Packaging assembly for aerosol-generating articles

Abstract

A packaging assembly (80) is provided that includes a container (870) and an aerosol-generating article (800). The container (870) includes a first planar wall portion (871) and a second planar wall portion (872). The first planar wall portion (871) includes an attachment surface (8711). An aerosol-generating article (800) includes opposing first and second outwardly facing surfaces, and a sensory medium portion (830). The sensory medium portion (830) is contained within the aerosol-generating article (800). The sensory medium portion (830) is in fluid communication with an opening defined in a second outwardly facing surface of the aerosol-generating article (800). The second outwardly facing surface of the aerosol-generating article (800) is releasably attached to the attachment surface (8711) of the first planar wall portion (871) of the container (870), thereby closing and sealing the opening. The first planar wall portion (871) and the second planar wall portion (872) are separated by a first fold region (874). The second planar wall portion (872) is foldable about the first folding region (874) between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the second planar wall portion (872) covers at least a portion of the first outwardly facing surface of the aerosol-generating article (800).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device. The present disclosure also relates to an assembly formed of a plurality of aerosol-generating articles attached to a support sheet. The present disclosure also relates to an assembly formed of a plurality of aerosol-generating articles and a packaging container. The present disclosure also relates to a packaging assembly. Background Art

[0002] In the field of aerosol-generating articles for delivering an aerosol to a user, it is known that such aerosol-generating articles are circular in cross-section and extend between opposing first and second open ends. Such aerosol-generating articles typically comprise a portion of an aerosol-forming substrate having a cylindrical shape corresponding to the circular cross-section of the article. It is known that heat is applied to the aerosol-forming substrate in order to release vapor from the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, heat can be applied to the aerosol-forming substrate by inserting a heating element into the substrate to heat the substrate from the inside or by surrounding the aerosol-forming substrate with a heating element to heat the substrate from the outside of the aerosol-generating article. However, the circular cross-section of known aerosol-generating articles may result in uneven heating of the aerosol-forming substrate. More specifically, regions of the substrate positioned further away from the heating element may ultimately be heated to a lower level than regions of the substrate positioned closer to the heating element. This uneven heating may result in the aerosol-forming substrate being only partially exhausted at the end of use. Summary of the Invention

[0003] It would therefore be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article that overcomes one or more of the problems set forth above.

[0004] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device is provided. The aerosol-generating article includes a first sheet material and a sensory media portion. The first sheet material can be configured to be thermally conductive and include an impermeable surface. The sensory media portion can be disposed directly on the impermeable surface of the first sheet material.

[0005] The aerosol-generating article may be configured for coupling to an aerosol-generating device having a heating device positioned to impart heat to the thermally conductive first sheet material. The heating device of the aerosol-generating device is preferably electrically powered. For example, the heating device may be in the form of a resistive heating element. In use, the resistive heating element may be positioned in thermal proximity to the first sheet material to impart heat to the thermally conductive first sheet material. Alternatively, the heating device may be in the form of an induction heating device having an inductor for applying heat to a susceptor, wherein application of an alternating current to the inductor causes the susceptor positioned proximate to the inductor to be heated by one or both of eddy current heating and hysteresis heating. The induction heating device of the aerosol-generating device may comprise a susceptor, wherein the susceptor is positioned in thermal proximity to the first sheet material to impart heat to the thermally conductive first sheet material.

[0006] The thermally conductive properties of the first sheet can facilitate heat conduction from the first sheet and heat transfer to the sensory medium disposed on the impermeable surface of the first sheet. The impermeable surface of the first sheet prevents or reduces the sensory medium from losing any moisture content through absorption by the first sheet.

[0007] Preferably, the aerosol-generating article comprises a first outward-facing planar surface and a second outward-facing planar surface that are opposed. The first outward-facing surface and the second outward-facing surface may be parallel to each other. Conveniently, the separation between the first outward-facing planar surface and the second outward-facing planar surface may define the thickness of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the first outward-facing planar surface is the outward-facing surface of the first sheet. Advantageously, the aerosol-generating article further comprises a second sheet overlying the first sheet and the sensory medium portion, the second sheet being removably and directly attached to the first sheet, wherein the second outward-facing planar surface is the outward-facing surface of the second sheet.

[0008] Preferably, the sensory media portion is disposed directly on the impermeable surface such that the sensory media portion is offset inwardly from the perimeter of the impermeable surface of the first sheet. As described in more detail in subsequent paragraphs, this offset allows a second sheet to be placed over and sealed to the first sheet, thereby sealing the sensory media portion between the first and second sheets. Sealing the sensory media portion in this manner facilitates maintaining the freshness of the sensory media and preventing potential contamination of the sensory media by foreign matter.

[0009] The aerosol-generating article may have a single sensory media portion. However, advantageously, there may be multiple sensory media portions. The multiple sensory media portions may each be disposed directly on the impermeable surface of the first sheet material, such that each of the multiple sensory media portions is offset inwardly from the periphery of the impermeable surface of the first sheet material.

[0010] In some embodiments, the thermally conductive properties of the first sheet material and its ability to conduct heat quickly and efficiently may be due more to the thickness of the first sheet material being kept to a minimum than to the physical properties of the material forming the first sheet material. The thickness of the first sheet material is preferably minimized while still providing the first sheet material with sufficient strength, wherein the minimum thickness of the first sheet material allows for the rapid and efficient conduction of heat across the thickness of the first sheet material. This, in turn, can allow for efficient transfer of heat to sensory media disposed on the first sheet material when the first sheet material is in direct contact with or adjacent to a heater element.

[0011] Preferably, the first sheet material comprises a paper-based material, more preferably a paper-based material that can withstand high temperatures without degrading its functional properties. The first sheet material preferably comprises or consists of a paper-based foil. The paper-based foil may comprise a laminate of a paper-based material layer and a metal layer. The metal layer may be formed from aluminum or another thermally conductive metal material. Advantageously, a paper-based material is selected that is designed for heating at temperatures up to 280°C. Exemplary paper-based materials include parchment paper, vegetable parchment paper, or baking paper, which are cellulose-based composite materials that have undergone a parchmentization process. Parchment paper is advantageous due to its heat resistance (including high stability at high temperatures), water resistance, high density, and resistance to glycerin and most common oils used in the food and beverage industry. Additionally, such materials generally do not release particles or fibers (even when heated) and retain advantageous non-stick properties. The use of paper-based materials also provides a sustainable alternative to the use of plastics. The first sheet material may comprise a laminate of layers of different paper-based materials.

[0012] The first sheet material may include a thin layer or coating of an impermeable material. Preferably, the layer or coating of impermeable material, such as those described above, is applied to the surface of the paper-based layer of the first sheet material. If the first sheet material is formed from a laminate of a paper-based layer and a metal layer, the thin layer or coating of impermeable material may be applied to the metal layer. For example, the layer or coating of impermeable material may have a thickness ranging from 0.75 microns to 1.5 microns. This layer or coating of impermeable material provides the first sheet material with an impermeable surface upon which the sensory medium may be disposed. The impermeable layer or coating preferably has a composition that complies with regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), such as FDA CFR Title 21. Suitable materials for the impermeable layer or coating include dispersions based on copolymers composed of acrylates and styrene or styrene-butadiene copolymers, which are applied during paper processing as an aqueous dispersion of styrene-butadiene copolymer with a solids content of approximately 50%. Suitable dispersions may contain silica-based compounds as well as ceramic-based solutions.

[0013] In some examples, the first sheet material may lack a paper-based layer, where the first sheet material instead includes or consists of a layer of thermally conductive material. Preferably, the thermally conductive material may include or consist of aluminum or another thermally conductive metallic material. The thermally conductive material layer may form an impermeable surface of the first sheet material, with the sensory medium portion disposed directly on this impermeable surface. Alternatively, the first sheet material may include or consist of a laminate of a thermally conductive material (e.g., aluminum or another thermally conductive metallic material) and a layer or coating of an impermeable material. The layer or coating of the impermeable material may be as described above, where the first sheet material includes a paper-based layer.

[0014] The first sheet material may comprise or consist of a material having a thermal conductivity of at least 10 W / mK. Conveniently, the material is a metallic material. Advantageously, the metallic material comprises or consists of aluminum.

[0015] Preferably, the impermeable surface of the first sheet is configured to be water-impermeable.

[0016] Conveniently, the first sheet may have a permeability in the range between 1 and 5 Coresta units.

[0017] The first sheet may have a basis weight in the range between 45 and 140 g / m, or preferably between 50 and 110 g / m.

[0018] Preferably, the aerosol-generating article includes a second sheet overlying the first sheet's impermeable surface and the sensory medium portion. The second sheet may include an impermeable surface. Preferably, the second sheet comprises a biopolymer that complies with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, such as FDA CFR Title 21. Advantageously, the second sheet may be formed from one or more polymers such that the second sheet is fully or partially transparent. The transparency of the second sheet may allow a user to view the sensory medium contained within the aerosol-generating article between the first and second sheets before use, for example, before inserting the aerosol-generating article into an aerosol-generating device. The second sheet may comprise or consist of a polymer compound composition incorporating vinyl-based polymers and copolymers, polyurethanes, acrylics, celluloses, their derivatives, and mixtures thereof. The second sheet may be formed as a peelable foil. The peelable foil may comprise aluminum. It should also be understood that the second sheet may have the same composition and structure as the first sheet.

[0019] The impermeable surface of the second sheet is preferably removably and directly attached to the impermeable surface of the first sheet along a sealed path surrounding the sensory medium portion. Attaching the first and second sheets along the sealed path facilitates sealing the sensory medium between the first and second sheets, thereby helping to maintain the freshness of the sensory medium and prevent contamination of the sensory medium with foreign matter and / or drying out of the sensory medium. Sealing the first and second sheets to each other can place the first and second sheets in intimate contact with the sensory medium, preferably without an air gap between the sensory medium and the opposing surfaces of the first and second sheets.

[0020] Before coupling the aerosol-generating article to the aerosol-generating device to begin use, the user can conveniently separate the second sheet from the first sheet to expose the sensory medium. When the aerosol-generating article is coupled to the device with the sensory medium exposed, vapor generated by heating the sensory medium can escape from the confines of the article. For example, with airflow passing over the exposed sensory medium, vapor released by heating the sensory medium can mix with the airflow to form an entrained airflow. Upon cooling, the entrained airflow can condense to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user.

[0021] Preferably, the separation between the respective outwardly facing surfaces of the first and second sheets defines the thickness of the aerosol-generating article.

[0022] The removable attachment of the second sheet's impermeable surface to the first sheet's impermeable surface is advantageously configured to hermetically seal the sensory medium portion between the first and second sheet's impermeable surfaces. Providing an hermetic seal facilitates maintaining the freshness and moisture level of the sensory medium.

[0023] Advantageously, the impermeable surface of the second sheet is releasably attached to the impermeable surface of the first sheet. Providing a releasable attachment between the first and second impermeable surfaces facilitates separation of the second sheet from the first. Conveniently, the second sheet includes a tab for a user to engage with to thereby peel the second sheet from the first. The second sheet may be formed as a releasable foil. The releasable foil may comprise aluminum.

[0024] Preferably, one or both of the impermeable surfaces of the first and second sheets include an adhesive or are covered with an adhesive. The adhesive is preferably configured to provide removable attachment of the impermeable surface of the second sheet to the impermeable surface of the first sheet. Advantageously, the impermeable surfaces of the first and second sheets are free of adhesive in all locations corresponding to locations where the sensory medium is partially overlain by the first and second sheets. The absence of adhesive in the areas of the impermeable surfaces of the first and second sheets overlain by the sensory medium prevents the sensory medium from becoming adhered to one of the first and second sheets and also prevents contamination of the sensory medium by the adhesive. Conveniently, the adhesive is provided as a layer on one or both of the first and second sheets.

[0025] Preferably, the impermeable surface of the second sheet is configured to be water-impermeable.

[0026] Conveniently, the second sheet has a permeability in the range between 1 and 5 Coresta units.

[0027] Where the first sheet material comprises a paper-based layer, the first sheet material may have a thickness in the range between 0.07 mm and 0.75 mm, preferably between 0.10 and 0.35 mm. Where the aerosol-generating article further comprises a second sheet material, wherein the second sheet material comprises a paper-based layer, the second sheet material may also have a thickness in the same ranges detailed herein for the first sheet material.

[0028] In other examples, one or both of the first sheet and (if present) the second sheet preferably has a thickness within a range of 0.5 to 100 microns, or preferably 0.5 to 75 microns, or preferably 0.5 to 50 microns, or preferably 0.5 to 25 microns, or preferably 0.5 to 10 microns, or preferably 0.5 to 5 microns, or preferably 1.1 to 4.5 microns, or preferably 1.1 to 3 microns, or preferably 1.1 to 2 microns. The thickness ranges recited in this paragraph are particularly applicable where the first sheet or (if present) the second sheet lacks a paper-based layer, where the absence of the paper-based layer allows the thickness of the first sheet or the second sheet to be reduced. The thickness ranges recited in this paragraph may also apply where the first sheet or the second sheet comprises or consists of a layer of thermally conductive material (such as aluminum or other thermally conductive metallic material) laminated with a layer or coating of an impermeable material, but where the paper-based layer is absent.

[0029] The organoleptic medium can comprise any one or more of tobacco, nicotine, vegetable material and flavoring. Preferably, the organoleptic medium comprises homogenized tobacco or is made up of homogenized tobacco. In addition, the organoleptic medium can also comprise homogenized tobacco and an aerosol forming agent.

[0030] The sensory medium portion may comprise a gel composition. Preferably, the gel composition comprises nicotine. The gel composition may comprise between 1% and 3% nicotine by weight. The gel composition may comprise between 80% and 90% glycerin by weight, and between 85% and 95% by weight of the combined weight of water and glycerin. The gel composition may comprise between 2% and 7% gelling agent by weight. The gel composition may comprise between 1% and 4% of a single flavoring or a blend of flavorings. Preferably, the gel composition comprises between 1% and 2% of a single flavoring or a blend of flavorings.

[0031] The flavoring agent may include one or more of complex volatile oils, anise oil, aldehydes, vanillin, ginger oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, tobacco extract oil, menthol oil, or a combination thereof.

[0032] Preferably, the aerosol-generating article comprises a plurality of sensory media portions, rather than a single sensory media portion.At least one of the sensory media portions may have a different material composition than the other portions.

[0033] Preferably, in instances where the aerosol-generating article comprises a plurality of sensory media portions, the plurality of portions are arranged continuously along the length direction of the first sheet. The length direction of the first sheet may correspond to the length direction of the aerosol-generating article. Each of the portions may be spatially separated from the other portions.

[0034] The aerosol-generating article may have a length, a width, and a thickness. Preferably, the ratio of the width to the thickness is greater than 5, or greater than 10, or greater than 20, or greater than 40. Where the article comprises a second sheet as described in the preceding paragraph, the separation between the respective outwardly facing surfaces of the first and second sheets preferably defines the thickness of the aerosol-generating article. The thinner the aerosol-generating article, the easier it may be to achieve uniform heating across the thickness of the sensory medium of the aerosol-generating article when heat is applied to one of the respective outwardly facing surfaces of the first and second sheets.

[0035] The thickness of the aerosol-generating article is preferably 1 mm or less, or more preferably 0.75 mm or less, or more preferably 0.5 mm or less.The thickness of the aerosol-generating article may be greater than 0.05 mm or greater than 0.1 mm.

[0036] The length of the aerosol-generating article may be greater than 15 mm, or preferably in the range between 15 mm and 100 mm, or preferably in the range between 15 mm and 75 mm, or preferably in the range between 15 mm and 65 mm, or preferably in the range between 20 mm and 65 mm, or preferably in the range between 28 mm and 62 mm, or preferably in the range between 28 mm and 48 mm, or preferably in the range between 35 mm and 48 mm.

[0037] The width of the aerosol-generating article may be greater than 5 mm, or preferably in the range between 5 mm and 40 mm, or preferably in the range between 5 mm and 31 mm, or preferably in the range between 8 mm and 31 mm, or preferably in the range between 11 mm and 25 mm.

[0038] It will be appreciated that the length, width, and thickness dimensions of an aerosol-generating article may vary with the size of the aerosol-generating device with which the aerosol-generating article is designed to be used. Where the aerosol-generating device includes a heating device for heating the sensory medium of the aerosol-generating article, the dimensions of the aerosol-generating article may vary with the size of the heating device, and vice versa. Where the heating device of the aerosol-generating device is configured to apply a uniform level of heating over a predetermined area, it is preferred that the aerosol-generating article be positioned proximate to the heating device such that the sensory medium is entirely within the predetermined area.

[0039] Preferably, the aerosol-generating article is substantially flat. The aerosol-generating article preferably has a thickness defined by the separation between opposing first and second major surfaces of the aerosol-generating article, each of the opposing major surfaces being planar. Preferably, the outwardly facing surface of the first sheet material defines the first major surface. Where the aerosol-generating article comprises a second sheet material as described above, preferably, the outwardly facing surface of the second sheet material defines the second major surface.

[0040] The aerosol-generating article may define a generally parallelepiped outline.

[0041] The aerosol-generating article may be generally rectangular in plan.

[0042] The first sheet material may be generally rectangular in plan.Where the aerosol-generating article comprises a second sheet material as discussed above, preferably the second sheet material is generally rectangular in plan.

[0043] Preferably, the first sheet material is substantially planar.Where the aerosol-generating article comprises a second sheet material as discussed above, preferably the second sheet material is substantially planar.

[0044] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device is provided. The aerosol-generating article includes a first sheet material and a sensory medium portion. For example, the aerosol-generating article can be as described in any of the preceding paragraphs. The first sheet material can include or consist of a metal layer. The sensory medium portion can be disposed directly on the first sheet material.

[0045] The metal layer may possess thermally conductive and impermeable properties. Thus, providing the first sheet with a metal layer may facilitate the metal layer conducting heat and transferring it to the sensory medium disposed on the first sheet. Furthermore, providing the first sheet with a metal layer may also help prevent or reduce any moisture loss from the sensory medium through absorption by the first sheet. Advantageously, the metal layer comprises or consists of aluminum.

