Component for an aerosol provision article

Abstract

This invention relates to a component for an aerosol supply article. The component includes an aerosol generating material and an aerosol forming agent material, the aerosol generating material comprising a fibrous aggregate formed from regenerated cellulose, and the aerosol forming agent material comprising approximately 5% to approximately 60% by weight of the aerosol generating material. The invention also relates to an article including the component, and an aerosol supply system including the article. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of forming the component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a component for an aerosol supply product. Background Technology

[0002] Popular aerosol-generating articles can have a generally cylindrical rod-like structure and can include a pack, roll, or column of a smokeable material, such as shredded tobacco (e.g., in the form of cut filler), surrounded by a paper wrapping, thus forming a rod of aerosolizable material. Typically, aerosol-generating articles have a filter element aligned end-to-end with the rod of aerosolizable material. The filter element typically comprises a rod of plasticized cellulose acetate filaments surrounded by a paper material called a filter core wrapping, and the filter is attached to one end of the rod of aerosolizable material using a wrapping material called a tipping material. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect of the invention, a component for an aerosol supply article is provided. The component includes an aerosol generating material and an aerosol forming agent material, the aerosol generating material comprising a fibrous aggregate formed of regenerated cellulose, and the aerosol forming agent material comprising approximately 5% to approximately 60% by weight of the aerosol generating material.

[0004] In some embodiments, the aerosol forming agent material may be at least one of glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0005] In some embodiments, glycerol may be present in an amount ranging from 10% to 20% by weight of the material.

[0006] In some embodiments, the aerosol forming agent material may include an amorphous solid material comprising a gelling agent in the range of about 1 wt% to about 60 wt%; an aerosol forming agent in the range of about 0.1 wt% to about 50 wt%; and a flavoring agent in the range of about 0.1 wt% to about 80 wt%; wherein these weights are calculated based on dry weight.

[0007] In some embodiments, the aerosol forming agent material may comprise an amorphous solid material comprising about 40% menthol, about 16% glycerol, about 20% binder, and about 20% fibrous material.

[0008] In some embodiments, the amorphous solid material may have a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1.5 mm.

[0009] In some embodiments, the amorphous solid material may include flame-retardant salts.

[0010] In some embodiments, the cellulose fiber aggregates of regenerated cellulose may be spunlace.

[0011] In some embodiments, the regenerated cellulose fiber aggregates may be wet-laid webs.

[0012] In some embodiments, the component may further include an adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive may comprise 2 wt% to 10 wt% of the component used for the aerosol supply article. In some embodiments, the adhesive may contain pectin. In some embodiments, the adhesive may contain 4% pectin.

[0013] In some implementations, the component may further include a plasticizer.

[0014] In some embodiments, the fiber assembly may have a density of about 0.1 g / cm³. 3 To approximately 0.4 g / cm 3 The packing density within the range.

[0015] In some embodiments, the fiber assembly may have a single filament denier in the range of about 1 dpf to about 30 dpf. In some embodiments, the fiber assembly may have a single filament denier in the range of about 1 dpf to about 20 dpf. In some embodiments, the fiber assembly may have a single filament denier in the range of about 1 dpf to about 10 dpf.

[0016] In some embodiments, the fiber assembly may comprise a first regenerated cellulose fiber assembly and a second regenerated cellulose fiber assembly, wherein the denier of the first regenerated cellulose fiber assembly may be greater than that of the second regenerated cellulose fiber assembly. In some embodiments, the denier of the first regenerated cellulose fiber assembly may be from about 10 dpf to about 30 dpf, and the denier of the second regenerated cellulose fiber assembly may be from about 1 dpf to about 10 dpf.

[0017] In some embodiments, the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly comprises about 60 wt% to about 90 wt% of a first regenerated cellulose fiber assembly and about 10 wt% to 40 wt% of a second regenerated cellulose fiber assembly.

[0018] In some embodiments, the fiber assembly may be discontinuous and optionally may have a fiber length ranging from about 30 mm to about 60 mm.

[0019] In some implementations, the maximum cross-sectional dimension of each monofilament can be greater than 10 μm.

[0020] In some embodiments, the fiber assembly may be crimped. In some embodiments, the fiber assembly may have a basis weight in the range of about 30 gsm to about 120 gsm.

[0021] In some embodiments, the material may be in the form of a nonwoven sheet that is aggregated to form a rod-shaped element. In some embodiments, when aggregated to form a rod-shaped element, the nonwoven sheet may be uncurled and unpleated.

[0022] In some embodiments, the material may be in the form of multiple nonwoven sheets that are aggregated to form a rod-shaped element. In some embodiments, when aggregated to form a rod-shaped element, the multiple nonwoven sheets may be uncurled and unpleated.

[0023] In some embodiments, the material may be in the form of a nonwoven sheet. In some embodiments, the material may be in the form of a pleated nonwoven sheet. In some embodiments, the nonwoven sheet may be in the form of a non-pleated nonwoven sheet.

[0024] In some embodiments, the nonwoven sheet may have a width ranging from about 5 mm to about 200 mm, optionally from about 50 mm to about 200 mm, or optionally from about 50 mm to about 120 mm.

[0025] In some embodiments, the material may have a content of 0.1 to 0.3 g / cm³. 3 Or 0.14 to 0.22 g / cm³ 3 The material has a bulk density in the form of an elongated body.

[0026] In some embodiments, the elongated body material may include an assembly of fibers extending longitudinally through the body from a first end to a second end.

[0027] In some embodiments, the elongated body material may include rod-shaped elements having a circumference between about 16 mm and about 25 mm, or between about 18 mm and about 23 mm.

[0028] In some embodiments, the fiber assembly of regenerated cellulose may include at least one of viscose fiber, lyocell fiber, rayon, viscose rayon, cuprammonium fiber, and modal fiber.

[0029] In some embodiments, the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly may be composed of lyocell fibers and is the only fiber contained within the material. In some embodiments, the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly may be composed of viscose fibers and is the only fiber contained within the material.

[0030] In some embodiments, the material may include about 5 wt% to about 60 wt% of aerosol forming agent material based on dry weight, or about 15 wt% to about 50 wt% of aerosol forming agent based on dry weight.

[0031] In some embodiments, the material may contain active substances and / or flavoring agents.

[0032] In some embodiments, the component may be a filtration section. In some embodiments, the component may be an aerosol generation section.

[0033] In some implementations, the rod-shaped element may have a hardness of about 80% or higher.

[0034] In some implementations, the component can exhibit a voltage drop ranging from about 1 mm WG / mm component length to about 6.5 mm WG / mm component length.

[0035] In another aspect of the invention, an article is provided for use as or part of an aerosol supply system, the article comprising a component according to any one of claims 1 to 39.

[0036] In some embodiments, the article may further include an aerosol generating material containing at least one aerosol forming material.

[0037] In another aspect of the invention, an aerosol supply system is provided, comprising an aerosol supply article according to claim 40 or claim 41 and a non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0038] In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for forming a component of an aerosol supply article for an aerosol supply system, the method comprising: providing a fiber assembly comprising regenerated cellulose and an aerosol generating material comprising an aerosol forming agent material comprising about 5 wt% to about 60 wt% of the aerosol generating material.

[0039] In some embodiments, the method may further include treating the fibrous assembly to provide a material suitable for use as a component of an aerosol supply article, wherein the material has a density of about 0.1 g / cm³. 3 To approximately 0.4 g / cm 3 The packing density within the range.

[0040] In some embodiments, providing a fiber assembly may include providing an assembly of continuous fibers in the form of a bundle, and wherein processing the fiber assembly includes aggregating the fiber assembly to form an elongated body material.

[0041] In some embodiments, providing a fiber assembly may include providing a fiber assembly in the form of a sheet, and wherein processing the fiber assembly includes aggregating the sheet to form an elongated body material. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the material used as a component is shown; Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of a component for an aerosol supply article is shown; Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of the aerosol supply article is shown; Figure 4 A schematic exploded view of the aerosol supply product is shown; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery device is shown; Figure 6 A schematic perspective sectional view of the component is shown; Figure 7 A schematic perspective view of the material is shown; Figure 8 Components for aerosol supply products are shown; Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of the component is shown; Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply article is shown; Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply article is shown; Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply article is shown; Figure 13 A perspective view of the aerosol supply product is shown; Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the component manufacturing equipment is shown; Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the aerosol supply product is shown; Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the aerosol supply product is shown; Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the aerosol supply product is shown; Figure 18 A schematic diagram of the aerosol supply product is shown; Figure 19 A schematic diagram of the aerosol supply product is shown; Figure 20 A schematic diagram of the aerosol supply product is shown; and Figure 21 A schematic diagram of the materials used in the components for aerosol supply products is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0043] See now Figure 1 Material 1 is shown, and material 1 is used for Figure 2 Component 2 shown, component 2 is used for Figure 3 The aerosol supply article 3 is shown. In one aspect of the invention, a material 1 comprising a fiber assembly 5 is provided. The fiber assembly 5 comprises regenerated cellulose fibers. Material 1 has a content of approximately 0.1 g / cm³. 3 To approximately 0.40 g / cm 3 The packing density within the range.

[0044] The fiber aggregate 5 of regenerated cellulose can be discontinuous fibers. The fiber aggregate can be spunlace.

[0045] The bulk density of the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 can be calculated without considering any other characteristics of the material 1, component 2, or article 3 when the material 1 is formed into part 2 or article 3, such as packaging material, aerosol generating material, aerosol modifying component, or other components.

[0046] As described above, material 1 can have a content of about 0.10 g / cm³. 3 To approximately 0.40 g / cm 3 The bulk density is within the range. In some embodiments, material 1 may have a bulk density of about 0.10 g / cm³. 3 To approximately 0.30 g / cm 3 The bulk density is within the range. In some embodiments, material 1 may have a bulk density of about 0.13 g / cm³. 3 To approximately 0.18 g / cm 3 The bulk density is within the range. In some embodiments, material 1 may have a bulk density of about 0.15 g / cm³. 3 Approximately 0.17 g / cm³ 3 The bulk density.

[0047] The bulk density of material 1 can be customized to provide a satisfactory pressure drop for the user when the material is formed into part 2 for use in article 3 or in article 3. Furthermore, reducing the bulk density of material 1 improves cost efficiency and material utilization, and thus reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing.

[0048] It should be understood that although the fiber assembly 5 has been previously described as containing regenerated cellulose, it is possible that the fiber assembly 5 forming the material 1 is composed of or is substantially composed of regenerated cellulose fibers.

[0049] In some embodiments, the component 2 formed by the filter material 1, which is formed from the fibers 5 of regenerated cellulose, can be a filter component. In this sense, material 1 can be considered a filter material. In some embodiments, the component 2 formed by the material 1, which is formed from the fibers 5 of regenerated cellulose, can be a component other than a filter component. For example, the component 2 formed by material 1 can be included in the aerosol supply article 3 to help achieve the pressure drop required across the aerosol supply article 2.

[0050] In some embodiments, material 1 may be provided in the form of a nonwoven sheet. The nonwoven sheet may contain a discontinuous fiber assembly 5. Material 1 may be assembled into any desired form to form component 2. Component 2 may form the filter section and / or aerosol generation section of article 3, which may be configured to be heated to release aerosols via, for example, an aerosol generation device. The fiber assembly 5 of regenerated cellulose may advantageously provide increased biodegradability compared to fiber types (e.g., cellulose acetate) typically used for filter sections in, for example, conventional cigarettes.

[0051] The fiber assembly 5 of regenerated cellulose can be the only fiber type present in material 1. That is, the fiber assembly 5 in material 1 can be composed of regenerated cellulose fibers. As used herein, the term "fiber" can be defined as a basic unit of textiles. It should be noted that the filter material of the present invention can contain any of the disclosed fibers 5 alone, or in combination with one or more other fiber raw materials. Fibers can be in the form of rope-like or thread-like elements. The term "fiber" is intended to include fibers, filaments, etc.

[0052] Regenerated cellulose can be considered a class of materials manufactured by converting natural cellulose into soluble cellulose derivatives or directly dissolving cellulose pulp, and then regenerating it via a wet spinning process. Therefore, regenerated cellulose fibers can be considered a class of materials manufactured by converting natural cellulose into soluble cellulose derivatives or directly dissolving cellulose pulp, and then regenerating it in fibrous form. The main difference between regenerated cellulose fibers and known materials used in filters (such as cellulose acetate) is that regenerated cellulose fibers are in pure cellulose form, while cellulose acetate fibers are a modified form of cellulose obtained by adding acetyl groups to the cellulose polymer.

[0053] Regenerated cellulose fibers are typically prepared by extracting non-cellulose compounds from wood, contacting the extracted wood with caustic soda, followed by carbon disulfide, and then with sodium hydroxide, to obtain a viscous solution by directly dissolving high-purity cellulose pulp using NMMO. The solution is then forced through a spinneret to produce viscous threads of regenerated fibers. The method of preparing regenerated cellulose is not considered to limit the scope of the invention. The fiber assembly 5 of regenerated cellulose can be, for example, but not limited to, viscose fiber, lyocell fiber, rayon, viscose rayon, cuprammonium fiber, and modal fiber.

[0054] In some embodiments, the fiber assembly 5 may be composed of regenerated cellulose. In some embodiments, the fiber assembly 5 may comprise between 90% and 100% by weight of the fibers contained in the material.

[0055] In some embodiments, the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 is composed of lyocell fibers and is the only fiber contained within material 1. In some embodiments, the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 is composed of viscose fibers and is the only fiber contained within material 1.

[0056] The denier of the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 can range from 1 to 30 denier (dpf). Denier, or denier / fiber, is a measurement of the weight per unit length of a single filament of the fiber. The denier of regenerated cellulose fibers is expressed in grams per 9000 meters. The denier can be manipulated or selected to achieve a desired pressure drop across material 1 or across components 2 formed from material 1 (such as filter elements formed from the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5).

[0057] In some embodiments, the denier of the single filaments in the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 can be in the range of about 1 dpf to about 20 dpf. In some embodiments, the denier of the single filaments in the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 can be in the range of about 1 dpf to about 10 dpf.

[0058] In some embodiments, the denier of the single filaments in the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 can range from about 1 dpf to about 8 dpf, or about 1 dpf to about 6 dpf, or about 1 dpf to about 5 dpf, or about 1 dpf to about 4 dpf, or about 1 dpf to about 3 dpf. In some embodiments, the denier of the single filaments in the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 can range from about 1.5 dpf to about 10 dpf, or about 1.5 dpf to about 6 dpf, or about 1.5 dpf to about 5 dpf, or about 1.5 dpf to about 4 dpf, or about 1.5 dpf to about 3 dpf.

[0059] In some embodiments, the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 of material 1 may comprise a first regenerated cellulose fiber assembly and a second regenerated cellulose fiber assembly. The dpf of the first regenerated cellulose fiber assembly may be greater than that of the second regenerated cellulose fiber assembly. The first regenerated cellulose fiber assembly may be formed from regenerated cellulose fibers with a denier of about 10 dpf to about 30 dpf. The second regenerated cellulose fiber assembly may be formed from regenerated cellulose fibers with a denier of about 1 dpf to about 10 dpf.

[0060] In some embodiments, the first regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 may be formed from regenerated cellulose fibers with a denier of about 15 dpf to about 30 dpf, and the second regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 may be formed from regenerated cellulose fibers with a denier of about 1 dpf to about 6 dpf.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 may be formed from regenerated cellulose fibers with a denier of about 18 dpf to 27 dpf. In some embodiments, the first regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 may be formed from regenerated cellulose fibers with a denier of about 20 dpf to about 25 dpf.

[0062] In some embodiments, the second regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 may be formed of regenerated cellulose fibers having a denier of about 1 dpf to about 5 dpf, about 1 dpf to about 4 dpf, about 1 dpf to about 3 dpf, or about 1 dpf to about 2 dpf.

