Aerosol-generating article with embedded aversive agent

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol-generating article (10, 100), in particular for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the aerosol-generating article (10, 100) comprising: an aerosol-generating substrate (12), a downstream section (14) extending from a downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate (12) to a downstream end of the aerosol-generating article (10, 100); and an upstream section (16, 116) extending from an upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate (10, 100) to an upstream end of the aerosol-generating article (10, 100), wherein the upstream section (16, 116) comprises an aversive agent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate and adapted to generate an inhalable aerosol upon heating. In particular, the present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising an aversive agent.

[0002] Aerosol generating articles in which an aerosol generating substrate such as a tobacco-containing substrate is heated rather than burned are known in the art. Typically, in such heated smoking articles, an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a heat source to a physically separated aerosol generating substrate or material, which may be positioned in contact with the heat source, inside, around or downstream of the heat source. During the use of the aerosol generating article, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol generating substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and are entrained in the air drawn by the aerosol generating article. When the released compound cools, the compound condenses to form an aerosol. Background Art

[0003] Many prior art documents disclose aerosol generating devices for consuming aerosol generating articles. Such devices include, for example, electrically heated aerosol generating devices, wherein an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from one or more electrical heater elements of the aerosol generating device to an aerosol generating substrate of the heated aerosol generating article. For example, electrically heated aerosol generating devices comprising internal heater blades adapted to be inserted into the aerosol generating substrate have been proposed. As an alternative, an inductively heatable aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating substrate and a susceptor arranged within the aerosol generating substrate has been proposed by WO 2015 / 176898.

[0004] It is generally recognized that there is a need to deter and prevent dangerous behaviors, such as accidental ingestion of objects, including aerosol-generating articles and their components, particularly by children. For aerosol-generating articles that include hard parts, as may be the case for receptor elements embedded in an aerosol-generating matrix, the risks associated with such behaviors may be increased.

[0005] It is known to use compounds with an unpleasant taste (e.g., bitter) as aversive agents. For example, denatonium benzoate has been proposed as a deterrent to the accidental ingestion of toxic substances such as liquid detergents by children. For use in this context, denatonium benzoate has been selected as one of the candidate compounds because it is currently used as a denaturant in alcohol and in products to deter thumb sucking and nail biting.

[0006] It has also been proposed to use the unpleasant bitter flavor associated with certain aversive agents to encourage consumers to quit smoking. For example, WO 2019 / 056029 A1 discloses a smoking cessation accessory that can be fitted to the circumferential surface of a cigarette and contacted with the lips of a consumer during use of the cigarette. The accessory contains a bitter substance that can be absorbed by the lips or oral mucosa of the consumer, or both. This can result in a change in taste during normal use of the cigarette.

[0007] The smoking cessation accessories disclosed in WO 2019 / 056029 A1 are intended to make the intended use of cigarettes very unpleasant for consumers. In contrast, in the context of the present disclosure, it is considered necessary to curb and prevent the improper use of aerosol-generating articles (e.g., ingestion or chewing of aerosol-generating articles), while aiming to ensure that the normal intended use of aerosol-generating articles is substantially unaffected.

[0008] In fact, the technical solution disclosed in WO 2019 / 056029 A1 effectively relies on direct contact between the attachment and the consumer's lips to intentionally deliver bitter substances to the consumer and trigger an unpleasant sensory response during normal use of the cigarette. In a diametrically opposite manner, in the present context, it is desired that the contact between the aerosol-generating article and the consumer's lips and oral mucosa during normal use of the aerosol-generating article is not accompanied by any type of strong, unpleasant taste reaction, which some compounds used as aversive agents may cause even at high dilutions.

[0009] Another challenge is the fact that the consumer's fingers may become contaminated with the aversive agent when handling the aerosol-generating article, which is also undesirable as it may subsequently lead to an unpleasant sensory experience. Therefore, in the present context, it is considered necessary to ensure that contact between the consumer's fingers and the aerosol-generating article during normal handling and use of the aerosol-generating article does not result in the transfer of the aversive agent to the consumer's fingers.

[0010] Furthermore, it must be remembered that aversive agents may have an undesirable effect on the quality of the aerosol delivered to the consumer, particularly if, upon heating of the aerosol-generating substrate, even trace amounts of the aversive agent may volatilize into the aerosol and thereby be delivered to the consumer.

[0011] It would therefore be desirable to provide a new and improved aerosol-generating article suitable for curbing the ingestion of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article whilst substantially limiting or preventing at least one of the undesirable effects mentioned above. Summary of the invention

[0012] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article, in particular for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating.

[0013] An aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate.

[0014] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a downstream section extending from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0015] The aerosol-generating article may include an airflow path through which air may enter the aerosol-generating article, pass through the aerosol-generating substrate, and exit the aerosol-generating article. For example, if there is such a downstream section, air may exit the aerosol-generating article through a downstream section of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may also include an aversive agent.

[0016] The aversive agent may be disposed within the aerosol-generating article at a location such that direct contact between the aversive agent and the lips or oral mucosa of a consumer during normal intended use of the aerosol-generating article is substantially prevented.

[0017] The aversive agent may be disposed within the aerosol-generating article at a location such that direct contact between the aversive agent and a consumer's fingers during normal intended use of the aerosol-generating article is substantially prevented.

[0018] Furthermore, the aversive agent may be disposed within the aerosol-generating article at a location such that the aversive agent is not directly exposed to the airflow path so that the aversive agent may be substantially prevented from directly entering the airflow path.

[0019] For example, the aerosol-generating article may comprise an upstream section extending from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0020] The upstream section may contain an aversive agent.

[0021] According to the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating article, in particular for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating article further comprises a downstream section extending from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article, and an upstream section extending from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The upstream section comprises an aversive agent.

[0022] In contrast to existing aerosol-generating articles, in an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, the aversive agent is provided in an upstream section of the aerosol-generating article positioned upstream of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0023] As will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of aerosol-generating articles according to the present invention, by providing the aversive agent in the upstream section, contact between the aversive agent and the lips and oral mucosa of a consumer during normal intended use of the aerosol-generating article can advantageously be substantially prevented. This is because the aversive agent is provided at the end of the aerosol-generating article opposite the mouth end, and it is highly unlikely that the aversive agent could inadvertently come into contact with the lips or oral mucosa of a consumer during normal use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0024] Additionally, by arranging the aversive agent at a location within the upstream section that is remote from the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article, contact of a consumer's fingers with the aversive agent during normal handling and use of the aerosol-generating article may desirably be excluded.

