A component for a delivery system and a method and apparatus for manufacturing a component for a delivery system

Abstract

A component for use in an aerosol provision system includes a tubular element defining a cavity and comprising a material which changes shape and / or volume in response to heat and / or moisture. An article including the component, a non-combustible aerosol provision system including the article, a method of manufacturing the component and an apparatus for manufacturing the component are also described.

Description

[0001] A Component for a Delivery System and a Method and Apparatus for Manufacturing a Component for a Delivery System

[0002] Technical field The present invention relates to a component for a delivery system, a method and apparatus for manufacturing a component for a delivery system, an article for use in a non-combustible aerosol provision system and a non-combustible aerosol provision system. Background

[0003] Certain tobacco industry products produce an aerosol during use, which is inhaled by a user. For example, tobacco heating devices heat an aerosol generating substrate such as tobacco to form an aerosol by heating, but not burning, the substrate. Such tobacco industry products commonly include mouthpieces through which the aerosol passes to reach the user’s mouth.

[0004] Summary

[0005] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a component for use in an aerosol provision system, the component comprising a tubular element defining a cavity and comprising a material which changes shape and / or volume in response to heat and / or moisture. The component can be configured to reduce in volume when exposed to heat and / or moisture. The component can be formed from a phase-change material, an extruded material, an expanded material, a foamed material, a foam extruded material, a freeze-dried material, a gas blown material or a gas blown extruded material. The component can be formed from a polymer such as a carbohydrate-based material, a starch-based material or polylactic acid. For instance, the component can be formed from a foam-extruded polymer or polymer foam beads.

[0006] The material can be substantially impermeable to air.

[0007] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an article for use in or as an aerosol provision system, the article comprising an aerosol-generating material, and a component according to the first aspect above downstream or upstream of the aerosol-generating material. The article can be configured for use in providing an aerosol during a smoking session in which the aerosol-generating material is heated to between 150 and 400 degrees centigrade, and wherein the article is elongate and has a longitudinal axis and the tubular element is arranged to be exposed to said heat and / or moisture via the aerosol provided during the smoking session, and wherein the tubular element comprises a tubular wall with a first cross-sectional area measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and at a location on said longitudinal axis prior to the smoking session and a second cross-sectional area measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and at the location on said longitudinal axis after the smoking session, the second cross- sectional area being at least 5% smaller than said first cross-sectional area.

[0008] The second cross-sectional area can be at least 10% smaller than said first cross- sectional area. The article can be configured for use in providing an aerosol during a smoking session in which the aerosol-generating material is heated to between 150 and 400 degrees centigrade, and wherein the tubular element is arranged to be exposed to said heat and / or moisture via the aerosol provided during the smoking session, and the article has a first resistance to draw, measured with the article separated from any heating apparatus, prior to the smoking session and a second resistance to draw, measured with the article separated from any heating apparatus, after the smoking session, the second resistance to draw being at least smmWG smaller than said first resistance to draw.

[0009] The second resistance to draw can be at least tommWG smaller than said first resistance to draw.

[0010] The moisture content of the tubular element prior to use can be between 1 and 10 weight percent based on the Karl Fischer method of moisture measurement. The moisture content of the tubular element measured within 30 minutes of the end of said smoking session can be between 11 and 50 weight percent based on the Karl Fischer method of moisture measurement.

[0011] The article can be configured for use in providing an aerosol during a smoking session in which the aerosol-generating material is heated to between 150 and 400 degrees centigrade, wherein the article is elongate and has a longitudinal axis and wherein the tubular element is arranged to be exposed to said heat and / or moisture via the aerosol provided during the smoking session, and the tubular element defines a first cavity having a first volume prior to the smoking session and a second cavity having a second volume after the smoking session, and wherein the second volume is at least 10% greater than the first volume.

[0012] The first cavity can have a maximum diameter of between 2 mm and 5 mm and the second cavity can have a maximum diameter of between 3 mm and 6 mm. The tubular element can comprise a phase-change material, extruded material, expanded material or a gas blown material. The tubular element can comprise foam extruded material, a material comprising foam beads and / or polylactic acid foam material. The tubular element can comprise a foamed material and / or a starch-based material and / or a freeze-dried material.

[0013] The article can comprise a downstream section downstream of the aerosol-generating material, and wherein the downstream section comprises a body of material containing therein an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0014] The aerosol-modifying agent can comprise an encapsulated additive.

[0015] The component can be downstream of the aerosol-generating material. The component can be upstream of the aerosol-generating material.

[0016] The article can include ventilation provided by perforations through the tubular element or into the article downstream of the tubular element. In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising a non-combustible aerosol provision device and an article according to the second aspect above.

[0017] The non-combustible aerosol provision device can comprise a heating element configured for insertion into the aerosol-generating material of the article. The non-combustible aerosol provision device can be configured to provide the smoking session based on at least one of a predefined number of puffs, a predefined heating profile and a predetermined duration for said smoking session.