[0063] In some embodiments, the ratio of the first regenerated cellulose fiber assembly to the second regenerated cellulose fiber assembly, by weight, may be in the range of about 90:10 to about 60:40. In some embodiments, the fiber assembly 5 may comprise about 60 wt% to about 90 wt% of the first regenerated cellulose fiber assembly and about 10 wt% to about 40 wt% of the second regenerated cellulose fiber assembly. For example, material 1 may be formed from about 20% of 1.5 dpf regenerated cellulose fibers and 80% of 25 dpf regenerated cellulose fibers.

[0064] In some embodiments, the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 may comprise more than two fiber assemblies with different monofilament deniers. In some embodiments, the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 may include a first regenerated cellulose fiber assembly having a monofilament denier of about 5 dpf to about 10 dpf, a second regenerated cellulose fiber assembly having a monofilament denier of about 2 dpf to about 5 dpf, and a third regenerated cellulose fiber assembly having a monofilament denier of less than about 2 dpf.

[0065] The first regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 may account for about 30% to about 60% of the weight of material 1. The second regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 may account for about 25% to about 30% of the weight of material 1. The third regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 may account for about 5% to 20% of the weight of material 1.

[0066] For example, in one embodiment, the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 may comprise a first regenerated cellulose fiber assembly having a monofilament denier of about 5.4 dpf, a second regenerated cellulose fiber assembly having a monofilament denier of about 2.7 dpf, and a third regenerated cellulose fiber assembly having a monofilament denier of about 1.4 dpf. The three regenerated cellulose fibers may be present in a weight ratio of 40:40:20.

[0067] In another embodiment, the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 may comprise a first regenerated cellulose fiber assembly having a monofilament denier of about 5.4 dpf and a second regenerated cellulose fiber assembly having a monofilament denier of about 2.7 dpf. The two regenerated cellulose fibers may be present in a weight ratio of 40:60.

[0068] In another embodiment, the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 may comprise a first regenerated cellulose fiber assembly having a monofilament denier of about 5.4 dpf, a second regenerated cellulose fiber assembly having a monofilament denier of about 2.7 dpf, and a third regenerated cellulose fiber assembly having a monofilament denier of about 1.4 dpf. The three regenerated cellulose fibers may be present in a weight ratio of 60:30:10.

[0069] It has been found that combinations of first and second regenerated cellulose fiber assemblies with different monofilament deniers, and optionally additional regenerated cellulose fibers, improve the tensile strength of the material, which in turn improves the operability of material 1 in manufacturing equipment such as filter manufacturing machines. Furthermore, combinations of first and second regenerated cellulose fiber assemblies with different monofilament deniers allow for adjustments to the filtration efficiency and pressure drop on components 2 formed from material 1, as well as the stiffness and elasticity of the nonwoven material.

[0070] By adjusting the stiffness and elasticity of material 1, its variability can be reduced, allowing it to be aggregated more consistently. This, in turn, provides a more consistent pressure drop across the component 2 formed from material 1. The greater flexibility associated with spunlace regenerated cellulose materials results in lower porosity in components formed from these materials. Generally, greater material stiffness corresponds to higher porosity.

[0071] The porosity can be considered as the ratio of the amount of space between the materials when the material is aggregated into a component to the cross-sectional area of ​​the component. When aggregated into a component, the porosity of the material can range from about 5% to about 30%, depending on the fiber's dpf.

[0072] For a dpf range of about 1 to about 5 dpf, the porosity can be in the range of about 5% to about 10%. For a dpf range of about 15 to about 25 dpf, the porosity can be in the range of about 20% to about 30%.

[0073] In some embodiments, the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 may be short fibers. That is, the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 may be discontinuous. In other words, when the fibers are formed, they may be formed as discrete fibers of a specific length. This is in contrast to the formation of tows for delivery systems, where tows are manufactured into long, continuous fibers through a stretching process. In some embodiments, the length of the short fiber regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 may be in the range of about 30 mm to about 60 mm. The length of the regenerated cellulose short fiber may be considered as the extended length or pre-crimped length of the regenerated cellulose fiber.

[0074] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of these fibers in the direction perpendicular to their length may be generally circular. In such embodiments, the diameter of each fiber in the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 may be greater than 10 μm. Regenerated cellulose fibers of this size can help prevent fibers 5 from detaching from material 1 and reduce the risk of inhalation. In some embodiments where material 1 is used in articles having a fine filter material segment, the fine filter material segment is located downstream of the segment formed by material 1, and the diameter of at least some or each fiber in the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 may be less than 10 μm.

[0075] In some embodiments, the cross-section of each of the regenerated cellulose fiber assemblies 5 may be a shape other than the usual circular shape, such as, but not limited to, a "Y" shape. Irregularly shaped fibers, such as "Y"-shaped fibers, have the advantage that they have a larger surface area and are therefore able to provide better filtration and higher pressure drop. In such embodiments, the maximum dimension between points on the outer periphery of the shape can be greater than 10 μm.

[0076] In some embodiments, the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 may have a fiber length to diameter ratio in the range of about (60 mm / 100 μm) 600:1 to about (30 mm / 10 μm) 3000:1.

[0077] In some embodiments, material 1 may be provided in the form of a sheet or an elongated material. Material 1 may have a content of 30 to 150 g / m². 2 30 to 120 g / m 2 Or 40 to 100 g / m 2The material is in sheet form and its weight is constant. Sheet materials can have thicknesses between 60 and 500 µm or between 150 and 350 µm.

[0078] In some embodiments, material 1 may be provided in the form of a nonwoven sheet formed from an assembly of regenerated cellulose fibers 5. The term "nonwoven" is used in the context of this application to refer to fibrous materials, webs, felts, or sheets, wherein the assemblies of regenerated cellulose fibers are arranged in an undefined or random orientation.

[0079] To form Material 1, the nonwoven regenerated cellulose fiber assembly initially exists as unbonded fibers or filaments. The nonwoven regenerated cellulose fiber assembly or filaments can then be bonded together.

[0080] In this embodiment, material 1 in the form of a nonwoven regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 can be produced by hydroentangling the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5. The regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 can be hydroentangled to produce material 1 with the desired physical properties.

[0081] The present invention also provides a method for forming a material 1 suitable for use as a component 2 in an aerosol supply article 3. The method includes extruding a fiber assembly comprising regenerated cellulose, hydroentangling the fibers to form a nonwoven sheet, and processing the nonwoven sheet to provide a material suitable for use as a component in an aerosol supply article. The advantage of nonwoven materials formed from hydroentangled fibers is their lower stiffness compared to other nonwoven materials. This results in the material more easily agglomerating into rod-shaped elements, and thus the final component exhibits less and smaller porosity.

[0082] Material 1, including a nonwoven regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5, can be processed to provide material 1 suitable for components 2 of aerosol supply articles 3 (e.g., but not limited to filter components for consumable articles). For example, a nonwoven fiber web of material 1 formed from the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 can pass through a sheet preforming unit and be pleated to form a rod-shaped element including multiple pleats.

[0083] The rod-shaped element 2 can then be wrapped with a wrapping material to form a continuous rod, which can be used as component 2 in the aerosol supply article 3, such as a filter component. The width of the sheet material 1 can vary. Typically, the width of the sheet material 1 is such that it can be pleated to form component 2.

[0084] The total width of the sheet of material 1 used to form component 2 can depend on a number of factors, such as the thickness of material 1, the number of pleats required, the characteristics of the pleats produced, the surface characteristics of the material (i.e., fibrous surface or smooth surface), the porosity of the material, the moisture content of the material, the lubrication characteristics of the material, the frictional characteristics of the mesh preforming device relative to the sheet of material 1, and other such factors.

[0085] In some embodiments, the nonwoven sheet of material 1 may have a width ranging from about 5 mm to about 200 mm. In some embodiments, the nonwoven sheet of material 1 may have a width ranging from about 50 mm to about 200 mm. In some embodiments, the nonwoven sheet of material 1 may have a width ranging from about 50 mm to about 120 mm. In some embodiments, the nonwoven sheet of material 1 may have a width ranging from about 60 mm to about 80 mm.

[0086] In some embodiments, the nonwoven sheet of material 1 may include at least one slit. In some embodiments, the nonwoven sheet of material 1 may include multiple slits. At least one slit may extend longitudinally through material 1. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that when material 1 is aggregated, the slit allows material 1 to be arranged more consistently and uniformly within component 2, which improves the pressure drop across component 2. Slitting the sheet of material 1 causes material 1 to unfold or “fluff up,” providing enhanced filtration performance.

[0087] In some embodiments, the nonwoven sheet of material 1 may undergo a curling step. Curling can be considered a parameter characterizing the texture or waviness of the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5, or as a parameter characterizing the texture or waviness of the nonwoven sheet of material 1 as a whole. The amplitude or depth of a single curl can be measured in micrometers. The amplitude or depth of a single curl is an indirect measure of the degree of curl applied to the nonwoven sheet of material 1.

[0088] In some embodiments, curling the nonwoven sheet of material 1 may include passing the nonwoven sheet of material 1 through one or more curling rollers and / or embossing rollers configured to bend the nonwoven sheet of material 1, thereby providing a curled nonwoven sheet of material 1. Typically, the nonwoven sheet of material 1 is passed through curling rollers and / or embossing rollers having a specific depth to achieve a desired curl amplitude or depth in the curled nonwoven sheet of material 1. That is, the curling rollers and / or embossing rollers may include features having a specific amplitude or depth configured to achieve a desired curl amplitude or depth in the curled nonwoven sheet of material 1.

[0089] In some embodiments, the crimping roller may be an electropolishing crimping roller. It has been found that electropolishing crimping rollers allow the sheet of material 1 to be crimped to a greater depth while causing less damage to the regenerated cellulose fiber aggregate.

[0090] In some embodiments, the curl amplitude or curl depth can range from about 1 micrometer to about 1000 micrometers. The curl amplitude or curl depth can range from about 1 micrometer to about 800 micrometers. The inventors have found that a curl amplitude or curl depth of less than 800 micrometers may begin to result in a decrease in the obtained voltage drop. In some embodiments, the curl amplitude or curl depth can range from about 1 micrometer to about 600 micrometers. In some embodiments, the curl amplitude of the curl depth can range from about 1 micrometer to about 400 micrometers, or from about 1 micrometer to about 300 micrometers, or from about 1 micrometer to about 200 micrometers. In some embodiments, the curl amplitude or curl depth can range from about 1 micrometer to about 180 micrometers, or from about 1 micrometer to about 150 micrometers, or from about 75 micrometers to about 150 micrometers, or from about 50 micrometers to about 100 micrometers.

[0091] Alternatively, or in addition to the features and parameters described above, several other features may be used to characterize the nonwoven sheet of material 1 formed from the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5. One of these characteristics is basis weight. In some embodiments, the basis weight of the nonwoven sheet of material 1 may be approximately 30 g / m². 2 Approximately 120g / m 2 Within a certain range. In some embodiments, the basis weight of the nonwoven sheet of material 1 can be approximately 50 g / m². 2 Approximately 90 g / m 2 Within a certain range. In some embodiments, the basis weight of the nonwoven sheet of material 1 can be approximately 30 g / m². 2 Approximately 50 g / m 2 or approximately 35 g / m 2 Approximately 45 g / m 2 The thickness of the nonwoven sheet of material 1 is within the range of approximately 0.01 mil (0.00025 mm) to approximately 4 mil (0.1 mm), or approximately 0.01 mil (0.00025 mm) to approximately 1 mil (0.025 mm), or approximately 0.01 mil (0.00025 mm) to approximately 0.5 mil (0.127 mm).

[0092] In some embodiments, the nonwoven sheet of material 1 formed from the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 can be thin and can have relatively high tensile strength, high resilience, and relatively good flexibility. In some embodiments, it may be desirable that the nonwoven sheet of material 1 remains folded without tearing, breaking, or otherwise fracturing during folding, rolling, or pleating.

[0093] In some embodiments, material 1 may have a concentration of 0.1 to 0.3 g / cm³. 3 Or 0.14 to 0.22 g / cm³3 The elongated body of the material has a bulk density. In some embodiments, the elongated body material may include an assembly of fibers extending longitudinally through the body from a first end to a second end. In some embodiments, the elongated body material may include rod-shaped elements having a circumference between about 16 mm and about 25 mm, or between about 18 mm and about 23 mm.

[0094] In some embodiments, material 1 may be provided as a regenerated cellulose tow. Material 1 may have any of the properties or characteristics discussed herein. For example, the regenerated cellulose tow material 1 may be formed from 3dpf continuous fibers (also referred to as filaments). The regenerated cellulose tow material 1 may have a length of at least 1.5 km. The cross-section of the regenerated cellulose fibers forming the regenerated cellulose tow material 1 may be “Y” shaped. In some embodiments, the regenerated cellulose tow material 1 may be titanium dioxide-free. The regenerated cellulose tow material 1 may also contain a halogen-free spinning oil.

[0095] In some embodiments, the regenerated cellulose tow material 1 may have a total denier of at least 12,000. In some embodiments, the regenerated cellulose tow material 1 may have a total denier of at least 20,000. In some embodiments, the regenerated cellulose tow material 1 may have a total denier of at least 25,000. In some embodiments, the regenerated cellulose tow material 1 may have a total denier of at least 30,000. In some embodiments, the regenerated cellulose tow material 1 may have a total denier of at least 35,000. That is, the mass of the regenerated cellulose tow material 1 may be at least 35,000 grams per 9,000 meters of regenerated cellulose tow. In some embodiments, the regenerated cellulose tow material 1 may have a total denier of less than or equal to 80,000. In some embodiments, the regenerated cellulose tow material 1 may be provided in bundles.

[0096] In some embodiments, additives may be applied to the nonwoven sheet of Material 1 before, during, or after its formation. In some embodiments, additives may be added to the pleated nonwoven sheet of Material 1 during component formation to provide desired sensory characteristics and / or improve aerosol chemistry. In some embodiments, the additive may include triacetin and / or polyethylene glycol (carbowax), which may be applied to the nonwoven sheet of Material 1 in conventional amounts using known techniques. The additive may be a plasticizer.

[0097] In some embodiments, the additive may be applied to the nonwoven sheet of Material 1 in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the nonwoven sheet of Material 1. In some embodiments, the additive may be applied to the nonwoven sheet of Material 1 in an amount of about 3% to about 15% by weight, or about 6% to about 12% by weight. For example, the additive may be applied to the nonwoven sheet of Material 1 in an amount of at least about 2 wt%, at least about 4 wt%, at least about 6 wt%, at least about 8 wt%, at least about 10 wt%, at least about 12 wt%, at least about 14 wt%, at least about 16 wt%, or at least about 18 wt% based on the total weight of the nonwoven web of Material 1.

[0098] See brief Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a component 2 formed from material 1 of the present invention. As previously described, component 2, formed from a nonwoven sheet of material 1 consisting of a regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5, can be a filter component. Therefore, material 1 can be considered a filter material, even if it is not used in the aerosol supply article 3. The aerosol supply article 3 comprising component 2 formed from material 1 can be manufactured using conventional methods and processes, wherein material 1 comprises a nonwoven regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5.

[0099] Brief Reference Figure 3 The diagram illustrates an aerosol supply article 3 comprising a component 2 formed from the material 1 of the present invention. The dimensions of the representative aerosol supply article 3 according to the present invention can vary. In some embodiments, the aerosol supply article 3 may be rod-shaped. The aerosol supply article 3 may have a diameter of about 7.5 mm and a circumference of about 23.5 mm. In some embodiments, the aerosol supply article 3 may have a diameter ranging from about 3.1 mm to about 11.2 mm and a circumference ranging from about 10 mm to about 35 mm. In some embodiments, the aerosol supply article 3 may have a diameter ranging from about 5 mm to about 7.7 mm and a circumference ranging from about 16 mm to about 24 mm.

