Aerosol-generating article with aversive flavouring in removable wrapper

Abstract

An aerosol-generating article (100) is provided. An aerosol-generating article (100) comprises an aerosol-generating strip. The aerosol-generating strip comprises an aerosol-generating substrate (12) configured to be heated during use of the aerosol-generating article (100). The aerosol-generating article (100) also includes a removable wrapper (80) that defines at least a portion of the aerosol-generating strip. The removable wrapper (80) is configured to be removed prior to heating the aerosol-generating substrate (12). The removable wrapper (80) includes at least one flavoring agent, the at least one flavoring agent including an aversive agent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol - generating article, which includes an aerosol - generating substrate and is adapted to generate an inhalable aerosol upon heating. In particular, the present invention relates to an aerosol - generating article that includes a flavorant, such as an aversion agent, a material with a desired flavor, or both an aversion agent and a material with a desired flavor. Background Art

[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. Generally, 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, 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 entrained in the air drawn through the aerosol - generating article. As the released compounds cool, the compounds condense to form an aerosol.

[0003] WO 2016 / 156209 A1 describes an aerosol - generating article that includes an aerosol - generating substrate and a mouthpiece axially aligned with each other. The mouthpiece includes a mouthpiece wrapper that defines one or more mouthpiece segments. A tipping wrapper wraps around at least a portion of the mouthpiece and the aerosol - generating substrate. The tipping wrapper includes a removable tipping wrapper portion that overlies a portion of the mouthpiece wrapper. The aerosol - generating article further includes at least one flavorant disposed between the removable tipping wrapper portion and the underlying mouthpiece wrapper portion. The flavorant is a material that can be used to deliver at least one of taste and smell to a consumer during normal use of the aerosol - generating article. For example, a consumer can choose to remove the removable tipping wrapper portion before using the aerosol - generating article to provide a flavored smoking experience.

[0004] Many prior - art documents disclose aerosol - generating devices for consuming aerosol - generating articles. Such devices include, for example, electrically heated aerosol - generating devices, where an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from one or more electrical heater elements of the aerosol - generating device to the aerosol - generating substrate of the heated aerosol - generating article. For example, electrically heated aerosol - generating devices including internal heater blades adapted to be inserted into the aerosol - generating substrate have been proposed. As an alternative, an inductively heatable aerosol - generating article including an aerosol - generating substrate and a susceptor disposed within the aerosol - generating substrate has been proposed by WO 2015 / 176898.

[0005] It is generally considered necessary to prevent and deter dangerous behaviors, such as for example the accidental ingestion of objects, including aerosol-generating articles and their components, especially by children. For aerosol-generating articles that include a rigid portion (which may be the case for a sensor element embedded within an aerosol-generating substrate), the risk associated with such a behavior may be increased.

[0006] It is known to use compounds having an unpleasant taste (such as bitterness) as aversive agents. For example, denatonium benzoate has been proposed as a deterrent to prevent children from accidentally ingesting toxic substances such as liquid detergents. 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 is used in products for deterring thumb sucking and nail biting.

[0007] It has also been proposed to utilize the unpleasant bitter taste 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 onto the circumferential surface of a cigarette and contacts the consumer's lips during use of the cigarette. The accessory contains a bitter substance that can be absorbed through the consumer's lips or oral mucosa or both. This results in a change in taste during normal use of the cigarette.

[0008] The smoking cessation accessory disclosed in WO 2019 / 056029 A1 is designed to make the intended use of the cigarette highly unpleasant for the consumer. In contrast, in the context of the present disclosure, it is considered necessary to prevent and deter the improper use of aerosol-generating articles (such as, for example, ingestion or chewing of aerosol-generating articles), while aiming to ensure that the normal intended use of the aerosol-generating article is substantially unaffected.

[0009] In fact, the technical solution disclosed in WO 2019 / 056029 A1 effectively relies on direct contact between the accessory and the consumer's lips to deliberately deliver a bitter substance to the consumer during normal use of the cigarette and trigger an unpleasant sensory response. In a diametrically opposite manner, in the present context, it is desired that 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 response, which certain compounds used as aversive agents may cause even at high dilutions.

[0010] Furthermore, it must be borne in mind that aversive agents may have an undesired effect on the quality of the aerosol delivered to the consumer, especially if even trace amounts of the aversive agent may volatilize into the aerosol when heating the aerosol-generating substrate and are thus delivered to the consumer. Therefore, it is beneficial to ensure that no aversive agent is present when the user does not expect it.

[0011] In addition, it is generally considered desirable to be able to readily modify the flavor of the aerosol-generating article, for example via the use of flavorants. Flavored aerosol-generating articles are generally known in the art. For example, during product development, ease of modification can be particularly beneficial. When modifying the flavor of the aerosol-generating article, it is desirable to make a minimal amount of change to the aerosol-generating article. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Accordingly, there is a desire to provide a new and improved aerosol-generating article that is adapted to prevent ingestion of the aerosol-generating article or components thereof, while providing ease of flavor modification of the aerosol-generating article, but ensuring that either or both of these features are only provided when needed and are absent when not desired by the user.

[0013] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article, particularly for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating.

[0014] The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-generating strip. The aerosol-generating strip may include an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate may be configured to be heated during use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0015] The aerosol-generating article may include a removable wrapper. The removable wrapper may define at least a portion of the aerosol-generating strip.

[0016] Advantageously, the removable wrapper provides additional mechanical protection for the integrity of the aerosol-generating strip and maintains the original factory condition of the aerosol-generating strip for a longer period of time.

[0017] The removable wrapper may be configured to be removed before heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0018] The removable wrapper may include at least one flavorant.

[0019] Advantageously, the flavorant may be in place when needed, but may also be removed by the user before use of the aerosol-generating article if desired. Additionally, such an arrangement allows for direct modification of the flavorant during product development without the need to completely change the underlying aerosol-generating strip.

[0020] With reference to the present invention, the term "aerosol-generating strip" is used herein to denote all components of the aerosol-generating article that do not include the removable wrapper. The aerosol-generating strip may include the aerosol-generating substrate and additional components as disclosed hereinafter.

[0021] The removable wrapper may include an outer layer and an inner layer. When the removable wrapper defines at least a portion of the aerosol-generating strip, the inner layer may be positioned between the outer surface of the aerosol-generating strip and the outer layer.

[0022] At least one flavorant may include an aversive agent. Advantageously, when the removable wrapper is configured to be removed before heating the aerosol - generating substrate, the aversive agent is removed from the article together with the removable wrapper before use, such that the outer surface of the aerosol - generating strip becomes exposed, but if the aerosol - generating article including the removable wrapper is placed in the mouth, accidental ingestion of the article can be prevented.

[0023] The outer layer may include an aversive agent. The aversive agent may advantageously be on the outer surface of the article, because if the aerosol - generating article is placed in the mouth, the aversive agent can act more quickly to prevent accidental ingestion of the article.

[0024] The thickness of the outer layer may be between 5 micrometers and 25 micrometers. The thickness of the outer layer may be between 5 micrometers and 15 micrometers. The outer layer may include a cellulose - based film or a polymer - based film.

[0025] The inner layer may include an adhesive. The adhesive may form an adhesive layer within the inner layer. Advantageously, this can ensure that the removable wrapper is not accidentally removed before its intended removal time. For example, the removable wrapper is fixed to the aerosol - generating strip and does not accidentally slip out.

[0026] The inner layer thickness may be between 5 micrometers and 25 micrometers. The inner layer thickness may be between 5 micrometers and 15 micrometers. The inner layer may include an acrylic - based adhesive or a UV - acrylate - based adhesive.

