Heat-not-burn stick

Abstract

To provide a method for reducing the chance that an aerosol-generating consumable article breaks or snaps during use.SOLUTION: As a heat-not-burn stick, an aerosol-generating consumable article (10) comprises: a tubular body (12) comprising a flexible portion (20), thereby allowing a first end (10a) of the aerosol-generating consumable article (10) to move relative to a second end (10b) of the aerosol-generating consumable article (10), where the flexible portion (20) is positioned at a predetermined distance from the second end (10b) of the aerosol-generating consumable article (10), where the predetermined distance corresponds to a length of a cavity of an aerosol-generating device configured for accommodating the aerosol-generating consumable article (10) and generating aerosol by heating of the aerosol-generating consumable article (10).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat-not-burn stick. [Background technology]

[0002] The popularity and use of aerosol generating devices and systems (also known as vaporizers) has grown rapidly in recent years as an alternative to traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and rolling cigarettes. As opposed to burning tobacco in traditional tobacco products, a variety of devices and systems are available that heat or warm an aerosolizable substance, which may or may not contain nicotine or other active substances.

[0003] Commonly available aerosol generating systems are of the substrate heated aerosol generation or heat-and-no-burn type. This type of system generates an aerosol or vapor by heating a consumable product (i.e., a "heat-and-no-burn stick") containing an aerosol substrate such as reconstituted tobacco, typically to temperatures ranging from 150°C to 350°C. By heating, rather than burning or combusting, the aerosol substrate releases an aerosol that contains the ingredients desired by the user but does not contain the undesirable by-products of combustion. Additionally, aerosols generated by heating tobacco or other aerosolizable materials typically do not contain the burnt or bitter taste that can be unpleasant to users as a result of combustion.

[0004] Typically, the heated non-combustion consumable, e.g. in the form of a stick, is inserted into a cavity of a heated non-combustion device with the end of the stick protruding from the device to form a mouthpiece for inhalation. The heated non-combustion device then supplies heat to the stick, aerosolizing an aerosolizable material contained in an aerosol matrix within the stick, and the generated aerosol is delivered to a user from the protruding end of the stick.

[0005] A common problem experienced with typical heat-not-burn systems is that the mouthpiece portion of the stick that protrudes from the aerosol generating device during use has a tendency to break off, especially near the cavity opening. To prevent this from happening, the user must instead hold the device in a position that minimizes bending forces on the stick during use. Such a position increases the effort and discomfort required to operate the device, resulting in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to solve the above mentioned problems.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating consumable comprising a tubular body including a flexible portion, thereby enabling a first end of the aerosol-generating consumable to move relative to a second end of the aerosol-generating consumable, the flexible portion being positioned at a predetermined distance from the second end of the aerosol-generating consumable, the predetermined distance corresponding to a length of a cavity of an aerosol generating device configured to accommodate the aerosol-generating consumable and generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating consumable.

[0008] In this way, the aerosol-generating consumable can flex during use in the aerosol generating device, thereby reducing the risk of damaging the aerosol-generating consumable. For example, during use, external forces may be applied to the stick, such as bending, tensile, compressive or torsional forces. By providing a flexible portion on the tubular body, the flexible portion may flex to accommodate the external forces without breaking. Additionally, because the position and angle of the first end of the aerosol-generating consumable can change relative to the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device may be held in different positions by the user during use, thereby improving ergonomics and user experience.

[0009] For example, when the aerosol-generating consumable is inserted into a cavity of the aerosol generating device during use, at least a portion of the flexible portion is positioned outside the cavity of the aerosol generating device, thereby allowing the first end of the aerosol-generating consumable to flex relative to the aerosol generating device during use.

[0010] Preferably, when the aerosol-generating consumable is inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device during use, at least a part of the flexible portion of the aerosol-generating consumable is arranged to be located within the opening of the cavity. In other words, the flexible portion is partly inside the cavity and partly outside the cavity. In this way, the flexible portion of the aerosol-generating consumable provides cushioning for the opening of the cavity, which may further reduce the risk of breakage of the aerosol-generating consumable. Alternatively, all of the flexible portion of the aerosol-generating consumable may be arranged to be located outside the cavity when the aerosol-generating consumable is inserted into the aerosol generating device.