[0018] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a component for a delivery system according to the first aspect, the method comprising feeding a continuous supply of a material which changes shape and / or volume in response to heat and / or moisture and shaping said material to form a tubular element defining a cavity.

[0019] In accordance with a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided apparatus for manufacturing a component for a delivery system according to the first aspect, the apparatus comprising: a feed path for receiving a continuous supply of a material which changes shape and / or volume in response to heat and / or moisture; and a mandrel for shaping said material to form a tubular element defining a cavity.

[0020] Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure ta is a side-on cross-sectional view of an article for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, the article having a mouth end tube and including a component illustrated in its form prior to a smoking session; Figure ib is a side-on cross-sectional view of the article of Figure ta, the article including the component illustrated in its form after a smoking session;

[0022] Figure ic is a cross sectional view of the capsule-containing mouthpiece shown in

[0023] Figure la along line A - A’ thereof;

[0024] Figure 2a is a side-on cross-sectional view of another article for use with a non- combustible aerosol provision device, including a component illustrated in its form prior to a smoking session;

[0025] Figure 2b is a side-on cross sectional view of the article of Figure 2a, the article including the component illustrated in its form after a smoking session;

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a non-combustible aerosol provision device; Figure 4 is a simplified schematic of the components within the housing of the aerosol provision device shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of the non-combustible aerosol provision device shown in Figure 3 with the article shown in Figure la inserted into the device; and Figure 6 illustrates a method of manufacturing a component. Detailed description

[0027] In the figures described herein, like reference numerals are used to illustrate equivalent features, articles or components.

[0028] Figure ta is a side-on cross-sectional view of an article 1 for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, the article 1 having a mouth end tube 4 and including a component 8 illustrated in its form prior to a smoking session. Figure lb is a side-on cross-sectional view of the article 1 of Figure ta, the article including the component illustrated in its form after a smoking session. The article 1 can alternatively be used in aerosol provision systems other than non-combustible aerosol provision systems.

[0029] The article 1 includes a component 8 which comprises a tubular element defining a cavity and comprising a material which changes shape and / or volume in response to heat and / or moisture. For instance, when the component 8 is exposed to heat and moisture during use of the article to generate an aerosol, the material forming the component 8 can be arranged to deform and thereby change shape and / or volume.

[0030] This can enable the function of the component 8 to change during smoking of the article 1, meaning that the article 1 can be arranged to have a different characteristic at the start of the smoking experience as compared to at the end of the smoking experience. The component 8 can be configured to reduce in volume when exposed to heat and / or moisture. For instance, the component 8 can be configured to reduce in volume when exposed to temperatures between too0C and 3000C. The component 8 can be formed from a phase-change material, an extruded material, an expanded material, a foamed material, a foam extruded material, a freeze-dried material or a gas blown material. The component can be formed from a polymer such as polylactic acid or a starch-based material. For instance, the component 8 can be formed from a foam- extruded polymer or polymer foam beads.

[0031] The material forming the component 8 can be substantially impermeable to air. For instance, the material can comprise a closed-cell foam. The article i comprises an aerosol-generating material 3, as defined herein, and the component 8 is downstream of the aerosol-generating material 3 in the present example. In alternative examples, the component 8 can be upstream of the aerosolgenerating material 3, with the relative upstream and downstream locations being based on the direction of mainstream smoke passing through the article 1 in use. The article 1 is elongate and has a longitudinal axis shown as line X - X’ in the drawings.

[0032] The article 1 can be configured for use in providing an aerosol during a smoking session in which the aerosol-generating material 3 is heated to between 150 and 400 degrees centigrade, for instance using a non-combustible aerosol provision device. The component 8 can be arranged to be exposed to heat and / or moisture via the aerosol provided during the smoking session. The tubular element forming the component has a tubular wall with a first cross-sectional area measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at a particular location on the longitudinal axis prior to the smoking session. The tubular wall has a second cross-sectional area measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at the location on the longitudinal axis after the smoking session. Due to the exposure of the component 8 to heat and / or moisture during the smoking session, the second cross-sectional area can be at least 5% smaller than the first cross- sectional area. In some embodiments, the second cross-sectional area can be at least 10% smaller than said first cross-sectional area, or at least 20% or 30% smaller.