[0027] In some embodiments, the aerosol - generating article may include at least one additional flavorant.

[0028] At least one additional flavorant may include a flavor - containing material. Advantageously, the flavor - containing material can add flavor to the aerosol - generating strip such that the user can experience the flavor when the aerosol - generating substrate is heated.

[0029] The term "flavor - containing material" is used herein to describe a compound or material that can provide a taste to a user when in the user's mouth or can impart a taste or flavor to another surface in contact with the flavor - containing material. The term "flavor - containing material having a desired flavor" is used herein to describe a flavor - containing material that provides a desired, expected, or positive taste or flavor to a user when in the user's mouth or can impart a desired, positive, or expected taste or flavor to another surface in contact with the flavor - containing material. With reference to the present invention, the term "flavor - containing material having a desired flavor" may be used interchangeably with the term "flavor - containing material having a non - aversive flavor" because the flavor - containing material does not produce an aversive taste or flavor and is not intended to prevent or restrict the ingestion of the aerosol - generating article or its components.

[0030] The flavor - containing material having a desired flavor may be configured to be tasted by the user during normal use of the aerosol - generating article.

[0031] The material containing the desired flavor may include one or more flavor compounds for providing the desired flavor when heating the aerosol - generating strip. Suitable flavoring agents in the flavor - delivery material for the present invention will be well - known to those skilled in the art. The flavoring agents may include one or more natural flavoring agents, one or more synthetic flavoring agents, or a combination of natural and synthetic flavoring agents. Suitable flavoring agents include, but are not limited to, natural or synthetic menthol, mint flavors such as peppermint flavor or spearmint flavor, coffee flavor, spice flavors (such as cinnamon, clove, and ginger), cocoa flavor, vanilla flavor, fruit flavors, chocolate flavor, licorice flavor, citrus flavors, γ - octalactone, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, breath - freshening flavors, methyl salicylate, linalool, bergamot oil, geranium oil, lemon oil, ginger oil, and tobacco flavors, tea flavors, wine flavors, berry flavors, eucalyptus, geranium, eugenol, agave, juniper, anethole, and linalool.

[0032] In some embodiments, the inner layer of the removable wrapper may include the material containing the desired flavor within the layer of the material containing the desired flavor.

[0033] When the removable wrapper defines at least a portion of the aerosol - generating strip, the layer of the material containing the desired flavor may be at least partially positioned between the adhesive layer and the aerosol - generating strip. When the removable wrapper defines at least a portion of the aerosol - generating strip, the layer of the flavor - containing material may not extend across the entire space between the adhesive layer and the aerosol - generating strip. In other words, when the removable wrapper defines at least a portion of the aerosol - generating strip, the adhesive layer may be at least partially in direct contact with the aerosol - generating strip. Advantageously, this ensures that the adhesive can be more firmly attached to the aerosol - generating strip since the aerosol - generating strip is not completely covered by the flavor - containing material layer.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the layer of the material containing the desired flavor may be disposed on the inner surface of the inner layer of the removable wrapper. Thus, the layer of the material containing the desired flavor may advantageously contact the outer surface of the aerosol - generating strip. When the removable wrapper defines at least a portion of the aerosol - generating strip, the layer of the material containing the desired flavor may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol - generating strip.

[0035] In the case where the adhesive forming the adhesive layer is included within the inner layer to the extent of the inner layer, the flavor - containing material layer may be at least partially positioned on the adhesive layer. As an alternative, the flavor - containing material may be provided together with the adhesive in a single layer extending on the inner surface of the inner wrapper.

[0036] Thus, the material containing the desired flavor can be configured to impart a taste or flavor to the outer surface of the aerosol - forming article before the removable wrapper is removed. Advantageously, after the removable wrapper is removed, the user can then experience the taste or flavor by using the aerosol - forming article.

[0037] In particular, the material containing the desired flavor can impart a flavor to the aerosol - forming article such that the material containing the desired flavor can impart a flavor to the aerosol generated during use of the aerosol - forming article when the aerosol - forming substrate is heated.

[0038] The material containing the desired flavor can impart a flavor to the mouthpiece portion of the aerosol - forming article such that the user experiences the flavor by directly contacting the mouthpiece portion with the user's mouth or lips.

[0039] When the removable wrapper defines at least a portion of the aerosol - forming article, the layer of material containing the desired flavor can extend substantially the entire length of the aerosol - forming article parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol - forming article. Advantageously, the layer of material containing the desired flavor is thus positioned along the length of the aerosol - forming article such that the user experiences the flavor by using the aerosol - forming article, both by directly contacting the mouthpiece portion with the user's mouth or lips and by the material containing the desired flavor imparting a flavor to the aerosol generated during use of the aerosol - forming article when the aerosol - forming substrate is heated.

[0040] The material containing the desired flavor can comprise at least one of a micro - powdered flavorant and a micro - encapsulated flavorant, the micro - powdered flavorant and the micro - encapsulated flavorant being incorporated in an acrylic - based compound.

[0041] The removable wrapper can include an impermeable core layer. The impermeable core layer can be impermeable to at least one flavorant.

[0042] When the removable wrapper defines at least a portion of the aerosol - forming article, the impermeable core layer can be positioned between the outer surface of the aerosol - forming article and the outer layer. Advantageously, migration of an aversion agent provided in the outer layer to the aerosol - forming article can thus be prevented.

[0043] When the removable wrapper defines at least a portion of the aerosol - forming article, the inner layer can be positioned between the outer surface of the aerosol - forming article and the impermeable core layer. The impermeable core layer can be positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer. Advantageously, migration of the material containing the desired flavor provided in the inner layer to the outside of the removable wrapper can thus be prevented.

[0044] The thickness of the impermeable core layer can be between 5 and 45 micrometers. The thickness of the impermeable core layer can be between 5 and 25 micrometers. The impermeable core layer can comprise at least one of the following: polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET); biaxially oriented polyester film; polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film.

[0045] The removable wrapper can define the entire length of the aerosol - generating strip. Advantageously, the entire length of the aerosol - generating article thus includes the flavorant. Thus, once the removable wrapper has been removed, any part of the aerosol - generating strip tasted by the user will include some abhorrent agent (if present) and / or the material with the desired flavor (if present).

[0046] The removable wrapper can be configured to peel from the aerosol - generating strip before heating the aerosol - generating substrate. The aerosol - generating strip can be a cylindrical aerosol - generating strip.

[0047] The aerosol - generating substrate can further comprise a sensor element. The aerosol - generating substrate can be configured to be inductively heated. The aerosol - generating substrate can be configured to be resistively heated.

[0048] The removable wrapper can define at least a portion of the aerosol - generating substrate. The removable wrapper can define the entire length of the aerosol - generating substrate. In particular, this can be advantageous when the removable wrapper includes at least one abhorrent agent, as the risk of accidental ingestion of the aerosol - generating substrate can be reduced.

[0049] In some embodiments, the aerosol - generating substrate can be in the form of an aerosol - generating rod. The aerosol - generating rod can include a sensor element, wherein the sensor element is thermally coupled to the aerosol - generating substrate. More specifically, this can be achieved by having the sensor element extend longitudinally within the aerosol - generating rod and be embedded within the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0050] For example, the aerosol - generating rod can include a sheet of homogenized tobacco material that is aggregated to form a rod extending along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol - generating article. The sensor element can be embedded within the aggregated sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As an alternative, the aerosol - generating rod can include cut - filler obtained by cutting tobacco leaf material or reconstituting or homogenizing tobacco material. The sensor element can be embedded within the cut - filler, for example, to be surrounded by the cut - filler.

