Component for delivery system and method and apparatus for manufacturing component for delivery system

Abstract

To provide a component for a delivery system.SOLUTION: A component 3 comprises a body formed from a sheet 10 of material and at least one object 11 held in a space 8 within the body. The sheet material comprises a first internal edge at least partially defining a boundary of the space. The present disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing a component for a delivery system and to an apparatus for manufacturing a component for a delivery system. The present disclosure also relates to a rod configured to be cut at least once to form a plurality of components and to a delivery system comprising a component.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a component for a delivery system and a delivery system including the component. The present disclosure also relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing the component for a delivery system. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known in the art to provide cigarettes with capsules containing flavorings. During use, the user can break the capsule to release the flavoring into the smoke flowing through the cigarette. Thus, the user can selectively add flavoring to the smoke. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a component for a delivery system, the component comprising: a body formed from a sheet of material; and at least one object held in a space within the body, the sheet of material including a first inner edge that at least partially defines a boundary of the space.

[0004] In some embodiments, the first inner edge is a cut edge of the sheet material.

[0005] In some embodiments, the sheet material includes a slit that forms the first inner edge.

[0006] In some embodiments, the sheet material includes an aperture (opening) in the sheet material, the edge of the aperture includes a first inner edge of the sheet material, and preferably the aperture is substantially rectangular.

[0007] In some embodiments, the aperture is a notch in the sheet material.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first inner edge is continuous, while in other embodiments, the first inner edge is interrupted by one or more intermediate portions of sheet material.

[0009] In some embodiments, the sheet material comprises first and second outer edges at axial ends of the sheet material, and the first inner edge is substantially parallel to the first and / or second outer edges.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first inner edge is configured to resist at least one object from exiting the space.

[0011] In some embodiments, the component has first and second ends, the first end being the mouth end of the component and the second end being opposite the first end, and the first inner edge being located between at least one object and the first end of the component or between at least one object and the second end of the component.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first inner edge forms a first wall portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, the sheet material further comprises a second inner edge that at least partially defines a boundary of the space.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second end is opposite the first end of the space.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second inner perimeter has any of the characteristics of the first inner perimeter described herein.

[0016] In some embodiments, the sheet material includes a slit that forms one of the first and second inner edges, and the sheet material includes an aperture within the sheet material, an edge of the aperture comprising the other of the first and second inner edges.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first and second inner edges are axially spaced apart by a distance in the range of 3 mm to 50 mm.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first and second edges are axially spaced apart by a distance in the range of 4 mm to 6 mm.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first and second inner edges are spaced apart by a distance of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 mm.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first and second inner edges are spaced apart by a distance of at most 50 mm, preferably at most 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5 or 3 mm.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second inner edge forms a second wall portion.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first wall portion faces in a first axial direction and the second wall portion faces in a second axial direction.

[0023] In some embodiments, the or each wall portion extends to a central axis of the component.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first wall portion extends to a central axis of the component. Alternatively or additionally, the second wall portion extends to a central axis of the component.

[0025] In some embodiments, the or each wall portion surrounds the entire central axis of the component. In some embodiments, the first wall portion surrounds the entire central axis of the component. Alternatively or additionally, the second wall portion surrounds the entire central axis of the component.

[0026] In some embodiments, the or each wall portion is porous.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first wall portion is porous. Alternatively, or in addition, the second wall portion is porous.

[0028] In some embodiments, the component comprises at least one further body, preferably the at least one further body being axially spaced from the at least one body.

[0029] In some embodiments, at least one additional object is received in the space. In other embodiments, the sheet material includes a second portion arranged to define a second space for receiving the at least one additional object, and the sheet material includes a third inner edge forming a third wall portion at least partially covering a first end of the second space.

[0030] In some embodiments, at least one additional object is held in a second space within the body, and the sheet material includes a third inner edge that at least partially defines a boundary of the second space.

[0031] In some embodiments, the sheet material further comprises a fourth inner edge that at least partially defines a boundary of the second space.

[0032] In some embodiments, the third inner perimeter and / or the fourth inner perimeter have any of the characteristics of the first inner perimeter described herein.

[0033] In some embodiments, the second and third inner edges are separated by a distance in the range of 3 mm to 50 mm.

[0034] In some embodiments, the second and third inner edges are spaced apart by a distance in the range of 4 mm to 45 mm, in the range of 4 mm to 25 mm, or in the range of 4 mm to 10 mm.

[0035] In some embodiments, the second and third inner edges are spaced apart by a distance of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 mm.

[0036] In some embodiments, the second and third inner edges are spaced apart by a distance of at most 50 mm, preferably at most 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 4 or 3 mm.

[0037] In some embodiments, the third inner edge forms a third wall portion and / or the fourth inner edge forms a fourth wall portion.

[0038] In some embodiments, the second end is opposite the first end of the second space.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first and second inner edges are located at opposite ends of the space.

[0040] In some embodiments, the third and fourth inner edges are located at opposite ends of the second space.

[0041] In some embodiments, a first portion of the sheet material surrounds at least one object. The first and second inner edges may be provided on opposite sides of the first portion. The first portion may be generally cylindrical.

[0042] In some embodiments, the second portion of the sheet material surrounds at least one additional object. Third and fourth inner edges may be provided on opposite sides of the second portion. The second portion may be generally cylindrical.

[0043] In accordance with the present disclosure, there is also provided a method of manufacturing a component for a delivery system, the method including: providing an assembly including at least one object and a sheet material including a first inner edge; and disposing the sheet material within a body such that the body includes a space for receiving the at least one object, the first inner edge at least partially defining a boundary of the space.

[0044] In some embodiments, providing the assembly includes forming a first inner edge in the sheet material.

