Device

Abstract

A non-combustible gas mist supply device (100), comprising: an article receiving portion (101); a heating device (102) comprising a heating element (103), a plug (120) surrounding the heating element (103), and an energy source (104) configured to heat the heating element (103) wherein the heating element (102) is positioned at least partially in the article receiving portion (101) and the plug (120) is configured to be received at least partially within a heating device receiving zone during use, the heating device receiving zone is in the article (1) placed in the article receiving portion (101).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article for use with an aerosol supply device. More particularly, the present invention relates to an article comprising an aerosol-generating material for use with a non-flammable gas aerosol supply device. Background Art

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol supply system comprising an article comprising an aerosol generating material and a carbon tip. The carbon tip is ignited by a user and generates heat to heat the aerosol generating material and generate an aerosol. However, users may encounter problems with difficulty igniting the carbon tip and excessive heat from the tip when ignited. Summary of the invention

[0003] In one aspect of the present invention, a non-flammable mist supply device is provided, comprising: a product receiving portion; a heating device, the heating device comprising a heating element, a plug surrounding the heating element, and an energy source configured to heat the heating element, wherein the heating element is at least partially positioned in the product receiving portion, and the plug is configured to be at least partially received in a heating device receiving area during use, and the heating device receiving area is in a product placed in the product receiving portion.

[0004] The plug may be configured to protect the heating element from contact with the article during use.

[0005] The plug may extend substantially around the heating element.The plug may comprise a first portion in the form of a hollow cylinder, the first portion being configured to surround the heating element.

[0006] The plug may extend substantially over the heating element.The plug may extend substantially over the heating element such that when an article is received in the article receiving portion, the plug prevents direct contact between the heating element and the article.

[0007] The plug may include a second portion in the form of a dome configured to extend over the distal end of the heating element.

[0008] The plug may include at least one aperture configured to provide a guide path to allow air to flow from the device through the heating apparatus.

[0009] The at least one hole may form at least one channel extending through the body of material forming the plug, the at least one channel being configured to allow fluid to pass through the channel from one side of the plug and into the article when the article is received in the article receiving portion.

[0010] The plug may be configured to provide both conductive and convective heating.

[0011] The plug may include a centrally located hole.

[0012] The plug may be configured to electrically insulate the heating element from the article during use.

[0013] The plug may include a shoulder configured to receive a package of articles.

[0014] The plug may be formed of a material that enables efficient transfer of heat from the heating element to the conductor of the article. In some embodiments, the plug may be formed of a material that enables efficient transfer of heat from the heating element to the foil packaging of the article.

[0015] The plug may be configured to abut an inner surface of a heating device receiving chamber of the article.

[0016] The plug may be formed from a material that protects the remainder of the device from radiant heating.

[0017] The plug material may be inert and / or not thermally decompose at temperatures up to about 700 degrees Celsius to about 900 degrees Celsius.

[0018] The plug may be formed from one of ceramic, fiberglass, or anodized or enameled metal.

[0019] The heating element may be spaced apart from the plug. The heating element may be in contact with the plug. The heating element may be embedded in the plug.

[0020] The heating element may be a resistive heating element, such as a coil, mesh, ribbon, matrix structure or induction heater.

[0021] The heating element may be configured as a sensor for determining when there is air flow through the device.

[0022] The non-flammable mist supply may further comprise a pressure sensor or an air flow sensor configured to allow the heating device to be activated via puff activation.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for aerosolizing an aerosolizable material, comprising: an article comprising an aerosol-generating material; and a non-flammable aerosol supply device according to the preceding claims.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of a non-flammable aerosol supply device according to the claims for generating an aerosol from a consumable product. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an article of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an article of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an article of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an article of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a non-flammable gas mist supply device of the present invention; and

[0031] Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of a plug of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes non-combustible aerosol supply systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without burning the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems that use a combination of aerosol-generating materials to generate an aerosol.

[0033] According to the present disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol supply system refers to an aerosol supply system wherein component aerosol-generating materials of the aerosol supply system (or parts thereof) are not burned or ignited to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0034] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable gas aerosol supply system, such as a non-flammable gas aerosol supply system having an energy device.

[0035] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also referred to as an e-cigarette device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not required.

[0036] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0037] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol generating materials, one or more of which can be heated. Each aerosol generating material can be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol generating material and a solid aerosol generating material. The solid aerosol generating material can include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0038] Generally, a non-combustible mist supply system may include a non-combustible mist supply device and consumables for use with the non-combustible mist supply device.

[0039] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include an aerosol-generating material and are configured to be used with a non-flammable aerosol supply device. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles in the present disclosure.

[0040] In some embodiments, the non-flammable gas mist supply system, such as its non-flammable gas mist supply device, may include an energy source and a controller. The energy source may be, for example, an electrical energy source or a heat generating energy source. In some embodiments, the heat generating energy source includes a carbon substrate that can be excited to distribute energy in the form of heat to an aerosol generating material or a heat transfer material near the heat generating energy source.

[0041] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply device may include an area for receiving a consumable product, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0042] In some embodiments, consumables used with a non-flammable aerosol supply device may include an aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material delivery component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a packaging, a filter, a mouthpiece and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0043] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered can be an aerosol generating material or generated by an aerosol generating material, which can include one or more active components, one or more flavoring agents, one or more aerosol forming materials and / or one or more other functional materials. The substance to be delivered can be generated by the aerosol generating material when heated. The aerosol generated by the aerosol generating material can include the substance to be delivered.

[0044] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.

[0045] Active substances as used herein can be physiologically active materials, which are materials intended to achieve or enhance physiological responses. Active substances can be selected, for example, from nutrients, brain tonics, psychoactive agents. Active substances can be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. Active substances can include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, caffeine, vitamins (such as B6 or B12 or C), melatonin, or components, derivatives or combinations thereof. Active substances can include one or more components, derivatives or extracts of tobacco or other plant products.