[0051] The aerosol - forming substrate preferably comprises one or more aerosol - forming agents. Upon volatilization, the aerosol - forming agent can aerosolize other evaporated compounds released from the first aerosol - forming substrate upon heating, such as, for example, nicotine and flavorants. Suitable aerosol - forming agents included in the aerosol - forming substrate are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols such as triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3 - butanediol, and glycerol; esters of polyols such as glycerol mono -, di - or tri - acetate; and aliphatic esters of mono -, di - or poly - carboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

[0052] The aerosol - forming substrate can have an aerosol - forming agent content of between about 5 wt% and about 30 wt% by dry weight.

[0053] Preferably, the aerosol - forming substrate has an aerosol - forming agent content of at least about 10 wt% by dry weight, more preferably at least about 15 wt% by dry weight.

[0054] The aerosol - forming substrate preferably has an aerosol - forming agent content of less than or equal to about 25 wt% by dry weight, more preferably less than or equal to about 20 wt% by dry weight.

[0055] In some embodiments, the aerosol - forming substrate has an aerosol - forming agent content of 5 wt% to 25 wt% by dry weight, preferably 10 wt% to 25 wt% by dry weight, more preferably 15 wt% to 25 wt% by dry weight. In other embodiments, the aerosol - forming substrate has an aerosol - forming agent content of 5 wt% to 20 wt% by dry weight, preferably 10 wt% to 20 wt% by dry weight, more preferably 15 wt% to 20 wt% by dry weight.

[0056] These relatively high aerosol - forming agent levels are particularly suitable for aerosol - forming substrates intended to be heated at temperatures below 275 degrees Celsius.

[0057] The aversion agent can have a bitter taste or flavor. The aversion agent can be a pungent agent or a bitter agent.

[0058] The term "aversion agent" is used herein to describe a compound that can be added to a product to deter or limit its ingestion. The chemical nature of the aversion agent determines the type of product to which the aversion agent can be added. In particular, the chemical nature of the aversion agent determines the type of binder to which the aversion agent can be added. For example, chemical stability and solubility can affect the compatibility of the aversion agent with a given type of product. Examples of aversion agents include pungent agents (also known as irritants) and bitter agents.

[0059] The term "pungent agent" is used herein to describe a group of compounds that produce a strong pungent taste and a burning sensation when topically applied to mucosal and skin surfaces. Common pungent agents include, but are not limited to, capsaicin (red pepper), piperine (black pepper), allyl isothiocyanate (mustard oil), resiniferatoxin.

[0060] The term "bitter agent" is used herein to describe a group of chemically dissimilar compounds that share the common property of imparting a bitter taste to substances. Compounds regarded as bitter agents include, but are not limited to, denatonium benzoate, columbin, amarogentin, quassin, absinthin, quinine hydrochloride.

[0061] The "bitterness value" of a given substance such as a bitter agent can be determined according to the standardized procedure described in the 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). More specifically, the "bitterness value" can be determined as the reciprocal of the dilution at which a compound, liquid or extract still has a bitter taste. 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 dilution solution of quinine hydrochloride.

[0062] 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.

[0063] To evaluate the bitterness value of a given test compound, a stock solution of quinine hydrochloride and dilution solutions of quinine hydrochloride with increasing concentrations are prepared as reference solutions. At the same time, a stock solution of the given compound and dilution solutions of the test compound with increasing concentrations are also prepared.

[0064] A test panel is formed. To correct for individual differences in bitterness tasting among the members of the test panel, a correction factor can be determined based on the response of each panel member to tasting the quinine hydrochloride reference solution.

[0065] Before each tasting, the members of the test panel rinse their mouths with drinking water. The highest dilution that still has a bitter taste is determined by taking 10 ml of the most diluted solution into the mouth and passing it back and forth on the back of the tongue for 30 seconds. If the solution is found not to be bitter, the test panel member spits it out and waits for one minute, then rinses the mouth with drinking water again. After 10 minutes, the next dilution is tasted in increasing order of concentration.

[0066] For each member of the test panel, the highest dilution of the test compound that continued to elicit a bitter taste after 30 seconds was considered its individual threshold bitter concentration. The bitterness value of the test compound was determined by calculating the average of the individual threshold bitter concentrations of all members of the test panel.

[0067] The aversive agent may include a pungent agent or a bitter agent or both.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the aversive agent is a bitter agent.

[0069] The aversive agent may have a bitterness value of at least 10,000. 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.

[0070] In a particularly preferred embodiment, 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.

[0071] Denatonium benzoate is generally considered to be the most bitter known compound, with a bitterness value estimated to exceed 100,000,000.

[0072] The following table lists some known bitter agents and their respective bitterness values.

[0073] Table 1

[0074]

[0075] In some embodiments, the aversive agent is selected from denatonium benzoate, columbin, amarogentin, quassin, absinthin, quinine hydrochloride, and combinations thereof. For example, denatonium benzoate can be commercially obtained under the trade name Commercially available.

[0076] The aversive agent may comprise at least one of 11β,13-dihydrolactucin, lactucin, 8-deoxy-lactucin, dihydro-8-deoxylactucin, dihydrolactupicrin, lactupicrin, lactucin glucoside (jaquinellin glucoside), and dihydro-lactupicrin oxalate, most preferably guaianolide lactucin and 8-deoxy-lactucin. Advantageously, the aversive agent can be derived from by-products of the industrial processing of chicory. Thus, the aversive agent can be readily obtained and has a low production cost.

[0077] The repellent may have a boiling point above 450 degrees Celsius. Advantageously, the repellent may thus be less volatile, and thus the repellent can be easily extracted from water-based waste by allowing the water to evaporate.

[0078] In the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, the repellent may be provided at a concentration of at least 1 part per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the repellent is provided at a concentration of at least 2 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article. More preferably, the repellent is provided at a concentration of at least 5 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the repellent is provided at a concentration of at least 10 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the repellent 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 repellent is provided at a concentration of at least 50 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article.

[0080] In the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, the repellent may be provided at a concentration less than or equal to 250 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the repellent may be provided at a concentration less than or equal to 200 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article. More preferably, the repellent may be provided at a concentration less than or equal to 150 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article.

[0081] In some embodiments, the repellent may be provided at a concentration of 2 to 250 parts per million, preferably 5 to 250 parts per million, more preferably 10 to 250 parts per million, even more preferably 25 to 250 parts per million, and most preferably 50 to 250 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article.

[0082] In other embodiments, the repellent may be provided at a concentration of 2 to 200 parts per million, preferably 5 to 200 parts per million, more preferably 10 to 200 parts per million, even more preferably 25 to 200 parts per million, and most preferably 50 to 200 parts per million relative to the total weight of the aerosol-generating article.

[0083] In further embodiments, the aversion agent may be provided at a concentration of from 2 to 100 parts per million, preferably from 5 to 100 parts per million, more preferably from 10 to 100 parts per million, even more preferably from 25 to 100 parts per million, and most preferably from 50 to 100 parts per million, based on the total weight of the aerosol-generating article.

[0084] In the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, the total amount of the aversion agent may be at least 0.5 micrograms. Preferably, the total amount of the aversion agent is at least 0.75 micrograms. More preferably, the total amount of the aversion agent is at least 1.0 microgram. Even more preferably, the total amount of the aversion agent is at least 1.5 micrograms. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the total amount of the aversion agent is at least 2 micrograms, preferably at least 2.5 micrograms, more preferably at least 2.7 micrograms.

[0085] In the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, the total amount of the aversion agent may be less than or equal to 50 micrograms. Preferably, the total amount of the aversion agent is less than or equal to 45 micrograms. More preferably, the total amount of the aversion agent is less than or equal to 40 micrograms. Even more preferably, the total amount of the aversion agent is less than or equal to 35 micrograms. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the total amount of the aversion agent 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.