[0025] Because the aversive agent is not on the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article, migration of the aversive agent to other aerosol-generating articles, such as other aerosol-generating articles provided within the same package during transport or storage, may also be advantageously avoided.

[0026] In certain embodiments, it may be possible to exclude direct exposure of the aversive agent to the generated aerosol stream, and in certain preferred embodiments, it may be possible to prevent even trace amounts of the aversive agent from being released into the aerosol.

[0027] This is because the aversive agent is not directly exposed to the mainstream airflow path, and because the aversive agent is not disposed at a location within the aerosol-generating article to which heat would be supplied during normal use.

[0028] It will therefore be appreciated that the present invention effectively provides an aerosol-generating article comprising: an aerosol-generating substrate, a downstream segment extending from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article, and an airflow path through which air may enter the aerosol-generating article, pass through the aerosol-generating substrate, and exit the aerosol-generating article, such as through the downstream segment. The aerosol-generating article further comprises an aversive agent disposed within the aerosol-generating article at a location such that the aversive agent is not directly exposed to the airflow path.

[0029] In the context of the present invention, the expression "not directly exposed to the airflow path" means that there is at least one layer of additional material separating the aversive agent located at its intended location from the airflow path. For example, the aversive agent may be embedded in a component of the aerosol-generating article that is away from any surface of the component that may be directly contacted by the aerosol during use.

[0030] At the same time, by arranging the aversive agent at one end of the aerosol-generating article, in particular in a section of the aerosol-generating article adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate, accidental ingestion of the aerosol-generating substrate can be effectively prevented. This is because if the upstream section is chewed, the aversive agent will be quickly released. Such a containment effect is particularly beneficial in those embodiments in which the receptor element is embedded within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0031] Placing the aversive agent in the aerosol-generating article at a location where the aversive agent is not directly exposed to the airflow path may have the desired effect of substantially preventing the aversive agent from being directly released into the aerosol at said location. However, migration of the aversive agent from its intended location to other parts or components of the aerosol-generating article may not be completely prevented, and therefore trace amounts of the aversive agent may be detected at other locations within the aerosol-generating article. Nevertheless, the inventors have found that using an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, no aversive agent is detected in the aerosol delivered to the consumer at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is assumed that if trace amounts of the aversive agent migrate from the intended location all the way into the aerosol-generating matrix, the heat supplied to the aerosol-generating matrix during use will raise its temperature above the decomposition temperature of the aversive agent. As a result, only trace amounts of the decomposition products may actually be delivered to the consumer.

[0032] As briefly described above, the present invention provides an aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating.

[0033] The term "aerosol-generating article" is used herein to refer to an article in which an aerosol-generating substrate is heated to generate and deliver an inhalable aerosol to a consumer. As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds upon heating to generate an aerosol.

[0034] A conventional cigarette will ignite when a user applies a flame to one end of the cigarette and draws air through the other end. The localized heat provided by the flame and the oxygen in the air drawn through the cigarette causes the end of the cigarette to ignite, and the resulting combustion generates inhalable smoke. In contrast, in a heated aerosol-generating article, an aerosol is generated by heating a flavor-generating substrate (e.g., tobacco) without burning the flavor-generating substrate. Known heated aerosol-generating articles include, for example, electrically heated aerosol-generating articles and aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol is generated by heat transfer from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol-forming material.

[0035] The aerosol generating article according to the present invention is particularly applicable in an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device having a heating chamber, the aerosol generating article being received in the heating chamber so that heat can be supplied to the aerosol generating substrate. This can be achieved by providing one or more heating elements arranged around the periphery of the heating chamber, the one or more heating elements being resistively heated or inductively heated. Alternatively, this can also be achieved by a resistively heated blade-shaped component of the aerosol generating device, which blade-shaped component is inserted into the aerosol generating substrate when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating chamber.

[0036] According to yet another alternative, a susceptor element may be provided within the aerosol generating substrate, and the aerosol generating device may have an inductor for generating an alternating or fluctuating electromagnetic field. When the aerosol generating article is engaged with the aerosol generating device, the fluctuating electromagnetic field generated by the inductor induces a current in the susceptor element, thereby causing the susceptor element to heat up. An electrically operated aerosol generating device may be capable of generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a magnetic field strength (H field strength) between 1 and 5 kiloamperes per meter (kA / m), preferably between 2 and 3 kA / m, for example about 2.5 kA / m.

[0037] The aerosol-generating article may be in the form of a rod.As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "rod" is intended to denote a generally cylindrical element of substantially circular, oval or elliptical cross-section.

[0038] As used herein, the term "longitudinal" refers to a direction corresponding to the main longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article, which direction extends between the upstream end and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" describe the relative position of an element or part of an element of an aerosol-generating article relative to the direction in which an aerosol is transported through the aerosol-generating article during use.

[0039] During use, air is drawn through the aerosol-generating article in the longitudinal direction. The term "transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Unless otherwise stated, any reference to a "cross-section" of an aerosol-generating article or component of an aerosol-generating article refers to a cross-section.

[0040] The term "length" refers to the dimension of a component of an aerosol-generating article in the longitudinal direction. For example, it may be used to refer to the dimension of an aerosol-generating substrate or an upstream section in the longitudinal direction.

[0041] The term "aerosol former" is used herein to describe a compound that, when volatilized, can aid in the aerosol delivery of other vaporized compounds released upon heating of an aerosol-generating substrate, such as nicotine and flavorings. Suitable aerosol formers for inclusion in an aerosol-generating substrate are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols, such as triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, and glycerol; esters of polyols, such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

[0042] The term "aversive" is used herein to describe a compound that can be added to a product to deter or limit its intake. The chemical nature of the aversive determines the type of product to which the aversive can be added. For example, chemical stability and solubility may affect the compatibility of an aversive with a given type of product. Examples of aversives include pungencies (also called irritants) and bitters.

[0043] The term "pungent agent" is used herein to describe a group of compounds that produce a strong pungent taste and burning sensation when applied topically to mucous membranes and skin surfaces. Common pungent agents include, but are not limited to, capsaicin (red pepper), piperine (black pepper), allyl isothiocyanate (mustard oil), and resinferatoxin.

[0044] The term "bitter" is used herein to describe a group of chemically dissimilar compounds that have the common property of imparting a bitter taste to a substance. Compounds considered bitters include, but are not limited to, denatonium benzoate, gulombine, gentioside, quasin, scutellarin, quinine hydrochloride.

