the side of the first inner edge 22 opposite to at least one object 11 extends all the way to the central axis AA of the component 3. Similarly, the second inner edge 23 and / or the third inner edge 222 may be configured such that when the sheet material 10 is brought together to form the body 7, the sheet material 10 between the second inner edge 23 and the third inner edge 222 extends all the way to the central axis AA of the component 3. Furthermore, the fourth inner edge 223 may be configured such that the sheet material 10 on the side of the fourth inner edge 223 opposite to at least one additional object 211 extends all the way to the central axis AA of the component 3. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first inner edge 22, the second inner edge 23, the third inner edge 222 and / or the fourth inner edge 223 are configured such that the sheet material 10 does not extend all the way to the central axis AA, but may instead form an annular wall portion (not shown).

[0289] In some embodiments, the first wall portion 22A, the second wall portion 23A, the third wall portion 222A and / or the fourth wall portion 223A are oriented relative to the entire central axis AA of the component 3.

[0290] In some embodiments, the first wall portion 22A, the second wall portion 23A, the third wall portion 222A, and / or the fourth wall portion 223A are porous. In this example, the inhalant can flow through the aggregated sheet material 10 layers of the first wall portion 22A, the second wall portion 23A, the third wall portion 222A, and the fourth wall portion 223A.

[0291] In some embodiments, a first portion 9 of the sheet material 10 surrounds at least one object 11. A first inner edge 22 and a second inner edge 23 may be located at opposite ends of the first portion 9 of the sheet material 10. The first portion 9 may be generally tubular or cylindrical. A space 8 is formed within the first portion 9 of the sheet material 10.

[0292] In some embodiments, a second portion 209 of the sheet material 10 surrounds at least one additional object 211. A third inner edge 222 and a fourth inner edge 223 may be located at opposite ends of the second portion 209 of the sheet material 10. The second portion 209 may be generally tubular or cylindrical. A second space 208 is formed within the second portion 209 of the sheet material 10.

[0293] In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22, the second inner edge 23, the third inner edge 222, and / or the fourth inner edge 223 all extend over the width W of the sheet material 10 by a range of 10% to 95%. For example, when the sheet material 10 has a width W of 150 mm, when the sheet material is laid flat, the first inner edge 22 extends over the width W of the sheet material 10 by a range of 15 mm to 142.5 mm, and / or the second inner edge 23 extends over the width W of the sheet material 10 by a range of 15 mm to 142.5 mm, and / or the third inner edge 222 extends over the width W of the sheet material 10 by a range of 15 mm to 142.5 mm, and / or the fourth inner edge 223 extends over the width W of the sheet material 10 by a range of 15 mm to 142.5 mm.

[0294] In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22, the second inner edge 23, the third inner edge 222 and / or the fourth inner edge 223 all extend at least 10% over the width W of the sheet material 10, and preferably all extend at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95% over the width W of the sheet material 10.

[0295] In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22, the second inner edge 23, the third inner edge 222 and / or the fourth inner edge 223 all extend at most 95% of the width W of the sheet material 10, and optionally all extend at most 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20% or 10% of the width W of the sheet material 10.

[0296] In some embodiments, when the sheet material 10 is laid flat, the first inner edge 22, the second inner edge 23, the third inner edge 222 and / or the fourth inner edge 223 each have a length in the range of 5 mm to 360 mm, and preferably each have a length in the range of 5 mm to 270 mm.

[0297] In some embodiments, when the sheet material 10 is laid flat, the first inner edge 22, the second inner edge 23, the third inner edge 222 and / or the fourth inner edge 223 each have a length of at least 5 mm, and preferably each have a length of at least 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 100 mm, 120 mm, 140 mm, 160 mm, 180 mm, 200 mm, 250 mm, 270 mm or 300 mm.

[0298] In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22, the second inner edge 23, the third inner edge 222, and / or the fourth inner edge 223 are spaced apart from at least one of the third outer edge 10C and the fourth outer edge 10D of the sheet material 10. In this example, the first inner edge 22, the second inner edge 23, the third inner edge 222, and / or the fourth inner edge 223 are spaced apart from both the third outer edge 10C and the fourth outer edge 10D of the sheet material 10. This makes it easier to manipulate the sheet material 10 during the manufacture of the component 3, because otherwise, if the first inner edge 22, the second inner edge 23, the third inner edge 222, and / or the fourth inner edge 223 extended to the third outer edge 10C or the fourth outer edge 10D, a drooping sheet of the sheet material 10 would be created, which would be more difficult to maintain proper alignment. However, it should be recognized that in other embodiments, the first inner edge 22, the second inner edge 23, the third inner edge 222 and / or the fourth inner edge 223 extend to the third outer edge 10C and / or the fourth outer edge 10D.

[0299] In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22, the second inner edge 23, the third inner edge 222 and / or the fourth inner edge 223 are substantially perpendicular to the third outer edge 10C and / or the fourth outer edge 10D of the sheet material 10.

[0300] In some embodiments, when the sheet material 10 is laid flat, the first inner edge 22, the second inner edge 23, the third inner edge 222 and / or the fourth inner edge 223 are spaced apart from the third outer edge 10C and / or the fourth outer edge 10D by at least 3 mm, and preferably by at least 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm or 10 mm.

[0301] In some embodiments, when the sheet material 10 is laid flat, the first inner edge 22, the second inner edge 23, the third inner edge 222 and / or the fourth inner edge 223 are spaced from the third outer edge 10C and / or the fourth outer edge 10D by at least 2.5% of the width W of the sheet material 10, and preferably by at least 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9% or 10% of the width of the sheet material.

[0302] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 is oriented relative to the central axis AA of the component 3, and preferably relative to the entire central axis AA of the sheet material 10. The sheet material 10 may wrap around or gather around at least one object 11 and / or another object 211.

[0303] In some embodiments, the second inner edge 23 and the third inner edge 222 are separated by a distance ranging from 3 mm to 50 mm (by...). Figure 10 (Indicated by the arrow "D" in the diagram). In some embodiments, the second inner edge 23 and the third inner edge 222 are separated by a distance D in the range of 4 mm to 45 mm, 4 mm to 25 mm, or 4 mm to 10 mm.

[0304] In some embodiments, the second inner edge 23 and the third inner edge 222 are spaced apart by a distance D of at least 3 mm, and preferably by a distance of at least 4 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm or 50 mm.

[0305] In some embodiments, the second inner edge 23 and the third inner edge 222 are spaced apart by a distance D of up to 50 mm, and preferably by a distance of up to 45 mm, 40 mm, 35 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, 15 mm, 10 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm or 3 mm.

[0306] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 includes a coating, and preferably, the coating includes an aerosol modifier. The aerosol modifier may optionally include a flavoring agent.

[0307] Figure 8 The implementation method or Figure 9 and Figure 10 The sheet material 10 in the embodiments described herein may have Figures 1 to 6 Any feature of the sheet material 10 in the embodiments described herein, including but not limited to any or all of the same size, shape, basis weight, thickness, length, width or material.