[0045] In some embodiments, forming the first inner edge in the sheet material comprises cutting the sheet material to form the first inner edge, preferably cutting through the entire thickness of the sheet material to form the first inner edge.

[0046] In some embodiments, forming the first inner edge comprises cutting the sheet material with a knife and / or a laser.

[0047] In some embodiments, forming the first inner edge comprises forming a slit in the sheet material.

[0048] In some embodiments, forming the first inner edge comprises forming an aperture in the sheet material such that an edge of the aperture comprises the first inner edge of the sheet material, and preferably the aperture is substantially rectangular.

[0049] In some embodiments, forming the aperture comprises forming a notch in the sheet material.

[0050] In some embodiments, providing the assembly includes providing a sheet material including a first inner edge and then providing at least one object on the sheet material, preferably providing the assembly includes forming a first inner edge in the sheet material and then providing at least one object on the sheet material.

[0051] In some embodiments, providing the assembly includes providing a sheet material, providing at least one object on the sheet material, and then forming a first inner edge on the sheet material.

[0052] In some embodiments, the method comprises crimping the sheet material, preferably crimping the sheet material to a crimp depth in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm or in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0053] In some embodiments, the method includes crimping the sheet material after the first inner edge is formed.

[0054] In some embodiments, the method includes crimping the sheet material before the first inner edge is formed.

[0055] In some embodiments, the method includes providing at least one object on a sheet material using an object delivery wheel.

[0056] In some embodiments, the sheet material of the assembly includes a second inner edge, and disposing the sheet material within the body includes disposing the sheet material such that the second inner edge at least partially forms a boundary of the space.

[0057] In some embodiments, providing the assembly includes forming a second inner edge in the sheet material.

[0058] In some embodiments, the second inner perimeter is formed similarly to the first inner perimeter described herein.

[0059] In some embodiments, providing the assembly includes providing a continuous web of sheet material.

[0060] In some embodiments, the method includes cutting the continuous web of sheet material after placing the sheet material within the body, hi some embodiments, cutting the continuous web of sheet material forms one or more separate components.

[0061] In some embodiments, the method includes forming a plurality of inner edges in the continuous web at regularly spaced intervals.

[0062] The method can include forming first, second, third and / or fourth inner edges on the continuous web at regularly spaced intervals.

[0063] In some embodiments, a method includes moving a continuous web along a transport path and providing at least one object at regular intervals as the continuous web moves along the transport path.

[0064] In some embodiments, the web has a width in the range of 30 mm to 400 mm, preferably in the range of 40 mm to 300 mm, in the range of 50 mm to 280 mm, in the range of 75 mm to 225 mm, or in the range of 100 mm to 200 mm.

[0065] In some embodiments, the web has a width of at least 30 mm, preferably at least 40, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, or 190 mm.

[0066] In some embodiments, the web has a width of at most 400 mm, preferably at most 300, 280, 225, 200, 175, 150, 125 or 100 mm.

[0067] In some embodiments, placing the sheet material within the body includes converging the sheet material to form the body.

[0068] In some embodiments, the first wall portion is defined by converging a first inner edge of the sheet material, and / or the second wall portion is defined by converging a second inner edge of the sheet material.

[0069] In some embodiments, the assembly includes at least one further object.

[0070] In some embodiments, the sheet material of the assembly further includes a third inner edge, and disposing the sheet material within the body includes disposing the sheet material such that the body includes a second space for receiving at least one further object, the third inner edge at least partially defining a boundary of the second space, and preferably, preparing the assembly includes forming the third inner edge in the sheet material.

[0071] In some embodiments, the first end of the second space is opposite the at least one object and the at least one further object relative to the first end of the space.

[0072] In some embodiments, the sheet material of the assembly further includes a fourth inner edge, and disposing the sheet material within the body includes disposing the sheet material such that the fourth inner edge at least partially defines a boundary of the second space, and preferably, preparing the assembly includes forming the fourth inner edge in the sheet material.

[0073] In some embodiments, the third inner perimeter and / or the fourth inner perimeter are formed similarly to the first inner perimeter described herein.

[0074] In some embodiments, the third wall portion is defined by converging a third inner edge of the sheet material, and / or the fourth wall portion is defined by converging a fourth inner edge of the sheet material.

[0075] In some embodiments, the method includes detecting information indicative of at least one inner edge of the sheet material.

[0076] In some embodiments, the method includes controlling a position at which the at least one object is fed relative to the sheet material based on information indicative of the at least one inner edge detected by the sensor.

[0077] In some embodiments, the method includes controlling the object supply device based on information indicative of the position of the at least one inner edge detected by the sensor to control the position at which the at least one object is supplied relative to the sheet material, and preferably controlling the timing and / or frequency at which the at least one object is dispensed onto the sheet material.

[0078] According to the present disclosure, there is also provided an apparatus for manufacturing a component for a delivery system, the apparatus comprising: an edge forming device configured to form a first inner edge in a sheet material; an object feeding device configured to place at least one object on the sheet material; and a body forming device configured to place the sheet material within a body such that the body includes a space for receiving the at least one object, the first inner edge at least partially defining a boundary of the space.

[0079] In some embodiments, the edge forming device is configured to form a first inner edge on the sheet material by cutting the sheet material to form the first inner edge, preferably configured to cut through the entire thickness of the sheet material to form the first inner edge.

[0080] In some embodiments, the edge forming device comprises one or more knives and / or one or more lasers configured to cut the sheet material.

[0081] In some embodiments, the edge forming device is configured to form an aperture in the sheet material such that an edge of the aperture comprises a first inner edge of the sheet material, and preferably the aperture is substantially rectangular.