[0046] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0047] As indicated herein, active substances may include or be derived from one or more plant products or components, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "plant product" includes any material derived from a plant, including but not limited to extracts, leaves, skins, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, rinds, shells, etc. Alternatively, the material may include active compounds naturally occurring in the plant product, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, fragments, strips, sheets, etc. Exemplary botanical products are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay, licorice (licorice), matcha, mate, orange peel, paprika, rose, sage, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, anise (fennel), basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, Lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, basil, turmeric, turmeric root, sandalwood, coriander, bergamot fruit, orange blossom, myrtle, ceylon, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, amaranth, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theophylline, maca, ashwagandha, spirulina, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. The mint may be selected from the following mint species: field mint (Mentha arventis), peppermint cultivar (Mentha cv), Egyptian mint (Menthaniliaca), peppermint (Menthapiperita), lemon peppermint cultivar (Menthapiperita citrata cv), peppermint cultivar (Mentha piperita cv), wrinkled spearmint (Mentha spicata crispa), California mint (Mentha cardifolia), European peppermint (Memtha longifolia), orange mint (Mentha suaveolens variegata), lip calyx mint (Mentha pulegium), spearmint cultivar (Mentha spicatac.v.) and apple mint (Mentha suaveolens).

[0048] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant products or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the plant product is tobacco.

[0049] In some embodiments, the active comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, and cocoa.

[0050] In some embodiments, the active comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the botanicals are selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0051] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered includes a flavorant.

[0052] As used herein, the term "flavoring agent" or "flavoring agent" refers to materials that can be used in products to produce a taste, aroma, or other somatosensory sensation desired by adult consumers, where permitted by local regulations. They can include naturally occurring flavoring materials, plant products, extracts of plant products, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, licorice (licorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, anise (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, vanilla, wintergreen, cherry, berry, cranberry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clematis, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape Grapes, Durian, Pitaya, Cucumber, Blueberry, Mulberry, Citrus Fruit, Scotch Liqueur, Bourbon, Scotch, Whiskey, Gin, Tequila, Rum, Spearmint, Peppermint, Lavender, Aloe, Cardamom, Celery, Kubota, Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Bergamot, Geranium, Arabic Tea, Smokeless Tobacco, Betel Nut, Shisha, Pine, Honey Essence, Rose Oil, Vanilla, Lemon Oil, Orange Oil, Orange Blossom, Cherry Blossom, Cinnamon, Caraway, Cognac, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang trees, sage, fennel, mustard, allspice, ginger, coriander, coffee, mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa powder, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazelnuts, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, basil, turmeric, coriander, myrtle, blackcurrant wine, valerian, bell pepper, meat Cardamom, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, amaranth, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulators, sugar and / or sugar substitutes (e.g. sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, sodium cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol or mannitol) and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plant products or breath fresheners. They can be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or mixtures thereof. They can be in any suitable form, such as liquid (e.g. oil), solid (e.g. powder) or gas.

[0053] In certain embodiments, flavoring agent comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In certain embodiments, flavoring agent comprises the flavor component of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruit and / or red berry. In certain embodiments, flavoring agent comprises eugenol. In certain embodiments, flavoring agent comprises the flavor component extracted from tobacco.

[0054] In some embodiments, in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, flavoring agents may include sensates, which are intended to achieve somatosensory sensations that are usually chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), and these may include agents that provide heat, cold, tingling, numbing effects. Suitable thermal effect agents may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl alcohol ethyl ether, and suitable cooling agents may be, but are not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0055] Aerosol-generating materials are materials that are capable of generating an aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or stimulated in any other way. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of a solid, liquid or semi-solid (such as a gel), and may or may not contain an active substance and / or a flavoring agent.

[0056] The aerosol generating material may include a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active agent and / or a filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent may also be present, such as water, and one or more other components of the aerosol generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In certain embodiments, the aerosol generating material is substantially free of plant product material. In particular, in certain embodiments, the aerosol generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0057] The aerosol generating material may include or may be an "amorphous solid". An amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid". In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid (such as a liquid) inside it. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may, for example, include from about 50%, 60%, or 70% by weight of an amorphous solid, to about 90%, 95%, or 100% by weight of an amorphous solid.

[0058] Aerosol generating material may include or may be an aerosol generating film. The aerosol generating film may be formed in the following manner: a binder (such as a gelling agent) is combined with a solvent (such as water), an aerosol former and one or more other ingredients (such as an active substance) to form a slurry, and then the slurry is heated to volatilize at least some solvents to form an aerosol generating film. The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60% by weight, 70% by weight, 80% by weight, 85% by weight or 90% by weight of the solvent. The aerosol generating film may be a continuous film or a discontinuous film, such as some separated parts of the film arranged on a support. The aerosol generating film may be substantially free of tobacco.

[0059] The aerosol-generating film may comprise or may be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form shredded sheets.

[0060] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavouring agents, one or more aerosol-forming materials and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0061] The aerosol-forming material may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may include one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meta-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl succinate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0062] The one or more other functional materials may include one or more pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers and / or antioxidants.

[0063] The material may be presented on or in a support to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or include paper, cardboard, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support includes the sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor is embedded in the material. In some alternative embodiments, the sensor is on one or both sides of the material.

[0064] Consumables are articles comprising or consisting of aerosol generating materials, and a part or all of the consumables are intended to be consumed by the user during use. Consumables may include one or more other components, such as aerosol generating material storage area, aerosol generating material transfer component, aerosol generating area, housing, packaging, nozzle, filter and / or aerosol modifier. Consumables may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which emits heat to cause the aerosol generating material to generate aerosol when in use. The heater may, for example, include a combustible material, a material or an inductor that can be heated by electrical conduction.

[0065] Aerosol modifiers are substances typically located downstream of an aerosol generation region that are configured to modify the generated aerosol, for example by changing the taste, flavor, acidity or other characteristics of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier may be provided in an aerosol modifier release component that is operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

[0066] The aerosol modifier may be, for example, an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may, for example, include one or more of a flavoring agent, a colorant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol modifier may be in the form of a powder, a thread, or particles. The aerosol modifier may be free of filter material.