[0308] The first slit 20, the second slit 21, the third slit 220, and the fourth slit 221 may have the same shape or may have different shapes. The first slit 20, the second slit 21, the third slit 220, and the fourth slit 221 may have the same size or may have different sizes.

[0309] It should be recognized that, Figures 1 to 6 Any feature or variation of the implementation method can be applied to Figure 8 or Figure 9 and Figure 10 The embodiments described above are provided. For example, in one embodiment (not shown), a component comprising a sheet material having a first opening, a second opening, a third opening, and a fourth opening, which have the aforementioned... Figure 8The described structure forms a first inner edge, a second inner edge, a third inner edge, and a fourth inner edge, respectively. In another embodiment (not shown), one or more of the first inner edge, the second inner edge, the third inner edge, and the fourth inner edge are formed by corresponding slits, and some other inner edges of the first inner edge, the second inner edge, the third inner edge, and the fourth inner edge are formed by corresponding orifices.

[0310] In some embodiments, the first, second, third, and / or fourth openings are modified to be cuts extending to the third outer edge 10C or the fourth outer edge 10D of the sheet material, and the cuts may be, for example, U-shaped.

[0311] In one embodiment (not shown), the second and third inner edges are omitted, such that a space is formed in the body between the first and fourth inner edges, wherein at least one object and at least one additional object are both received in the space.

[0312] Now for reference Figure 11 The diagram illustrates a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a method 400 for manufacturing a component for a conveying system. The method includes: setting up an assembly (step S1) comprising at least one object and including a sheet material having a first inner edge; and arranging the sheet material into a body such that the body includes a space for receiving at least one object, wherein the first inner edge at least partially or completely defines the boundary of the space (step S2).

[0313] In some implementations, setting the component (step S1) includes forming a first inner edge in the sheet material. Alternatively, the sheet material may have a first inner edge pre-formed in the sheet material.

[0314] In some embodiments, forming a first inner edge in a sheet material includes cutting the sheet material to form the first inner edge, and preferably, cutting through the entire thickness of the sheet material to form the first inner edge.

[0315] In some implementations, forming the first inner edge includes cutting the sheet material using a suitable cutting device (e.g., using a blade and / or a laser).

[0316] In some implementations, forming the first inner edge includes forming a slit in the sheet material.

[0317] In some embodiments, forming the first inner edge includes forming an aperture in the sheet material such that the edge of the aperture encompasses the first inner edge of the sheet material. The aperture may be substantially rectangular, or it may be other shapes, such as circular, elliptical, triangular, hexagonal, or D-shaped.

[0318] In some embodiments, forming the aperture includes forming a cut in the sheet material. For example, the method may include cutting a portion of the sheet material from the remainder of the sheet material to form a first aperture and a second aperture. In some embodiments, the first and second apertures may be formed by punching the portions out of the sheet material.

[0319] In other embodiments, the first aperture and / or the second aperture may be formed in different ways, for example, by cutting the sheet material using one or more lasers. In yet another embodiment, the sheet material may be cast in a mold such that the first aperture and / or the second aperture are formed in the sheet material during casting.

[0320] In some embodiments, setting the component (step S1) includes setting a sheet material including a first inner edge and then setting at least one object on the sheet material, and preferably, the setting component includes forming a first inner edge in the sheet material and then setting at least one object on the sheet material.

[0321] In other embodiments, setting the component (step S1) includes: setting a sheet material, setting at least one object on the sheet material, and then forming a first inner edge in the sheet material.

[0322] In some embodiments, the method includes curling the sheet material, and preferably curling the sheet material to the curling depth as described above (e.g., in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, and preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm or in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.7 mm). In some embodiments, the method includes heating the sheet material while curling it.

[0323] The method may include curling the sheet material after forming the inner edge or each inner edge, or curling the sheet material before forming the inner edge or each inner edge.

[0324] In some embodiments, the method includes: placing at least one object onto a sheet material using an object supply device (e.g., an object conveyor wheel).

[0325] In some embodiments, the sheet material of the component includes a second inner edge, and wherein arranging the sheet material into a body includes arranging the sheet material such that the second inner edge at least partially or completely forms the boundary of the space.

[0326] In some embodiments, the step of setting the component (step S1) includes forming a second inner edge in the sheet material. In some embodiments, the second inner edge is formed in the same manner as the first inner edge as described above.

[0327] In some implementations, setting up the components (step S1) includes setting up a continuous web of sheet material.

[0328] In some embodiments, the method includes cutting continuous webs of the sheet material (and any surrounding wrapping) after arranging the sheet material into a body. In some embodiments, cutting the continuous webs of the sheet material forms one or more discrete parts. In some embodiments, cutting the continuous webs of the sheet material after arranging the sheet material into a body includes cutting the webs to form a part of a single length (i.e., having a final length for the delivery system). In other embodiments, cutting the continuous webs of the sheet material after arranging the sheet material into a body includes cutting the webs to form parts of multiple lengths, which may then be cut to form a single-length part (before or after attachment to another part, such as a pipe).

[0329] Figure 12 An example of a continuous web of sheet material 500 is shown.

[0330] In this example, the region between adjacent first inner edge 22 and second inner edge 23 (along...) Figure 12 The continuous web 500 is intermittently cut using dashed lines “ZZ” to separate portions of the sheet material 10 from the remainder of the continuous web 500. In this example, the continuous web 500 and the covering filter rod wrap (not shown) are cut at the area after the sheet material has been gathered into a body and wrapped with a filter rod wrap. That is, the web 500 is cut after it has formed a rod that accommodates at least one object 11. In some embodiments, the rod is cut such that each separated portion of the sheet material 10 corresponds to the final length of the component (i.e., the cut rod is a single length of the component). In other embodiments, the rod is cut such that each separated portion of the sheet material 10 corresponds to a multiple of the final length of the component (e.g., the cut rod is twice the length of the component, or three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more times the final length of the component), and then the cut rod is cut to form a component of a single length. In some embodiments, each separated portion of the sheet material includes one or more pairs of first inner edges and second inner edges and / or one or more pairs of third inner edges and fourth inner edges.

[0331] In some embodiments, the method includes forming a plurality of inner edges at regularly spaced intervals in a continuous web. For example, the method may include forming a first inner edge, a second inner edge, a third inner edge, and / or a fourth inner edge at regularly spaced intervals in a continuous web. Figure 12 In the example, the spacing on the web 500 is regularly spaced (see...). Figure 12 The arrow "D2" in the figure has multiple first inner edges 22, and is spaced at regular intervals on the web 500 (by...). Figure 12 (As indicated by the arrow "D3"), multiple second inner edges 23 are formed.

