A component for use in an aerosol provision system, an article and an aerosol provision system

EP4753486A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-06-10BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO EXPORTS LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO EXPORTS LTD
Filing Date
2024-08-02
Publication Date
2026-06-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing aerosol provision systems face challenges in maintaining the hardness of materials downstream in the system, particularly when exposed to moisture from the user's mouth or condensation from the aerosol, which can lead to softening and compromised product quality.

Method used

The use of a component with a dual-body structure, where the first body is formed from a sheet material with a lower basis weight and the second body is formed from a sheet material with a higher basis weight, arranged downstream. This configuration ensures that the second body maintains its hardness despite moisture exposure, while the first body contributes to the overall pressure drop and product properties.

Benefits of technology

The dual-body component effectively maintains the hardness of the downstream material, enhancing the quality and durability of the aerosol provision system, and allows for optimal pressure drop management throughout the system.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A component (2) for use in an aerosol provision system, an article (1) and an aerosol provision system A component (2) for use in an aerosol provision system includes a first body (6) of material formed from a first sheet material (6A) having a first basis weight and a second body of material (4) formed from a second sheet material (4A) having a second basis weight higher than the first basis weight. Alternatively or additionally, the total weight of the second sheet material (4A) per mm of longitudinal length of the second body of material (4) is greater than the total weight of the first sheet material (6A) per mm of longitudinal length of the first body of material (6). Alternatively or additionally, the first sheet material (6A) can have a first sheet density and the second sheet (4A) material can have a second sheet density higher than said first sheet density, the second body of material (4) arranged to be downstream of said first body of material (6) when in use within the aerosol provision system. An article (1) including the component (2) and a system including the article (1) are also described.
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Description

[0001] A component for use in an aerosol provision system, an article and an aerosol provision system

[0002] Technical Field The present invention relates to a component for use in an aerosol provision system, an article and an aerosol provision system.

[0003] Background

[0004] 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. In other aerosol delivery systems, aerosol generating substrate is combusted to form an aerosol. Such tobacco industry products commonly include mouthpieces through which the aerosol passes to reach the user’s mouth.

[0005] Summary

[0006] In accordance with embodiments described herein, in a first aspect there is provided a component for use in an aerosol provision system, the component comprising a first body of material formed from a first sheet material having a first basis weight and a second body of material formed from a second sheet material having a second basis weight higher than said first basis weight, the second body of material arranged to be downstream of said first body of material when in use within said aerosol provision system. In accordance with embodiments described herein, in a second aspect there is provided a component for use in an aerosol provision system, the component comprising a first body of material extending along a longitudinal axis and formed from a first sheet material and a second body of material extending along the longitudinal axis and formed from a second sheet material, the second body of material arranged to be downstream of said first body of material when in use within said aerosol provision system and wherein the total weight per mm of length along said longitudinal axis of said second sheet material is greater than the total weight per mm of length along said longitudinal axis of said first sheet material. In accordance with embodiments described herein, in a third aspect there is provided a component for use in an aerosol provision system, the component comprising a first body of material formed from a first sheet material having a first sheet density and a second body of material formed from a second sheet material having a second sheet density higher than said first sheet density, the second body of material arranged to be downstream of said first body of material when in use within said aerosol provision system, and wherein the sheet density of a sheet is calculated as the basis weight in grams / m2of the sheet per micrometre of thickness of the sheet.

[0007] A component can include the each of the combined features of the first, second and third aspects above, or the combined first and second aspects, first and third aspects, or second and third aspects. The first sheet density can be between 0.3 and 0.43 grams / cms and / or the second sheet density can be between 0.43 and 0.6 grams / cms.

[0008] The first sheet material can have a first basis weight and the second sheet material can have a second basis weight higher than said first basis weight.

[0009] The second basis weight can be between 30 and 60 gsm, or between 40 and 50 gsm and / or the first basis weight can be between 20 and 50 gsm, or between 30 and 40 gsm. The closed pressure drop per unit of length of said second body of material can be higher than the closed pressure drop per unit length of said first body of material. The closed pressure drop of said second body of material can be between 0.9 and 16.1 mmH20 / mm of length or between 2.8 and 5.0 mmH20 / mm of length. The closed pressure drop of said first body of material can be between 0.3 and 4.5 mmH20 / mm of length, or between 1.8 and 2.8 mmH20 / mm of length.

[0010] The total closed pressure drop through the length of the component can be between 20 mmH20 and 150 mmH20. Between 55% and 75% of the pressure drop though the length of the component can be through the second body of material and between 45% and 25% of the pressure drop though the length of the component can be through the first body of material.

[0011] The pressure drop can be measured according to ISO 6565:2015. The hardness before use of the component at the longitudinal centre of the second body of material can be between 80% and 99%, optionally between 85% and 97%.

[0012] The hardness before use of the component at the longitudinal centre of the first body of material can be between 80% and 95%, optionally between 80% and 90%.

[0013] The first and / or second sheet materials can be gathered sheet materials. The first and / or second sheet materials can comprise a fibrous sheet material, a cellulosic sheet material such as paper, regenerated cellulose material, optionally lyocell or viscose, and / or a non-woven sheet material.

