Biodegradable cartridges for aerosol generating devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cartridge for an aerosol generating device, the cartridge comprising a container configured to hold a sensory medium, the cartridge being made from a biodegradable material, the cartridge further comprising a plant seed.The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and such a cartridge.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a biodegradable cartridge for an aerosol generating device.The present disclosure further relates to an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and a biodegradable cartridge. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to provide aerosol generating devices for producing an inhalable vapour. Such devices may heat a solid or liquid aerosol-forming substrate without combusting the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0003] An aerosol generating device utilizing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate is also called a vaporizer. The vaporizer may have a cylindrical shape and may include a body including a cartridge, a heater, and a power source and a control panel. The heater may include a porous element and a heating unit attached to the heated substrate for transferring heat. Furthermore, the porous element may be configured to transfer the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the cartridge toward the heating unit.

[0004] The cartridge may be configured as a replaceable cartridge. When the replaceable cartridge is consumed, a new cartridge is inserted into the vaporizer. Typically, the consumed cartridge is disposed of in a trash bin or returned to the supplier. Due to hygienic considerations and material properties, most used cartridges end up as waste in landfills.

[0005] The new cartridge may be equipped with sealing elements that protect parts of the cartridge from contamination. Before using a new replaceable cartridge, these sealing parts are peeled off and discarded as well. The accumulation of discarded cartridges and discarded sealing elements may have an impact on the ecosystem.

[0006] It would be desirable to provide a replaceable cartridge for an aerosol generating device that reduces its impact on the environment after use.

[0007] It would further be desirable to provide a replaceable cartridge for an aerosol generating device that contributes to environmental sustainability. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge for an aerosol generating device comprising a container configured to hold a sensory medium, the cartridge being made from a biodegradable material and comprising a plant seed.

[0009] When the cartridge of the present invention is discarded after use, the cartridge material is biologically degraded so as to reduce its impact on environmental pollution.

[0010] The cartridge further comprises a plant seed. The cartridge may comprise a plurality of plant seeds. The cartridge may comprise a range of plant seeds.

[0011] The plant seeds may have flavour properties. The plant seeds having flavour properties may allow for flavouring of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generating system. To this end, the plant seeds may be located in the air stream or aerosol flow path in the aerosol generating device.

[0012] The plant seeds may be capable of germination. Cartridges made of biodegradable materials and additionally equipped with germinating plant seeds are advantageous for at least two reasons. As mentioned above, discarded cartridges made of biodegradable materials reduce environmental pollution. Furthermore, the seeds may germinate after being discarded. Thus, each time a cartridge of the present invention is discarded, a new plant or tree is sown. Thus, the discarding of a cartridge of the present invention may actually have a positive impact on the ecosystem.

[0013] Any type of seed that is considered suitable may be used in the present invention. Seeds that are available in large quantities and exist as commercial products on the market may be used. Seeds may be selected from one or more of the following: seeds of the order Asparagales, seeds of monocotyledonous flowering plants (including Orchidaceae, brachiopod), seeds of monocotyledonous flowering plants, seeds of Pimpinella Anisum, seeds of Illicium Verum, seeds of Foeniculum Vulgaris, seeds of Calendula Officinalis, seeds of Anthemis Tomentosa, and seeds of Chervil (Anthriscus Cerefolium).

[0014] The material of the cartridge may be selected from any suitable biodegradable material known in the art. The biodegradable material of the cartridge may be selected from one or more of biodegradable plastics, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA), polysaccharide derivatives, and poly(amino) acids.

[0015] Plant seeds may be provided such that after disposal, the used biodegradable cartridge may function as a plant pot. The biodegradable cartridge may store water to enhance seed germination. The used cartridge may be buried in the ground and decomposed.

[0016] The cartridge may be designed to define an airflow channel. The cartridge may have a tubular shape that defines the airflow channel. The airflow channel may extend centrally through the cartridge.

[0017] As used herein, the term airflow pathway or airflow channel is used generally to refer to a pathway or channel along which gaseous components are directed through an aerosol generating device. The gaseous components may include air and aerosol, or any mixture of air and aerosol.