[0067] An aerosol generator is a device configured to cause an aerosol to be generated 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 an aerosol from the aerosol generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator can be configured to subject the aerosol generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0068] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , shows an article 1 for use with a non-combustible gas aerosol supply device 100. The article 1 comprises at least one aerosol-generating material 3. The article 1 further comprises a mouth end 5 and an opposite upstream end 6. The upstream end 6 comprises a heating device receiving area 7. The heating device receiving area 7 is positioned upstream of the aerosol-generating material 3. The heating device receiving area 7 is configured to receive a portion of a heating device 102 of the non-combustible gas aerosol supply device 100 during use.

[0069] The article 1 further comprises a first packaging 8, which surrounds at least a portion of the at least one aerosol-generating material 3 and the heating device receiving area 7. In this embodiment, the article 1 comprises a first aerosol-generating material 11 and a second aerosol-generating material 12. The article 1 further comprises a conductor. The conductor is configured to transfer heat from the heating device receiving area 7 to the aerosol-generating material during use. In this embodiment, the conductor may be formed by the first packaging 8. That is, the first packaging 8 is configured to transfer heat from the heating device receiving area 7 to the at least one aerosol-generating material 3 during use.

[0070] In this embodiment, the article 1 is generally cylindrical. That is, the article has a circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the article 1, and the longitudinal axis A extends from the mouth end 5 of the article 1 to the opposite end 6 of the article 1. In this embodiment, at least one aerosol-generating material 3 is arranged generally centrally in the article 1, and the packaging is arranged concentrically in layers around the at least one aerosol-generating material 3, as will be described in more detail below. However, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the article 1 may have any other prismatic shape.

[0071] In the present embodiment, the first package 8 surrounds the entire length of the heating device receiving area 7. That is, the first package 8 extends from the upstream end 7a of the heating device receiving area 7 to the downstream end 7b of the heating device receiving area 7. The first package 8 includes an inner surface 9. The inner surface 9 faces the heating device receiving area 7. Therefore, the first package 8 defines the upstream end 7a and forms a side wall that defines the heating device receiving area 7. The heating device receiving area 7 may have a length in the range of about 10 mm to about 15 mm. In some embodiments, the heating device receiving area 7 may have a length of about 12 mm.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first package 8 can be formed by aluminum foil. When the heating device 102 is inserted into the heating device receiving area 7, the aluminum foil can advantageously conduct heat from the heating device 102 to the rest of the product 1. The aluminum foil can also advantageously prevent the product 1 from burning during use. The first package 8 can have a length in the range of about 15mm to 30mm. In some embodiments, the first package 8 can have a length of about 25mm. In alternative embodiments, the first package 8 can be formed by any material that can conduct heat without burning / burning and is flexible, such as, but not limited to, metal foil, such as copper.

[0073] In some embodiments, the first package 8 may include a third aerosol-generating material 9a positioned on its inner circumferential surface 9. The third aerosol-generating material 9a may substantially cover the entire inner circumferential surface 9 of the first package 8. In other embodiments, the third aerosol-generating material 9a may only cover a portion of the inner circumferential surface 12 of the first package 8. The third aerosol-generating material 9a may form a pattern on the inner circumferential surface 12 of the first package 8. The third aerosol-generating material may be an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may include an amorphous solid material. The amorphous solid material may be non-fibrous.

[0074] As mentioned before, the heating device receiving area 7 is configured to receive a portion 102 of the heating device 102 during use. In some embodiments, the heating device receiving area 7 may be empty. That is, the space between the inner surface 9 of the first packaging 8 may be free of any other material.

[0075] However, in this embodiment, the heating device receiving area 7 includes a filler material 10. The filler material 10 can be non-flammable. Therefore, the filler material 10 can prevent the article 1 from burning during use to maintain the generation of aerosol without combustion. The filler material 10 can be inert in a range of up to about 600° C. to about 900° C. That is, the filler material 10 can be formed of a material that does not thermally decompose or release toxic substances when heated.

[0076] The filler material 10 may be a compressible material. The filler material may have a honeycomb structure or a mesh structure. These structures may help the filler material to compress. These structures may also provide multiple air passages through the filler material 10. Therefore, when a portion 102 of the heating device 102 is pushed into the heating device receiving area 7, the filler material 10 may be compressed. The filler material 10 may be a curled and / or gathered material strip. In addition, the filler material 10 may be a thermally conductive material. The filler material 10 may have a thermal conductivity in the range of about 100W / mK to about 300W / mK at 20°C and 1bar. In some embodiments, the filler material 10 may have a thermal conductivity in the range of about 200W / mK to about 250W / mK at 20°C and 1bar. For example, aluminum has a thermal conductivity of about 239W / mK at 20°C and 1bar.

[0077] In some embodiments, the filler material 10 may include glass fiber. In alternative embodiments, the filler material 10 may include gathered aluminum or aluminum foil. In still other embodiments, the filler material 10 may include, for example but not limited to, at least one of glass fiber, gathered aluminum, aluminum foil, or any other suitable material having the above properties.

[0078] In this embodiment, the article 1 comprises a first aerosol-generating material 11 and a second aerosol-generating material 12. The first aerosol-generating material 11 is positioned adjacent to the heating device receiving area 7. The first aerosol-generating material 11 comprises an upstream end 11a and a downstream end 11b. The upstream end 11a of the first aerosol-generating material 11 is close to the heating device receiving area 7, more specifically, close to the downstream end 7b of the heating device receiving area 7. The downstream end 11b of the first aerosol-generating material 11 is away from the heating device receiving area 7, i.e., closer to the mouth end 5 of the article 1 than the upstream end 11a of the first aerosol-generating material 16. The first aerosol-generating material may be a non-fibrous material.

[0079] In this embodiment, there is a gap 14 between the downstream end 7b of the heating device receiving area 7 and the upstream end 11a of the first aerosol-generating material 11. The gap 14 allows the filler material 10 to move in the direction of the mouth end 5 during the insertion of the heating device 102 of the aerosol supply device 100. The gap 14 can ensure that the heating device 102 of the aerosol supply device 100 is at least partially received in the heating device receiving area 7 due to the movement of the filler material 14 toward the mouth end 5 of the article 1, regardless of whether the filler material 14 is compressible.

