Curling method for curling an aerosol- or smoke-generating article

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for curling an open tubular end of an aerosol- or smoke-generating article. The method comprises providing a curling surface. The method comprises providing an aerosol- or smoke-generating article with an open tubular end. The method comprises curling the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article by advancing the curling surface towards the aerosol- or smoke-generating article and simultaneously rotating the curling surface. The present invention further relates to an aerosol- or smoke-generating article. The present invention further relates to a curling head for curling an aerosol- or smoke-generating article. The present invention further relates to an apparatus for manufacturing an aerosol- or smoke-generating article.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for curling an open tubular end of an aerosol- or smoke-generating article. The present disclosure further relates to an aerosol- or smoke-generating article. The present disclosure further relates to a curling head for curling an aerosol- or smoke-generating article. The present disclosure further relates to an apparatus for manufacturing an aerosol- or smoke-generating article. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of aerosol- or smoke-generating article, e.g. inhaler article, manufacturing, it is known to provide a deformable tubular element and fold the distal end of the deformable tubular element inwardly by about 90 degrees to at least partially close the distal end of the deformable tubular element. A capsule containing an active substance may be held within the tubular element. Rather than completely closing the distal end of the article, it may be desirable to have an open central opening through which a piercing means can be inserted to pierce a cartridge or capsule held within the hollow tubular element.

[0003] Due to manufacturing tolerances, the length of the folded edge may vary from article to article. This may cause a non-uniform optical appearance of different articles in the package, which may be unpleasant. This may also result in a change in the diameter of the central opening of the partially closed article. If the opening is too large, this may cause the capsule to exit the tubular element. If the opening is too small, perforation may not be possible. Similarly, if the opening is too large, this may cause other elements, such as tobacco material, to exit the tubular element of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article.

[0004] The hollow tubular element may be made of a thin, and therefore fragile, material to reduce manufacturing costs, and a folded distal end made from a thin material may exhibit little stiffness. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It would be desirable to provide a method and apparatus for reproducibly and automatically producing aerosol or smoke generating articles. It would be desirable to provide a method and apparatus for producing aerosol or smoke generating articles at a sufficiently high rate. It would be desirable to provide a method and apparatus for producing aerosol or smoke generating articles having a uniform appearance of the closed distal end of the article.

[0006] It would be desirable to provide a method and apparatus for producing structurally reinforced aerosol or smoke generating articles. It would be desirable to provide a method and apparatus for producing aerosol or smoke generating articles having a circular cross section with negligible or zero ellipticity. It would be desirable to improve the insertion of aerosol or smoke generating articles into a penetration device.

[0007] It would be desirable to provide a method and apparatus for manufacturing aerosol or smoke generating articles that can be performed on existing manufacturing lines used to manufacture aerosol or smoke generating articles.

[0008] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol- or smoke-generating article that allows or improves the attachment of another element to an end portion of the article. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for curling an open tubular end of an aerosol- or smoke-generating article. The method may include providing a curling surface. The method may include providing an aerosol- or smoke-generating article with an open tubular end. The method may include curling the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article by advancing the curling surface towards the aerosol- or smoke-generating article and simultaneously rotating the curling surface.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for curling an open tubular end of an aerosol- or smoke-generating article. The method includes providing a curling surface. The method includes providing an aerosol- or smoke-generating article with an open tubular end. The method includes curling the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article by advancing the curling surface towards the aerosol- or smoke-generating article and simultaneously rotating the curling surface.

[0011] A method is provided for reproducibly and automatically producing an aerosol or smoke generating article.A method is provided for sufficiently rapid production of an aerosol or smoke generating article.

[0012] By curling the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article, the open tubular end may be at least partially closed. The at least partially closed end may avoid the possibility of an inserted element, e.g., a capsule, exiting the article.

[0013] By curling the open tubular end, the tubular end may be at least partially closed without folding the open tubular end. By curling the open tubular end of an aerosol- or smoke-generating article, a method may be provided for producing an aerosol- or smoke-generating article having a uniform appearance at the closed distal end of the article.

[0014] By curling the open tubular end, a curled edge of the tubular end with increased stiffness may be provided. A method for manufacturing a structurally reinforced aerosol or smoke generating article may be provided. The curled edge may provide increased hardness to the distal end of the article. The distal end of the article with the curled edge may be less likely to be pushed from a round shape to an oval shape. For example, a structurally reinforced curled end of an inhaler article with a capsule may be provided, which may advantageously be less likely to be deformed or damaged when inserted into a piercing device to pierce the capsule. By curling the open tubular end, a method for manufacturing an inhaler article with improved insertion of the inhaler article into a piercing device may be provided.

[0015] Curling the open tubular end may provide an aerosol or smoke generating article with a highly circular cross section with little or no ovality. A rotational movement about a central axis during curling may be beneficial to provide a circular shaped end with no ovality. The rounded shape may improve the insertion of the inhaler article into the penetrating device.

[0016] By curling the open tubular end, an increased edge surface may be provided. The surface area of ​​the curled edge perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the article may be increased compared to the surface area provided by the wall thickness of the non-curled open tubular end. The increased surface area of ​​the curled edge may advantageously enable or improve the attachment of another element to the end portion of the article. For example, an increased gluing area may be provided by the increased surface area. The increased gluing area may facilitate gluing of an additional element, such as a disk element, to the curled end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article.

[0017] The step of "curling the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article by advancing a curling surface towards the aerosol- or smoke-generating article and simultaneously rotating the curling surface" may include "curling the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article by advancing the curling surface towards the aerosol- or smoke-generating article and simultaneously rotating the curling surface about an axis of rotation."