[0011] The flexible portion of the tubular body may comprise a flexible material. As used herein, the term "flexible material" refers to any material that can bend, stretch, and / or deform without breaking or fracturing. The flexible material may be an elastic material that returns to an initial position when an external force is removed. Alternatively, the flexible material may be a soft material that does not spontaneously return to an initial position when an external force is removed. The flexible material may be provided by a layer of flexible material in the flexible portion of the tubular body. The flexible material may comprise flexible paper. The flexible material may comprise silicone.

[0012] The flexible portion of the tubular body may include a plurality of ribs extending around the circumference of the tubular body. The ribs may be provided as indentations on either the inner or outer surface of the tubular body and may facilitate deformation of the aerosol-generating consumable when an external force is applied to the aerosol-generating consumable. In this manner, the circumferential ribs may enable the tubular body to bend under bending forces without breaking or fracturing, thereby enabling a first end of the aerosol-generating consumable to move relative to a second end of the aerosol-generating consumable.

[0013] The flexible portion of the tubular body may include a material arranged in a folded configuration. In this manner, flexibility of the tubular body may be provided without forming the tubular body from a stretchable material. For example, the material arranged in the folded configuration may be paper. The folded configuration may be capable of moving between a folded position and an unfolded position.

[0014] The flexible portion of the tubular body may include a plurality of apertures configured to allow air to flow into the aerosol-generating consumable, the plurality of apertures being covered in the folded position and the plurality of apertures being uncovered in the deployed position. In this manner, a user may control the amount of air that may flow into the aerosol-generating consumable during use, thereby controlling the concentration and / or strength of the vaporized material. A user may select how many of the plurality of apertures are uncovered by pulling or bending the aerosol-generating consumable to move the folding structure at least partially into the deployed position.

[0015] In some embodiments, the tubular body can include a first layer configured to provide a flexible portion of the tubular body and a second layer disposed at least partially over the first layer.

[0016] The second layer of the tubular body may extend from the first end of the aerosol-generating consumable to the second end of the aerosol-generating consumable, thereby completely covering the first layer of the tubular body. In this manner, the aerosol-generating consumable may be simply and quickly assembled by wrapping the second layer around other components of the aerosol-generating consumable to create an aerosol-generating consumable with a continuous outer surface. Having a continuous outer surface may provide protection to internal components of the aerosol-generating consumable as well as provide the aerosol-generating consumable with a degree of rigidity that may be beneficial during transportation or storage of the aerosol-generating consumable.

[0017] The second layer of the tubular body may include perforations in a portion that covers the flexible portion of the first layer such that during use of the aerosol-generating consumable, such as when subjected to an external force, the perforations allow the second layer to at least partially rupture without damaging other portions of the aerosol-generating consumable, such as the first layer.

[0018] In other embodiments, the tubular body may include a first layer and a second layer configured to provide a flexible portion of the tubular body, the second layer being disposed at least partially over the first layer. The first layer may extend from a first end of the aerosol-generating consumable to a second end of the aerosol-generating consumable. Alternatively, the first end of the aerosol-generating consumable may be defined by the second layer. In this manner, the first layer of the aerosol-generating consumable may provide protection to any internal components, and the second layer may provide structural support to the first layer when bending forces are applied to the aerosol-generating consumable. This reduces the likelihood that the aerosol-generating consumable will break or snap during use.

[0019] The second layer may extend from the first end or the second end of the aerosol-generating consumable. Preferably, the second layer extends from the first end of the aerosol-generating consumable (i.e., the end configured to deliver vapor to a user). In this way, the size or length of the flexible portion of the aerosol-generating consumable is increased, thereby enabling the aerosol-generating consumable to accommodate a wider range of positions and / or external forces. For example, the second layer may be a silicone membrane wrapped around the first layer of the aerosol-generating consumable.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system including an aerosol generating device including a cavity having a length, and an aerosol generating consumable as described above, such that, for example, when the aerosol generating consumable is inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device during use, at least a portion of the flexible portion is positioned outside the cavity of the aerosol generating device.

[0021] The flexible portion of the aerosol-generating consumable may be arranged such that, when the aerosol-generating consumable is inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device during use, at least a part of the flexible portion of the aerosol-generating consumable is located within the opening of the cavity. In other words, the flexible portion is partly inside the cavity and partly outside the cavity. Alternatively, the entire flexible portion of the aerosol-generating consumable may be arranged such that, when the aerosol-generating consumable is inserted into the aerosol generating device, the entire flexible portion of the aerosol-generating consumable is located outside the cavity.