[0033] In the present example, the component 8 is immediately adjacent to and abutting the aerosol-generating material 3, which is provided in the form of a rod. The reduced cross-sectional area of the component 8 between the start and the end of the smoking session means that the tubular element can, for instance, cover a relatively large area of the downstream end of the rod of aerosol-generating material 3 at the start of a smoking session and cover a smaller area of the downstream end of the rod of aerosolgenerating material 3 at the end of the smoking session. Accordingly, the component 8 can, for instance, provide a greater supporting function to the rod of aerosol-generating material 3 at the start of a smoking session, for instance as the article 1 is being inserted into a non-combustible aerosol delivery device, and provide less support to the rod of aerosol-generating material 3 at the end of the smoking session, but instead allow aerosol to pass more freely through the component 8 at the end of the session. The article 1, in the present example, also has a first resistance to draw prior to the smoking session and a second resistance to draw after the smoking session, the second resistance to draw being at least 5mm WG smaller than said first resistance to draw. In both cases, the resistance to draw of the article i is measured according to the ISO standard method (1806565:2015). The resistance to draw refers to the ‘closed resistance to draw’, in which any ventilation zones into the article 1 under measurement are closed and with the article 1 separated from any heating apparatus such as the aerosol provision device. The second resistance to draw can be at least tommWG smaller than said first resistance to draw, or at least 20mmWG or 3ommWG smaller. The second resistance to draw can be measured within 30 minutes of the end of the smoking session.

[0034] The tubular element, in the present example, defines a first cavity 8a having a first volume prior to the smoking session and a second cavity 8a’, as shown in Figure lb, having a second volume after the smoking session, and wherein the second volume 8a’ is at least 10% greater than the first volume 8a. In some embodiments, the second volume 8a’ is at least 20% or 30% greater than the first volume 8a.

[0035] The first cavity 8a can have a maximum diameter of between 2 mm and 5 mm and the second cavity 8a’ can have a maximum diameter of between 3 mm and 6 mm.

[0036] The component 8, in the present example in the form of a tubular element, can comprise a phase-change material, extruded material, expanded material or a gas blown material. In some embodiments, the component can be formed to include a foamed material, a starch-based material or a freeze-dried material which may be particularly susceptible to changes in shape and / or volume when exposed to moisture. The component can advantageously be manufactured as a foam extruded material such as foam extruded polylactic acid (PLA). Alternatively or additionally, the component can be manufactured from a material formed using foam beads such as a tube formed from PLA foam beads. The component can be formed from a polymer such as a carbohydrate-based material, a starch-based material or polylactic acid.

[0037] The moisture content of the component 8, in the present case the tubular element, prior to use can be between 1 and 10 weight percent based on the Karl Fischer method of moisture measurement. The moisture content of the tubular element 8 measured within 30 minutes of the end of said smoking session can be between 11 and 50 weight percent based on the Karl Fischer method of moisture measurement.

[0038] The article 1 includes a mouthpiece 2, also referred to as a downstream section 2. The mouthpiece 2 or downstream section 2 is the portion of the article 1 downstream of the aerosol-generating material 3. In some examples, the downstream section 2 includes a cooling section. In the present example, the mouthpiece 2 includes a body of material 6, within which an aerosol modifying agent is provided, in the present example in the form of a capsule 11. In other examples, the aerosol modifying agent can be provided in other forms, such as material injected into the body of material 6 or provided on a thread, for instance the thread carrying a flavourant or other aerosol modifying agent, which may also be disposed within the body of material 6.

[0039] In the present example, the component 8 acts as a cooling section of the article 1, also referred to as a cooling element, positioned immediately downstream of and adjacent to the source of aerosol generating material 3. The body of material 6 is positioned immediately downstream of the cooling section 8. The mouthpiece 2 further includes a hollow tubular element 4 downstream of the body of material 6, at the mouth end of the article 1.

[0040] The component is a tubular element that defines a cavity within the mouthpiece 2. The cavity provides a chamber through which heated volatilised components generated by the aerosol-generating material 3 flow. The component 8 provides a physical displacement between the aerosol -generating material 3 and the body of material 6. The physical displacement provided by the component 8 can provide a thermal gradient across the length of the component 8.

[0041] The component 8 is formed of a material that changes shape and / or volume in response to heat and / or moisture, and this change in shape and / or volume can act to reduce the heat of aerosol passing through the article 1, providing additional cooling function as compared to other forms of tubular element, for instance formed from paper.

[0042] The article 1 is configured for use in a non-combustible aerosol provision device comprising an aerosol generator for insertion into the aerosol generating section. In the present example, the aerosol generator is a heater, and the article is configured to receive the aerosol generator in the rod of aerosol-generating material 3. The aerosol provision device may be configured to activate the aerosol generator to generate aerosol during a predetermined smoking session, which may include at least one of a predefined number of puffs, a predefined heating profile and a predetermined duration.

[0043] Figure ic is a cross sectional view of the capsule-containing mouthpiece shown in Figure ta along line A - A’ thereof, showing the capsule 11 embedded within the body of material 6.

[0044] In the present example, the article 1 comprises a source of aerosol-generating material in the form of a cylindrical rod of aerosol-generating material 3. In other examples, the article 1 can include an aerosol-generating section which may comprise a cavity for receiving a source of aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material 3 may comprise a plurality of strands or strips of aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material 3 may comprise a plurality of strands or strips of an aerosolisable material and / or a plurality of strands or strips of an amorphous solid, as described hereinbelow. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material consists of a plurality of strands or strips of an aerosolisable material.