[0082] In some embodiments, the edge forming device is configured to form a notch in the sheet material to form the aperture.

[0083] In some embodiments, the edge forming device is configured to form the first inner edge before the object feeding device places the at least one object on the first portion of the sheet material.

[0084] In some embodiments, the edge forming device is configured to form the first inner edge after the object feeding device places at least one object on the first portion of the sheet material.

[0085] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a crimping device configured to crimp the sheet material, preferably the crimping device is configured to crimp the sheet material to a crimp depth in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm or in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0086] In some embodiments, the crimping device is configured to crimp the sheet material before the edge forming device forms the first inner edge, or to crimp the sheet material after the edge forming device forms the first inner edge.

[0087] In some embodiments, the object feeding device includes an object delivery wheel.

[0088] In some embodiments, the edge forming apparatus is configured to form a second inner edge in the sheet material, and the body forming device is configured to position the sheet material within the body such that the second inner edge at least partially defines a boundary of the space.

[0089] In some embodiments, the edge forming device is configured to form the second inner edge in a manner similar to the first inner edge described herein.

[0090] In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured to feed a continuous web of sheet material along a transport path.

[0091] In some embodiments, the cutting device is configured to cut the continuous web of sheet material after the sheet material is disposed within the body.

[0092] In some embodiments, the edge forming device is configured to form a plurality of first inner edges on the continuous web at regularly spaced intervals and / or to form a plurality of second inner edges on the continuous web at regularly spaced intervals.

[0093] In some embodiments, the object feeding device is configured to provide at least one object at regular intervals as the continuous web moves along the transport path.

[0094] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a supply of sheet material, preferably the supply of sheet material includes a reel of sheet material.

[0095] In some embodiments, the object feeding device is configured to place at least one additional object onto the sheet material.

[0096] In some embodiments, the edge forming device is configured to form a third inner edge in the sheet material, and the body forming device is configured to position the sheet material within the body such that the body includes a second space for receiving at least one further object, the third inner edge at least partially forming a boundary of the second space.

[0097] In some embodiments, the first end of the second space is opposite the at least one object and the at least one further object relative to the first end of the space.

[0098] In some embodiments, the edge forming device is configured to form a fourth inner edge in the sheet material, and the body forming device is configured to position the sheet material within the body such that the fourth inner edge at least partially defines a boundary of the second space.

[0099] In some embodiments, the edge forming device is configured to form a third inner edge and / or a fourth inner edge similar to the first inner edge described herein.

[0100] In some embodiments, the body forming device is configured to consolidate sheet material to form a body.

[0101] In some embodiments, the body forming device is configured to gather a first inner edge of the sheet material to form a first wall portion. In some embodiments, the body forming device is configured to gather a second inner edge of the sheet material to form a second wall portion. In some embodiments, the body forming device is configured to gather a third inner edge of the sheet material to form a third wall portion. In some embodiments, the body forming device is configured to gather a fourth inner edge of the sheet material to form a fourth wall portion.

[0102] In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises at least one sensor configured to detect information indicative of at least one inner edge of the sheet material.

[0103] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a controller configured to control a position at which the at least one object is fed relative to the sheet material based on information indicative of the at least one inner edge detected by the sensor.

[0104] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to control the object supply device based on information indicating the position of the at least one inner edge detected by the sensor to control the position at which the at least one object is supplied relative to the sheet material, preferably to control the timing and / or frequency at which the at least one object is dispensed onto the sheet material.

[0105] In some embodiments, the first inner edge of the component, or the component produced by the method or apparatus, is substantially linear.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first inner edge extends substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the component.

[0107] In some embodiments, the first inner edge extends within a range of 10% to 95% across the width of the sheet material.

[0108] In some embodiments, the first inner edge extends at least 10% across the width of the sheet material, preferably at least 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 95% across the width of the sheet material.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first inner edge extends at most 95% across the width of the sheet material, optionally at most 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20 or 10% across the width of the sheet material.

[0110] In some embodiments, the or each inner edge has a length in the range 5mm to 360mm, preferably in the range 5mm to 270mm.

[0111] In some embodiments, the or each inner edge has a length of at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 250, or 300 mm. In some embodiments, the first, second, third, and / or fourth inner edges have a length of at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 250, or 300 mm.

[0112] In some embodiments, the sheet material includes first and second outer edges extending substantially parallel to a central axis of the component, and the first inner edge is spaced apart from at least one of the first and second outer edges, and preferably from both the first and second outer edges.

[0113] In some embodiments, the first inner edge is substantially perpendicular to the first and / or second outer edges.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first inner edge is spaced from the first and / or second outer edge by at least 3 mm, preferably at least 4, 5, 6, 7, 89, or 10 mm.

[0115] In some embodiments, the sheet material surrounds the central axis of the component and is preferably wrapped around at least one object.

[0116] In some embodiments, the sheet material is crimped, preferably the sheet material has a crimp depth in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm or in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0117] In some embodiments, the sheet material comprises cellulose.

[0118] In some embodiments, the sheet material comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of at least one of paper, cotton, tobacco, lyocell, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(1-4 butylenediol succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-cotterephthalate) (PBAT), starch-based materials, aliphatic polyester materials, polysaccharide polymers, nonwoven materials, and / or biodegradable materials.

[0119] In some embodiments, the sheet material can comprise a shredded sheet material selected from at least one of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(1-4 butylenediol succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-coterophthalate) (PBAT), a starch-based material, paper, an aliphatic polyester material, and a polysaccharide polymer.

[0120] In some embodiments, the sheet material is a laminated PLA, tobacco, or paper sheet material.

[0121] In some embodiments, the sheet material does not include cellulose acetate.