[0100] In some embodiments, the aerosol supply article 3 may have an overall length ranging from about 60 mm to about 150 mm. In some embodiments, the aerosol supply article 3 may have an overall length ranging from about 80 mm to about 144 mm. However, the length of the aerosol supply article 3 may vary. In some embodiments, for example, the aerosol supply article 3 may have an overall length of about 140 mm or less, about 100 mm or less, about 80 mm or less, about 60 mm or less, or about 40 mm or less. The length of the component 2 formed from material 1 may also vary. When the component 2 formed from material 1 is a filter component, the component 2 may have an overall length ranging from about 15 mm to about 40 mm, typically from about 20 mm to about 35 mm.

[0101] Contains Figure 2 and 3 The component 2 formed from material 1 of the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 shown can exhibit the desired suction resistance. That is, when gas is drawn from one side to the other, component 2 can exhibit a desired pressure drop along its length. In some embodiments, the pressure drop can be in the range of about 40 mmWG to about 650 mmWG. In some embodiments, the pressure drop can be in the range of about 100 mmWG to about 350 mmWG, about 150 mmWG to about 325 mmWG, or about 200 mmWG to about 300 mmWG, or about 250 mmWG to about 200 mmWG.

[0102] Alternatively, the pressure drop of component 2 can be measured in mm / WG / mm component length along the longitudinal direction of component 2. Component 2 can be a standard circumferential component, i.e., about 23 mm to about 25 mm. The pressure drop can be about 1 mm / WG / mm component length to about 6.5 mm / WG / mm component 2 length. In some embodiments, the pressure drop can be in the range of about 2 mm / WG / mm component 2 length to about 4.5 mm / WG / mm component 2 length. In some embodiments, the pressure drop can be in the range of about 4.5 mm / WG / mm component 2 length to about 6.5 mm / WG / mm component 2 length.

[0103] Furthermore, the component 2 formed from the material 1 comprising the regenerated cellulose fiber aggregate 5 can exhibit a desired stiffness. In some embodiments, the component 2 can have a stiffness in the range of approximately 70% to approximately 99%. In some embodiments, the component 2 of the present invention can exhibit a stiffness of approximately 75% or higher, approximately 80% or higher, approximately 85% or higher, or approximately 90% or higher. In some embodiments, the stiffness of the component 2 can be in the range of approximately 85% to approximately 93%. In some embodiments, the component may include a filter cartridge wrapper or other wrapping material that covers the material 1 having a basis weight of 60 gsm or higher. A component surrounded by a wrapping material having a basis weight of 60 gsm or higher contributes to increasing the stiffness of the component.

[0104] The hardness of this component can be measured using the following method. When the hardness of a section is mentioned herein, it refers to the hardness determined by the following measurement procedure. Any suitable apparatus can be used to perform the measurement, such as the Borgwaldt H10 hardness tester.

[0105] Hardness is defined as the ratio between the height h0 of the body and the height h1 of the body under a defined load, expressed as a percentage of h0. Hardness can be expressed as: Hardness = (h1 / h0) × 100 For a single body or a body contained in a multi-segment bar, hardness measurements are performed at the longitudinal center point of the body or the multi-segment bar (as specified).

[0106] A load bar is used to apply a defined load to the body. The length of the load bar should be significantly longer than the length of the sample to be tested. Before hardness measurement, the body to be measured should be conditioned for at least 48 hours according to ISO 3402:2023 and maintained under ambient conditions according to ISO 3402:2023 during the measurement.

[0107] To perform hardness measurement, the sample was placed in a hardness tester H10, and a preload of 2g was applied. After 1 second, the initial height h0 of the sample under the 2g preload was recorded. The preload was then removed, and a load bar bearing a 150g load was lowered onto the sample at a rate of 0.6 mm / s. After 5 seconds, the height h1 of the sample under the 150g load was measured.

[0108] The hardness of the component was determined as the average hardness of at least 20 components measured according to the scheme.

[0109] For reference, the embodiments of component 2 described below are given by way of example only. For a base rod of a given length, reference is given to component 2 in the following examples. This base rod component can be cut into smaller segments and used in or as a filter in the article.

[0110] In one example, component 2 can be formed from a sheet of spunlace nonwoven material. Component 2 can also be formed from a sheet of material 1 comprising an aggregate of regenerated cellulose fibers having a dpf of about 3. The regenerated cellulose fibers 5 can be formed from Lyocell. Component 2 can be formed from a sheet of material 1 with a weight in the range of 50 to 60 gsm. Component 2 can also be formed from a sheet of material with a width in the range of about 70 mm to about 90 mm.

[0111] Component 2, formed from a sheet of material weighing 60 gsm, can have a length in the range of about 75 mm to 85 mm. The component can have a length of about 80 mm and a circumference of about 20 mm to about 21 mm. Component 2 can have a weight in the range of about 0.44 g to about 0.58 g. The component can have a weight in the range of about 0.45 g to about 0.51 g. The pressure drop across component 2 can be in the range of about 200 mmWG to about 375 mmWG. The pressure drop across the component can be in the range of about 210 mmWG to about 300 mmWG. The component can have a hardness in the range of greater than 80%. The component can have a hardness in the range of 83% to 88%. Component 2 can be covered by a filter cartridge wrapping having a weight of 60 gsm.

[0112] Component 2, formed from a sheet of material weighing 50 gsm, can have a length in the range of about 75 mm to 85 mm. The component can have a length of about 80 mm and a circumference of about 20 mm to about 21 mm. Component 2 can have a weight in the range of about 0.39 g to about 0.47 g. The component can have a weight in the range of about 0.42 g to about 0.45 g. The pressure drop across component 2 can be in the range of about 150 mmWG to about 240 mmWG. The pressure drop across the component can be in the range of about 170 mmWG to about 210 mmWG. The component can have a hardness in the range greater than 80%. Component 2 can be covered by a filter cartridge wrapping having a weight of 60 gsm.

[0113] The described base rod component can be cut into 8 segments, such that each segment used in the filter section of the article or as a filter section of the article is approximately 10 mm long. Therefore, the parameters given above can be divided by 8 to obtain the parameters of a single segment component. The pressure drop on the 10 mm segment 2 can be in the range of approximately 42 mmWG to approximately 55 mmWG.

[0114] In one example, component 2 can be formed from a nonwoven sheet of spunlace material 1. Component 2 can be formed from a sheet of material 1 containing an aggregate 5 of regenerated cellulose fibers having a dpf in the range of 2.5 to 3. The regenerated cellulose fibers 5 can be formed from Lyocell. Component 2 can be formed from a sheet of material 1 containing an aggregate of regenerated cellulose fibers with a 3 dpf. Component 2 can be formed from a sheet of material 1 having a weight of 60 gsm. Component 2 can be formed from a material plate 1 having a width of approximately 130 mm.

[0115] Component 2 can have a length in the range of about 105 mm to 110 mm. The component can have a length of about 108 mm. Component 2 can have a weight in the range of about 0.94 g to about 1.05 g. The component can have a weight in the range of about 0.98 g to about 1.02 g. The circumference of component 2 can be about 24 mm. The pressure drop on component 2 can be in the range of about 250 mmWG to about 310 mmWG. The pressure drop on component 2 can be in the range of about 265 mmWG to about 295 mmWG. Component 2 can have a hardness in the range of about 86% to about 93%. Component 2 can have a hardness in the range of about 88% to about 92%. Component 2 can be cut into 4 segments, each about 27 mm long, which can be used in the filtration section of the article or used as a filtration section of the article. Thus, the parameters given above can be divided by 4 to achieve the parameters of a single segmented component.

[0116] Now for reference Figure 4 An exploded view of an exemplary aerosol supply article 10 is shown. The exemplary aerosol supply article 10 is shown to be generally cylindrical. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the aerosol supply article 10 may be, for example, but not limited to, cubic and optionally substantially flat.

[0117] The aerosol supply article 10 includes a generally cylindrical rod 12. The generally cylindrical rod 12 includes aerosol generating material 13. The aerosol generating material 13 can be provided as a charge or roll of aerosol generating material 13. The aerosol generating material 13 can be, for example, but not limited to, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes, or other smokeable materials, non-tobacco materials, or amorphous solid materials.

[0118] The rod 12 of the aerosol generating material 13 may be contained within a surrounding encapsulating material 14. The ends of the rod 12 may be open to expose the aerosol generating material 13.

[0119] A distal end 18 is provided at one end of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating material 13. If the aerosol supply article 10 is a combustible aerosol supply article, the distal end 18 may be the end of the aerosol supply article 10 that is ignited during use. If the aerosol supply article 10 is a non-combustible aerosol supply article, the distal end 18 may be the end of the aerosol supply article 10 that is first inserted into the aerosol supply device (not shown).

[0120] A proximal end 19 is provided at the other end of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating material 13. The proximal end 19 of the rod 12 may be the end of the rod 12 that is closer to the consumer's mouth during use. In this embodiment, a filter element 22 is provided adjacent to the proximal end 19 of the rod 12. The filter element 22 may include a component 2 formed of a material 1 comprising a nonwoven regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 as described herein.

[0121] The filter element 22 may have a generally cylindrical shape. The diameter of the filter element 22 may be substantially equal to the diameter of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating material 13. The filter element 22 may be surrounded by an outer filter element wrapping layer 24 along its outer circumference or longitudinal periphery to form the filter element 22. The filter element 22 may be disposed adjacent to one end (i.e., proximal end 19) of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating material 13, such that the filter element 22 and the rod 12 of the aerosol generating material 13 are axially aligned. The rod 12 of the aerosol generating material 13 and the filter element 22 may be axially aligned end-to-end. In some embodiments, the rod 12 of the aerosol generating material 13 and the filter element 22 may be axially aligned end-to-end abutment. The end of the filter element 22 may allow air and aerosol to pass through it.

[0122] The aerosol supply article 10 may further include a tipping paper 25. The tipping paper 25 may surround at least a portion of the outer circumference of the outer filter element wrapping 24 of the filter element 22 and at least a portion of the wrapping material 14 of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating material 13. Thus, the tipping paper 25 may be configured to attach the filter element 22 to the rod 12 of the aerosol generating material 13.

[0123] The tipping paper 25 may be airtight. In some embodiments, the tipping paper 25 may surround both the entire length of the filter element 22 and the adjacent region of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating material 13. The inner surface of the tipping paper 25 may be securely attached to the outer surface of the filter element wrapping 24 and the outer surface of the wrapping material 14 of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating material 13. A suitable adhesive may be used to securely attach the tipping paper 25 to the filter element wrapping 24 and the wrapping material 14. Thus, the filter element 22 and the rod 12 of the aerosol generating material 13 may be connected to each other to form the aerosol supply article 10.

[0124] In some implementations, such as Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the aerosol supply article 10 can be a ventilated or air-diluted smoking article 10. Therefore, the aerosol supply article 10 may include an air dilution device 26. The air dilution device 26 may be, for example, but not limited to, a series of perforations 27. Each perforation 27 may extend through the tipping paper 25 and the packaging material 14. The series of perforations 27 may be made using various techniques known in the art, such as laser perforation. Alternatively, offline air dilution techniques may be used, for example, but not limited to, using porous filter wrappings and / or pre-perforated tipping paper.

[0125] For a ventilated aerosol supply article 10, the amount or degree of air dilution or ventilation can vary. For example, in some embodiments, the amount of air dilution or ventilation of the aerosol supply article 10 can be greater than about 10%. In some embodiments, the amount of air dilution or ventilation of the aerosol supply article 10 can be greater than about 20%, sometimes greater than 30%, and sometimes greater than 40%. Typically, the upper limit level of air dilution for an air-dilution aerosol supply article 10 can be less than 80%, and typically less than about 70%. As used herein, the term "air dilution" is the ratio of the volume of air drawn through the air dilution device 26 to the total volume of air and aerosol drawn through the aerosol supply article 10 and exiting the extreme nozzle portion of the aerosol supply article 10.

[0126] The filter element 22 may include a mouthpiece 29. The mouthpiece 29 may be the end of the aerosol supply article 10. The mouthpiece 29 may be configured to be placed in the user's mouth for the user to inhale during use.

[0127] It should be understood that the foregoing and description of the aerosol supply article 10 are not intended to limit the invention. In particular, the materials 1 and components 2 of the present invention can be incorporated into a variety of different aerosol supply articles 10, including but not limited to conventional cigarettes, heated tobacco products, tobacco heating products, electronic cigarette products, aerosol delivery devices, etc., as well as aerosol supply articles that may include features from each of the previously mentioned categories of aerosol supply articles.

[0128] In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery articles and / or aerosol delivery systems of the present invention can provide many of the sensory experiences of conventional cigarettes without any substantial degree of combustion of any of their components. The sensory experiences provided may include inhalation and exhalation habits, type of taste or flavor, sensory effects, physical sensations, usage habits, visual cues (such as those provided by visible aerosols), etc. For example, users of some embodiments of the aerosol delivery articles and / or aerosol delivery systems of this invention can hold and use the components in a manner similar to that of a smoker using a conventional cigarette. That is, the user can hold the component and inhale at one end of the component to inhale the aerosol produced by the component, and then take a puff at selected time intervals.

[0129] See now Figure 5 An exemplary aerosol delivery device 30 is illustrated. The exemplary aerosol supply device 30 may include a body 32. The body 32 may be configured to receive aerosol supply articles 3, 10, as previously described. Various mechanisms may be used to connect the aerosol supply articles 3, 10 to the body 32 of the aerosol supply device 30. Such mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, threaded engagement, press-fit engagement, interference fit, sliding fit, magnetic engagement, etc.

[0130] In various embodiments, the aerosol supply device 30 can have a variety of integral shapes, including, for example, but not limited to, integral shapes that can be defined as substantially rod-shaped, substantially tubular, or substantially cylindrical, such as... Figure 5 As shown in the image. That is, Figure 5 The aerosol supply device 30 shown has a substantially circular cross-section. However, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the body 32 of the aerosol supply device 30 may have different cross-sections, such as, but not limited to, a substantially rectangular shape, such as a substantially rectangular cubic shape. In some embodiments, the body 32 of the aerosol supply device 30 or any other component thereof may have other handheld shapes. For example, the aerosol supply device 30 may have a box shape, various PD model shapes, or a keychain shape.

[0131] The alignment of the aerosol supply article 10 within the aerosol supply device 30 can vary. In some embodiments, the base portion can be positioned near a heat source to maximize aerosol delivery to the user. Typically, the heat source can be positioned sufficiently close to the rod 12 of the aerosol generating material 13 so that heat from the heat source causes the aerosol generating material 13 and any other substances present (such as one or more flavoring agents, active ingredients, etc.) to volatilize and form an aerosol for delivery to the user. When the heat source heats the base portion, the aerosol is formed, released, or generated in a physical form suitable for inhalation by the consumer.

[0132] The aerosol supply device 30 may include a battery and / or other power source to provide sufficient current to power various functions of the aerosol delivery device, such as powering a heat source, a control system, indicators, etc., as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the power source is capable of delivering sufficient power to rapidly activate the heat source to facilitate aerosol formation and to power the aerosol supply device 30 for a sustained desired duration. In some embodiments, the power source may be designed to be conveniently housed within the body 32 of the aerosol supply device 30, allowing the aerosol supply device 30 to be easily handled. The power source may be a replaceable or rechargeable battery, a solid-state battery, a thin-film solid-state battery, or a rechargeable supercapacitor, etc., and may be combined with any suitable type of recharging technology.

[0133] The aerosol supply article 10 may include a heating section 16. The heating section 16 may typically be a segment of the aerosol supply article 20, including a rod 12 of the aerosol generating material 13 or at least a portion thereof. The heating section 16 may be configured to be inserted into the body 32 of the aerosol supply device 30.

[0134] The material 1 of the present invention has been tested to evaluate the various properties of the component 2 formed from the material 1 comprising a nonwoven regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5.