[0086] In some embodiments, the total amount of the aversion agent 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 microgram 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.

[0087] In other embodiments, the total amount of the aversion agent in the aerosol-generating article is from 0.5 micrograms to 45 micrograms, preferably from 0.75 micrograms to 45 micrograms, more preferably from 1.0 microgram to 45 micrograms, even more preferably from 1.5 micrograms to 45 micrograms, and particularly preferably from 2.0 micrograms to 45 micrograms, or from 2.5 micrograms to 45 micrograms, or from 2.7 micrograms to 45 micrograms.

[0088] In further embodiments, the total amount of the aversion agent in the aerosol-generating article is from 0.5 micrograms to 40 micrograms, preferably from 0.75 micrograms to 40 micrograms, more preferably from 1.0 microgram to 40 micrograms, even more preferably from 1.5 micrograms to 40 micrograms, and particularly preferably from 2.0 micrograms to 40 micrograms, or from 2.5 micrograms to 40 micrograms, or from 2.7 micrograms to 40 micrograms.

[0089] In yet other embodiments, the total amount of the aversion agent in the aerosol-generating article is from 0.5 micrograms to 35 micrograms, preferably from 0.75 micrograms to 35 micrograms, more preferably from 1.0 micrograms to 35 micrograms, even more preferably from 1.5 micrograms to 35 micrograms, and particularly preferably from 2.0 micrograms to 35 micrograms, or from 2.5 micrograms to 35 micrograms, or from 2.7 micrograms to 35 micrograms.

[0090] In another set of embodiments, the total amount of the aversion agent in the aerosol-generating article is from 0.5 micrograms to 30 micrograms, preferably from 0.75 micrograms to 30 micrograms, more preferably from 1.0 micrograms to 30 micrograms, even more preferably from 1.5 micrograms to 30 micrograms, and particularly preferably from 2.0 micrograms to 30 micrograms, or from 2.5 micrograms to 30 micrograms, or from 2.7 micrograms to 30 micrograms.

[0091] In yet another set of embodiments, the total amount of the aversion 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.

[0092] The aerosol-generating article may further include a downstream section extending from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The downstream section may include one or more elements.

[0093] The downstream section may include a tubular segment that includes a wall and a hollow inner lumen bounded by the wall and defining an air flow channel extending from the upstream end of the tubular segment to the downstream end of the tubular segment.

[0094] The tubular segment may be included in one of a support element, an aerosol cooling element, and a mouthpiece element in the downstream section. Each of these elements is disclosed in more detail below.

[0095] The tubular segment of the downstream section may include at least one of cellulose acetate fibers, polylactic acid fibers, polyhydroxybutyrate fibers, and polyhydroxyalkanoate fibers. The diameter of the hollow inner lumen may be at least 45% of the total outer diameter of the downstream section. The tubular segment may further include a tube defining the air flow channel. The tube may be a cardboard tube. The aerosol-generating article may further include an article wrapper or outer package that defines at least a portion of at least one of the aerosol-generating substrate and the downstream section. The article wrapper may be configured not to be removed before heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0096] 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 provided immediately downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate and is preferably arranged adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate. The support element may be in the form of a rod of, for example, cellulose acetate. The support element may be hollow. In some embodiments, the support element may be defined by its own rod wrapper.

[0097] The downstream section may include an aerosol cooling element positioned downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol cooling element may be provided immediately downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate. Alternatively, another element may be provided between the aerosol-generating substrate and the aerosol cooling element. For example, the support element as described above may be positioned between the aerosol-generating substrate and the aerosol cooling element. In such a case, all three elements may be arranged in an adjacent relationship along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0098] In certain embodiments, the aerosol cooling element may be provided in the form of a hollow tubular element that includes a ventilation zone as described below, which may be arranged at a position along the hollow tubular element of the aerosol cooling element and is configured to allow air from the external environment to enter when a consumer draws on the aerosol-generating article. In some embodiments, the aerosol cooling element may be defined by its own rod wrapper. 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 rod wrapper.

[0099] 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 thus downstream not only of the aerosol-generating substrate but also of any of the optional elements of the downstream section. The mouthpiece element extends all the way to the mouth end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0100] Preferably, the mouthpiece element includes at least one mouthpiece filter segment of fibrous filter material. Suitable fibrous filter materials will be known to the person skilled in the art. Particularly preferably, at least one mouthpiece filter segment includes a cellulose acetate filter segment formed from a cellulose acetate tow.

[0101] The removable wrapper may define at least a portion of the mouthpiece element or the mouthpiece filter segment. The removable wrapper may define the entire length of the mouthpiece element or the mouthpiece filter segment. In particular, this may be advantageous when the removable wrapper includes at least one material containing a desired flavor, as the user can experience the material containing the desired flavor during normal use of the aerosol-generating strip.

[0102] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the downstream section may include a mouth-end cavity at the downstream end downstream of the filter segment of the mouthpiece as described above. The mouth-end cavity may be defined by a hollow tubular element provided at the downstream end of the mouthpiece. The mouth-end cavity may be defined by a mouthpiece wrapper of the mouthpiece element, where the mouthpiece wrapper extends in the downstream direction from the mouthpiece element.

[0103] The mouthpiece element may optionally include additional flavorants provided in any suitable form. For example, the mouthpiece element may include one or more capsules, beads or microparticles of flavorant, or one or more filaments or threads carrying flavor.

[0104] Preferably, the mouthpiece element has a low particulate filtration efficiency.

[0105] Preferably, the mouthpiece is formed of a segment of fibrous filter material.

[0106] In some embodiments, the mouthpiece element is defined by its own rod wrapper.

[0107] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may further include an outer wrapper paper that includes an impermeable coating to prevent migration of the aversion agent to the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article. This is beneficial as it provides an additional barrier layer between the aversion component and the consumer during normal use or any handling of the aerosol-generating article. At the same time, the use of a paper wrapper allows the aversion agent to reach the consumer in the event of accidental ingestion of the article, and so on.

[0108] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article further includes at least one ventilation zone to allow air to enter the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the at least one ventilation zone is provided around the downstream section.

[0109] Allowing ventilation air to enter the aerosol-generating article has a number of beneficial effects. For example, a ventilation air stream that is allowed to enter the downstream section of the article - that is, allowed to enter the aerosol-generating article at a location downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate - can rapidly cool the volatile substances released from the aerosol-generating substrate upon heating. It has been observed that this has a beneficial effect on the nucleation and growth of aerosol particles, such that 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 including in the downstream section an aerosol cooling element that provides a large surface area for heat exchange or a material having a significant heat capacity.

[0110] In some embodiments, the ventilation zone may include a first row of perforations made through the article wrapper.

[0111] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may further include an aerosol cooling element. Such embodiments will be described in more detail below. The ventilation zone may include a first row of perforations made through the aerosol cooling element.

[0112] In a further embodiment, the ventilation zone may include a first row of perforations extending through the product wrapper and the aerosol cooling element.

[0113] An aerosol-generating article generally may have a ventilation level of at least about 10%, preferably at least about 20%.

[0114] Throughout this specification, the term "ventilation level" is used to denote the volume ratio between the airflow (ventilation airflow) entering the aerosol-generating article via the ventilation zone and the sum of the aerosol airflow and the ventilation airflow. The greater the ventilation level, the higher the dilution of the stream ultimately delivered to the consumer.

[0115] 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%. Additionally, or alternatively, 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 from about 30% to about 60%. More preferably, the aerosol-generating article has a ventilation level of from about 35% to about 50%. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating article has a ventilation level of about 40%.