[0080] In some embodiments, the filler material 14 may move toward the mouth end 5 before it is compressed. In other embodiments, the filler material 14 may only move toward the mouth end 5 after it has been sufficiently compressed. In other alternative embodiments, the filler material 14 may not move at all and may only be compressed. In such embodiments, the article 1 may not include a gap 14 between the downstream end 7b of the heating device receiving area 7 and the upstream end 11a of the first aerosol-generating material 11.

[0081] The downstream end 7b of the heating device receiving area 7 is defined by the first aerosol-generating material 11, more specifically, by the upstream end 11a of the first aerosol-generating material 11. In this embodiment, the first packaging 8 extends downstream of the downstream end 7b of the heating device receiving area 7. The first packaging 8 surrounds at least a portion of the first aerosol-generating material 11.

[0082] In this embodiment, the first packaging member 8 surrounds the entire length of the first aerosol-generating material 11. That is, the first packaging member 8 extends from the upstream end 11a of the first aerosol-generating material 11 to the downstream end 11b of the first aerosol-generating material 11. The first packaging member 8 surrounds the first aerosol-generating material 11. Therefore, in the case of Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the first package 8 extends from the upstream end 7a of the heating device receiving area 7 to the downstream end 11b of the first aerosol-generating material 11 .

[0083] In the present embodiment, the first aerosol generating material 11 forms a core 16 and is packaged by a first outer package 17. The core 16 of the first aerosol generating material 11 includes an upstream end 16a and a downstream end 16b. The upstream end 16a is positioned close to the heating device receiving area 7. The first outer package 17 is packaged around the core 16 of the first aerosol generating material 11. That is, the first outer package 17 surrounds the core 16 of the first aerosol generating material 11 and extends from the upstream end 16a of the core 16 to the downstream end 16b of the core 16. Therefore, the distances of the downstream ends 8b, 16b, 17b of the first package 8, the core 16 of the first aerosol generating material 11 and the first outer package 17 to the mouth end 5 of the product 1 are all the same. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the outer package 17 can be omitted.

[0084] In the present embodiment, the first aerosol-generating material 11 comprises a plurality of beads 18. That is, the core 16 of the first aerosol-generating material 11 may be formed by a plurality of beads 18. The beads may be formed by, for example, but not limited to, ground tobacco or agglomerated tobacco, calcium carbonate, carboxymethyl cellulose, a humectant (such as glycerol or propylene glycol) and water. Due to the larger surface area of ​​the beads 18, they can release more aerosol than cut fillers. The density of the beads 18 may also be greater than that of the cut fillers, and therefore more aerosolizable material can be stored for aerosolization.

[0085] In alternative embodiments, the first aerosol-generating material 11 may include, for example, but not limited to, an amorphous solid material. The amorphous solid material may be non-fibrous. In addition, the first outer package 17 may be formed of a thermally conductive material such as aluminum. In some embodiments, the first outer package 17 may be formed of a paper or foil tube (for example, but not limited to, aluminum foil). However, in other alternative embodiments, the first outer package 17 may be formed of, for example, but not limited to, bandcast reconstituted tobacco.

[0086] In this embodiment, the first outer package 17 is positioned between the core 16 of the first aerosol-generating material 11 and the first package 8. Therefore, the diameter of the first aerosol-generating material 11 is the same as the diameter of the heating device receiving area 7 and / or the filler material 10. The heating device receiving area 7 and the first aerosol-generating material 1 are both packaged by the first package 8.

[0087] In some embodiments, the length of the first aerosol-generating material 11 may be in the range of about 10 mm to about 15 mm. Therefore, the length of the first outer package 17 may be in the range of about 10 mm to 15 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the first aerosol-generating material 11 may be about 13 mm. Therefore, the length of the first outer package 17 may be about 13 mm. In some embodiments, the core 16 of the first aerosol-generating material 11 and the first outer package 17 are the same length.

[0088] As mentioned before, the article 1 includes a second aerosol-generating material 12. The second aerosol-generating material 12 includes an upstream end 12a close to the heating device receiving area 7 and a downstream end 12b closer to the mouth end 5 than the upstream end 12a of the second aerosol-generating material 12. The second aerosol-generating material 12 is positioned downstream of the first aerosol-generating material 11. In this embodiment, the second aerosol-generating material 12 is positioned immediately downstream of the first aerosol-generating material 11. That is, the upstream end 12a of the second aerosol-generating material 12 is in contact with the downstream end 11b of the first aerosol-generating material 11.

[0089] In the present embodiment, the second aerosol-generating material 12 forms a core 21 that is packaged by a second outer package 22. The core 21 of the second aerosol-generating material 12 includes an upstream end 21a and a downstream end 21b. The second outer package 22 is packaged around the core 21 of the second aerosol-generating material 12. That is, the second outer package 22 surrounds the second aerosol-generating material 12 and extends from the upstream end 21a of the second aerosol-generating material 12 to the downstream end 21b of the second aerosol-generating material 12.

[0090] The second aerosol-generating material 12 is coaxially positioned with the first aerosol-generating material 11. In the present embodiment, the diameter of the second aerosol-generating material 12 is the same as the diameter of the first aerosol-generating material 11. In the present embodiment, the second outer package 22 has a thickness equal to the sum of the thickness of the first package 8 and the first outer package 17.

[0091] In this embodiment, the second aerosol-generating material 12 includes a tobacco rod 23. In some embodiments, the tobacco rod 23 can be removed to reduce the mass of the product. The tobacco rod 23 can be formed by, for example, but not limited to, reconstituted tobacco, strip-thrown tobacco, and cutrag tobacco. The second outer package 22 may include a tobacco rod plug wrapper, which is formed by, for example, but not limited to, paper, aluminum foil, or any other suitable material for packaging delivery systems.

[0092] In some embodiments, the length of the second aerosol-generating material 12 may be in the range of about 30 mm to about 40 mm. Thus, the length of the second outer package 22 may be in the range of about 30 mm to about 40 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the second aerosol-generating material 12 may be about 37 mm. Thus, the length of the second outer package 22 may be about 37 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the second aerosol-generating material 12 and the second outer package 22 are the same.