[0135] In one aspect of the invention, as follows is provided Figure 1 Material 1 shown is used as follows: Figure 2 The aerosol supply product 3 shown is a component. Material 1 comprises a fiber aggregate 5 containing regenerated cellulose and a binder. This material has a content of approximately 0.1 g / cm³. 3 To approximately 0.4 g / cm 3 The packing density within the range.

[0136] The fiber assembly 5 may be discontinuous. The fiber assembly may have a fiber length ranging from about 10 mm to about 60 mm. The fiber assembly may be wet-laid. In some embodiments, the fiber assembly may be air-laid. An adhesive 6 may be configured to bond the fiber assembly 5 together. The regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 has a fiber length of about 0.12 g / cm³. 3 Approximately 0.3 g / cm³ 3 The bulk density of the regenerated cellulose fiber aggregate 5 is approximately 0.15 g / cm³. 3 To approximately 0.25 g / cm 3 The bulk density. The denier of the monofilaments in the regenerated cellulose fiber aggregate 5 can be approximately 1 dpf and approximately 10 dpf.

[0137] The material 1 and component 2 formed from the present aspect of the invention are similar to component 2 of the previously described aspects, and therefore their detailed description will be omitted here. Furthermore, similar features and components will retain their terminology and reference numerals. It should also be understood that the features and components of the aforementioned material 1 and component 2 can be incorporated into the material 1 and component 2 of this aspect, and vice versa.

[0138] The nonwoven sheet of Material 1 can be produced by conventional forming methods such as wet web forming. It is known in industry that the term wet web forming has a broad meaning and can be combined with various equipment, processes, and means. The use of the term wet web forming is not restrictive and does not limit the single process used for manufacturing.

[0139] The fiber assembly 5 can be wet-laid. As used herein, the term "wet-laid" generally refers to a method of producing a fiber sheet of material 1 by means similar to papermaking, wherein the fibers are suspended in an aqueous medium, and the sheet is formed by filtering the suspension on a conveyor belt or perforated roller. Adhesives can be introduced to achieve desired final properties in the wet-laid nonwoven sheet of material 1.

[0140] In some embodiments, the adhesive 6 may be, for example, but not limited to, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), pectin, starch, microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), polysaccharides, shellac, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the adhesive 6 may be an alternative natural polymer not mentioned in the foregoing list.

[0141] When material 1 is formed into component 2 or article 3, the bulk density of the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 can be calculated without considering any other characteristics of material 1, component 2 or article 3.

[0142] As described above, the fiber aggregate 5 of the regenerated cellulose material can have a density of approximately 0.10 g / cm³. 3 To approximately 0.40 g / cm 3 The bulk density is within the range. In some embodiments, the fiber assembly 5 of the regenerated cellulose material may have a bulk density of about 0.12 g / cm³. 3 To approximately 0.30 g / cm 3 The bulk density is within the range. In some embodiments, the fiber assembly 5 of the regenerated cellulose material may have a bulk density of about 0.15 g / cm³. 3 To approximately 0.25 g / cm 3 The packing density within the range.

[0143] The bulk density of material 1 can be adjusted to provide a satisfactory pressure drop for the user when the material is formed into part 2 for use in article 3 or in article 3. Furthermore, reducing the bulk density of material 1 improves cost efficiency and material utilization, and thus reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing.

[0144] It should be understood that although the fiber assembly 5 has been previously described as containing regenerated cellulose, the fiber assembly 5 forming material 1 may be composed of or substantially composed of regenerated cellulose.

[0145] In some embodiments, material 1 may include one or more coatings, fillers, additives, and / or other components. In some embodiments, material 1 may include a fiber assembly and one or more coatings, fillers, additives, surface treatments, or other materials applied thereto or incorporated therein. One such coating may be, for example, a plasticizer, such as triacetin, which is typically applied to conventional filter materials in conventional amounts using known techniques.

[0146] In some embodiments, other materials applied to or incorporated into material 1 may be applied in liquid form. Other materials may include, for example, but not limited to, triacetin, polyethylene glycol (Carbowax), flavor compounds, propylene glycol, triethyl citrate, or any other suitable substance. Furthermore, each coating, filler, or other component applied to material 1 may contribute some functionality or property to component 2 formed from material 1. For example, each coating, filler, or other component may contribute to filtering aerosols, improving aerosol flavor, water dispersibility, biodegradability, and / or compostability.

[0147] In some embodiments, adhesive 6 may be applied to the nonwoven sheet of material 1 before, during, or after its formation. In some embodiments, adhesive may be added to the pleated nonwoven sheet of material 1 during part formation to provide desired sensory characteristics and / or improve aerosol chemistry. Adhesive (which may contain pectin in some embodiments) may be applied to the nonwoven sheet of material 1 in conventional amounts using known techniques.

[0148] In some embodiments, the adhesive may be applied to the nonwoven sheet of Material 1 in an amount from about 0.1 wt% to about 30 wt%, based on the total weight of the nonwoven sheet of Material 1. In some embodiments, the adhesive may be applied to the nonwoven sheet of Material 1 in an amount from about 5% to about 30% by weight. The adhesive may be, for example, pectin or starch. The amount of adhesive may be determined based on the dpf of the fiber and the weight of the sheet of Material 1. It has been determined that too much adhesive makes the material too stiff and difficult to operate on manufacturing equipment.

[0149] In some embodiments, the adhesive may be applied to the nonwoven sheet of material 1 in an amount of about 3% to about 15% by weight, or about 6% to about 12% by weight. For example, based on the total weight of the nonwoven sheet of material 1, the adhesive may be applied to the nonwoven sheet of material 1 in an amount of at least about 2 wt%, at least about 4 wt%, at least about 6 wt%, at least about 8 wt%, at least about 10 wt%, at least about 12 wt%, at least about 14 wt%, at least about 16 wt%, or at least about 18 wt%.

[0150] In some embodiments, the adhesive comprises between 2 wt% and 20 wt% of component 2 used for aerosol supply article 2. In some embodiments, the adhesive may be applied to the nonwoven sheet of material 1 in an amount of 4 wt%. Advantageously, it has been found that the adhesive is applied to the nonwoven web of material 1 in an amount of about 4 wt%. The adhesive may contain pectin. The adhesive may contain about 4 wt% pectin of component 52.

[0151] In one aspect of the invention, a component 2 for an aerosol supply article 3 is provided. The component 2 comprises an aerosol generating material 1, which comprises a fibrous aggregate 5 formed of regenerated cellulose. The aerosol generating material 1 of the component 2 further comprises an aerosol forming agent material, ranging from about 5% to about 60% by weight of the aerosol generating material 1.

[0152] Component 2 of the present aspect of the invention is similar to component 2 of the previously described aspect, and therefore its detailed description will be omitted here. Furthermore, similar features and components will retain their terminology and reference numerals. It should also be understood that features and components of the aforementioned component 2 can be incorporated into component 2 of this aspect, and vice versa.

[0153] Aerosol forming agent materials may include one or more components capable of forming aerosols. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming agent material may comprise one or more of the following: glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl caprylate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a mixture of diacetins, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, glyceryl tartrate, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming agent material comprises one or more polyols, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol; esters of polyols, such as mono-, di-, or triacetic acid esters of glycerol; and / or aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanoate and dimethyl tetradecanoate. Not wanting to be bound by theory, it is believed that including triacetin in this component promotes better nicotine transfer from component 2 to the user during use.

[0154] Aerosol-forming agent materials may contain acids. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the inclusion of acids reduces the perceived irritation of the generated aerosols.

[0155] Material 1 may contain an aerosol forming agent. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming agent of Material 1 may be glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol. Glycerol may be present in an amount from 10% to 20% by weight of Material 1, for example 13% to 16% by weight of the composition, or about 14% or 15% by weight of the composition. Propylene glycol, if present, may be present in an amount from 0.1% to 0.3% by weight of the composition.

[0156] Aerosol forming material may be included in any component 2 formed of material 1 comprising a regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5, such as any filter component and / or any filter cartridge component, and / or any aerosol generating section that may be configured to be heated (if present). In either case, the total amount of aerosol forming material in material 1 may be as defined herein.

[0157] In one example, the aerosol forming agent material may comprise an amorphous solid material containing 40% menthol, 16% glycerol, 20% binder (alginate / pectin mixture), and 20% fiber (wood pulp).

[0158] In some embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises: 1-60 wt% of a gelling agent; 0.1-50 wt% of an aerosol forming agent; and 0.1-80 wt% of a flavoring agent; wherein these weights are calculated based on dry weight.

[0159] In some other embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises: 1-50 wt% of a gelling agent; 0.1-50 wt% of an aerosol forming agent; and 30-60 wt% of a flavoring agent; wherein these weights are calculated based on dry weight.

[0160] In some embodiments, the aerosol forming agent material may form 60% by weight of the material. For example, a component formed from lyocell fibers and configured to be heated may include up to about 60% by weight of propylene glycol, or vegetable glycerin, or a combination of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin.

[0161] In some embodiments, the component may include nicotine. The component may contain up to 5% nicotine in a 1:1 ratio using benzoic acid. In some embodiments, a combination of levulinic acid and benzoic acid may be used.

[0162] In some further embodiments, the amorphous solid includes: an aerosol forming agent material in an amount of about 40-80 wt% of the amorphous solid; a gelling agent and optional filler (i.e., in some examples, the filler is present in the amorphous solid, and in other examples, the filler is not present in the amorphous solid), wherein the amount of the gelling agent and filler together is from about 10 wt% to 60 wt% of the amorphous solid (i.e., the gelling agent and filler together account for about 10 wt% to 60 wt% of the amorphous solid); and optionally, an active substance and / or fragrance in an amount of up to about 20 wt% of the amorphous solid (i.e., the amorphous solid contains ≤20 wt% active substance).

[0163] Amorphous solid materials can be formed from dried gels. It has been found that using the component ratios discussed above means that flavor compounds are stable within the gel matrix as the gel solidifies, allowing for higher flavor loadings than in non-gel compositions. Flavoring agents (e.g., menthol) are stable at high concentrations, and the product has a good shelf life.

[0164] In some cases, the amorphous solid may have a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1.5 mm. Suitably, the thickness may be in the range of about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm, 0.3 mm, or 1 mm. In some embodiments, a material having a thickness of 0.2 mm is particularly suitable. The amorphous solid may comprise more than one layer, and the thickness described herein refers to the aggregate thickness of those layers.

[0165] If the amorphous solid is too thick, heating efficiency is compromised. This adversely affects power consumption during use. Conversely, if the amorphous solid is too thin, it becomes difficult to manufacture and handle; very thin materials are more difficult to cast and may be brittle, thus impairing aerosol formation during use.

[0166] Suitably, the amorphous solid may comprise from about 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, 30 wt%, or 35 wt% to about 60 wt%, 55 wt%, 50 wt%, 45 wt%, 40 wt%, or 35 wt% of a gelling agent (all based on dry weight). For example, the amorphous solid may comprise 1-60 wt%, 5-60 wt%, 20-60 wt%, 25-55 wt%, 30-50 wt%, 35-45 wt%, 5-45 wt%, 10-40 wt%, or 20-35 wt% of a gelling agent.

[0167] The amorphous solid may include a gelling agent. The gelling agent may include one or more compounds selected from cellulose gelling agents, non-cellulose gelling agents, guar gum, gum arabic, and mixtures thereof.

[0168] In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises a hydrocolloid. In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of: alginate, pectin, starch (and derivatives), cellulose (and derivatives), gums, silica or siloxane compounds, clay, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises one or more of alginate, pectin, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, pullulan, xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, agarose, gum arabic, fumed silica, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), sodium silicate, kaolin, and polyvinyl alcohol. In some cases, the gelling agent comprises alginate and / or pectin and may be combined with a hardening agent (such as a calcium source) during the formation of the amorphous solid. In some cases, the amorphous solid may comprise calcium-crosslinked alginate and / or calcium-crosslinked pectin.

[0169] The cellulose gelling agent may be selected from the group consisting of: hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), and combinations thereof.

[0170] In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises one or more of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), carboxymethyl cellulose, guar gum, or gum arabic.

[0171] In some embodiments, the gelling agent comprises / or one or more non-cellulose gelling agents, including but not limited to agar, xanthan gum, gum arabic, guar gum, pectin, carrageenan, starch, alginate, and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the non-cellulose-based gelling agent is alginate or agar.

[0172] In some embodiments, the amorphous solid comprises alginate and pectin, and the ratio of alginate to pectin is from 1:1 to 10:1. The ratio of alginate to pectin is typically greater than 1:1, meaning that the amount of alginate present is greater than the amount of pectin. In embodiments, the ratio of alginate to pectin is about 2:1 to 8:1, or about 3:1 to 6:1, or about 4:1.

[0173] In some embodiments, the amorphous solid includes filler in an amount of 1 to 30 wt%, for example 5 to 25 wt%, or 10 to 20 wt%, of the amorphous solid. In examples, the amount of filler included in the amorphous solid is greater than 1 wt%, 5 wt%, or 8 wt%, of the amorphous solid. In examples, the amount of filler included in the amorphous solid is less than 4 wt%, 30 wt%, 20 wt%, 15 wt%, 12 wt%, 10 wt%, 5 wt%, or 1 wt%, of the amorphous solid. In other examples, the amorphous solid does not contain filler.

[0174] In the example, the amorphous solid comprises a gelling agent and filler, totaling an amount from about 10 wt%, 20 wt%, 25 wt%, 30 wt%, 35 wt%, 40 wt%, 45 wt%, 50 wt%, 55 wt%, or from about 60 wt%. In the example, the combined amount of the gelling agent and filler is no more than 85 wt%, 80 wt%, 75 wt%, 70 wt%, 65 wt%, or no more than 60 wt% of the amorphous solid. In the example, the amorphous solid comprises a gelling agent and filler, collectively measured as from about 20 wt% to 60 wt%, 25 wt% to 55 wt%, 30 wt% to 50 wt%, or 35 wt% to 45 wt% of the amorphous solid.

[0175] The packing material (if present) may include one or more inorganic packing materials, such as calcium carbonate, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, and suitable inorganic adsorbents, such as molecular sieves. The packing material may also include one or more organic packing materials, such as wood pulp, cellulose, and cellulose derivatives. In certain cases, the amorphous solid may not contain calcium carbonate, for example, chalk.

[0176] In some examples that include fillers, the fillers can be fibrous. For example, the fillers can be fibrous organic fillers, such as wood pulp, hemp fiber, cellulose, or cellulose derivatives. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that including fibrous fillers in amorphous solids can increase the tensile strength of the material.

[0177] In some examples, the amorphous solid does not contain tobacco fibers. In certain examples, the amorphous solid does not contain fibrous materials.

[0178] In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may comprise from about 0.1 wt%, 0.5 wt%, 1 wt%, 3 wt%, 5 wt%, 7 wt%, or 10 wt% to about 80 wt%, 50 wt%, 45 wt%, 40 wt%, 35 wt%, 30 wt%, or 2 wt% of aerosol forming agent material (all based on dry weight). For example, the amorphous solid may contain 0.5-40 wt%, 3-35 wt%, or 10-25 wt% of aerosol forming agent material.

[0179] Aerosol forming agents can be used as plasticizers. If the plasticizer content is too high, the amorphous solids may absorb water, resulting in an unsuitable consumer experience during use. If the plasticizer content is too low, the amorphous solids may be brittle and prone to breakage.

[0180] In some embodiments, the aerosol forming agent contained in the amorphous solid comprises one or more polyols, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerol; esters of polyols, such as mono-, di- or triacetic acid esters of glycerol; and / or aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanoate and dimethyl tetradecanoate.

[0181] In some cases, aerosol-forming materials include one or more compounds selected from erythritol, propylene glycol, glycerol, triacetin, sorbitol, and xylitol. The inclusion of triacetin can reduce the perceived irritation of the generated aerosol. In some cases, aerosol-forming materials contain glycerol, are substantially composed of glycerol, or are composed of glycerol.