[0045] The "bitterness value" of a given substance, such as a bittering agent, can be determined according to the standardized procedure described in the European Pharmacopoeia (European Pharmacopoeia. Volume 1: General part of monograph groups, 5th edition, basic work. Stuttgart 2005, ISBN 3-7692-3638-6, 2.8.15 Bitterwert, page 278). In more detail, the "bitterness value" can be determined as the reciprocal of the dilution of the compound, liquid or extract that still tastes bitter. The bitterness value of a given substance is effectively determined by comparing the threshold bitterness concentration of an extract of the substance with the threshold bitterness concentration of a diluted solution of quinine hydrochloride.

[0046] The bitterness value of quinine hydrochloride is set at 200,000. This means that 1 gram of quinine hydrochloride will make 200,000 grams of water taste bitter.

[0047] To evaluate the bitterness value of a given test compound, a stock solution of quinine hydrochloride and dilute solutions of quinine hydrochloride with increasing concentrations were prepared as reference solutions. At the same time, a stock solution of a given compound and dilute solutions of the test compound with increasing concentrations were also prepared.

[0048] To correct for individual differences in bitter taste among members of the test panel, a correction factor may be determined based on each panelist's response to tasting a quinine hydrochloride reference solution.

[0049] Before each tasting, the panelists rinsed their mouths with drinking water. The highest dilution that still tasted bitter was determined by taking 10 ml of the most diluted solution in the mouth and passing it from side to side on the back of the tongue for 30 seconds. If the solution was not found to be bitter, the panelists spat it out and waited one minute before rinsing their mouths with drinking water again. After 10 minutes, the next dilution was tasted in order of increasing concentration.

[0050] For each panelist, the highest dilution of the test compound that continued to elicit a bitter taste sensation after 30 seconds was considered his individual threshold bitterness concentration. The bitterness value of the test compound was calculated by averaging the individual threshold bitterness concentrations of all panelists.

[0051] As briefly described above, an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention comprises an aerosol-generating substrate and an upstream section positioned upstream of the aerosol-generating substrate and extending from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The upstream section contains an aversive agent.

[0052] Aversive agents may include pungent or bitter agents or both.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the aversive agent is a bitter agent.

[0054] In particular, the aversive agent may have a bitterness value of at least 500,000. Preferably, the aversive agent has a bitterness value of at least 1,000,000. More preferably, the aversive agent has a bitterness value of at least 2,500,000. Even more preferably, the aversive agent has a bitterness value of at least 5,000,000.

[0055] In particularly preferred embodiments, the aversive agent has a bitterness value of at least 10,000,000. More preferably, the aversive agent has a bitterness value of at least 25,000,000. Even more preferably, the aversive agent has a bitterness value of at least 50,000,000.

[0056] Denatonium benzoate is generally considered the most bitter compound known, with a bitterness value estimated at over 100,000,000.

[0057] The following table lists some known bitterants and their respective bitterness values.

[0058] Table 1

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the aversive agent is selected from the group consisting of denatonium benzoate, gulombine, gentioside, quassin, sphingomyelin, quinine hydrochloride, and combinations thereof. For example, denatonium benzoate is commercially available under the trade name Bitrex®.

[0060] In an aerosol-generating article according to the invention, the aversive agent may be provided in a concentration of at least 1 part per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the aversive agent is provided in a concentration of at least 2 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article. More preferably, the aversive agent is provided in a concentration of at least 5 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the aversive agent is provided at a concentration of at least 10 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the aversive agent is provided at a concentration of at least 25 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article. More preferably, the aversive agent is provided at a concentration of at least 50 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article.

[0062] In an aerosol-generating article according to the invention, the aversive agent may be provided at a concentration of less than or equal to 250 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the aversive agent may be provided at a concentration of less than or equal to 200 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article. More preferably, the aversive agent may be provided at a concentration of less than or equal to 150 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article.

[0063] In some embodiments, the aversive agent may be provided in a concentration of 2 to 250 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article, preferably 5 to 250 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article, more preferably 10 to 250 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article, even more preferably 25 to 250 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article, and most preferably 50 to 250 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article.

[0064] In other embodiments, the aversive agent can be provided in a concentration of 2 to 200 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article, preferably 5 to 200 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article, more preferably 10 to 200 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article, even more preferably 25 to 200 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article, and most preferably 50 to 200 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article.

[0065] In other embodiments, the aversive agent can be provided in a concentration of 2 to 100 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article, preferably 5 to 100 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article, more preferably 10 to 100 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article, even more preferably 25 to 100 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article, and most preferably 50 to 100 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article.

[0066] In an aerosol-generating article according to the invention, the total amount of aversive agents may be at least 0.5 micrograms. Preferably, the total amount of aversive agents is at least 0.75 micrograms. More preferably, the total amount of aversive agents is at least 1.0 micrograms. Even more preferably, the total amount of aversive agents is at least 1.5 micrograms. In particularly preferred embodiments, the total amount of aversive agents is at least 2 micrograms, preferably at least 2.5 micrograms, more preferably at least 2.7 micrograms.

[0067] In the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, the total amount of aversive agents may be less than or equal to 50 micrograms. Preferably, the total amount of aversive agents is less than or equal to 45 micrograms. More preferably, the total amount of aversive agents is less than or equal to 40 micrograms. Even more preferably, the total amount of aversive agents is less than or equal to 35 micrograms. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the total amount of aversive agents is less than or equal to 30 micrograms, preferably less than or equal to 28 micrograms, more preferably less than or equal to 27 micrograms.

[0068] In some embodiments, the total amount of aversive agents in the aerosol-generating article is from 0.5 micrograms to 50 micrograms, preferably from 0.75 micrograms to 50 micrograms, more preferably from 1.0 micrograms to 50 micrograms, even more preferably from 1.5 micrograms to 50 micrograms, and particularly preferably from 2.0 micrograms to 50 micrograms, or from 2.5 micrograms to 50 micrograms, or from 2.7 micrograms to 50 micrograms.

[0069] In other embodiments, the total amount of aversive agent in the aerosol-generating article is from 0.5 μg to 45 μg, preferably from 0.75 μg to 45 μg, more preferably from 1.0 μg to 45 μg, even more preferably from 1.5 μg to 45 μg, and particularly preferably from 2.0 μg to 45 μg, or from 2.5 μg to 45 μg, or from 2.7 μg to 45 μg.