[0332] The distance D2 between each first inner edge 22 and / or the distance D3 between each second inner edge 23 can range from 5 mm to 50 mm, and preferably from 10 mm to 30 mm. In some embodiments, the distances D2 and / or D3 are at least 5 mm, and optionally at least 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, or 45 mm. In some embodiments, the distances D2 and / or D3 are at most 50 mm, and preferably at most 45 mm, 40 mm, 35 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, 15 mm, 10 mm, or 5 mm.

[0333] Each first inner edge 22 is spaced apart from its corresponding second inner edge 23 by a distance (by... Figure 12 (Indicated by arrow "D1"), wherein at least one object 11 is disposed between each pair of first inner edges 22 and second inner edges 23. When the sheet material web 500 is brought together to form a body, the first inner edges 22 and second inner edges 23 allow the sheet material to come together such that the first inner edges 22 and second inner edges 23 at least partially define the boundary of the space accommodating at least one object 11. In other embodiments, one of the first inner edges 22 and second inner edges 23 may be omitted. In still other embodiments, a third inner edge and / or a fourth inner edge (not shown) may be formed on the continuous web 500, and optionally, at least one additional object (not shown) may be positioned adjacent to the third inner edge and / or the fourth inner edge on the web 500.

[0334] In some embodiments, the distance D1 between the first inner edge 22 and the second inner edge 23 is in the range of 3 mm to 50 mm. In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22 and the second inner edge 23 are spaced apart by a distance D1 of at least 3 mm, and preferably by a distance of at least 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm or 50 mm. In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22 and the second inner edge 23 are spaced apart by a distance D1 of at most 50 mm, and preferably by a distance of at most 45 mm, 40 mm, 35 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, 15 mm, 10 mm, 5 mm or 3 mm.

[0335] In some embodiments (not shown), the web includes a third inner edge and a fourth inner edge, wherein the distance between the third inner edge and the fourth inner edge is in the range of 3 mm to 50 mm. In some embodiments, the third inner edge and the fourth inner edge are spaced apart by at least 3 mm, and preferably by at least 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, or 50 mm. In some embodiments, the third inner edge and the fourth inner edge are spaced apart by at most 50 mm, and preferably by at most 45 mm, 40 mm, 35 mm, 30 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, 15 mm, 10 mm, 5 mm, or 3 mm.

[0336] In some embodiments, the method includes causing the continuous web 500 along a conveying path (by... Figure 12 (Indicated by the arrow "Y") moves and at least one object 11 (and / or at least one additional object) is positioned at regular intervals as the continuous web 500 moves along the conveying path Y. At least one object 11 may be located between the first inner edge 22 and the second inner edge 23, or, if one of the first inner edge 22 and the second inner edge 23 is omitted, at least one object may be located near the other of the first inner edge 22 and the second inner edge 23.

[0337] In some embodiments, the web 500 has a width in the range of 30 mm to 400 mm (by... Figure 12 (as indicated by the arrow "W1"), and preferably has a width in the range of 40 mm to 300 mm, 50 mm to 280 mm, 75 mm to 225 mm, or 100 mm to 200 mm.

[0338] In some embodiments, the web 500 has a width W1 of at least 30 mm, and preferably has a width of at least 40 mm, 50 mm, 75 mm, 100 mm, 125 mm, 150 mm, 175 mm, 190 mm, 250 mm, 280 mm, 300 mm or 400 mm.

[0339] In some embodiments, the web 500 has a width W1 of up to 400 mm, and preferably has a width of up to 300 mm, 280 mm, 250 mm, 225 mm, 200 mm, 175 mm, 150 mm, 125 mm or 100 mm.

[0340] Although in the above example, the inner edges 22, 23 are provided in a continuous web 500 of sheet material, which is then gathered and formed into a body, and subsequently cut to form individual parts (or multiple parts of various lengths), in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the web is cut into individual sheets, the inner edges are provided in the sheets, and at least one object is provided on the sheets.

[0341] In some embodiments, the step of arranging the sheet material into a body (step S2) includes gathering the sheet material together to form a body.

[0342] In some embodiments, a first wall portion is defined by bringing together a first inner edge of the sheet material and / or a second wall portion is defined by bringing together a second inner edge of the sheet material. In embodiments where the sheet material further includes a third inner edge and / or a fourth inner edge, the method may include bringing together the third inner edge and / or the fourth inner edge of the sheet material to define corresponding third and / or fourth wall portions. In some embodiments, the component includes at least one additional object. Arranging the sheet material into a body (step S2) may include arranging the sheet material such that the body includes a second space for receiving at least one additional object, wherein the third inner edge at least partially defines the boundary of the second space. In some embodiments, arranging the sheet material into a body (step S2) includes arranging the sheet material such that a fourth inner edge at least partially defines the boundary of the second space.

[0343] The third and / or fourth inner edges can be formed in the same manner as described above with reference to the first and / or second inner edges.

[0344] In some embodiments, the method further includes connecting the component to another component of the delivery system (e.g., another component of a combustible or non-combustible aerosol supply device). In one embodiment, this other component is a cigarette holder and can be attached to the component via packaging (such as tipping paper).

[0345] Method 400 can be used to manufacture the above reference. Figures 1 to 6 , Figure 8 or Figure 9 and Figure 10 The components of the described embodiments (including components having any variations described herein). For example, sheet material may have any of the features described above with respect to any embodiment, the first inner edge, the second inner edge, the third inner edge and / or the fourth inner edge may have any of the features described above with respect to any embodiment, and / or objects and / or additional objects may have any of the features of objects / additional objects described above with respect to any embodiment.

[0346] Now for reference Figure 13 An embodiment of an apparatus 600 for manufacturing components for a conveying system is shown.

[0347] The apparatus 600 includes a sheet material 10 supply section 601 and a crimping device 602 and an edge forming device 603, the edge forming device including a first pair of cutting rollers 604 and a second pair of cutting rollers 605. The apparatus 600 also includes an adhesive applicator 606, an object supply device 607 and a body forming device 608.

[0348] In this example, the supply unit 601 is along the conveying path (by... Figure 13 (Indicated by the arrow "Y") A roll of sheet material 601 is supplied with sheet material 10. Sheet material 10 may be supplied, for example, by rollers and / or belts (as will be apparent to those skilled in the art) along the conveying path Y. In this example, sheet material 10 is supplied as a continuous web 500 to body forming apparatus 608.

[0349] In this example, the crimping device 602 includes a first crimping roller 602A and a second crimping roller 602B. However, in other embodiments, the crimping device 602 may be omitted or may have a different configuration, for example, alternatively or additionally, the crimping device may include an embossing device (such as an embossing roller).

[0350] The curling device 602 is configured to curl the sheet material 10 as it passes between rollers 602A and 602B. In some embodiments, the curling device 602 is configured to curl the sheet material 10 to the curling depth described above, for example, in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, and preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm or in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.7 mm. In some embodiments, the curling device 602 is configured to heat the sheet material, for example, by heating one or both of rollers 602A and 602B. In one such embodiment, one or both of the curling rollers 602A and 602B include one or more heating elements, such as resistance heating elements.