[0122] In some embodiments, the sheet material has a density of at least 0.1 gms / cm3, preferably at least 0.15 gms / cm3.

[0123] In some embodiments, the sheet material has a density of at most 1.5 gms / cm3, preferably at most 1.2, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.45 or 0.4 gms / cm3.

[0124] In some embodiments, the component sheet material has a length in the range of 5 mm to 50 mm, preferably in the range of 10 mm to 30 mm.

[0125] In some embodiments, the component sheet material has a length of at least 5 mm, optionally at least 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 or 45 mm.

[0126] In some embodiments, the component sheet material has a length of at most 50 mm, optionally at most 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10 or 5 mm.

[0127] In some embodiments, the component sheet material has a width in the range of 30 mm to 400 mm, preferably in the range of 40 mm to 300 mm, in the range of 50 mm to 280 mm, in the range of 75 mm to 225 mm, or in the range of 100 mm to 200 mm.

[0128] In some embodiments, the sheet material has a width of at least 30 mm, preferably at least 40, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175 or 190 mm.

[0129] In some embodiments, the sheet material has a width of at most 400 mm, preferably at most 300, 280, 225, 200, 175, 150, 125 or 100 mm.

[0130] In some embodiments, the component sheet material has a thickness in the range of 20 microns to 1000 microns.

[0131] In some embodiments, the sheet material has a thickness of at least 20 microns, preferably at least 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, or 1000 microns.

[0132] In some embodiments, the sheet material has a thickness of at most 1000 microns, preferably at most 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100 or 50 microns.

[0133] In some embodiments, the component sheet material has a basis weight in the range of 20 gsm to 200 gsm, preferably in the range of 25 gsm to 70 gsm, or in the range of 35 gsm to 65 gsm.

[0134] In some embodiments, the body has an axial length in the range of 5 mm to 50 mm, preferably in the range of 10 mm to 30 mm.

[0135] In some embodiments, the body has an axial length of at least 5 mm, optionally at least 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 or 45 mm.

[0136] In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a sensor configured to detect information indicative of at least one inner edge (e.g., one or more of the first, second, third, and / or fourth inner edges) of the sheet material. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a controller configured to control a position of the at least one object based on the information indicative of the at least one inner edge detected by the sensor. In some embodiments, the controller controls the object feeding device based on the information indicative of the position of the at least one inner edge detected by the sensor to control the position of the at least one object. Additionally or alternatively, the controller is configured to control a speed at which the sheet material is conveyed along the conveying path to control the position of the at least one object.

[0137] The sensor may comprise a camera configured to detect each inner edge as it passes the camera. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor may include a different type of sensor, such as a light gate, a capacitive sensor, a magnetic or Hall effect sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor or one or more additional sensors also or alternatively detect the second, third, and / or fourth inner edges.

[0138] The controller may include a memory and a processor. The controller may be configured to control the object supply device based on information indicating the position of the at least one inner edge detected by the sensor to control the position of the at least one object, e.g., by controlling the timing and / or frequency at which the at least one object is dispensed onto the sheet material, to align each at least one object within the space between adjacent first and second inner edges. For example, in an embodiment, the object supply device includes an object insertion wheel, and the controller may control the rotational speed, e.g., by controlling the speed of a motor for the object insertion wheel. Additionally or alternatively, the controller may be configured to control the speed at which the sheet material is conveyed along the conveying path to control the position of the at least one object, e.g., to control the speed of a belt, drum, and / or roller that feeds the sheet material along the conveying path. Again, this helps to align each at least one object within the space between adjacent first and second inner edges (and / or align each at least one additional object within the second space between adjacent third and fourth inner edges).

[0139] Controlling the position of the at least one object / at least one further object fed to the sheet material based on information indicative of the at least one first, second, third and / or fourth inner edge detected by the sensor helps to ensure that the at least one object / at least one further object does not become misaligned with the sheet material due to, for example, the sheet material stretching or slipping on the transport path. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the sensor is omitted.

[0140] In some embodiments, the body has an axial length of at most 50 mm, optionally at most 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10 or 5 mm.

[0141] In some embodiments, the at least one object comprises one or more capsules, and preferably one or more additional capsules.

[0142] In some embodiments, the at least one object is destructible by a user applying a force to the body.

[0143] In some embodiments, the at least one object comprises a plurality of objects, preferably a plurality of capsules, beads, or granules.

[0144] In some embodiments, at least one object has a diameter in the range of 0.1 mm to 8 mm, preferably in the range of 0.2 mm to 4 mm.

[0145] In some embodiments, the at least one further object comprises one or more capsules, preferably one or more additional capsules.

[0146] In some embodiments, the sheet material comprises a coating, and preferably the coating comprises an aerosol modifying agent.

[0147] Aerosol modifiers include flavoring agents.

[0148] The present disclosure also provides components manufactured according to the methods and / or by the apparatus described herein.

[0149] In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided a rod configured to be cut at least once to form multiple components as described herein, each of which may be incorporated into a separate delivery system.

[0150] In some embodiments, the rod is at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 times the length of an individual component such that the rod is configured to be cut to form at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 components. That is, the rod is a multi-length base rod. In some embodiments, the rod includes at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 objects, each within a respective space. In some embodiments, the rod further includes at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 objects, each within a respective second space. In some embodiments, the rod is 60 mm to 180 mm long and includes at least six spaces, each space receiving a respective at least one object.

[0151] The present disclosure also provides a delivery system comprising the components described herein. In some embodiments, the delivery system comprises an aerosol delivery system, preferably a combustion aerosol delivery system or a non-combustion aerosol delivery system.