[0093] The article 1 may further comprise a conducting element 25. The conducting element 25 may extend at least partially around the aerosol-generating material 3. In this embodiment, the conducting element 25 comprises a second packaging component 26, such as Figure 1 The second package 26 extends at least partially around the first package 8 and at least partially around the second aerosol-generating material 12. That is, the second package 26 surrounds at least a portion of the length of the first package 8 (and therefore the first aerosol-generating material 11) and at least a portion of the length of the second aerosol-generating material 12.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the second package 26 extends from the heating device receiving area 7 toward the mouth end 5 of the article 1. Therefore, the second package 26 extends completely around the length of the first aerosol-generating material 11 and partially around the second aerosol-generating material 12. More specifically, the second package 26 extends around the first package 8 from the upstream end 8a of the first package 8 beyond the downstream end 8b of the first package 8, thus extending around the first aerosol-generating material 11 and around at least a portion of the second outer package 22 around the second aerosol-generating material 12. The second package 26 may have a length in the range of about 45mm to about 50mm. In the present embodiment, the second package 26 has a length of about 48mm.

[0095] The second package 26 can be formed by an outer package including a paper-foil laminate. The foil can include aluminum. The second package 26 is configured to conduct heat received from the heating device 102 positioned in the heating device receiving area 7 to the first and second aerosol-generating materials 11, 12 during use. The heat conducted along the second package 26 helps to aerosolize the aerosol-generating materials 11, 12 and the aerosolizable materials in the gel matrix 8a (when present).

[0096] It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the second packaging 26 may be present but may not form the conducting element 25. In such embodiments, the conducting element 25 may extend at least partially through the aerosol-generating material 3, such as Figure 2 As shown.

[0097] For example, the conducting element 25 may comprise a rod 27. The rod 27 may extend from the upstream end of the first aerosol-generating material 11 towards the mouth end 5 of the article 1. The rod 27 may extend through the length of the first aerosol-generating material 11 and at least partially through the second aerosol-generating material 12.

[0098] In some embodiments, the rod 27 may include an enlarged upstream portion 27a in the form of a disc. The enlarged upstream portion 27a is configured to absorb as much heat as possible from the heating device 102 in the heating device receiving area 7. The enlarged upstream portion 27a may include holes (not shown) to allow air and / or aerosol to flow through the conductive element 25.

[0099] It will also be appreciated that in some embodiments, the conductor may not be formed by the first pack 8 as described above. That is, the conductor may be formed by another component, such as a conducting element 25 in the form of a second pack 26 or a rod 27. In particular, the first pack 8 may still be present, but the article 1 may be configured such that the conductor responsible for transferring and / or conducting heat from the heating device receiving area to the aerosol-generating material during use may be the second pack 26 or the rod 27.

[0100] Now refer to Figures 1 to 3, the article 1 may further include a filter portion 31. The filter portion 31 may be positioned at the downstream end 12b of the second aerosol-generating material 12. The filter portion 31 may be positioned coaxially with the second aerosol-generating material 12. The upstream end 31a of the filter portion 31 may contact the downstream end 12b of the second aerosol-generating material 12.

[0101] In this embodiment, the filter portion 31 includes a solid filter portion 32. The solid filter portion 32 is configured to remove selected substances from the generated aerosol flow and provide a desired pressure drop through the product 1 to give the user a feeling similar to that of smoking a cigarette. The solid filter portion 32 may include a filter plug 33 and a filter plug packaging 34. The filter plug 33 includes a filter plug material, such as, but not limited to, cellulose acetate or paper. The filter plug 33 may have the same diameter as the second aerosol-generating material 12.

[0102] The filter portion 31 of the article 1 may also include a hollow filter portion 35. The hollow filter portion 35 may be located downstream of the solid filter portion 31. The hollow filter portion 35 may be formed of a hollow tube 36. The hollow tube 36 may be formed of, for example, but not limited to, cellulose acetate or paper.

[0103] In this embodiment, the upstream end 36a of the hollow tube 36 contacts the downstream end 32b of the solid filter portion 32. The downstream end 36b of the hollow tube 36 forms the mouth end 5 of the product 1. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the hollow tube 36 of the hollow filter portion 35 is the same as the outer diameter of the solid filter portion 32.

[0104] The filter portion 31 may further comprise a combined filter plug wrap 38. In the present embodiment, the combined filter plug wrap 38 encompasses the length of both the solid filter portion 32 and the hollow filter portion 35. Thus, the outer diameter of the combined filter plug wrap 38 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the first wrap 8 and the second aerosol-generating material 12 or its outer wrapper 22 (when present).

[0105] The filter plug 33 and the filter plug wrapper 34 may have a length of about 14 mm. The hollow filter portion 35 may have a length of about 7 mm and is configured to cool the aerosol flow leaving the mouth end 5 of the article 1 to prevent the aerosol from harming the user. The combined filter plug wrapper 38 may have a length of about 21 mm to cover the length of the filter portions 32, 35.

[0106] The article 1 may further include a tipping wrapper 41. The tipping wrapper 41 is configured to connect the filter portion 31 to that portion of the article 1 that includes at least one aerosol-generating material 3. The tipping wrapper 41 surrounds the filter portion 31 and is attached to the outer surface of the combined filter plug wrapper 38. The tipping wrapper 41 extends from the mouth end 5 of the article 1 toward the heating device receiving area 7. In this embodiment, the tipping wrapper 41 extends over at least a portion of the second aerosol-generating material 12 and at least a portion of the second wrapper 26. The upstream end 41a of the tipping wrapper 41 is attached to the downstream end 26b of the second wrapper 26.

[0107] Due to the different diameters of the filter portion 31 and the first and second aerosol-generating materials 11, 12, the trim wrapper 41 is separated from the second aerosol-generating material 12 by an insulating gap 42. The insulating gap 42 is configured to reduce the heat transferred to the trim wrapper 41 during use, thereby reducing the heat transferred to the user's lips.