[0018] The plant seeds may be provided outside the container defined by the cartridge. Providing the seeds outside the container may allow the plant seeds to come into contact with the aerosol generated in the aerosol generating device.

[0019] The plant seeds may be attached to the cartridge by any suitable means. The plant seeds may be attached to the cartridge by adhesive or any other fastening means. The plant seeds may be provided on an herbal sheet, which may comprise an adhesive layer and a flavour layer.

[0020] The adhesive layer may include a suitable adhesive material for fixing the flavor layer to the cartridge. The adhesive material may include organic adhesives, such as cyanoacrylate, epoxy, acrylic, anaerobic and UV curable acrylates. The adhesive material may include inorganic adhesives, such as ceramic thread lockers and silicone adhesives. The adhesive material may include biodegradable materials, such as starch or polysaccharides. These adhesive materials exhibit thermal resistance to the temperature range of the generated aerosol. Thus, the use of these adhesive materials ensures the continued operation of the cartridge in the heated aerosol generating device.

[0021] Various biodegradable starch-based polymers include thermoplastic starches, starch synthetic aliphatic polymer blends, starch-polybutylene succinate (PBS) / polybutylene succinate adipate (PBSA) polyester blends, and starch-ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) blends.

[0022] The adhesive material may include polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH). The adhesive material may include either linseed oil or castor oil. The adhesive material may include biodegradable polyesters, such as aliphatic (linear) polyesters and aromatic (cyclic structure) polyesters. The adhesive material may include lactic acid or polylactic acid (PLA), or polycaprolactone (PCL) polyesters.

[0023] The adhesive material may include any combination of the adhesive materials described above.

[0024] The plant seeds may be provided within the herb sheet either in the adhesive layer, the flavour layer, or in both the adhesive and flavour layers.

[0025] The flavour layer may contain flavourants and may be used to flavour the airflow within the aerosol generating device or the generated aerosol.

[0026] The flavour layer may comprise a wax or gum, which may be selected from one or more of tamarind seed gum, locust bean gum derived from plant seeds, gum arabic and gum karaya derived from tree sap, or konjac mannan, and soy polysaccharides containing cellulose and agarose (among other plant major components).

[0027] The herb sheets described above may be specifically designed to have a higher flavour potential than plant seeds, therefore, by using the herb sheets of the present invention, the overall flavour potential may be enhanced.

[0028] The herbal sheet may be provided within an airflow channel defined by the cartridge. Exposing the herbal sheet to the air or aerosol stream within the central airflow channel of the cartridge may allow the volatile flavorants to readily mix with the passing airflow. The herbal sheet remains within the cartridge during and after use. When discarded onto the cartridge, plant seeds contained within the herbal sheet may germinate and contribute to the ecosystem.

[0029] The herbal sheet may be configured as a sealing layer fixed to the cartridge. In this regard, the herbal sheet may be configured as a sealing layer for sealingly closing at least one end of the airflow channel defined by the cartridge. For hygienic purposes, avoiding contamination of the internal airflow channel of the cartridge before use, it may be desirable to sealingly close one or both ends of the cartridge. Such a sealing layer may be removed before use and discarded in the environment. Since the herbal sheet of the sealing layer comprises one or more plant seeds, each disposal of such a sealing layer may lead to a new plant or tree being sown. Thus, disposal of the sealing layer may have a positive impact on the ecosystem.

[0030] The sealing layer may be formed from a biodegradable material. The sealing layer may be formed from one of a paper, a biofilm, and a fiber-based material.

[0031] The cartridge may be constructed from two or more components. Such a more component cartridge may also be referred to as a "cartridge assembly" and may include a seed holder and a main component.

[0032] The seed holder may comprise a plant seed, which may be contained in a herb sheet adhered to the seed holder.