[0014] The first sheet material can comprise a single sheet of material. The first sheet material can comprise multiple sheets of material. One or more, but fewer than all, of the multiple sheets of material can comprise an aerosol modifying additive. The aerosol modifying additive can be an aerosol-former material or an active substance, or both an aerosol-former material and an active substance. The second sheet material can comprise a single sheet of material. The second sheet material can comprise multiple sheets of material. One or more but fewer than all of the multiple sheets of material can comprise an aerosol modifying additive. The aerosol modifying additive can be an aerosol-former material or an active substance, or both an aerosol-former material and an active substance.

[0015] The first and / or second sheet material can be crimped. The crimp amplitude can be between 0.05mm and 1.2mm. The average spacing between adjacent ridges in the crimp pattern can be between 0.4mm and 5mm. At least a portion of the component can be circumscribed by a wrapping material having a basis weight between about 60 and about 120 gsm, or between about 80 and no about gsm, or between about 95 and about 105 gsm. The first body of material can have an outer perimeter defining a cross-sectional area of the first body of material and the density of the first sheet material in the first body of material can be approximately constant across the cross-sectional area of the body of material. The second body of material can have an outer perimeter defining a cross- sectional area of the second body of material and the density of the second sheet material in the second body of material can be approximately constant across the cross-sectional area of the second body of material. The bulk density of the first sheet material in the first body of material can be lower than the bulk density of the second sheet material in the second body of material. The bulk density of the first sheet material in the first body of material can be between 0.1 and o.25mg / mm3. The bulk density of the second sheet material in the second body of material can be between 0.15 and o.3omg / mm3.

[0016] The first and / or second body of material can comprise an aerosol modifying additive. The aerosol modifying additive can be dispersed within the first and / or second body of material, or provided in the form of a capsule embedded in the first and / or second body of material, a thread extending longitudinally through the first and / or second body of material, particulate material dispersed in the first and / or second body of material, or a coating applied to the first and / or second sheet material.

[0017] The first and second bodies of material can be spaced apart by a distance of between about 2mm and about 25mm, optionally between about 5mm and about 20mm, to define a cavity between the first and second bodies of material.

[0018] The first and second bodies of material and the cavity can be surrounded by a wrapper. The wrapper can be provided with one or more ventilation regions allowing external air to pass into the cavity. The extended width of the first sheet material or the combined extended width of the multiple sheets of material forming the first body of material can be between about 6omm and about 300mm. The extended width of the second sheet material or the combined extended width of the multiple sheets of material forming the second body of material can be between about 60mm and about 300mm.

[0019] In accordance with embodiments described herein, in a fourth aspect there is provided an article comprising a source of aerosol generating material and a component according to the first, second or third aspects above. The second body of material can be arranged at the downstream end of the article.

[0020] In accordance with embodiments described herein, in a fifth aspect there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising a source of aerosol generating material and a component according to the first, second or third aspects above.

[0021] The aerosol provision system can be a combustible smoking article. The second body of material can be arranged at the downstream end of the smoking article. The aerosol provision system can be a non-combustible aerosol provision system. The non-combustible aerosol provision system can be an aerosolgenerating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system. The non-combustible aerosol provision system can comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device, the consumable comprising a component according to the first, second or third aspects above. The second body of material can be arranged at the downstream end of the consumable. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 is a side-on cross sectional view of an article comprising a component having first and second bodies of material; Figure 1A is a cross sectional end view of the first body of material of Figure 1 along the line X-X’; Figure 1B is a side-on view of the first sheet material forming the first body of material of Figure 1;

[0024] Figure 1C is a schematic illustration of first and second portions of sheet material used to form a body of material, the portions arranged side-by-side; Figure 1D is a schematic illustration of first, second and third portions of sheet material used to form a body of material, the portions arranged side-by-side;

[0025] Figure 1E is a schematic illustration of first and second portions of sheet material used to form a body of material, the portions layered over each other;

[0026] Figure 1F is a schematic illustration of first, second and third portions of sheet material used to form a body of material, the portions layered over each other; and

[0027] Figure 2 is a side-on cross sectional view of an article comprising a component having a second body of material comprising gathered sheet material and an aerosol-modifying agent release component, in the present case in the form of a capsule. Detailed Description

[0028] According to the present disclosure, an “aerosol provision system” includes both combustible aerosol provision systems and non-combustible aerosol provision systems.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Articles, for instance those in the shape of rods, are often named according to the product length: “regular” (typically in the range 68 - 75 mm, e.g. from about 68 mm to about 72 mm), “short” or “mini” (68 mm or less), “king-size” (typically in the range 75 - 91 mm, e.g. from about 79 mm to about 88 mm), “long” or “super-king” (typically in the range 91 - 105 mm, e.g. from about 94 mm to about 101 mm) and “ultra-long” (typically in the range from about no mm to about 121 mm).

[0033] They are also named according to the product circumference: “regular” (about 23 - 25 mm), “wide” (greater than 25 mm), “slim” (about 22 - 23 mm), “demi-slim” (about 19

[0034] - 22 mm), “super-slim” (about 16 - 19 mm), and “micro-slim” (less than about 16 mm).

[0035] Accordingly, an article in a king-size, super-slim format will, for example, have a length of about 83 mm and a circumference of about 17 mm.