[0046] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device is provided. The aerosol-generating article includes a frame, a first sheet, and a sensory medium portion. The frame includes first and second opposing surfaces and a cavity. The first and second opposing surfaces define a thickness of the frame. The frame surrounds the cavity. The cavity can extend through the thickness of the frame. The first sheet can be secured to the first surface of the frame to overlie the cavity. The sensory medium portion can be disposed directly on the first sheet within the cavity. The second surface of the frame can be releasably attached to an impermeable surface of an element, thereby enclosing the cavity and sealing the sensory medium portion within the cavity.

[0047] When the second surface of the frame of the aerosol-generating article is attached to the impermeable surface of the element, the sensory medium is partially sealed within the aerosol-generating article by the combination of the frame, the first sheet, and the element. This facilitates maintaining the freshness of the sensory medium and avoids potential contamination of the sensory medium by foreign matter. The impermeable surface of the element prevents or reduces any loss of moisture content of the sensory medium through absorption by the element.

[0048] The cavity of the frame provides space for receiving the sensory medium.

[0049] Preferably, the aerosol-generating article comprises a first outwardly facing planar surface and a second outwardly facing planar surface that are opposed. The first outwardly facing surface and the second outwardly facing surface may be parallel to each other. Conveniently, the separation between the first outwardly facing planar surface and the second outwardly facing planar surface defines the thickness of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the first outwardly facing planar surface is the outwardly facing surface of the first sheet material. The second outwardly facing planar surface may be the second surface of the frame.

[0050] For example, the first sheet can be as described in any of the preceding paragraphs.

[0051] Preferably, the fixing of the first sheet to the first surface of the frame is configured to define an airtight seal therebetween.Similarly, preferably, the releasable attachment of the second surface of the frame to the impermeable surface of the element is configured to define an airtight seal therebetween.

[0052] Providing an airtight seal between the first sheet and the first surface of the frame and between the second surface of the frame and the impermeable surface of the element can facilitate maintaining the freshness of the sensory medium and prevent contamination of the sensory medium with foreign matter and / or drying out of the sensory medium.

[0053] Preferably, the separation distance between the outwardly facing surface of the first sheet and the second surface of the frame may define the thickness of the aerosol-generating article.

[0054] The element can take many forms. The element may correspond to the second sheet material described in any of the preceding paragraphs. Preferably, the element is a peelable cover, and the aerosol-generating article includes the peelable cover. Removing the peelable cover from the frame will thereby expose the sensory medium disposed within the cavity of the frame. When the aerosol-generating article is coupled to an aerosol-generating device, wherein the sensory medium is exposed, vapor generated by heating the sensory medium will be able to escape from the confines of the article. For example, in the case of an airflow passing over the exposed sensory medium, vapor released by heating the sensory medium can mix with the airflow to form an entrained airflow. Upon cooling, the entrained airflow can condense to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user.

[0055] Preferably, the separation distance between the respective outwardly facing surfaces of the first sheet and the peelable cover defines the thickness of the aerosol-generating article.

[0056] Preferably, one or both of the second surface of the frame and the impermeable surface of the peelable cover include or are covered with an adhesive, the adhesive being configured to provide a releasable attachment between the second surface of the frame and the peelable cover. Advantageously, the peelable cover is free of adhesive in all locations corresponding to locations on the peelable cover that overlie the cavities. In this way, direct contact between the adhesive and the sensory medium can be avoided, thereby reducing the risk of the sensory medium being contaminated by the adhesive or adhering to the adhesive. Conveniently, the adhesive can be provided as a layer of the peelable cover.

[0057] The peelable cover may be formed as a peelable foil. The peelable foil may comprise aluminium.

[0058] The element can be a sheet of material sized to allow one or more of the aerosol-generating articles to be releasably attached thereto. The sheet (including the one or more aerosol-generating articles attached thereto) can be inserted into a packaging container. The sheet can include a paper-based substrate. The paper-based substrate can include cardboard. The sheet preferably includes or consists of a paper-based foil. The sheet can include a layer of a paper-based substrate and a layer or coating of an impermeable material. Suitable materials for the layer or coating of impermeable material include dispersions based on copolymers composed of acrylates and styrene or based on styrene-butadiene copolymers, which are applied during paper processing as an aqueous dispersion of styrene-butadiene copolymer having a solids content of approximately 50%. Suitable dispersions can contain silica-based compounds as well as ceramic-based solutions.

[0059] Advantageously, the element may be a wall of a packaging container configured for releasably attaching thereto one or more of the aerosol-generating articles.

[0060] Preferably, the frame comprises a paper-based material. The frame may have a basis weight of between 200 and 500 g / m, or preferably between 250 and 400 g / m. A high level of basis weight is associated with an increased level of flexural stiffness of the frame, thereby helping to ensure that the aerosol-generating article can retain its shape without folding or bending when peeled from the impermeable surface of the element. Where the frame comprises a paper-based material, the paper-based material may be coated with a coating or layer of an impermeable material. Suitable materials for use as a layer or coating of the impermeable material may include dispersions based on copolymers consisting of acrylates and styrene or based on styrene-butadiene copolymers. Suitable dispersions may contain silica-based compounds as well as ceramic-based solutions.

[0061] Preferably, the frame is configured to be water-impermeable.

[0062] Conveniently, the framework may have a permeability in the range between 1 and 3 Coresta units.

[0063] A higher level of impermeability of the frame provides more protection against loss of moisture content from the sensory medium contained within the aerosol-generating article.

[0064] The frame can enclose a single cavity. In one example, a single sensory media portion can be disposed within the single cavity. In another example, multiple sensory media portions can be disposed within the single cavity. The multiple sensory media portions can be disposed continuously within the single cavity along the length of the first frame. Each of the multiple sensory media portions can be spatially separated from the other sensory media portions within the single cavity.

[0065] Preferably, the frame includes an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet. The airflow inlet and the airflow outlet can be in fluid communication with a single cavity, allowing airflow between the airflow inlet and the airflow outlet to pass through the sensory media contained within the cavity. In this manner, inflowing air originating from outside the article can be directed into the cavity via the airflow inlet to flow through the sensory media, thereby allowing vapor released by heating the sensory media to become entrained within the inflowing air. The entrained airflow can then exit the cavity via the airflow outlet for subsequent inhalation by the user.

[0066] In an alternative embodiment of a frame having a single cavity, the frame may instead encompass a plurality of cavities, with the frame individually encompassing each of the plurality of cavities. The presence of the plurality of cavities of the frame allows different sensory media portions to be located in corresponding cavities of the plurality of cavities, thereby reducing the likelihood of contact between the different sensory media portions. Preferably, both the securing of the first sheet to the first surface of the frame and the releasable attachment of the second surface of the frame to the impermeable surface of the element are configured to seal each of the plurality of cavities from one another. Advantageously, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of sensory media portions, each of the plurality of cavities housing at least one of the plurality of sensory media portions. Preferably, each of the plurality of cavities contains a single sensory media portion of the plurality of sensory media portions.

[0067] Preferably, the frame includes an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet for each of the plurality of cavities. The airflow inlet and airflow outlet can be configured to allow air flow between the airflow inlet and airflow outlet of the corresponding cavity to pass through the sensory media contained in the corresponding cavity. Advantageously, the frame can include a common airflow inlet channel, with each of the airflow inlets being in fluid communication with the common airflow inlet channel. Similarly advantageously, the frame can include a common airflow outlet channel, with each of the airflow outlets being in fluid communication with the common airflow outlet channel.

[0068] Preferably, the common airflow outlet channel includes a mixing chamber for mixing the airflow received from each of the plurality of chambers via the corresponding airflow outlet. Thus, the mixing chamber can allow for uniform mixing of the entrained flow of air / vapor received from each chamber containing the sensory medium.

[0069] For example, the sensory medium can be as described in any of the preceding paragraphs.

[0070] The organoleptic medium can comprise any one or more of tobacco, nicotine, vegetable material and flavoring. Preferably, the organoleptic medium comprises homogenized tobacco or is made up of homogenized tobacco. In addition, the organoleptic medium can also comprise homogenized tobacco and an aerosol forming agent.

[0071] The sensory medium portion may comprise a gel composition. Preferably, the gel composition comprises nicotine. The gel composition may comprise between 1% and 3% nicotine by weight. The gel composition may comprise between 80% and 90% glycerin by weight, and between 85% and 95% by weight of the combined weight of water and glycerin. The gel composition may comprise between 2% and 7% gelling agent by weight. The gel composition may comprise between 1% and 4% of a single flavoring or a blend of flavorings. Preferably, the gel composition comprises between 1% and 2% of a single flavoring or a blend of flavorings.

[0072] The flavoring agent may include one or more of complex volatile oils, anise oil, aldehydes, vanillin, ginger oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, tobacco extract oil, menthol oil, or a combination thereof.

[0073] Preferably, the aerosol-generating article comprises a plurality of sensory media portions. At least one of the sensory media portions may have a different material composition than the other portions.

[0074] The aerosol-generating article may have a length, a width, and a thickness. The ratio of width to thickness may be greater than 5, or greater than 10, or greater than 20, or greater than 40. The thickness may be 6 mm or less, or preferably 5.5 mm or less, or preferably 3.5 mm or less, or preferably within a range between 1.25 mm and 3.5 mm. The thickness may be greater than 0.5 mm, or preferably greater than 1 mm. The length may be greater than 15 mm, or preferably within a range between 15 mm and 100 mm, or preferably within a range between 15 mm and 75 mm, or preferably within a range between 15 mm and 65 mm, or preferably within a range between 20 mm and 65 mm, or preferably within a range between 28 mm and 62 mm, or preferably within a range between 28 mm and 48 mm, or preferably within a range between 35 mm and 48 mm. The width may be greater than 5 mm, or preferably in the range between 5 mm and 40 mm, or preferably in the range between 5 mm and 31 mm, or preferably in the range between 8 mm and 31 mm, or preferably in the range between 11 mm and 25 mm.

[0075] Preferably, the aerosol-generating article is substantially flat.

[0076] Conveniently, the aerosol-generating article may define a generally parallelepipedal outline.

[0077] The aerosol-generating article may be generally rectangular in plan.

[0078] Any one or more of the component parts of the aerosol-generating article may be rectangular in plan view. In one example, the first sheet may be generally rectangular in plan view. In another example, the peelable cover (when present as an "element") may be generally rectangular in plan view. In another example, the frame may be generally rectangular in plan view.

[0079] Any one or more of the component parts of the aerosol-generating article may be substantially planar. In one example, the first sheet may be substantially planar. In another example, the opposing first and second surfaces of the frame may be substantially planar.

[0080] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, an assembly is provided comprising a plurality of aerosol-generating articles and a support sheet. The plurality of aerosol-generating articles may be releasably attached to an impermeable surface of the support sheet. For example, one or more of the aerosol-generating articles may be as described in any of the preceding paragraphs. Each of the aerosol-generating articles may comprise a frame, a first sheet, and a sensory medium portion. The frame comprises opposing first and second surfaces and a cavity. The opposing first and second surfaces define a thickness of the frame. The frame surrounds the cavity. The cavity may extend through the thickness of the frame. The first sheet may be secured to the first surface of the frame to overlie the cavity. The sensory medium portion may be disposed directly within the cavity on the impermeable surface of the first sheet. For each of the aerosol-generating articles, the second surface of the frame may be releasably attached to the impermeable surface of the support sheet, thereby enclosing the cavity and sealing the sensory medium portion within the cavity.

[0081] Attaching multiple aerosol-generating articles to a support sheet facilitates storage of the aerosol-generating articles in a space-efficient manner. Releasable attachment of the aerosol-generating articles to the support sheet provides for ease of removal of each aerosol-generating article from the support sheet for subsequent use. "Using" may include coupling the aerosol-generating article to an aerosol-generating device to heat the sensory medium exposed by separation of the article from the sheet.

[0082] Preferably, the first sheet comprises a tab for a user to engage therewith to thereby peel the respective aerosol-generating article from the support sheet.

[0083] Advantageously, a plurality of aerosol-generating articles may be releasably attached to the impermeable surface of the support sheet to define an arrangement in one or more rows or columns.

[0084] The support sheet may comprise a paper-based substrate. The paper-based substrate may comprise cardboard. The support sheet preferably comprises or consists of a paper-based foil. The support sheet may comprise a layer of a paper-based substrate and a layer or coating of an impermeable material. Suitable materials for the layer or coating of the impermeable material include dispersions based on copolymers composed of acrylates and styrene or based on styrene-butadiene copolymers, which are applied during paper processing as an aqueous dispersion of styrene-butadiene copolymer having a solids content of approximately 50%. Suitable dispersions may contain silica-based compounds as well as ceramic-based solutions.

[0085] Preferably, the support sheet comprises a first portion and a second portion separated from each other by a fold line. Each of the plurality of aerosol-generating articles can be releasably attached to the first portion of the support sheet, wherein the second portion is folded about the fold line to at least partially overlie the plurality of aerosol-generating articles. When folded in this manner, the support sheet facilitates shielding the aerosol-generating articles.

[0086] Advantageously, the assembly may further comprise a packaging container, the support sheet to which the plurality of aerosol-generating articles are releasably attached being inserted into the interior of the packaging container.The packaging container may comprise a plurality of support sheets.

[0087] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, an assembly is provided comprising a plurality of aerosol-generating articles and a packaging container. For example, one or more of the aerosol-generating articles may be as described in any of the preceding paragraphs. Each of the aerosol-generating articles may comprise a frame, a first sheet, and a sensory medium portion. The frame comprises opposing first and second surfaces and a cavity. The opposing first and second surfaces define a thickness of the frame. The frame may surround the cavity. The cavity may extend through the thickness of the frame. The first sheet may be secured to the first surface of the frame to overlie the cavity. The sensory medium portion may be disposed directly within the cavity on an impermeable surface of the first sheet. The packaging container may comprise a wall having an impermeable surface. For each of the aerosol-generating articles, the second surface of the frame may be releasably attached to the impermeable surface of the wall of the packaging container, thereby enclosing the cavity and sealing the sensory medium portion within the cavity.

[0088] Preferably, the first sheet material comprises a tab for engagement therewith by a user to thereby peel the respective aerosol-generating article from the wall of the packaging container.

[0089] In one example, the impermeable surface of the wall can define an inner surface of the packaging container. In another example, the impermeable surface of the wall can define an outer surface of the packaging container.

[0090] The wall of the packaging container may comprise a paper-based substrate. The paper-based substrate may comprise cardboard. The wall preferably comprises or consists of a paper-based foil. The wall may comprise a layer of a paper-based substrate and a layer or coating of an impermeable material. Suitable materials for the layer or coating of the impermeable material include dispersions based on copolymers consisting of acrylates and styrene or based on styrene-butadiene copolymers, which are applied during paper processing as an aqueous dispersion of styrene-butadiene copolymer having a solids content of approximately 50%. Suitable dispersions may contain silica-based compounds as well as ceramic-based solutions.

[0091] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a packaging assembly is provided comprising a container and an aerosol-generating article. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be as described in any of the preceding paragraphs. The container may comprise a first planar wall portion and a second planar wall portion, the first planar wall portion comprising an attachment surface. The aerosol-generating article may comprise opposing first and second outward-facing surfaces, and a sensory medium portion contained within the aerosol-generating article. The sensory medium portion may be in fluid communication with an opening defined in the second outward-facing surface of the aerosol-generating article. The second outward-facing surface of the aerosol-generating article may be releasably attached to the attachment surface of the first planar wall portion of the container, thereby closing and sealing the opening. The first and second planar wall portions may be separated by a first folding region, the second planar wall portion being foldable about the first folding region between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the second planar wall portion covers at least a portion of the first outward-facing surface of the aerosol-generating article.

[0092] Preferably, the packaging assembly comprises a plurality of aerosol-generating articles, the second outwardly facing surface of each aerosol-generating article being releasably attachable to the attachment surface of the first planar wall portion of the container, thereby closing and sealing the opening of the respective aerosol-generating article.

[0093] Attaching the aerosol-generating article to the attachment surface of the container to close and seal the opening of the cavity facilitates maintaining the freshness of the sensory medium and preventing contamination of the sensory medium by foreign matter and / or drying out of the sensory medium. The first planar wall portion and the second planar wall portion can provide the container with a generally thin and flat profile, particularly when the second planar wall portion is in a closed position. The second planar wall portion in the closed position can help provide a level of physical protection to the aerosol-generating article by shielding the article from impact damage. Conveniently, in the closed position, the second planar wall portion can cover all of the first, outwardly facing surface of the aerosol-generating article.

[0094] Preferably, the separation between the first and second outwardly facing surfaces of the aerosol-generating article defines the thickness of the aerosol-generating article.

[0095] Advantageously, the first and second planar wall portions of the container may be integrally formed as a single unitary sheet.Alternatively, however, the first and second planar portions may be distinct structural entities coupled to each other directly or via an intermediate element.

[0096] Preferably, the container includes a frangible interface for retaining the second planar wall portion in the closed position. Fragmentation of the frangible interface may allow the second planar wall portion to be displaced to the open position. Conveniently, the frangible interface may be provided between the first planar wall portion and the second planar wall portion.

[0097] Advantageously, the container may include a third planar wall portion. The first planar wall portion and the third planar wall portion may be separated by a second fold region, wherein the third planar wall portion is foldable about the second fold region between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position of the second planar sheet portion and the third planar sheet portion, one of the second planar sheet portion and the third planar sheet portion may overlie the other of the second planar wall portion and the third planar wall portion. Providing the third planar wall portion in addition to the second planar wall portion may provide additional physical protection for the aerosol-generating article.

[0098] Advantageously, the first, second and third planar wall portions are integrally formed as a single unitary piece.Alternatively, however, the first, second and third planar portions may be distinct structural entities coupled to one another directly or via one or more intermediate elements.

[0099] Preferably, in the closed position of the second and third planar wall portions, the second and third planar wall portions in combination cover the entirety of the first outwardly facing surface of the aerosol-generating article.

[0100] Conveniently, the first and second fold regions may be located at opposite ends of the first planar wall portion.