[0152] Embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0153] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a delivery system including components according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the delivery system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the components of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an end view of the components of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 2 is a top view of the sheet material of the component of FIG. 1, the sheet material being laid flat before being formed into the body of the component. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a capsule of the delivery system of FIG. 1. [Figure 7]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of components for a delivery system shown for informational purposes. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a top view of a sheet of material of another embodiment of a component for a delivery system before the sheet material is formed within the body of the component. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of components for another embodiment of a delivery system. [Figure 10] 10 is a top view of the sheet material of the component of FIG. 9 before the sheet material is formed into the body of the component. [Figure 11] 1 is a block diagram illustrating steps of an embodiment of a method for manufacturing components for a delivery system. [Figure 12] 1 shows an embodiment of a continuous web of sheet material having capsules thereon, the web being threaded along a transport path. [Figure 13] 1 illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus for manufacturing components for a delivery system. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a controller connected to sensors and object delivery devices of an embodiment of the apparatus. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a base rod according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0154] 1-6, an embodiment of a delivery system 1 is shown.

[0155] In this embodiment, delivery system 1 is a combustion aerosol delivery system 1. Combustion aerosol delivery system 1 includes a tobacco rod 2 and a delivery system component 3, which in this example is a combustion aerosol delivery system 1 component 3. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), delivery system 1 is other than a combustion aerosol delivery system 1. For example, delivery system 1 may be a non-combustion aerosol delivery system (not shown) or an aerosol-free delivery system (not shown).

[0156] An outer wrap 4 surrounds the component 3 and a portion of the tobacco rod 2. The outer wrap 4 includes tipping paper 4 that attaches the tobacco rod 2 to the component 3. The tobacco rod 2 includes a column of smokable material 5 surrounded by a rod wrapper 6.

[0157] Component 3 includes a sheet material 10 disposed within body 7 such that body 7 includes a space 8 for receiving at least one object 11 within body 7. In this example, at least one object 11 is an aerosol modifier-releasing component 11, and in particular, a breakable capsule 11. In another embodiment (not shown), the at least one object can include multiple capsules or one or more other objects.

[0158] The body 7 is generally cylindrical, although those skilled in the art will recognize that other shapes are possible. In this example, the body 7 forms a plug 7.

[0159] In this embodiment, component 3 is filter 3. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, component 3 may be provided simply to function as a carrier or support for at least one object without substantially filtering the inhalant of delivery system 1.

[0160] In this embodiment, the sheet material 10 comprises paper. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the sheet material 10 comprises different materials, such as cotton, tobacco, lyocell, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(1-4 butylenediol succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-cotterephthalate) (PBAT), starch-based materials, aliphatic polyester materials, polysaccharide polymers, and / or woven or nonwoven materials. The sheet material 10 may be biodegradable. In some embodiments, the sheet material comprises cellulose. In one embodiment, the sheet material 10 may be non-plastic or may be plastic. In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 does not comprise cellulose acetate.

[0161] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 comprises a shredded sheet material selected from at least one of tobacco, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(1-4 butanediol succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-cotrephthalate) (PBAT), a starch-based material, paper, an aliphatic polyester material, and a polysaccharide polymer.

[0162] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 includes fibers woven or otherwise formed into the sheet.

[0163] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 is a laminated PLA, tobacco, or paper sheet material.

[0164] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 does not include cellulose acetate.

[0165] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 has a density of at least 0.1 gms / cm3, preferably at least 0.15 gms / cm3.

[0166] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 has a density of at most 1.5 gms / cm3, preferably at most 1.2, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.45 or 0.4 gms / cm3.

[0167] The sheet material 10, e.g., paper, can have a thickness of at least 20 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 has a thickness of at least 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, or 1000 microns.

[0168] The sheet material 10, e.g., paper, can have a thickness of at most 1000 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 has a thickness of at most 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, or 50 microns.

[0169] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 has a thickness in the range of 20 micrometers to 1000 micrometers.

[0170] The sheet material 10, for example, paper, can have a basis weight of at least 20 GSM. In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 has a basis weight of at least 20, 25, 30, or 35 GSM.

[0171] The sheet material 10, e.g., paper, can have a basis weight of at most 200 GSM. In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 has a basis weight of at most 150, 100, 70, 65, or 50 GSM.

[0172] The sheet material 10, e.g., paper, can have a basis weight in the range of 20 GSM to 200 GSM. In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 has a basis weight in the range of 25 GSM to 70 GSM, or in the range of 35 GSM to 65 GSM.

[0173] The sheet of material 10 includes first and second outer edges 10A, 10B at opposite ends of the sheet of material 10. When the sheet of material 10 is arranged to form the body 7, the first and second outer edges 10A, 10B form first and second axial ends 7A, 7B of the body 7.

[0174] The sheet material 10 has a length (indicated by arrow "X" in Figures 2 and 5) measured between first and second ends 10A, 10B. The length X of the sheet material 10 corresponds to the axial length X of the body 7.

[0175] The sheet material 10 may have a length X in the range of 5 to 50 mm, preferably in the range of 10 to 30 mm. However, in other embodiments, the sheet material 10 has a different length X.

[0176] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 of component 3 has a length X of at least 5 mm, optionally at least 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 or 45 mm.

[0177] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 of component 3 has a length X of at most 50 mm, optionally at most 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10 or 5 mm.

[0178] In this embodiment, the sheet material 10 is assembled so that the body 7 is in a "crepe filter" configuration. The sheet material 10 is capable of filtering the gas stream as it passes through the body 7. In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 comprises a pager assembled so that the body 7 is a "paper filter."