[0108] In some embodiments, the article 1 further comprises an outer packaging member 45, such as Figure 3 As shown. The outer packaging 45 is positioned around the trim packaging 41 of the article 1. The outer packaging 45 is spaced from the trim packaging 41 of the article 1 to maintain an insulating space 46 with other parts of the article 1. The outer packaging may include at least one protrusion 47, which is configured to contact the trim packaging 41 and maintain the insulating space 46. The outer packaging 45 is configured to retain heat in the core of the article 1 while preventing excessive heat from being transferred to the user's lips during use.

[0109] Reference Figure 4 , it can be seen that in some embodiments, the article 1 may further include a plug 120. The plug 120 may be at least partially received within the heating device chamber 7. In some embodiments, the plug 120 may be at least partially received within the filler material 10 in the heating device receiving area 7. The plug 120 is configured to conduct heat from the heating element of the non-flammable gas aerosol supply device 100 to the aerosol-generating material 3, more specifically, to the first aerosol-generating material 11. The plug 120 will be described in more detail below in conjunction with the aerosol supply device 100.

[0110] In the present embodiment, the plug 120 may contact the first package 8 formed by aluminum foil. The aluminum foil first package 8 is configured to conduct heat from the plug 120 to the first aerosol-generating material 11. The plug 120 may be formed by an inert material. The plug 120 is formed by a material that does not thermally decompose or release toxic substances when heated. The plug 120 may not thermally decompose or release toxic substances at a temperature of up to at least 700 degrees Celsius. The plug 120 may be formed by, for example, but not limited to, ceramic or glass or treated (i.e., with an electrically insulating coating) metal. The plug 120 may include a central hole 111. The central hole 111 is configured to allow air to flow from the device 100 through the plug 120 into the product 1. The heated air flowing through the product 1 can aerosolize the aerosolizable material in the aerosol-generating material 3 when it flows toward the mouth end 5 of the product 1.

[0111] Now refer to Figure 5 , shows a non-combustible gas mist supply device 100. The non-combustible gas mist supply device comprises a product receiving portion 101 and a heating device 102. The heating device 102 comprises a heating element 103 and an energy source 104, wherein the energy source 104 is configured to heat the heating element 103.

[0112] Furthermore, the heating device 102 of the non-flammable mist supply device 100 further comprises a plug 120. The plug 120 surrounds the heating element 103. The heating element 103 is at least partially positioned in the product receiving portion 101. The plug 120 is configured to be at least partially received in the heating device receiving area 7 during use, the heating device receiving area 7 being in the product 1 placed in the product receiving portion 101, as described above with reference to Figure 1 described.

[0113] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment of the non-combustible gas mist supply device 100, the components are shown in simplified form. Figure 5 To simplify the drawings, elements not relevant to understanding this embodiment have been omitted.

[0114] like Figure 5 As shown, the non-flammable gas mist supply device 100 includes a housing 106 in which the product receiving portion 101 is positioned. The housing 106 also accommodates an energy source 104. The energy source 104 can be an electrical energy supply, such as but not limited to a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. A controller 107 is connected to the heating device 102, the energy source 104, and a user interface 108, such as but not limited to a button or a display screen. The controller 107 controls the energy supplied to the heating element 103 of the heating device 102 to adjust its temperature.

[0115] The housing 106 of the non-flammable mist supply device 100 defines a product receiving portion 101 in the form of a cavity, the cavity opening at the proximal end (or mouth end) 109 for receiving the product 1 described above for use. The housing 106 includes a main body 111 and a tubular portion 112. The tubular portion 112 includes a cavity forming the product receiving portion 101 is positioned. The tubular portion 112 has a longitudinal axis A, the longitudinal axis A extending from the distal end of the tubular portion 112 to the proximal end 109 of the device, and the distal end of the tubular portion 112 is adjacent to the main body 111 of the housing 106.

[0116] The tubular portion 112 is formed by a tubular wall 113. In the present embodiment, the tubular wall 113 extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the article receiving portion 101. The tubular wall 113 includes an inner surface 114. The inner surface 114 of the tubular wall 113 defines a side wall of the article receiving portion 101. The longitudinal axis of the tubular portion 112 and the longitudinal axis of the article receiving portion 101 extend parallel to each other.

[0117] The plug 120 is positioned at the distal end of the article receiving portion 101. That is, the plug 120 is spaced apart from the open end 109 of the article receiving portion 101. In this embodiment, the entire plug 120 is positioned in the article receiving portion 101. Therefore, when the article 1 is inserted into the article receiving portion 101, the entire plug 120 can be inserted into the heating device receiving area 7 in the article. Therefore, more heat can be transferred from the heating device 102 to the article 1.

[0118] The plug 120 is configured to protect the heating element from contacting the article 1 during use. That is, the plug 120 can provide a physical barrier during use to prevent the heating element 103 from contacting a portion of the article 1. For example, the plug 120 can prevent the filler material 10 in the heating device receiving area 7 from contacting the heating device 102.

[0119] When an article 1 including a filler material 10 is inserted into the heating device receiving area 7 , the plug 120 may deform and / or compress and / or move the filler material 10 away from the heating element 103 .

[0120] The plug 120 can extend substantially around the heating element 103. That is, the plug 120 substantially surrounds the heating element 103. In this embodiment, the plug extends completely around the heating element 103. That is, the plug 120 surrounds the heating element 103 such that the plug 120 is positioned between the heating element 103 and the tube wall 113 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the product receiving chamber 101.

[0121] Additionally, the plug 120 can extend substantially over the heating element 103. That is, a portion of the plug 120 can extend downstream of the heating element 103 at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the article receiving chamber 101.

[0122] Reference Figure 6 , the plug 120 may include a first portion 121 and a second portion 122. The first portion 121 is a distal portion located farthest from the mouth end 109 of the device 100, and the second portion 122 is a proximal portion of the plug 120. The first portion 121 of the plug 120 may be configured to extend substantially around the heating element 103. In this embodiment, the shape of the first portion 121 is generally similar to a hollow cylinder. The tubular element 121 is open at both ends.