[0116] Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors have found that the temperature drop caused by allowing cooler external air to enter the aerosol-generating article via the ventilation zone can have a beneficial effect on the nucleation and growth of aerosol particles.

[0117] The aerosol-generating article may further include an upstream section extending from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0118] The upstream section may include a rod of filter material.

[0119] 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 substantially air-impermeable point. Alternatively, the rod may be made of an air-impermeable material such as a silicone polymer material.

[0120] The rod of the upstream section may include a filter material suitable for use in an aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the rod of the upstream section includes at least one of cellulose acetate fibers, polylactic acid fibers, polyhydroxybutyrate fibers, and polyhydroxyalkanoate fibers.

[0121] The rod in the upstream section may have a length of at least 2 mm. Preferably, the rod in the upstream section has a length of at least 3 mm. More preferably, the rod in the upstream section has a length of at least 4 mm. Even more preferably, the rod in the upstream section has a length of at least 5 mm.

[0122] The rod in the upstream section may have a length less than or equal to 15 mm. Preferably, the rod in the upstream section has a length less than or equal to 12 mm. More preferably, the rod in the upstream section has a length less than or equal to 10 mm. Even more preferably, the rod in the upstream section has a length less than or equal to 7 mm.

[0123] In some embodiments, the rod in 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 in 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 in 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.

[0124] The rod in the upstream section may have an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol - generating article. Further, 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.

[0125] The rod in the upstream section may have an outer diameter of at least 4 mm. Preferably, the rod in 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 in the upstream section has an outer diameter less than or equal to 8 mm.

[0126] In some embodiments, the rod in the upstream section has an outer diameter of 4 mm to 9 mm, preferably 5 mm to 9 mm. In other embodiments, the rod in the upstream section has an outer diameter of 4 mm to 8 mm, preferably 5 mm to 8 mm.

[0127] The draw resistance (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). The rod of the filter material may have a draw resistance of at least 50 mm H2O. As will be discussed in more detail below, in some embodiments, the rod may be provided in the form of a hollow body and define an internal air flow channel that extends 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 generally be very low (if not zero) because the air flow through the rod occurs primarily (if not entirely) through the internal air flow channel.

[0128] 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 the air flow will generally occur across the entire cross-section of the rod rather than along a preferential path.

[0129] In some embodiments, the rod in the upstream section comprises cellulose acetate. Preferably, the rod in the upstream section comprises cellulose acetate that has been crimped, flocked, and has had a plasticizer applied thereto. In other embodiments, the cellulose acetate may be at least partially replaced with other fibers suitable for use in an aerosol-generating article, such as PHA-PBA fibers, PLA fibers, etc.

[0130] In some embodiments, the upstream section further includes a predefined air flow channel that extends through the rod from the upstream end of the rod to the downstream end of the rod. For example, the rod in the upstream section may be a hollow tubular rod. Additionally, the upstream section may include a hollow tubular element coupled to the hollow tubular rod, the hollow tubular element defining the air flow channel. In some embodiments, the hollow tubular element may be provided in the form of a cardboard tube.

[0131] In embodiments where the rod in the upstream section includes a predefined air flow channel that extends through the rod from the upstream end of the rod to the downstream end of the rod, the draw resistance (RTD) of the filter material rod may be negligible or substantially zero. 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 air flow channel.

[0132] The draw resistance (RTD) of an aerosol-generating article or its components, such as a filter material rod, can be evaluated as the negative pressure that must be applied to the downstream end of the article or component in order to maintain a stable volumetric air flow of 17.5 ml / s through the article or component. Further details regarding the measurement method, test conditions, etc. can be found by the person skilled in the art in ISO 6565:2015 (2015).

[0133] An aerosol-generating article may include an airflow path through which air can 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 can exit the aerosol-generating article through the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article.

[0134] The repellent may be disposed within the aerosol-generating article at a location such that direct contact between the repellent and the consumer's lips or oral mucosa can be substantially prevented during normal intended use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0135] The repellent may be disposed within the aerosol-generating article at a location such that direct contact between the repellent and the consumer's fingers can be substantially prevented during normal intended use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0136] Furthermore, the repellent may be disposed within the aerosol-generating article at a location such that the repellent is not directly exposed to the airflow path so that direct entry of the repellent into the airflow path can be substantially prevented.

[0137] When the removable wrapper is removed prior to normal use of the aerosol-generating article, the repellent is not in the mainstream airflow path. Thus, it should be understood that the present invention effectively provides an aerosol-generating article in which the repellent is disposed at a location such that the repellent is not directly exposed to the airflow path.

[0138] Additionally, in such embodiments where the article is heated by a heating element disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate, the repellent is not disposed at a location where heat should be provided during normal use of the aerosol-generating article. This reduces the amount of repellent entering the mainstream airflow path.

[0139] Meanwhile, by disposing the repellent within the removable wrapper, accidental ingestion of the aerosol-generating article can be effectively prevented. This is because if the aerosol-generating article is chewed, the repellent will be rapidly released. In those embodiments in which the sensor element is embedded within the aerosol-generating substrate, such a deterrent effect is particularly beneficial.

[0140] As briefly described above, the present invention provides an aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating.

[0141] The term "aerosol-generating article" is used herein to denote an article in which an aerosol-generating substrate is heated to produce and deliver an inhalable aerosol to a consumer. As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" denotes a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds upon heating to generate an aerosol.

[0142] When a user applies a flame to one end of a cigarette and sucks air through the other end, a conventional cigarette will be lit. The local heat provided by the flame and the oxygen in the air sucked through the cigarette causes the end of the cigarette to be lit, 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 (such as tobacco) without burning the flavor-generating substrate. Heated aerosol-generating articles are known to 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 separated aerosol-forming material.

[0143] The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention is particularly applicable in an aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating system including an aerosol-generating device having a heating chamber in which the aerosol-generating article is received such that heat can be supplied to the aerosol-generating substrate. This can be achieved by providing one or more heating elements arranged around the perimeter 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 member of the aerosol-generating device, which is inserted into the aerosol-generating substrate when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber.

[0144] According to yet another alternative, a sensor element can be provided within the aerosol-generating substrate, and the aerosol-generating device can 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 sensor element, thereby causing the sensor 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.

[0145] The aerosol-generating article can be in the form of a rod. As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "rod" is used to denote a generally cylindrical element having a substantially circular, oval or elliptical cross-section.

[0146] As used herein, the term "longitudinal" refers to the direction corresponding to the main longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article, which 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 positions of elements or portions of elements of the aerosol-generating article with respect to the direction in which the aerosol is conveyed through the aerosol-generating article during use.

[0147] During use, air is drawn through the aerosol-generating article in a longitudinal direction. The term "transverse" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Unless otherwise specified, any reference to a "cross-section" of the aerosol-generating article or a component thereof refers to a cross-section.

[0148] The term "length" denotes the dimension of a component of the aerosol-generating article in the longitudinal direction. For example, it may be used to denote the dimension of the aerosol-generating substrate or the upstream section in the longitudinal direction.

[0149] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming agent" describes a compound that, upon volatilization, can contribute to the delivery of other vaporized compounds released upon heating an aerosol-generating substrate such as nicotine and flavorants in the form of an aerosol. Suitable aerosol-forming agents contained 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-butanediol, 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.

[0150] The aerosol-generating strip may be configured to be coupled to an aerosol-generating device for heating the aerosol-generating substrate. As briefly described above, the aerosol-generating system according to the present invention includes a heating device and an aerosol-generating article that conforms to the foregoing description.

[0151] Accordingly, 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.