[0101] Preferably, the container includes a frangible interface for retaining the third planar wall portion in the closed position. Fragmentation of the frangible interface allows the third planar wall portion to be displaced to the open position. Conveniently, the frangible interface may be provided between the second planar wall portion and the third planar wall portion.

[0102] Advantageously, in the closed position of the second and third planar wall portions, the opposing surfaces of the second and third planar wall portions can be adhered to each other. In this way, the likelihood of the second and third planar wall portions being inadvertently opened and exposing the aerosol-generating article is reduced. The second and third planar wall portions are preferably adhered to each other in the closed position by one or more adhesive portions, the one or more adhesive portions comprising or consisting of a low-viscosity adhesive. For example, the low-viscosity adhesive may comprise an acrylate copolymer microsphere base. The low-viscosity adhesive may also comprise one or more of aluminum powder, amorphous silica, sodium carbonate, sodium chromate, and polyaminoamide.

[0103] Any one or all of the first planar wall portion, the second planar wall portion, and (where present) the third planar wall portion may comprise a paper-based substrate. The first planar wall portion, the second planar wall portion, or the third planar wall portion preferably comprises or consists of a paper-based foil. The paper-based substrate may be supplemented with a layer or coating of an impermeable material. The paper-based substrate may comprise cardboard. Cardboard is generally thicker than ordinary paper, typically having a thickness exceeding 0.30 mm and a grammage (mass per unit area) greater than 250 g / m 2 , and have certain desirable properties, such as foldability and stiffness. Paperboard can be a single-ply or multi-ply construction.

[0104] Any one or all of the first, second and, if present, third planar wall portions may have a basis weight between 180 and 450 g / m, preferably between 200 and 300 g / m. Any one or all of the first, second and, if present, third planar wall portions may have a thickness in the range of between 0.35 and 2.5 mm.

[0105] Preferably, the first planar wall portion has a permeability in the range between 1 and 10 Coresta units.

[0106] Advantageously, the attachment surface may be configured as an impermeable surface.Preferably, the attachment surface is configured to be water-impermeable.

[0107] A higher level of impermeability of the first planar wall portion and / or the attachment surface of the first planar wall portion provides greater protection against moisture content loss from the sensory medium.

[0108] Conveniently, the first planar wall portion may include an impermeable layer that defines the attachment surface. Where the first planar wall portion further comprises a paper-based substrate (as described above), the impermeable layer preferably overlies the paper-based substrate. Thus, the paper-based substrate and the impermeable layer may provide a laminated structure for the first planar wall portion. The impermeable layer may have a thickness ranging from 0.75 microns to 1.5 microns. Suitable materials for the impermeable material layer include dispersions based on copolymers composed of acrylates and styrene or based on styrene-butadiene copolymers, which are applied during paper processing as aqueous dispersions of styrene-butadiene copolymers having a solids content of approximately 50%. Suitable dispersions may contain silica-based compounds as well as ceramic-based solutions.

[0109] Preferably, the releasable attachment of the second outwardly facing surface of the aerosol-generating article to the attachment surface of the first planar wall portion of the container is configured to define an airtight seal therebetween. The presence of the airtight seal can facilitate maintaining the freshness and moisture content of the sensory medium, as well as reducing the likelihood of contamination of the sensory medium by foreign matter.

[0110] Advantageously, the releasable attachment of the second outwardly facing surface of the aerosol-generating article to the attachment surface of the first planar wall portion of the container may be configured as a peelable attachment. Using a peelable attachment to secure the aerosol-generating article to the first planar wall portion of the container may allow for ease of removal of the aerosol-generating article from the attachment surface of the first planar wall portion. Conveniently, the aerosol-generating article may include a tab for a user to engage with, thereby peeling the aerosol-generating article from the attachment surface of the first planar wall portion of the container.

[0111] Preferably, the plurality of aerosol-generating articles are releasably attached to the attachment surface of the first planar wall portion to define an arrangement in one or more rows or columns. In this way, the packaging assembly provides a space-efficient way of storing a plurality of aerosol-generating articles so as to maintain the freshness and / or moisture content of the sensory medium contained in each article.

[0112] Preferably, the aerosol-generating article comprises a frame comprising first and second opposing surfaces and a cavity. The first and second opposing surfaces may define a thickness of the frame, with the frame enclosing the cavity. The cavity may extend through the thickness of the frame to define an opening. The sensory medium portion may be disposed within the cavity. The second surface of the frame may define a second outwardly facing surface of the aerosol-generating article and may be releasably attached to the attachment surface. The cavity of the frame provides a space for receiving the sensory medium.

[0113] Preferably, the aerosol-generating article further comprises a first sheet material, the first sheet material of the aerosol-generating article being secured to the first surface of the frame overlying the cavity. In this way, the first sheet material may define a first outwardly facing surface of the aerosol-generating article.

[0114] Advantageously, the first sheet material may include a tab for a user to engage with to thereby peel the aerosol-generating article from the attachment surface. Preferably, the fixation of the first sheet material to the first surface of the frame is configured such that if the tab is pulled to peel the aerosol-generating article from the attachment surface, the first sheet material remains fixed to the first surface of the frame. For example, the bond between the first sheet material and the first surface of the frame is preferably stronger than the bond between the attachment surface of the first planar wall portion of the container and the second surface of the frame. This helps ensure that when the tab is pulled to peel the aerosol-generating article from the attachment surface, the bond between the attachment surface and the second surface of the frame breaks prior to the bond between the first sheet material and the first surface of the frame.

[0115] Preferably, the securing of the first sheet to the first surface of the frame is configured to define an airtight seal therebetween.

[0116] For example, the first sheet may be as described in any of the preceding paragraphs. Similarly, the frame may be as described in any of the preceding paragraphs.

[0117] Preferably, the frame comprises a paper-based material. The frame may have a basis weight of between 200 and 500 g / m, or preferably between 250 and 400 g / m. A high level of basis weight is associated with an increased level of flexural stiffness of the frame, thereby helping to ensure that the aerosol-generating article can retain its shape without folding or bending when peeled from an attachment surface. Where the frame comprises a paper-based material, the paper-based material may be coated with a coating or layer of an impermeable material. Suitable materials for use as a layer or coating may include dispersions based on copolymers consisting of acrylates and styrene or based on styrene-butadiene copolymers. Suitable dispersions may contain silica-based compounds as well as ceramic-based solutions.

[0118] Preferably, the frame is configured to be water-impermeable.

[0119] Conveniently, the framework may have a permeability in the range between 1 and 3 Coresta units.

[0120] A higher level of impermeability of the frame provides more protection against loss of moisture content from the sensory medium contained within the aerosol-generating article.

[0121] The frame can enclose a single cavity. In one example, a single sensory media portion can be disposed within the single cavity. In another example, multiple sensory media portions can be disposed within the single cavity. The multiple sensory media portions can be disposed continuously within the single cavity along the length of the first frame. Each of the multiple sensory media portions can be spatially separated from the other sensory media portions within the single cavity.

[0122] In alternative embodiments of a frame having a single cavity, the frame may instead encompass a plurality of cavities, with the frame individually encompassing each of the plurality of cavities. Advantageously, the aerosol-generating article may include a plurality of sensory media portions, with each of the plurality of cavities housing at least one of the plurality of sensory media portions. Preferably, each of the plurality of cavities contains a single sensory media portion of the plurality of sensory media portions.

[0123] For example, the sensory medium can be as described in any of the preceding paragraphs.

[0124] The organoleptic medium can comprise any one or more of tobacco, nicotine, vegetable material and flavoring. Preferably, the organoleptic medium comprises homogenized tobacco or is made up of homogenized tobacco. In addition, the organoleptic medium can also comprise homogenized tobacco and an aerosol forming agent.

[0125] The sensory medium portion may comprise a gel composition. Preferably, the gel composition comprises nicotine. The gel composition may comprise between 1% and 3% nicotine by weight. The gel composition may comprise between 80% and 90% glycerin by weight, and between 85% and 95% by weight of the combined weight of water and glycerin. The gel composition may comprise between 2% and 7% gelling agent by weight. The gel composition may comprise between 1% and 4% of a single flavoring or a blend of flavorings. Preferably, the gel composition comprises between 1% and 2% of a single flavoring or a blend of flavorings.

[0126] The flavoring agent may include one or more of complex volatile oils, anise oil, aldehydes, vanillin, ginger oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, tobacco extract oil, menthol oil, or a combination thereof.

[0127] Preferably, the aerosol-generating article comprises a plurality of sensory media portions. At least one of the sensory media portions may have a different material composition than the other portions.

[0128] Preferably, the first and second planar wall portions and optionally the third planar wall portion (where present) are each rectangular in plan view.

[0129] In the closed state of the container, the packaging assembly may have a thickness, wherein the thickness may be 20 mm or less, or preferably 15 mm or less, or preferably in a range between 4 and 15 mm, or preferably in a range between 6 and 13 mm.

[0130] In the closed state of container, packaging assembly can have length and width.Length can be in the scope between 50 and 200 millimeters, or preferably in the scope between 50 and 180 millimeters, or preferably in the scope between 60 and 180 millimeters, or preferably in the scope between 80 and 150 millimeters.Width can be in the scope between 35 and 120 millimeters, or preferably in the scope between 45 and 110 millimeters, or preferably in the scope between 50 and 95 millimeters.

[0131] Advantageously, in the closed condition of the container, the packaging assembly may be substantially flat.

[0132] Preferably, the packaging assembly defines a generally parallelepipedal outline.

[0133] The packaging assembly is preferably generally rectangular in plan view.

[0134] For example, the shape and size of the aerosol-generating article may be as described in any of the preceding paragraphs.

[0135] The aerosol-generating article may have a length, a width and a thickness. Preferably, the ratio of width to thickness is greater than 5, or greater than 10, or greater than 20, or greater than 40.

[0136] The thickness of the aerosol-generating article is preferably 1 mm or less, or more preferably 0.75 mm or less, or more preferably 0.5 mm or less. The thickness may be greater than 0.05 mm, or greater than 0.1 mm.

[0137] The length of the aerosol-generating article may be greater than 15 mm, or preferably in the range between 15 mm and 100 mm, or preferably in the range between 15 mm and 75 mm, or preferably in the range between 15 mm and 65 mm, or preferably in the range between 20 mm and 65 mm, or preferably in the range between 28 mm and 62 mm, or preferably in the range between 28 mm and 48 mm, or preferably in the range between 35 mm and 48 mm.

[0138] The width of the aerosol-generating article may be greater than 5 mm, or preferably in the range between 5 mm and 40 mm, or preferably in the range between 5 mm and 31 mm, or preferably in the range between 8 mm and 31 mm, or preferably in the range between 11 mm and 25 mm.

[0139] Preferably, the aerosol-generating article is substantially flat.The substantially flat structure of the aerosol-generating article may facilitate more uniform through-thickness heating of the sensory medium.

[0140] The aerosol-generating article may define a generally parallelepiped outline.

[0141] The aerosol-generating article may be generally rectangular in plan.

[0142] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a packaging assembly comprising a first planar wall portion and an aerosol-generating article. For example, the first planar wall portion may form a portion of a container as described in any of the preceding paragraphs. Similarly, the aerosol-generating article may be as described in any of the preceding paragraphs. The planar surface of the first planar wall portion may define an attachment surface. The aerosol-generating article may include opposing first and second outward-facing surfaces, and a sensory medium portion contained within the aerosol-generating article. The sensory medium portion may be in fluid communication with an opening defined in the second outward-facing surface of the aerosol-generating article. The second outward-facing surface of the aerosol-generating article may be releasably attached to the attachment surface of the first planar wall portion, thereby closing and sealing the opening.

[0143] Preferably, the packaging assembly further comprises a container. The container may comprise a first planar wall portion and a second planar wall portion, the first planar wall portion and the second planar wall portion being separated by a first fold region. The second planar wall portion may be foldable about the first fold region between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the second planar wall portion may cover at least a portion of the first outwardly facing surface of the aerosol-generating article.

[0144] It will be appreciated that features of any one aspect of the disclosure may be combined with features of any one or more of the other aspects of the disclosure.

[0145] As used herein, the term "sensory medium" refers to a matrix capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds that can form an aerosol or vapor or can be entrained into the gas phase. The sensory medium can act as one or more of a nicotine-providing agent, a flavor enhancer, and a bulk enhancer. The sensory medium can be an aerosol-forming matrix. The aerosol-forming matrix can include an aerosol-forming agent. As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming agent" is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, during use, contributes to the formation of an aerosol and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article.

[0146] Suitable aerosol formers are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyols such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, and glycerol; esters of polyols such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Preferred aerosol formers are polyols or mixtures thereof, for example, propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, and most preferably glycerol.

[0147] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a single aerosol-forming agent. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a combination of two or more aerosol-forming agents.

[0148] The sensory medium may comprise any one or more of tobacco, nicotine, botanical material, and flavorings.

[0149] The sensory medium may comprise or consist of homogenized tobacco.

[0150] The sensory medium may comprise homogenized tobacco and an aerosol former.

[0151] The sensory medium may have a gel composition.

[0152] The gel composition may include nicotine.

[0153] The gel composition may comprise between 1% and 3% nicotine by weight.

[0154] The gel composition may comprise between 80% and 90% by weight glycerol.The gel composition may have a total weight of water and glycerol ranging between 85% and 95% by weight.

[0155] The gel composition may comprise between 2% and 7% by weight of the gelling agent.

[0156] The gel composition may comprise between 1% and 4% by weight of a single flavoring or a blend of flavorings. The gel composition may comprise between 1% and 2% by weight of a single flavoring or a blend of flavorings.

[0157] The flavoring agent may include one or more of complex volatile oils, anise oil, aldehydes, vanillin, ginger oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, tobacco extract oil, menthol oil, or a combination thereof.

[0158] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The aerosol-generating article may be disposable.

[0159] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate consisting of or comprising an aerosol-forming material that is capable of releasing volatile compounds upon heating to generate an aerosol.

[0160] 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.

[0161] Example Ex0a: An aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device, comprising:

[0162] a first sheet material comprising or consisting of a metal layer;

[0163] A sensory media portion is disposed directly on the first sheet.

[0164] Example Ex0b: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex0a, wherein the metal layer comprises or consists of aluminum.

[0165] Example Ex1: An aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device, for example, an aerosol-generating article according to any of Ex0a or Ex0b, comprising:

[0166] a first sheet material configured to be thermally conductive and comprising an impermeable surface;

[0167] A sensory media portion is disposed directly on the impermeable surface of the first sheet.

[0168] Example Ex1a: An aerosol-generating article according to any of Ex0a to Ex1, having opposing first and second outward-facing planar surfaces, optionally the first and second outward-facing surfaces being parallel to each other.

[0169] Example Ex1b: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex1a, wherein the separation between the first outward-facing planar surface and the second outward-facing planar surface defines a thickness of the aerosol-generating article.

[0170] Example Ex 1c: An aerosol-generating article according to any of Ex 1a or Ex 1b, wherein the first outward-facing planar surface is the outward-facing surface of the first sheet.

[0171] Example Ex 1d: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex 1c, further comprising a second sheet overlying the first sheet and the sensory medium portion, the second sheet being removably and directly attached to the first sheet, wherein the second outwardly facing planar surface is an outwardly facing surface of the second sheet.

[0172] Example Ex2: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex1 to Ex1d, wherein the sensory medium portion is disposed directly on the impermeable surface such that the sensory medium portion is offset inwardly from the periphery of the impermeable surface of the first sheet.

[0173] Example Ex3: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex2, comprising a plurality of sensory media portions disposed directly on the impermeable surface of the first sheet material such that each of the plurality of sensory media portions is offset inwardly from a perimeter of the impermeable surface of the first sheet material.

[0174] Example Ex4: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex0a to Ex3, wherein the first sheet comprises or consists of a material having a thermal conductivity of at least 10 W / mK.

[0175] Example Ex5: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex4, wherein the material is a metallic material.

[0176] Example Ex6: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex5, wherein the metal material comprises or consists of aluminum.

[0177] Example Ex7: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex1 to Ex6, wherein the impermeable surface of the first sheet is configured to be water-impermeable.

[0178] Example Ex8: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex0a to Ex7, wherein the first sheet material has a permeability ranging between 1 and 5 Coresta units.

[0179] Example Ex9: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex1 to Ex8, further comprising a second sheet covering the impermeable surface of the first sheet and the sensory medium portion, the second sheet comprising an impermeable surface, the impermeable surface of the second sheet being removably and directly attached to the impermeable surface of the first sheet along a sealed path around the sensory medium portion.

[0180] Example Ex10: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex9, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are sealed to each other such that the first sheet and the second sheet are in intimate contact with a sensory medium.

[0181] Example Ex11: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex10, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet are sealed to each other such that no air gap exists between the sensory medium and the opposing surfaces of the first sheet and the second sheet.

[0182] Example Ex12: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex9 to Ex11, wherein the separation between the respective outward-facing surfaces of the first and second sheets defines the thickness of the aerosol-generating article.

[0183] Example Ex13: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex9 to Ex12, wherein the removable attachment of the impermeable surface of the second sheet to the impermeable surface of the first sheet is configured to hermetically seal the sensory medium portion between the impermeable surfaces of the first and second sheets.

[0184] Example Ex 14: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex 9 to Ex 13, wherein the impermeable surface of the second sheet is releasably attached to the impermeable surface of the first sheet.

[0185] Example Ex 15: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex 14, wherein the second sheet material comprises a tab for a user to engage the tab to thereby peel the second sheet material from the first sheet material.

[0186] Example Ex 16: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex 14 or Ex 15, wherein the second sheet material is formed as a peelable foil.

[0187] Example Ex 17: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex 16, wherein the peelable foil comprises aluminum.

[0188] Example Ex18: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex9 to Ex17, wherein one or both of the impermeable surfaces of the first sheet and the second sheet include an adhesive or are covered with an adhesive, and the adhesive is configured to provide a removable attachment of the impermeable surface of the second sheet to the impermeable surface of the first sheet.