[0070] In further embodiments, the total amount of aversive agents in the aerosol-generating article is from 0.5 μg to 40 μg, preferably from 0.75 μg to 40 μg, more preferably from 1.0 μg to 40 μg, even more preferably from 1.5 μg to 40 μg, and particularly preferably from 2.0 μg to 40 μg, or from 2.5 μg to 40 μg, or from 2.7 μg to 40 μg.

[0071] In yet other embodiments, the total amount of aversive agents in the aerosol-generating article is from 0.5 μg to 35 μg, preferably from 0.75 μg to 35 μg, more preferably from 1.0 μg to 35 μg, even more preferably from 1.5 μg to 35 μg, and particularly preferably from 2.0 μg to 35 μg, or from 2.5 μg to 35 μg, or from 2.7 μg to 35 μg.

[0072] In another set of embodiments, the total amount of aversive agent in the aerosol-generating article is from 0.5 μg to 30 μg, preferably from 0.75 μg to 30 μg, more preferably from 1.0 μg to 30 μg, even more preferably from 1.5 μg to 30 μg, and particularly preferably from 2.0 μg to 30 μg, or from 2.5 μg to 30 μg, or from 2.7 μg to 30 μg.

[0073] In a further set of embodiments, the total amount of aversive agent in the aerosol-generating article is from 0.5 micrograms to 27 micrograms, preferably from 0.75 micrograms to 27 micrograms, more preferably from 1.0 micrograms to 27 micrograms, even more preferably from 1.5 micrograms to 27 micrograms, and particularly preferably from 2.0 micrograms to 27 micrograms, or from 2.5 micrograms to 27 micrograms, or from 2.7 micrograms to 27 micrograms. In an aerosol-generating article according to the invention, the aversive agent is preferably provided on a solid aversive component. As will be described in more detail below, this may advantageously facilitate the manufacture of the aerosol-generating article, since the solid aversive component carrying the aversive agent may even be assembled at different locations and included in the aerosol-generating article using conventional article manufacturing techniques.

[0074] More preferably, the aversive component comprises a matrix onto which the aversive agent is absorbed. Even more preferably, the matrix is ​​a thread matrix into which the aversive agent is absorbed. Methods and apparatus for incorporating thread matrices (e.g., flavored threads) into aerosol-generating articles are known to those skilled in the art, and thus providing an aversive component absorbed in a thread matrix may facilitate the manufacture of aerosol-generating articles according to the invention without requiring major modifications to existing equipment or procedures already in place.

[0075] Additionally, depending on the binding affinity between the thread and the absorbed aversive agent, the thread may be configured to substantially prevent migration of the aversive agent from the thread. This is beneficial because it will reduce the risk that some of the aversive agent may be transferred from one aerosol-generating article to another aerosol-generating article, for example within the same package. Furthermore, it may also help prevent even trace amounts of the aversive agent from being released from the thread during normal use of the aerosol-generating article, which may otherwise have an undesirable effect on the quality of the aerosol delivered to the consumer.

[0076] The thread substrate preferably comprises cotton yarn.

[0077] In certain embodiments, the thread matrix is ​​substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0078] The upstream section may also include a rod. The rod may be defined by a wrapping paper.

[0079] The rod may be porous or substantially air impermeable. For example, the rod may be made of a filter material that has been compressed to a point where it is substantially air impermeable. Alternatively, the rod may be made of an air impermeable material, such as a silicone polymer material.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the upstream section comprises a rod defined by a wrapper.

[0081] Preferably, the aversive agent is embedded in the rod in the upstream section. For example, as discussed above, the aversive agent may be provided on a solid aversive component and the solid aversive component may be embedded in the rod in the upstream section. One such arrangement has the advantage that the aversive agent may be kept away from the airflow path. Thus, during use of the aerosol-generating article, the generated aerosol flow cannot come into contact with the aversive agent, so that no aversive agent is delivered to the consumer with the aerosol.

[0082] Furthermore, because the aversive agent is held at a distance from the outer surface of the upstream section, accidental transfer of the aversive agent to the fingers of a consumer when the consumer grasps or uses the aerosol-generating article will advantageously be prevented.

[0083] The rod of the upstream section may comprise any material suitable for use in an aerosol-generating article. In some embodiments, the rod of filter material of the upstream section comprises at least one of cellulose acetate fibers, polylactic acid fibers, polyhydroxybutyrate fibers, and polyhydroxyalkanoate fibers.

[0084] The rod of the upstream section may have a length of at least 2 mm. Preferably, the rod of the upstream section has a length of at least 3 mm. More preferably, the rod of the upstream section has a length of at least 4 mm. Even more preferably, the rod of the upstream section has a length of at least 5 mm.

[0085] The rod of the upstream section may have a length less than or equal to 15 mm. Preferably, the rod of the upstream section has a length less than or equal to 12 mm. More preferably, the rod of the upstream section has a length less than or equal to 10 mm. Even more preferably, the rod of the upstream section has a length less than or equal to 7 mm.

[0086] In some embodiments, the rod of the upstream section has a length of 2 mm to 12 mm, preferably 3 mm to 12 mm, more preferably 4 mm to 12 mm, even more preferably 5 mm to 12 mm. In other embodiments, the rod of the upstream section has a length of 2 mm to 10 mm, preferably 3 mm to 10 mm, more preferably 4 mm to 10 mm, even more preferably 5 mm to 10 mm. In further embodiments, the rod of the upstream section has a length of 2 mm to 7 mm, preferably 3 mm to 7 mm, more preferably 4 mm to 7 mm, even more preferably 5 mm to 7 mm.

[0087] The rod of the upstream section may have an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article.In turn, the outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article may be substantially equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0088] The rod of the upstream section may have an outer diameter of at least 4 mm. Preferably, the rod of the upstream section has an outer diameter of at least 5 mm. The rod may have an outer diameter less than or equal to 9 mm. Preferably, the rod of the upstream section has an outer diameter less than or equal to 8 mm.

[0089] In some embodiments, the rod of the upstream section has an outer diameter of 4 to 9 mm, preferably 5 to 9 mm. In other embodiments, the rod of the upstream section has an outer diameter of 4 to 8 mm, preferably 5 to 8 mm.