[0018] The step of "curling the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article by advancing a curling surface towards the aerosol- or smoke-generating article and simultaneously rotating the curling surface" may include "curling the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article by advancing the curling surface towards the aerosol- or smoke-generating article and simultaneously rotating the curling surface multiple revolutions about an axis of rotation."

[0019] The axis of rotation may be disposed at an angle of less than 90 degrees, preferably less than 45 degrees, more preferably less than 20 degrees, more preferably less than 10 degrees, more preferably less than 5 degrees, more preferably less than 1 degree, relative to the direction of advance of the curling surface towards the aerosol- or smoke-generating article. The axis of rotation may be disposed parallel to the direction of advance of the curling surface towards the aerosol- or smoke-generating article.

[0020] The open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article may comprise or consist of a cellulosic material, such as paper or cardboard.

[0021] The open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article may comprise or consist of wrapping paper.

[0022] The wall thickness of the open tubular end may be from 100 micrometers to 150 micrometers, preferably from 110 micrometers to 140 micrometers, and more preferably from 120 micrometers to 130 micrometers.

[0023] The wall of the open tubular end may be made of cardboard and may have a thickness of 100 micrometers to 150 micrometers, preferably 110 micrometers to 140 micrometers, more preferably 120 micrometers to 130 micrometers.

[0024] The curled end may comprise a curled edge. The thickness of the curled edge may be measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article.

[0025] The thickness of the curled edge may be between 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm, preferably between 1.0 mm and 2.0 mm, more preferably between 1.2 mm and 1.8 mm, more preferably between 1.4 mm and 1.6 mm. The thickness of the curled edge may be about 1.5 mm.

[0026] For example, the outer diameter of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article may be about 7.2 millimeters and the curled end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article may include a central opening having a width of about 4.2 millimeters, such that the thickness of the curled edge is about 1.5 millimeters.

[0027] At least a portion of the curled edge of the aerosol-generating or smoke-generating article may provide a greater thickness than the uncurled wall of the open tubular end. At least a portion of the curled edge of the aerosol-generating or smoke-generating article may provide a greater density than the uncurled tubular wall. The method of curling an open tubular end of an aerosol-generating or smoke-generating article by simultaneous advancement and rotation of a curling surface is different from other methods of folding or bending an open tubular end of an aerosol-generating or smoke-generating article. The resulting curled edge of the aerosol-generating or smoke-generating article is different from the folded or bent tubular end of the aerosol-generating or smoke-generating article. Due to the process by simultaneous advancement and rotation of the curling surface, the shape and structure of the curled end is different from the shape and structure of the at least partially closed end of an article that is at least partially closed by a conventional folding or bending method.

[0028] The method for curling the open tubular end of an aerosol- or smoke-generating article may be carried out within an existing manufacturing line used to manufacture aerosol- or smoke-generating articles.

[0029] The curling surface may be concavely shaped and may optionally include a concave curvature. The curling surface may be rotationally symmetrically disposed about a central axis. Curling the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article may include advancing the curling surface along the central axis toward the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article and simultaneously rotating the curling surface about the central axis. During the curling step, the central axis of the curling surface and the longitudinal central axis of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article may be aligned along a common axis.

[0030] The curling surface may be a smooth surface, for example a metal surface, which may be polished. The curling surface may comprise one or both of steel and brass.

[0031] The curling surface may advance in a straight line towards the aerosol or smoke generating article over a distance of between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 7 mm, more preferably about 5 mm.

[0032] The curling surface may advance in a straight line towards the aerosol- or smoke-generating article at a speed of between 1 millimeter per second and 10 millimeters per second, preferably between 3 millimeters per second and 7 millimeters per second, and more preferably about 5 millimeters per second.

[0033] The curling surface may be advanced in a linear manner towards the aerosol or smoke generating article with a force of from 1 Newton to 20 Newtons, preferably from 3 Newtons to 15 Newtons, more preferably from 5 Newtons to 10 Newtons.

[0034] The curling surface may rotate at a speed of from 50 revolutions per minute to 2,000 revolutions per minute, preferably from 100 revolutions per minute to 1,500 revolutions per minute, and more preferably from 300 revolutions per minute to 1,200 revolutions per minute.

[0035] The curling surface may be the curling surface of a curling head as described herein.

[0036] The method may include the step of inserting a capsule into the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article prior to the step of curling the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article.

[0037] The method may include a step of pretreating the open tubular distal end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article prior to the step of curling the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article. The pretreatment may include wetting the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article with an aqueous solution, for example in the form of a spray mist. The aqueous solution may be water-based and may include additives. The open tubular end may only be slightly wetted. Wetting the open tubular end may increase the humidity of the tubular wall of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article.

[0038] The pre-treatment may include treating the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article with a vapour or steam. The pre-treatment may include heating the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article to a temperature in the range of, for example, 30°C to 200°C.

[0039] The pretreatment may improve curling of the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article, particularly when the open tubular end comprises cardboard or paper.

[0040] The pretreatment may increase the elasticity of the edges.

[0041] The present invention further relates to an aerosol- or smoke-generating article comprising at least one curled end, preferably a curled distal end, which may be obtained by the method for curling an open tubular end of an aerosol- or smoke-generating article as described herein.

[0042] The curled distal end may comprise a convex curvature. The radius of curvature of the convex curvature may be between 1.3 mm and 2.3 mm, preferably between 1.6 mm and 2.0 mm, more preferably between 1.7 mm and 1.9 mm, more preferably about 1.8 mm. The curled distal end may have a rounded shape.

[0043] The curled distal end may comprise a curled edge surrounding the central opening. The curled edge may be a rounded edge.

[0044] The curled distal end may be made from cardboard or paper, for example, wrapping paper.