[0351] In this example, the curling device 602 is configured to curl the sheet material 10 before the edge forming device 603 forms the inner edge. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the curling device 602 is configured to curl the sheet material 10 after the edge forming device 603 has formed the inner edge.

[0352] The first pair of cutting rollers 604 includes a scissor roller 604A and a support roller 604B. The scissor roller 604A includes a plurality of blades 604C configured to sequentially intersect the sheet material 10 as it passes between the scissor roller 604A and the support roller 604B, thereby forming a first slit in the web 500 of the sheet material 10. The blades 604C are regularly spaced around the central axis of the scissor roller 604A, such that the blades 604C form the first slits in the sheet material 10 at regularly spaced intervals. The distance between each first slit can be selected by adjusting the distance between adjacent blades 604C and / or the number of blades 604C on the scissor roller 604A.

[0353] The second pair of cutting rollers 605 includes a scissor roller 605A and a support roller 604B. The scissor roller 605A includes a plurality of blades 605C configured to sequentially intersect the sheet material 10 as it passes between the scissor roller 605A and the support roller 605B, thereby forming a second slit in the web 500 of the sheet material 10. These blades 605C are regularly spaced around the central axis of the scissor roller 605A, such that the blades 605C form the second slits in the sheet material 10 at regularly spaced intervals. The distance between each second slit can be selected by adjusting the distance between adjacent blades 605C and / or the number of blades 605C on the scissor roller 605A.

[0354] In some embodiments, the rotation of the first pair of cutting rollers 604 and the second pair of cutting rollers 605 can be synchronized.

[0355] The first slit forms a first inner edge of the sheet material 10, and the second slit forms a second inner edge of the sheet material 10. The first and second slits and / or the first and second inner edges may have the characteristics described above. Figures 1 to 6 and Figures 8 to 12 Any features of the slit / inner edge described in the implementation, including similar shapes and / or sizes.

[0356] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a pair of cutting rollers form both a first inner edge and a second inner edge. For example, a blade or a set of blades forms the first inner edge, and a second blade or a second set of blades forms the second inner edge. In other embodiments, the first inner edge or the second inner edge is omitted.

[0357] In some embodiments, the first pair of cutting rollers 604 and / or the second pair of cutting rollers 605 may be replaced by one or more cutting lasers configured to form slits or orifices in the sheet material, which form the inner edge of the sheet material 10.

[0358] In this example, the edge forming device 603 forms a slit in the sheet material 10. In other embodiments, the edge forming device 603 forms an aperture in the sheet material 10, which forms an internal edge. For example, the edge forming device 603 may be configured to form a cut in the sheet material 10 to form the aperture or each aperture. In one such embodiment, the cutting device 603 includes a punching roller that includes a plurality of protrusions, each of which punches a portion of the sheet material 10 from the remainder of the sheet material 10 to form an aperture. These apertures may have the features described above. Figures 1 to 6 and Figures 8 to 12 Any features of the orifice described in the embodiments, including similar shapes and / or sizes.

[0359] In some embodiments, the edge forming apparatus 603 is configured to form a first inner edge, wherein the first inner edge passes through an object supply device, which then positions at least one object onto the sheet material. In another embodiment, the edge forming apparatus is configured to form the first inner edge after the object supply device has positioned at least one object onto a first portion of the sheet material.

[0360] Adhesive applicator 606 is configured to apply adhesive to sheet material 10, for example, by spraying adhesive or by applying adhesive with a roller or brush. Alternatively, adhesive may be supplied to sheet material 10 by gravity. Adhesive is applied to sheet material 10 as it moves along conveyor path Y and passes adhesive applicator 606. Adhesive applicator 606 may use compressed gas to supply adhesive to sheet material 10 through nozzle 606A. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, adhesive applicator 606 may be omitted.

[0361] The object supply device 607 is configured to arrange at least one object at regular intervals on a continuous web. The object supply device 607 may be configured to position at least one object on a first side of a first inner edge and a second side of a second inner edge, such that at least one object is positioned on a sheet of material between the first edge and the second edge.

[0362] The object supply device 607 includes a hopper 607A and a screw feeder 607B. The hopper 607A contains the object, which in this example is an aerosol modifier release component, such as a bursting bead. The screw feeder 607B is configured to supply the object from the hopper 607A to the sheet material 10 as the sheet material 10 moves along the conveying path Y and passes through the object supply device 607.

[0363] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the screw feeder 607B is replaced by an alternative object supply device (e.g., a conveyor belt that supplies object, such as granules, to the sheet material). In some embodiments (not shown), the object is stored in a container and supplied to the sheet material via a pipe using compressed gas.

[0364] In some embodiments, the object supply device 607 includes an object conveying wheel.

[0365] The body forming apparatus 608 includes a tongue 608A. Sheet material 10 is fed into the tongue 608A. The cross-sectional area of ​​the tongue 608A is reduced, causing the sheet material 10 to gather together as it passes through the tongue 608A to form a body. In one embodiment, the body forming apparatus is a CU-20 paper filter maker manufactured by Decoufle™. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other apparatuses (e.g., equipment used to manufacture “pleated filters” or “paper filters”) can be used to form the sheet material into a body.

[0366] The body forming apparatus 608 can arrange the sheet material 10 into a material body surrounded by a wrapping element (not shown). The body and the wrapping element can form a continuous rod, which can then be cut into segments for inclusion in a conveying system. In some embodiments, the apparatus also includes a component cutting device configured to cut the rod into components / segments of its individual length or multiple times its length.

[0367] The body forming apparatus 608 is configured to arrange sheet material 10 into a body such that the body includes a space for receiving at least one object. When the sheet material webs are brought together to form the body, a first inner edge 22 and a second inner edge 23 allow the sheet material to come together such that the first inner edge 22 and the second inner edge 23 at least partially or completely define the boundary of the space accommodating at least one object 11.

[0368] In some embodiments, the edge forming apparatus 603 is configured to provide a third slit or orifice and / or a fourth slit or orifice in the sheet material 10 to form a third inner edge and / or a fourth inner edge, respectively, in the sheet material 10. In one embodiment, a first pair of cutting rollers 604 is configured to form a first inner edge and a third inner edge in the sheet material 10, and a second pair of cutting rollers 605 is configured to form a second inner edge and a fourth inner edge in the sheet material 10. In another embodiment (not shown), the edge forming apparatus 603 further includes a third pair of cutting rollers (not shown) configured to form a third inner edge (e.g., forming a third slit / orifice in the sheet material) and / or includes a fourth pair of cutting rollers (not shown) configured to form a fourth inner edge (e.g., forming a fourth slit / orifice in the sheet material). In yet another embodiment (not shown), a single pair of cutting rollers forms all the inner edges of the first inner edge, second inner edge, third inner edge, and fourth inner edge. In another embodiment (not shown), one or more lasers may be used to form the first inner edge, the second inner edge, the third inner edge, and the fourth inner edge.