[0022] It will be understood that the invention has been described herein purely by way of example and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] One or more embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0024] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a typical aerosol-generating consumable, such as a heat-not-burn stick. [Figure 1B] An example of a non-combustion heating device is shown below. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a heat-not-burn stick inserted into the device prior to failure of the stick. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a heat-not-burn stick after the stick has been inserted into the device and broken. [Figure 2A] 1 shows an embodiment of a heat-no-burn stick having a tubular body with a flexible portion. [Figure 2B] An example of a heat-not-burn stick corresponding to the example shown in FIG. 1B is shown. [Figure 2C] 2B shows the heat-and-no-burn stick of FIG. 2A inserted into the heat-and-no-burn device of FIG. 2B. [Figure 2D] 2D shows the heat-no-burn device and stick of FIG. 2C with the first end of the stick moving relative to the second end of the stick due to bending of the flexible portion. [Figure 3A] 2 illustrates a user operating the heat and no burn device shown in FIG. 1 and a typical heat and no burn stick. [Figure 3B] 3 illustrates a user operating the embodiment of the heat and no burn device and heat and no burn stick shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4A-4C show an embodiment of a heat-and-burn stick in which the flexible portion is provided by a flexible paper tube. [Diagram 5] 5A-5C show a stick with flexible portions provided by a folding structure. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B show an example of a flexible tube that includes a number of ribs that can provide a flexible portion of the tubular body. [Figure 7] 1 shows an example of a heat-no-burn stick that includes an outer layer that provides a flexible portion of the tubular body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] In the following description and accompanying drawings, corresponding features may be preferably identified using corresponding reference numerals to avoid the need to describe in detail each and every embodiment the common features that are described.

[0026] As described herein, a vapor is generally understood to refer to a substance that is in the gas phase below its critical temperature, meaning that the vapor can be condensed into a liquid by increasing the pressure without decreasing the temperature, whereas an aerosol is fine solid particles or liquid droplets suspended in air or another gas. However, it should be noted that, as used herein, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor" may be used interchangeably, particularly with respect to the form of inhalable medium that is generated for inhalation by a user.

[0027] 1A-1D, an exemplary aerosol generating article such as a heat-non-burning stick 10' will now be described in detail. For simplicity, the term "stick" may be used to refer to a "heat-non-burning stick." FIG. 1A shows an exemplary stick 10' extending along a longitudinal axis, the stick 10' having a first end 10a' and a second end 10b'. The stick 10' includes a tubular body 12' with a first end 12a' and a second end 12b'. The tubular body 12' may be generally cylindrical with a predetermined diameter, although it will be appreciated that the tubular body 12' may have other shapes, such as, for example, a cubic or conical shape.

[0028] The tubular body 12' of the stick 10' contains an aerosol substrate (not shown) that, when heated by a heating non-combustion device, forms an aerosol or vapor that is delivered to a user. Use of the device 50 is sometimes referred to as "vapor inhalation." The first end 10a' of the stick 10' is configured as a mouthpiece for delivering vapor to a user and may include components such as a filter (not shown). The second end 10b' of the stick 10' is configured for insertion into a heating non-combustion device. The second end 10b' of the stick 10' may include components such as a plug (not shown) for holding the aerosol substrate inside the tubular body 12'. The tubular body 12' may be formed from one or more wrappers wrapped and secured around the filter, plug, and aerosol substrate.