[0045] The aerosol or smoke generating article may comprise a capsule. The capsule may contain one or more nicotine salts.

[0046] The capsule may contain medicamentously active particles. For example, the medicamentously active particles may include nicotine. The medicamentously active particles may have a median aerodynamic diameter of about 5 micrometers or less, or in the range of about 0.5 micrometers to about 4 micrometers, or in the range of about 1 micrometer to about 3 micrometers. The capsule may include one or more nicotine salts.

[0047] The capsule may contain nicotine particles containing nicotine (also referred to as "nicotine powder" or "nicotine particles"), and optionally, particles containing a flavor (also referred to as "flavor particles"). The capsule may contain a predetermined amount of nicotine particles and optional flavor particles. The capsule may contain sufficient nicotine particles to provide at least 2 inhalations or "puffs", or at least about 5 inhalations or "puffs", or at least about 10 inhalations or "puffs". The capsule may contain sufficient nicotine particles to provide about 5 to about 50 inhalations or "puffs", or about 10 to about 30 inhalations or "puffs". Each inhalation or "puff" may deliver about 0.1 mg to about 3 mg of nicotine particles to the user's lungs, or about 0.2 milligrams to about 2 milligrams of nicotine particles to the user's lungs, or about 1 milligram of nicotine particles to the user's lungs.

[0048] The nicotine particles may have any useful concentration of nicotine based on the particular formulation employed. The nicotine particles may have at least about 1 weight percent nicotine up to about 30 weight percent nicotine, or about 2 weight percent to about 25 weight percent nicotine, or about 3 weight percent to about 20 weight percent nicotine, or about 4 weight percent to about 15 weight percent nicotine, or about 5 weight percent to about 13 weight percent nicotine. Preferably, each inhalation or "puff" may deliver about 50 to about 150 micrograms of nicotine to the user's lungs.

[0049] The capsule may hold or contain at least about 5 milligrams of nicotine particles, or at least about 10 milligrams of nicotine particles. The capsule may hold or contain less than about 900 milligrams of nicotine particles, or less than about 300 milligrams of nicotine particles, or less than 150 milligrams of nicotine particles.

[0050] The capsule may hold or contain from about 5 milligrams to about 300 milligrams of nicotine particles, or from about 10 milligrams to about 200 milligrams of nicotine particles.

[0051] When flavor particles are blended or combined with the nicotine particles in the capsule, the flavor particles may be present in an amount that provides the desired flavor for each inhalation or "puff" delivered to the user.

[0052] The nicotine particles may have any size distribution useful for preferential inhalation delivery into the lungs of the user. The capsule may contain particles other than nicotine particles. The nicotine particles and other particles may form a powder system.

[0053] The capsule may hold or contain at least about 5 milligrams of dry powder (also referred to as a powder system), or at least about 10 milligrams of dry powder. The capsule may hold or contain less than about 900 milligrams of dry powder, or less than about 300 milligrams of dry powder, or less than about 150 milligrams of dry powder. The capsule may hold or contain between about 5 milligrams and about 300 milligrams of dry powder, or between about 10 milligrams and about 200 milligrams of dry powder, or between about 25 milligrams and about 100 milligrams of dry powder.

[0054] The dry powder or powder system may have at least about 40 percent by weight, or at least about 60 percent by weight, or at least about 80 percent by weight of the powder system consisting of nicotine particles having a particle size of about 5 micrometers or less, or in the range of about 1 micrometer to about 5 micrometers.

[0055] The nicotine-containing particles may have a mass median aerodynamic diameter 5 of about 5 micrometers or less, or in the range of about 0.5 micrometers to about 4 micrometers, or in the range of about 1 micrometer to about 3 micrometers, or in the range of about 1.5 micrometers to about 2.5 micrometers. The mass median aerodynamic diameter is preferably measured using a cascade impactor.

[0056] The flavor-containing particles may have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of about 20 micrometers or more, or about 50 micrometers or more, or in the range of about 50 to about 200 micrometers, or in the range of about 50 to about 150 micrometers. The mass median aerodynamic diameter is preferably measured using a cascade impactor.

[0057] The dry powder may have an average particle size of about 60 micrometers or less, or in the range of about 1 micrometer to about 40 micrometers, or in the range of about 1.5 micrometers to about 25 micrometers, where average particle size refers to the average particle size per mass, and is preferably measured by laser diffraction, laser diffusion, or electron microscopy.

[0058] The nicotine in the powder system or in the nicotine particles may be pharma- ceutically acceptable free base nicotine, or nicotine salt or nicotine salt hydrate.Useful nicotine salt or nicotine salt hydrate includes, for example, nicotine pyruvate, nicotine citrate, nicotine aspartate, nicotine lactate, nicotine bitartrate, nicotine salicylate, nicotine fumarate, nicotine mono-pyruvate, nicotine glutamate, or nicotine hydrochloride.The compound that combines with nicotine to form a salt or salt hydrate may be selected based on its expected pharmacological effect.

[0059] The nicotine particles preferably comprise an amino acid.Preferably, the amino acid may be leucine, such as L-leucine.Providing the nicotine-containing particles with an amino acid, such as L-leucine, may reduce the adhesive force of the nicotine-containing particles, and may also reduce the attractive force between the nicotine particles, and therefore reduce the aggregation of the nicotine particles.

[0060] Similarly, the adhesive forces to the flavour-containing particles may also be reduced, and hence the agglomeration of the nicotine particles with the flavour particles is also reduced. Hence, the powder systems described herein may be free-flowing materials and have a stable relative particle size of each powder component, even when the nicotine and flavour particles are combined.