[0033] The main part may define a container for holding the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. When assembled, the main part and the seed holder may define an airflow channel through the cartridge. The seed holder and main part may be assembled such that the plant seeds or herbal sheet comprising the plant seeds is located within the airflow channel. In this way, the seeds or herbal sheet may also be exposed to the airflow within the central airflow channel of the cartridge, allowing volatile flavourants to easily mix with the passing airflow.

[0034] The seed holder may comprise the complete container compartment of the cartridge or may be the only part configured to store the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. In such an embodiment, the seed holder may be configured to be discarded after the stored liquid aerosol-forming substrate has been used up, and the main part may continue to be used together with a fresh seed holder.

[0035] Constructing a cartridge from two or more parts may provide several advantages. Different parts may be used to perform different functions of the cartridge. Either the main part or the seed holder may comprise the complete container compartment of the cartridge or may be the only part configured to store the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The seed holder may be configured to hold plant seeds or herbal sheets. Such a distribution of functions to the individual components of the cartridge may facilitate the manufacture and construction of the cartridge.

[0036] To allow exposure of the plant seeds or herb sheets with plant seeds in the airflow channel, the main part may be configured to form an airflow channel with a lateral opening. The seed holder may be configured to have a corresponding protruding portion that may extend into the lateral opening of the air channel defined by the main part. Upon assembly of the main part and the seed holder, a front surface of the protruding portion of the seed holder may be flush with an inner wall of the main part that defines the airflow channel.

[0037] The main part may be shaped to define a docking portion with a recess configured to receive the seed holder. The docking portion may be provided with a guide element to facilitate insertion of the seed holder. A pair of guide elements may be disposed on the docking portion of the main part and the seed holder such that the seed holder may be accurately inserted into the main part at a predetermined location.

[0038] The seed holder and the main part may be connected by suitable connection means. The connection means may comprise a unique complementary engagement structure. The engagement structure may comprise one or more of a limiting groove, a clamping element, a spring element, a protrusion, and a recess that matches a corresponding engagement element. The engagement structure may be shaped according to a key-and-lock principle. During assembly, two matching counterparts of the engagement structures of the main part and the seed holder engage with each other, limiting the relative lateral movement of the two parts. Some engagement structures may be used to limit the movement of the seed holder in any direction while attached to the main part.

[0039] The main part may include a spring mechanism that may provide a force against a recess in the seed holder to maintain the seed holder in its engaged position. The spring mechanism may include an outwardly protruding portion that contacts a surface of the seed holder, thus creating a retaining friction.

[0040] The seed holder may comprise a friction element to facilitate disengagement from the docking portion of the main part. The friction arrangement may comprise a high friction material provided on a surface of the seed holder. The friction arrangement may comprise a series of parallel channel recesses recessed into a surface of the seed holder. Such friction elements allow a user sufficient grip to unlock the mechanical engagement features and release the seed holder from its engaged position in the main part.

[0041] After the liquid aerosol-forming substrate or flavour layer in the replaceable cartridge is completely consumed, the seed holder may be separated from the main part, thereby exposing the plant seeds or herbal sheet with the plant seeds, which may then function as a plant pot to eventually germinate the plant seeds.

[0042] The cartridge may be provided in the form of an aerosol-generating article for use in an aerosol generating device. The aerosol-generating article comprises a sensory media portion and a mouthpiece portion connected by a wrapper.

[0043] The aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more additional components selected from a hollow acetate tube and a front plug, and the plant seeds are provided in one or more of the additional components.

[0044] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a porous front plug, a sensory media portion, a hollow acetate tube, and a mouthpiece, connected in that order by one or more plug wraps or tipping papers.

[0045] The porous front plug may be made of acetate tow and may include one or more plant seeds distributed along the length of the front plug.

[0046] The sensate portion may be configured to be heated by a heating element, or if induction heating is used, the sensate portion may comprise a susceptor for inductively heating the sensate portion.

[0047] The hollow acetate tube may also comprise one or more plant seeds distributed along the length of the hollow acetate tube.