[0123] The second portion 122 of the plug 120 can be configured to extend substantially over the heating element 103. In the present embodiment, the second portion 122 is shaped substantially like a dome. However, in alternative embodiments, the second portion 122 can be shaped substantially like a truncated hollow cone, i.e., a "frusto-concial".

[0124] The plug 120 may include at least one hole 103. The at least one hole 123 is configured to provide a guide path 124 during use to allow air to flow from the non-flammable mist supply device 100 through the heating device 102 and into the product 1. The guide path 124 through the plug 120 extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the plug 120, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the product receiving portion 101 and the device 100.

[0125] In this embodiment, at least one hole 123 is positioned in the second portion 122 of the plug 120. The guide path 124 extends from the distal open end of the first portion 121 of the plug 120 to the at least one hole 123 in the second portion 122 of the plug 120.

[0126] In this embodiment, the at least one hole 123 comprises a single hole centrally located in the dome-shaped second portion 122 of the plug 120. This provides the advantage that the air flow passes through the device 100 and the article 1 from the center and provides a uniform and symmetrical air flow. In addition, the heat is centrally located in the system and can therefore flow and / or radiate outwardly to heat the aerosol-generating material 3 in the article 1.

[0127] However, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the plug 120 may include a single off-center hole 123, a plurality of holes 123 (including a central hole and additional off-center holes), or a plurality of holes 123 (without a central hole). It is believed that by providing a plurality of off-center holes 123, during use, heat from the heating device 102 can be directed through the article 1 from multiple directions, making the heat transfer through the article 1 more uniform.

[0128] Additionally, the use of multiple holes 123 may reduce the size of each individual hole for a given air flow through plug 120 , which reduces the likelihood of filler material 10 entering hole 123 and contacting heating element 103 .

[0129] The at least one hole 123 may form at least one channel extending through the body of material forming the plug 120. The at least one channel may be configured to allow fluid to pass through the channel and into the article 1 from the outside or side of the plug 120 when the article 1 is received in the article receiving portion 101.

[0130] In some embodiments, Figure 6 As shown, the plug 120 may also include a shoulder 125. In this embodiment, the shoulder 125 is formed by an end surface 126 at the proximal end of the first portion 121 of the plug 120. In order to form the shoulder 125 from the first portion 121 of the plug 120, when observing Figure 6 When Figure 5 In comparison, the diameter of the second portion 122 of the plug 120 has been reduced.

[0131] The shoulder 125 is configured to receive the package 8, 26 of the article 1. That is, during use, the shoulder 125 of the plug 120 is configured to cause the package 8, 26 of the article 1 to abut against it. Thus, the shoulder 125 provides a stop that prevents the article 1 from being inserted too far into the article receiving portion 101 during use. Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, only the second portion 122 of the plug 120 is inserted into the heating device receiving area 7 of the article 1 .

[0132] Additionally, the reduction in the cross-sectional area of ​​the guide path 124 through the plug 120 (i.e., the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plug 120) can result in an increase in the velocity of the air flow through the plug 120. This can advantageously aid heat transfer through the article 1 to aerosolize more aerosolizable material in a shorter time interval.

[0133] The plug 120 may be formed of a material that enables efficient transfer of heat from the heating element 102 to the conductor. In the present embodiment, the conductor is the first package 8. However, in other embodiments, the conductor may be the second package 26 or the rod 27. By providing a plug 120 formed of a material that efficiently transfers heat from the heating element 102 to the article 1, the amount of heat transferred to the article 1 may be increased, which may increase the amount of aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material 3 within a given time frame. The material forming the plug 120 may have a thermal conductivity in the range of up to about 150 W / mK at 20 degrees Celsius and 1 bar, and may include materials such as, but not limited to, silicon carbide and aluminum nitride.

[0134] In some embodiments, the plug 120 may have a high thermal capacity such that it is able to store heat and continue to heat the aerosol-generating material even after the energy to the heating element is removed.

[0135] In some embodiments, the plug 120 may be sized such that during use, at least a portion of the plug 120 abuts the inner surface of the heating device receiving area 7. This may advantageously help to increase the efficiency of heat transfer to the article 1, since heat may also be transferred by conduction between the plug 120 and the package 8 in addition to heat convection by the hot air flow.

[0136] The plug 120 may be formed of a material that protects the remainder of the device 100 from radiant heating. By providing a plug 120 formed of a material that protects the remainder of the device 100 from radiant heating, the device 100 may be protected from damage and from overheating of portions of the device, which may result in injury or discomfort to a user.

[0137] The plug 120 may be formed of a material that does not thermally decompose at temperatures up to 700 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the plug 120 may be formed of an inert material, at least inert at temperatures up to 700 degrees Celsius.

[0138] Plug 120 may be formed from, for example, but not limited to, at least one of ceramic, fiberglass, or anodized or enameled metal.

[0139] Return to reference Figure 4 , the heating element 103 is shown spaced apart from the plug 120. That is, there is an air gap between the heating element 103 and the plug 120. This provides a passage for air around the heating element 103 and promotes heat transfer into the air flow through the plug 120 and into the article 1 during use.

[0140] However, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the heating element 103 may be in contact with the plug 120. In such embodiments, heat may be conducted directly from the heating element 103 to the plug 120. Thus, the plug 120 may be directly heated by the heating element 103. During use, this may help provide a more even distribution of heat in the airflow through the plug 120, and may help the plug conduct heat into the article 1, particularly in embodiments where the plug 120 is sized to contact the packaging 8 of the article 1.

[0141] Additionally, in some embodiments, the heating element 103 may be embedded in the plug 120. Thus, in such embodiments, the heating element 103 directly heats the plug 120. During use, this may also help provide a more even distribution of heat in the airflow through the plug 120, and may help the plug conduct heat into the article 1, particularly in embodiments where the plug 120 is sized to contact the packaging 8 of the article 1.

[0142] The heating element may be a resistive heating element. The resistive heating element may be formed by, for example but not limited to, at least one of a coil, a mesh, a ribbon, a matrix, or an induction heater.