[0369] The third slit / orifice and the fourth slit / orifice and / or the third inner edge and the fourth inner edge may have the above-mentioned features. Figures 1 to 6 and Figures 8 to 12 Any features of the slit / inner edge described in the implementation, including similar shape and / or size.

[0370] The object supply device 607 is configured to position at least one additional object onto the sheet material 10. For example, the object supply device 607 may include a second hopper (not shown) and a second screw feeder (not shown). The second hopper contains the additional object, which in this example is an additional aerosol modifier release component, such as a bursting bead. The second screw feeder is configured to supply the additional object from the second hopper to the sheet material 10 as the sheet material 10 moves along the conveying path Y and passes through the object supply device 607. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the second screw feeder is replaced by an alternative object supply device (e.g., a conveyor belt that supplies additional object, such as a bursting bead, to the sheet material). In some embodiments (not shown), the additional object is stored in a container and supplied to the sheet material via a pipe using compressed gas.

[0371] In this embodiment, the body forming apparatus 608 is configured to arrange the sheet material 10 into a body such that the body includes a second space for receiving at least one additional object, wherein a third inner edge at least partially or completely forms the boundary of the second space, and a fourth inner edge at least partially or completely forms the boundary of the second space.

[0372] In some embodiments, the body forming apparatus 608 is configured to gather a first inner edge of the sheet material to form a first wall portion. In some embodiments, the body forming apparatus 608 is configured to gather a second inner edge of the sheet material to form a second wall portion. In some embodiments, the body forming apparatus 608 is configured to gather a third inner edge of the sheet material to form a third wall portion. In some embodiments, the body forming apparatus 608 is configured to gather a fourth inner edge of the sheet material to form a fourth wall portion.

[0373] In some embodiments, device 600 includes sensor 650 (in Figure 14 As shown in the figure, the sensor is configured to detect information indicating at least one of the inner edges 22, 23, 222, 223 of the sheet material (e.g., one or more of the first inner edge 22, the second inner edge 23, the third inner edge 222 and / or the fourth inner edge 223).

[0374] In some embodiments, device 600 further includes controller 660 (in Figure 14 As shown in the figure, the controller is configured to control the position of at least one object based on information detected by sensor 650 indicating at least one internal edge.

[0375] In some embodiments, the controller 660 controls the object supply device 607 based on information detected by the sensor 650 indicating the position of at least one inner edge, in order to control the position of at least one object and / or additional object. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 660 is configured to control the speed at which the sheet material 10 is conveyed along the conveying path Y, in order to control the position of at least one object and / or additional object.

[0376] Sensor 650 may include a camera (not shown) configured to detect each first inner edge as it passes by. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor may include different types of sensors (not shown), such as light gates, capacitive sensors, magnetic sensors, Hall effect sensors, or ultrasonic sensors. In some embodiments, sensor 650 or one or more other sensors additionally or alternatively detect a second inner edge, a third inner edge, and / or a fourth inner edge.

[0377] The controller 60 may include a memory 661 and a processor 662. The memory 661 may be configured to store instructions and / or information, and the processor 662 may be configured to execute instructions.

[0378] The controller 602 may be configured to control the object supply device 607 based on information detected by the sensor 650 indicating the position of at least one inner edge 22, 23, 222, 223, in order to control the position of at least one object by, for example, controlling the time or frequency at which at least one object is dispensed onto the sheet material 10, so as to align each at least one object into the space between adjacent first and second inner edges. For example, in an embodiment where the object supply device 607 includes an object insertion wheel, the controller 660 may control the speed at which the object insertion wheel rotates. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 660 may be configured to control the speed at which the sheet material 10 is conveyed along the conveyor path Y, for example, controlling the speed of the conveyor belt, rollers, and / or rolls supplying the sheet material 10 along the conveyor path Y, in order to control the position of at least one object. Furthermore, this facilitates aligning each at least one object into the space between adjacent first and second inner edges (and / or aligning each at least one additional object into a second space between adjacent third and fourth inner edges).

[0379] Controlling the position of at least one object / at least one additional object supplied to the sheet material 10 based on information detected by sensors indicating at least one first inner edge 22, a second inner edge 23, a third inner edge 222, and / or a fourth inner edge 223 helps ensure that at least one object / at least one additional object does not become misaligned with the sheet material 10, for example, due to stretching or sliding of the sheet material in the transport path. However, it should be appreciated that sensors may be omitted in other embodiments.

[0380] Now for reference Figure 15 The diagram shows a base rod 700 configured to be cut along line ZZ to form multiple parts as described herein. In this example, rod 700 is six times the length of the individual parts ultimately incorporated into the conveying system, such that the rod is configured to be cut five times. The rod includes five spaces 8, each space accommodating at least one corresponding object 11 (and may optionally include five second spaces, each accommodating at least one additional object).

[0381] In some embodiments, the rod 700 is at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten times the length of a single component, such that the rod is configured to be cut to form at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten components. That is, the rod 700 is a base rod of multiple times its length. In some embodiments, the rod 700 includes at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten objects, each object in a corresponding space. In some embodiments, the rod 700 also includes at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten additional objects, each additional object in a corresponding second space. In some embodiments, the length of the rod 700 is between 60 mm and 180 mm and includes at least six spaces, each space receiving at least one corresponding object.

[0382] In the above embodiments, the conveying system is a combustible aerosol supply system. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the conveying system is a device other than a combustible aerosol supply system. For example, the conveying system may be a non-combustible aerosol supply system or an aerosol-free conveying system. Therefore, the components may be components used in non-combustible aerosol supply systems or aerosol-free conveying systems.

[0383] In the above embodiment, component 3 is in the form of a filter tip 3. However, it should be recognized that in alternative embodiments (not shown), component 3 has a different construction. For example, component 3 may include part of an aerosol generating device (such as an electronic cigarette) that may not include a filter tip.

[0384] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to cover systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes: Combustible aerosol supply systems, such as cigarettes, cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for self-rolled or self-made cigarettes (whether or not based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokeable materials). Non-flammable aerosol supply systems that release compounds from aerosol-generating materials without combustion, such as electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and mixing systems, to generate aerosols using combinations of aerosol-generating materials; and An aerosol-free delivery system delivers at least one substance to a user via the mouth, nose, skin, or other means without forming an aerosol. This includes, but is not limited to, tablets, chewing gum, patches, articles including inhalable powders, and oral products (e.g., oral tobacco including snuff or wet snuff), wherein the at least one substance may or may not include nicotine.

[0385] According to this disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the aerosol generating material is burned or ignited during use in order to deliver at least one substance to the user.

[0386] In some implementations, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol supply system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of cigarettes, cigarettes, and cigars.