[0048] Upon insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the electrically heated aerosol generating device, the sensory media portion may be heated to generate an aerosol. When the user inhales, an airflow is provided that enters the aerosol-generating article at the porous plug and mixes with the released flavor of the seeds contained within the porous plug. The airflow is heated and mixes with the vaporized substrate in the sensory media portion to form a heated aerosol. This heated aerosol is again mixed with the flavor of the seeds contained within the hollow acetate tube. The aerosol exits the aerosol-generating article at the downstream end of the mouthpiece. By directing the airflow twice along the portion comprising the plant seeds, an increase in the flavor of the aerosol is achieved.

[0049] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may conveniently be part of an aerosol-generating article.

[0050] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material that contains volatile tobacco flavour compounds that are released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol former that facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0051] The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in liquid form. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol former, such as propylene glycol or glycerin, and other additives and ingredients, such as flavourings. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise water, solvents, ethanol, botanical extracts, and natural or artificial flavours. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine concentration of between about 0.5% and about 10%, for example about 2%. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be contained within a liquid reservoir of the aerosol-generating article, in which case the aerosol-generating article may be presented as a cartridge.

[0052] The cartridge may be configured to be removably connected to an aerosol generating device.

[0053] As used herein, "aerosol-generating device" refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article or may be contained within a cartridge. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing, an electrical circuit, a power source, a heating chamber, and a heating element.

[0054] The electrical circuit may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of a controller. The electrical circuit may comprise further electronic components. The electrical circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of power to the heater element.

[0055] The present invention also relates to an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generating device and a cartridge as described above.

[0056] Below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples, any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein. EXAMPLES

[0057] Example A: A cartridge for an aerosol generating device, the cartridge comprising a container configured to hold a sensory medium;

[0058] the cartridge is made from a biodegradable material;

[0059] The cartridge, wherein the cartridge further comprises a plant seed.

[0060] Example B: A cartridge as described in Example A, wherein the plant seeds have flavor properties.

[0061] Example C: The cartridge of any of the preceding examples, wherein the plant seed is capable of germinating.

[0062] Example D: The cartridge of any of the preceding examples, wherein the plant seeds are selected from one or more of sparagales seeds, monocotyledonous flowering plant seeds (including Orchidaceae, Cymbidium orchids), monocotyledonous flowering plant seeds, Pimpinella Anisum seeds, Illicium Verum seeds, Foeniculum Vulgaris seeds, Calendula Officinalis seeds, Anthemis Tomentosa seeds, and Anthriscus Cerefolium seeds.

[0063] Example E: The cartridge of any preceding example, wherein the biodegradable material is selected from one or more of a biodegradable plastic, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA), a polysaccharide derivative, and a poly(amino acid).

[0064] Example F: The cartridge of any preceding example, wherein the cartridge defines an airflow channel.

[0065] Example G: The cartridge of any preceding example, wherein the cartridge has a tubular shape defining a central airflow channel.

[0066] Example H: The cartridge of any of the preceding examples, wherein the plant seeds are provided outside the container defined by the cartridge.

[0067] Example I: A cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the plant seeds are provided within a herbal sheet.

[0068] Example J: A cartridge of any preceding example, wherein the herbal sheet comprises an adhesive layer and a flavor layer.

[0069] Example K: The cartridge of any of the preceding examples, wherein the adhesive layer comprises a plant seed.

[0070] Example L: A cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the flavor layer is formed of a wax type.

[0071] Example M: ​​A cartridge of any of the preceding examples, wherein the flavor layer is selected from one or more of tamarind seed gum, locust bean gum derived from plant seeds, gum arabic and karaya gum derived from tree sap, or konjac mannan, and soy polysaccharides containing cellulose and agarose (among other plant major components).

[0072] Example N: A cartridge of any preceding example, wherein an herbal sheet is provided within an airflow channel defined by the cartridge.

[0073] Example O: A cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the herbal sheet is configured as a sealing layer secured to the cartridge.

[0074] Example P: The cartridge of the preceding example, wherein the sealing layer is configured to seal and close at least one end of an airflow channel defined by the cartridge.