[0036] Each format may be produced with mouthpieces of different lengths. The mouthpiece length can be from about 14mm to 27 mm. A tipping paper connects the mouthpiece to the aerosol generating material and will usually have a greater length than the mouthpiece, for example from 3 to 10 mm longer, such that the tipping paper covers the mouthpiece and overlaps the aerosol generating material, for instance in the form of a rod of substrate material, to connect the mouthpiece to the rod.

[0037] Articles and their aerosol generating materials and mouthpieces described herein can be made in, but are not limited to, any of the above formats.

[0038] The terms ‘upstream’ and ‘downstream’ used herein are relative terms defined in relation to the direction of mainstream aerosol drawn though an article or device in use. As used herein, the term “tobacco material” refers to any material comprising tobacco or derivatives or substitutes thereof. The term “tobacco material” may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. The tobacco material may comprise one or more of ground tobacco, tobacco fibre, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stem, tobacco lamina, reconstituted tobacco and / or tobacco extract.

[0039] In the figures described herein, like reference numerals are used to illustrate equivalent features, articles or components. Figure 1 is a side-on cross sectional view of an article comprising a component having first and second bodies of material. The article i includes a downstream portion 2 downstream of a source of aerosol generating material 3, in the present case the source of aerosol generating material being provided as a cylindrical rod of aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material can be tobacco material or another botanical as defined herein such as a non-tobacco botanical. The downstream portion 2, also referred to as a mouthpiece herein, is connected to the rod of aerosol generating material 3 by tipping paper 5, such that it is downstream of the aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material 3 provides an aerosol when heated, for instance within a non- combustible aerosol provision device, or when combusted. In other embodiments, the article 1 can include its own heat source, forming an aerosol provision system without requiring a separate aerosol provision device or combustion of the aerosol generating material 3. In other examples, the component including the first and second bodies of material can be an aerosol generating section of an article, for instance for use in a non-combustible aerosol provision system as described herein.

[0040] In the present example, the downstream portion 2 includes a first body of material 6 and a second body of material 4, where the first body of material 6 is arranged between the aerosol generating material 3 and the second body of material 4. The first body of material 6 is formed from a first sheet material 6A and the second body of material 4 is formed from a second sheet material 4A. In the present case, the second body of material 4 is at the mouth-end 2b of the article 1, although in other examples a further body of material, such as a hollow tubular element, can be located at the mouth -end 2b of the article 1, downstream of the second body of material 4. In either case, at least a portion of the downstream end of the second body of material can be exposed at the mouth end 2b of the article 1. In some cases, the second body of material 4 is fully or partially received in the mouth of a consumer during use of the article to form an aerosol, and this can lead to moisture from the consumer’s mouth coming into contact with the second sheet material 4A of the second body of material 4. Since the aerosol passing through the second body of material 4 is cooler than that passing though other upstream parts of the article 1, there is also a likelihood of condensation from the aerosol forming within the second body of material 4, which can lead to softening of the second sheet material 4A and impacting its hardness. The first body of material 6 is formed from a first sheet material 6A having a first basis weight and the second body of material 4 is formed from a second sheet material 4A having a second basis weight higher than said first basis weight. Alternatively or additionally, the total weight of said second sheet material 4A per mm of longitudinal length of the second body of material 4 is greater than the total weight of said first sheet material 6A per mm of longitudinal length of the first body of material 6. Alternatively or additionally, the first sheet material 6A can have a first sheet density and the second sheet material 4A can have a second sheet density higher than said first sheet density, the second body of material arranged to be downstream of said first body of material when in use within said aerosol provision system. In this case, the sheet density of a sheet is calculated as the basis weight in grams / m2of the sheet per micrometre of thickness of the sheet. The first sheet density can be between 0.3 and 0.43 gms / cm'1. Alternatively or additionally, the second sheet density can be between 0.43 and 0.6 gms / cm11.

[0041] In any of the above cases, the increased basis weight and / or total weight per mm of longitudinal length, or sheet density of the second sheet material enables such material to maintain its hardness following the contact with moisture from the consumer’s mouth and / or condensation from the aerosol, leading to an improved quality of product as compared to alternative designs. The downstream body of material is more susceptible to moisture due to condensation from aerosol within the body, due to its lower internal temperature in use than the upstream body of material. The upstream, first body of material 6 can, for instance, be configured to achieve desired properties of the component such as its overall pressure drop, which would not be possible with the downstream, second body of material 4 alone.

[0042] The first basis weight can be between about 20 and about 50 gsm, or between about 30 and about 40 gsm. The second basis weight can be between about 30 and about 60 gsm, or between about 40 and about 50 gsm.

[0043] The closed pressure drop per unit of length of the second body of material can be higher than the closed pressure drop per unit length of said first body of material. For instance, the closed pressure drop of the second body of material can be between 0.9 and 16.1 mmH20 / mm of length, in some examples between 2.8 and 5.0 mmH20 / mm of length. Additionally or alternatively, the closed pressure drop of the first body of material can be between 0.3 and 4.5 mmH20 / mm of length, in some examples between 1.8 and 2.8 mmH20 / mm of length.