[0029] Although an example of a heat-and-burn device 50 is shown in FIG. 1B, it will be appreciated that other heat-and-burn devices may be used with the heat-and-burn stick described herein. For simplicity, the term "device" may be used to refer to a "heat-and-burn device." The device 50 includes a housing 51 configured to hold various components of the device 50. The housing 51 may be of any shape sized to fit the various components and may be of any shape that a user can comfortably hold in one hand without assistance. The device 50 includes a cavity 52 with an opening 54. The cavity 52 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the stick 10'. If the stick 10' is substantially cylindrical, the cavity 52 may have a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the tubular body 12' of the stick 10'. For example, the diameter of the cavity 52 may be slightly larger than the diameter of the tubular body 12' such that the stick 10' may be inserted into the cavity 52. To ensure that the stick 10' remains fixed in the cavity 52 after insertion, retaining or restraining elements (not shown), such as internal ribs, embossments, or flat surfaces, may be provided in the cavity 52 to locally define between themselves a diameter equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the tubular body 12' of the stick 10'. The length of the cavity 52 is shorter than the length of the stick 10', such that the first end 10a' of the stick 10' protrudes from the heating non-combustion device 50 when the second end 10b' of the stick 10' is inserted into the cavity 52, as shown in FIG. 1C. A heating element (not shown) may be provided in the housing 51 to provide heat for vaporizing the aerosol substrate in the stick 10'. The heating non-combustion device 50 may include a number of additional components, such as a power source and control circuitry, which will not be described in detail herein.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1D, during use of the heat-and-no-burn device 50, an external force F may be applied to the stick 10', particularly at the protruding first end 10a' of the stick 10'. For example, the force may include bending, stretching or tensile, compressive, and / or twisting or torsional forces. Because the relative movement between the stick 10' and the heat-and-no-burn device 50 is restricted by the cavity, the external force may cause the stick 10' to break. For example, the stick 10' may break completely, bend in a manner that prevents the flow of steam through the stick 10', or be otherwise damaged in a manner that exposes the internal components of the stick 10' to the environment. Typically, the tubular body 12' of the stick 10' is prone to breaking because the wrapper that holds the various parts of the stick together cannot stretch to accommodate bending of the stick 10'. Thus, whenever a break occurs in the stick 10', the stick 10' must be discarded and replaced, resulting in waste and increased costs in operating the device. Breakage can occur anywhere on the stick 10', but typically occurs near the opening 54 of the cavity 52, as shown in Figure ID. If the stick 10' breaks near the opening 54, the break presents an additional problem in that it makes it difficult to remove the remainder of the stick 10' from the device 50, thereby increasing the time it takes to replace the stick 10'.

[0031] 2A to 2D, an embodiment of a heat-non-burn stick 10 that solves the above problems will now be described. The stick 10 shown in FIG. 2A shares many of the features of the stick 10' shown in FIG. 1A, such as a tubular body 12 and internal components such as a filter at a first end 10a of the stick 10, a plug at a second end 10b of the stick 10, and an aerosol substrate contained within the tubular body 12. In addition, the second end 10b of the stick 10 is configured to be inserted into a heat-non-burn device 50, such as that shown in FIG. 2B, which includes a cavity 52 with an opening 54.

[0032] In the embodiments of FIGS. 2A - 2D, the tubular body 12 further includes a flexible portion 20. The flexible portion 20 enables the first end 10a of the stick 10 to move relative to the second end 10b of the stick 10. As used herein, the term "move" refers to any relative movement between the ends 10a, 10b of the stick. For example, "move" may refer to a change in the angle of the longitudinal axis of the first end 10a relative to the second end 10b (such as by bending or flexing), or a change in the distance between the ends 10a, 10b of the stick 10 (such as by stretching or compressing), and / or a relative rotation about the longitudinal axis between the ends 10a, 10b of the stick 10 (such as by torsion). The flexible portion 20 is located at a predetermined distance D from the second end 10b of the stick 10. The predetermined distance D at least corresponds to the length L of the cavity 52 of the heat - non - combusting device 50. For example, the flexible portion 20 may extend a distance X along the length of the tubular body 12, and the predetermined distance D may define the mid - point of the flexible portion 20.

[0033] When the stick 10 is inserted into the cavity 52 of the device 50 during use, at least a portion of the flexible portion 20 is arranged to be located outside the cavity 52 of the device 50 (i.e., D + X / 2 > L). Preferably, when the stick 10 is inserted into the cavity 52 of the device 50, at least a portion of the flexible portion 50 of the stick 10 is arranged to be located within the opening 54 of the cavity 52 (i.e., D - X / 2 < L < D + X / 2). In other words, as shown in FIG. 2C, a part of the flexible portion 20 is inside the cavity 52 and a part is outside the cavity 52. Thus, the flexible portion 20 of the stick 10 provides a cushioning material against the opening 54 of the cavity 52, thereby further reducing the risk of breakage of the stick 10. Alternatively, all of the flexible portion 20 of the stick 10 may be arranged to be located outside the cavity 52 when the stick 10 is inserted into the device 50 (i.e., D - X / 2 > L).