[0075] Example Q: The cartridge of any of the preceding examples, wherein the cartridge is comprised of two or more components.

[0076] Example R: The cartridge of any of the preceding examples, wherein the cartridge comprises a seed holder and a main component.

[0077] Example S: A cartridge as described in the preceding example, wherein the seed holder and main component have one or more of limiting grooves, clamping elements, protrusions, and recesses that match corresponding engaging elements, and are connected using unique corresponding engaging structures.

[0078] Example T: A cartridge as described in the preceding examples, wherein the seed holder and main component together form a central airflow channel.

[0079] Example U: A cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the cartridge is provided in the form of an aerosol generating article for use in an aerosol generating device, the article comprising a sensory media portion and a mouthpiece portion connected by a wrapper.

[0080] Example V: A cartridge as described in the preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises one or more additional components selected from a hollow acetate tube and a front plug, and wherein plant seeds are provided in one or more of the additional components.

[0081] Example W: An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and a cartridge as described in Examples A-V.

[0082] Features described with respect to one embodiment may equally be applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0083] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0084] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a cartridge with a sheet of herbs within the airflow channels. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a cartridge with an herbal sheet configured as a sealing layer. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows the cartridge assembly. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the main components of the cartridge assembly. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows the seed holder of the cartridge assembly. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates the germination of a plant seed contained within a seed holder. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an aerosol-generating article comprising a plant seed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0085] In Figure 1, a cartridge 10 according to the present invention is illustrated. The cartridge 10 is configured to be replaceable and is made from biodegradable polylactic acid. The replaceable cartridge 10 assembly has a generally tubular shape and defines a container portion 12 for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate 14. An airflow channel 16 extends centrally through the cartridge 10 along its longitudinal axis 18. A proximal end of the airflow channel 16 is designated as an outlet 20, and a distal end of the airflow channel 16 is designated as an inlet 22, which is configured to receive aerosol from an upstream vaporization unit of an aerosol generation device (not shown).

[0086] The herbal sheet 24 is disposed within the airflow channel 16. More specifically, the herbal sheet 24 is attached to an interior wall 26 of the cartridge 10 that defines the central airflow channel 16. The herbal sheet 24 comprises an adhesive layer 30 and a flavor layer 32. The adhesive layer 30 comprises a plant seed 34. In this embodiment, the plant seed 34 in the adhesive layer 30 belongs to a species of jewel orchid. The plant seed 34 has a generally spherical shape having a diameter of about 0.05 millimeters. The adhesive layer 30 comprises a cyanoacrylate-based organic adhesive.

[0087] The flavour layer 32 is formed of a wax-type layer made from tamarind seed gum as a primary ingredient. During the user experience, an aerosol is generated and directed through the central airflow channel 16 of the cartridge 10. The aerosol mixes with the volatile flavour components derived from the plant seeds 34 and the flavour layer 32 of the herbal sheet 24. The aerosol and entrained flavour components from the herbal sheet 24 are carried downstream through the outlet 20 of the airflow channel 16 and are ultimately inhaled by the user.

[0088] After consumption of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 14 stored within the cartridge 10, the cartridge 10 is replaced with a new cartridge 10. The spent cartridge 10 is discarded. Because the cartridge 10 is made from biodegradable materials, the used replaceable cartridge 10 does not cause an impact on the environment. In addition, the orchid seeds contained within the herbal sheet 24 within the used replaceable cartridge 10 are capable of germinating and may germinate to contribute to the ecosystem.

[0089] Figure 2 shows a further cartridge 10 according to the invention. The structure of the cartridge 10 is almost identical to that of the cartridge 10 shown in Figure 1. The cartridge of Figure 2 comprises two herbal films. The herbal films are configured as sealing films 40, 42 that prevent unexpected particles or liquids from contaminating the airflow channel 16. Each sealing film 40, 42 is made of a biodegradable heat seal adhesive and is provided with a plant seed 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing films 40, 42 are made of paper that is glued to the cartridge 10.