[0189] Example Ex19: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex18, wherein the impermeable surfaces of the first and second sheets are free of adhesive in all locations corresponding to locations where the sensory media is partially overlaid by the first and second sheets.

[0190] Example Ex20: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex18 or Ex19, wherein the adhesive is provided as a layer of the second sheet.

[0191] Example Ex21: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex9 to Ex20, wherein the impermeable surface of the second sheet is configured to be water-impermeable.

[0192] Example Ex22: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex0a to Ex21, wherein the first sheet comprises a layer of thermally conductive material.

[0193] Example Ex23: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex22, wherein the layer of thermally conductive material comprises or consists of aluminum.

[0194] Example Ex24: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex22 or Ex23, wherein the layer of thermally conductive material forms an impermeable surface of the first sheet, the sensory medium portion being directly disposed on the impermeable surface.

[0195] Example Ex25: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex22 to Ex24, wherein the first sheet comprises a laminate of the layer of thermally conductive material and at least one additional layer.

[0196] Example Ex26: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex25, wherein the at least one additional layer comprises a layer of a cellulose-based material or a layer of a paper-based material.

[0197] Example Ex27 An aerosol-generating article according to any of Ex25 or Ex26, wherein the at least one additional layer comprises a layer of impermeable material, optionally wherein the layer of impermeable material has a thickness in the range between 0.75 micrometers and 1.5 micrometers.

[0198] Example Ex28: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex27, wherein the layer of impermeable material forms an impermeable surface of the first sheet, the sensory medium portion being directly disposed on the impermeable surface.

[0199] Example Ex29: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex0a to Ex28, wherein one or both of the first sheet and (if present) the second sheet have a thickness in the range of between 0.07 mm and 0.75 mm, preferably between 0.10 mm and 0.35 mm, preferably wherein one or both of the first sheet and (if present) the second sheet comprise a layer of paper-based material.

[0200] Example Ex29a: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex0a to Ex28, wherein one or both of the first sheet and (if present) the second sheet has a thickness in the range of between 0.5 μm and 100 μm, or optionally between 0.5 μm and 75 μm, or optionally between 0.5 μm and 50 μm, or optionally between 0.5 μm and 25 μm, or optionally between 0.5 μm and 10 μm, or optionally between 0.5 μm and 5 μm, or optionally between 1.1 μm and 4.5 μm, or optionally between 1.1 μm and 3 μm, or optionally between 1.1 μm and 2 μm, preferably wherein one or both of the first sheet and (if present) the second sheet lacks a layer of paper-based material.

[0201] Example Ex30: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex0a to Ex29a, wherein the first sheet has a basis weight in the range of between 45 and 140 g / m, optionally between 50 and 110 g / m.

[0202] Example Ex31: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex0a to Ex30, wherein the sensory medium comprises any one or more of tobacco, nicotine, plant material and flavoring.

[0203] Example Ex32: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex31, wherein the sensory medium comprises or consists of homogenized tobacco.

[0204] Example Ex33: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex32, wherein the sensory medium comprises homogenized tobacco and an aerosol-former.

[0205] Example Ex34: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex0a to Ex33, wherein the sensory medium portion has a gel composition, optionally comprising nicotine.

[0206] Example Ex35: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex34, wherein the gel composition comprises between 1 wt% and 3 wt% nicotine.

[0207] Example Ex36: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex34 or Ex35, wherein the gel composition comprises between 80% and 90% by weight of glycerol, and a total weight of water and glycerol ranging between 85% and 95% by weight.

[0208] Example Ex37: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex34 to Ex36, wherein the gel composition comprises between 2% and 7% by weight of the gelling agent.

[0209] Example Ex38: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex34 to Ex37, wherein the gel composition comprises between 1% and 4% by weight of a single flavor or a blend of flavors, preferably between 1% and 2% by weight of a single flavor or a blend of flavors.

[0210] Example Ex39: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex38, wherein the flavoring agent comprises one or more of a complex volatile oil, anise oil, aldehyde, vanillin, ginger oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, tobacco extract oil, menthol oil, or a combination thereof.

[0211] Example Ex40: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex0a to Ex39, comprising a plurality of sensory medium portions, at least one of the sensory medium portions having a different material composition than the other portions.

[0212] Example Ex41: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex0a to Ex40, comprising a plurality of sensory medium portions, the plurality of portions being arranged continuously along the length direction of the first sheet, optionally wherein the length direction also corresponds to the length direction of the aerosol-generating article.

[0213] Example Ex42: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex41, wherein each of the parts is spatially separated from the other parts.

[0214] Example Ex43: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex0a to Ex42, the aerosol-generating article having a length, a width and a thickness, wherein the ratio of the width to the thickness is greater than 5, or greater than 10, or greater than 20, or greater than 40.

[0215] Example Ex44: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex0a to Ex43, the aerosol-generating article having a length, a width and a thickness, wherein the thickness is 1 mm or less, or 0.75 mm or less, or 0.5 mm or less.

[0216] Example Ex45: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex44, wherein the thickness is greater than 0.05 mm or greater than 0.1 mm.

[0217] Example Ex46: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex43 to Ex45, wherein the length is greater than 15 mm, or preferably in the range between 15 mm and 100 mm, or preferably in the range between 15 mm and 75 mm, or preferably in the range between 15 mm and 65 mm, or preferably in the range between 20 mm and 65 mm, or preferably in the range between 28 mm and 62 mm, or preferably in the range between 28 mm and 48 mm, or preferably in the range between 35 mm and 48 mm.

[0218] Example Ex47: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex43 to Ex46, wherein the width is greater than 5 mm, or preferably in the range between 5 mm and 40 mm, or preferably in the range between 5 mm and 31 mm, or preferably in the range between 8 mm and 31 mm, or preferably in the range between 11 mm and 25 mm.

[0219] Example Ex48: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex0a to Ex47, wherein the aerosol-generating article is substantially flat.

[0220] Example Ex49: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex48, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a thickness defined by a separation between opposing first and second major surfaces of the aerosol-generating article, the opposing major surfaces each being planar.

[0221] Example Ex50: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex49, wherein the outward-facing surface of the first sheet defines the first major surface, and the outward-facing surface of the second sheet (where present) defines the second major surface.

[0222] Example Ex51: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex0a to Ex50, wherein the aerosol-generating article defines a generally parallelepiped outline.

[0223] Example Ex52: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex0a to Ex51, wherein the aerosol-generating article is generally rectangular in plan view.

[0224] Example Ex53: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex0a to Ex52, wherein the first sheet is generally rectangular in plan view.

[0225] Example Ex54: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex53, wherein the second sheet (where present) is generally rectangular in plan view.

[0226] Example Ex55: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex0a to Ex54, wherein the first sheet is substantially planar.

[0227] Example Ex56: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex55, wherein the second sheet material (where present) is substantially planar.

[0228] Example Ex57: An aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device, for example, an aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex0a to Ex56, comprising:

[0229] a frame comprising first and second opposing surfaces and a cavity, the first and second opposing surfaces defining a thickness of the frame, the frame surrounding the cavity, the cavity extending through the thickness of the frame;

[0230] a first sheet material secured to a first surface of the frame overlying the cavity;

[0231] a sensory media portion disposed directly on the first sheet within the cavity;

[0232] Wherein the second surface of the frame is releasably attached to the impermeable surface of the element, thereby closing the cavity and sealing the sensory medium portion within the cavity.

[0233] Example Ex57a: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex57, the aerosol-generating article having opposing first and second outward-facing planar surfaces, optionally wherein the first and second outward-facing surfaces are parallel to each other.

[0234] Example Ex57b: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex57a, wherein the separation between the first outward-facing planar surface and the second outward-facing planar surface defines a thickness of the aerosol-generating article.

[0235] Example Ex57c: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57a or Ex57b, wherein the first outward-facing planar surface is the outward-facing surface of the first sheet.

[0236] Example Ex57d: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex57c, wherein the second outwardly facing planar surface is the second surface of the frame.

[0237] Example Ex58: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex57d, wherein the fixing of the first sheet to the first surface of the frame is configured to define an airtight seal therebetween.

[0238] Example Ex59: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex58, wherein the releasable attachment of the second surface of the frame to the impermeable surface of the element is configured to define an airtight seal therebetween.

[0239] Example Ex60: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex59, wherein a separation distance between the outward-facing surface of the first sheet and the second surface of the frame defines a thickness of the aerosol-generating article.

[0240] Example Ex61: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex60, wherein the element is a peelable cover, the aerosol-generating article comprising the peelable cover.

[0241] Example Ex62: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex61, wherein a separation distance between the respective outward-facing surfaces of the first sheet and the peelable cover defines the thickness of the aerosol-generating article.

[0242] Example Ex63: An aerosol-generating article according to any of Ex61 or Ex62, wherein one or both of the second surface of the frame and the impermeable surface of the peelable cover include an adhesive or are covered with an adhesive, and the adhesive is configured to provide the peelable attachment between the second surface of the frame and the peelable cover.

[0243] Example Ex64: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex61 to Ex63, wherein the peelable cover is free of adhesive in all positions corresponding to positions where the peelable cover overlies the cavity.

[0244] Example Ex65: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex64, wherein the adhesive is provided as a layer of the peelable cover.

[0245] Example Ex66: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex61 to Ex65, wherein the peelable cover is formed as a peelable foil.

[0246] Example Ex67: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex66, wherein the peelable foil comprises aluminum.

[0247] Example Ex68: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex60, wherein the element is:

[0248] a sheet configured for use with two or more of the aerosol-generating articles releasably attached to the sheet; or

[0249] A wall of the packaging container is configured for two or more of the aerosol-generating articles to be releasably attached thereto.

[0250] Example Ex69: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex68, wherein the first sheet comprises or consists of a material having a thermal conductivity of at least 10 W / mK.

[0251] Example Ex70: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex69, wherein the material is a metallic material.

[0252] Example Ex71: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex70, wherein the metal material comprises or consists of aluminum.

[0253] Example Ex72: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex71, wherein the first sheet and the impermeable surface of the element are each configured to be water-impermeable.

[0254] Example Ex73: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex72, wherein one or both of the first sheet and the impermeable surface of the element have a permeability ranging between 1 and 5 Coresta units.

[0255] Example Ex74: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex73, wherein the first sheet comprises a layer of thermally conductive material.

[0256] Example Ex75: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex74, wherein the layer of thermally conductive material comprises or consists of aluminum.

[0257] Example Ex76: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex74 or Ex75, wherein the layer of thermally conductive material forms an impermeable surface of the first sheet, the sensory medium portion being directly disposed on the impermeable surface.

[0258] Example Ex77: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex74 to Ex76, wherein the first sheet comprises a laminate of the thermally conductive material layer and at least one additional layer.

[0259] Example Ex78: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex77, wherein the at least one additional layer comprises a layer of a cellulose-based material or a layer of a paper-based material.

[0260] Example Ex79: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex77 or Ex78, wherein the at least one additional layer comprises a layer of impermeable material.

[0261] Example Ex80: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex79, wherein the layer of impermeable material has a thickness in the range between 0.75 and 1.5 micrometers.

[0262] Example Ex81: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex79 or Ex80, wherein the layer of impermeable material forms an impermeable surface of the first sheet, the sensory medium portion being directly disposed on the impermeable surface.

[0263] Example Ex82: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex81, wherein the first sheet has a thickness in the range between 0.07 mm and 0.75 mm, preferably between 0.10 mm and 0.35 mm, preferably wherein the first sheet comprises a layer of paper-based material.

[0264] Example Ex82a: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex81, wherein the first sheet has a thickness in the range of between 0.5 μm and 100 μm, or optionally between 0.5 μm and 75 μm, or optionally between 0.5 μm and 50 μm, or optionally between 0.5 μm and 25 μm, or optionally between 0.5 μm and 10 μm, or optionally between 0.5 μm and 5 μm, or optionally between 1.1 μm and 4.5 μm, or optionally between 1.1 μm and 3 μm, or optionally between 1.1 μm and 2 μm, preferably wherein the first sheet lacks a layer of paper-based material.

[0265] Example Ex83: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex82a, wherein the first sheet has a basis weight in the range of between 45 and 140 g / m, optionally between 50 and 110 g / m.

[0266] Example Ex84: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex83, wherein the frame comprises a paper-based material.

[0267] Example Ex85: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex84, wherein the frame has a basis weight of between 200 and 500 g / m, optionally between 250 and 400 g / m.

[0268] Example Ex86: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex85, wherein the frame is configured to be water-impermeable.

[0269] Example Ex87: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex86, wherein the frame has a permeability ranging between 1 and 3 Coresta units.

[0270] Example Ex88: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex87, wherein the frame encloses a single cavity.

[0271] Example Ex89: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex88, wherein a single sensory medium portion is disposed within the single cavity.

[0272] Example Ex90: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex88, wherein a plurality of sensory media portions are disposed within the single cavity.

[0273] Example Ex91: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex90, wherein the plurality of sensory media portions are arranged continuously within the single cavity along the length direction of the first frame.

[0274] Example Ex92: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex90 or Ex91, wherein each of the plurality of sensory medium portions is spatially separated from the other portions within the single cavity.

[0275] Example Ex93: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex88 to Ex92, wherein the frame comprises an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet, the airflow inlet and the airflow outlet being in fluid communication with the single cavity to allow air flow between the airflow inlet and the airflow outlet to pass through the sensory medium.

[0276] Example Ex94: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex87, wherein the frame surrounds a plurality of cavities, the frame individually surrounding each cavity of the plurality of cavities.

[0277] Example Ex95: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex94, wherein the fixing of the first sheet to the first surface of the frame and the releasable attachment of the second surface of the frame to the impermeable surface of the element are both configured to seal each of the plurality of cavities from one another.

[0278] Example Ex96: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex94 or Ex95, comprising a plurality of sensory media portions, each cavity of the plurality of cavities containing at least one sensory media portion of the plurality of sensory media portions.

[0279] Example Ex97: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex96, wherein each cavity of the plurality of cavities contains a single sensory medium portion of the plurality of sensory medium portions.

[0280] Example Ex98: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex94 to Ex97, wherein the frame includes an air flow inlet and an air flow outlet for each of the multiple cavities, and the air flow inlet and the air flow outlet are configured to allow air flow between the air flow inlet and the air flow outlet of the corresponding cavity to pass through the sensory medium contained in the corresponding cavity.

[0281] Example Ex99: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex98, wherein the frame comprises a common airflow inlet channel, each of the airflow inlets being in fluid communication with the common airflow inlet channel.

[0282] Example Ex100: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex98 or Ex99, wherein the frame comprises a common airflow outlet channel, each of the airflow outlets being in fluid communication with the common airflow outlet channel.

[0283] Example Ex101: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex100, wherein the common airflow outlet channel comprises a mixing chamber for mixing the airflow received from each cavity of the plurality of cavities via the corresponding airflow outlet.

[0284] Example Ex102: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex101, wherein the sensory medium comprises any one or more of tobacco, nicotine, plant material and flavoring.

[0285] Example Ex103: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex102, wherein the sensory medium comprises or consists of homogenized tobacco.

[0286] Example Ex104: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex103, wherein the sensory medium comprises homogenized tobacco and an aerosol-former.

[0287] Example Ex105: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex104, wherein the sensory medium portion has a gel composition, optionally comprising nicotine.

[0288] Example Ex106: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex105, wherein the gel composition comprises between 1 wt% and 3 wt% nicotine.

[0289] Example Ex107: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex105 or Ex106, wherein the gel composition comprises between 80% and 90% by weight of glycerol, and a total weight of water and glycerol ranging between 85% and 95% by weight.

[0290] Example Ex108: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex105 to Ex107, wherein the gel composition comprises between 2% and 7% by weight of the gelling agent.

[0291] Example Ex109: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex105 to Ex108, wherein the gel composition comprises between 1% and 4% by weight of a single flavor or a blend of flavors, preferably between 1% and 2% by weight of a single flavor or a blend of flavors.

[0292] Example Ex110: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex109, wherein the flavoring agent comprises one or more of complex volatile oils, anise oil, aldehydes, vanillin, ginger oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, tobacco extract oil, menthol oil, or a combination thereof.

[0293] Example Ex111: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex110, comprising a plurality of sensory medium portions, at least one of the sensory medium portions having a different material composition than the other portions.

[0294] Example Ex112: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex111, the aerosol-generating article having a length, a width and a thickness, wherein the ratio of the width to the thickness is greater than 5, or greater than 10, or greater than 20, or greater than 40.

[0295] Example Ex113: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex112, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a length, a width and a thickness, wherein the thickness is 6 mm or less, or preferably 5.5 mm or less, or preferably 3.5 mm or less, or preferably in the range between 1.25 mm and 3.5 mm.

[0296] Example Ex114: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex113, wherein the thickness is greater than 0.5 mm, or preferably greater than 1 mm.

[0297] Example Ex115: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex112 to Ex114, wherein the length is greater than 15 mm, or preferably in the range between 15 mm and 100 mm, or preferably in the range between 15 mm and 75 mm, or preferably in the range between 15 mm and 65 mm, or preferably in the range between 20 mm and 65 mm, or preferably in the range between 28 mm and 62 mm, or preferably in the range between 28 mm and 48 mm, or preferably in the range between 35 mm and 48 mm.

[0298] Example Ex116: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex112 to Ex115, wherein the width is greater than 5 mm, or preferably in the range between 5 mm and 40 mm, or preferably in the range between 5 mm and 31 mm, or preferably in the range between 8 mm and 31 mm, or preferably in the range between 11 mm and 25 mm.

[0299] Example Ex117: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex116, wherein the aerosol-generating article is substantially flat.

[0300] Example Ex118: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex117, wherein the aerosol-generating article defines a generally parallelepiped outline.

[0301] Example Ex119: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex118, wherein the aerosol-generating article is generally rectangular in plan view.

[0302] Example Ex120: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex119, wherein the first sheet is generally rectangular in plan view.