[0061] Preferably, the nicotine may be a surface-modified nicotine salt, in which case the nicotine salt particles include coated particles or composite particles. A preferred coating material or composite material may be L-leucine. One particularly useful nicotine particle may be nicotine penta-tartrate with L-leucine.

[0062] The powder system may comprise a population of flavour particles, which may have any size distribution useful for selective inhalation delivery into the mouth or oral cavity of a user.

[0063] The powder system may have a powder flavor particle population of at least about 40 percent by weight, or at least about 60 percent by weight, or at least about 80 percent by weight of particles having a particle size of about 20 micrometers or greater. The powder system may have a powder flavor particle population of at least about 40 percent by weight, or at least about 60 percent by weight, or at least about 80 percent by weight of particles having a particle size of about 50 micrometers or greater. The powder system may have a powder flavor particle population of at least about 40 percent by weight, or at least about 60 percent by weight, or at least about 80 percent by weight of particles having a particle size in the range of about 50 micrometers to about 150 micrometers.

[0064] The flavour-containing particles may include a compound to reduce adhesion or surface energy and the resulting agglomeration. The flavour particles may be surface-modified with an adhesion-reducing compound to form coated flavour particles. One preferred adhesion-reducing compound may be magnesium stearate. Providing flavour particles, particularly coating the flavour particles, with an adhesion-reducing compound such as magnesium stearate may reduce the adhesion of the flavour-containing particles and may reduce the attractive forces between flavour particles and therefore reduce the agglomeration of the flavour particles. Hence, the agglomeration of flavour particles with nicotine particles may also be reduced. Thus, the powder system described herein may have a stable relative particle size of the nicotine-containing particles and the flavour-containing particles even when the nicotine and flavour particles are combined. The powder system may preferably be free-flowing.

[0065] Conventional formulations for dry powder inhalation contain carrier particles that function to increase the fluidization of active particles, since the active particles may be too small to be affected by simple airflow through the inhaler.Powder systems may include carrier particles.These carrier particles may be saccharides, such as lactose or mannitol, that may have a particle size of more than about 50 micrometers.Carrier particles may be utilized in formulations to improve dose uniformity by acting as diluents or bulking agents.

[0066] Powder systems utilized with the nicotine powder delivery systems described herein may be carrier-free or substantially free of saccharides such as lactose or mannitol. The absence of carriers or the substantial absence of saccharides such as lactose or mannitol may allow the nicotine to be inhaled and delivered to the user's lungs at an inhalation volume or air flow rate similar to that of a typical smoking method.

[0067] The nicotine particles and flavors may be combined in a single capsule. As mentioned above, the nicotine particles and flavors may each have a reduced adhesive force, and when combined, the particle size of each component does not change substantially, which results in a stable particle formulation. Alternatively, the powder system includes nicotine particles contained in a single capsule and flavor particles contained in a second capsule.

[0068] The nicotine particles and flavor particles may be combined in any useful relative amounts such that the flavor particles are noticeable by the user when consumed along with the nicotine particles.

[0069] Preferably, the nicotine particles and flavor particles form at least about 90 percent by weight, or at least about 95 percent by weight, or at least about 99 percent by weight, or 100 percent by weight of the total weight of the powder system.

[0070] The present invention further relates to a curling head for curling an open tubular end of an aerosol- or smoke-generating article. The curling head may comprise a longitudinal central axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The curling head may comprise a circular opening centrally located at the proximal end and defining a recess toward the distal end. The recess may be arranged for insertion therein of an open hollow tubular element of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article. At least a portion of a sidewall of the recess may be arranged as a curling surface. The curling surface may comprise a concave curvature.

[0071] The present invention further relates to a curling head for curling an open tubular end of an aerosol- or smoke-generating article. The curling head comprises a longitudinal central axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The curling head comprises a circular opening centrally located at the proximal end and defining a recess toward the distal end. The recess is arranged for insertion therein of an open hollow tubular element of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article. At least a portion of a sidewall of the recess is arranged as a curling surface. The curling surface comprises a concave curvature.

[0072] The basic shape of the recess may be bowl-shaped or dome-shaped.

[0073] The basic shape of the curling head may be rotationally symmetric about a central longitudinal axis.

[0074] The curling head may comprise a curling mechanism configured to linearly advance the curling head along the central longitudinal axis and simultaneously rotate the curling head about the central longitudinal axis. The curling mechanism may be driven by one or more motors. The curling mechanism may comprise means for transmitting force from the one or more motors to the curling head.

[0075] The curling mechanism may be configured to advance the curling head linearly over a distance of between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 7 mm, more preferably about 5 mm.

[0076] The curling mechanism may be configured to advance the curling head in a linear fashion at a speed between 1 millimeter per second and 10 millimeters per second, preferably between 3 millimeters per second and 7 millimeters per second, and more preferably about 5 millimeters per second.

[0077] The curling mechanism may be configured to advance the curling head linearly with a force of between 1 Newton and 20 Newtons, preferably between 3 Newtons and 15 Newtons, more preferably between 5 Newtons and 10 Newtons.

[0078] The curling mechanism may be configured to rotate the curling head at a speed of 50 to 2,000 revolutions per minute, preferably 100 to 1,500 revolutions per minute, and more preferably 300 to 1,200 revolutions per minute.

[0079] The maximum diameter of the circular opening may be between 5 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 6 mm and 9 mm.

[0080] The base of the recess may include a centrally disposed projection extending along the central longitudinal axis toward the proximal end.

[0081] The centrally disposed protrusion may be cone-shaped.The centrally disposed protrusion may be pin-shaped.The pin-shape may be described as a cone-shaped, with a concave curvature on the side.

[0082] The centrally disposed protrusion may be shaped as a truncated pin or a cone.