[0090] The resistance to draw (RTD) of the rod in the upstream section will depend on several parameters, including the porosity of the material from which the rod is made and the geometry of the rod (e.g., cross-sectional area, length). As will be discussed in more detail below, in certain embodiments, the rod may be provided in the form of a hollow body and define an internal airflow passage extending through the rod from the upstream end of the rod to the downstream end of the rod. In such embodiments, the RTD of the rod will typically be very low—if not zero—because the airflow through the rod will occur primarily—if not entirely—through the internal airflow passage.

[0091] In contrast, in other embodiments where the rod is a solid (i.e., non-hollow) body, such as a solid rod made of a porous material, the RTD of the rod may generally be higher and may vary more significantly with the length of the rod and the porosity of the material from which the rod is made. This is because gas flow will generally occur across the cross-section of the rod, rather than along a preferential path.

[0092] In certain embodiments, the rod of the upstream section comprises cellulose acetate. Preferably, the rod of the upstream section comprises cellulose acetate that has been curled, fluffed and to which a plasticizer has been applied. In other embodiments, cellulose acetate may be at least partially replaced with other fibers suitable for use in aerosol-generating articles, such as PHA-PBA fibers, PLA fibers, etc.

[0093] As mentioned previously, in certain embodiments, the upstream section further comprises a predefined airflow channel extending from the upstream end of the rod through the rod to the downstream end of the rod. In these embodiments, the aversive agent is embedded in the rod at a position away from the airflow channel. Preferably, where the rod of the upstream section comprises cellulose acetate, the cellulose acetate may be further compressed around the predefined airflow channel. This is advantageously understood to further increase the resistance to draw (RTD) associated with the portion of the rod formed by the filter material relative to the predefined airflow channel, which therefore provides a preferential path such that the resistance to draw (RTD) of the rod is negligible or substantially zero.

[0094] The resistance to draw (RTD) of an aerosol-generating article or component thereof (such as a plug of filter material) can be assessed as the negative pressure that must be applied to the downstream end of the article or component in order to maintain a steady volumetric air flow of 17.5 ml / s through the article or component. The skilled person can find further details on the measurement method, test conditions, etc. in ISO 6565:2015 (2015).

[0095] Controlling the draw resistance of the rod of the upstream section may be beneficial because, as will be described in more detail below, establishing a certain draw resistance difference between the rod of the upstream section and the rest of the aerosol generating article (particularly the downstream section) will help prevent the aversive agent from being directly exposed to the aerosol airflow path, which should be understood to help prevent even trace amounts of the aversive agent from being delivered to the consumer with the aerosol. This aspect is naturally particularly important in embodiments in which the rod of the upstream section includes a predefined airflow channel extending from the upstream end of the rod through the rod to the downstream end of the rod. From a practical perspective, control of the draw resistance of such a hollow rod can be achieved by adjusting the equivalent diameter of the predefined airflow channel.

[0096] Preferably, the upstream section further comprises a hollow tubular element defining the air flow channel.In some embodiments, the hollow tubular element is provided in the form of a cardboard tube.

[0097] In embodiments where the upstream section comprises a hollow tubular element defining an airflow channel, the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular element defines the airflow channel. Thus, the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular element may further act as a physical barrier between the aversive agent in the stick body and the airflow path.

[0098] As used herein, the term "hollow tubular element" is used to refer to a generally elongated element that defines an inner cavity or airflow passage along its longitudinal axis. In particular, the term "tubular" will be used to refer to an element having a substantially cylindrical cross-section and defining at least one airflow conduit that establishes uninterrupted fluid communication between an upstream end of the tubular element and a downstream end of the tubular element. However, it should be understood that alternative geometries (e.g., alternative cross-sectional shapes) of the tubular element may be possible.

[0099] In the context of the present invention, the hollow tubular element provides an unrestricted flow channel. This means that the hollow tubular element provides a negligible level of RTD. This has the following benefits: Due to the difference in RTD between the hollow tubular element and the surrounding material forming the rod body, any airflow through the rod will be substantially prevented. Therefore, the aversive agent - whether it is contained in the aversive component or more generally disposed within the material of the rod body - will always be effectively kept away from the mainstream airflow path.

[0100] Additionally, by adjusting the inner diameter of the hollow tubular element, and hence the diameter of the gas flow passage, the RTD of the gas flow passage extending through the rod may be controlled, in particular set to a very low value (if not substantially zero).

[0101] The diameter of the airflow channel extending through the rod may be at least 30% of the outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol generating article. Preferably, the diameter of the airflow channel extending through the rod is at least 35% of the outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol generating article. More preferably, the diameter of the airflow channel extending through the rod is at least 40% of the outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol generating article. Even more preferably, the diameter of the airflow channel extending through the rod is at least 45% of the outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol generating article. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the diameter of the airflow channel extending through the rod is at least 50% of the outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol generating article or at least 55% of the outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol generating article or at least 60% of the outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol generating article.

[0102] The diameter of the air flow channel extending through the rod may be less than or equal to 90% of the outer diameter of the upstream segment of the aerosol generating article, preferably less than or equal to 80% of the outer diameter of the upstream segment of the aerosol generating article, and more preferably less than or equal to 70% of the outer diameter of the upstream segment of the aerosol generating article.

[0103] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article further comprises at least one ventilation zone downstream of the upstream section to allow air to enter the aerosol-generating article.

[0104] Allowing ventilation air to enter the aerosol-generating article has a variety of beneficial effects. For example, a ventilation air flow allowed to enter the downstream section of the article, that is, allowed to enter the aerosol-generating article at a position downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, can quickly cool the volatile substances released from the aerosol-generating substrate when heated. It has been observed that this has a favorable effect on the nucleation and growth of aerosol particles, so that the aerosol delivery to the consumer can be enhanced. At the same time, the temperature of the aerosol delivered to the consumer can be advantageously reduced to a desired value without the need to include an aerosol cooling element that provides a large specific surface area for heat exchange or a material with significant heat capacity in the downstream section.

[0105] In the context of the present invention, allowing ventilation air to enter the aerosol generating article downstream of the upstream section has the additional benefit that the overall RTD of the aerosol generating substrate and the downstream section is significantly lower than the RTD of the upstream section. For example, in the case where the ventilation zone is arranged downstream of the upstream section, the overall RTD of the aerosol generating substrate and the downstream section is significantly lower than the RTD of the upstream rod body in which the aversive agent or aversive component is embedded. Therefore, providing a ventilation zone downstream of the upstream rod - as a supplement or alternative to providing a predefined airflow channel extending through the rod as described above - will have the effect of substantially preventing airflow from passing through the filter material rod due to the difference in RTD between the upstream section and the rest of the aerosol generating article. Therefore, the aversive agent can be conveniently kept away from the mainstream airflow path at all times.