[0034] As shown in Figure 2D, when an external force F is applied to the stick 10 during use of the device 50, the first end 10a of the stick 10 moves relative to the second end 10b of the stick 10 without breaking the stick 10. In particular, Figure 2D shows bending of the flexible portion 20, but compressive, tensile or torsional movements may also be accommodated by the flexible portion 20, depending on the type of external force applied.

[0035] Further advantages of the stick 10 will now be described with reference to Figures 3A and 3B. Figure 3A shows a user manipulating a typical heat-and-no-burn stick 10' inserted into a heat-and-no-burn device 50. To prevent damage to the stick 10' as explained above, the user must lift and tilt the device 50 towards the user's mouth to engage the first end 10a' of the stick 10'. Conversely, when using an embodiment of the stick 10 according to the present invention, the user may hold the device 50 to a more comfortable degree and does not need to tilt the device 50 to prevent damage to the stick 10. This means that the user may hold the device 50 in a position that is most comfortable for the user without the risk of damaging the stick 10.

[0036] As will now be described in more detail, the flexible portion 20 of the stick 10 may be realized in a number of ways. For example, the flexible portion 20 may comprise a flexible material, such as flexible paper or silicone (e.g., Figs. 7 and 8). Alternatively, the flexible portion 20 may be provided by structures such as folds, depressions, ribs, and / or corrugations (e.g., Figs. 5 and 6). The flexible portion 20 may be provided using a flexible tube 22 incorporated into the tubular body 12, by an outer layer disposed on the tubular body 12, and / or in any other suitable form, such as a flexible coating or layer. It will be appreciated that any of the above described embodiments may be combined to provide additional flexibility. Furthermore, the stick 10 may include two or more flexible portions 20 located at different positions along the length of the stick 10. Each of these flexible portions 20 may be realized in the same way as each other, or in different ways.

[0037] FIG. 4A shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a stick 10-1 with a flexible portion 20. The stick 10-1 includes a filter 13 at a first end 10a of the stick 10-1, the filter 13 being wrapped in a filter wrapper 14. The stick 10-1 also includes a plug 15 at a second end 10b of the stick 10-1, the plug 15 being wrapped in a plug wrapper 16. The flexible portion 20 of the stick 10-1 is provided by a flexible tube 22. In this example, the flexible tube 22 is a flexible paper tube 22 extending between the filter 13 and the plug 15, but it will be appreciated that there are other ways of providing flexibility for the flexible tube 22. For example, the flexible tube 22 may instead be a soft silicone tube, may include flexible paper, may include a folded structure (see FIG. 5), and / or may include circumferential ribs (see FIG. 6), or may include any other suitable means for providing flexibility.

[0038] The flexible tube 22 may be referred to as the first layer 22, and the second material layer 18 is at least partially disposed on the first layer 22. The flexible tube 22 may form an intermediate section of the stick 10-1 between the first end 10a and the second end 10b, which is secured by the wrapper. In particular, the filter 13, the filter wrapper 14, and at least a portion of the flexible tube 22 at the first end 10a may be wrapped with tipping paper 18a. Similarly, the plug of aerosol substrate 15, the plug wrapper 16, and at least a portion of the flexible tube 22 may be wrapped with substrate paper 18b. Thus, the tubular body 12 of the stick 10-1 is provided by the first layer 22 (flexible tube 22) and the second layer 18 (portions of tipping papers 18a, 18b). FIG. 4B shows a view of the stick 10-1 of FIG. 4A with elements such as the filter wrapper 14, plug wrapper 16, and portions of the tipping paper 18a and base paper 18b partially unwrapped.

[0039] FIG. 4C shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a stick 10-2 with a flexible portion 20. The stick 10-2 shares many features with the stick 10-1 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, and these common features will not be described in further detail. However, the stick 10-2 of FIG. 4C differs in that a single outer wrapper 18 extends from the first end 10a of the stick 10-2 to the second end 10b of the stick 10-2, thereby completely covering the first layer 18 of the tubular body. The outer wrapper 18 is provided by a single piece of paper 18 that is wrapped to completely cover the flexible tube 22 and the filter 13, the filter wrapper 14, the plug 15, and the plug wrapper 16. In this way, the stick 10-2 can be easily and quickly assembled by wrapping the outer wrapper 18 around the other components of the stick 10-2. This means that it is not necessary to invert the stick 10-2 to wrap the second outer wrapper piece 18, as may be necessary with the stick 10-1 of FIG. 4A. Additionally, the use of a single outer wrapper 18 creates a stick 10-2 with a continuous exterior surface. Having a continuous exterior surface may provide protection to the internal components of the stick 10-2, as well as provide the stick 10-2 with a degree of rigidity that may be beneficial during transportation of storage of the stick 10-2.