[0182] The amorphous solid material may include flame-retardant salts. Flame-retardant salts as used herein are compounds composed of ionic assemblies of cations and anions. The salts used herein are those whose anions and / or cations can effectively delay combustion. In some embodiments, the salt is an inorganic salt.

[0183] In some embodiments, the salt is a halide salt, i.e., having a halide anion. In some embodiments, the salt is a chloride salt or a bromide salt. The presence of high concentrations of chloride or bromide has been shown to delay combustion.

[0184] In some embodiments, the salt may be an alkali metal salt, i.e., having an alkali metal cation. In some embodiments, the salt has an alkaline earth metal cation. In some embodiments, the salt has a zinc cation or an iron cation, such as an iron or ferrous cation. In some embodiments, the salt has an ammonium cation or a phosphonium cation.

[0185] In some embodiments, the salt can be an alkali metal halide, such as sodium chloride or potassium chloride. The salt can also be an alkaline earth metal halide, such as magnesium chloride or calcium chloride. Alternatively, the salt can be another metal halide, such as zinc chloride or sodium bromide.

[0186] In some embodiments, the salt has a carboxylic acid anion. For example, the salt can be an alkali metal carboxylate, such as potassium citrate, potassium succinate, potassium malate, potassium acetate, potassium tartrate, potassium oxalate, sodium citrate, sodium succinate, sodium acetate, or sodium malate.

[0187] In other embodiments, the salt has anions selected from the following: borate, carbonate, phosphate, sulfate, or aminosulfonate.

[0188] Factors influencing salt selection include, for example, melting point, which is preferably at least 450°C. In some embodiments, the salt is soluble in water. In some embodiments, the salt is selected to provide a desired pH to the material to which it is added. In some embodiments, the salt does not significantly alter the pH of the material.

[0189] In some embodiments, the selected flame-retardant salt may have one or more advantageous properties, such as inertness, solubility in the precursor liquid, solubility or distribution of the precursor material in or relative to the amorphous solid material, density, or other properties known in the art.

[0190] In some embodiments, the flame retardant salt comprises sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bromide and / or potassium bromide, and is substantially composed of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bromide and / or potassium bromide, or is composed of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bromide and / or potassium bromide.

[0191] Depending on the desired flame retardancy or other physical properties, the components of the salt can be in the form of a free alkali, a salt, a complex, or a solvate. The flame-retardant salt can have any density and any crystal structure.

[0192] In some embodiments, the flame-retardant salt is incorporated into or added to an amorphous solid material dissolved in a solvent or liquid carrier. In some embodiments, the flame-retardant salt is suspended in a liquid carrier. The solvent or liquid carrier may be aqueous or organic liquid, and may be polar or non-polar, depending on its suitable application.

[0193] The liquid carrier or precursor solvent can be advantageously selected to be easily removed during the manufacture of the flame retardant material so that the flame retardant salt remains in or on the amorphous solid material.

[0194] In some embodiments, the liquid carrier is a mixture of liquids, including an aqueous liquid (water) and an anhydrous liquid (e.g., glycerol). When the water is removed after salt application, the glycerol will remain in the amorphous solid material, where it provides flexibility and facilitates aerosol formation upon heating.

[0195] In some embodiments, the described component 2 can be used for an aerosol supply article, and in some cases, a non-combustible aerosol supply article 3, substantially as follows: Figure 3 As shown. The aerosol supply article 3 can be used as an aerosol supply system or as part of it. The aerosol supply article 3 includes an aerosol generating material 13 and the component. The component 2 includes a fibrous assembly 5 formed of regenerated cellulose and about 5% to about 60% aerosol forming agent material.

[0196] In some embodiments, component 2 as described above may further comprise an active substance. The active substance may be a substance to be delivered to a user. As used herein, an active substance may be a physiologically active substance, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response, as described in more detail below. The active substance may be, for example, selected from nutritional supplements, cognitive enhancers, and psychoactive substances. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theophylline, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco or another plant-based material. In some embodiments, the active substance is a legally permissible recreational drug. In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0197] In some embodiments, the active substance may include or be derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts. The term "plant-based material" includes any material derived from plants, including but not limited to extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, shells, pericarps, etc. Alternatively, the material may include naturally occurring or synthetically obtained active compounds found in plants. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, fragments, strips, flakes, etc. Examples of such plant-based materials can be found in the list disclosed below.

[0198] In some implementations, the substance to be delivered may include a flavoring agent. Examples of such flavoring agents can be found in the list below.

[0199] It should be understood that in some embodiments, when heated during use, the active substances or materials in material 1 can form aerosols and can therefore be regarded as aerosol forming agent materials.

[0200] See now Figure 6 A perspective sectional view of the component. In one aspect of the invention, a component 2 for an aerosol supply article 3 is provided, which is used in an aerosol supply device 30. The component 2 for the aerosol supply article 3 can be used in a non-combustible aerosol supply device 30. Component 2 includes material 1, which includes a fiber assembly 5 comprising regenerated cellulose. The component also includes an aerosol modifier release component 40. The aerosol modifier release component 40 may be surrounded by the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5.

[0201] Figure 6 The component 2 of the present aspect of the invention shown is similar to Figures 1 to 5 The components shown are from the previously described aspect of component 2, and therefore their detailed description will be omitted here. Furthermore, similar features and components will retain their terminology and reference numerals. It should also be understood that features and components of the aforementioned component 2 can be incorporated into component 2 of this aspect, and vice versa.

[0202] The aerosol modifier release component 40 can be disposed within the body of the material 1 within the component 2. In this embodiment, the aerosol modifier release component 40 can be in the form of an additive release component in the form of a capsule 41. In embodiments where a capsule 41 is provided, the filter cartridge package 24 can include an oil-resistant filter cartridge package. However, in other embodiments, the aerosol modifier release component 40 can be provided in other forms, such as as material injected into the body of the material 1 of the component 2 or disposed on a cord (e.g., a cord carrying fragrance or other aerosol modifiers), which can also be disposed within the body of the material 1 of the component 2.

[0203] The aerosol modifier release component 40 can be a capsule 41. The capsule 41 can be a burstable capsule. For example, the burstable capsule 41 can have a solid, fragile shell 42 surrounding the liquid payload 43. Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, component 2 includes a single capsule 41. However, in some embodiments, component 2 may include multiple capsules 41. For example, component 2 may include two, three, or more capsules 41.

[0204] The capsule 41 can be completely embedded within the body of the material 1 of the component 2. In other words, the capsule 41 can be completely surrounded by the material 1 forming the component 2. The body of the material 1 of the component 2 can be sufficiently uniform so that the capsule 41 is not visible from the ends of the component 2. In embodiments that include multiple capsules 41, the length of the component 2 can be increased, and thus the body of the material 1 can be increased to accommodate the number of capsules 41 included.

[0205] In embodiments using multiple capsules 41, the individual capsules 41 may be identical to each other, or they may differ from each other in size and / or capsule payload 42.

[0206] Capsule 41 may have a core-shell structure. In other words, capsule 41 may include a shell 42 encapsulating a liquid payload 43. The liquid payload 43 may be a liquid reagent, such as a flavoring agent or other formulation, which may be any of the flavoring agents or aerosol modifiers described herein. The shell 42 of capsule 41 may be broken by a user to release the flavoring agent or other formulation into the material 1 forming the body of component 2.

[0207] In this embodiment, capsule 41 may also be generally spherical. The spherical capsule 41 may have a diameter of about 3 mm. In alternative embodiments, capsules 41 of different shapes and sizes may be used. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol modifier release component 40 may be substantially cylindrical. In some embodiments, capsule 41 may have a diameter of less than 4 mm, or less than 3.5 mm, or less than 3.25 mm. In alternative embodiments, capsule 41 may have a diameter greater than about 3.25 mm, for example, greater than 3.5 mm or greater than 4 mm. The total weight of capsule 41 may range from about 10 mg to about 50 mg.

[0208] In this embodiment, capsule 41 may be located at the longitudinal center position within the material 1 of component 2. However, in some embodiments, capsule 41 may be located at a non-longitudinal center position within the material 1 of component 2. That is, capsule 41 may be located closer to the upstream end of component 2 than the downstream end of component 2.

[0209] For example, in a 12 mm long component, capsule 41 can be positioned such that its center is 5 mm from the upstream end of component 2 and 7 mm from the downstream end of component 2. This positioning of capsule 41 helps ensure that capsule 41 is not visible from the downstream end of the aerosol supply article 3.

[0210] In some embodiments, the shell 42 is formed of a barrier material. This barrier material may be brittle. The capsule 41 can be crushed or otherwise broken or destroyed by the user to release the encapsulated aerosol modifier payload. Typically, the capsule 41 breaks immediately before use, but the user can choose when to release the aerosol modifier. The term "ruptureable capsule" refers to capsule 41, in which the shell 42 can be broken by pressure to release the liquid payload 43 within the core. More specifically, the shell 42 can break under pressure applied by the user's fingers when the user wants to release the liquid payload 43 within the core of capsule 41.

[0211] In some embodiments, the barrier material forming the shell 42 may be heat-resistant. That is, in some embodiments, the shell 42 will not crack, melt, or otherwise fail at the temperature reached at the location of the capsule 41 during operation of the aerosol supply article 3.

[0212] In an alternative embodiment, capsule 41 may be a biodegradable capsule. That is, capsule 41 may be configured to degrade to release the aerosol modifier when a temperature exceeding a predetermined threshold is applied. In some embodiments, capsule 41 may be configured to degrade to release the aerosol modifier when a moisture content exceeding a predetermined threshold is applied.

[0213] The component 2, which includes the aerosol modifier release component 40, can be formed by the following steps: extruding a fiber assembly 5 containing regenerated cellulose and spunlace fibers 5 to form a nonwoven sheet of material 1; receiving the nonwoven sheet of material 1 and inserting the aerosol modifier release component 40 onto the nonwoven sheet of material 1; and processing the nonwoven sheet of material 1 such that the aerosol modifier release component 40 is surrounded by the nonwoven sheet of material 1.

[0214] In some embodiments, the described component 2 can be used in a non-combustible aerosol supply article 3, such as Figure 3 As generally shown. The aerosol supply article 3 can be used as or as part of an aerosol supply system. The aerosol supply article 3 includes an aerosol generating material 13. The aerosol generating material 13 includes at least one aerosol forming material. The aerosol supply article 3 further includes a component 2, which includes an aerosol modifier release component 40, as described above.

[0215] In some embodiments, the aerosol supply article 3 may include a plurality of components 2. Each component 2 provided may include one or more aerosol-modified release components 40. Alternatively, only one or some of the plurality of components 2 may include one or more aerosol-modified release components 40.

[0216] See now Figure 7 A schematic perspective view of material 71 is shown. In one aspect of the invention, a material 71 is provided for use as a component 2 in an aerosol supply article 3. Material 71 comprises a plurality of substrates 72, 73 stacked on top of each other. At least one of the plurality of substrates 72, 73 is formed of any of the following: a regenerated cellulose fiber aggregate; or paper.

[0217] Figure 6 The material 71 of the present aspect of the invention shown is similar to Figures 1 to 5 The material 1 shown is a component 2 of the previously described aspect, and therefore its detailed description will be omitted here. Furthermore, similar features and components will retain their terminology and reference numerals. It should also be understood that the features and components of the aforementioned material 1 can be incorporated into material 71 of this aspect, and vice versa.

[0218] In some embodiments, the material 71 of the present invention may be a nonwoven sheet of material 71 comprising the regenerated cellulose fiber aggregate 5, as previously described. That is, each of the plurality of substrates 72, 73 may be formed from a nonwoven sheet of material 1 comprising the regenerated cellulose fiber aggregate. The regenerated cellulose fibers may be viscose fibers or lyocell fibers or a combination of both. In other embodiments, the material 71 of the present invention may be a paper material. That is, each of the plurality of substrates 72, 73 may be formed from a sheet of material 1 comprising paper.

[0219] However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, it is conceivable that at least one of the plurality of substrates 72 may be formed from a nonwoven sheet of material 1 comprising a regenerated cellulose fiber aggregate, and at least one of the plurality of substrates 73 may be formed from a sheet of material comprising paper.

[0220] It should also be understood that in some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of substrates 72, 73 may be formed of non-regenerated cellulose material and non-paper material. For example, at least one of the plurality of substrates 72, 73 may be formed of aerosol-generating material, such as, but not limited to, tobacco material, plant recombinant material, amorphous solid material, or carbon paper. In some embodiments, one or more substrates 73 of non-regenerated cellulose material and non-paper material may be located between the outer substrates 72, 74 of regenerated cellulose material and / or the paper materials 72, 74.

[0221] In some embodiments, the total weight of the plurality of substrates 72, 73 can be in the range of about 40 gsm to about 90 gsm. In some embodiments, the plurality of substrates 72, 73 can have the same weight. For example, material 71 may include three substrates 72, 73, 74, and each of substrates 72, 73, 74 may have a weight of about 15 gsm.

[0222] In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of substrates 72, 73, 74 may have a different weight than at least another of the plurality of substrates 72, 73, 74. For example, material 71 may include three substrates 72, 73, 74. Two of these substrates 72, 74 may have a weight of about 20 gsm, and the other substrate 73 may have a weight of about 10 gsm.

[0223] In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of substrates 73 has a different weight than the other substrates of the plurality of substrates 72, 74, with the lighter substrate positioned between the heavier substrates 72, 74. This arrangement results in material 71 with better operability by manufacturing equipment (not shown) when the device only contacts the structurally stronger, heavier substrate.

[0224] In some embodiments, one or more, but less than all, of a plurality of sheets of material may contain an aerosol-modifying additive. The aerosol-modifying additive may be, for example, an aerosol-forming material or an active substance, or both. That is, in some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of substrates may include an aerosol-modifying additive. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of substrates may not contain an aerosol-modifying additive.

[0225] In some embodiments, at least one or more portions of the sheet material may be treated with aerosol modifiers (such as flavoring agents), adsorbents (such as charcoal pellets), aerosol forming agents as defined herein, and / or active substances as defined herein (such as nicotine). Advantageously, treating one or more, but less than all, of these portions can enable the aerosol modifier to be positioned at a specific location within the material body, or help limit its migration within the material body. That is, in some embodiments.

[0226] See now Figure 8 The diagram shows a component 75 for the aerosol supply article 3, such as... Figure 3 As shown. Component 2 is formed of the previously described material 71. Component 2 includes a plurality of substrates 72, 73, 74 aggregated into a generally prismatic shape. This shape may be generally cylindrical. At least one of the plurality of substrates 72, 73, 74 is formed of regenerated cellulose or paper.

[0227] The filtration efficiency of component 75 can be improved by forming component 75 from multiple substrates 72, 73, 74 made of regenerated cellulose or paper. That is, by using multiple substrates 72, 73, 74 with a lower weight (gsm), material 71 can be aggregated in a more uniform manner. This is due to the lower strength of individual substrates 72, 73, 74, which makes them more flexible. Component 75 may include multiple channels 76 formed by the gaps between the folds of substrates 72, 73, 74. Therefore, component 75 includes less variability in the size of the channels 76, i.e., the gaps between the folds of material 71.

[0228] This reduction in the variability of channel 76 decreases the likelihood that the path through component 75 has significantly lower resistance than other paths. Therefore, aerosols are less likely to flow primarily along the lower-resistance path. This means that the flow through the component is more uniform, and a larger flow volume exists in each channel 76. With more uniform aerosol flow, this means that each channel 76 has a more uniform amount of aerosol flowing through it. Therefore, filtration efficiency is improved because areas of component 75 that typically do not receive large flow rates when using a single, heavier sheet can now filter a larger volume of aerosols.

[0229] A present aspect of the invention also provides a method of forming a component 75. The method includes providing a material 71 comprising a plurality of substrates 72, 73, 74 stacked on top of each other, and assembling the material into a prismatic component 75. At least one of the plurality of substrates 72, 73, 74 is formed of regenerated cellulose or paper.