[0044] The total closed pressure drop through the length of the component can be between 20 mmH20 and 150 mmH20. In some cases, between 55% and 75% of the pressure drop though the length of the component is through the second body of material 4 and between 45% and 25% of the pressure drop though the length of the component is through the first body of material 6. The pressure drop can be measured according to ISO 6565:2015.

[0045] The hardness of the component may be measured according to the following protocol.

[0046] Where the hardness of a section is referred to herein, the hardness is that as determined by the following measurement process. Any suitable device may be used for performing the measurement, such as the Borgwaldt Hardness Tester H10.

[0047] Hardness is defined as the ratio between the height ho of a body and the height hi of the body under a defined load, stated as a percentage of ho. Hardness may be expressed as:

[0048] Hardness = (hi / ho)xioo

[0049] For an individual body, or a body contained in a multi-section rod, the hardness measurement is performed at the longitudinal centre point of the body or multi-section rod (as specified), unless otherwise specified.

[0050] A load bar is used to apply the defined load to the body. The length of the load bar should be significantly higher than that of the specimen to be measured. Prior to the hardness measurement, the body to be measured is conditioned according to ISO 3402:2023 for a minimum of 48 hours, and is maintained in environmental conditions according to ISO 3402:2023 during the measurement.

[0051] To perform the hardness measurement, a body is placed into the Hardness Tester H10, a pre-load of 2 g is applied to the body, and after 1 s the initial height ho of the body under the 2 g pre-load is recorded. The pre-load is then removed and a load bar bearing a load of 150 g is lowered onto the sample at a rate of 0.6 mm / s, after 5 s the height hi of the body under the 150 g load is measured.

[0052] The hardness of the component is determined as the average hardness of at least 20 components measured according to this protocol.

[0053] The hardness before use of the component at the longitudinal centre of the second body of material 4 can be between 80% and 99%, optionally between 85% and 97%. The hardness before use of the component at the longitudinal centre of the first body of material 6 can be between 80% and 95%, optionally between 80% and 90%.

[0054] The first and / or second sheet materials can comprise a fibrous sheet material, a cellulosic sheet material such as paper, or a non-woven sheet material. The first and / or second sheet material can comprise crimped sheet material.

[0055] The crimp amplitude (also known as “crimping factor”) refers to the depth of the grooves the crimping forms in the sheet material forming the body. That is, crimping the sheet material produces a plurality of peaks and troughs in the sheet material when viewed from a first side of the sheet material, as shown in Figure 1B, wherein the crimp amplitude ‘A’ is the depth of the troughs, measured from their peak. The crimping may form a ‘Zig-Zag’ formation or another shape. In some embodiments, adjacent grooves of the crimped sheet material are spaced by a distance, or have a pitch ‘P’, in the range of 0.3 to 2 mm and, preferably, in the range of 0.4 to 1 mm. In some embodiments, adjacent grooves of the crimped sheet material are spaced by a distance of at least 0.4 mm or at least 0.5, 0.6, 0.7 or 0.8 mm. In some embodiments, adjacent grooves of the crimped sheet material are spaced by a distance of at most 1.5 mm, and preferably, at most, 1.4, 1.3, 1.2, 1.1 or 1.0 mm. In some examples, the crimp amplitude is between 0.05mm and 1.2mm. In some examples, the average spacing between adjacent ridges is between 0.4mm and 5mm.

[0056] At least a portion of the component can be circumscribed by a wrapping material having a basis weight between about 60 and about 120 gsm, or between about 80 and no about gsm, or between about 95 and about 105 gsm. For example, the first body of material 6 can be circumscribed by a first plug wrap 8 and the second body of material 4 can be circumscribed by a second plug wrap 7. A combining plug wrap 9 can circumscribe both bodies 6, 4, connecting them together to form the component. Any or all of the plug wraps 8, 7, 9 can have a basis weight between about 60 and about 120 gsm, or between about 80 and no about gsm, or between about 95 and about 105 gsm. In some examples, the first and second plug wraps 7, 8 can each have a basis weight of between about 80 and no about gsm and the combining plug wrap 9 can have a basis weight between about 20 and about 30 gsm. In some examples, the second plug wrap 7 can have a basis weight of between about 80 and no about gsm and the combining plug wrap 9 and first plug wrap can have a basis weight between about 20 and about 30 gsm.

[0057] The first body of material 6 has an outer perimeter defining a cross-sectional area of the first body of material and the density of the first sheet material 6A in the first body of material is approximately constant across the cross-sectional area of the body of material 6. Similarly, the second body of material 4 has an outer perimeter defining a cross-sectional area of the second body of material and the density of the second sheet material 4A in the second body of material is approximately constant across the cross- sectional area of the second body of material 4. The first and second bodies of material 6, 4 can be substantially solid, porous plugs of material, for instance filter plugs or plugs for use as aerosol-generating components.

[0058] The bulk density of the first sheet material in the first body of material is preferably lower than the bulk density of the second sheet material in the second body of material. For instance, the bulk density of the first sheet material in the first body of material can be between 0.1 and O.2,5g / cm'j or between 0.1 and O.2,5g / cm'j. Alternatively or additionally, the bulk density of the second sheet material in the second body of material can be between 0.15 and o.35g / cms. or between 0.20 and o.3g / cms.