[0083] The centrally disposed protrusion may be hourglass shaped.

[0084] The length of the centrally disposed protrusion may be between 0.3 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, more preferably between 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm, more preferably about 1 mm.

[0085] At least a portion of the sidewall of the centrally disposed protrusion may be arranged as a curling surface. The curling surface of the sidewall of the recess may be a first curling surface and the curling surface of the sidewall of the centrally disposed protrusion may be a second curling surface. The second curling surface may comprise a concave curvature.

[0086] The maximum depth of the recess parallel to the longitudinal axis may be from 1 mm to 15 mm, preferably from 4 mm to 10 mm, more preferably from 5 mm to 8 mm.

[0087] The radius of curvature of the concave curvature of one or both of the first and second curling surfaces may be 10% to 40%, preferably 20% to 30%, more preferably about 25% of the maximum diameter of the circular opening. As used herein, the "radius of curvature of the concave curvature" may refer to one or both of the first and second curling surfaces. The radius of curvature of the concave curvature of the first and second curling surfaces may be the same or different.

[0088] The present invention further relates to an apparatus for manufacturing aerosol- or smoke-generating articles, comprising a curling station for curling an open tubular end of an aerosol- or smoke-generating article, the curling station comprising a curling head as described herein.

[0089] The equipment may include a capsule insertion station for inserting a capsule into the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article prior to curling the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article by the curling station.

[0090] As used herein, the term "aerosol- or smoke-generating article" includes conventional smoke-generating articles, such as conventional cigarettes or cigars. As used herein, the term "aerosol- or smoke-generating article" includes an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. An aerosol-generating device may be provided to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate volatilize, without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a heating element, e.g. a susceptor element. The aerosol-forming substrate may be present in solid or liquid form. As used herein, the term "aerosol- or smoke-generating article" includes an inhaler article, e.g. a dry powder inhaler.

[0091] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol or vapor. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in solid or liquid form. The terms "aerosol" and "vapor" are used interchangeably.

[0092] The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a liquid held in a liquid storage portion of the aerosol-generating article. The liquid storage portion may contain a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, or additionally, the liquid storage portion may contain a solid aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the liquid storage portion may contain a suspension of a solid aerosol-forming substrate and a liquid. Preferably, the liquid storage portion contains a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0093] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be a nicotine salt matrix.

[0094] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material comprising volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenised plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenised tobacco material. The homogenised tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco.

[0095] The aerosol-forming substrate may include at least one aerosol former. The aerosol former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of a dense, stable aerosol during use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the device. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin, etc.), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate, etc.), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, etc.). A preferred aerosol former is a polyhydric alcohol or mixtures thereof (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, etc.). Preferably, the aerosol former is glycerin. When present, the homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former content of 5 percent or more by weight on a dry weight basis, and preferably has an aerosol former content of 5 percent to 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain other additives and ingredients, such as flavourants.

[0096] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol.

[0097] As used herein, when used in conjunction with an aerosol- or smoke-generating article or portion thereof, the term "proximal" refers to the user end, or mouth end, and the term "distal" refers to the end opposite the proximal end.

[0098] 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 another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0099] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0100] [Figure 1] Figures 1A and 1B show a method for curling the open tubular end of an aerosol- or smoke-generating article, and Figure 1C shows the article obtained by the method of Figures 1A and 1B. [Diagram 2] 2A and 2B show a method for curling the open tubular end of an aerosol-generating article. [Diagram 3] 3A to 3F show curling heads of different shapes. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a curling head. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0101] Example 1: A method for curling an open tubular end of an aerosol- or smoke-generating article, comprising: providing a curling surface; Providing an aerosol or smoke generating article having an open tubular end; and curling the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article by advancing a curling surface toward the aerosol- or smoke-generating article and simultaneously rotating the curling surface.

[0102] Example 2: A method according to Example 1, wherein the curling surface is concave shaped and arranged rotationally symmetrically around a central axis, and the step of curling the open tubular end of the aerosol-generating or smoke-generating article comprises advancing the curling surface along the central axis toward the open tubular end of the aerosol-generating or smoke-generating article and simultaneously rotating the curling surface about the central axis.

[0103] Example 3: The method of Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the wall of the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article is made from cardboard or paper.

[0104] Example 4: A method according to any of the preceding examples, wherein advancing the curling surface towards the aerosol-generating or smoke-generating article comprises advancing the curling surface linearly over a distance of from 1 millimeter to 10 millimeters, preferably from 3 millimeters to 7 millimeters, more preferably about 5 millimeters.

[0105] Example 5: A method according to any of the preceding examples, wherein advancing the curling surface towards the aerosol-generating or smoke-generating article comprises advancing the curling surface linearly at a speed of between 1 millimeter per second and 10 millimeters per second, preferably between 3 millimeters per second and 7 millimeters per second, and more preferably about 5 millimeters per second.

[0106] Example 6: A method according to any of the preceding examples, wherein advancing the curling surface towards the aerosol-generating or smoke-generating article comprises advancing the curling surface linearly with a force of from 1 Newton to 20 Newtons, preferably from 3 Newtons to 15 Newtons, more preferably from 5 Newtons to 10 Newtons.

[0107] Example 7: A method according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the curling surface is rotated at a speed of from 50 revolutions per minute to 2,000 revolutions per minute, preferably from 100 revolutions per minute to 1,500 revolutions per minute, more preferably from 300 revolutions per minute to 1,200 revolutions per minute.

[0108] Example 8: A method according to any of the preceding examples, comprising inserting a capsule into the open tubular end of the aerosol-generating or smoke-generating article prior to the step of curling the open tubular end of the aerosol-generating or smoke-generating article, preferably wherein the capsule comprises one or more nicotine salts.