[0230] See now Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of component 52 is shown. In one aspect of the invention, component 52 is provided for an aerosol supply article. Component 52 can be used in a non-combustible aerosol supply article 3 in a non-combustible aerosol supply device 30. Component 52 includes a material body 54 having an annular cross-section. The annular material body 54 includes a fiber aggregate 5 formed of regenerated cellulose.

[0231] An annular material body 54 may form the outer segment 54 of component 52. The annular material body 54 may extend longitudinally through component 52. Component 52 may further include a longitudinally extending core segment 53. The outer segment 54 may extend longitudinally and around the core segment 53. The outer segment 54 is formed of material 1, which comprises a fiber assembly 5 formed of regenerated cellulose.

[0232] Figure 9 The component 52 of the present aspect of the invention shown is similar to Figures 1 to 7The component shown is part 2 of the previously described aspect, and therefore its detailed description will be omitted here. Furthermore, similar features and components will retain their terminology and reference numerals. It should also be understood that features and components of part 2 previously described can be incorporated into part 52 of this aspect, and vice versa.

[0233] The core segment 53 of component 52 may extend longitudinally along the length of the longitudinal axis X of component 52. In this embodiment, the core segment 53 may extend the length of component 52. The outer segment 54 may extend longitudinally along the length of the longitudinal axis X of component 52. In this embodiment, the outer segment 54 may extend the length of component 52. In some embodiments, component 2 may have a length in the range of about 4 mm to about 12 mm. In some embodiments, component 2 may have a length in the range of about 6 mm to about 8 mm.

[0234] The outer segment 54 may include a first end surface 56 and an opposing second end surface 57. In this embodiment, the first end surface 56 may extend in the same plane as the proximal end of the component 52, and the second end surface 57 may extend in the same plane as the distal end of the component 52. In this embodiment, the first and second end surfaces 56 and 57 may be congruent.

[0235] The outer segment 54 may surround the core segment 53. Therefore, the core segment 53 may be located radially inside the outer segment 54. The outer segment 54 is formed of material 1 comprising the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5. That is, as previously described, material 1 may be processed to form the outer segment 54 of the component 52. The material 1 forming the outer segment 54 of the component 52 may be a nonwoven sheet of material 1 with or without longitudinal cuts and may have any of the characteristics of the previously discussed embodiments.

[0236] In some embodiments, the core segment 53 may include a first material 61. The first material 61 may be formed from, for example, but not limited to, paper or regenerated cellulose materials, such as lyocell fiber, viscose fiber, rayon, viscose rayon, cupro fiber, and modal fiber. The core segment 53 may take the form of a hollow tubular element 62. That is, the material forming the core segment 53 may be formed as a hollow tubular element, such as a tube 62. The hollow tubular element 62 may include a cavity 64. The cavity 64 may be centrally located within the core segment 53.

[0237] In some embodiments, the hollow tubular element 62 may have a wall thickness ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm. In some embodiments, the hollow tubular element 62 may have a wall thickness ranging from about 1 mm to about 2.5 mm. In some embodiments, the hollow tubular element 62 may have a wall thickness ranging from about 1.2 mm to about 1.82 mm. In some embodiments, the hollow tubular element 62 may have a wall thickness ranging from about 1 mm to about 1.5 mm. In some embodiments, the cavity 64 may have a diameter ranging from about 2.5 mm to about 5 mm. In some embodiments, the cavity 64 may have a diameter ranging from about 3 mm to about 4.5 mm.

[0238] In this embodiment, the core section 53 and the outer section 54 of the component 52 can be formed coaxially. That is, the longitudinal axis extending through the center of the core section 53 of the component 52 can coincide with the longitudinal axis extending through the center of the outer section 54 of the component 52.

[0239] In some embodiments, the outer segment 54 may have an annular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. Therefore, the first and second end surfaces 56, 57 may have an annular cross-section. The hollow tube 62 may also have an annular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. The cavity 64 may have a generally circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. However, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the cross-sectional shapes of the outer segment 54, the hollow tubular element 62, and the cavity 64 may not be annular or circular.

[0240] In some embodiments, the core segment 53 may be formed solely of the cavity 64. That is, the core segment 53 may be formed of the cavity 64 defined by the inner surface of the annular outer segment 54, and the hollow tubular element 62 may be omitted. More specifically, the core segment 53 may not be formed of the first material, but may instead be formed of a material not present in the outer segment 54.

[0241] In some embodiments, the annular material body 54 may also be surrounded by a filter element wrapper. The filter element wrapper may have a weight greater than 50 gsm or greater than 60 gsm.

[0242] In some embodiments, component 52 may have a hardness in the range of about 85% to about 97%. In some embodiments, component 52 may have a hardness in the range of about 88% to about 96%.

[0243] In some embodiments, the inner circumferential surface of component 52 may include at least a partially amorphous solid material layer, as described previously herein. Partial or complete layers may be applied to the inner circumferential surface of the outer segment 54. Thus, an amorphous solid material may form the core segment. Alternatively, an amorphous solid material may be coated on the inner circumferential surface of the core segment 53.

[0244] It should be understood that the aforementioned component 52 can be used in various ways in articles according to the present invention, such as Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown in the diagram. For example, component 52 can be used as the nozzle section of a filter element in a product, such as... Figure 10 As shown, or the upstream filtration section in the filter element, such as Figure 11 As shown, or used as a downstream aerosol generation component, such as Figure 12 As shown.

[0245] In some embodiments, the annular material body 54 forming component 52 may comprise a fiber assembly 5 formed of regenerated cellulose and an adhesive, as previously described herein. The annular material body of the regenerated cellulose fibers and adhesive may have a density of approximately 0.7 g / cm³. 3 To approximately 0.9 g / cm 3 Within the range, preferably about 0.8 g / cm³ 3 The bulk density. The stiffness of the annular material body 54 of regenerated cellulose fibers and adhesive can be in the range of about 75% to about 98% for unwrapped materials, and in the range of about 85% to about 99% for wrapped materials. The wrapping material surrounding the annular material body 54 can have a weight greater than about 60 gsm.

[0246] Furthermore, it should be understood that, as previously disclosed, the annular material body 54 can be formed from multiple substrates stacked on top of each other, as per [the previous disclosure]. Figure 7 As described. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of substrates may be formed from an aggregate of regenerated cellulose fibers. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of substrates may be formed from paper.

[0247] See Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply article 10' is shown. The aerosol supply article 10' includes a rod 12 of aerosol generating material 13 and a filter element 22. The filter element includes a first segment formed by a first component 2 and a second segment formed by a second component 52. The first component 2 is located upstream of the second component 52. Therefore, the second component 52 forms the nozzle end of the aerosol supply article 10', and the first component 2 is adjacent to the rod 12 of the aerosol generating material 13. The first component 2 may be as described above. Figures 1 to 8Component 2 as described in any of the above. Alternatively, the first segment can be formed from a known filter segment. Component 52 can be as described regarding Figure 9 The component described.

[0248] See Figure 11 The image shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply article 10''. The aerosol supply article 10'' includes a rod 12 of aerosol generating material 13 and a filter element 22. The filter element includes a first segment formed by a first component 52 and a second segment formed by a second component 2. The first component 52 is located upstream of the second component 2. Therefore, the second component 2 forms the nozzle end of the aerosol supply article 10'', and the first component 52 is adjacent to the rod 12 of the aerosol generating material 13. The first component 52 may be as described above. Figure 9 The described component. In this configuration, component 52 may be referred to as a cooling section or segment. The second component 2 may be as described above. Figures 1 to 8 Component 2 as described in any of the above. Alternatively, the second segment may be formed from a known filter segment.

[0249] See Figure 12 The image shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply article 10'''. The aerosol supply article 10''' includes a rod 12 of aerosol generating material 13 and a filter element 22. The filter element 22 includes components as shown in the image. Figures 1 to 8 The segment formed by component 2 as described in any of the above. Alternatively, the filter element can be formed from a known filter segment. See reference... Figure 9 As described, the rod 12 of the aerosol generating material 13 is formed by component 52. Therefore, component 52 forms the upstream end of the aerosol supply article 10'''. Component 52 may include an aerosol forming agent material for generating aerosols when heated during use. The cavity 56 of component 52 may be configured to receive a heating element from an aerosol supply device (not shown).

[0250] See now Figure 13 The diagram shows a perspective view of an aerosol supply article 83 including components 91 and 92 formed of material 1. In one aspect of the invention, components 91 and 92 for the aerosol supply article 83 are provided, the components comprising a body of material 1, the body of which comprises a fiber aggregate 5 containing regenerated cellulose. The body of material 1 further includes an adsorbent material 84. The adsorbent material 84 may include at least one of carbon, silica, and CR20.

[0251] Figure 13 The components 91, 92 of the present aspect of the invention shown are similar to Figures 1 to 9The components shown are the same as those of the previously described aspects, 2 and 52, and therefore their detailed description will be omitted here. Furthermore, similar features and components will retain their terminology and reference numerals. It will also be understood that features and components of the previously described 2 and 52 may be incorporated into components 91 and 92 of this aspect, and vice versa.

[0252] Figure 13 The aerosol supply article 83 shown may be of conventional, large size, i.e., having a length ranging from about 75 mm to about 91 mm and a circumference ranging from about 23 mm to about 25 mm. The aerosol supply article 83 may include a rod 85 of aerosol generating material 86 surrounded by a wrapping material 87, the rod 85 being longitudinally connected to a filter 88 via a splicing material 89.

[0253] The filter 88 may include a first section 91 and a second section 92. The first section 91 may be the same as components 2, 52 previously described herein. The first section 91 may be located at the nozzle end of the filter 88 and may be enclosed in a first filter element cover 93.

[0254] The second section 92 may be substantially the same as components 2, 52 described earlier herein. The second section 92 may be located at the aerosol-generating material end of the filter 88. The second section 92 may contain an adsorbent material in the form of a regenerated cellulose fiber aggregate 5, as previously described herein, having an adsorbent material 84 dispersed therein. The second section 92 may be encapsulated within a second filter element envelope 94.

[0255] The adsorbent material 84 may include activated carbon particles. The activated carbon particles may be, for example, but not limited to, coconut carbon provided in a 30 / 70 mesh size. However, other carbon and / or sizes may be used. For example, particle diameters may be in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm, or about 0.2 mm to about 0.9 mm, or about 0.2 mm to about 0.8 mm, or about 0.2 mm to about 0.7 mm, or about 0.2 mm to about 0.6 mm, or about 0.3 mm to about 0.9 mm, or about 0.3 mm to about 0.8 mm, or about 0.3 mm to about 0.7 mm, or about 0.3 mm to about 0.6 mm.

[0256] The second section 92 may have approximately 12 mg of adsorbent material 84 per millimeter length. The second section 92 may also have approximately 4 mg of adsorbent material per millimeter length, i.e., the fibers of the regenerated cellulose 5. However, in alternative examples, the amount of adsorbent material 84 may be any range from an average of 6 mg to 16 mg / mm length, or from 7 mg to 16 mg, 8 mg to 16 mg, 9 mg to 16 mg, 10 mg to 16 mg, 11 mg to 16 mg, 12 mg to 16 mg, or 13 mg to 16 mg / mm length. The amount of adsorbent material (i.e., the fibers of the regenerated cellulose 5) may be approximately 1.5 mg to approximately 8 mg per millimeter length, or 1.5 mg to 7 mg, 1.5 mg to 6 mg, 1.5 mg to 5 mg, or 1.5 mg to 4 mg. Each of the ranges given above may be used for a standard specification filter 88, i.e., having a circumference of approximately 23 mm to 25 mm.

[0257] These parameters have been found to enable filter 88 to exhibit the desired pressure drop and hardness levels for consumer-acceptable aerosol supply products 83, while increasing the level of adsorbent material 84 or other particulate additives in filter 88 compared to known filters.

[0258] The increase in pressure drop and / or hardness percentage caused by the increase in the adsorbed dose per mm in component 92 of filter 88 can be offset by a decrease in the amount of adsorbent (i.e., the fiber of regenerated cellulose 5) per mm. Furthermore, the increase in pressure drop and / or hardness percentage caused by the increase in the adsorbed dose per mm in component 92 of filter 88 can be offset by a decrease in the amount of adsorbent material 84 per mm. In particular, the inventors have discovered that for standard aerosol supply articles 83, at mg / mm length, C... w The amount of adsorbent material 84 and the supply of aerosol products 83 to standard specifications, in mg and T per mm length. w The amount of absorbent material (i.e., the fibers of regenerated cellulose 5) can be determined according to the following range: 10≤(C w +T w )≤20, These values ​​enable component 92 of filter 88 to exhibit appropriate filter pressure drop and hardness levels, as discussed earlier here.

[0259] If the amount of adsorbent material 84, measured in mg / mm length, and the amount of adsorbent material for aerosol supply product 83 of standard perimeter fall within the following range: 11≤(C w +T w )≤18, Or more specifically, within the following scope: 12≤(C w +T w )≤17, For aerosol-supply products with standard circumference, the advantages can also be achieved in other ranges using adsorbent and absorbent weight (in mg / mm length), including 10 ≤ (C w +T w )≤19、10≤(C w +T w )≤18、10≤(C w +T w )≤17、11≤(C w +T w )≤20、12≤(C w +T w )≤20、13≤(C w +T w )≤20, and 14≤(C w +T w )≤20.

[0260] In addition to the selected adsorbent material 84 falling within the above range and the weight absorbed per mm, the adsorbent material 84 and the weight absorbed C w T w At least one of the levels may be greater than the minimum level. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, the absorbent level may be equal to or greater than about 1.5 mg / mm. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, the level of the adsorbent material 84 may be equal to or greater than 6 mg / mm. For aerosol supply articles 84 of standard perimeter, both minimum levels are about 23 mm to about 25 mm.

[0261] The above scope can also be applied to particulate additives other than adsorbents, such as certain flavorings.

[0262] The second section 92 can be manufactured using filter manufacturing equipment, such as the Turmalin equipment from Hauni Maschinenbau AG in Germany.

[0263] When the adsorbent weight / mm is less than 3.5 mg / mm and / or the adsorbent material 84 weight / mm is less than 9 mg / mm (both for aerosol supply articles 83 of standard circumference), and / or the combined adsorbent material 84 and adsorbent weight / mm is at the lower limit of the above range, for example, 12 mg / mm or lower, the inventors have determined that the reduction in hardness caused by these low weights can be offset by using, for example, a more rigid filter cartridge wrapping and / or a more rigid tipping material surrounding the component. For example, the filter cartridge wrapping and / or tipping material can have a hardness greater than 30 g / m². 2 Greater than 40 g / m 2 Greater than 50 g / m 2 Greater than 60 g / m 2 Greater than 70 g / m 2 or greater than 80 g / m 2 The basis weight. Alternatively, multi-layer filter cartridge wrapping and / or tipping materials can be used.

[0264] Known filters (containing carbon particles dispersed in continuous cellulose acetate tows cut to the desired segment length) typically have a carbon loading limit of 5 mg / mm under standard specifications to keep the pressure drop at the level desired by the consumer. Higher loading can lead to excessive pressure drop. If a higher loading is desired, a cavity triple filter is usually required, which has cellulose acetate tow segments at the nozzle end and the aerosol-generating material end, with a carbon-filled cavity between them. Such cavity filters result in the removal of a certain amount of cellulose acetate for a given fiber length, and therefore this can negatively impact, for example, certain aspects of filtration and phenol sensitivity. Therefore, there is a clear advantage: the ability to increase the loading of additives without causing excessive pressure drop and without removing regenerated cellulose fibers from the filter material.