[0303] Example Ex121: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex120, wherein the peelable cover (where present) is generally rectangular in plan view.

[0304] Example Ex122: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex121, wherein the frame is generally rectangular in plan view.

[0305] Example Ex123: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex122, wherein the first sheet is substantially planar.

[0306] Example Ex124: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex57 to Ex123, wherein the opposing first and second surfaces of the frame are substantially planar.

[0307] Example Ex125: An assembly comprising a plurality of aerosol-generating articles and a support sheet, wherein the plurality of aerosol-generating articles are releasably attached to an impermeable surface of the support sheet;

[0308] Each of the aerosol-generating articles comprises:

[0309] a frame comprising first and second opposing surfaces and a cavity, the first and second opposing surfaces defining a thickness of the frame, the frame surrounding the cavity, the cavity extending through the thickness of the frame;

[0310] a first sheet material secured to a first surface of the frame overlying the cavity;

[0311] a sensory media portion disposed directly on the impermeable surface of the first sheet within the cavity;

[0312] wherein for each of the aerosol-generating articles, the second surface of the frame is releasably attached to the impermeable surface of the support sheet, thereby closing the cavity and sealing the sensory medium portion within the cavity.

[0313] Example Ex126: An assembly according to Ex125, wherein the first sheet comprises a tab for a user to engage with the tab to thereby peel the corresponding aerosol-generating article from the supporting sheet.

[0314] Example Ex127: An assembly according to any one of Ex125 or Ex126, wherein the plurality of aerosol-generating articles are releasably attached to the impermeable surface of the support sheet to define an arrangement in one or more rows or columns.

[0315] Example Ex128: A component according to any one of Ex125 to Ex127, wherein the support sheet includes a first portion and a second portion separated from each other by a folding line, each of the plurality of aerosol-generating articles is releasably attached to the first portion of the support sheet, and the second portion is folded around the folding line to at least partially cover the plurality of aerosol-generating articles.

[0316] Example Ex129: An assembly according to any one of Ex125 to Ex128, wherein the assembly further comprises a packaging container, the support sheet to which the plurality of aerosol-generating articles are releasably attached being inserted inside the packaging container.

[0317] Example Ex130: An assembly comprising a plurality of aerosol-generating articles and a packaging container;

[0318] Each of the aerosol-generating articles comprises:

[0319] a frame comprising first and second opposing surfaces and a cavity, the first and second opposing surfaces defining a thickness of the frame, the frame surrounding the cavity, the cavity extending through the thickness of the frame;

[0320] a first sheet material secured to a first surface of the frame overlying the cavity;

[0321] a sensory media portion disposed directly on the impermeable surface of the first sheet within the cavity;

[0322] The packaging container includes a wall having an impermeable surface;

[0323] wherein for each of the aerosol-generating articles, the second surface of the frame is releasably attached to the impermeable surface of the wall of the packaging container, thereby closing the cavity and sealing the sensory medium portion within the cavity.

[0324] Example Ex131: An assembly according to Ex130, wherein the first sheet comprises a tab for a user to engage with the tab to thereby peel the corresponding aerosol-generating article from the wall of the packaging container.

[0325] Example Ex132: An assembly according to any one of Ex130 or Ex131, wherein the impermeable surface of the wall defines an inner surface of the packaging container.

[0326] Example Ex133: An assembly according to any one of Ex130 or Ex131, wherein the impermeable surface of the wall defines an outer surface of the packaging container.

[0327] Example Ex134: A packaging component comprising:

[0328] a container comprising a first planar wall portion and a second planar wall portion, the first planar wall portion comprising an attachment surface; and

[0329] an aerosol-generating article, for example, an aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex0a to Ex133, the aerosol-generating article comprising opposing first and second outward-facing surfaces, and a sensory medium portion contained within the aerosol-generating article, the sensory medium portion being in fluid communication with an opening defined in the second outward-facing surface of the aerosol-generating article, the second outward-facing surface of the aerosol-generating article being releasably attachable to an attachment surface of the first planar wall portion of the container, thereby closing and sealing the opening;

[0330] wherein the first planar wall portion and the second planar wall portion are separated by a first folding region, and the second planar wall portion is foldable between a closed position and an open position about the first folding region, wherein in the closed position, the second planar wall portion covers at least a portion of the first outward-facing surface of the aerosol-generating article.

[0331] Example Ex 135: A packaging assembly according to Ex 134, wherein the separation between the first outward-facing surface and the second outward-facing surface of the aerosol-generating article defines a thickness of the aerosol-generating article.

[0332] Example Ex136: A packaging assembly according to any one of Ex134 or Ex135, wherein the first planar wall portion and the second planar wall portion are integrally formed as a single unitary sheet.

[0333] Example Ex137: A packaging assembly according to any one of Ex134 to Ex136, wherein the container comprises a frangible interface for retaining the second planar wall portion in the closed position.

[0334] Example Ex138: A packaging assembly according to Ex137, wherein the fragile interface is provided between the first planar wall portion and the second planar wall portion.

[0335] Example Ex139: A packaging assembly according to any one of Ex134 to Ex138, wherein the container includes a third planar wall portion, the first planar wall portion and the third planar wall portion are separated by a second folding area, and the third planar sheet portion is foldable between a closed position and an open position around the second folding area, wherein in the closed position of the second planar sheet portion and the third planar sheet portion, one of the second planar sheet portion and the third planar sheet portion overlaps the other of the second planar wall portion and the third planar wall portion.

[0336] Example Ex140: A packaging assembly according to Ex139, wherein the first planar wall portion, the second planar wall portion and the third planar wall portion are integrally formed as a single unitary sheet.

[0337] Example Ex141: A packaging component according to any one of Ex139 or Ex140, wherein in the closed position of the second planar wall portion and the third planar wall portion, the second planar wall portion and the third planar wall portion in combination cover the entirety of the first outward-facing surface of the aerosol-generating article.

[0338] Example Ex142: A packaging assembly according to any one of Ex139 to Ex141, wherein the first folding region and the second folding region are positioned at opposite ends of the first planar wall portion.

[0339] Example Ex143: A packaging assembly according to any one of Ex139 to Ex142, wherein the container comprises a frangible interface for retaining the third planar wall portion in the closed position.

[0340] Example Ex144: A packaging assembly according to Ex143, wherein the fragile interface is provided between the second planar wall portion and the third planar wall portion.

[0341] Example Ex145: The packaging assembly according to any one of Ex139 to Ex144, wherein in the closed position of the second planar wall portion and the third planar wall portion, opposing surfaces of the second planar wall portion and the third planar wall portion are adhered to each other.

[0342] Example Ex146: A packaging assembly according to Ex145, wherein the second planar wall portion and the third planar wall portion are adhered to each other in the closed position by one or more adhesive portions, the one or more adhesive portions comprising or consisting of a low-tack adhesive.

[0343] Example Ex147: A packaging component according to Ex146, wherein the low-tack adhesive comprises an acrylate copolymer microsphere base, optionally further comprising one or more of aluminum powder, amorphous silica, sodium carbonate, sodium chromate and polyaminoamide.

[0344] Example Ex148: A packaging component according to any one of Ex134 to Ex147, wherein any one or all of the first planar wall portion, the second planar wall portion and (where present) the third planar wall portion comprises a paper-based substrate.

[0345] Example Ex149: Packaging component according to Ex148, wherein any one or all of the first planar wall portion, the second planar wall portion and (where present) the third planar wall portion have a basis weight between 180 and 450 g / m, optionally between 200 and 300 g / m.

[0346] Example Ex150: Packaging assembly according to any one of Ex148 or Ex149, wherein the first planar wall portion and optionally the second planar wall portion have a thickness in the range between 0.35 mm and 2.5 mm.

[0347] Example Ex151: A packaging component according to any one of Ex134 to Ex150, wherein the first planar wall portion has a permeability in the range between 1 and 10 Coresta units.

[0348] Example Ex152: A packaging component according to any one of Ex134 to Ex151, wherein the attachment surface is configured as an impermeable surface.

[0349] Example Ex153: A packaging assembly according to Ex152, wherein the attachment surface is configured to be water-impermeable.

[0350] Example Ex154: A packaging assembly according to any one of Ex152 or Ex153, wherein the first planar wall portion comprises an impermeable layer defining the attachment surface.

[0351] Example Ex155: A packaging component according to the combination of Ex154 and Ex148, wherein the impermeable layer overlies the paper-based substrate.

[0352] Example Ex156: A packaging component according to any one of Ex154 or Ex155, wherein the impermeable layer has a thickness ranging between 0.75 micrometers and 1.5 micrometers.

[0353] Example Ex157: A packaging assembly according to any one of Ex134 to Ex156, wherein the releasable attachment of the second outwardly facing surface of the aerosol-generating article to the attachment surface of the first planar wall portion of the container is configured to define an airtight seal therebetween.

[0354] Example Ex158: A packaging assembly according to any one of Ex134 to Ex157, wherein the releasable attachment of the second outwardly facing surface of the aerosol-generating article to the attachment surface of the first planar wall portion of the container is configured as a peelable attachment.

[0355] Example Ex159: A packaging assembly according to Ex158, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a tab for a user to engage the tab to thereby peel the aerosol-generating article from the attachment surface of the first planar wall portion of the container.

[0356] Example Ex 160: A packaging assembly according to any one of Ex 133 to Ex 159, wherein the plurality of aerosol-generating articles are releasably attached to the attachment surface of the first planar wall portion to define an arrangement in one or more rows or columns.

[0357] Example Ex161: A packaging assembly according to any one of Ex134 to Ex160, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises:

[0358] A frame comprising first and second opposing surfaces defining a thickness of the frame and a cavity, the frame surrounding the cavity, the cavity extending through the thickness of the frame to define the opening, the sensory medium being partially disposed within the cavity, the second surface of the frame defining a second outwardly facing surface of the aerosol-generating article and being releasably attached to the attachment surface.

[0359] Example Ex162: The packaging assembly according to Ex161, the aerosol-generating article further comprising a first sheet, the first sheet of the aerosol-generating article being fixed to the first surface of the frame overlying the cavity, wherein the first sheet defines a first outward-facing surface of the aerosol-generating article.

[0360] Example Ex163: The packaging assembly according to Ex162, the first sheet comprising a tab for a user to engage with the tab to thereby peel the aerosol-generating article from the attachment surface.

[0361] Example Ex164: A packaging assembly according to Ex163, wherein the fixation of the first sheet to the first surface of the frame is configured such that if the tab is pulled to peel the aerosol-generating article from the attachment surface, the first sheet remains fixed to the first surface of the frame.

[0362] Example Ex165: A packaging assembly according to any one of Ex162 to Ex164, wherein the fixing of the first sheet to the first surface of the frame is configured to define an airtight seal therebetween.

[0363] Example Ex166: A packaging component according to any one of Ex162 to Ex165, wherein the first sheet is configured to be water-impermeable.

[0364] Example Ex167: The packaging component according to any one of Ex162 to Ex166, wherein the first sheet has a permeability ranging between 1 and 5 Coresta units.

[0365] Example Ex168: A packaging component according to any one of Ex162 to Ex167, wherein the first sheet comprises a layer of thermally conductive material.

[0366] Example Ex169: A packaging assembly according to Ex168, wherein the thermally conductive material layer comprises or consists of aluminum.

[0367] Example Ex 170: A packaging assembly according to any one of Ex 168 or Ex 169, wherein the first sheet comprises a laminate of the thermally conductive material layer and at least one additional layer.

[0368] Example Ex171: The packaging component according to Ex170, wherein the at least one additional layer comprises a layer of a cellulose-based material or a paper-based material.

[0369] Example Ex172: A packaging component according to any one of Ex170 or Ex171, wherein the at least one additional layer comprises a layer of impermeable material, optionally wherein the layer of impermeable material has a thickness in the range between 0.75 micrometers and 1.5 micrometers.

[0370] Example Ex173: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex162 to Ex172, wherein the first sheet has a thickness in the range between 0.07 mm and 0.75 mm, preferably between 0.10 mm and 0.35 mm, preferably wherein the first sheet comprises a layer of paper-based material.

[0371] Example Ex173a: A packaging component according to any one of Ex162 to Ex172, wherein the first sheet has a thickness in the range of between 0.5 μm and 100 μm, or optionally between 0.5 μm and 75 μm, or optionally between 0.5 μm and 50 μm, or optionally between 0.5 μm and 25 μm, or optionally between 0.5 μm and 10 μm, or optionally between 0.5 μm and 5 μm, or optionally between 1.1 μm and 4.5 μm, or optionally between 1.1 μm and 3 μm, or optionally between 1.1 μm and 2 μm, preferably wherein the first sheet lacks a layer of paper-based material.

[0372] Example Ex174: Packaging component according to any one of Ex162 to Ex173a, wherein the first sheet has a basis weight in the range of between 45 and 140 g / m, optionally between 50 and 110 g / m.

[0373] Example Ex175: A packaging assembly according to any one of Ex162 to Ex174, wherein a separation distance between the outwardly facing surface of the first sheet and the second surface of the frame defines a thickness of the aerosol-generating article.

[0374] Example Ex176: A packaging component according to any one of Ex161 to Ex175, wherein the frame comprises a paper-based material.

[0375] Example Ex177: Packaging component according to Ex176, wherein the frame has a basis weight between 200 and 500 g / m, optionally between 250 and 400 g / m.

[0376] Example Ex178: A packaging assembly according to any one of Ex161 to Ex177, wherein the frame is configured to be water-impermeable.

[0377] Example Ex179: Packaging component according to any one of Ex161 to Ex178, wherein the frame has a permeability ranging between 1 and 3 Coresta units.

[0378] Example Ex180: A packaging assembly according to any one of Ex161 to Ex179, wherein the frame encloses a single cavity.

[0379] Example Ex181: The packaging assembly according to Ex180, wherein a single sensory media portion is disposed within the single cavity.

[0380] Example Ex182: The packaging assembly of Ex180, wherein a plurality of sensory media portions are disposed within the single cavity.

[0381] Example Ex183: The packaging assembly according to Ex182, wherein the plurality of sensory media portions are arranged continuously within the single cavity along the length direction of the first frame.

[0382] Example Ex184: A packaging component according to any one of Ex182 or Ex183, wherein each sensory media portion of the plurality of sensory media portions is spatially separated from the other portions.

[0383] Example Ex185: A packaging assembly according to any one of Ex161 to Ex179, wherein the frame surrounds a plurality of cavities, the frame individually surrounding each cavity of the plurality of cavities.

[0384] Example Ex186: The packaging assembly according to Ex185, comprising a plurality of sensory media portions, each cavity of the plurality of cavities housing at least one sensory media portion of the plurality of sensory media portions.

[0385] Example Ex 187: A packaging assembly according to Ex 186, wherein each cavity of said plurality of cavities contains a single sensory media portion of said plurality of sensory media portions.

[0386] Example Ex188: The packaging component according to any one of Ex134 to Ex187, wherein the sensory medium comprises any one or more of tobacco, nicotine, plant material and flavoring.

[0387] Example Ex189: A packaging assembly according to Ex188, wherein the sensory medium comprises or consists of homogenized tobacco.

[0388] Example Ex 190: A packaging assembly according to Ex 189, wherein the sensory medium comprises homogenized tobacco and an aerosol former.

[0389] Example Ex191: The packaging component according to any one of Ex134 to Ex190, wherein the sensory medium portion has a gel composition, optionally comprising nicotine.

[0390] Example Ex192: The packaging assembly according to Ex191, wherein the gel composition comprises between 1 wt% and 3 wt% nicotine.

[0391] Example Ex193: A packaging assembly according to any one of Ex191 or Ex192, wherein the gel composition comprises between 80% and 90% by weight of glycerol, and a total weight of water and glycerol ranging between 85% and 95% by weight.

[0392] Example Ex194: The packaging component according to any one of Ex191 to Ex193, wherein the gel composition comprises between 2% and 7% by weight of the gelling agent.

[0393] Example Ex195: Packaging assembly according to any one of Ex191 to Ex194, wherein the gel composition comprises between 1% and 4% by weight of a single flavoring or a blend of flavorings, preferably between 1% and 2% by weight of a single flavoring or a blend of flavorings.

[0394] Example Ex196: The packaging component according to Ex195, wherein the flavoring agent comprises one or more of complex volatile oils, anise oil, aldehydes, vanillin, ginger oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, tobacco extract oil, menthol oil, or a combination thereof.

[0395] Example Ex197: A packaging component according to any one of Ex134 to Ex196, comprising a plurality of sensory media portions, at least one of the sensory media portions having a different material composition than the other portions.

[0396] Example Ex198: A packaging assembly according to any one of Ex134 to Ex197, wherein the first planar wall portion and the second planar wall portion, and optionally the third planar wall portion (where present), are each rectangular in plan view.

[0397] Example Ex199: A packaging component according to any one of Ex134 to Ex198, wherein in the closed state of the container, the packaging component has a thickness, wherein the thickness is 20 mm or less, or preferably 15 mm or less, or preferably in the range between 4 and 15 mm, or preferably in the range between 6 and 13 mm.

[0398] Example Ex200: The packaging assembly according to any one of Ex134 to Ex199, wherein in the closed state of the container, the packaging assembly has a length and a width;

[0399] The length of the packaging assembly is in the range between 50 and 200 mm, or preferably in the range between 50 and 180 mm, or preferably in the range between 60 and 180 mm, or preferably in the range between 80 and 150 mm; and

[0400] The width of the packaging assembly is in the range between 35 and 120 mm, or preferably in the range between 45 and 110 mm, or preferably in the range between 50 and 95 mm.

[0401] Example Ex201: The packaging assembly according to any one of Ex134 to Ex200, wherein in the closed state of the container, the packaging assembly is substantially flat.

[0402] Example Ex202: A packaging component according to any one of Ex134 to Ex201, wherein the packaging component defines a generally parallelepiped outline.

[0403] Example Ex203: A packaging component according to any one of Ex134 to Ex202, wherein the packaging component is generally rectangular in plan view.