[0109] Example 9: A method according to any of the preceding examples, comprising a step of pretreating the open tubular distal end of the aerosol-generating or smoke-generating article prior to the step of curling the open tubular end of the aerosol-generating or smoke-generating article.

[0110] Example 10: The method according to Example 9, wherein the pretreating step comprises wetting the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article with an aqueous solution.

[0111] Example 11: An aerosol or smoke generating article with a curled distal end.

[0112] Example 12: An aerosol- or smoke-generating article according to Example 11, obtained by the method of any of Examples 1 to 10.

[0113] Example 13: An aerosol- or smoke-generating article according to Example 11 or Example 12, wherein the curled distal end comprises a curled edge surrounding the central opening.

[0114] Example 14: An aerosol- or smoke-generating article according to any of Examples 11-13, wherein the curled distal end is made from cardboard or paper.

[0115] Example 15: An aerosol- or smoke-generating article according to any of Examples 11-14, comprising a capsule, preferably the capsule containing one or more nicotine salts.

[0116] Example 16: An aerosol- or smoke-generating article according to any of Examples 11-15, wherein the curled distal end has a convex curvature.

[0117] Example 17: An aerosol- or smoke-generating article according to Example 16, wherein the radius of curvature of the convex curvature is between 1.3 mm and 2.3 mm, preferably between 1.6 mm and 2.0 mm, more preferably between 1.7 mm and 1.9 mm, more preferably about 1.8 mm.

[0118] Example 18: A curling head for curling an open tubular end of an aerosol- or smoke-generating article, comprising: a central longitudinal axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end; a circular opening centrally located at the proximal end and defining a recess toward the distal end; the recess is arranged for insertion of the open hollow tubular element of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article into the recess; A curling head, wherein at least a portion of a sidewall of the recess is arranged as a curling surface including a concave curvature.

[0119] Example 19: A curling head according to example 18, in which the basic shape of the recess is bowl-shaped or dome-shaped.

[0120] Example 20: A curling head according to example 18 or example 19, in which the basic shape of the curling head is rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal central axis.

[0121] Example 21: A curling head according to any of Examples 18 to 20, comprising a curling mechanism configured to linearly advance the curling head along the longitudinal central axis and simultaneously rotate the curling head about the longitudinal central axis.

[0122] Example 22: A curling head according to example 21, wherein the curling mechanism is configured to advance the curling head linearly over a distance of between 1 millimeter and 10 millimeters, preferably between 3 millimeters and 7 millimeters, more preferably about 5 millimeters.

[0123] Example 23: A curling head according to Example 21 or Example 22, wherein the curling mechanism is configured to advance the curling head linearly at a speed of between 1 millimeter per second and 10 millimeters per second, preferably between 3 millimeters per second and 7 millimeters per second, more preferably about 5 millimeters per second.

[0124] Example 24: A curling head according to any of Examples 21 to 23, wherein the curling mechanism is configured to advance the curling head linearly with a force of 1 Newton to 20 Newtons, preferably 3 Newtons to 15 Newtons, more preferably 5 Newtons to 10 Newtons.

[0125] Example 25: A curling head according to any of Examples 21 to 24, wherein the curling mechanism is configured to rotate the curling head at a speed of 50 revolutions per minute to 2,000 revolutions per minute, preferably 100 revolutions per minute to 1,500 revolutions per minute, and more preferably 300 revolutions per minute to 1,200 revolutions per minute.

[0126] Example 26: A curling head according to any of Examples 18 to 25, wherein the maximum diameter of the circular opening is 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters, preferably 6 millimeters to 9 millimeters.

[0127] Example 27: A curling head according to any of Examples 18-26, wherein the base of the recess comprises a centrally disposed protrusion extending along the longitudinal central axis toward the proximal end.

[0128] Example 28: A curling head according to Example 27, wherein the centrally disposed protrusion is pin-shaped.

[0129] Example 29: A curling head according to example 27, wherein the centrally disposed protrusion is hourglass shaped.

[0130] Example 30: A curling head according to any of Examples 27 to 29, wherein the length of the centrally disposed protrusion is 0.3 mm to 3 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 2 mm, more preferably 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm, more preferably about 1 mm.

[0131] Example 31: A curling head according to any of Examples 27 to 30, wherein at least a portion of the side wall of the centrally disposed protrusion is arranged as a curling surface with a concave curvature.

[0132] Example 32: A curling head according to any of Examples 18 to 31, wherein the maximum depth of the recess parallel to the longitudinal axis is between 1 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between 5 mm and 8 mm.

[0133] Example 33: A curling head according to any of Examples 18 to 32, wherein the radius of curvature of the concave curvature is 10% to 40%, preferably 20% to 30%, more preferably about 25% of the maximum diameter of the circular opening.

[0134] Example 34: An apparatus for manufacturing an aerosol-generating or smoke-generating article, comprising a curling station for curling an open tubular end of the aerosol-generating or smoke-generating article, the curling station comprising a curling head according to any of Examples 18-33.

[0135] Example 35: An apparatus according to Example 34, comprising a capsule insertion station for inserting a capsule into the open tubular end of the aerosol-generating or smoke-generating article prior to curling the open tubular end of the aerosol-generating or smoke-generating article by the curling station.

[0136] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0137] Figures 1A and 1B show a method for curling the open tubular end of an aerosol-generating article: Figure 1A shows a cross-sectional view of a curling head 10 adjacent to an aerosol-generating article 30 prior to the curling process.