[0090] One sealing film 40 is placed over and covers the inlet 22 of the replaceable cartridge 10. The other sealing film 42 is placed over and covers the outlet 20 of the replaceable cartridge 10. A user removes the sealing films 40, 42 before inserting the cartridge 10 into an aerosol generating device. After peeling the sealing films 40, 42 from the cartridge 10, a user may place the sealing films 40, 42 in the ground so that the seeds 34 in each of the sealing films 40, 42 will germinate and contribute to the ecosystem.

[0091] 3 shows a cartridge assembly 50, which includes a main part 52 and a seed holder 54. The main part 52 and the seed holder 54 are removably connectable via unique engagement structures.

[0092] The main part 52 is configured to receive and engage a seed holder 54, as shown in Figure 3. In this embodiment, the seed holder 54 defines a container for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and is configured to hold one or more plant seeds 34. Once the substrate is consumed, the seed holder 54 may be discarded, while the main part 52, together with a new seed holder 54, may be reused. Hence, in this embodiment, the main part 52 is reusable.

[0093] The structure of the main part 52 is shown in more detail in Figure 4. The main part comprises two main sections 52: an airflow channel section 56 and a docking section 58. The airflow channel section 56 defines the air channel 16 through the cartridge assembly 50. The airflow channel section 56 and the docking section 58 are separated by a wall element 62 having an opening 64.

[0094] The docking compartment 58 includes a recess 66 for receiving the seed holder 54. The recess 66 is defined by a bottom side 68, a wall element 62, and two lateral sides 70.

[0095] The main part 52 is provided with suitable engagement means for securely holding the seed holder 54 in its engaged position. In the illustrated embodiment, some engagement means are configured to limit movement of the seed holder 54 in any direction while attached to the main part 52. A spring element 72 is included on a lateral side 70 of the recess 66 of the main part 52 which urges towards the recess 66, thereby providing a force against a groove 84 of the seed holder 54.

[0096] A protrusion 74 is formed on the bottom side of the recess 66. This protrusion 74 cooperates with a corresponding recess 86 on the downwardly facing side of the seed holder 54. In this embodiment, the protrusion 74 and the corresponding recess 86 have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Upon assembly of the cartridge, the protrusion 74 on the bottom side of the docking section 58 penetrates into the recess 86 on the downwardly facing side 88 of the seed holder 54. Thereby, lateral movement of the main part 53 and the seed holder 54 relative to each other is limited.

[0097] 5, the seed holder 54 has an L-shaped profile along the longitudinal axis of the replaceable cartridge assembly 50. The seed holder 54 is designed to fit within the recess 66 of the docking section 58 of the main part 52. The front surface 80 of the seed holder 54 contains the placement of the plant seeds 34.

[0098] Upon engagement of the main part 52 and the seed holder 54 , the front surface 80 of the seed holder 54 closes the opening 64 in the wall element 62 of the main part 52 , thereby establishing a closed tubular airflow channel 16 through the cartridge assembly 50 .

[0099] Additionally, the lateral surface 82 of the seed holder 54 includes a groove 84. Upon engagement of the seed holder 54 and the main part 52, the spring element 72 of the main part 54 bends into the groove 84 at the lateral surface 82 of the seed holder 54. In the engaged position, the spring element 72 provides retention between the main part 52 and the seed holder 54.

[0100] A recess 86 is formed in a downwardly facing surface 88 of the seed holder 54. As discussed above, the protrusion 74 of the main part 52 fits into the recess 86, limiting lateral movement of the main part 52 and seed holder 54.

[0101] The herb sheet 24 described above containing plant seeds 34 is placed on the seed holder 54. During operation of the aerosol generating device having a replaceable cartridge assembly 50, an aerosol is directed through the airflow channel 16 of the cartridge assembly 50. The aerosol contacts the herb sheet 24 such that volatile flavors contained in the herb sheet 24 become entrained in the aerosol.