[0143] In some embodiments, the heating element 103 may be configured as a sensor for determining when there is air flow through the device. As cold air moves over the heating element 103, the air flow through the device 100 may cause a local temperature drop in the area of ​​the heating element 103. Changes in the temperature of the heating element 103 may result in changes in the resistance of the heating element 103, i.e., changes in current or voltage. This change in resistance may be monitored by the controller 107, which may link a given value or a change in a given value to a situation where air flow through the device is caused by a user drawing air through the device 100, and the controller 107 may therefore heat the heating element 103 so as to aerosolize the aerosolizable material in the aerosol-generating material 3 of the article 1.

[0144] In alternative embodiments, the device 100 may also include a pressure sensor and / or an air flow sensor 116 .

[0145] During use, the user can insert the product 1 into the product receiving portion 101 of the non-flammable aerosol supply device. The user can insert the product 1 until the packaging 8, 26 of the product 1 rests on the shoulder 125 of the plug 120 in the product receiving portion 101, or until the plug 120 is fully positioned in the heating device receiving area 7 of the product 1.

[0146] The user can then inhale at the mouth end 5 of the article 1, which will cause air to flow into the device 100 and through the body 111 of the housing 106 via the plug 120 and into the tubular portion 112. As the air flows through the housing 106, it passes through a pressure sensor or air flow sensor 116. The pressure sensor 116 sends information to the controller 107, which determines that the device 100 is in use and turns on the energy to the heating element 103. In an alternative embodiment, the heating element 103 itself can be used as an air flow sensor as described above.

[0147] The heating element 103 heats the air flow, which enters the article 1 through the holes 123 in the plug 120. The air flow flows through the first and second aerosol-generating materials 11, 12, and flows to the user through the filter portion 31. On its way through the article, the hot air flow aerosolizes the aerosolizable material and delivers it to the user.

[0148] At the same time, heat from the heating element 103 is transferred from the hot air to the first package 8 by convection, and in the embodiment where the plug 120 contacts the first package 8, it is transferred to the first package 8 by conduction. Heat is transferred along the first package 8 to aerosolize the aerosolizable material of the first aerosol-generating material 11. Heat is also transferred from the first package 8 to the second package 26 and longitudinally toward the mouth end 5 of the article 1. Heat is the second package 26 that aerosolizes the aerosolizable material of the second aerosol-generating material 12. Even if the heat conducted from the packages 8, 26 into the aerosol-generating materials 11, 12 is not sufficient to aerosolize the aerosolizable material in the aerosol-generating material 3, the increase in the temperature of the aerosol-generating materials 11, 12 still allows the aerosol-generating materials 11, 12 to be better aerosolized by the heated air flow through the article 1.

[0149] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to help understand and teach the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative samples 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 defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be adopted and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. In addition to those embodiments specifically described herein, various embodiments of the present invention may appropriately include suitable combinations of disclosed elements, parts, features, parts, steps, devices, etc., consisting of the above combinations or substantially consisting of the above combinations. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently declared but may be declared in the future.

Claims

1. A non-flammable gas mist supply device, comprising: Product receiving department; a heating device comprising a heating element, a plug surrounding the heating element, and an energy source configured to heat the heating element, wherein the heating element is at least partially positioned in the article receiving portion and the plug is configured to be at least partially received during use within a heating device receiving area in an article placed in the article receiving portion.

2. The non-flammable gas mist supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The plug is configured to protect the heating element from contact with the article during use.

3. The non-flammable gas mist supply device according to claim 2, wherein: The plug extends substantially around the heating element.

4. The non-flammable gas mist supply device according to claim 3, wherein: The plug comprises a first portion in the form of a hollow cylinder configured to surround the heating element.

5. The non-flammable gas mist supply device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The plug extends substantially over the heating element.

6. The non-flammable gas mist supply device according to claim 5, wherein: The plug extends substantially over the heating element such that when an article is received in the article receiving portion, the plug prevents direct contact between the heating element and the article.

7. The non-combustible gas mist supply device according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein: The plug includes a second portion in the form of a dome configured to extend over the distal end of the heating element.

8. The non-flammable gas mist supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The plug includes at least one aperture configured to provide a guide path to allow air to flow from the device through the heating apparatus.

9. The non-flammable gas mist supply device according to claim 8, wherein: The at least one hole forms at least one channel extending through the body of material forming the plug, the at least one channel being configured to allow fluid to pass through the channel from one side of the plug and into the article when the article is received in the article receiving portion.

10. A non-flammable mist supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The plug is configured to provide both conductive and convective heating.

11. The non-flammable gas mist supply device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein: The plug includes a centrally located hole.

12. A non-flammable mist supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The plug is configured to electrically insulate the heating element from the article during use.

13. A non-flammable mist supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The plug includes a shoulder configured to receive a package of articles.

14. A non-flammable mist supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The plug is formed of a material that enables efficient transfer of heat from the heating element to the conductor of the article.

15. A non-flammable mist supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The plug is configured to abut an inner surface of a heating device receiving chamber of the article.

16. A non-flammable mist supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The plug is formed of a material that protects the remainder of the device from radiant heating.

17. A non-flammable mist supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The plug material is inert and / or does not thermally decompose at temperatures up to 700 degrees Celsius.

18. A non-flammable mist supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The plug is formed from one of ceramic, fiberglass, or anodized or enameled metal.

19. A non-flammable mist supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The heating element is spaced apart from the plug.

20. The non-flammable gas mist supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein: The heating element is in contact with the plug.

21. The non-flammable gas mist supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein: The heating element is embedded in the plug.

22. A non-flammable mist supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The heating element is a resistive heating element, such as a coil, mesh, ribbon, matrix structure or induction heater.

23. A non-flammable mist supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The heating element is configured as a sensor for determining when there is air flow through the device.

24. A non-flammable mist supply according to any preceding claim, further comprising a pressure sensor or an air flow sensor configured to allow the heating device to be activated via suction activation.

25. A system for aerosolizing an aerosolizable material, comprising: Articles containing aerosol-generating materials; as well as A non-flammable mist supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 24.

26. Use of a non-flammable gas mist supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 25 to generate aerosol from a consumable product.

Images