[0152] Examples of suitable aerosol-generating devices will be known to those skilled in the art. Generally, a suitable aerosol-generating device will include a chamber (i.e., a heating chamber) for receiving the aerosol-generating article and one or more heating elements for supplying heat to the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0153] For example, if the aerosol-generating article includes a sensor element embedded within the aerosol-generating substrate, the one or more heating elements may include one or more inductor elements adapted to generate a fluctuating electromagnetic field within the chamber.

[0154] Alternatively, the one or more heating elements may include one or more resistively heatable elements arranged at a peripheral or surrounding location of the heating chamber, which face the aerosol-generating substrate when the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating chamber.

[0155] These heating arrangements enable heat to be selectively supplied to the aerosol-generating substrate during use, while only a negligible amount of heat or substantially no heat is supplied to the upstream section.

[0156] Additionally, a suitable aerosol generating device will typically include 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.

[0157] Preferably, the aerosol generating device is a portable or hand-held aerosol generating device that is comfortable for a user to hold between the fingers of one hand.

[0158] The aerosol generating device may be substantially cylindrical in shape.

[0159] The aerosol generating device may have a length between approximately 70 millimeters and approximately 120 millimeters.

[0160] 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.

[0161] The control element may be a simple switch. Alternatively, the control element may be a circuit and may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers.

[0162] The features described with respect to one or more aspects may equally apply to other aspects of the present invention. In particular, the features described with respect to the aerosol generating article may equally apply to the aerosol generating system.

[0163] The present 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.

[0164] Example Ex1: An aerosol generating article, comprising:

[0165] An aerosol generating strip, the aerosol generating strip comprising an aerosol generating substrate configured to be heated during use of the aerosol generating article, and

[0166] A removable wrapper defining at least a portion of the aerosol generating strip,

[0167] wherein the removable wrapper is configured to be removed before heating the aerosol generating substrate, and

[0168] wherein the removable wrapper includes at least one flavorant.

[0169] Example Ex2: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex1, wherein the removable wrapper comprises an outer layer and an inner layer, and wherein the inner layer is positioned between the outer surface of the aerosol-generating strip and the outer layer when the removable wrapper defines at least a portion of the aerosol-generating strip.

[0170] Example Ex3: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex2, wherein the at least one flavorant comprises an aversive agent.

[0171] Example Ex4: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex3, wherein the outer layer comprises an aversive agent.

[0172] Example Ex5: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex2 or Ex4, wherein the thickness of the outer layer is between 5 micrometers and 25 micrometers.

[0173] Example Ex6: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex5, wherein the thickness of the outer layer is between 5 micrometers and 15 micrometers.

[0174] Example Ex7: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex2 to Ex6, wherein the outer layer comprises a cellulose-based film or a polymer-based film.

[0175] Example Ex8: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex2 to Ex7, wherein the inner layer comprises an adhesive.

[0176] Example Ex9: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex8, wherein the adhesive forms an adhesive layer within the inner layer.

[0177] Example Ex10: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex2 or Ex9, wherein the thickness of the inner layer is between 5 micrometers and 25 micrometers.

[0178] Example Ex11: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex10, wherein the thickness of the inner layer is between 5 micrometers and 15 micrometers.

[0179] Example Ex12: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex2 to Ex11, wherein the inner layer comprises an acrylic-based adhesive or a UV acrylate-based adhesive.

[0180] Example Ex13: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one flavorant comprises a material having a desired flavor.

[0181] Example Ex14: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex13, wherein the material having a desired flavor is configured to be tasted by a user during normal use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0182] Example Ex15: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex13 or Ex14 when dependent on Example Ex2, wherein the inner layer comprises the material containing the desired flavor in the layer of material containing the desired flavor.

[0183] Example Ex16: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex15 when dependent on Example Ex9, wherein when the removable wrapper defines at least a part of the aerosol-generating strip, the layer of material containing the desired flavor is at least partially located between the adhesive layer and the aerosol-generating strip.

[0184] Example Ex17: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex13 to Ex16, wherein when the removable wrapper defines at least a part of the aerosol-generating strip, the layer of material containing the desired flavor extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating strip.

[0185] Example Ex18: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex13 to Ex17, wherein the material containing the desired flavor is configured to impart flavor to the aerosol-generating strip.

[0186] Example Ex19: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex13 to Ex18, wherein the material containing the desired flavor comprises at least one of a micro-powder flavorant and a micro-encapsulated flavorant, and the micro-powder flavorant and the micro-encapsulated flavorant are contained in an acrylic-based compound.

[0187] Example Ex20: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex2 to Ex19, wherein the removable wrapper further comprises an impermeable core layer.

[0188] Example Ex21: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex20, wherein the impermeable core layer is impermeable to the at least one flavoring agent.

[0189] Example Ex22: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex20 or Ex21, wherein the thickness of the impermeable core layer is between 5 micrometers and 45 micrometers.

[0190] Example Ex23: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex22, wherein the thickness of the impermeable core layer is between 5 micrometers and 25 micrometers.

[0191] Example Ex24: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex20 to Ex23, wherein the impermeable core layer comprises at least one of the following: polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET); biaxially oriented polyester film; polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film.

[0192] Example Ex25: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex20 to Ex24, wherein when the removable wrapper defines at least a portion of the aerosol-generating strip, the impermeable core layer is positioned between the outer surface of the aerosol-generating strip and the outer layer.

[0193] Example Ex26: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex20 to Ex25, wherein when the removable wrapper defines at least a portion of the aerosol-generating strip, the inner layer is positioned between the outer surface of the aerosol-generating strip and the impermeable core layer.

[0194] Example Ex27: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex20 to Ex26, wherein the impermeable core layer is positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer.

[0195] Example Ex28: An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the removable wrapper defines the entire length of the aerosol-generating strip.

[0196] Example Ex29: An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the removable wrapper is configured to peel off from the aerosol-generating strip before heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0197] Example Ex30: An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating strip is a cylindrical aerosol-generating strip.

[0198] Example Ex31: An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating strip is configured to be coupled to an aerosol-generating device for heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0199] Example Ex32: An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate further comprises a sensor element, and the aerosol-generating substrate is configured to be inductively heated.

[0200] Example Ex33: An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate is configured to be resistively heated.

[0201] Example Ex34: An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples when dependent on Example Ex3, wherein the aversion agent has a bitter taste.

[0202] Example Ex35: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex34, wherein the aversion agent has a bitterness value of at least 10,000.

[0203] Example Ex36: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex34 or Ex35, wherein the aversion agent comprises at least one of denatonium benzoate (bitrex), columbin, amarogentin, quassin, artemisinin, and quinine hydrochloride.

[0204] Example Ex37: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex36, wherein the aversion agent is provided at a concentration of at least 2 parts per million.

[0205] Example Ex38: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex34 or Ex35, wherein the aversion agent comprises at least one of lactucin, lactucopicrin, 8-deoxylactucin, dihydrolactucin, dihydrolactucopicrin, and dihydro-8-deoxylactucin.

[0206] Example Ex39: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex34 to Ex38, wherein the aversion agent has a boiling point higher than 450 degrees Celsius.

[0207] Example Ex40: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding examples, further comprising a downstream section extending from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0208] Example Ex41: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex40, wherein the downstream section comprises a tubular segment, the tubular segment comprising a wall and a hollow inner lumen bounded by the wall and defining an air flow passage extending from the upstream end to the downstream end of the tubular segment.

[0209] Example Ex42: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex41, wherein the tubular segment is included in one of a support element, an aerosol cooling element, and a mouthpiece element of the downstream section.