[0106] Aerosol-generating articles may typically have a ventilation level of at least about 10%, preferably at least about 20%.

[0107] Throughout this specification, the term "ventilation level" is used to denote the volume ratio between the airflow entering the aerosol-generating article via the ventilation zone (ventilation airflow) and the sum of the aerosol airflow and the ventilation airflow. The greater the ventilation level, the higher the dilution of the flow ultimately delivered to the consumer.

[0108] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol generating article has a ventilation level of at least about 30%. More preferably, the aerosol generating article has a ventilation level of at least about 35%. In addition, or as an alternative, the aerosol generating article preferably has a ventilation level of less than about 60%. More preferably, the aerosol generating article has a ventilation level of less than about 50%. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol generating article has a ventilation level of about 30% to about 60%. More preferably, the aerosol generating article has a ventilation level of about 35% to about 50%. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating article has a ventilation level of about 40%.

[0109] Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors have found that the temperature drop caused by admitting cooler outside air into the aerosol-generating article via the ventilation zone can have a favorable effect on the nucleation and growth of aerosol particles. In addition, providing a ventilation zone configured to admit ventilation airflow into the article to produce ventilation levels within the above ranges can result in a difference in RTD between the upstream section and the rest of the aerosol-generating article, thereby ensuring that good separation between the aversive agent and the mainstream airflow path is always maintained.

[0110] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate may be in the form of an aerosol-generating strip. The aerosol-generating strip may include a susceptor element, wherein the susceptor element is thermally coupled to the aerosol-generating substrate. In more detail, this may be achieved by having the susceptor element extend longitudinally within the aerosol-generating strip and embedded within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0111] For example, the aerosol generating strip may include a sheet of homogenized tobacco material that gathers to form a strip extending along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article. The sensor element may be embedded in the gathered sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As an alternative, the aerosol generating strip may include a shredded filler obtained by cutting tobacco leaf material or reconstructing or homogenizing tobacco material. The sensor element may be embedded in the shredded filler, for example to be surrounded by the shredded filler.

[0112] The aerosol-generating substrate preferably comprises one or more aerosol formers. Upon volatilization, the aerosol formers can aerosol-transport other vaporized compounds released from the first aerosol-generating substrate upon heating, such as nicotine and flavoring agents. Suitable aerosol formers for inclusion in the aerosol-generating substrate are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols such as triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, and glycerol; esters of polyols such as mono-, di-, or tri-acetates of glycerol; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

[0113] The aerosol-generating substrate may have an aerosol-former content of between about 5 wt % and about 30 wt % on a dry weight basis.

[0114] Preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate has an aerosol-forming agent content of at least about 10 wt% on a dry weight basis, more preferably at least about 15 wt% on a dry weight basis.

[0115] The aerosol-generating substrate preferably has an aerosol-forming agent content of less than or equal to about 25 wt % on a dry basis, more preferably less than or equal to about 20 wt % on a dry basis.

[0116] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate has an aerosol-forming agent content of 5% to 25% by weight on a dry weight basis, preferably 10% to 25% by weight on a dry weight basis, and more preferably 15% to 25% by weight on a dry weight basis. In other embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate has an aerosol-forming agent content of 5% to 20% by weight on a dry weight basis, preferably 10% to 20% by weight on a dry weight basis, and more preferably 15% to 20% by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0117] These relatively high aerosol former levels are particularly suitable for aerosol-generating substrates that are intended to be heated at temperatures below 275 degrees Celsius.

[0118] The downstream section may include one or more elements.

[0119] In some embodiments, the downstream section may include a support element positioned downstream of the aerosol generating substrate. For example, the support element may be arranged immediately downstream of the aerosol generating substrate, and preferably arranged adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate. The support element may, for example, be in the form of a rod of cellulose acetate. The support element may be hollow. In some embodiments, the support element may be defined by its own rod packaging.

[0120] The downstream section may include an aerosol-cooling element positioned downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-cooling element may be arranged immediately downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate. Alternatively, another element may be arranged between the aerosol-generating substrate and the aerosol-cooling element. For example, a support element as described above may be positioned between the aerosol-generating substrate and the aerosol-cooling element. In this case, all three elements may be arranged in an adjacent relationship along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0121] In certain embodiments, the aerosol-cooling element may be provided in the form of a hollow tubular element, and the ventilation zone as described above may be arranged at a location along the hollow tubular element of the aerosol-cooling element and configured to allow air to enter from the external environment when the consumer inhales the aerosol-generating article. In some embodiments, the aerosol-cooling element may be defined by its own stick package. In other embodiments, the aerosol-cooling element and the support element upstream of the aerosol-cooling element may be combined and defined by a single stick package.

[0122] The downstream section may include a mouthpiece element. The mouthpiece element may be positioned at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article, and is therefore downstream not only of the aerosol-generating substrate, but also of any other of the optional elements of the downstream section. The mouthpiece element extends all the way to the mouth end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0123] Preferably, the mouthpiece element comprises at least one mouthpiece filter segment of fibrous filter material. Suitable fibrous filter materials will be known to the skilled person. Particularly preferably, at least one mouthpiece filter segment comprises a cellulose acetate filter segment formed from cellulose acetate tow.

[0124] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the downstream section may include a mouth end cavity at the downstream end downstream of the mouthpiece filter segment as described above. The mouth end cavity may be defined by a hollow tubular element disposed at the downstream end of the mouthpiece. The mouth end cavity may be defined by an outer wrapper of the mouthpiece element, wherein the outer wrapper extends from the mouthpiece element in the downstream direction.

[0125] The mouthpiece element may optionally include a flavoring agent, which may be provided in any suitable form. For example, the mouthpiece element may include one or more capsules, beads or particles of a flavoring agent, or one or more threads or filaments loaded with a flavoring agent.

[0126] Preferably, the mouthend element has a low particle filtration efficiency.

[0127] Preferably, the mouthpiece is formed from sections of fibrous filter material.

[0128] In some embodiments, the mouthend element is defined by its own stick wrap.

[0129] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may further comprise an outer paper wrapper comprising an impermeable coating to prevent migration of the aversive agent to the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article. This is beneficial because it provides a further barrier layer between the aversive component and the consumer during regular use or any handling of the aerosol-generating article. At the same time, the use of a paper wrapper prevents the aversive agent from reaching the consumer in the event of inadvertent ingestion of the article, etc.