[0265] The inventors have recognized that by using randomly oriented discrete short-length regenerated cellulose fibers to form a component 82 (such as a filter section 92) manufactured using a filter manufacturing device (such as Turmalin), and by selecting the amount of adsorbent material 84 to be in the range of about 6 mg to about 16 mg per mm on average, and the amount of absorbent (i.e., the fibers of regenerated cellulose) to be about 1.5 mg to about 8 mg / mm on average (or within other ranges and limitations previously outlined), an improved filter component 92 can be provided for a standard circumference aerosol supply article 83, while maintaining acceptable pressure drop and filter stiffness parameters.

[0266] Reference Figure 14This is a schematic diagram of a component manufacturing apparatus 100 (such as a Turmalin apparatus) used to manufacture filters. The components formed in the component manufacturing apparatus 100 can be used as filter sections. (See reference...) Figure 14 The source 101 of the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 is supplied to a filter manufacturing apparatus comprising multiple modules 102-106. The feed module 102 receives the supply of regenerated cellulose fibers 5, which, in embodiments where a tow of regenerated cellulose fibers is supplied to apparatus 100, are fed from this supply into a cutting and randomization device 23. The cutting and randomization device 23 can cut the regenerated cellulose fibers 5 into short fiber lengths as previously described. In embodiments where material 1 comprising a hydroentangled or wet-laid regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 is supplied to apparatus 100, the cutting and randomization device 23 may be omitted. The filter sliver forming machine 104 includes a vacuum belt on which the regenerated cellulose fibers 5 are disposed. This is fed into a rod forming machine 105 for forming the strip of regenerated cellulose fibers 5 into rods, which are then covered with a filter cartridge wrapper. Finally, a component cutter 106 cuts the rods into components of the desired length.

[0267] The filter tip forming machine 104 may include a combing unit and multiple hoppers. The combing unit distributes material 1 onto a vacuum belt, and the multiple hoppers are used to apply additives, such as granules or additional fibers. A refill system may also be present, which, if desired, can be used to feed a third additive into the belt of regenerated cellulose fibers 5. Alternatively, the refill system can be used to return any loosely cut filter material to the feed module 102 to reduce waste. The filter tip forming machine 104 may include a metering roller that is adjustable to allow control of the additive loading and ensure the uniformity of the regenerated cellulose fiber belt. The filter tip forming machine 24 may also include a jet inserter for allowing liquids, such as flavoring agents, to be injected directly into component 82.

[0268] In use, the Turmalin device 100 operates as follows: the feed module 102 supplies the regenerated cellulose fiber bundle 5 to the cutting and randomization device 103. When using material 1 as described above, the cutting and randomization device 103 can be omitted. The regenerated cellulose fibers 5 are transferred to the carding unit of the filter sliver forming machine 104, from which they are drawn onto a vacuum belt. Additives are fed into the airflow carrying the regenerated cellulose fibers 5, and the sliver forming machine 25 forms the belt into a continuous section 92, which is bound by the filter cartridge wrapping. The segment cutter 106 cuts the continuous section containing the regenerated cellulose fibers 5 into segments of the desired length.

[0269] The significant advantages of the Turmalin device 100 include: the ability to contain higher loadings of additives, such as carbon; retention of the activity of the carbon additives due to the absence of plasticizers such as triacetin, and no carbon poisoning; and a longer product life. Further advantages and improvements are brought about by the filter design and manufacturing developments created by the inventors, as described below.

[0270] Although the additives in the previously described embodiments have been described as being able to be particles of adsorbent material 84, particularly activated carbon, other adsorbent materials 84, or other additives. For example, the adsorbent can be an ion exchange resin, such as CR20, or other materials such as zeolite, silica gel, meerschaum, alumina (activated or unactivated), carbonaceous resin, magnesium silicate, including meerschaum (Mg4Si6O). 13 (OH)2 (6H2O) or a combination thereof with or without activated charcoal. Additionally, other additives that alter the smoke drawn through component 84 may be used, such as flavoring agents, for example menthol crystals, or humectant particles.

[0271] Filters comprising randomly oriented discrete cellulose acetate fibers are previously known to be manufactured. However, similar to conventional cellulose acetate tow filters, manufacturing techniques may require the use of plasticizers, such as triacetin, to bind the randomly oriented fibers into a robust structure. However, the advantage of the Turmalin device is that it does not require the use of plasticizers. In embodiments where regenerated cellulose fiber tows are fed into the device, the Turmalin device 100 induces mechanical bonding within the cut fibers, making the need for plasticizers unnecessary. This eliminates any undesirable effects caused by the use of products such as triacetin.

[0272] In addition to the advantages mentioned above, the inventors have recognized that the Turmalin device or similar device enables various component designs that provide additional improvements and advantages.

[0273] See now Figure 15 A schematic diagram of an aerosol supply article 111 is shown. The aerosol supply article 111 shown is similar to... Figure 13 The aerosol supply article 111 shown herein and previously described. The first section 91 may be as previously referred to. Figures 2 to 13 The section 2 described in the text contains regenerated cellulose fibers 5.

[0274] The second section 92 may include a first adsorbent material 113 and a second adsorbent material 114 encapsulated within a second filter element envelope 94. The second adsorbent material 114 may be dispersed within the first adsorbent material 113. The first adsorbent material 113 may include an aggregate 5 of regenerated cellulose fibers having a monofilament denier in the range of about 1 to about 10. The second adsorbent material 114 may include an aggregate 5 of regenerated cellulose fibers having a monofilament denier in the range of about 20 to about 30.

[0275] The second section 92 can be manufactured using the Turmalin apparatus 100. The second section 92 can be manufactured by supplying a first absorbent material 113 to the feeder 102 and by adding a second absorbent material 114 via one of the additive hoppers in the filter sliver forming machine 104. Alternatively, the first and second absorbent materials 113, 114 can each be supplied to the feeder 102 of the apparatus 100.

[0276] Although the second absorbent material 114 has previously been described as a regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5, alternative materials may also be used. For example, the fibers of the second absorbent material 114 may include polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(1-4-butylene glycol succinate) (PBS), poly(decyl adipate-co-butylene terephthalate) (PBAT), starch-based materials, paper, aliphatic polyester materials, and polysaccharide polymers, or combinations thereof.

[0277] Further advantages can be achieved by using nanofiber materials as the basis for catalysts to enhance filtration performance. Nanofibers possess a sufficiently high surface area to volume ratio to exhibit catalytic activity potential. These nanofibers can be added, for example, when additives are loaded through one or more hoppers in a filter sliver forming machine 104. Figure 14 In the filter of the device, nanofibers are metered and supplied to the airflow inside the filter forming machine 104.

[0278] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of an aerosol supply article 111 is shown, the aerosol supply article having a component 92 including nanofibers 115 carrying additives, the additives being used to enhance or enable the reduction of at least one component of the mainstream aerosol drawn through the aerosol supply article 111 during use. Figure 16 The aerosol supply product 111 shown in the figure and Figure 13 The aerosol supply article 111 shown is substantially the same, and therefore its detailed description will be omitted here. Furthermore, similar features and components will retain the same terminology and reference numerals.

[0279] Nanofibers 115 may comprise carbon nanotubes 115a supporting zinc oxide (ZnO) particles, which act as catalysts 115b, for example, enhancing the reduction of HCN in aerosols. In alternative embodiments, other nanofiber materials and / or other catalytic agents, such as gold (Au), may be used alone or in combination (including in combination with carbon and / or ZnO) for the reduction of carbon monoxide (CO) from aerosols. Nanofibers 115a may be added as an additive to the fiber assembly 5 of regenerated cellulose using the previously described device 100.

[0280] The nanofibers 115 can have any suitable length for inclusion in the component 92, such as between 1 mm and 15 mm, or from 5 mm to 12 mm. The diameter of the nanofibers 115 used can be from 25 nm to 900 nm, or from 50 nm to 500 nm, or from 100 nm to 300 nm.

[0281] See now Figure 17 The diagram shows an aerosol supply article 111 comprising an aggregate of regenerated cellulose fibers 5 having lines 116 extending through it. Figure 17 The aerosol supply product 111 shown in the figure and Figure 13 The aerosol supply article 111 shown is substantially the same, and therefore its detailed description will be omitted here. Furthermore, similar features and components will retain the same terminology and reference numerals.

[0282] The thread 116 can be used as a carrier to add flavoring agent to component 82. A thread insertion device (not shown) can be installed in the central portion of the filter vacuum belt, wherein the thread insertion needle carries the thread into the axial region of component 82 as component 82 is formed. The embodiments described herein involving the insertion of thread 116 into component 82 are particularly advantageous in fine and ultra-fine sizes (i.e., below 22 mm). Thread 11 can extend axially through the second segment 92.

[0283] See now Figure 18 A schematic diagram of an aerosol supply article 111 comprising an aggregate of regenerated cellulose fibers 5 having an aerosol modifier release component 117 in capsule form disposed therein is shown. Figure 18 The aerosol supply product 111 shown in the figure and Figure 13 The aerosol supply article 111 shown is substantially the same, and therefore its detailed description will be omitted here. Furthermore, similar features and components will retain the same terminology and reference numerals.

[0284] The inventors also recognize that the Turmalin device 100, etc., can be arranged to allow capsules 117 to be contained within the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 while ensuring uniform distribution of capsule contents (such as flavoring agents). In some embodiments, capsules 117 may be microcapsules or other encapsulation materials.

[0285] In a manner similar to that described regarding carbon loading, it is possible to add such materials at higher levels to deliver more flavor. Capsules (whether larger capsules, such as those with a diameter between 3 mm and 8 mm, microcapsules, or other encapsulating materials) can be pushed into the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 in device 100 (such as a Turmalin device) by guiding capsules 117 through a tube into the regenerated cellulose fibers 5 at the downstream end of the filter sliver forming machine 104. Capsules 117 can be blown into the regenerated cellulose fibers 5, for example, using high-pressure gas at a frequency corresponding to the speed of the filter sliver forming machine 104, such that capsules 117 are positioned at appropriate intervals in the resulting portions 82, 92, and the portions 82, 92 cut from the continuous bar contain the desired number of capsules 117. Alternatively, one of the previously described additive hoppers can be used to meter microcapsules onto the filter sliver in a manner similar to that used for additives.

[0286] An aerosol modifier release component for an encapsulated flavoring agent in capsule form 117 may be arranged within the second section 92. (See brief description) Figure 19 A schematic diagram of an aerosol supply article 83 comprising a regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 is shown, wherein the regenerated cellulose fibers have an aerosol modifier release component 117 in the form of microcapsules disposed therein. The aerosol modifier release component having an encapsulated flavoring agent, in this embodiment in the form of microcapsules 118, may be arranged within the second section 92.

[0287] Reference Figure 20 The diagram shows an aerosol supply article 83 comprising an aggregate of regenerated cellulose fibers 5 having fragments 119 disposed therein. Figure 20 The aerosol supply product 83 shown in the figure Figure 13 The aerosol supply article 83 shown is substantially the same, and therefore its detailed description will be omitted here. Furthermore, similar features and components will retain the same terminology and reference numerals.

[0288] In addition to encapsulated flavoring agents, other forms of flavor additives can be added to the filter containing the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5. For example, flavor additives can be added in botanical form, such as peppermint or tobacco leaves or other plant leaves, plant seeds, or plant peels, as previously described herein and outlined in more detail below. Such additives can be added to the additive hopper in the sliver forming machine of the apparatus 100 and thus metered into the regenerated cellulose fiber airflow during the formation of the filter strip or the forming of the component. In some embodiments, because plasticizers are not used, the release of flavor from the botanical additives can be enhanced.

[0289] In some embodiments, the shredded material 119 may be contained within a material formed from a fibrous aggregate 5 comprising regenerated cellulose. Such shredded material may include shredded material formed from plants such as peppermint or menthol, tobacco, or reconstituted tobacco. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the provided list is not limiting and that any suitable shredded material may be used. The advantage of using such materials in shredded form is that they can improve the dispersibility of the material within components 82, 92 and also improve the biodegradability of components 82, 92. Furthermore, the use of novel materials can be used to improve the performance of components 82, 92 and / or alter the characteristics of the aerosol inhaled through components 82, 92.

[0290] The scrap 119 may include materials formed from fibers of the following: polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(1-4-butanediol succinate) (PBS), poly(decyl adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), starch-based materials, paper, aliphatic polyester materials, and polysaccharide polymers, or combinations thereof.

[0291] The inventors have also recognized the potential of combining biodegradable or alternative fibers (such as PVOH fibers) with regenerated cellulose fibers. PVOH is not typically used in conventional filter manufacturing because it cannot usually be crimped. However, incorporating PVOH or other non-crepe fibers with regenerated cellulose fibers means that this problem can be overcome. Using such materials can result in components with improved biodegradability and water solubility.

[0292] In some embodiments, to add PVOH or other non-crimped fibers to a component, or PLA or other crimped fibers to a component, the feed module 102 of the device 100 can be configured to feed two strands of raw material rope into the cutting and randomization device 23. Thus, the number of processing steps is reduced by straightening the material as a tow instead of first converting it into sheet material.

[0293] Furthermore, omitting the step of transforming the material into a tow material can further reduce the number of processing steps. In such embodiments, feeding, cutting, or randomizing these fibers is not required. Instead, the raw material fiber form can be directly mixed with the regenerated cellulose fiber assembly 5 and directly inserted into the device 100.

[0294] In other embodiments, one of the above-mentioned additive hoppers can be used to meter non-crimped fibers of other crimped fibers into the regenerated cellulose fibers 5 in the filter tip forming machine 104.

[0295] In one aspect of the invention, a material 121 is provided for the component 2 of the aerosol supply article 3, such as... Figure 21 As shown. Material 121 includes a first fiber assembly 122 and a second fiber assembly 123. The first fiber assembly 122 is formed of a first material. The second fiber assembly 123 is formed of a second material. The first material is different from the second material.

[0296] In some embodiments, the first fiber assembly 122 may be formed of regenerated cellulose. The regenerated cellulose fiber 122 may be the same as the regenerated cellulose fiber previously described in this application.

[0297] In some embodiments, the second fiber assembly 123 may be formed of regenerated cellulose. The regenerated cellulose fiber 122 may be the same as the regenerated cellulose fiber previously described in this application. However, the first fiber assembly 122 may be formed of, for example, viscose fiber, rayon, viscose rayon, and lyocell fiber, while the second fiber assembly 123 may be formed of, for example, a different one of viscose fiber, rayon, viscose rayon, and lyocell fiber.

[0298] In some embodiments, the second fiber assembly 123 may be formed of a non-regenerated cellulose material. For example, the second fiber assembly 123 may be formed of at least one of cellulose acetate, polylactic acid, and paper.

[0299] Material 121 may further include any aerosol forming agent material, binder, plasticizer, additive, active substance or component as previously described with respect to material 1 and component 2 of the previously described embodiments.

[0300] In addition, it provides such as Figure 2 The following are included Figure 21 The component of material 121 shown. This component may be rod-shaped. Furthermore, this component may include any of the configurations described above with respect to the components of the previously described embodiments.

[0301] For example, in some embodiments, the component 2 formed of material 121 may include an aerosol modifier release component 40 surrounded by material 121, as per [reference to...]. Figure 6 As described.

[0302] In some embodiments, the component 2 formed of material 121 may be formed from multiple thin sheets of material 121 stacked on top of each other and formed as components, as per [reference to...]. Figure 7 and 8 As described.

[0303] In some embodiments, the component 2 formed of material 121 may include a longitudinally extending core segment 53 and an outer segment 54 extending longitudinally around the core segment 53, wherein the outer segment 54 is formed of material 121, as per [reference to...]. Figure 9 As described.

[0304] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to include systems for delivering at least one substance to a user, and includes: Combustible aerosol supply systems, such as cigarettes, cigarettes, and tobacco for pipes, hand-rolled or homemade tobacco (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other flammable smoking materials); and Non-combustible aerosol supply systems release compounds from aerosol-generating materials without burning the aerosol-generating materials, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and mixing systems, to generate aerosols using a combination of aerosol-generating materials.