[0210] Example Ex43: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex41 or Ex42, wherein the tubular segment of the downstream section comprises at least one of cellulose acetate fibers, polylactic acid fibers, polyhydroxybutyrate fibers, and polyhydroxyalkanoate fibers.

[0211] Example Ex44: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex41 to Ex43, wherein the diameter of the hollow inner lumen is at least 45% of the total outer diameter of the downstream section.

[0212] Example Ex45: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex41 to Ex44, wherein the tubular segment further comprises a tube defining the air flow passage.

[0213] Example Ex46: An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex45, wherein the tube is a cardboard tube.

[0214] Example Ex47: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex40 to Ex46 further includes an article wrapper that defines at least a part of at least one of the aerosol-generating substrate and the downstream section.

[0215] Example Ex48: The aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex47, wherein the article wrapper is configured not to be removed before heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0216] Example Ex49: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating article further includes an upstream section that extends from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0217] Example Ex50: The aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex49, wherein the upstream section includes a rod of filter material.

[0218] Example Ex51: The aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex50, wherein the rod of filter material in the upstream section includes at least one of cellulose acetate fibers, polylactic acid fibers, polyhydroxybutyrate fibers, and polyhydroxyalkanoate fibers.

[0219] Example Ex52: The aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex50 or Ex51, wherein the rod of filter material has a draw resistance of at least 50 mm H2O. Description of the Drawings

[0220] Several examples will now be further described with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0221] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention;

[0222] Figures 2a-2c is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention; and

[0223] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a removable wrapper according to a first aspect of the present invention.

[0224] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a removable wrapper according to a second aspect of the present invention.

[0225] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a removable wrapper according to a third aspect of the present invention.

[0226] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating system according to the present invention. Detailed Description

[0227] Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic view of an aerosol-generating article 10 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 1 The aerosol-generating article 10 shown includes a stem 12 of an aerosol-generating substrate and a downstream section 14 at a position downstream of the stem 12 of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0228] More specifically, in Figure 1 an embodiment of, the downstream section 14 includes a mouthpiece element 18 and a hollow section 20. The hollow section 20 includes an aerosol cooling element 22. The aerosol cooling element 22 is positioned adjacent to the downstream of the stem 12 of the aerosol-generating substrate. As Figure 1 shown in the figure of, the upstream end of the aerosol cooling element 22 abuts the downstream end of the stem 12 of the aerosol-generating substrate. The mouthpiece element 18 is positioned adjacent to the downstream of the aerosol cooling element 22. As Figure 1 shown in the figure of, the upstream end of the mouthpiece element 18 abuts the downstream end of the aerosol cooling element 22. The mouthpiece element 18 includes a rod 24 of low-density filter material and a mouthpiece filter wrapper 25.

[0229] The stem 12 includes an aerosol-generating substrate in the form of an aggregated sheet of homogenized tobacco material. However, other types of tobacco-containing substrates, such as tobacco cut filler, may replace the aggregated sheet of homogenized tobacco material.

[0230] The stem 12 and the aerosol cooling element 22 of the aerosol-generating article 10 are defined by an outer wrapper 28. The outer wrapper 28 is held in place on the stem 12 and the aerosol cooling element 22 by an anchoring adhesive (not shown).

[0231] A portion of the mouthpiece element 18 and the aerosol cooling element 22 is defined by a tipping paper 29. The tipping paper 29 defines a portion of the outer wrapper 28. Perforations are provided in the tipping paper 29 and are aligned with perforations in the aerosol cooling element 22, both the tipping paper and the aerosol cooling element including a ventilation zone 60. In the specific embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the outer wrapper 28 extends to define the entirety of the aerosol cooling element 22, the stem 12, and the rod 26. The ventilation zone 60 includes perforations through the tipping paper 29, the outer wrapper 28, and the aerosol cooling element 22.

[0232] The aerosol-generating article 100 also includes an upstream section 16 at a position upstream of the stem 12 of the aerosol-generating substrate. The upstream section 16 includes a cylindrical rod 26 of cellulose acetate also defined by the outer wrapper 28. The rod 26 of the upstream section 16 has a length of about 5 millimeters. The RTD (draw resistance) of the rod 26 is about 50 millimeters of H2O.

[0233] The aerosol-generating article 100 further includes a sensor element 70 disposed within the stem 12 of the aerosol-generating substrate. More particularly, the sensor element 70 is elongate and extends longitudinally within the stem 12 so as to be thermally coupled to the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0234] The ventilation zone 60 is disposed at a position downstream of the stem 12 of the aerosol-generating substrate. The ventilation zone 60 is shown by the dashed line. In particular, the aerosol cooling element 22 includes the ventilation zone 60, which includes a plurality of openings formed through the wall of the hollow tubular element. The plurality of openings are also formed through the outer wrapper 28 and the tipping paper 29.

[0235] The aerosol-generating article 100 further includes a removable wrapper 80. The removable wrapper defines the other components of the aerosol-generating article and is configured to be removed prior to the normal use of the aerosol-generating article. These other components of the aerosol-generating article are collectively referred to as the aerosol-generating strip. Since the removable wrapper is configured to be removed prior to the normal use of the aerosol-generating article, the removable wrapper 80 does not include any of the openings of the ventilation zone 60. The detailed structure of the removable wrapper 80 is shown in Figures 3 to 5 and described below.

[0236] Figures 2a-2c The process of removing the removable wrapper 80 is shown. Figure 2a The aerosol-generating article 100 is shown, in which the removable wrapper 80 is in place prior to removal and completely defines the aerosol-generating strip. In particular, the removable wrapper 80 completely defines the aerosol-generating strip along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating strip. The removable wrapper 80 includes a tab 81 for the user to grasp with their finger to peel the removable wrapper 80 from the aerosol-generating strip. The tab 81 does not include any adhesive (as described below), thus providing a suitable area for the user to start peeling the removable wrapper 80 from the aerosol-generating strip.

[0237] Figure 2b The aerosol-generating article 100 is shown, in which the removable wrapper 80 is partially removed and partially defines the aerosol-generating strip. The outer wrapper 28, the tipping paper 29, and the plurality of openings including the ventilation zone 60 are partially exposed.

[0238] Figure 2c The aerosol-generating article 100 is shown, in which the removable wrapper 80 is completely removed. Thus, Figure 2c The aerosol-generating strip is shown. The outer wrapper 28, the tipping paper 29, and the plurality of openings including the ventilation zone 60 are completely exposed. Thus, the aerosol-generating article is ready for normal use.

[0239] In this embodiment, the removable wrapper 80 is peeled off and defines the aerosol-generating strip in the longitudinal direction. However, alternative arrangements are possible and fall within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the removable wrapper may define the aerosol-generating strip by winding diagonally along the length of the strip. Alternatively, the removable wrapper may be provided as a lid that is pulled out in the longitudinal direction and both defines the length of the aerosol-generating strip and covers one circular end of the aerosol-generating strip.

[0240] Figure 3 A schematic view of the removable wrapper 80 according to the first aspect of the present invention is shown. The removable wrapper 80 is shown in an unfolded, flat state. For convenience, the tab 81 is not shown.