[0404] Example Ex204: The packaging assembly according to any one of Ex134 to Ex203, the aerosol-generating article having a length, a width and a thickness, wherein the ratio of the width to the thickness is greater than 5, or greater than 10, or greater than 20, or greater than 40.

[0405] Example Ex205: The packaging assembly according to any one of Ex134 to Ex204, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a length, a width and a thickness, wherein the thickness is 1 mm or less, or 0.75 mm or less, or 0.5 mm or less.

[0406] Example Ex206: A packaging assembly according to Ex205, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a thickness greater than 0.05 mm or greater than 0.1 mm.

[0407] Example Ex206: A packaging component according to any one of Ex204 to Ex206, wherein the length of the aerosol-generating article is greater than 15 mm, or preferably in the range between 15 mm and 100 mm, or preferably in the range between 15 mm and 75 mm, or preferably in the range between 15 mm and 65 mm, or preferably in the range between 20 mm and 65 mm, or preferably in the range between 28 mm and 62 mm, or preferably in the range between 28 mm and 48 mm, or preferably in the range between 35 mm and 48 mm.

[0408] Example Ex207: A packaging component according to any one of Ex204 to Ex206, wherein the width of the aerosol-generating article is greater than 5 mm, or preferably in the range between 5 mm and 40 mm, or preferably in the range between 5 mm and 31 mm, or preferably in the range between 8 mm and 31 mm, or preferably in the range between 11 mm and 25 mm.

[0409] Example Ex208: A packaging assembly according to any one of Ex134 to Ex207, wherein the aerosol-generating article is substantially flat.

[0410] Example Ex209: A packaging assembly according to any one of Ex134 to Ex208, wherein the aerosol-generating article defines a generally parallelepiped outline.

[0411] Example Ex210: A packaging assembly according to any one of Ex134 to Ex209, wherein the aerosol-generating article is generally rectangular in plan view.

[0412] Example Ex211: A packaging component comprising:

[0413] a first planar wall portion, a planar surface of the first planar wall portion defining an attachment surface; and

[0414] An aerosol-generating article, for example, an aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex1 to Ex210, comprising a first outward-facing surface and a second outward-facing surface relative to each other, and a sensory medium portion contained within the aerosol-generating article, the sensory medium portion being in fluid communication with an opening defined in the second outward-facing surface of the aerosol-generating article, the second outward-facing surface of the aerosol-generating article being releasably attached to the attachment surface of the first planar wall portion, thereby closing and sealing the opening.

[0415] Example Ex212: The packaging component according to Ex211 further includes: a container, wherein the container includes a first planar wall portion and a second planar wall portion, the first planar wall portion and the second planar wall portion are separated by a first folding area, and the second planar wall portion is foldable around the first folding area between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position, the second planar wall portion covers at least a portion of the first outward-facing surface of the aerosol-generating article. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0416] The present invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0417] Figure 1A is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol-generating article according to a first embodiment;

[0418] Figure 1B It shows Figure 1A a schematic perspective exploded view of components of an aerosol-generating article;

[0419] Figure 2A During removal of the peelable sheet of the aerosol-generating article Figure 1A a schematic perspective view of an aerosol-generating article;

[0420] Figure 2B After the peelable sheet is separated from the aerosol-generating article Figure 1A a schematic perspective view of an aerosol-generating article;

[0421] Figure 3A is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol-generating article according to a second embodiment;

[0422] Figure 3B It shows Figure 3A a schematic perspective exploded view of components of an aerosol-generating article;

[0423] Figure 4A During removal of the peelable sheet of the aerosol-generating article Figure 3A a schematic perspective view of an aerosol-generating article;

[0424] Figure 4B After the peelable sheet is separated from the aerosol-generating article Figure 3A a schematic perspective view of an aerosol-generating article;

[0425] Figure 5A and Figure 5B are schematic perspective views of two different embodiments of aerosol-generating articles in which a plurality of sensory media portions are disposed directly on a sheet of the aerosol-generating article;

[0426] Figure 6 yes Figure 1A Schematic perspective views of components of an aerosol-generating article, wherein different reference numerals are assigned to different dimensions of the components;

[0427] Figure 7 yes Figure 3A Schematic perspective views of components of an aerosol-generating article, wherein different reference numerals are assigned to different dimensions of the components;

[0428] Figure 8A is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol-generating article according to a third embodiment;

[0429] Figure 8B It shows Figure 8A a schematic perspective exploded view of components of an aerosol-generating article;

[0430] Figure 9A During removal of the peelable sheet from the frame of the aerosol-generating article Figure 8A a schematic perspective view of an aerosol-generating article;

[0431] Figure 9B After the peelable sheet is separated from the frame of the aerosol-generating article Figure 8A a schematic perspective view of an aerosol-generating article;

[0432] Figure 10Ais a schematic perspective view of an aerosol-generating article according to a fourth embodiment;

[0433] Figure 10B It shows Figure 10A a schematic perspective exploded view of components of an aerosol-generating article;

[0434] Figure 11A During removal of the peelable sheet from the frame of the aerosol-generating article Figure 10A a schematic perspective view of an aerosol-generating article;

[0435] Figure 11B After the peelable sheet is separated from the frame of the aerosol-generating article Figure 10A a schematic perspective view of an aerosol-generating article;

[0436] Figure 12A and Figure 12B are schematic perspective views of two different embodiments of an aerosol-generating article in which a plurality of sensory media portions are disposed directly on a sheet of the aerosol-generating article, each portion being housed within a respective cavity defined in a frame of the aerosol-generating article;

[0437] Figure 13 yes Figure 8A Schematic perspective views of components of an aerosol-generating article, wherein different reference numerals are assigned to different dimensions of the components;

[0438] Figure 14 yes Figure 10A Schematic perspective views of components of an aerosol-generating article, wherein different reference numerals are assigned to different dimensions of the components;

[0439] Figure 15A is a schematic perspective view of components of an embodiment of an assembly comprising a plurality of aerosol-generating articles and a support sheet to which the plurality of aerosol-generating articles are intended to be releasably attached;

[0440] Figure 15B Corresponding to Figure 15A , but in Figure 15A Observed in the direction of arrow AA;

[0441] Figure 15C is when releasably attached to Figure 15A and Figure 15B a schematic perspective view of an assembly formed of a plurality of aerosol-generating articles when a support sheet is provided, and also illustrating how different ones of the aerosol-generating articles can be peelably removed from the support sheet;

[0442] Figure 16 and Figure 17Shown are plan views of sections through fifth and sixth embodiments of aerosol-generating articles.

[0443] Figure 18A is a schematic perspective view of a packaging assembly according to a first embodiment;

[0444] Figure 18B It is partially open Figure 18A A schematic perspective view of a packaging assembly;

[0445] Figure 19A are multiple aerosol-generating articles releasably attached to Figure 18A and Figure 18B A schematic perspective view of a planar wall portion of a packaging assembly;

[0446] Figure 19B Corresponding to Figure 19A , but in Figure 19A Observed in the direction of arrow BB;

[0447] Figure 19C is when releasably attached to a planar wall portion Figure 19A and Figure 19B schematic perspective views of a plurality of aerosol-generating articles;

[0448] Figure 20A is a schematic perspective view of a packaging assembly according to a second embodiment;

[0449] Figure 20B It is partially open Figure 20A A schematic perspective view of a packaging assembly;

[0450] Figure 21 yes Figures 18A-18B or Figures 20A-20B Schematic perspective view of components of a packaging assembly, wherein different reference numerals are assigned to different dimensions of the components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0451] Figures 1A to 2B A first embodiment of an aerosol-generating article 100 is shown in FIG. The aerosol-generating article has a first sheet 110 and a second sheet 120. The first sheet 110 and the second sheet 120 are each generally planar and rectangular in plan view. The second sheet 120 overlies the first sheet 110. Figure 1A As can be seen, the length of the second sheet 120 is slightly longer than the first sheet 110. The sensory media portion 130 is disposed on the surface of the first sheet 110. The sensory media portion 130 is sized according to the impermeable surface 111 of the first sheet 110 and is positioned on the impermeable surface of the first sheet so as to be offset inwardly from the perimeter 113 of the first sheet. The offset is Figure 2BThe oppositely impermeable surfaces 111, 121 of the first sheet 110 and the second sheet 120 are releasably bonded to each other around the sensory media portion 130 to define a sealed path between the first sheet 110 and the second sheet 120. Figure 1A In the aerosol-generating article 100, the sensory medium portion 130 is sealed between the relatively impermeable surfaces 111, 121 of the first sheet 110 and the second sheet 120. For the illustrated embodiment, the first sheet 110 and the second sheet 120 are in intimate contact with the sensory medium 130, wherein no air gap exists between the sensory medium and the relatively impermeable surfaces 111, 121 of the first sheet 110 and the second sheet 120. The sensory medium portion 130 is provided as a thin layer disposed on the impermeable surface 111 of the first sheet 110. Although the sensory medium portion 130 extends a certain height dimension ( Figure 6 1 (designated "P"), but the height P is preferably sufficiently small in size so that the outwardly facing surface 124 of the second sheet 120 still defines a substantially planar surface when sealed to the first sheet 110 over the sensory medium portion 130. For example, the outwardly facing surface 124 of the second sheet 120 may deviate from a strictly planar profile by no more than 3 mm over the surface area of ​​the second sheet. In alternative embodiments, this allowable deviation from a strictly planar profile of the outwardly facing surface 124 of the second sheet 120 may be greater than or less than 3 mm, such as 5 mm or less, or 4 mm or less, or 2 mm or less, or 1 mm or less, or 0.5 mm or less.

[0452] Figure 1B Shown Figure 1A 100. For the embodiment shown, both the first sheet 110 and the second sheet 120 have similar laminate constructions. The laminate construction (not shown) may have a paper-based layer, a metal foil layer, and an impermeable coating layer sequentially overlying one another. The paper-based layer of each of the first sheet 110 and the second sheet 120 forms Figure 1A124 of the aerosol-generating article 100. The impermeable coating of each of the first sheet 110 and the second sheet 120 defines opposing impermeable surfaces 111, 121 of the first and second sheets. The opposing impermeable surfaces 111, 121 of the first and second sheets 110, 120 form first and second inner-facing surfaces of the aerosol-generating article 100, with the sensory medium portion 130 sandwiched therebetween. In alternative embodiments, a cellulose-based layer may be used in place of the paper-based layer. In other alternative embodiments, the paper-based layer may include a cellulose-based material. For the illustrated embodiment, the metal foil layer is formed of aluminum. However, in alternative embodiments, other metals or materials that are thermally conductive may be used. For the illustrated embodiment, the first and second sheets 110, 120 have a uniform thickness between 0.07 and 0.75 mm and a basis weight between 45 and 140 g / m. The majority of the thickness of the first and second sheets is due to the paper-based layer, wherein the impermeable coating has a thickness between 0.75 and 1.5 microns. The impermeable coating is water-impermeable. The impermeable coating may comprise a dispersion based on a copolymer consisting of an acrylate and styrene or a styrene-butadiene copolymer, which is applied during paper processing as an aqueous dispersion of styrene-butadiene copolymer having a solids content of approximately 50%.

[0453] In other embodiments, one or both of the first and second sheets may lack any paper-based layers and instead be formed of a metal layer (e.g., an aluminum layer) and an impermeable coating overlying the metal layer. The thickness of the respective sheets for such embodiments may be between 1.1 and 4.5 microns.

[0454] In other embodiments, the second sheet can be formed from one or more polymers selected to render the second sheet partially or completely transparent. The second sheet can be formed from a polymer compound composition incorporating one or more of vinyl-based polymers and copolymers, polyurethanes, acrylics, cellulose, and derivatives thereof.

[0455] like Figure 1B and Figure 2BAs shown in FIG, an adhesive layer 140 is disposed on the impermeable coating defining the impermeable surface 121 of the second sheet 120. The adhesive layer 140 is provided as an annular portion 141 sized and positioned on the impermeable surface 121 of the second sheet 120 to surround the sensory medium portion 130 when the first and second sheets 110, 120 are sealed to one another. The impermeable surface 121 of the second sheet 120 is free of adhesive in the region 125 of the second sheet 120 that overlies the sensory medium portion 130 when the first and second sheets 110, 120 are sealed to one another. The adhesive 140 is selected such that the annular portion 141 defines a peelable and airtight seal between the first and second sheets 110, 120 surrounding the sensory medium portion 130. The adhesive 140 may be a polyethylene (PE) adhesive coating. The PE adhesive coating may be water-based or solvent-based. Alternatively, an acrylic-based adhesive may be used as the adhesive.

[0456] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown in FIG, the portion of the second sheet 120 outside the annular adhesive portion 141 defines a tab 126. The tab 126 is not adhered to the first sheet 110. The length of the tab 126 is Figure 1A and Figure 1B Indicated by a double-headed arrow associated with reference numeral 126. Figure 1A As can be seen in FIG, the free edge 126a of the tab 126 extends slightly beyond the corresponding edge 115 of the first sheet 110.

[0457] The sensory medium 130 may be in the form of a gel-based composition. For example, the sensory medium 130 may be a gel-based composition containing nicotine. The gel-based composition may include a gelling agent, wherein glycerin is dispersed in the gelling agent and nicotine is dispersed in the glycerin. The gelling agent may be xanthan gum, low-acyl gellan gum, or a mixture thereof in approximately equal amounts. Nicotine may be present in a concentration between 1% and 3% by weight of the sensory medium 130. When heat is applied to the sensory medium 130, vapor containing nicotine is emitted from the sensory medium. In alternative embodiments, the sensory medium 130 may be a gel-based composition containing a flavoring. A single type of flavoring or a blend of different types of flavorings may be used. The flavoring may be present in a concentration between 1% and 4% by weight of the sensory medium, preferably between 1% and 2% by weight of the sensory medium 130. The flavoring may include any one or more of complex volatile oils, anise oil, aldehyde / vanillin, ginger oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, tobacco extract oil, and menthol oil. It is desirable that the gel-based composition be physically stable under a wide range of environmental conditions, thereby allowing for long-term storage of the aerosol-generating article with little degradation of the sensory medium 130. In other embodiments, the sensory medium 130 can be a solid matrix or a matrix containing both a liquid and a solid phase. The sensory medium 130 can comprise tobacco.

[0458] Figure 1A The aerosol-generating article 100 is in a state suitable for long-term storage without degradation of the sensory medium 130. The adhesive annular portion 141 defining the sealed path between the first sheet 110 and the second sheet 120 helps reduce or eliminate moisture loss from the sensory medium 130.

[0459] Prior to using the aerosol-generating article 100, the sensory medium 130 is first exposed. Exposure of the sensory medium 130 allows vapor evolved from the sensory medium upon heating the aerosol-generating article 100 to escape from the confinement of the article. Figure 1A The aerosol-generating article 100 is preferably intended to be coupled to an aerosol-generating device (not shown) having a heating device. However, before the aerosol-generating article 100 is coupled to the aerosol-generating device, the sensory medium 130 is first exposed. To achieve this exposure, the user will engage their finger and thumb with the tab 126 of the second sheet 120 and, in the presence of Figure 2A Pull the tab in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. The tab 126 extends beyond the edge 115 of the first sheet 110 to allow the user to easily engage their fingers with the underside of the tab. Figure 2B As shown in , when pulling tab 126, the user will apply enough force to gradually break the adhesive bond between the first sheet 110 and the second sheet 120, thereby gradually peeling the second sheet away from the first sheet until the second sheet is completely separated from the first sheet. Figure 2BAs shown in FIG, the second sheet 120 is separated from the first sheet 110, exposing the sensory medium 130 to the surrounding environment. The aerosol-generating article 100 can then be coupled to an aerosol-generating device (not shown) such that the sensory medium 130 is positioned in thermal communication with a heating device of the aerosol-generating device. The heating device can be electrically powered. For example, the aerosol-generating device can include a battery for powering the heating device. The heating device can include a resistive heating element, wherein heat from the resistive heating element is radiated onto the exposed sensory medium 130 to cause heating of the sensory medium. In the case where the first sheet 110 includes a metal layer, such as the metal foil layer described above, the heat radiated onto the first sheet is distributed across the metal foil layer and contributes to heating the sensory medium 130 disposed on the first sheet. In alternative embodiments, the heating device can include an inductor and a susceptor positioned relative to each other such that an alternating current flowing through the inductor causes heating of the susceptor through one or more of eddy current heating or hysteresis heating. Heat from the susceptor will radiate onto the exposed sense medium 130, causing heating of the sense medium and first sheet 110 in a manner similar to that if the heating device were a resistive heating device.

[0460] Figures 3A to 4B A second embodiment of an aerosol-generating article 200 is shown. Features of the aerosol-generating article 200 that are common to the aerosol-generating article 100 are indicated by similar reference numerals, but preceded by the number "2" instead of the number "1". The aerosol-generating article 200 differs from the aerosol-generating article 100 in the sensory medium disposed on the impermeable surface 211 of the first sheet material 210. Instead of a single sensory medium portion disposed on the surface 211 of the first sheet material 210, the aerosol-generating article 200 has a plurality of sensory medium portions 230a-e disposed on the surface of the first sheet material. Figures 3A to 4B In the illustrated embodiment, the number of the plurality of sensory media portions 230a-e is five. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the number of the plurality of sensory media portions 230a-e can be greater or less than five. The plurality of sensory media portions 230a-e are aligned continuously along the length of the first sheet 210. Each sensory media portion is spaced apart from an adjacent sensory media portion. Each sensory media portion is provided as a thin layer disposed on the impermeable surface 211 of the first sheet 210. Although each of the sensory media portions 230a-e extends a certain height dimension (in the range of 100 to 1000) above the impermeable surface 211 of the first sheet 210, the sensory media portion 230a-e is substantially the same as the sensory media portion 230a-e. Figure 72 (denoted as "P"), but the height P is preferably sufficiently small in size so that when sealed to the first sheet 210 by the adhesive annular portion 241 defining the sealing path between the first sheet 210 and the second sheet 220, the outwardly facing surface 224 of the second sheet 220 still defines a generally planar surface. For example, the outwardly facing surface 224 of the second sheet 220 may deviate from a strictly planar profile by no more than 3 mm over the surface area of ​​the second sheet. In alternative embodiments, this allowable deviation from a strictly planar profile may be greater than or less than 3 mm, such as 5 mm or less, or 4 mm or less, or 2 mm or less, or 1 mm or less, or 0.5 mm or less.