[0059] The sheet density of the first sheet material in the first body of material is preferably lower than the sheet density of the second sheet material in the second body of material, where the sheet density is calculated as the basis weight in grams / m2per micrometre of thickness of the sheet. For instance, the sheet density of the first sheet material in the first body of material can be between 0.3 and o.sg / cms or between 0.35 and O.42g / cm3. Alternatively or additionally, the sheet density of the second sheet material in the second body of material can be between 0.4 and o.6sg / cm3. or between 0.43 and O.6g / cm3. The first and / or second sheet materials 6A, 4A can be gathered sheet materials, for instance in each case single or multiple sheets gathered to form the respective first and second bodies of material. For instance, as illustrated in Figure 1C, first and second portions of sheet material 6A’, 6A” can form the first sheet material. The first and second portions of sheet material 6A’, 6A” can each be crimped and fed longitudinally alongside each other and gathered to form the first body 6. As illustrated in Figure 1D, first, second and third portions of sheet material 4A’, 4A”, 4A’” can form the second sheet material. The first, second and third portions of sheet material 4A’, 4A”, 4A’” can each be crimped and fed longitudinally alongside each other and gathered to form the second body 4. Alternatively or additionally, as illustrated in Figure 1E, first and second portions of sheet material 6A’, 6A” can form the first sheet material. The first and second portions of sheet material 6A’, 6A” can form multiple overlapping layers which are crimped together and fed longitudinally alongside each other and gathered to form the first body 6. Alternatively or additionally, as illustrated in Figure 1F, first, second and third portions of sheet material 4A’, 4A”, 4A’” can form the second sheet material. The first, second and third portions of sheet material 4A’, 4A”, 4A’” can form multiple overlapping layers which are crimped together and fed longitudinally alongside each other and gathered to form the second body 4. In any of the examples illustrated in Figures 1C to 1F, one or more of the portions of sheet material can be treated with an aerosol modifying additive such as a flavour, an adsorbent such as charcoal granules, an aerosol -former material as defined herein and / or an active substance as defined herein, such as nicotine. Advantageously, treating one or more, but fewer than all, of the portions can enable the location of the aerosol modifying additive or agent to be localised to a particular location within the body of material, or help to limit its migration within the body of material.

[0060] In some embodiments, when the portions of sheet material form multiple overlapping layers, the total weight of the plurality of portions may be in the range of about 40 gsm to about 90 gsm. In some embodiments, the plurality of portions may have the same weight. For example, the material may comprise three portions and each of the portions may have a weight of about 15 gsm. In some embodiments, at least one of the portions may have a different weight to at least one other of the portions. For example, the first or second sheet material 6A, 4A may comprise three portions. Two of the portions may have a weight of about 20 gsm and the other portion may have a weight of about 10 gsm. Where at least one of the plurality of portions has a different weight to the others of plurality of portions, the portion(s) with the lower weight may be located between the portions with the higher weight. This arrangement produces a sheet material with better runnability through the manufacturing apparatus (not shown) as the apparatus only contacts the substrate sheets with a higher weight which are structurally stronger. The first and / or second body of material 6, 4 can comprise an aerosol modifying additive, such as an aerosol-former material, an active substance, a flavour and / or an adsorbent. For instance, the aerosol modifying additive can be provided in the form of a capsule embedded in the first and / or second body of material. The capsule can be a substantially spherical capsule which can be ruptured when force is applied by a consumer to the outside of the body of material in which the capsule is located.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally, a thread can be provided extending longitudinally through the first and / or second body of material, where the thread carries an aerosol modifying additive. Alternatively or additionally, particulate material can be dispersed in the first and / or second body of material, or a coating can be applied to the first and / or second sheet material.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first and second bodies of material 6, 4, can be spaced apart by a distance of between about 2mm and about 25mm, for instance between about 5mm and about 20mm, to define a cavity between the first and second bodies of material. In this case, the first and second bodies of material and the cavity can be surrounded by a wrapper, such as the combining plug wrap 9, and the wrapper can be provided with one or more ventilation regions allowing external air to pass into the cavity. The extended width of the first sheet material 6A can be between about 60mm and about 300mm. Alternatively or additionally, the extended width of the second sheet material can be between about 60mm and about 300mm.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first and / or second plug wrap 8, 7 has a thickness of between 30 pm and 60 pm, or between 35 pm and 45 pm. In some embodiments the thickness of the first and / or second plug wrap 8, 7 may be at least 40 pm, 50 pm, 60 pm, 70 pm, 80 pm, 90 pm or too pm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first and / or second plug wrap 8, 7 is in the range of 40 pm to 125 pm, or in the range of 50 to too pm.

[0064] In some embodiments, the combining plug wrap 9 has a thickness of between 30 pm and 60 urn, or between 35 iim and 45 jam. In some embodiments the thickness of the combining plug wrap 9 maybe at least 40 pm, 50 pm, 60 pm, 70 pm, 80 pm, 90 pm or too pm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the combining plug wrap 9 is in the range of 40 pm to 125 pm, or in the range of 50 to too pm.