[0179] In some embodiments (not shown), component 3 further comprises one or more segments (not shown) upstream and / or downstream of body 7. For example, a plug of filtration material (not shown), such as cellulose acetate, upstream and / or downstream of body 7. In some embodiments, component 3 includes a tube filter (not shown) downstream of body 7. The tube filter can form an end of component 3 and can include an annular portion of filtration material, such as an annular portion of cellulose acetate.

[0180] The body 7 has an axial length (indicated by arrow "X" in Figure 2) in the range of 5 to 50 mm, preferably 10 to 30 mm. However, in other embodiments, the body 7 has a different axial length X.

[0181] In some embodiments, component 3 has an axial length X of at least 5 mm, optionally at least 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 or 45 mm.

[0182] In some embodiments, component 3 has an axial length X of at most 50 mm, optionally at most 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10 or 5 mm.

[0183] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 is gathered and / or folded to form the body 7 such that at least one object 11 is retained within the space 8 within the body 7. In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 may be formed into the body 7 using a CU-20 machine manufactured by Decouflé™. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that other equipment may be used to place the sheet material 10 into the plug, such as equipment known in the manufacture of "paper filters" and "crepe filters."

[0184] In this example, the sheet material 10 is compressed before being placed within the body 7. For example, the sheet material 10 may be passed through a pair of compression rollers. Compression can make it easier to gather the sheet material 10 to form the body 7. Compression can also increase the length of the sheet material 10 that can be used to form a particular amount of the body 7. Increasing the amount of sheet material 10 in the body 7 increases the surface area of ​​the sheet material 10 that comes into contact with the aerosol passing through the body 7, and therefore can increase the amount of moisture absorbed from the aerosol by the sheet material 10.

[0185] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 is crimped to a crimp depth of at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, or 2 mm.

[0186] In some embodiments, the sheet material is crimped to a crimp depth of at most 2 mm, preferably at most 1.5 mm, 1 mm, 0.9 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.2 mm or 0.1 mm.

[0187] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 is crimped to a crimp depth in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm or in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0188] Crimp depth (also known as "crimping coefficient") refers to the depth of the grooves formed in sheet material 10 by crimping. That is, crimping sheet material 10 creates a plurality of depressions in sheet material 10 when viewed from a first side of sheet material 10, and crimp depth is the depth of the depressions. The crimping may form a zigzag pattern or other shape. In some embodiments, adjacent grooves in the crimped sheet material 10 are spaced apart by a distance in the range of 0.1 mm to 3 mm, preferably in the range of 0.2 mm to 2 mm. In some embodiments, adjacent grooves in the crimped sheet material 10 are spaced apart by a distance of at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.2, 0.5, 0.7, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 mm. In some embodiments, adjacent grooves in the crimped sheet material 10 are spaced apart by a distance of at most 3 mm, preferably at most 2.5, 2, 1, 1.5, 0.7, 0.5, 0.2 or 0.1 mm.

[0189] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 is heated during pressing. For example, the sheet material 10 may be passed between pressing rollers, one or both of which are heated.

[0190] At least one object 11, for example, one or more capsules 11, may be applied to the sheet material 10 before or simultaneously with the sheet material 10 being formed into the body 7. In some embodiments, the at least one object 11 is attached to the sheet material 10 by an adhesive (not shown), which may be sprayed onto the sheet material 10 and / or the at least one object 11, or may be applied to the sheet material 10 or the object 11 using a brush or roller, for example. In another embodiment (not shown), the at least one object 11 is attached to the sheet material 10 using static electricity, by charging the sheet material 10 and / or the at least one object 11. It should be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, the at least one object 11 is not attached to the sheet material 10.

[0191] In some embodiments, at least one object 11 includes one or more aerosol modifier-releasing components 11, which may be capsules 11.

[0192] A cross-sectional side view of one of the capsules 11 is shown in Figure 6. Each capsule 11 includes an outer shell 13 and an inner core 14.

[0193] The shell 13 of each capsule 11 may be solid at room temperature. The shell 13 may comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of alginate. However, it should be recognized that in alternative embodiments, the shell 13 is formed from a different material. For example, the shell 13 may alternatively comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of gelatin, carrageenan, or pectin. The shell 13 may comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of one or more of alginate, gelatin, carrageenan, or pectin.

[0194] The inner core 14 of each capsule 11 may include, consist of, or consist essentially of an aerosol modifier, e.g., an additive such as a flavoring configured to impart a flavor to the gas flowing through the body 7 when the aerosol modifier is exposed to the gas. However, it should be recognized that in other embodiments, the aerosol modifier may alternatively or additionally include a different type of additive, such as a humectant. In this embodiment, the inner core 14 is a liquid. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the inner core 14 may comprise a solid, e.g., a powder.

[0195] The shell 13 of each capsule 11 may be impermeable or substantially impermeable to the aerosol modifier in the core 14. Thus, the shell 13 initially prevents the modifier in the core 14 from escaping the capsule 11 and becoming entrained in the gas flowing through the body 7. When a user desires to entrain the aerosol modifier in the gas, for example to flavor the gas in embodiments in which the aerosol modifier is a flavoring, the shell 13 of the capsule 11 is ruptured to allow the aerosol modifier to become entrained in the gas.

[0196] In some embodiments (not shown), capsule 11 further comprises a carrier material, which may include, for example, gelatin.

[0197] Alternatively or additionally, the body 11 comprises a different type of body, for example a filtering material such as beads or granules.

[0198] Aerosol modifier component 11 allows a user to control whether aerosol modifier is introduced into the gas stream passing through body 7. Initially, shell 13 of each capsule 11 is intact, so that no modifier from core 14 is introduced into the gas stream. When a user desires to introduce aerosol modifier, they apply an external force to component 3 to rupture shell 13 of capsule 11. In one example, a user holds component 3 firmly and rotates component 3 between their fingers.