[0130] As briefly described above, an aerosol generating system according to the present invention comprises a heating device and an aerosol generating article conforming to the preceding description.

[0131] Therefore, the present invention also relates to an aerosol generating system comprising such a heating device, such as an electrically heated aerosol generating device, and an aerosol generating article.

[0132] Examples of suitable aerosol-generating devices will be known to those skilled in the art.In general, a suitable aerosol-generating device will comprise a cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article (ie a heating chamber) and one or more heating elements for supplying heat to the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0133] For example, if the aerosol-generating article comprises a susceptor element embedded within an aerosol-generating substrate, the one or more heating elements may comprise one or more susceptor elements adapted to generate a fluctuating electromagnetic field within the cavity.

[0134] Alternatively, the one or more heating elements may comprise one or more resistively heatable elements arranged at a position at or around the periphery of the heating chamber that faces the aerosol-generating substrate when the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating chamber.

[0135] These heating arrangements are such that, during use, heat is selectively supplied to the aerosol-generating substrate, whilst only negligible amounts or substantially no heat is supplied to the upstream section.

[0136] Additionally, a suitable aerosol generating device will typically comprise a power source connected to the one or more sensor elements or resistively heatable elements; and a control element configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the one or more sensor elements or resistively heatable elements.

[0137] Preferably, the aerosol generating device is a portable or handheld aerosol generating device that is comfortable for a user to hold between the fingers of a single hand.

[0138] The aerosol generating device may be substantially cylindrical in shape.

[0139] The aerosol generating device may have a length of between about 70 mm and about 120 mm.

[0140] The power source may be any suitable power source, such as a DC voltage source, such as a battery. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium ion battery.

[0141] The control element may be a simple switch. Alternatively, the control element may be an electrical circuit and may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers.

[0142] Features described in relation to one or more aspects may equally apply to other aspects of the invention.In particular, features described in relation to an aerosol-generating article may equally apply to an aerosol-generating system.

[0143] The invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment or aspect described herein.

[0144] Example Ex1: An aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the aerosol-generating article comprising: an aerosol-generating substrate; and a downstream section extending from a downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to a downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0145] Example Ex2: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex1, further comprising an upstream section extending from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article; wherein the upstream section comprises an aversive agent.

[0146] Example Ex3: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex2, wherein the aversive agent is a bitter agent.

[0147] Example Ex4: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex3, wherein the aversive agent has a bitterness value of at least 10,000.

[0148] Example Ex5: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex2 to Ex4, wherein the aversive agent comprises at least one of denatonium benzoate (bitrex), gulombine, gentioside, quassin, sphingomyelin and quinine hydrochloride.

[0149] Example Ex6: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex2 to Ex5, wherein the aversive agent is provided at a concentration of at least 2 parts per million.

[0150] Example Ex7: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex2 to Ex6, wherein the aversive agent is disposed on a solid aversive component.

[0151] Example Ex8: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex7, wherein the aversive component comprises a substrate on which the aversive agent is absorbed.

[0152] Example Ex9: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex8, wherein the substrate is a thread substrate and the aversive agent is absorbed in the thread substrate.

[0153] Example Ex10: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex9, wherein the thread matrix comprises cotton yarn.

[0154] Example Ex11: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex8 or Ex9, wherein the thread matrix is ​​substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0155] Example Ex12: An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises at least one ventilation zone downstream of the upstream section to allow air to enter the aerosol-generating article.

[0156] Example Ex 13: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the upstream section further comprises a rod defined by a wrapper.

[0157] Example Ex 14: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex 13, wherein the aversive component is embedded in the rod of the upstream section.

[0158] Example Ex15: An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex13 or Ex14, wherein the rod of the upstream section comprises at least one of cellulose acetate fibers, polylactic acid fibers, polyhydroxybutyrate fibers, and polyhydroxyalkanoate fibers.

[0159] Example Ex16: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the upstream section further comprises an airflow channel extending through the rod from the upstream end of the rod to the downstream end of the rod.

[0160] Example Ex17: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex16, wherein the upstream section further comprises a tube defining the airflow channel.

[0161] Example Ex18: An aerosol-generating article according to example Ex17, wherein the tube is a paperboard tube.

[0162] Example Ex19: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex16 to Ex18, wherein the diameter of the airflow channel is at least 45% of the total outer diameter of the upstream section.

[0163] Example Ex20: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex1, wherein the aerosol-generating article also includes an airflow path through which air can enter the aerosol-generating article, pass through the aerosol-generating substrate, and leave the aerosol-generating article through the downstream section, wherein the aerosol-generating article also contains an aversive agent, which is arranged in the aerosol-generating article so that the aversive agent is not directly exposed to a position in the airflow path.

[0164] Example Ex21: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding examples, further comprising an outer wrapper, the outer wrapper comprising an impermeable coating to prevent migration of an aversive agent to an outer surface of the aerosol-generating article. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0165] Several examples will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0166] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an aerosol generating article according to the present invention;

[0167] Figure 2is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention; and

[0168] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating system according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0169] Figure 1 An aerosol-generating article 10 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 1 The aerosol-generating article 10 shown in comprises a strip 12 of aerosol-generating substrate and a downstream section 14 at a position downstream of the strip 12 of aerosol-generating substrate. Furthermore, the aerosol-generating article 10 comprises an upstream section 16 at a position upstream of the strip 12 of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0170] The ventilation zone 60 is provided at a location downstream of the strip 12 of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0171] In more detail, Figure 1 In the embodiment of the invention, the downstream section 14 comprises a mouthpiece element 18 and a hollow section 20. The hollow section 20 comprises an aerosol-cooling element 22 comprising a hollow tubular element and a ventilation zone 60 comprising a plurality of openings formed through the wall of the hollow tubular element. The aerosol-cooling element 22 is positioned immediately downstream of the strip 12 of aerosol-generating substrate. Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the upstream end of the aerosol-cooling element 22 is adjacent to the downstream end of the strip of aerosol-generating substrate 12. The mouthpiece element 18 is positioned immediately downstream of the aerosol-cooling element 22. Figure 1 As shown in the Figures, the upstream end of the mouthpiece element 18 abuts the downstream end of the aerosol-cooling element 22. The mouthpiece element 18 comprises a rod 24 of low density filter material.