[0305] According to this disclosure, a "flammable" aerosol supply system is a system in which the aerosol-generating material, which is a component of the aerosol supply system (or its components), is burned or ignited during use in order to deliver at least one substance to a user.

[0306] In some implementations, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol supply system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of cigarettes, cigarettes, and cigars.

[0307] In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to a component for a combustible aerosol supply system, such as a filter tip, filter rod, filter tip section, tobacco stick, tobacco strip, aerosol modifier release component (such as a capsule, thread or bead), or paper (such as filter wrap, tipping paper or cigarette paper).

[0308] According to this disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol supply system is a system in which the aerosol-generating material of the aerosol supply system (or its components) is not burned or scorched in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0309] In some implementations, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0310] In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END). It should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not necessary.

[0311] In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a thermally non-combustible system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0312] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a mixing system that uses a combination of aerosol-generating materials to generate aerosols, one or more of which can be heated. Each of these aerosol-generating materials may be in, for example, solid, liquid, or gel form, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the mixing system includes liquid or gel aerosol-generating materials and solid aerosol-generating materials. Solid aerosol-generating materials may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0313] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may include a non-combustible aerosol supply device and consumables used with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0314] In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to consumables that include aerosol-generating materials and are configured for use with non-combustible aerosol supply devices. Throughout this disclosure, these consumables are sometimes referred to as articles.

[0315] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as its non-combustible aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. For example, the power source may be a power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to the aerosol-generating material or a heat transfer material adjacent to the exothermic power source.

[0316] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a nozzle, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0317] In some embodiments, consumables used with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, aerosol generating material storage area, aerosol generating material delivery component, aerosol generator, aerosol generating area, housing, packaging, filter, nozzle and / or aerosol modifier.

[0318] In some implementations, the substance to be delivered includes an active substance.

[0319] As used herein, an active substance can be a physiologically active substance, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. Active substances can be, for example, selected from nutritional supplements, cognitive enhancers, and psychoactive substances. Active substances can be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. Active substances may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theophylline, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may also include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco or another plant.

[0320] In one implementation, the active substance is a legally permissible recreational drug.

[0321] In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0322] As indicated herein, the active substance may include or be derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts. As used herein, the term "plant-based" includes any material derived from plants, including but not limited to extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, shells, pericarps, etc. Alternatively, the material may include naturally occurring or synthetically obtained active compounds found in plants. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, fragments, strips, flakes, etc. Examples of plant-based ingredients include: tobacco, eucalyptus leaves, star anise, hemp, cocoa, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, licorice (licorice root), matcha, yerba mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, teas (such as green or black tea), thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, anise, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, red pepper, rosemary, etc. Saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, holly, perilla, turmeric, sandalwood, coriander leaf, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, allspice, nutmeg, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, caraway, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry leaf, ginseng, theanine, theophylline, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination of the above ingredients. The mint can be selected from the following mint varieties: field mint (Mentha Arventis), garden mint (Mentha cv), Nile mint (Mentha niliaca), peppermint (Mentha piperita), lemon peppermint (Mentha piperita citrata cv), peppermint variety (Mentha piperita cv), wrinkled spearmint (Mentha spicata crispa), heart-leaf mint (Mentha cardifolia), long-leaf mint (Mentha longifolia), variegated mint (Mentha suaveolens variegata), European mint (Mentha pulegium), spearmint variety (Mentha spicata cv), and saffron (Mentha suaveolens).

[0323] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives or extracts, and the plant is tobacco.

[0324] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives or extracts, and the plant is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.

[0325] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives or extracts, and the plant is selected from leucocephala and fennel.

[0326] In some implementations, the substance to be delivered includes a flavoring agent.

[0327] As used herein, the terms "flavor" and "flavoring agent" refer to materials that, where permitted by local regulations, can be used in products intended to produce a desired taste, aroma, or other bodily sensation in adult consumers. These may include naturally occurring flavor substances, plant-based ingredients, plant extracts, synthetic substances, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple syrup, matcha, menthol, Japanese peppermint, anise, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, holly, cherry, berries, red berries, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, Clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruits, etc.). Papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Turin Label, bourbon whiskey, Scotch whiskey, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, quinoa, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, nasawa, areca nut, hookah, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cinnamon, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, mouse Peppermint, fennel, wasabi, allspice, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, peppermint oil extracted from any species of the peppermint genus, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, teas (such as green or black tea), thyme, juniper berries, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, red pepper, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, perilla, turmeric, coriander leaf, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, allspice, nutmeg skin, and more. Mian, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, caraway, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor blockers, sensory receptor activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclohexanesulfonate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanical ingredients, or breath fresheners. They can be imitations, synthetic or natural ingredients, or blends thereof. They can be in any suitable form, such as liquids like oils, solids like powders, or gases.

[0328] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes flavor components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits, and / or cranberry. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes flavor components extracted from tobacco.

[0329] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent may include a sensory agent designed to induce somatic sensations, which are typically chemically induced and perceived by stimulating the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) to complement or substitute for olfactory or gustatory nerves, and these sensory agents may include substances that provide heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effects. Suitable heat-effecting agents may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ether, while suitable coolants may be, but are not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0330] Aerosol-generating materials are materials capable of generating aerosols, for example, when heated, radiated, or otherwise energized. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of solids, liquids, or semi-solids (e.g., gels), and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0331] Aerosol-generating materials may contain one or more active substances and / or flavoring agents, one or more aerosol-forming agent materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0332] The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder (e.g., a gelling agent) and an aerosol-forming agent material. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and / or a filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant material. Specifically, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0333] Aerosol-generating materials may include or be in the form of aerosol-generating membranes. Aerosol-generating membranes may contain binders (e.g., gelling agents) and aerosol-forming agent materials. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and / or a filler may also be present. Aerosol-generating membranes may be substantially free of plant material. Specifically, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0334] The aerosol-generating membrane can have a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1 mm. For example, the thickness can be in the range of about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm.

[0335] Aerosol-generating membranes can be continuous. For example, the membrane may comprise or be a continuous sheet of material. The sheet may be in the form of an envelope, which can be aggregated to form an aggregated sheet, or it may be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The shredded sheet may comprise one or more strands or strips of aerosol-generating material.

[0336] Aerosol-generating membranes can be discontinuous. For example, an aerosol-generating membrane may include one or more discrete portions or regions of aerosol-generating material, such as dots, strips, or lines, that can be supported on a support. In such embodiments, the support may be planar or non-planar.

[0337] Aerosol-generating membranes can be formed by the following steps: combining an adhesive (such as a gelling agent) with a solvent (such as water), an aerosol forming agent material, and one or more other components (such as one or more substances to be delivered) to form a slurry, and then heating the slurry to evaporate at least some of the solvent to form an aerosol-generating membrane.

[0338] The slurry can be heated to remove at least about 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt%, or 90 wt% of the solvent.

[0339] Aerosol generating materials may include or be “amorphous solids.” In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material includes an amorphous solid aerosol generating membrane. The amorphous solid may be a “monolithic solid.” The amorphous solid may be substantially non-fibrous. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid (e.g., liquid) therein. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may, for example, include from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% amorphous solids to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solids.

[0340] This amorphous solid may be substantially free of plant material. The amorphous solid may be substantially free of tobacco.

[0341] Aerosol forming agent materials may include one or more components capable of forming aerosols. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming agent material may include one or more of the following: glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl octanoate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a mixture of diacetins, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, glyceryl tribocate, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0342] One or more other functional materials may include one or more of pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers and / or antioxidants.

[0343] The material may be present on or within the support to form a substrate. For example, the carrier may be or include paper, cardboard, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, reconstituted material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support includes a receptor. In some embodiments, the receptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the receptor is located on one or both sides of the material.

[0344] Consumables are articles comprising or composed of aerosol-generating materials, some or all of which are intended to be consumed by the user during use. Consumables may include one or more other components, such as aerosol-generating material storage areas, aerosol-generating material delivery components, aerosol-generating areas, housings, packaging, nozzles, filters, and / or aerosol modifiers. Consumables may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which heats the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol during use. The heater may include, for example, a flammable material, a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, or a sensor.

[0345] A sensor is a material that can be heated by penetrating a changing magnetic field (such as an alternating magnetic field). The sensor can be a conductive material, allowing it to be inductively heated by the penetration of a changing magnetic field. The heating material can be a magnetic material, allowing it to be hysteretly heated by the penetration of a changing magnetic field. A conductive material can be both conductive and magnetic, allowing it to be heated by two heating mechanisms. In this paper, the device configured to generate a changing magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator.

[0346] Aerosol modifiers are typically substances located downstream of the aerosol generation region, configured to modify the generated aerosols, for example, by altering their taste, flavor, acidity, or other characteristics. Aerosol modifiers can be provided in aerosol modifier release components operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

[0347] Aerosol modifiers may be, for example, additives or adsorbents. Aerosol modifiers may, for example, contain one or more of flavoring agents, coloring agents, water, and carbon adsorbents. Aerosol modifiers may be, for example, solid, liquid, or gel. Aerosol modifiers may be in powder, filament, or granular form. Aerosol modifiers may not contain filter materials.

[0348] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to generate aerosols from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to expose the aerosol-generating material to thermal energy in order to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate aerosols from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to expose the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0349] It should be understood that the advantages, implementations, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or on the equivalents of the claims, and other examples may be used and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. In addition to those specifically described herein, various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, constitute, or substantially constitute suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, portions, steps, devices, etc., or suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, portions, steps, devices, etc. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but potentially protected in the future.

Claims

1. A component for an aerosol supply article, the component comprising an aerosol generating material, the aerosol generating material comprising: Fiber aggregates formed from regenerated cellulose, and The aerosol forming agent material comprises, by weight, approximately 5% to approximately 60% of the aerosol generating material.

2. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The aerosol forming agent is at least one of glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol.

3. The component according to claim 2, wherein, Glycerin is present in an amount of 10% to 20% by weight of the material.

4. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The aerosol forming agent material comprises an amorphous solid material containing about 1 wt% to about 60 wt% of a gelling agent; about 0.1 wt% to about 50 wt% of an aerosol forming agent; and about 0.1 wt% to about 80 wt% of a flavoring agent; wherein these weights are calculated based on dry weight.

5. The component according to claim 4, wherein, The aerosol forming agent material includes an amorphous solid material comprising approximately 40% menthol, approximately 16% glycerol, approximately 20% binder, and approximately 20% fibrous material.

6. The component according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein, The amorphous solid material has a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1.5 mm.

7. The component according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, The amorphous solid material includes flame-retardant salts.

8. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The regenerated cellulose fiber aggregates are spunlace.

9. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The regenerated cellulose fiber aggregate is wet-laid.

10. The component according to claim 9, further comprising an adhesive.

11. The component according to claim 10, wherein, The adhesive comprises 2 wt% to 10 wt% of the components of the aerosol supply article, and optionally the adhesive comprises pectin.

12. The component according to any one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising a plasticizer.

13. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The fiber aggregate has a density of approximately 0.1 g / cm³. 3 To approximately 0.4 g / cm 3 The packing density within the range.

14. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The fiber assembly has a denier of monofilament in the range of about 1 dpf and about 30 dpf.

15. The material of claim 14, wherein the fiber assembly has a denier of monofilament in the range of about 1 dpf and about 20 dpf.

16. The material of claim 15, wherein the fiber assembly has a denier of monofilament in the range of about 1 dpf to about 10 dpf.

17. The component according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The fiber assembly comprises a first regenerated cellulose fiber assembly and a second regenerated cellulose fiber assembly, wherein the denier of the first regenerated cellulose fiber assembly is greater than that of the second regenerated cellulose fiber assembly. Optionally, the first regenerated cellulose fiber assembly has a denier of a single filament in the range of about 10 dpf to about 30 dpf, and the second regenerated cellulose fiber assembly has a denier of a single filament in the range of about 1 dpf to about 10 dpf.

18. The component according to claim 17, wherein, The regenerated cellulose fiber assembly comprises about 60 wt% to about 90 wt% of the first regenerated cellulose fiber assembly and about 10 wt% to 40 wt% of the second regenerated cellulose fiber assembly.

19. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The fiber assembly is discontinuous and has fiber lengths ranging from about 30 mm to about 60 mm.

20. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The maximum cross-sectional dimension of each monofilament is greater than 10 μm.

21. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The fiber aggregate is crimped.

22. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The material is in the form of a nonwoven sheet, which is aggregated to form a rod-shaped element, optionally wherein the nonwoven sheet is not curled and is not pleated when it is aggregated to form the rod-shaped element.

23. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The material is in the form of multiple nonwoven sheets that are aggregated to form a rod-shaped element, optionally wherein the multiple nonwoven sheets are not curled and are not pleated when they are aggregated to form the rod-shaped element.

24. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The material is in the form of a nonwoven sheet.

25. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The material is in the form of a pleated nonwoven sheet.

26. The component according to claim 24, wherein, The nonwoven sheet is in the form of a non-pleated nonwoven sheet.

27. The component according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein, The nonwoven sheet has a width ranging from about 5 mm to about 200 mm, optionally from about 50 mm to about 200 mm, and optionally from about 50 mm to about 120 mm.

28. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein, The material is in the form of an elongated body with a density of 0.1 to 0.3 g / cm³. 3 Or 0.14 to 0.22 g / cm³ 3 The bulk density.

29. The component according to claim 28, wherein, The elongated material includes the fiber assembly, which extends longitudinally through the elongated body from a first end to a second end.

30. The component according to claim 28 or 29, wherein, The elongated body material includes rod-shaped elements having a circumference between about 16 mm and about 25 mm, or between about 18 mm and about 23 mm.

31. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The regenerated cellulose fiber aggregate includes at least one of viscose fiber, lyocell fiber, rayon, viscose rayon, cupro fiber, and modal fiber.

32. The component according to claim 31, wherein, The regenerated cellulose fiber aggregate is composed of lyocell fibers and is the only fiber contained within the material.

33. The component according to claim 31, wherein, The regenerated cellulose fiber aggregate is composed of viscose fibers and is the only fiber contained in the material.

34. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The material comprises about 5 wt% to about 60 wt% of aerosol forming agent material based on dry weight, or about 15 wt% to about 50 wt% of aerosol forming agent based on dry weight.

35. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The material contains active substances and / or flavoring agents.

36. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The component in question is the filtration section.

37. The component according to any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein, The component is the aerosol generation section.

38. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The rod-shaped element has a hardness of approximately 80% or higher.

39. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The pressure drop exhibited by the component is in the range of approximately 1 mm WG / mm component length to approximately 6.5 mm WG / mm component length.

40. An article of manufacture used as or as part of an aerosol supply system, said article of manufacture comprising a component according to any one of the preceding claims.

41. The article of claim 40, characterized in that, The article further includes an aerosol generating material, the aerosol generating material comprising at least one aerosol forming material.

42. An aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol supply article and a non-combustible aerosol supply device according to claim 40 or claim 41.

43. A method of forming a component for an aerosol supply article used in an aerosol supply system, the method comprising: Provided a fiber assembly comprising regenerated cellulose and an aerosol generating material comprising an aerosol forming agent material, wherein the aerosol forming agent material comprises in the range of about 5% to about 60% by weight of the aerosol generating material.

44. The method of claim 43, further comprising: The fiber assembly is processed to provide a material suitable for use as a component of an aerosol supply article, wherein the material has a content of about 0.1 g / cm³. 3 To approximately 0.4 g / cm 3 The packing density within the range.

45. The method according to claim 44, wherein, Providing a fiber assembly includes providing an assembly of continuous fibers in the form of a bundle, and wherein processing the fiber assembly includes aggregating the fiber assembly to form an elongated body material.

46. ​​The method of claim 44, wherein, Providing a fiber assembly includes providing a fiber assembly in the form of a sheet, and wherein processing the fiber assembly includes aggregating the sheet to form an elongated body material.

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