[0065] The first and / or second sheet materials 6A, 4A may be fibrous sheet materials. In the present example, the first and second sheet materials 6A, 4A comprise cellulose. In the present example, the first and second sheet materials 6A, 4 A are each paper. In alternative embodiments, the first and / or second sheet material 6A, 4A may be a non- woven material and / or a material comprising regenerated cellulose.

[0066] Regenerated cellulose may be considered to be a class of materials that is manufactured by the conversion of natural cellulose to a soluble cellulosic derivative or direct dissolution of cellulosic pulp and subsequent regeneration via wet-spinning process. Therefore, regenerated cellulose fibres may be considered to be a class of materials that is manufactured by the conversion of natural cellulose to a soluble cellulosic derivative or direct dissolution of cellulosic pulp and subsequent regeneration in fibre form. The main distinction between regenerated cellulose fibres and known materials for use in filters such as cellulose acetate is that the regenerated cellulose fibres are a pure form of cellulose whilst the cellulose acetate fibres are a modified form of cellulose that is modified by the addition of acetyl groups to the cellulose polymer.

[0067] Regenerated cellulose fibers are typically prepared by extracting non-cellulosic compounds from wood, contacting the extracted wood with caustic soda, followed by carbon disulfide and then by sodium hydroxide, giving a viscous solution by direct dissolution of high purity cellulose pulp using NMMO. The solution is subsequently forced through spinneret heads to create viscous threads of regenerated fibers. The manner in which the regenerated cellulose is made is not considered to limiting on the scope of the present invention. The first sheet material can be formed from a plurality of non-continuous regenerated cellulose fibres which may be, for example, but not limited to, viscose, lyocell, rayon, viscose rayon, cupro or modal. Alternatively, or additionally, the second sheet material can be formed from a plurality of non- continuous regenerated cellulose fibres which may be, for example, but not limited to, viscose, lyocell, rayon, viscose rayon, cupro or modal. In either case, the first and / or second bodies of material can comprise an aerosol modifying additive as described herein, such as an aerosol-former material as defined herein, such as glycerol, optionally also incorporating an active substance as defined herein, such as nicotine, for instance in the form of one or more nicotine salts.

[0068] In some examples, the first body of material 6 has a length of at least 4 mm, for instance at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 7 mm or at least 8 mm. In some examples, the first body of material 6 has a length of less than 20 mm, for instance less than 18mm. In the present example, the first body of material 6 has a length of 15mm.

[0069] The first body of material 6 is arranged immediately downstream of the rod of aerosol generating material 3, in the present example. In other examples, one or more additional components can be provided between the first body of material 6 and the aerosol generating material 3. For instance, in one example, a tubular component defining a cavity is provided between the first body of material 6 and the aerosol generating material 3.

[0070] In some examples, the second body of material 4 has a length of at least 4 mm, for instance at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 7 mm or at least 8 mm. In some examples, the second body of material 4 has a length of less than 20 mm, for instance less than 18mm. In the present example, the second body of material 4 has a length of 12mm or 7mm. For instance, the second body of material 4 can have a length of 12mm to form an overall filter with a length of 27mm and can have a length of 7mm to form an overall filter with a length of 22mm, where the first body of material 6 has a length of 15mm. The second body of material 4 is arranged immediately downstream of the first body of material 6, in the present example. In other examples, one or more additional components can be provided between the second body of material 4 and the first body of material 6. For instance, in one example, a tubular component defining a cavity is provided between the second body of material 4 and the first body of material 6.

[0071] In some examples, at least one of the first section 6 or the second section 4 may be treated to change its visual appearance as compared to the other of the first section 6 or the second section 4. For instance, the first or second sheet material forming the relevant section may be bleached, coloured, or otherwise altered in its appearance. This can assist with distinguishing between the sections using sensors, such as light sensors, during high-speed manufacture. In the present example, ventilation is provided into the first body of material 6. In the present example, the ventilation is provided by ventilation holes 12, which are formed through the tipping paper 5, the first plug wrap 8, and the combining plug wrap 9 to provide ventilation into the first body of material 6.

[0072] Biodegradability can be measured according to the procedure set out under ISO 14855. Components as described herein can achieve a biodegradation of greater than 50% in 30 days when exposed to either fresh or marine water.

[0073] In some examples, the second sheet material 4A forming the second section 4 may comprise a coating, applied to the second sheet material 4A prior to forming the second body of material or during the process of forming the second body of material. In some examples, the coating on the second sheet material 4A may comprise a polymer, a resin, an adhesive or a polysaccharide. In some examples, the coating may increase the hardness of the second section 4, for instance by stiffening the second sheet material 4A, or by bonding adjacent folds in the gathered sheet material 4A to each other so as to increase the rigidity of the body of gathered sheet material. In some examples, the aerosol generating material or substrate is formed from tobacco material as described herein, which includes a tobacco component. However, in other examples, the aerosol generating material is formed from a non-tobacco material, such as a non-tobacco botanical material. In the present example, the aerosol generating material 3 is wrapped in a wrapper 10. The wrapper 10 can, for instance, be a paper or paper-backed foil wrapper. In the present example, the wrapper 10 is a permeable cigarette paper. In other examples, the wrapper 10 may be substantially impermeable to air, particularly where the article 1 is intended for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision system, as described further below.