[0172] The rod 12 comprises an aerosol-generating substrate in the form of a gathered sheet of homogenised tobacco material. However, other types of tobacco-containing substrates, such as tobacco cut filler, may replace the gathered sheet of homogenised tobacco material.

[0173] The upstream section 16 comprises a cylindrical rod 26 of compressed and plasticized cellulose acetate defined by a wrapper 28. The rod 26 of the upstream section 16 has a length of about 5 mm. The RTD of the rod 26 is about 100 mm H2O.

[0174] In addition, the upstream section 16 includes an aversive component 50. The aversive component 28 includes a thread matrix including cotton yarn and an aversive agent absorbed onto the cotton yarn. The aversive agent is a bittering agent. The bittering agent is present in an amount of 2.7 micrograms to 27 micrograms.

[0175] Because the aversive component 50 is disposed within the upstream section 16, the aversive agent is advantageously maintained at a distance from any surface that a consumer's fingers might contact during normal use of the aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, because the upstream section 16 is separated from the mouth end of the aerosol-generating article by multiple components, it is highly unlikely that the lips or oral mucosa of a consumer could even come into contact with the upstream section 16 during normal intended use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0176] Figure 2 Another example of an aerosol-generating article 100 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 1 The aerosol generating article 10 will be described below only in relation to Figure 1 Various aspects of an aerosol-generating article 10 are described.

[0177] In the aerosol generating article 100, the upstream section 116 comprises a hollow rod 30 of filter material and a paperboard tube 32. The paperboard tube 32 is coaxially arranged with the hollow rod 30 of filter material and defines an airflow channel 34 extending through the hollow rod 30 from the upstream end of the hollow rod 30 to the downstream end of the hollow rod 30. The inner diameter of the paperboard tube 32 is about 55% of the outer diameter of the upstream section 116.

[0178] In addition, the upstream section 116 includes an aversive component 50 embedded within the filter material of the hollow rod 30. Figure 1 In the aerosol-generating article 10 of the present invention, the disgust component 28 comprises a thread matrix comprising cotton yarn and an aversive agent absorbed onto the cotton yarn. The disgust component 50 extends longitudinally along the hollow rod 30 at a distance from both the periphery of the hollow rod 30 and the wall of the paperboard tube 32. Therefore, the disgust component 28 is isolated from the airflow channel 34. In addition, the disgust component 50 is advantageously maintained at a distance from any surface that may be contacted by the fingers of a consumer during normal use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0179] The aerosol-generating article 100 further comprises a susceptor element 70 disposed within the strip 12 of aerosol-generating substrate. In more detail, the susceptor element 70 is elongated and extends longitudinally within the strip 12 so as to be thermally coupled to the aerosol-generating substrate. No ventilation zone is provided downstream of the strip 12 of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0180] Figure 3 An exemplary aerosol generating device 1 and Figure 2 An aerosol generating system 200 of an aerosol generating article 100.

[0181] The aerosol generating device 200 comprises a housing (or body) 40. The housing 40 comprises a peripheral wall 42 and an end wall 44. The peripheral wall 40 defines a device cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article 100. The device cavity is defined by a closed distal end and an open mouth end. The mouth end of the device cavity is located at the mouth end of the aerosol generating device 10. The aerosol generating article 10 is configured to be received by the mouth end of the device cavity and is configured to be adjacent to the closed end of the device cavity.

[0182] A device airflow inlet 46 is defined within the end wall 44. Air may be admitted into the upstream section 116 of the aerosol-generating article via the device airflow inlet 46. At the same time, because the diameter of the device airflow inlet 46 is smaller than the diameter of the paperboard tube 32, the end wall 44 effectively blocks the end surface of the hollow rod 30. Thus, fluid communication is established between the exterior of the aerosol-generating device 200 and the strip 12 of aerosol-generating substrate, while airflow cannot enter the hollow rod 30.

[0183] The aerosol generating device 200 also includes a heater element in the form of an inductor coil 48, which is suitable for inducing an electric current in the susceptor element 70. The aerosol generating device 200 also includes a power supply (not shown) for supplying power to the heater element. A controller (not shown) is also provided to control such power supply to the heater element. The heater element is configured to controllably heat the aerosol generating substrate within the strip 12 during use when the aerosol generating article 100 is received within the device 200.

[0184] For the purpose of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc. should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Moreover, all ranges include disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein that may be specifically listed or may not be listed herein. Therefore, in this context, the number A is understood to be A±5%A. In this context, the number A may be regarded as including a numerical value within the general standard error for the measurement of the attribute modified by the number A. In some cases used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate from the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of A deviation will not substantially affect the basic features and novel features of the invention claimed for protection. Moreover, all ranges include disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein that may be specifically listed or may not be listed herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating article, comprising: Aerosol-generating substrate, a downstream section extending from a downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to a downstream end of the aerosol-generating article; and an upstream section extending from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article, wherein the upstream section comprises an aversive agent.

2. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the aversive agent comprises at least one of denatonium benzoate (bitrex), gulombine, gentioside, quassin, sphingomyelin and quinine hydrochloride.

3. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aversive agent is provided in a concentration of at least 2 parts per million.

4. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aversive agent is provided on a solid aversive member.

5. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 4, wherein the aversive component comprises a substrate on which the aversive agent is absorbed.

6. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 5, wherein the substrate is a thread substrate and the aversive agent is absorbed in the thread substrate.

7. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one ventilation zone downstream of the upstream section to allow air to enter the aerosol-generating article.

8. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upstream section further comprises a rod defined by a wrapper.

9. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 8, wherein the aversive component is embedded in the rod in the upstream section.

10. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the rod of the upstream section comprises at least one of cellulose acetate fibers, polylactic acid fibers, polyhydroxybutyrate fibers and polyhydroxyalkanoate fibers.

11. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the rod is a solid rod and has a resistance to draw of at least 50 mm H20.

12. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the upstream section further comprises an airflow channel extending through the rod from the upstream end of the rod to the downstream end of the rod.

13. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 12, wherein the upstream section further comprises a tube defining the airflow channel.

14. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the diameter of the airflow channel is at least 45% of the total outer diameter of the upstream section.

15. An aerosol-generating article, comprising: Aerosol-generating substrate, a downstream section extending from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article, and an airflow path through which air can enter the aerosol-generating article, pass through the aerosol-generating substrate, and exit the aerosol-generating article through the downstream section, The aerosol-generating article further comprises an aversive agent disposed within the aerosol-generating article at a location such that the aversive agent is not directly exposed to the airflow path.

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