[0040] Preferably, the outer wrapper 18 includes perforations in the portion covering the first layer 22. The perforations may allow the outer wrapper 18 to flex when an external force is applied during use of the stick 10-2, allowing the outer wrapper 18 to at least partially break without damaging other portions of the stick 10-2, such as the first layer 22. The stick may also include air flow openings 19 that provide a path through both the first layer 22 and the outer wrapper 18.

[0041] 5A-5C show cross-sectional views of another embodiment of a stick 10-3 with a flexible portion 20. In particular, the tubular body 12 includes flexible tubes 22 arranged as a folding structure 26. In this way, the folding structure 26 can move between a folded position and an unfolded position to accommodate external forces that may be applied to the stick 10-3 during use. In particular, the folding structure 26 can move uniformly to the unfolded position when a stretching (or pulling) force is applied to the tubular body 12 (see FIG. 5A). Conversely, the folding structure 26 can move uniformly to the folded position when a compressive force is applied to the tubular body 12 (see FIG. 5B). Alternatively or additionally, when a bending force is applied to the tubular body 12, one side of the folding structure 26 can move to the folded position, while another (e.g., opposite) side of the folding structure 26 can move to the unfolded position (see FIG. 5C).

[0042] Additionally, a plurality of openings (not shown) may be provided in the folding structure 26 of the flexible tube 22, the openings being configured to allow air to flow into the stick 10-3. The openings may be covered in the folded position (e.g., FIG. 5B) but not covered in the deployed position (e.g., FIG. 5A). In this manner, a user may pull (i.e., apply a pulling force) on the stick 10-3 to at least partially move the folding structure 26 to the deployed position, thereby uncovering or exposing at least one of the openings. This allows a user to control the amount of air that may flow into the stick 10-3 during use, thereby controlling the concentration and / or strength of the vaporized material.

[0043] 6A and 6B show another example of a flexible tube 22 that may be used to provide the flexible portion 20 of the tubular body 12 of the stick 10. In this embodiment, the flexible tube 22 includes a number of ribs 28 (only some of which are numbered) that extend around the circumference of the flexible tube 22. The ribs 28 may be provided as indentations or corrugations on either the inner or outer surface of the flexible tube 22 and may be preconfigured or have a flexible nature to deform when a bending force is applied to the stick 10. The flexible tube 22 may include paper or may include a flexible or stretchable material such as silicone or flexible paper as described above. As shown in FIG. 6B, a bending force is applied to the flexible tube 22, which causes the circumferential ribs 28 to collapse on at least one side of the flexible tube 22 without the flexible tube 22 as a whole breaking or fracturing. In this way, when the flexible tube 22 is assembled into the tubular body 12 of the stick 10, the first end 10a of the stick 10 can move relative to the second end 10b of the stick 10. The flexible tube 22 is advantageous because it can be easily manufactured, such as by a flexible straw bending machine (e.g., Jx021 machine). This flexible tube 22 may be used to provide the flexible portion 20 of any suitable stick 10, such as the stick 10-1 shown in Figures 4A-4C. Alternatively, the ribs 28 may be formed directly on the stick 10, without the need to assemble the flexible tube 22 to other components of the stick 10. For example, the flexible straw bending machine may form the ribs 28 directly on the tubular body 12 of an existing stick 10, such as the exemplary stick 10' already described above.