[0138] The curling head 10 comprises a longitudinal central axis 12 extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The curling head 10 comprises a circular opening centrally located at the proximal end and defining a recess 14 extending from the proximal end in a direction toward the distal end of the curling head 10. The recess 14 is disposed for insertion therein of an open, hollow, tubular element 32 of an aerosol-generating article 30. A portion of a sidewall of the recess 14 is disposed as a first curling surface 16. The first curling surface 16 comprises a concave curvature.

[0139] The basic shape of the curling head 10 is rotationally symmetric about the longitudinal central axis 12. The basic shape of the recess 14 is bowl-shaped. The recess 14 is rotationally symmetric about the longitudinal central axis 12.

[0140] The base of the recess 14 includes a centrally disposed protrusion 18 that extends along the central longitudinal axis 12 toward the proximal end of the curling head 10. The centrally disposed protrusion 18 is pin-shaped. A sidewall of the centrally disposed protrusion 18 is disposed as a second curling surface 20 that includes a concave curvature. The centrally disposed protrusion 18 is rotationally symmetric about the central longitudinal axis 12.

[0141] The aerosol-generating article 30 comprises a capsule 34 located within the hollow tubular element 32. The capsule 34 is inserted through an open distal end 36 of the hollow tubular element 32. The aerosol-generating article 30 further comprises a mouthpiece filter 38 at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article 30.

[0142] At the same time, the central axis 12 of the curling head 10, which is the central axis of the first curling surface 16 and the second curling surface 20, is aligned with the longitudinal central axis 40 of the aerosol-generating article 30 along a common axis.

[0143] FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the curling head 10 and the aerosol-generating article 30 at a moment at the end of the process of curling the open tubular end of the aerosol-generating article 30. The curling head 10 is advancing along the central axis 12 towards the open tubular end of the aerosol-generating article 30, as indicated by arrow 70. At the same time, in order to advance the curling head 10 as indicated by arrow 70, the curling head 10 is rotating around the central axis 12, as indicated by arrow 72.

[0144] FIG. 1C shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating article 30 with a curled distal end 42 obtained by the method of FIGS. 1A and 1B. The curled distal end 42 is disposed rotationally symmetrically around the longitudinal central axis 40 of the aerosol-generating article 30.

[0145] By the method of curling, the open distal end 36 of the aerosol-generating article of FIG. 1A is partially closed. The curled distal end 42 of the aerosol-generating article 30 is partially closed, whereby the capsule 34 is firmly held within the hollow tubular element 32.

[0146] The curled distal end 42 comprises a rounded curled edge 44 and a central opening 46. The basic shape of the curled distal end 42 resembles the shape of a donut. The basic shape of the curled distal end 42 conforms to the shape corresponding to the first curling surface 16 and the second curling surface 20 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The first curling surface 16 and the second curling surface 20 are curved concavely, and the curled distal end 42 is correspondingly curved convexly.

[0147] The open central opening 46 allows for the insertion of a piercing means therethrough to pierce the capsule 34 held within the hollow tubular element 32. The rounded curled edges 44 provide additional stiffness to the distal end of the aerosol-generating article 30, which may improve handling by a user. For example, a structurally reinforced article is less likely to be deformed or damaged when a user inserts the aerosol-generating article 30 into a penetration device.

[0148] The curling method also reproducibly provides the aerosol-generating article 30 with a uniform appearance of the partially closed curled distal end 42 of the article 30. By the curling method, the distal end may always be given the same shape. It may therefore compensate for initial variations in length of the open distal end 36 of the article 30 that may be initially present due to manufacturing tolerances. This may differ from prior art methods in which the open distal end of an article having length variations is folded closed or partially closed. In these prior art methods, the different lengths due to manufacturing tolerances may result in folded flaps of different lengths, which may then result in a non-uniform appearance of the article.

[0149] Figures 2A and 2B show a method for curling the open tubular end 36 of an aerosol- or smoke-generating article 30. Figure 2A shows a cross-sectional view of a curling head 10 adjacent to an aerosol- or smoke-generating article 30 prior to the curling process. The longitudinal central axes 12, 40 of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article 30 and the curling head 10 are aligned.

[0150] Prior to curling, as shown in FIG. 2A, the hollow tubular element 32 includes an open distal end 36. The hollow tubular element 32 surrounds an aerosol- or smoke-generating object 48. For example, the aerosol- or smoke-generating object 48 may be loose tobacco and the aerosol- or smoke-generating article 30 may be a combustible cigarette or cigar. For example, the aerosol- or smoke-generating object 48 may be a tobacco material having a high aerosol former content and the aerosol- or smoke-generating article 30 may be a heat-not-burn aerosol-generating article. For example, the aerosol- or smoke-generating object 48 may be a capsule containing nicotine salts and the aerosol- or smoke-generating article 30 may be an inhaler article.

[0151] The aerosol- or smoke-generating article 30 further comprises a proximal portion 50. For example, the proximal portion 50 may be a mouthpiece element and may include a filter material.

[0152] The curling head 10 has a curling surface 16 with a concave curvature. The curling surface 16 is in the shape of a hemisphere. The double headed arrow 52 indicates half the circumference of the hemisphere.

[0153] 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the curling head 10 and aerosol- or smoke-generating article 30 at the end of the curling process. The curling head 10 is advanced linearly along the central axis 12, as indicated by arrow 70, toward the open tubular end of the aerosol-generating article 30. The double-headed arrow 54 indicates the distance advanced by the curling head 10. At the same time, to advance the curling head 10 as indicated by arrow 70, the curling head 10 is rotating about the central axis 12, as indicated by arrow 72.

[0154] The curled aerosol-generating article 30 of FIG. 2B includes a partially closed distal end having rounded curled edges 44 and a central opening 46 .