[0241] The removable wrapper 80 includes an outer layer 82. The outer layer 82 includes a cellulose-based film or a polymer-based film. The thickness of the outer layer 82 is between 5 micrometers and 15 micrometers. The outer layer 82 also contains at least one chicory bitter substance, such as at least one of lactucin, lactucopicrin, 8-deoxylactucin, dihydrolactucin, dihydrolactucopicrin, and dihydro-8-deoxylactucin. However, the outer layer may include any other suitable bitter substance

[0242] The removable wrapper 80 further includes an inner layer 84. The removable wrapper 80 further includes an impermeable core layer 83. The inner layer 84 includes an acrylic-based or UV acrylate-based release adhesive. The thickness of the inner layer 84 is between 5 micrometers and 15 micrometers. Such an adhesive and thickness provide a peel force of 0.2 to 1.7 Newtons per centimeter between the aerosol-generating strip and the inner layer 84 when peeled at an angle of 45 degrees at 0.167 millimeters per second. Such an adhesive and thickness provide a peel force of 0.5 to 1.5 Newtons per centimeter between the impermeable core layer 83 and the inner layer 84 when peeled at an angle of 45 degrees at 0.167 millimeters per second.

[0243] The impermeable core layer 83 is disposed or sandwiched between the outer layer 82 and the inner layer 84. The impermeable core layer 83 contains at least one of the following: polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET); biaxially oriented polyester film; and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film. The thickness of the impermeable core layer 83 is between 15 and 25 micrometers. The impermeable core layer 83 is substantially impermeable to at least one bitter substance in the outer layer 82 such that at least one bitter substance does not penetrate into the inner layer 84 and thus onto the aerosol-generating strip during the normal life of the aerosol-generating article. Thus, the repellent is separated from the outer surface of the aerosol-generating strip by the impermeable core layer 83. Therefore, during the normal intended use of the aerosol-generating article, it is highly unlikely that the consumer's lips or oral mucosa will come into contact with the repellent.

[0244] Figure 4A schematic view of a removable wrapper 80 according to a second aspect of the present invention is shown. The removable wrapper 80 is similar to Figure 3 the wrapper shown in relation to the first aspect of the present invention and will therefore only be described in terms of its differences.

[0245] The inner layer 84 further includes a layer 85 of a material containing a desired flavor. The layer 85 of a material containing a desired flavor includes a material containing a desired flavor. The layer 85 of a material containing a desired flavor is located on the inner surface of the inner layer 84 such that when the removable wrapper 80 defines an aerosol-generating strip, the layer 85 of a material containing a desired flavor is in direct contact with the aerosol-generating strip.

[0246] The thickness of the layer 85 of a material containing a desired flavor is between 5 micrometers and 15 micrometers. The layer 85 of a material containing a desired flavor comprises at least one of a micro-powder flavorant and a micro-encapsulated flavorant, the micro-powder flavorant and / or the micro-encapsulated flavorant being incorporated in an acrylic-based compound. Advantageously, the layer 85 of a material containing a desired flavor imparts a desired flavor on the aerosol-generating strip, particularly on the wrapper 28 and the tipping paper 29, such that when the removable wrapper 80 is removed by a user, the desired flavor remains on the aerosol-generating strip and is experienced by the user during normal use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0247] The layer 85 of a material containing a desired flavor extends across the removable wrapper 80 in a longitudinal strip. In this embodiment, the removable wrapper 80 is configured to define an aerosol-generating strip such that the layer 85 of a material containing a desired flavor extends in a longitudinal strip along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating strip. Thus, the layer 85 of a material containing a desired flavor imparts a desired flavor over the entire length of the aerosol-generating strip, particularly over the entire length of the wrapper 28 and the tipping paper 29. This is advantageous because the user can experience the desired flavor regardless of which region of the aerosol-generating strip the user tastes during normal use. Since the layer 85 of a material containing a desired flavor extends across the inner layer 84 in a longitudinal strip but does not extend across the entire inner layer 84, at least a portion of the adhesive in the inner layer will contact the aerosol-generating strip when the removable wrapper 80 defines an aerosol-generating strip and will thus fix the removable wrapper to the aerosol-generating strip.

[0248] Figure 5 A schematic view of a removable wrapper 80 according to a third aspect of the present invention is shown. Again, the removable wrapper 80 is similar to Figure 3 and Figure 4 the wrappers shown in relation to the first and second aspects of the present invention and will therefore only be described in terms of its differences.

[0249] In a third aspect, the outer layer 82 does not include chicory bitter substances or any other aversion agents. Accordingly, the removable wrapper 80 does not include an impermeable core layer 83 as there is no need to prevent any aversion agent from permeating into the inner layer 84.

[0250] Figure 6 An aerosol-generating system 200 is shown that includes an exemplary aerosol-generating device 1 and the aerosol-generating article 100 of FIG. 2.

[0251] The aerosol-generating device 1 includes a housing (or body) 40. The housing 40 includes a peripheral wall 42 and an end wall 44. The peripheral wall 40 defines a device cavity for receiving the 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 1. The aerosol-generating article 100 is configured to be received through the mouth end of the device cavity and is configured to abut the closed end of the device cavity.

[0252] A device air inlet 46 is defined in the end wall 44. Air can be permitted to enter an upstream section 16 of the aerosol-generating article via the device air inlet 46.

[0253] The aerosol-generating device 1 also includes a heater element in the form of an inductor coil 48 that is adapted to induce a current in a susceptor element 70. When a current is induced in the susceptor element 70, the temperature of the susceptor element 70 increases, thereby heating the surrounding strip 12. The aerosol-generating device 200 also includes a power source (not shown) for powering the heater element. A controller (not shown) is also provided to control such powering of the heater element. The heater element is configured to controllably heat an aerosol-generating matrix within the strip 12 during use when the aerosol-generating article 100 is received within the device 1.

[0254] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, amounts, percentages, etc. should be understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about". Moreover, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges that may be specifically enumerated or may not be enumerated herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 5% A. In this context, the number A can be regarded as including values within the general standard error for measurements of the property modified by the number A. In some cases used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate from the percentage listed above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel features of the claimed invention. Moreover, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges that may be specifically enumerated or may not be enumerated herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating article, comprising: an aerosol-generating strip comprising an aerosol-generating substrate configured to be heated during use of the aerosol-generating article, and a removable wrapper defining at least a portion of the aerosol-generating strip, wherein the removable wrapper is configured to be removed before heating the aerosol-generating substrate, and wherein the removable wrapper comprises at least one flavorant, the at least one flavorant comprising an aversive agent.

2. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the removable wrapper comprises an outer layer and an inner layer, and wherein when the removable wrapper defines at least a portion of the aerosol-generating strip, the inner layer is positioned between the outer surface of the aerosol-generating strip and the outer layer.

3. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 2, wherein the outer layer comprises the aversive agent.

4. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the inner layer comprises an adhesive.

5. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises at least one additional flavorant, the at least one additional flavorant comprising a desired-flavor-containing material selected from: natural or synthetic menthol, mint flavor, spice flavor, cocoa flavor, vanilla flavor, fruit flavor, chocolate flavor.

6. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 5, wherein the desired-flavor-containing material is configured to be tasted by a user during normal use of the aerosol-generating article.

7. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 5 or 6 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the inner layer comprises the desired-flavor-containing material in a desired-flavor-containing material layer.

8. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the desired-flavor-containing material is configured to impart a flavor to the aerosol-generating strip.

9. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the removable wrapper further comprises an impermeable core layer.

10. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 9, wherein the impermeable core layer is impermeable to the at least one flavorant comprising the aversive agent.

11. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 9 or 10, wherein when the removable wrapper defines at least a portion of the aerosol-generating strip, the impermeable core layer is positioned between the outer surface of the aerosol-generating strip and the outer layer.

12. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 11, wherein the impermeable core layer is positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer.

13. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the removable wrapper defines the entire length of the aerosol-generating strip.

14. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol-generating strip is configured to be coupled to an aerosol-generating device for heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

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