[0461] Each of the sensory media portions 230a-e can be identical in composition to one another. Figure 5A As shown in the embodiment of , the first portion 230a of the plurality of sensory media portions can be different in composition from the other portions 230b-e. For example, the first portion 230a can include one or more flavoring agents, such as any one or more of complex volatile oils, anise oil, aldehyde / vanillin, ginger oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, tobacco extract oil, and menthol oil, while the other portions 230b-e can include an aerosol-forming matrix including nicotine and an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerol. Alternatively, as Figure 5B In the embodiment shown in FIG, the plurality of sensory media portions 230a-e may include three different compositions. More specifically, the first sensory media portion 230a may have a first composition, wherein the second, third, and fourth sensory media portions 230b-d have a second composition, and the fifth sensory media portion 230e has a third composition. The first composition, the second composition, and the third composition may be different from each other. For example, the first composition and the third composition may include different flavorings, wherein the flavorings include any one or more of a complex volatile oil, anise oil, aldehyde / vanillin, ginger oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, tobacco extract oil, and menthol oil, while the second composition may be an aerosol-forming matrix including nicotine and an aerosol former such as glycerol.

[0462] Through the user with the above Figures 1A to 2B By pulling the tab 226 in the same manner as described for the aerosol-generating article 100 of FIG. 1 , the second sheet 220 is removed from the first sheet 210 to expose the sensory medium portions 230a-e.

[0463] Figure 6 and Figure 7 They are Figures 1A to 2B and Figures 3A to 4BSchematic perspective view of components of an aerosol-generating article 100, 200. Different reference numerals have been assigned to different dimensions of the components of the aerosol-generating article 100, 200. Table 1 below shows some exemplary ranges for various dimensions of the aerosol-generating article 100, 200:

[0464] size Preferred range (mm) More preferred range (mm) A 8 to 31 11 to 25 B 6 to 25 8 to 20 C 28 to 62 35 to 48 D 18 to 54 24 to 39 E 12 to 47 18 to 32 K 4 to 22 6 to 17 L 10 to 45 16 to 30 M 9 to 30 12 to 23 N 21 to 52 28 to 40 P 0.15 to 4.5 0.5 to 2.5 S 0.5 to 2.5 0.75 to 1.5 W 1.5 to 7 2.5 to 5.5

[0465] Table 1

[0466] Figures 8A to 9B A third embodiment of an aerosol generating article 300 is shown. Features of the aerosol generating article 300 which are common to the aerosol generating article 100 are indicated by similar reference numerals, but preceded by the number "3" in place of the number "1". The aerosol generating article 300 differs from the aerosol generating article 100 in that a frame 350 separates the first sheet 310 from the second sheet 320. The frame 350 is rectangular in plan view and has a uniform thickness. The frame 350 encloses a single cavity 351 which extends through the thickness of the frame between opposing first and second surfaces 352, 353 of the frame. The first and second surfaces 352, 353 define a lower surface and an upper surface, respectively, of the frame 350 and are each substantially planar. It will be understood that the terms "lower" and "upper" are used herein only to distinguish between the two surfaces 352, 353 and are described in detail in the accompanying drawings. Figures 8A to 9B The point at which the aerosol-generating article 300 is observed.

[0467] The first sheet 310 is secured to the first surface 352 of the frame 350 to cover the bottom of the cavity 351. An adhesive (not shown) may be used to secure the first sheet 310 to the first surface 352 of the frame 350. The adhesive may be in the form of an adhesive layer disposed on the first surface 352 of the frame 350 or on a corresponding portion of the impermeable surface 311 of the first sheet 310. However, the impermeable surface 311 of the first sheet 310 does not contain adhesive in the area of ​​the first sheet covering the bottom of the cavity 351. The first sheet 310 may have the same construction as the first sheets 110, 210 of the aerosol-generating articles 100, 200 described above.

[0468] A single sensory medium portion 330 is disposed directly on the impermeable surface 311 of the first sheet 310 within the cavity 351 of the frame 350. The sensory medium 330 can be as described above with respect to the aerosol-generating article 100. The sensory medium 330 fills the cavity 351 without extending above the second surface 353 of the frame 350. Preferably, the sensory medium 330 extends from the impermeable surface 311 of the first sheet 310 less than the height of the frame 350 ( Figure 13 The height dimension (designated as "O") Figure 13In this manner, the second sheet 320 is able to maintain a generally planar profile when attached to the second surface 353 of the frame 350 to overlie the sensory medium 330 within the cavity 351 .

[0469] for Figures 8A to 9B In the aerosol-generating article 300, the second sheet 320 is releasably attached to the second surface 353 of the frame 350, rather than being directly attached to the first sheet 310. The second sheet 320 may have the same construction as the second sheets 120, 220 of the aerosol-generating articles 100, 200 described above. Figure 8B As shown in , an adhesive layer 340 is arranged on the impermeable surface 321 of the second sheet 320 to achieve a peelable attachment of the second sheet to the frame 350. The adhesive layer 340 is provided as an annular adhesive portion 341 which corresponds in size and shape to the second surface 353 of the frame 350. The impermeable surface 321 of the second sheet 320 is free of adhesive in the region 325 of the second sheet which overlies the cavity 351 (when the second sheet is attached to the second surface 353 of the frame 350). The adhesive is selected to define a peelable and airtight seal between the second sheet 320 and the second surface 353 of the frame 350. The adhesive may be a polyethylene (PE) adhesive coating. The PE adhesive coating may be water-based or solvent-based. Alternatively, an acrylic-based adhesive may be used as the adhesive. For the aerosol generating article 100, 200, the tab 326 of the second sheet 320 is located outside the annular adhesive portion 341. As Figure 8A , the free edge 326a of the tab 326 extends slightly beyond the corresponding edge 315 of the first sheet 310. The second sheet 320 forms a peelable cover of the aerosol-generating article 300.

[0470] Before using the aerosol-generating article 300, the user peels the peelable cover (i.e., the second sheet 320) off the second surface 353 of the frame 350 to expose the sensory medium 330. More specifically, the user engages their finger and thumb with the tab 326 of the peelable cover 320 and Figure 9A Pull the tab in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 35 to separate the peelable cover from the frame 350. Figure 9B As shown in , when pulling tab 326, the user will apply enough force to gradually break the adhesive bond between the peelable cover 320 and the second surface 353 of the frame 350, thereby causing the peelable cover to gradually peel away from the frame until the peelable cover is completely separated from the frame.

[0471] The adhesive used to adhere the second sheet 320 to the second surface 353 of the frame 350 is different from the adhesive used to adhere the first sheet 310 to the first surface 352 of the frame. More specifically, the adhesive formulation is selected so that the bond between the first sheet 310 and the frame 350 is stronger than the bond between the second sheet 320 and the frame 350. This helps ensure that the frame 350 and the first sheet 310 remain adhered to each other when the user peels the second sheet 320 from the frame 350.

[0472] Frame 350 is formed from a paper-based material having a basis weight between 200 and 500 g / m. Frame 350 is preferably water-impermeable. For example, the surface of frame 350 may be coated with a layer of impermeable material. The impermeable material layer may comprise a dispersion based on a copolymer of acrylate and styrene or a styrene-butadiene copolymer. Frame 350 has a height between 1 mm and 5.5 mm, or more preferably between 1.25 mm and 3.5 mm.

[0473] Figures 10A to 11B A fourth embodiment of an aerosol-generating article 400 is shown. Features common to aerosol-generating article 300 are denoted by similar reference numerals, but preceded by the number "4" instead of the number "3." Aerosol-generating article 400 differs from aerosol-generating article 300 in that a frame 450 encloses a plurality of cavities 451a-e rather than a single cavity 451. More specifically, frame 450 has an annular perimeter wall 454 with lateral wall portions 455 extending between opposing sides of the perimeter wall to define cavities 451a-e. The plurality of cavities 451a-e are arranged continuously along the length of frame 450. An adhesive layer 440 is disposed on the impermeable surface 421 of the second sheet 420 to enable releasable attachment of the second sheet to the frame 450. Adhesive layer 440 is provided as an adhesive portion 441 that corresponds in size and shape to the second surface 453 of frame 450 defined by perimeter wall 454 and lateral wall portions 455. The impermeable surface 421 of the second sheet 420 is free of adhesive in areas 425a-e overlying corresponding ones of the cavities 451a-e. A plurality of sensory media portions 430a-e are provided, wherein each of the cavities 451a-e contains a corresponding one of the sensory media portions. Figures 10A to 11B In the illustrated embodiment of FIG, the number of the plurality of sensory media portions 430a-e is five. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the number of the plurality of portions can be greater or less than five.

[0474] Prior to using the aerosol-generating article 400, the user peels the peelable cover (i.e., the second sheet 420) off the second surface 453 of the frame 450 to expose the sensory medium portions 430a-e. More specifically, in a manner similar to that of the aerosol-generating article 300, the user engages their finger and thumb with the tab 426 of the peelable cover 420 and, in the presence of the sensory medium, the user peels the peelable cover 420 away from the second surface 453 of the frame 450 to expose the sensory medium portions 430a-e. Figure 11A Pull the tab in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 4 to separate the peelable cover from the frame 450. Figure 11B As shown in , when pulling tab 426, the user will apply enough force to gradually break the adhesive bond between the peelable cover 420 and the second surface 453 of the frame 450, thereby causing the peelable cover to gradually peel away from the frame until the peelable cover is completely separated from the frame.

[0475] Each of the sensory media portions 430a-e can be identical in composition to one another. Figure 12A As shown in the embodiment of , the first portion 430a of the plurality of sensory media portions can be different in composition from the other portions 430b-e of the plurality of portions. For example, the first portion 430a can include one or more flavoring agents, such as any one or more of complex volatile oils, anise oil, aldehyde / vanillin, ginger oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, tobacco extract oil, and menthol oil, while the other sensory media portions 430b-e can be an aerosol-forming matrix including nicotine and an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerol. Alternatively, as Figure 12B In the embodiment shown in FIG, the plurality of sensory media portions 430a-e may include three different compositions. More specifically, the first sensory media portion 430a has a first composition, wherein the second, third, and fourth sensory media portions 430b-d have a second composition, and the fifth sensory media portion 430e has a third composition. The first, second, and third compositions are different from one another. For example, the first and third compositions may include different flavorings, wherein the flavorings include any one or more of a complex volatile oil, anise oil, aldehyde / vanillin, ginger oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, tobacco extract oil, and menthol oil, while the second composition may be an aerosol-forming matrix including nicotine and an aerosol former such as glycerol.

[0476] Figure 13 and Figure 14 They are Figures 8A to 9B and Figures 10A to 11B Schematic perspective view of components of an aerosol-generating article 300, 400. Different reference numerals have been assigned to different dimensions of the components of the aerosol-generating article 300, 400. Table 2 below shows some exemplary ranges for various dimensions of the aerosol-generating article 300, 400:

[0477] size Preferred range (mm) More preferred range (mm) A 8 to 31 11 to 25 B 7 to 29 11 to 26 C 33 to 77 38 to 62 D 26 to 65 31 to 55 E 12 to 47 18 to 36 F 9 to 30 13 to 27 G 6 to 27 10 to 24 I 19 to 54 24 to 45 J 12 to 47 17 to 38 K 4 to 22 6 to 17 L 10 to 45 16 to 30 M 9 to 30 12 to 23 N 26 to 63 31 to 52 O 1 to 5.5 1.25 to 3.5 P 0.15 to 4.5 0.5 to 2.5 R 2 to 9 3 to 7 S 1 to 6 1.75 to 5 U 0.25 to 4 0.5 to 3 W 1.5 to 7 2.5 to 5.5

[0478] Table 2

[0479] Figures 15A to 15C An embodiment of the components of an assembly 50 is shown. The assembly has a support sheet 560 and a plurality of aerosol-generating articles 500. Figures 15A to 15C Each of the aerosol-generating articles 500 shown in FIG. 5 includes a first sheet 510 and a frame 550. The frame 550 is rectangular in plan view and has a uniform thickness. The frame 550 encloses a single cavity 551, which extends through the thickness of the frame between opposing first and second surfaces. The first sheet 510 is secured to the first surface of the frame 550 to cover one side of the cavity. An adhesive (not shown) may be used to secure the first sheet 510 to the first surface of the frame 550. The adhesive may be in the form of an adhesive layer disposed on the first surface of the frame 550 or on a corresponding portion of the first sheet 510. However, the surface of the first sheet 510 is free of adhesive in the area of ​​the first sheet overlying the cavity 551. The first sheet 510 may be formed of the same material as the first sheet of the aerosol-generating articles 100, 200, 300, and 400 described above. The portion of the first sheet 510 outside the frame 550 defines a tab 516. The sensory medium portion 530 is disposed on the surface of the first sheet 510 within the cavity 551 of the frame 550. The frame 550 may be formed of Figures 8A to 9B as well as Figures 10A to 11B The frames of the aerosol-generating articles 300 , 400 are formed of the same material.

[0480] The size of the support sheet 560 is large enough to allow up to five of the aerosol-generating articles 500 to be attached to the surface 561 of the support sheet. However, it should be understood that the size of the support sheet 560 can be larger or smaller depending on how many aerosol-generating articles 500 are desired to be attached to the support sheet. The support sheet 560 can have a laminated construction formed of a paper-based substrate covered with an impermeable coating. The paper-based substrate can be paperboard. The impermeable coating can be formed from a dispersion based on a copolymer composed of an acrylate and styrene or a styrene-butadiene copolymer, which is applied during paper processing as an aqueous dispersion of styrene-butadiene copolymer having a solids content of approximately 50%. The impermeable coating can form the surface 561 of the support sheet 560 to which the plurality of aerosol-generating articles 500 are attached. In alternative embodiments, a cellulose-based layer can be used in place of the paper-based layer.

[0481] Each of the aerosol-generating articles 500 is spaced apart from one another along the surface 561 of the support sheet 560. Each of the aerosol-generating articles 500 is positioned on the support sheet 560 such that the tab 516 of the first sheet 510 of each aerosol-generating article 500 overhangs the free edge 562 of the support sheet 560. Figure 15B and Figure 15C As shown in FIG, a separate annular adhesive portion 541 is disposed on a surface 561 of a support sheet 560. The separate adhesive portion 541 is provided for each of the aerosol-generating articles 500 and corresponds in size and shape to the second surface 553 of the frame 550 of the respective aerosol-generating article (see FIG. Figure 15A ). The frame 550 of each aerosol-generating article 500 is attached to the surface 561 of the support sheet 560 by an adhesive bond established by corresponding portions of the adhesive 541. The sealing of the aerosol-generating article 500 to the support sheet 560 causes the sensory medium 530 of each article to be hermetically sealed within the cavity 551 of the frame 550 of the article. The impermeable coating defining the surface 561 of the support sheet 560 is free of adhesive in the region 563 of the support sheet overlying the cavity (see Figure 15B ). The adhesive used for adhesive portion 541 is selected to define a peelable and airtight seal between frame 550 and support sheet 560. The adhesive may be a polyethylene (PE) adhesive coating. The PE adhesive coating may be water-based or solvent-based. Alternatively, an acrylic-based adhesive may be used as the adhesive.

[0482] When the user wishes to expose the sensory medium 530, ready to use the aerosol-generating article 500, they will engage their finger and thumb with the tab 516 and Figure 15C , the aerosol-generating article is gradually peeled off from the surface 561 of the support sheet 560 by pulling the tab in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. The substantially flat planar configuration of each of the aerosol-generating articles 500 and the support sheet 560 provides a space-efficient way of storing a plurality of the aerosol-generating articles.

[0483] The adhesive used to adhere the second surface 553 of the frame 550 to the support sheet 560 of the adhesive portion 541 is different from the adhesive used to adhere the first surface of the frame 550 to the first sheet 510. More specifically, the adhesive formulation is selected such that the bond between the first sheet 510 and the frame 550 is stronger than the bond between the support sheet 560 and the frame 550. This helps ensure that the frame 550 and the first sheet 510 remain adhered to each other when a user pulls the tab 516 to peel the aerosol-generating article 500 from the support sheet 560.

[0484] The assembly 50 formed by the support sheet 560 and the plurality of aerosol-generating articles 500 can itself be stored in a packaging container (not shown). The packaging container can contain a plurality of assemblies 50. Each of the aerosol-generating articles 500 and the support sheet 560, and the substantially flat, planar configuration of the resulting assembly 50, provides a space-efficient way to store a large number of aerosol-generating articles in a packaging container.

[0485] Figure 16 and Figure 17 Shown are the Figures 8A to 9B The aerosol generating article 300 and Figures 10A to 11B Each of the aerosol-generating articles 600, 700 has a frame 650, 750 (in a similar manner to the frame 350 of the aerosol-generating article 300 and the frame 450 of the aerosol-generating article 400). Figure 16 and Figure 17 is a plan view on a section through the respective frames 650 , 750 .

[0486] for Figure 16 In an aerosol-generating article 600, a frame 650 surrounds a single cavity 651. Five sensory media portions 630a-e are disposed within the cavity 651. The frame 650 has an airflow inlet channel 660 and an airflow outlet channel 670 defined within the structure of the frame. The airflow inlet channel 660 and the airflow outlet channel 670 are located at opposing first and second longitudinal ends 652, 653 of the frame 650. More specifically, the airflow inlet channel 660 extends between the first longitudinal end 652 of the frame 650 and the first end 654 of the cavity 651. The airflow outlet channel 670 extends between the second end 655 of the cavity 651 and the second longitudinal end 653 of the frame. In response to a suction force acting on an outlet of the airflow outlet channel 670, airflow can be drawn from the exterior of the aerosol-generating article 600 into the cavity 651 through the airflow inlet channel 660. The suction force will cause the airflow drawn into the cavity 651 to flow through and / or over the sensory media portions 630a-e disposed within the cavity 651 of the frame 650. When sufficient heat is applied to the sensory media portions 630a-e (e.g., when the aerosol-generating article 600 is coupled to an aerosol-generating device having a heating device as previously described), vapors are released from the sensory media, where they become entrained in the airflow drawn into the cavity 651. The entrained airflow will then be drawn into the airflow outlet passage 670 under the action of the applied suction force and pass through the airflow outlet passage, thereby exiting the aerosol-generating article 600 for subsequent inhalation by the user. The frame 650 may be used as a previously described device for Figures 8A to 9BThe frame 350 of the aerosol-generating article 300 is depicted. The suction force may be applied by a user inhaling on an end of the aerosol-generating article 600 or on a mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating device coupled to the aerosol-generating article.