[0045] When the aerosol generator is inserted into the rod of aerosol-generating material 3, strands and / or strips of aerosol-generating material 3 can be displaced longitudinally, into the component 8. The inventors have found that providing a component 8 comprising a tubular element with a relatively large wall thickness directly adjacent to the source of aerosol generating material 3 can reduce the displacement of the strands and / or strips. Furthermore, once the smoking session has started, the wall thickness of the component 8 reduces due to the exposure of the component to the heat and / or moisture from the aerosol passing through the article 1. Accordingly the component 8 can be provided with a wall thickness which would otherwise be too high to allow sufficient aerosol to pass through the component 8, but which reduces during use to a level allowing sufficient aerosol flow during smoking.

[0046] The inventors have found that reducing the displacement of aerosol-generating material, in use, can advantageously result in a more consistent packing density of aerosol-generating material along the length of the rod and / or within a cavity, which can result in more consistent and improved aerosol generation. The inventors have advantageously found that providing a component 8 in the form of a tubular element having a cavity 8a, 8a’ that can increase in volume due to exposure to heat and / or moisture provides a large space into which aerosol drawn into the component 8 can expand and cool down during use when the component 8 is exposed to the heat from the aerosol generator, while also improving the retention of the source of aerosol-generating material 3 when the aerosol generator is initially inserted into the rod of aerosol-generating material 3. Preferably, the length of the component 8 is less than about 30 mm. More preferably, the length of the component 8 is less than about 25 mm. Still more preferably, the length of the component 8 is less than about 20 mm. In addition, or as an alternative, the length of the component 8 is preferably at least about 10 mm. Preferably, the length of the component 8 is at least about 15 mm. In some preferred embodiments, the length of the component 8 is from about 15 mm to about 20 mm, more preferably from about 16 mm to about 19 mm. In the present example, the length of the component 8 is 19 mm.

[0047] In the present example, the mouthpiece 2 further includes a mouth-end hollow tubular element 4 immediately downstream of the body of material 6, at the mouth end of the article 1. However, in other embodiments the mouth-end hollow tubular element 4 can be omitted. For instance, Figure 2a is a side-on cross-sectional view of another article 1’ including a mouthpiece, or downstream section 2’. In this example, the downstream section 2’ comprises a body of material 6 that extends to the mouth end of the article 1’. The article 1’ also includes a tube member 14 between the component 8’ and the body of material 6. The tube member 14 is a hollow tube formed from paper or card and acting as a further cooling element within the article 1’. The tube member 14, in the present example, is directly adjacent to and abuts the component 8 and the body of material 6, although other arrangements are possible. The other features of article 1’ are the same as article 1 of Figures ta, ib and ic.

[0048] Figure 2a is a side-on cross-sectional view of the other article 1’ including the component 8 illustrated in its form prior to a smoking session and Figure 2b is a side- on cross sectional view of the article of Figure 2a, with the component 8 illustrated in its form after a smoking session. In the embodiments described herein, the capsule n can comprise a breakable capsule, for instance a capsule which has a solid, frangible shell surrounding a liquid payload.

[0049] In the present example, a single capsule n is used. The capsule n is entirely embedded within the body of material 6. In other words, the capsule n is completely surrounded by the material forming the body 6. In other examples, a plurality of breakable capsules may be disposed within the body of material 6, for instance 2, 3 or more breakable capsules. The length of the body of material 6 can be increased to accommodate the number of capsules required. In examples where a plurality of capsules is used, the individual capsules may be the same as each other, or may differ from one another in terms of size and / or capsule payload. In other examples, multiple bodies of material 6 may be provided, with each body containing one or more capsules.

[0050] The capsule 11 has a core-shell structure. In other words, the capsule 11 comprises a shell encapsulating a liquid agent, for instance a flavourant or other agent, which can be any one of the flavourants or aerosol modifying agents described herein. The shell of the capsule can be ruptured by a user to release the flavourant or other agent into the body of material 6.

[0051] The capsule 11 can be located at a position other than a longitudinally central position in the body of material 6, i.e. closer to the downstream end of the body of material 6 than the upstream end, or closer to the upstream end of the body of material 6 than the downstream end.

[0052] In the examples described herein, the body of material 6 can be wrapped in a first plug wrap 7. A second plug wrap 9 can be used to connect the tubular element 8 and the body of material 6, and a tipping material 5 can be used to connect the downstream section 2, 2’ to the rod of aerosol-generating material 3. The first plug wrap 7 can comprise a barrier coating to make the material of the plug wrap substantially impermeable to the liquid payload of the capsule 11. Alternatively or in addition, the second plug wrap 9 and / or tipping paper 5 can comprise a barrier coating to make the material of that plug wrap and / or tipping paper substantially impermeable to the liquid payload of the capsule 11.