[0387] In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to a component for a combustible aerosol supply system, such as a filter, filter rod, filter segment, tobacco rod, spill, aerosol modifier release component (e.g., a burst bead, thread, or bead), or paper (e.g., filter rod wrap, tipping paper, or cigarette paper).

[0388] According to this disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the aerosol generating material is non-flammable or non-ignitable and delivers at least one substance to the user.

[0389] In some implementations, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0390] In some implementations, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vapor device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END); however, it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not necessary.

[0391] In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a heating system for the aerosol-generating material, also known as a heated but non-combustible system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0392] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a mixing system that uses a combination of aerosol-generating materials to generate aerosols, wherein one or more of these aerosol-generating materials can be heated. Each aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the mixing system includes liquid or gel aerosol-generating materials and solid aerosol-generating materials. Solid aerosol-generating materials may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0393] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a non-flammable aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

[0394] In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with non-flammable aerosol supply devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles in this disclosure.

[0395] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as its non-flammable aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power source or a heat source. In some embodiments, the heat source includes a carbon matrix, which may be powered to distribute power in the form of heat to the aerosol-generating material or heat-transfer material adjacent to the heat source.

[0396] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, nozzles, filters, and / or aerosol modifiers.

[0397] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, aerosol generating material storage area, aerosol generating material delivery component, aerosol generator, aerosol generating area, housing, package, filter, nozzle, and / or aerosol modifier.

[0398] In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to a component used in a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as a filter tip, filter rod, filter segment, tobacco rod, spill, aerosol modifier release component (e.g., a burst bead, thread, or pellet), or paper such as a filter rod wrap or a tipping paper.

[0399] In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, dermally, or otherwise without forming an aerosol. This includes, but is not limited to, tablets, chewing gum, patches, articles including inhalable powders, and oral products (e.g., oral tobacco including snuff or wet snuff), wherein the at least one substance may or may not include nicotine.

[0400] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material not intended for aerosolization. Depending on the circumstances, any material may include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavoring agents, one or more aerosol-forming agent materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0401] In some implementations, the substance to be delivered includes an active substance.

[0402] As used herein, active substances can be physiologically active materials, which are materials intended to achieve or enhance physiological responses. Active substances can be, for example, selected from nutritional supplements, nootropics, and psychoactive substances. Active substances can be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. Active substances may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, caffeine, vitamins (e.g., B6, B12, or C), melatonin, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. Active substances may also include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco or other plants.

[0403] In some embodiments, the active ingredient includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active ingredient includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0404] As described herein, active substances may include or be derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts. As used herein, the term "plant" includes any material derived from a plant, including but not limited to extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, shells, pods, etc. Alternatively, the material may include naturally occurring active compounds found in plants, obtained through synthesis. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, fine particles, pellets, fragments, strips, flakes, etc. Examples of plants include tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp plants, cocoa, fennel, lemongrass, mint, spearmint, red tea tree, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, licorice (licorice root), matcha, yerba mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea (e.g., green or black tea), thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, anise, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, red pepper, rosemary, and saffron. Flowers, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderberry, vanilla, holly, perilla, turmeric, turmeric root powder, sandalwood, coriander leaves, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, Spanish bell pepper, nutmeg, damarin, marjoram, olive, lemon mint, lemon basil, chives, parsley, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, tetramethyluric acid, maca, Indian ginseng, damiina, guana tea, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. Mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: wild mint, cultivated mint varieties, Egyptian mint, peppermint, lemon spearmint cultivar, peppermint cultivar, spearmint, heartleaf spearmint, longleaf mint, pineapple mint, lip mint, spearmint cultivar, and apple mint.

[0405] In some embodiments, the active substance includes or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives or extracts, and the plant is tobacco.

[0406] In some embodiments, the active substance includes or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives or extracts, and the plants are selected from eucalyptus, star anise, and cocoa.

[0407] In some embodiments, the active substance includes or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives or extracts, and the plants are selected from red tea tree and fennel.

[0408] In some implementations, the substance to be delivered includes a flavoring agent.

[0409] As used herein, the terms "flavoring agent" and "seasoning" refer to materials that, where permitted by local regulations, can be used in products to produce the taste, aroma, or other bodily sensation desired by an adult consumer. These can include naturally occurring flavoring materials, plants, plant extracts, synthetic materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, licorice (licorice root), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, anise, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, holly, cherry, berries, raspberries, cranberries, peach, apple, orange, mango, citrus, lemon, lime, tropical fruits, papaya, etc.). Yellow, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Tolingo, bourbon whiskey, Scotch whiskey, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, mint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, bitter bean husk, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, arabesque tea, sorghum, areca leaf, coriander, pine, honey extract, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cinnamon, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage. Herbs, fennel, mustard, green bell pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, peppermint oil from any type of mint, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, red beans, flax, ginkgo leaves, hazelnuts, hibiscus, bay leaves, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea (e.g., green or black tea), thyme, juniper, elderberry, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, chili peppers, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, perilla, turmeric, cilantro, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, Spanish bell pepper, dried nutmeg skin. Damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, scallion, parsley, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclosulfonates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners. They can be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients or mixtures thereof. They can be in any suitable form, such as liquids like oils, solids like powders, or gases.

[0410] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes flavoring components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits, and / or cranberry. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes flavoring components extracted from tobacco.

[0411] In some embodiments, in addition to or in place of aroma or taste receptors, flavoring agents may include sensory agents designed to achieve somatic sensations typically induced and perceived by chemical stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), and these may include agents that provide heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effects. Suitable heat-effecting agents may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ether, and suitable coolants may be, but are not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0412] Aerosol-generating materials are materials capable of generating aerosols, for example, when heated, irradiated, or electrified in any other way. Aerosol-generating materials may be in solid, liquid, or gel form, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. In some embodiments, aerosol-generating materials may include “amorphous solids,” which may alternatively be referred to as “monolithic solids” (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid (e.g., liquid) within it. In some embodiments, aerosol-generating materials may, for example, comprise from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% amorphous solids to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solids.

[0413] Aerosol-generating materials may include one or more active substances and / or flavoring agents, one or more aerosol-forming agent materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0414] Aerosol forming agent materials may include one or more components capable of forming aerosols. In some embodiments, aerosol forming agent materials may include one or more of the following: glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl octanoate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a mixture of glyceryl diacetate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, glyceryl tribocate, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0415] The other or more functional materials may include one or more of pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers and / or antioxidants.

[0416] The material may be present on or within the support to form a matrix. The support may be, or include, for example, paper, cardboard, cardboard, reconstituted materials, plastic materials, ceramic materials, composite materials, glass, metal, or metal alloys. In some embodiments, the support includes a receptor. In some embodiments, the receptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the receptor is located on one or both sides of the material.

[0417] Consumables are articles comprising or composed of aerosol-generating materials, some or all of which are intended to be consumed by a user during use. Consumables may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material delivery component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a package, a nozzle, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which releases heat during use to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. The heater may, for example, include a combustible material, a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, or a sensor.