[0487] for Figure 17 In the aerosol-generating article 700, a frame 750 surrounds five different cavities 751a-e. The frame contains five sensory media portions 730a-e, wherein each of the cavities 751a-e contains one of the sensory media portions. The frame 750 has an airflow inlet channel 760 and an airflow outlet channel 770 defined within the structure of the frame. The airflow inlet channel 760 and the airflow outlet channel 770 are defined within the laterally opposing end walls of the frame 750. Different airflow sub-channels 761a-e extend from the airflow inlet channel 760 to each of the cavities 751a-e. In a similar manner, different airflow sub-channels 771a-e extend from each of the cavities 751a-e to the airflow outlet channel 770. Thus, the airflow inlet channel 760 serves as an inlet manifold for supplying airflow to the multiple cavities 751a-e via the corresponding airflow sub-channels 761a-e. Similarly, the airflow outlet channel 770 acts as an outlet manifold to allow airflow to flow from the plurality of cavities 751a-e to the exterior of the aerosol-generating article 700 via corresponding airflow sub-channels 771a-e. In response to a suction force acting on the outlet of the airflow outlet channel 770, airflow can be drawn from the exterior of the aerosol-generating article 700 into each of the cavities 751a-e through the airflow inlet channel 760 and the airflow sub-channels 761a-e. The suction force will cause the airflow drawn into the cavities 751a-e to flow through and / or over the sensory media portions 730a-e disposed within the different cavities 751a-e. When sufficient heat is applied to the sensory media portions 730a-e (e.g., when the aerosol-generating article 700 is coupled to an aerosol-generating device having a heating device as described above), vapor is emitted from each sensory media portion, where the vapor becomes entrained in the airflow drawn into the corresponding cavity 751a-e. The entrained airflow will then be drawn into the airflow outlet channel 770 via the corresponding airflow sub-channels 771a-e under the action of the applied suction force and pass through the airflow outlet channel, thereby leaving the aerosol generating article 700 for subsequent inhalation by the user. The airflow outlet channel 770 includes a mixing chamber 772. The mixing chamber 772 is configured to promote uniform mixing of the entrained airflow received from each of the cavities 751a-e. The frame 750 can be used as previously described for Figures 10A to 11B The frame 450 of the aerosol-generating article 400 is depicted. The suction force may be applied by a user inhaling on an end of the aerosol-generating article 700 or on a mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating device coupled to the aerosol-generating article.

[0488] Figure 18A and Figure 18B Schematic perspective views of a packaging assembly 80 are shown in a closed state and a partially opened state, respectively. The packaging assembly 80 has a plurality of aerosol-generating articles 800 and a container 870. The container 870 has a first planar wall portion 871, a second planar wall portion 872, and a third planar wall portion 873 that are foldable relative to each other. The first planar wall portion 871, the second planar wall portion 872, and the third planar wall portion 873 are formed from a common sheet of material. Thus, the first planar wall portion 871, the second planar wall portion 872, and the third planar wall portion 873 are integrally formed as a single piece. Figure 18B shown in and about Figure 20A 20C , each of the plurality of aerosol-generating articles 800 is attached to a surface 8711 of a first planar wall portion 871. The first planar wall portion 871 and the second planar wall portion 872 are separated from each other by a first fold line 874. The first planar wall portion 871 and the third planar wall portion 873 are separated from each other by a second fold line 875. Figure 18A and Figure 18B In the embodiment shown in , the first planar wall portion 871, the second planar wall portion 872 and the third planar wall portion 873 are rectangular in plan view, wherein the first planar wall portion and the second planar wall portion have the same surface area.

[0489] Figure 18A The packaging assembly 80 is shown in a new state, which corresponds to the state in which the packaging assembly can be purchased by a consumer. The third planar wall portion 873 is folded about the second fold line 875 to partially overlie the aerosol-generating article 800 attached to the surface 8711 of the first planar wall portion 871. The second planar wall portion 872 is folded about the first fold line 874 to overlie the third planar wall portion 873. Figure 18A In the new state of the packaging assembly 80 shown in FIG, the first planar wall portion 871, the third planar wall portion 872 and the second planar wall portion 873 are stacked one above the other in sequence and aligned so as to be substantially parallel to each other. The combination of the second planar wall portion 872 and the third planar wall portion 873 covers the aerosol-generating article 800 attached to the first planar wall portion 871 below. The resulting packaging assembly 80 is thus substantially planar and relatively thin (the thickness of the packaging assembly 80 is determined by the thickness of the packaging assembly 80). Figure 21 denoted by the reference symbol “T” in FIG.

[0490] Consumers will first Figure 18B The user will then unfold the second planar wall portion 872 around the first fold line 874 in the direction shown by the arrow in the figure to access the aerosol-generating article 800. This will partially expose the aerosol-generating article 800 attached to the first planar wall portion 871 below. Figure 18B 871 to fully expose the aerosol-generating article 800. The user then detaches one or more of the aerosol-generating articles 800 from the surface 8711 of the first planar wall portion 871 for subsequent use. As described in the previous paragraph, such use may include coupling the aerosol-generating article 800 to an aerosol-generating device having a heating device. It will be appreciated that the third planar wall portion 873 and the second planar wall portion 872 can be folded back into their closed positions to cover and protect the remaining aerosol-generating article 800 still attached to the surface 8711 of the first planar wall portion 871.

[0491] The aerosol-generating article 800 may be as described in the previous paragraphs above. For example, the aerosol-generating article 800 may correspond to Figures 1A to 2B , but without the second sheet 120. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article 800 may correspond to Figures 3A to 4B , but without the second sheet 220. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article 800 may correspond to Figures 8A to 9B , but without the second sheet 320. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article 800 may correspond to Figures 10A to 11B However, preferably, the aerosol-generating article 800 may correspond to Figures 15A to 15C Aerosol-generating article 500.

[0492] 19A to 19C It shows how the aerosol-generating article 800 may be releasably attached to a surface 8711 of a first planar wall portion 871 of a container 870 . 19A to 19C Only a portion of the first planar wall portion 871 is shown, wherein the adjacent second planar wall portion 872 and third planar wall portion 873 are excluded from these figures for ease of viewing. 19A to 19CEach of the aerosol-generating articles 800 shown in FIG. 1 includes a first sheet 810 and a frame 850. The frame 850 is rectangular in plan view and has a uniform thickness. The frame 850 encloses a single cavity 851, which extends through the thickness of the frame between opposing first and second surfaces. The first sheet 810 is secured to the first surface of the frame 850 to cover one side of the cavity. An adhesive (not shown) may be used to secure the first sheet 810 to the first surface of the frame 850. The adhesive may be in the form of an adhesive layer disposed on the first surface of the frame 850 or on a corresponding portion of the first sheet 810. However, the surface of the first sheet 810 is free of adhesive in the area of ​​the first sheet overlying the cavity 851. The first sheet 810 may be formed of the same material as the first sheet of the aerosol-generating articles 100, 200, 300, and 400 described above. The portion of the first sheet 810 outside the frame 850 defines a tab 816. The sensory medium portion 830 is disposed on the surface of the first sheet 810 within the cavity 851 of the frame 850. The frame 850 may be formed of Figures 8A to 9B as well as Figures 10A to 11B The frames of the aerosol-generating articles 300 , 400 are formed of the same material.

[0493] The size of the first planar wall portion 871 is large enough to allow up to five of the aerosol-generating articles 800 to be attached to the surface 8711. However, it will be appreciated that the size of the first planar wall portion 871 may be larger or smaller depending on how many aerosol-generating articles 800 are desired to be attached to the support sheet. The first planar wall portion 871 may have a laminated construction formed of a paper-based substrate overlying an impermeable coating. The paper-based layer may be paperboard. The impermeable coating may form the surface 8711 of the first planar wall portion 871 to which the plurality of aerosol-generating articles 800 are attached. The impermeable coating may comprise a dispersion based on a copolymer composed of an acrylate and styrene or a dispersion based on a styrene-butadiene copolymer, which is applied during paper processing as an aqueous dispersion of a styrene-butadiene copolymer having a solids content of approximately 50%. In alternative embodiments, a cellulose-based layer may be used in place of the paper-based substrate.

[0494] Each of the aerosol-generating articles 800 is spaced apart from one another in a row along the surface 8711 of the first planar wall portion 871. Each of the aerosol-generating articles 800 is positioned on the first planar wall portion 871 such that the tab 816 of the first sheet 810 of each aerosol-generating article 800 depends from the free edge 862 of the first planar wall portion 871 (see FIG. Figure 19C ).like Figure 19B and Figure 19C, a separate annular adhesive portion 841 is disposed on a surface 8711 of a first planar wall portion 871. A separate adhesive portion 841 is provided for each of the aerosol-generating articles 800 and corresponds in size and shape to the second surface 853 of the frame 850 of the respective aerosol-generating article. The frame 850 of each aerosol-generating article 800 is attached to the surface 8711 of the first planar wall portion 871 by an adhesive bond established by corresponding portions of the adhesive 841. Sealing the aerosol-generating articles 800 to the first planar wall portion 871 causes the sensory medium 830 of each article to be hermetically sealed within the cavity 851 of the frame 850 of the article. The impermeable coating defining the surface 8711 of the first planar wall portion 871 is free of adhesive in a region 863 of the first planar wall portion overlying the cavity (see Figure 19B and Figure 19C ). The adhesive used for adhesive portion 841 is selected to define a peelable and airtight seal between frame 850 and first planar wall portion 871. The adhesive may be a polyethylene (PE) adhesive coating. The PE adhesive coating may be water-based or solvent-based. Alternatively, an acrylic-based adhesive may be used as the adhesive.

[0495] When a user wishes to separate one of the aerosol-generating articles 800 from the first planar wall portion 871 of the container 80, they will engage their finger and thumb with the tab 816 and, when Figure 19C Pull the tab in the direction indicated by the arrow in to gradually peel the aerosol-generating article off the surface 8711 of the first planar wall portion 871.

[0496] The adhesive of the adhesive portion 841 used to adhere the second surface 853 of the frame 850 to the surface 8711 of the first planar wall portion 871 is different from the adhesive used to adhere the first surface of the frame 850 to the first sheet 810. More specifically, the adhesive formulation is selected such that the bond between the first sheet 810 and the frame 850 is stronger than the bond between the first planar wall portion 871 and the frame 850. This helps to ensure that the frame 850 and the first sheet 810 remain adhered to each other when a user pulls the tab 816 to peel the aerosol-generating article 800 from the surface 8711 of the first planar wall portion 871.

[0497] Figure 20A and Figure 20B Schematic perspective views of an alternative packaging assembly 90 are shown in a closed state and a partially opened state, respectively. Features of packaging assembly 90 that are common to packaging assembly 80 are indicated by similar reference numerals, but preceded by the number "9" instead of the number "8". Figures 20A-20B The packaging assembly 90 incorporates additional features into Figures 18A-18BMore specifically, the container 970 includes a fragile interface 976 defined between the third planar wall portion 973 and the second planar wall portion 972. The fragile interface 976 may include a score line 977 (e.g., Figure 20A and Figure 20B ) or otherwise formed with a weakened area to allow the third planar wall portion 973 and the second planar wall portion 972 to separate from each other. When intact, the fragile interface 976 helps to secure the second planar wall portion 972 against the surface of the third planar wall portion 973 in its closed position. Figure 20A and Figure 20B Adhesive portions 978a, 978b are shown located at the corners of the opposing surfaces of the second planar wall portion 972 and the third planar wall portion 973. The adhesive portions 978a, 978b can be a low-tack adhesive based on acrylate copolymer microspheres. The corresponding adhesive portions 978a, 978b provide a resealable bond therebetween.

[0498] The consumer will gain access to the aerosol-generating article 900 by pulling on one of the corners 979 of the second planar wall portion 972 with sufficient force to tear the frangible interface 976 along the score line 977 and overcome the adhesive bond between the adhesive portions 978a, 978b holding the second planar wall portion 972 in position against the third planar wall portion 973. Figure 20B The second planar wall portion 972 is unfolded about the first fold line 974 in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. This will partially expose the aerosol-generating article 900 attached to the first planar wall portion 971 below. The user will then Figure 20B The third planar wall portion 973 is unfolded about the second fold line 975 in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 9 to fully expose the aerosol-generating article 900 .

[0499] Table 3 below shows some exemplary ranges for various dimensions of the containers 870, 970 and aerosol-generating articles 800, 900:

[0500] size Preferred range (mm) More preferred range (mm) F 9 to 30 13 to 27 G 6 to 27 10 to 24 H 2 to 11 3 to 7 I 19 to 54 24 to 45 J 12 to 47 17 to 38 K 4 to 22 6 to 17 L 10 to 45 16 to 30 M 9 to 30 12 to 23 N 26 to 63 31 to 52 O 1 to 5.5 1.25 to 3.5 P 0.15 to 4.5 0.5 to 2.5 Q 3 to 15 5 to 10 R 49 to 110 50 to 93 S 3 to 11 4.5 to 9 T 4 to 15 6 to 13 U 2 to 9 3 to 5 V 2 to 7 3 to 5.5 W 60 to 177 80 to 147 X 33 to 80 35 to 80 Y 127 to 280 135 to 270 Z 9 to 21 11 to 18

[0501] Table 3

[0502] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc. should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. In addition, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed in this article. Therefore, in this article, the number "A" is understood to be "A" ± 10% of "A". In this article, the number "A" can be considered to be a numerical value within the general standard error of measurement of the property modified by the number "A". In certain cases used in the appended claims, the number "A" may deviate from the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of "A" deviation does not substantially affect the basic characteristics and novel features of the invention claimed. In addition, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed in this article.

Claims

1. A packaging assembly comprising: a container comprising a first planar wall portion and a second planar wall portion, the first planar wall portion comprising an attachment surface; as well as an aerosol-generating article comprising opposing first and second outward-facing surfaces, and a sensory media portion contained within the aerosol-generating article, the sensory media portion being in fluid communication with an opening defined in the second outward-facing surface of the aerosol-generating article, the second outward-facing surface of the aerosol-generating article being releasably attachable to an attachment surface of the first planar wall portion of the container, thereby closing and sealing the opening; wherein the first planar wall portion and the second planar wall portion are separated by a first folding region, and the second planar wall portion is foldable between a closed position and an open position about the first folding region, wherein in the closed position, the second planar wall portion covers at least a portion of the first outward-facing surface of the aerosol-generating article. 2 . The packaging assembly of claim 1 , wherein the separation between the first and second outwardly facing surfaces of the aerosol-generating article defines a thickness of the aerosol-generating article.

3. A packaging assembly according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the container comprises a frangible interface for retaining the second planar wall portion in the closed position.

4. The packaging assembly of claim 1 , wherein the container includes a third planar wall portion, the first planar wall portion and the third planar wall portion being separated by a second folding area, the third planar sheet portion being foldable around the second folding area between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position of the second planar sheet portion and the third planar sheet portion, one of the second planar sheet portion and the third planar sheet portion overlies the other of the second planar wall portion and the third planar wall portion, optionally wherein the first planar wall portion, the second planar wall portion and the third planar wall portion are integrally formed as a single, unitary sheet.

5. The packaging assembly of claim 4, wherein in the closed position of the second planar wall portion and the third planar wall portion, the second planar wall portion and the third planar wall portion in combination cover the entirety of the first outwardly facing surface of the aerosol-generating article.

6. A packaging assembly according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the container comprises a frangible interface for retaining the third planar wall portion in the closed position.

7. The packaging assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein in the closed position of the second and third planar wall portions, opposing surfaces of the second and third planar wall portions are adhered to each other.

8. The packaging assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first planar wall portion has a permeability in the range between 1 and 10 Coresta units.

9. A packaging assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the releasable attachment of the second outward-facing surface of the aerosol-generating article to the attachment surface of the first planar wall portion of the container is configured as a peelable attachment, optionally wherein the aerosol-generating article includes a tab for a user to engage with the tab to thereby peel the aerosol-generating article from the attachment surface of the first planar wall portion of the container.

10. The packaging assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a plurality of aerosol-generating articles are releasably attached to the attachment surface of the first planar wall portion to define an arrangement in one or more rows or columns.

11. The packaging assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises: A frame comprising first and second opposing surfaces defining a thickness of the frame and a cavity, the frame surrounding the cavity, the cavity extending through the thickness of the frame to define the opening, the sensory medium being partially disposed within the cavity, the second surface of the frame defining a second outwardly facing surface of the aerosol-generating article and being releasably attached to the attachment surface.

12. A packaging assembly according to claim 11, wherein the aerosol generating article further comprises a first sheet, the first sheet of the aerosol generating article being fixed to the first surface of the frame overlying the cavity, wherein the first sheet defines a first outward-facing surface of the aerosol generating article, optionally wherein the first sheet comprises a tab for a user to engage with the tab to thereby peel the aerosol generating article from the attachment surface.

13. A packaging assembly according to claim 12, wherein the fixation of the first sheet to the first surface of the frame is configured such that if the tab is pulled to peel the aerosol-generating article from the attachment surface, the first sheet remains fixed to the first surface of the frame.

14. according to each described packaging assembly in the claim 1 to 13, wherein in the closed state of described container, described packaging assembly has thickness, wherein said thickness is 20 millimeters or less, or is preferably 15 millimeters or less, or is preferably in the scope between 4 and 15 millimeters, or is preferably in the scope between 6 and 13 millimeters.

15. The packaging assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the packaging assembly defines a generally parallelepiped outline.

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