[0074] Preferably the aerosol generating material 3 is provided as a cylindrical rod of aerosol generating material. Irrespective of the form of the aerosol generating material, it preferably has a length of about 10 mm to too mm. In some embodiments, the length of the aerosol generating material is preferably in the range about 25 mm to 50 mm, more preferably in the range about 30 mm to 45 mm, and still more preferably about 30 mm to 40 mm.

[0075] In the present example, the article 1 has an outer circumference of about 24.8 mm (i.e. the article is in the regular format), although any of the formats described herein can be used.

[0076] The outer circumference of the mouthpiece 2 is substantially the same as the outer circumference of the rod of aerosol generating material 3, such that there is a smooth transition between these components.

[0077] In the present example, the tipping paper 5 extends 5 mm over the rod of aerosol generating 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. In some examples, the tipping paper 5 can have a basis weight of 40 gsm to 80 gsm, for instance between 50 gsm and 70 gsm, for example 58 gsm.

[0078] Figure 2 is a side-on cross-sectional view of further article T, comprising an aerosol generating material 3 and a downstream portion 2’ or mouthpiece. The mouthpiece 2’ is substantially the same as the mouthpiece 2 described with reference to Figure 1, except the first body of material 6’ comprises an aerosol-modifying agent release component. In the present example, the aerosol-modifying agent release component is provided in the form of a capsule 11.

[0079] In some examples, a plurality of capsules 11 may be provided.

[0080] In some examples, the mouthpiece 2’ may comprise an aerosol-modifying agent release component that is operable to release the aerosol-modifying agent. In some embodiments, the aerosol -modifying agent release component may be operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent. 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. In the present example, the capsule n is located in the first body of material 6’. In the present example, the capsule n is embedded in the gathered sheet material 6A forming the body of material.

[0081] In some embodiments, the (or each) capsule comprises an outer shell and an inner core.

[0082] The shell of each capsule may be solid at room temperature. The shell may comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of, alginate. However, it should be recognised that in alternative embodiments the shell is formed from a different material. For example, the shell may alternatively comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of, gelatin, carageenans or pectins. The shell may comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of, one or more of alginate, gelatin, carrageenans or pectins.

[0083] The shell of each additive capsule may be impermeable, or substantially impermeable, to the aerosol modifying agent agent of the core. Therefore, the shell initially prevents the agent of the core from escaping from the capsule. When the user desires to modify the aerosol, the shells of the capsules are ruptured such that the agent is released.

[0084] In some embodiments, the (or each) capsule has a diameter in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm, or in the range of 2 mm to 4 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the (or each) capsule is about 3 mm. The (or each) capsule may be generally spherical. In other examples, other shapes and sizes of capsule can be used.

[0085] The total weight of each capsule may be in the range about 5 mg to about 50 mg, or in the range of about 10 mg to about 30 mg. In some embodiments, each capsule has a weight of about 14 mg. In some examples, the article 1, 1’ described herein may be modified for use in or as a non-combustible aerosol provision system. Modifications may be made to one or several of the wrappers, the composition of the aerosol generating material, and / or the configuration of the components of the mouthpiece, to produce an article which is particularly suitable for use in or as a non-combustible aerosol provision system. For example, a tubular portion may be provided to act as a cooling segment in an article intended for use in a non-combustible aerosol provision system. The wrapper 10 surrounding the aerosol-generating material may suitably be substantially impermeable to air in an article for a non-combustible aerosol provision system. The skilled person would also be aware of suitable modifications to the composition of the aerosol generating material, for instance the inclusion of aerosol-former.

[0086] Examples

[0087] Product A and Product B according to the specifications provided in Table i below were manufactured, having the overall arrangement as illustrated in Figure 1. The component pressure drop (PD) target for Product A was 60 mmH20 and the component PD target for Product B was 50 mmH20. The hardness according to the hardness test set out herein was measured at locations 3mm and 13mm from the mouth end of the products before and after smoking using a smoking machine and according to a standard puffing regime. As shown in Table 1, the reduction in hardness after smoking as compared to before smoking for the second body formed using a higher grammage sheet material (45 gsm paper) was lower than for the first body, formed using a lower grammage sheet material (36 gsm paper).

[0088] Table 1.0

[0089] 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.

[0090] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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. Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a noncombustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the noncombustible aerosol provision device.

[0093] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol- generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0094] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non- combustible aerosol provision device thereof, 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.

[0098] 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.

[0099] In one embodiment the active substance is a legally permissible recreational drug.

[0100] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0101] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes. The active substance may be CBD or a derivative thereof.

[0102] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like. Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemaiy, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, maijoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberiy, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens

[0103] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.

[0104] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.

[0105] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel. In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] The aerosol-generating film may have a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1 mm.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants. The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

[0119] A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0120] A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a vaiying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

[0121] 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

[0122] 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.

[0123] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy. 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 first body of material formed from a first sheet material having a first basis weight and a second body of material formed from a second sheet material having a second basis weight higher than said first basis weight, the second body of material arranged to be downstream of said first body of material when in use within said aerosol provision system.