[0053] Preferably, the first plug wrap 7 has a basis weight of less than 50 gsm, more preferably between about 20 gsm and 40 gsm. Preferably, the first plug wrap 7 has a thickness of between 30 pm and 60 pm, more preferably between 35 pm and 45 pm. Preferably, the first plug wrap 7 is a non-porous plug wrap, for instance having a permeability of less than too Coresta units, for instance less than 50 Coresta units. However, in other embodiments, the first plug wrap 7 can be a porous plug wrap, for instance having a permeability of greater than 200 Coresta Units.

[0054] In the present example, the body of material 6 is formed from filamentary tow. In the present example, the tow used in the body of material 6 has a denier per filament (d.p.f.) of 5 and a total denier of 25,000. In the present example, the tow comprises plasticised cellulose acetate tow. The plasticiser used in the tow comprises about 9% by weight of the tow. In the present example, the plasticiser is triacetin. In other examples, different materials can be used to form the body of material 6. For instance, rather than tow, the body 6 can be formed from paper. For instance, the paper, or other cellulose-based material, can be provided as one or more portions of sheet material which is folded and / or crimped to form body 6. The sheet material can have a basis weight of from I5gsm to 6ogsm, for instance between 20 and 50 gsm. The sheet material can, for instance, have a basis weight in any of the ranges between 15 and 25 gsm, between 25 and 30 gsm, between 30 and 40 gsm, between 40 and 45 gsm and between 45 and 50 gsm. Additionally or alternatively, the sheet material can have a width of between 50mm and 200mm, for instance between 60mm and 150mm, or between 80mm and 150mm. For instance, the sheet material can have a basis weight of between 20 and 50 gsm and a width between 80mm and 150mm. This can, for instance, enable the cellulose-based bodies to have appropriate pressure drops for an article having dimensions as described herein. The article can include ventilation provided by perforations through the tubular element or into the article downstream of the tubular element. The article has a ventilation level of about 20% of the aerosol (including the ventilating air) drawn through the article. In alternative embodiments, the article can have a ventilation level of between 10% and 60% of aerosol (including ventilating air) drawn through the article, for instance between 20% and 55%. In the example of Figure ta, the ventilation is provided into the component 8 and in the example of Figure 2a the ventilation is provided into the tube member 14. The ventilation is provided via perforations 12 formed as a single row of laser perforations, positioned 20 mm from the downstream, mouth-end 2b of the articles 1, 1’. In alternative embodiments, two or more rows of ventilation perforations may be provided. These perforations pass though the tipping paper 5, second plug wrap 9 and the wall of the component 8 or tube member 14. In alternative embodiments, the ventilation can be provided into the downstream sections 2, 2’ at other locations, for instance into the body of material 6 or mouth end tubular element 4, where present. In the present example, the cylindrical rod of aerosol-generating material 3 comprises a plurality of strands and / or strips of aerosol-generating material, and is circumscribed by a wrapper 10.

[0055] The plurality of strands or strips of aerosol-generating material may be aligned within the aerosol-generating section such that their longitudinal dimension is in parallel alignment with the longitudinal axis, X-X’ of the article 1, 1’. Alternatively, the strands or strips may generally be arranged such that their longitudinal dimension aligned is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the article. At least about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 95 % of the plurality of strands or strips may be arranged such that their longitudinal dimension is in parallel alignment with the longitudinal axis of the article. A majority of the strands or strips may be arranged such that their longitudinal dimensions are in parallel alignment with the longitudinal axis of the article. In some embodiments, about 95% to about 100% of the plurality of strands or strips are arranged such that their longitudinal dimension is in parallel alignment with the longitudinal axis of the article. In some embodiments, substantially all of the strands or strips are arranged in the aerosol-generating section such that their longitudinal dimension is in parallel alignment with the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating section of the article.

[0056] The inventors have found that, where the majority of the strands or strips are arranged in the aerosol-generating section such that their longitudinal axis is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating section of the article, the force required to insert an aerosol generator, such as a heating element, into the aerosol-generating material can be relatively low. This can result in an article which is easier to use.

[0057] The aerosol-generating material may have a packing density of between about 400 mg / cm'1and about 900 mg / cm'1within the aerosol-generating section. A packing density higher than this may make it difficult to insert the aerosol-generator of the aerosol provision device into the aerosol-generating material and increase the pressure drop. A packing density lower than 400 mg / cm'1may reduce the rigidity of the article. Furthermore, if the packing density is too low, the aerosol-generating material may not effectively grip the aerosol-generator of the aerosol provision. At least about 70% of a volume of the aerosol-generating section is filled with the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, from about 75% to about 85% of the volume of the cavity is filled with the aerosol-generating material.