[0102] The seed holder 54 also includes a friction arrangement 90 to facilitate disengagement from the main component 52. The friction arrangement 90 supports a user's fingertip to provide the necessary force to unlock the mechanical engagement mechanism and release the seed holder 54 from its engaged position. The friction arrangement 90 includes a series of parallel channel recesses recessed into a top surface 92 of the seed holder 54.

[0103] After the flavor layer of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 12 or herb sheet 24 in the replaceable cartridge assembly 50 is completely consumed, the seed holder 54 is separated from the main part 52 and discarded. The seed holder 54 may act as a plant pot so that a user can plant the seed holder 54 in the ground. This may help germinate the plant seeds 34 in the herb sheet 24, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0104] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in the top view of Figure 7, the cartridge is provided in the form of an aerosol-generating article 100 for use in an aerosol-generating device 102. In this case, the aerosol-generating device may be an inductively heated aerosol-generating device 102. The aerosol-generating article 100 comprises four main elements. The first element is a porous front plug 104 made of acetate tow. A plurality of plant seeds 34 are randomly distributed within the front plug 104. The second element is an aerosol-generating substrate 106 with a susceptor heating element 108. The third element is a hollow acetate tube 110. A plurality of plant seeds 34 are randomly distributed within the hollow acetate tube 110. The fourth element is a mouthpiece 112 made of acetate tow.

[0105] During a user experience, the aerosol-generating article 100 is inserted into an inductively heated aerosol generator 102. As illustrated in the bottom view of FIG. 7, the aerosol generator 102 is configured to generate a variable magnetic field that induces heat in a susceptor heating element 108. This heat is used to vaporize the volatile components of the aerosol-forming substrate 106. When a user takes a puff, an airflow is provided that enters the aerosol-generating article 100 at the porous front plug 104 and mixes with the released flavor of the seeds 34 contained within the porous front plug 104. As it passes through the aerosol-forming substrate 106, the airflow is heated and mixes with the vaporized substrate to form a heated flavored aerosol. This heated aerosol is again mixed with the flavor of the seeds 34 contained within the hollow acetate tube 110. The aerosol exits the aerosol-generating article 100 at the downstream end of the mouthpiece 112.

Claims

1. 1. A cartridge for an aerosol generating device, the cartridge comprising a container configured to hold a sensory medium; the cartridge is made from a biodegradable material; the cartridge further comprises plant seeds; A cartridge wherein the plant seeds are germinating.

2. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the plant seeds have flavor characteristics.

3. 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the plant seeds are selected from one or more of: seeds of the order Asparagales, seeds of monocotyledonous flowering plants (including plants of the family Orchidaceae, Cymbidium orchids), seeds of monocotyledonous flowering plants, seeds of anise (Pimpinella Anisum), seeds of Illicium Verum, seeds of Foeniculum Vulgaris, seeds of calendula (Calendula Officinalis), seeds of Anthemis Tomentosa, and seeds of chervil (Anthriscus Cerefolium).

4. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the biodegradable material is selected from one or more of biodegradable plastics, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA), polysaccharide derivatives, and poly(amino acids).

5. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the plant seeds are provided outside the container defined by the cartridge.

6. 10. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the plant seeds are provided within an herbal sheet.

7. 7. The cartridge of claim 6, wherein the herb sheet comprises an adhesive layer and a flavor layer.

8. The cartridge of claim 7 , wherein the adhesive layer comprises the plant seed.

9. The cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the flavor layer is formed of a wax type.

10. 8. The cartridge of claim 7, wherein the flavor layer is selected from one or more of tamarind seed gum, locust bean gum derived from plant seeds, gum arabic and karaya gum derived from tree sap, or konjac mannan, and soy polysaccharides containing cellulose and agarose (among other plant major components).

11. The cartridge of claim 7 , wherein the herbal sheet is provided within the airflow channel defined by the cartridge.

12. 8. The cartridge of claim 7, wherein the herbal sheet is configured as a sealing layer secured to the cartridge.

13. The cartridge of claim 12 , wherein the sealing layer is configured to seal and close at least one end of the airflow channel defined by the cartridge.

14. An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generator and the cartridge of claim 1.

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