[0155] For example, during curling, the curling head 10 may advance linearly over a distance 54 of 5.0 millimeters. Half the circumferential length of the hemisphere 52 may be 5.2 millimeters. The resulting width 56 of the central opening 46 may be approximately 0.4 millimeters.

[0156] Figures 3A-3F show cross sections of differently shaped curling heads 10 for curling the open tubular ends of aerosol- or smoke-generating articles. The curling heads 10 of Figures 3A-3F are rotationally symmetric about a central axis 12. The basic shape of the recess 14 of each of the curling heads 10 of Figures 3A-3F is bowl-shaped.

[0157] Figure 3A shows a curling head 10 without any central protrusion and comprising only a first curling surface 16. Each of the curling heads 10 shown in Figures 3B-3F comprises a first curling surface 16 and a centrally disposed protrusion 18 providing a second curling surface 20.

[0158] The central projection 18 of the curling head 10 of Figure 3B is pin-shaped. The central projection 18 of the curling head 10 of Figures 3C and 3D is shaped as a truncated pin, with the tip portion of the pin shown in Figure 3B removed.

[0159] The central protrusion 18 of the curling head 10 of FIG. 3E is shaped as a small and thin pin.

[0160] The central protrusion 18 of the curling head 10 of FIG. 3F is hourglass shaped.

[0161] Figure 4 shows a curling head 10 having a centrally disposed projection 18 shaped as a truncated pin, similar to the curling head shown in Figure 3B. The maximum diameter of the circular opening defining the recess 14 is indicated by double-headed arrow 58. The maximum depth of the recess 14 parallel to the longitudinal axis 12 is indicated by double-headed arrow 60.

[0162] The length of centrally disposed projection 18 is indicated by double headed arrow 62 and extends between the base of recess 14 and the proximal end of central projection 18 .

[0163] Both the first curling surface 16 and the second curling surface 20 are concavely curved and have the same radius of curvature as indicated by double-headed arrow 64 .

[0164] For example, diameter 58 may be 7.2 millimeters, depth 60 may be 6.0 millimeters, length 62 of protrusion 18 may be 1.0 millimeters, and radius of curvature 64 may be 1.8 millimeters.

Claims

1. 1. A method for curling an open tubular end of an aerosol- or smoke-generating article, comprising: providing a curling surface, said curling surface being part of a curling head; providing an aerosol- or smoke-generating article having an open tubular end; and curling the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article by advancing the curling surface toward the aerosol- or smoke-generating article and simultaneously rotating the curling surface.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the curling surface is concave in shape and arranged rotationally symmetrically about a central axis, and the step of curling the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article comprises advancing the curling surface along the central axis toward the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article and simultaneously rotating the curling surface about the central axis.

3. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein advancing the curling surface toward the aerosol- or smoke-generating article comprises advancing the curling surface linearly over a distance of from 1 millimeter to 10 millimeters, preferably from 3 millimeters to 7 millimeters, and more preferably about 5 millimeters.

4. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein advancing the curling surface towards the aerosol- or smoke-generating article comprises advancing the curling surface linearly with a force of from 1 Newton to 20 Newtons, preferably from 3 Newtons to 15 Newtons, more preferably from 5 Newtons to 10 Newtons.

5. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising inserting a capsule into the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article prior to the step of curling the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article, preferably wherein the capsule contains one or more nicotine salts.

6. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of pretreating the open tubular distal end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article prior to the step of curling the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article, preferably wherein the pretreating step comprises wetting the open tubular end of the aerosol- or smoke-generating article with an aqueous solution.

7. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the curling surface is rotated at a speed of from 50 revolutions per minute to 2,000 revolutions per minute, preferably from 100 revolutions per minute to 1,500 revolutions per minute, more preferably from 300 revolutions per minute to 1,200 revolutions per minute.

8. 8. An aerosol- or smoke-generating article having a curled distal end, said curled distal end having a convex curvature, said aerosol- or smoke-generating article being obtainable by a method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. 9. The aerosol or smoke generating article of claim 8, wherein the curled distal end comprises a curled edge surrounding a central opening.

10. 9. The aerosol- or smoke-generating article of claim 8, wherein the curled distal end is made from cardboard or paper.

11. 9. An aerosol or smoke generating article according to claim 8, comprising a capsule, preferably said capsule containing one or more nicotine salts.

12. 1. A curling head for curling an open tubular end of an aerosol- or smoke-generating article, comprising: a central longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends; a circular opening centrally located at the proximal end and defining a recess toward the distal end; the recess is arranged for insertion of an open, hollow tubular element of an aerosol- or smoke-generating article therein; At least a portion of a sidewall of the recess is arranged as a curling surface including a concave curvature; The curling head further comprising a curling mechanism configured to linearly advance the curling head along the central longitudinal axis and simultaneously rotate the curling head about the central longitudinal axis.

13. The curling head according to claim 12, wherein the basic shape of the recess is bowl-shaped or dome-shaped.

14. 13. The curling head of claim 12, wherein the curling mechanism is configured to linearly advance the curling head along the central longitudinal axis and simultaneously rotate the curling head about the central longitudinal axis at a speed of between 50 revolutions per minute and 2,000 revolutions per minute, preferably between 100 revolutions per minute and 1,500 revolutions per minute, and more preferably between 300 revolutions per minute and 1,200 revolutions per minute.

15. 13. The curling head of claim 12, wherein the base of the recess comprises a centrally disposed protrusion extending along the longitudinal central axis toward the proximal end, preferably the centrally disposed protrusion being pin-shaped.

16. 16. An apparatus for producing aerosol- or smoke-generating articles, comprising a curling station for curling open tubular ends of aerosol- or smoke-generating articles, said curling station comprising a curling head according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

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