[0058] In the present example, the rod of aerosol-generating material 3 has a circumference of about 22.7 mm. In alternative embodiments, the rod of aerosol-generating material 3 may have any suitable circumference, for example between about 20 mm and about 26 mm.

[0059] The articles 1, 1’ are configured, in some embodiments, for use in a non-combustible aerosol provision device comprising an aerosol generator for insertion into the aerosol generating section. For instance, the aerosol generator can be a heater, and the article is configured to receive the aerosol generator in the rod of aerosol-generating material.

[0060] In the present example, the wrapper 10 is also substantially impermeable to air. In alternative embodiments, the wrapper 10 preferably has a permeability of less than too

[0061] Coresta Units, more preferably less than 60 Coresta Units. It has been found that low permeability wrappers, for instance having a permeability of less than too Coresta Units, more preferably less than 60 Coresta Units, result in an improvement in the aerosol formation in the aerosol-generating material 3. The permeability of the wrapper 10 can be measured in accordance with ISO 2965:2009 concerning the determination of air permeability for materials used as cigarette papers, filter plug wrap and filter joining paper.

[0062] A tipping paper 5 is wrapped around the full length of the mouthpiece 2 and over part of the rod of aerosol-generating material 3 and has an adhesive on its inner surface to connect the mouthpiece 2 and rod 3. In the present example, the rod of aerosolgenerating material 3 is wrapped in wrapper 10, which forms a first wrapping material, and the tipping paper 5 forms an outer wrapping material which extends at least partially over the rod of aerosol-generating material 3 to connect the mouthpiece 2 and rod 3. In some examples, the tipping paper can extend only partially over the rod of aerosol-generating material. In the present example, the tipping paper 5 extends 5 mm over the rod of aerosolgenerating material 3 but it can alternatively extend between 3 mm and 10 mm over the rod 3, or more preferably between 4 mm and 6 mm, to provide a secure attachment between the mouthpiece 2 and rod 3. The tipping paper can have a basis weight greater than 20 gsm, for instance greater than 25 gsm, or preferably greater than 30 gsm, for example 37 gsm. These ranges of basis weights have been found to result in tipping papers having acceptable tensile strength while being flexible enough to wrap around the article 1 and adhere to itself along a longitudinal lap seam on the paper. In the present example, the outer circumference of the tipping paper 5, once wrapped around the mouthpiece 2, is about 23 mm.

[0063] The body of material 6 and hollow tubular element 4 each define a substantially cylindrical overall outer shape and share a common longitudinal axis.

[0064] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material 3 comprises tobacco material or a non-tobacco botanical material as described herein.

[0065] The tobacco or other botanical material may be a particulate or granular material. In some embodiments, the material is a powder. Alternatively or in addition, the material may comprise may comprise strips, strands or fibres of tobacco or another botanical material.

[0066] The aerosol-generating material comprises an aerosol-former material. The aerosol- former material comprises one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol.

[0067] The aerosol-former material comprises one or more of glycerine, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Eiythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate. Preferably, the aerosol-former material is glycerol or propylene glycol.

[0068] The aerosol-former material is provided in an amount of up to about 50% on a dry weight base by weight of the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol former material is provided in an amount of from about 5% to about 40% on a dry weight base by weight of the aerosol-generating material, from about 10% to about 30% on a dry weight base by weight of the aerosol-generating material or from about 10% to about 20% on a dry weight base aerosol-generating material.

[0069] In the compositions described herein, where amounts are given in % by weight, for the avoidance of doubt this refers to a dry weight basis, unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Thus, any water that may be present in the aerosol-generating material, or in any component thereof, is entirely disregarded for the purposes of the determination of the weight %. The water content of the aerosol-generating material described herein may vary and may be, for example, from 5 to 15% by weight. The water content of the aerosol-generating material described herein may vary according to, for example, the temperature, pressure and humidity conditions at which the compositions are maintained. The water content can be determined by Karl-Fisher analysis, as known to those skilled in the art. On the other hand, for the avoidance of doubt, even when the aerosol-former material is a component that is in liquid phase, such as glycerol or propylene glycol, any component other than water is included in the weight of the aerosol-generating material. However, when the aerosol-former material is provided in the tobacco component of the aerosol-generating material, or in the filler component (if present) of the aerosol-generating material, instead of or in addition to being added separately to the aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-former material is not included in the weight of the tobacco component or filler component, but is included in the weight of the "aerosol-former material" in the weight % as defined herein. All other ingredients present in the tobacco component are included in the weight of the tobacco component, even if of non-tobacco origin (for example non-tobacco fibres in the case of paper reconstituted tobacco).