[0418] A sensor is a material that can be heated by a changing magnetic field (e.g., an alternating magnetic field). A sensor can be a conductive material, allowing a changing magnetic field to penetrate and induce heating in a heating material. A heating material can be a magnetic material, allowing a changing magnetic field to penetrate and induce hysteresis heating. A sensor can be both conductive and magnetic, allowing it to be heated by both mechanisms. In this paper, a device constructed to generate a changing magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator.

[0419] Aerosol modifiers are substances typically located downstream of the aerosol generation region, configured to modify the generated aerosols, for example, by altering their taste, flavor, acidity, or other properties. Aerosol modifiers can be disposed in aerosol modifier release components, operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

[0420] For example, aerosol modifiers can be additives or adsorbents. For example, aerosol modifiers can include one or more of flavorings, colorings, water, and carbon adsorbents. For example, aerosol modifiers can be solid, liquid, or gel. Aerosol modifiers can be in powder, filament, or granular form. Aerosol modifiers may not contain filter materials.

[0421] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to thermal energy to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate aerosols from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, pressurization, or electrostatic energy.

[0422] The conveying system described herein can be implemented as a combustible aerosol supply system, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, or an aerosol-free conveying system.

[0423] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be utilized and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, comprise, or substantially comprise suitable combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, portions, steps, methods, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A component for a conveying system, the component comprising: A body, formed of a sheet material; and at least one object, held in a space within the body, wherein the sheet material includes a first inner edge that at least partially defines the boundary of the space.

2. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The first inner edge is the cut edge of the sheet material.

3. The component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sheet material includes a slit forming the first inner edge.

4. The component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sheet material includes an opening located in the sheet material, and wherein the edge of the opening includes the first inner edge of the sheet material.

5. The component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sheet material includes a first outer edge and a second outer edge located at the axial end of the sheet material, wherein the first inner edge is substantially parallel to the first outer edge and / or the second outer edge.

6. The component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first inner edge is configured to prevent the at least one object from moving out of the space.

7. The component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The component includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is the mouth end of the component, and the second end is opposite to the first end, wherein the first inner edge is located between the at least one object and the first end of the component or between the at least one object and the second end of the component.

8. The component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first inner edge forms the first wall portion.

9. The component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sheet material also includes a second inner edge that at least partially defines the boundary of the space.

10. The component according to claim 9, wherein, The second inner edge is the cut edge of the sheet material.

11. The component according to claim 9, wherein, The distance between the first inner edge and the second inner edge in an axial direction is in the range of 3 mm to 50 mm.

12. The component according to claim 9, wherein, The second inner edge forms the second wall portion.

13. The component according to claim 9, comprising at least one additional object.

14. The component according to claim 13, wherein, The at least one additional object is axially spaced from the at least one object.

15. The component according to claim 13, wherein, The at least one additional object is held in a second space within the body, wherein the sheet material includes a third inner edge that at least partially defines the boundary of the second space.

16. The component according to claim 15, wherein, The sheet material also includes a fourth inner edge that at least partially defines the boundary of the second space.

17. The component according to claim 16, wherein, The third inner edge and / or the fourth inner edge are the cut edges of the sheet material.

18. The component according to claim 15, wherein, The distance between the second inner edge and the third inner edge is in the range of 3 mm to 50 mm.

19. The component according to claim 16, wherein, The third inner edge forms a third wall portion and / or the fourth inner edge forms a fourth wall portion.

20. A method of manufacturing a component for a conveying system, the method comprising: The component includes at least one object and a sheet material, the sheet material including a first inner edge; as well as The sheet material is arranged into a body such that the body includes a space for receiving the at least one object, wherein the first inner edge at least partially defines the boundary of the space.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The component is configured to include forming the first inner edge in the sheet material.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein, Forming the first inner edge in the sheet material includes cutting the sheet material to form the first inner edge.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein, Forming the first inner edge in the sheet material involves cutting through the entire thickness of the sheet material to form the first inner edge.

24. The method according to claim 22, wherein, Forming the first inner edge involves cutting the sheet material using a blade and / or a laser.

25. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein, Forming the first inner edge includes forming a slit in the sheet material.

26. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein, Forming the first inner edge includes forming an opening in the sheet material such that the edge of the opening includes the first inner edge of the sheet material.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein, Forming the orifice includes forming a cut in the sheet material.

28. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein, Setting the component includes setting the sheet material including the first inner edge and then setting the at least one object on the sheet material.

29. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein, Setting the component includes setting the sheet material, setting the at least one object on the sheet material, and then forming the first inner edge in the sheet material.

30. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, comprising curling the sheet material.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising curling the sheet material after forming the first inner edge.

32. The method of claim 30, comprising curling the sheet material prior to forming the first inner edge.

33. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein, The sheet material of the component includes a second inner edge, and wherein arranging the sheet material into the body includes arranging the sheet material such that the second inner edge at least partially forms the boundary of the space.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein, The component is configured to include forming the second inner edge in the sheet material.

35. The method according to claim 33, wherein, The second inner edge is formed in the same manner as the first inner edge.

36. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein, Setting the component includes setting a continuous web of sheet material.

37. The method of claim 36, further comprising forming a plurality of inner edges in the continuous web at regularly spaced intervals.

38. The method according to claim 36, wherein, The method includes moving the continuous web along a transport path and setting the at least one object at regular intervals as the continuous web moves along the transport path.

39. The method according to claim 36, wherein, The width of the web is in the range of 30 mm to 400 mm.

40. The method according to claim 33, wherein, Arranging the sheet material into the body includes bringing the sheet material together to form the body.

41. The method according to claim 40, wherein, The first wall portion is defined by bringing together the first inner edges of the sheet material and / or the second wall portion is defined by bringing together the second inner edges of the sheet material.

42. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein, The component includes at least one additional object.

43. The method according to claim 42, wherein, The sheet material of the component includes a third inner edge, wherein arranging the sheet material into the body includes arranging the sheet material such that the body includes a second space for receiving the at least one additional object, wherein the third inner edge at least partially defines the boundary of the second space.

44. The method according to claim 43, wherein, The sheet material of the component includes a fourth inner edge, wherein arranging the sheet material into the body includes arranging the sheet material such that the fourth inner edge at least partially defines the boundary of the second space.

45. The method according to claim 44, wherein, The third inner edge and / or the fourth inner edge are formed in the same manner as the first inner edge.

46. ​​The method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein, The method includes detecting information indicating at least one internal edge of the sheet material.

47. The method of claim 46, further comprising controlling the position of at least one supplied object relative to the sheet material based on information detected by a sensor indicating the at least one internal edge.

48. The method of claim 47, further comprising controlling an object supply device based on information detected by the sensor indicating the position of the at least one internal edge, to control the position of the supplied at least one object relative to the sheet material.