[0199] In some embodiments, body 7 is surrounded by a wrapper 16, such as a paper wrapper, that forms a plug wrap 16. Plug wrap 16 can help to retain sheet material 10 in the form of body 7, for example, by preventing sheet material 10 from unfolding.

[0200] The tipping paper 4 includes one or more indicators 19 that visually indicate to a user when an external force should be applied to the component 3 to release the aerosol modifier. For example, the indicator 19 can indicate when the component 3 should be held between the fingers and rotated to release the modifier. The indicator 19 can, for example, be printed on the tipping paper 4 or can include a label attached to the tipping paper 4. The indicator 19 can overlie the body 10 of filter material.

[0201] Optionally, plug wrap 16 and tipping paper 4 are deformable so that, in use, a user applies an external force to deform tipping paper 4 and body 7 radially inward, disrupting aerosol modifier-releasing component 11. In the example above, the user grasps the wall between their fingers and rotates component 3, causing capsule 11 to release the aerosol modifier therefrom. In embodiments in which plug wrap 16 is omitted, tipping paper 4 is deformed. In embodiments in which tipping paper 4 is omitted, plug wrap 16 is deformed. In some embodiments, the wall includes an additional sheet of material (not shown) in addition to tipping paper 4 and / or plug wrap 16. In other embodiments (not shown), neither tipping paper 4 nor plug wrap 16 surrounds body 7 (or the entire body 7), and the user applies force directly to body 7.

[0202] Plug wrap 16 includes paper layer 17 and sealing layer 18. Sealing layer 18 is impermeable or substantially impermeable to the aerosol modifier in capsule 11. Thus, when capsule 11 is ruptured to entrain the aerosol modifier in the gas stream, sealing layer 18 prevents the aerosol modifier from leaching out of plug wrap 16. This is advantageous because combustion aerosol delivery system 1 is typically held between a user's fingers in the region of component 3, and thus sealing layer 18 helps prevent the aerosol modifier from coming into contact with the user's fingers.

[0203] In this embodiment, sealing layer 18 takes the form of a coating 18 disposed on paper layer 17. For example, coating 18 may include ethyl cellulose. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), sealing layer 18 comprises a layer of material, such as a plastic sheet or foil, that is adhered to paper layer 17 by an adhesive. In some embodiments, sealing layer 18 is oil-repellent.

[0204] In one embodiment, the sealing layer 18 is provided on the inner surface of the paper layer 17 such that the paper layer 17 is disposed between the sealing layer 18 and the tipping paper 4. Alternatively, the sealing layer 18 may be provided on the outer surface of the paper layer 17 such that the sealing layer 18 is disposed between the paper layer 17 and the tipping paper 4.

[0205] In one embodiment, the sealing layer 18 is provided over the entire inner and / or outer surface of the paper layer 17. However, in alternative embodiments, the sealing layer 18 is provided only over a portion of the inner and / or outer surface of the paper layer 17, for example, only over the portion of the paper layer 17 that surrounds the body 7.

[0206] The plug wrap 16 is configured to provide structural support for the component 3 to help maintain the structural integrity of the component 3 while the component 3 is being rotated to release the aerosol modifying agent. In some embodiments, the plug wrap 16 has a basis weight of at least 20 gsm, preferably at least 60 gsm, and preferably at least 80 gsm. The basis weight provides the plug wrap 16 with increased rigidity to help maintain the structural integrity of the component 3 while the component 3 is being rotated. In some embodiments, the basis weight of the plug wrap 16 is in the range of 20 gsm to 110 gsm, 60 gsm to 110 gsm, and preferably in the range of 80 gsm to 110 gsm. The basis weight of the plug wrap 16 may be in the range of 20 gsm to 100 gsm, 60 gsm to 100 gsm, or 80 gsm to 100 gsm.

[0207] In one embodiment, the rigidity of plug wrap 16 is achieved by fabricating paper layer 17 from paper having a thickness of at least 30 micrometers, preferably at least 35 micrometers, and preferably at least 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 micrometers. In some embodiments, paper layer 17 has a thickness in the range of 30 micrometers to 137 micrometers, preferably in the range of 35 micrometers to 137 micrometers. The rigidity of plug wrap 16 helps component 3 return to its original shape once the user has finished rotating component 3 to release the aerosol modifying agent.

[0208] In one embodiment (not shown), component 3 is a cavity filter. Tipping paper 4, plug wrap 16, or additional wrap (not shown) can extend beyond the mouth end of body 7 to form a space containing a void (not shown).

[0209] In some embodiments, at least one object 11, for example capsule 11, has a diameter in the range of 0.1 mm to 8 mm, preferably in the range of 0.2 mm to 4 mm.

[0210] In some embodiments, at least one object 11, e.g., capsule 11, has a diameter of at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, or 8 mm.

[0211] In some embodiments, at least one object 11, e.g., capsule 11, has a particle size of at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, or 8 mm. The term "particle size" refers to particle size as measured by sieving.

[0212] In some embodiments, the at least one object 11 comprises a plurality of objects, such as a plurality of capsules, beads, and / or granules. In other embodiments, a single object 11, such as a single capsule 11, is provided within the space 8.

[0213] In the above embodiment, the or each capsule 11 includes an outer shell 13 and an inner core 14. However, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the outer shell 13 is omitted. In one embodiment (not shown), the or each capsule 11 includes a body made of a material that includes the aerosol modifier, and the shell does not surround the body. In one embodiment (not shown), the or each capsule 11 includes a solid material that, when an external force is applied to component 3, breaks down to form, for example, a powder, allowing the aerosol modifier to be entrained in the gas flowing through the body 7.