2. A component for use in an aerosol provision system, the component comprising a first body of material extending along a longitudinal axis and formed from a first sheet material and a second body of material extending along the longitudinal axis and formed from a second sheet material, the second body of material arranged to be downstream of said first body of material when in use within said aerosol provision system and wherein the total weight per mm of length along said longitudinal axis of said second sheet material is greater than the total weight per mm of length along said longitudinal axis of said first sheet material.

3. A component for use in an aerosol provision system, the component comprising a first body of material formed from a first sheet material having a first sheet density and a second body of material formed from a second sheet material having a second sheet density higher than said first sheet density, the second body of material arranged to be downstream of said first body of material when in use within said aerosol provision system, and wherein the sheet density of a sheet is calculated as the basis weight in grams / m2of the sheet per micrometre of thickness of the sheet.

4. A component according to claim 3, wherein the first sheet density is between 0.3 and 0.43 gms / cms and / or the second sheet density is between 0.43 and 0.6 gms / cnA5. A component according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first sheet material has a first basis weight and the second sheet material has a second basis weight higher than said first basis weight.

6. A component according to claim 1, 3 or 4, wherein the second basis weight is between 30 and 60 gsm, or between 40 and 50 gsm and / or wherein the first basis weight is between 20 and 50 gsm, or between 30 and 40 gsm.

7. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the closed pressure drop per unit of length of said second body of material is higher than the closed pressure drop per unit length of said first body of material, optionally wherein the closed pressure drop of said second body of material is between 0.9 and 16.1 mmHaO / mm of length or between 2.8 and 5.0 mmH20 / mm of length and wherein the closed pressure drop of said first body of material is between 0.3 and 4.5 mmHaO / mm of length, or between 1.8 and 2.8 mmH20 / mm of length.

8. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the total closed pressure drop through the length of the component is between 20 mmH20 and 150 mmH20 and, optionally, wherein between 55% and 75% of the pressure drop though the length of the component is through the second body of material and between 45% and 25% of the pressure drop though the length of the component is through the first body of material.

9. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the hardness before use of the component at the longitudinal centre of the second body of material is between 80% and 99%, optionally between 85% and 97%.

10. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the hardness before use of the component at the longitudinal centre of the first body of material is between 80% and 95%, optionally between 80% and 90%.

11. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first and / or second sheet materials are gathered sheet materials.

12. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first and / or second sheet materials comprise a fibrous sheet material, a cellulosic sheet material such as paper, regenerated cellulose material, optionally lyocell or viscose, and / or a non-woven sheet material.13- A component according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first sheet material comprises a single sheet of material or wherein the first sheet material comprises multiple sheets of material, optionally wherein one or more but fewer than all of the multiple sheets of material comprise an aerosol modifying additive.

14. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the second sheet material comprises a single sheet of material or wherein the second sheet material comprises multiple sheets of material, optionally wherein one or more but fewer than all of the multiple sheets of material comprise an aerosol modifying additive.

15. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first and / or second sheet material is crimped, and optionally wherein the crimp amplitude is between 0.05mm and 1.2mm or wherein the average spacing between adjacent ridges is between 0.4mm and 5mm.

16. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein at least a portion of the component is circumscribed by a wrapping material having a basis weight between about 60 and about 120 gsm, or between about 80 and no about gsm, or between about 95 and about 105 gsm.

17. A component according to any preceding claim, wherein the first body of material has an outer perimeter defining a cross-sectional area of the first body of material and the density of the first sheet material in the first body of material is approximately constant across the cross-sectional area of the body of material.

18. A component according to claim 17, wherein the second body of material has an outer perimeter defining a cross-sectional area of the second body of material and the density of the second sheet material in the second body of material is approximately constant across the cross-sectional area of the second body of material.

19. A component according to claim 18, wherein the bulk density of the first sheet material in the first body of material is lower than the bulk density of the second sheet material in the second body of material, optionally wherein thebulk density of the first sheet material in the first body of material is between o.i and o.25mg / mm3 and the bulk density of the second sheet material in the second body of material is between 0.15 and o.3omg / mm3.

20. A component according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the first and / or second body of material comprises an aerosol modifying additive; optionally wherein the aerosol modifying additive is dispersed within the first and / or second body of material, provided in the form of a capsule embedded in the first and / or second body of material, a thread extending longitudinally through the first and / or second body of material, particulate material dispersed in the first and / or second body of material, or a coating applied to the first and / or second sheet material.

21. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the first and second bodies of material are spaced apart by a distance of between about 2mm and about 25mm, optionally between about 5mm and about 20mm, to define a cavity between the first and second bodies of material.

22. A component according to claim 21, wherein the first and second bodies of material and the cavity are surrounded by a wrapper and wherein the wrapper is provided with one or more ventilation regions allowing external air to pass into the cavity.

23. A component according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the extended width of the first sheet material or the combined extended width of the multiple sheets of material forming the first body of material is between about 60mm and about 300mm and wherein the extended width of the second sheet material or the combined extended width of the multiple sheets of material forming the second body of material is between about 60mm and about 300mm.

24. An article comprising: a source of aerosol generating material; and a component according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. An aerosol provision system comprising:a source of aerosol generating material; and a component according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

26. An aerosol provision system according to claim 25, wherein the aerosol provision system is a combustible smoking article.

27. An aerosol provision system according to claim 25, wherein the aerosol provision system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system.