[0070] The aerosol-generating material herein can comprise an aerosol modifying agent, such as any of the flavours described herein

[0071] In Figure 3, the components of an embodiment of a non-combustible aerosol provision device too are shown in a simplified manner. Particularly, the elements of the noncombustible aerosol provision device too are not drawn to scale in Figure 3. Elements that are not relevant for the understanding of this embodiment have been omitted to simplify Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, the non-combustible aerosol provision device too comprises a non-combustible aerosol-provision device having a housing 101 comprising an area 102 102 for receiving an article 1. The area 102 is arranged to receive the article 1. When the article 1 is received into the area 102, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material comes into thermal proximity with the heater 103. When the article 1 is fully received in the area 102, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material may be in direct contact with the heater 103. The aerosol-generating material will release a range of volatile compounds at different temperatures. By controlling the maximum operation temperature of the electrically heated aerosol generating system too, the selective release of undesirable compounds may be controlled by preventing the release of select volatile compounds.

[0072] As shown in Figure 4, within the housing 101 there is an electrical energy supply 104, for example a rechargeable lithium ion battery. A controller 105 is connected to the heater 103, the electrical energy supply 104, and a user interface 106, for example a button or display. The controller 105 controls the power supplied to the heater 103 in order to regulate its temperature. Typically the aerosol-forming substrate is heated to a temperature of between 250 and 450 degrees centigrade.

[0073] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-section of a non-combustible aerosol-provision device of the type shown in Figure 4, with the heater 103 inserted into the aerosol-generating material 3 of an article 1. The non-combustible aerosol provision device is illustrated in engagement with the aerosol-generating article 1 for consumption of the aerosol- generating article 1 by a user.

[0074] The housing 101 of non-combustible aerosol provision device defines an area 102 in the form of a cavity, open at the proximal end (or mouth end), for receiving an aerosolgenerating article 1 for consumption. The distal end of the cavity is spanned by a heating assembly comprising a heater 103. The heater 103 is retained by a heater mount (not shown) such that an active heating area of the heater is located within the cavity. The active heating area of the heater 103 is positioned within the aerosolgenerating section of the aerosol-generating article 1 when the aerosol-generating article 1 is fully received within the cavity. The heater 103 is configured for insertion into the aerosol generating material 3. The heater 103 is shaped in the form of a pin terminating in a point. That is, the heater has a length dimension that is greater than its width dimension. As the article 1 is pushed into the cavity, the tapered point of the heater engages with the aerosol-generating material 3. The pin is shaped for easy insertion and removal from an aerosol-generating material 3. By applying a force to the article 1, the heater penetrates into the aerosol-generating material 3. When the article 1 is properly engaged with the non-combustible aerosol provision device, the heater 103 is inserted into the aerosol-generating material 3. When the heater is actuated, aerosol-generating material 3 is warmed and volatile substances are generated or evolved. As a user draws on the mouthpiece 2, air is drawn into the article 1 and the volatile substances condense to form an inhalable aerosol. This aerosol passes through the mouthpiece 2 of the article 1 and into the user's mouth.

[0075] Figure 6 illustrates a method of manufacturing a component. The component 8 can be manufactured by feeding a continuous supply of a material which changes shape and / or volume in response to heat and / or moisture at step 200 and shaping the material to form a tubular element defining a cavity at step 201. For instance, a suitable material can be extruded through an aperture and around a mandrel giving the material a tubular shape. The material can be fed in a melted or otherwise malleable state and then hardened by drying or cooling the material to form the component 8.

[0076] An apparatus for manufacturing the component can define a feed path for receiving a continuous supply of the material which changes shape and / or volume in response to heat and / or moisture and a mandrel for shaping said material to form a tubular element defining a cavity.

[0077] As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes: combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and aerosol-free deliveiy systems that deliver the at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0078] According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate deliveiy of at least one substance to a user.

[0079] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.

[0080] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper or a cigarette paper.

[0081] According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0082] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0083] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosolgenerating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0084] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non- combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non- combustible aerosol provision device.

[0085] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosolgenerating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0086] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non- combustible aerosol provision device, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0087] In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0088] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.

[0089] The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical. In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour.

[0090] As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cheriy, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberiy, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang- ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, maijoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint.

[0091] In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and / or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.

[0092] In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3. Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavourants. The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

[0093] The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and / or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also 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 from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

[0094] The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be in the form of an aerosolgenerating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and / or filler may also be present. The aerosol-generating film may be substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

[0095] The aerosol-generating film may have a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1 mm.

[0096] For example, the thickness may 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.

[0097] The aerosol-generating film may be continuous. For example, the film may comprise or be a continuous sheet of material. The sheet may be in the form of a wrapper, it may be gathered to form a gathered 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.

[0098] The aerosol-generating film maybe discontinuous. For example, the aerosol-generating film may comprise one or more discrete portions or regions of aerosol-generating material, such as dots, stripes or lines, which may be supported on a support. In such embodiments, the support may be planar or non-planar.