[0044] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a stick 10-4 having a flexible portion 20. The stick 10-4 shares a number of features with the already described stick 10 that will not be described in further detail. In this embodiment, the stick 10-4 includes a first (paper) layer 30 wrapped around at least the aerosol substrate plug 15 and the plug wrapper 16 already described above. Additionally, a second layer 32 (or "outer layer") such as tipping paper 32 is at least partially disposed over the first paper layer 30 and the remaining internal components of the stick 10-4 such as the filter plug 13 and the filter wrapper 14, the second layer 32 being configured to provide a flexible portion 20 of the tubular body 12 that extends to the first end 10a of the stick. For example, the second layer 32 can be a silicone membrane at least partially wrapped around the first layer 30 to connect the first end 10a and the second end 10b of the stick 10-4. Such a silicone film as the second layer 32 exhibits inherent elasticity and flexibility compared to standard tipping paper, thereby providing some flexibility of the first end 10a in case of the application of external forces. As shown in Figure 7, the second layer 32 extends from the first end 10a of the stick 10-4, thus increasing the length of the flexible portion 20 of the stick 10-4, thereby allowing the stick 10-4 to accommodate a wider range of positions and / or external forces.

[0045] It will be understood that the embodiments described above may be combined in any suitable manner. For example, the layer 32 described in connection with Figure 7 may be provided on any of the other heat-no-burn sticks 10. It will also be appreciated that the stick 10 may include more than one flexible portion 20, and each of the flexible portions 20 may be located at a different distance along the length of the stick. Each of the flexible portions 20 may be realized in the same manner as each other, or in a different manner.

[0046] While the foregoing is directed to exemplary embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that the invention is described herein by way of example only and that modifications of detail may be made within the scope of the invention. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein or to any details shown in the accompanying drawings that are not described in detail herein and are not defined in the claims.

[0047] Moreover, other and further embodiments of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of this specification and can be devised without departing from the basic scope of the invention as determined by the claims which follow. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 10a 1st end 10b 2nd end 10-1 Stick 10-2 Stick 10-3 Stick 10-4 Stick 12' Tubular body 12a' 1st end 12b' 2nd end 13 Filters 14 Filter Wrappers 15 Plug 16. Plug Wrapper 18 1st layer 18a Tipping Paper 18b Base paper 19 Air flow opening 20 Flexible part 22 Flexible tube 26 Folding structure 28 Ribs 30 1st layer 32 2nd layer 50 Heating non-combustion device 51 Housing 52 Cavity 54 Aperture

Claims

1. An aerosol generating consumable, comprising a tubular body including a flexible portion, whereby a first end of the aerosol generating consumable is enabled to move relative to a second end of the aerosol generating consumable, comprising wherein the flexible portion is positioned at a predetermined distance from the second end of the aerosol generating consumable, the predetermined distance corresponding to a length of a cavity of an aerosol generating device configured to receive the aerosol generating consumable and generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating consumable, an aerosol generating consumable.

2. The aerosol generating consumable according to claim 1, wherein the flexible portion of the tubular body comprises a flexible material.

3. The aerosol generating consumable according to claim 2, wherein the flexible material comprises silicon.

4. The aerosol generating consumable according to claim 1, wherein the flexible portion of the tubular body comprises a plurality of ribs extending around an outer periphery of the tubular body.

5. The aerosol generating consumable according to claim 1, wherein the flexible portion of the tubular body comprises a material arranged in a folded structure.

6. The aerosol generating consumable according to claim 5, wherein the flexible portion of the tubular body comprises a plurality of openings configured to allow air to flow into the aerosol generating consumable, the plurality of openings being covered in a folded position and not covered in a deployed position.

7. The aerosol generating consumable according to claim 1, wherein the tubular body comprises a first layer configured to provide the flexible portion of the tubular body and a second layer at least partially disposed on the first layer.

8. The aerosol generating consumable according to claim 7, wherein the second layer of the tubular body extends from the first end of the aerosol generating consumable to the second end of the aerosol generating consumable, thereby completely covering the first layer of the tubular body.

9. The aerosol generating consumable according to claim 7, wherein the second layer of the tubular body comprises perforations in a portion covering the flexible portion of the first layer.

10. The tubular body comprises a first layer, and a second layer configured to provide the flexible portion of the tubular body, the second layer being at least partially disposed on the first layer, the aerosol generating consumable according to claim 1.

11. The second layer is the aerosol generating consumable according to claim 10, extending from the first end or the second end of the aerosol generating consumable.

12. A system comprising: an aerosol generating device including a cavity having a certain length; an aerosol generating consumable according to any one of claims 1 to 11; A system comprising the same.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein at least a part of the flexible portion of the aerosol generating consumable is arranged to be located within the opening of the cavity when the aerosol generating consumable is inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device during use.

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