49. The method of claim 48, further comprising controlling the time and / or frequency of dispensing the at least one object onto the sheet material.

50. An apparatus for manufacturing components for a conveying system, the apparatus comprising: An edge forming apparatus configured to form a first inner edge in a sheet material; An object supply device configured to position at least one object onto the sheet material; and, A body forming apparatus configured to arrange the sheet material into a body such that the body includes a space for receiving the at least one object, wherein the first inner edge at least partially defines the boundary of the space.

51. The device according to claim 50, wherein, The edge forming apparatus is configured to form the first inner edge in the sheet material by cutting the sheet material to form the first inner edge.

52. The device according to claim 51, wherein, The edge forming device is configured to cut through the entire thickness of the sheet material to form the first inner edge.

53. The device according to claim 51 or 52, wherein, The edge forming apparatus includes one or more blades and / or one or more lasers configured to cut the sheet material.

54. The device according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein, The edge forming apparatus is configured to form an opening in the sheet material such that the edge of the opening includes the first inner edge of the sheet material.

55. The device according to claim 54, wherein, The edge forming device is configured to form a cut in the sheet material to form the orifice.

56. The device according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein, The edge forming device is configured to form the first inner edge before the object supply device positions the at least one object on a first portion of the sheet material.

57. The device according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein, The edge forming device is configured to form the first inner edge after the object supply device positions the at least one object on a first portion of the sheet material.

58. The apparatus according to any one of claims 50 to 52, comprising a curling device configured to curl the sheet material.

59. The device according to claim 58, wherein, The curling device is configured to curl the sheet material before the edge forming device forms the first inner edge, or the curling device is configured to curl the sheet material after the edge forming device forms the first inner edge.

60. The device according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein, The edge forming apparatus is configured to form a second inner edge in the sheet material, and the body forming apparatus is configured to arrange the sheet material into the body such that the second inner edge at least partially defines the boundary of the space.

61. The device according to claim 60, wherein, The edge forming device is configured to form the second inner edge in the same manner as the first inner edge.

62. The device according to claim 60, wherein, The device is configured to supply a continuous web of sheet material along a conveying path.

63. The device according to claim 62, wherein, The edge forming apparatus is configured to form a plurality of first inner edges in the continuous web at regularly spaced intervals and / or to form a plurality of second inner edges in the continuous web at regularly spaced intervals.

64. The device according to any one of claims 50 to 52, comprising a sheet material supply unit.

65. The device according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein, The object supply device is configured to position at least one additional object on the sheet material.

66. The device according to claim 65, wherein, The edge forming apparatus is configured to form a third inner edge in the sheet material, and the body forming apparatus is configured to arrange the sheet material into the body such that the body includes a second space for receiving the at least one additional object, wherein the third inner edge at least partially forms the boundary of the second space.

67. The device according to claim 66, wherein, The edge forming apparatus is configured to form a fourth inner edge in the sheet material, and the body forming apparatus is configured to arrange the sheet material into the body such that the fourth inner edge at least partially defines the boundary of the second space.

68. The device according to claim 67, wherein, The edge forming device is configured to form the third inner edge and / or the fourth inner edge in the same manner as the first inner edge.

69. The device according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein, The device includes at least one sensor configured to detect information indicating at least one internal edge of the sheet material.

70. The device according to claim 69, wherein, The device also includes a controller configured to control the position of at least one supplied object relative to the sheet material based on information detected by the sensor indicating the at least one internal edge.

71. The device according to claim 70, wherein, The controller controls the object supply device based on information detected by the sensor indicating the position of the at least one internal edge, so as to control the position of the supplied at least one object relative to the sheet material.

72. The device according to claim 70, wherein, The controller is configured to control the time and / or frequency at which objects are distributed onto the sheet material.

73. The component according to claim 1 or 2, the method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, or the apparatus according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein, The first inner edge is substantially linear.

74. The component according to claim 1 or 2, the method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, or the apparatus according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein, The first inner edge extends over a range of 10% to 95% of the width of the sheet material.

75. The component according to claim 1 or 2, the method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, or the device according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein, The length of the inner edge, or each inner edge, is in the range of 5 mm to 360 mm.

76. The component according to claim 1 or 2, the method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, or the device according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein, The sheet material includes a first outer edge and a second outer edge extending substantially parallel to the central axis of the component, wherein the first inner edge is spaced apart from at least one of the first outer edge and the second outer edge.

77. The component, method, or apparatus according to claim 76, wherein, The first inner edge is spaced apart from both the first outer edge and the second outer edge.

78. The component, method, or apparatus according to claim 76, wherein, The first inner edge is substantially perpendicular to the first outer edge and / or the second outer edge.

79. The component according to claim 1 or 2, the method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, or the apparatus according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein, The sheet material is oriented relative to the central axis of the component.

80. The component, method, or apparatus according to claim 79, wherein, The sheet material wraps around the at least one object.

81. The component according to claim 1 or 2, the method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, or the device according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein, The sheet material is curled.

82. The component, method, or apparatus according to claim 81, wherein, The curling depth of the sheet material is in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm.

83. The component according to claim 1 or 2, the method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, or the device according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein, The sheet-like material includes cellulose.

84. The component according to claim 1 or 2, the method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, or the device according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein, The sheet material comprises or is composed of at least one of the following: paper, cotton, tobacco, lyocell, PVOH, PLA, PCL, PBS, PBAT, starch-based materials, aliphatic polyester materials, polysaccharide polymers; nonwoven materials; and / or biodegradable materials.

85. The component according to claim 1 or 2, the method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, or the apparatus according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein, The length of the sheet material of the component is in the range of 5 mm to 50 mm.

86. The component according to claim 1 or 2, the method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, or the device according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein, The width of the sheet material of the component is in the range of 30 mm to 400 mm.

87. The component according to claim 1 or 2, the method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, or the device according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein, The thickness of the sheet material in the component is in the range of 20 micrometers to 1000 micrometers.

88. The component according to claim 1 or 2, the method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, or the device according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein, The basis weight of the sheet material of the component is in the range of 20 gsm to 200 gsm.

89. The component according to claim 1 or 2, the method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, or the apparatus according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein, The at least one object includes one or more popping beads.

90. The component according to claim 13, the method according to claim 42, or the device according to claim 65, wherein, The at least one additional object includes one or more popping beads.

91. The component according to claim 1 or 2, the method according to any one of claims 20 to 24, or the device according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein, The sheet material includes a coating.

92. The component, method, or apparatus according to claim 91, wherein, The coating includes an aerosol modifier.

93. A rod configured to be cut at least once to form a plurality of components according to claim 1 or 2.

94. A conveying system comprising the components according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The delivery system includes an aerosol supply system.

95. The conveying system according to claim 94, wherein, The aerosol supply system is either a combustible aerosol supply system or a non-combustible aerosol supply system.

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