[0099] The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with a solvent, such as water, an aerosol-former 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 volatilise at least some of the solvent to form the aerosolgenerating film.

[0100] The sluriy may be heated to remove at least about 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt% or 90 wt% of the solvent. The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an “amorphous solid”. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material comprises an aerosol-generating film that is an amorphous solid. 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. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may, for example, comprise from about 50wt%, 6owt% or owt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or ioowt% of amorphous solid. The amorphous solid may be substantially free from botanical material. The amorphous solid may be substantially tobacco free.

[0101] The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Eiythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauiyl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0102] An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosolmodifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent

[0103] The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

[0104] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

Claims1. A component for use in an aerosol provision system, the component comprising: a tubular element defining a cavity and comprising a material which changes shape and / or volume in response to heat and / or moisture.

2. An article for use in or as an aerosol provision system, the article comprising: an aerosol-generating material, and a component according to claim i downstream or upstream of the aerosolgenerating material.

3. An article according to claim 2, wherein the article is configured for use in providing an aerosol during a smoking session in which the aerosol-generating material is heated to between 150 and 400 degrees centigrade, and wherein the article is elongate and has a longitudinal axis and the tubular element is arranged to be exposed to said heat and / or moisture via the aerosol provided during the smoking session, and wherein the tubular element comprises a tubular wall with a first cross-sectional area measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and at a location on said longitudinal axis prior to the smoking session and a second cross-sectional area measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and at the location on said longitudinal axis after the smoking session, the second cross-sectional area being at least 5% smaller than said first cross-sectional area.

4. An article according to claim 3, wherein the second cross-sectional area is at least 10% smaller than said first cross-sectional area.

5. An article according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the article is configured for use in providing an aerosol during a smoking session in which the aerosol-generating material is heated to between 150 and 400 degrees centigrade, and wherein the tubular element is arranged to be exposed to said heat and / or moisture via the aerosol provided during the smoking session, and the article has a first resistance to draw, measured with the article separated from any heating apparatus, prior to the smoking session and a second resistance to draw, measured with the article separated from any heating apparatus, after the smoking session, the second resistance to draw being at least5mmWG smaller than said first resistance to draw.

6. An article according to claim 5, wherein the second resistance to draw is at least tommWG smaller than said first resistance to draw.

7. An article according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the moisture content of the tubular element prior to use is between 1 and 10 weight percent based on the Karl Fischer method of moisture measurement.

8. An article according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the moisture content of the tubular element measured within 30 minutes of the end of said smoking session is between 11 and 50 weight percent based on the Karl Fischer method of moisture measurement.

9. An article according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the article is configured for use in providing an aerosol during a smoking session in which the aerosolgenerating material is heated to between 150 and 400 degrees centigrade, the article is elongate and has a longitudinal axis and wherein the tubular element is arranged to be exposed to said heat and / or moisture via the aerosol provided during the smoking session, and the tubular element defines a first cavity having a first volume prior to the smoking session and a second cavity having a second volume after the smoking session, and wherein the second volume is at least 10% greater than the first volume.

10. An article according to claim 9, wherein the first cavity has a maximum diameter of between 2 mm and 5 mm and the second cavity has a maximum diameter of between 3 mm and 6mm.

11. An article according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the tubular element comprises a phase-change material, extruded material, expanded material or a gas blown material, optionally wherein the tubular element comprises foam extruded material, a material comprising foam beads and / or polylactic acid foam material.

12. An article according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the tubular element comprises a foamed material, a starch-based material and / or a freeze-dried material.13- An article according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the article comprises a downstream section downstream of the aerosol-generating material, and wherein the downstream section comprises a body of material containing therein an aerosolmodifying agent.

14. An article according to claim 13, wherein the aerosol-modifying agent comprises an encapsulated additive.

15. An article according to any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein the component is downstream of the aerosol-generating material.

16. An article according to any one of claims 2 to 15, wherein the component is upstream of the aerosol-generating material.

17. A non-combustible aerosol provision system, comprising a non-combustible aerosol provision device, and an article according to any one of claims 2 to 16.

18. A non-combustible aerosol provision system according to claim 17, wherein the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises a heating element configured for insertion into the aerosol-generating material of the article.

19. A non-combustible aerosol provision system according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the non-combustible aerosol provision device is configured to provide the smoking session based on at least one of a predefined number of puffs, a predefined heating profile and a predetermined duration for said smoking session.

20. A method for manufacturing a component for a delivery system according to claim 1, the method comprising: feeding a continuous supply of a material which changes shape and / or volume in response to heat and / or moisture; and shaping said material to form a tubular element defining a cavity.

21. Apparatus for manufacturing a component for a delivery system according to claim 1, the apparatus comprising:a feed path for receiving a continuous supply of a material which changes shape and / or volume in response to heat and / or moisture; and a mandrel for shaping said material to form a tubular element defining a cavity.

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