[0214] The sheet of material 10 includes first and second outer edges 10A, 10B and further includes third and fourth outer edges 10C, 10D that are substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the first and second outer edges 10A, 10B. When the sheet of material 10 is arranged to form the body 7, the third and fourth outer edges 10C, 10D are substantially parallel to the central axis AA of the component 3. The sheet of material 10 may be generally rectangular.

[0215] The sheet material 10 includes first and second slits 20,21.

[0216] The first slit 20 extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the third and fourth outer edges 10C, 10D of the sheet material 10. The first slit 20 extends in a direction generally parallel to the first and second outer edges 10A, 10B.

[0217] Sheet material 10 has a width (indicated by arrow "W" in FIG. 5) measured between third and fourth outer edges 10C, 10D of sheet material 10.

[0218] In some embodiments, sheet material 10 has a width W, when measured while sheet material 10 is laid flat, in the range of 30 mm to 400 mm, preferably in the range of 40 mm to 300 mm, in the range of 50 mm to 280 mm, in the range of 75 mm to 225 mm, or in the range of 100 mm to 200 mm.

[0219] In some embodiments, sheet material 10 has a width W of at least 30 mm, preferably at least 40, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, or 190 mm, when measured with sheet material 10 lying flat.

[0220] In some embodiments, sheet material 10 has a width W of at most 400 mm, preferably at most 300, 300, 280, 250, 225, 200, 175, 150, 125, or 100 mm, when measured with sheet material 10 lying flat.

[0221] In some embodiments, the first slit 20 is spaced from the third and fourth outer edges 10C, 10D; in other words, the first slit 20 does not extend across the entire width W of the sheet material 10.

[0222] The second slit 21 extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the third and fourth outer edges 10C, 10D of the sheet material 10. The second slit 21 extends in a direction generally parallel to the first and second outer edges 10A, 10B.

[0223] In some embodiments, the second slit 21 is spaced from the third and fourth outer edges 10C, 10D, in other words, the second slit 21 does not extend across the entire width of the sheet material 10 (indicated by the arrow "W" in Figure 5).

[0224] The first slit 20 forms a first inner edge 22 of the sheet material 10, and the second slit 21 forms a second inner edge 23 of the sheet material 10. That is, when the sheet material 10 is gathered to form the main body 7, the first slit 20 allows the sheet material 10 to be gathered on a first side (e.g., downstream side) of the at least one object 11, such that the first inner edge 22 at least partially defines a boundary of the space 8 containing the at least one object 11. Thus, the first inner edge can form a first wall portion 22A. Similarly, when the sheet material 10 is gathered to form the main body 7, the second slit 21 allows the sheet material 10 to be gathered on a second side (e.g., upstream side) of the at least one object 11, such that the second inner edge 23 at least partially defines a boundary of the space 8 containing the at least one object 11. Thus, the second inner edge 23 can form a second wall portion 23A.

[0225] Thus, first inner edge 22 allows sheet material 10 to be gathered on one side of space 8 to at least partially or completely define a boundary of space 8 to prevent at least one object 11 from exiting the first end of space 8, thereby improving the positioning of at least one object 11 within component 3. Additionally, because sheet material 10 is gathered, it helps to obscure at least one object 11 within space 8 when viewed from first end 3A of component 3, thereby improving the aesthetics of component 3. Advantageously, first inner edge 22 achieves these benefits without requiring a separate component, such as a cellulose acetate plug, downstream of object 11 or downstream of body 7.

[0226] Second inner edge 23 allows sheet material 10 to be gathered on one side of space 8 to at least partially or completely define a boundary of space 8 to prevent at least one object 11 from exiting the second end of space 8. This also improves the positioning of at least one object 11 within component 3. Additionally, because sheet material 10 is gathered, it helps to obscure at least one object 11 within space 8 when viewed from second end 3B of component 3, improving the aesthetics of component 3. Advantageously, second inner edge 23 achieves these benefits without requiring a separate component, such as a cellulose acetate plug, to be provided upstream of object 11 or upstream of body 7.

[0227] For informational purposes, a component 303 including a body 307 formed from a sheet of material 310 and at least one object 311 held in a space 308 within the body 307, where the sheet of material 310 does not include a first or second inner edge, is shown in FIG. 7. It has been found that when the sheet of material 310 is wrapped around or assembled around the object 11, the space 308 tends to form a continuous cylinder extending from the first end 303A to the second end 303B of the component 303. This is due to the inherent rigidity of the sheet of material 310 and the lack of an inner edge that facilitates assembly of the sheet of material 310 to at least partially define the boundary of the space 308. As a result, object 311 within space 308 may move along continuous cylindrical space 308 toward first or second end 303A, 303B of component 303 or may require excessive adhesive to hold object 311 in place during transport and use of component 303. Furthermore, the entire object 311 is visible when viewed from first or second end 303A, 303B of component 303. In contrast, first and second inner edges 22, 23 of sheet material 10 in the embodiment of Figures 1-6 facilitate converging sheet material 10 around space 8 to at least partially define the boundary of space 8.

[0228] In some embodiments, such as the embodiments of Figures 1-6, the first and second inner edges 22, 23 are axially spaced apart by a distance in the range of 3 mm to 50 mm. In some embodiments, the first and second inner edges 22, 23 are spaced apart by a distance of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 mm. In some embodiments, the first and second inner edges 22, 23 are spaced apart by a distance of at most 50 mm, preferably at most 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, or 3 mm.

[0229] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first and second slits 20, 21 extend linearly, and preferably the entire first and / or second slits 20, 21 extend linearly. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first and / or second slits 20, 21 may be at least partially or completely non-linear, e.g., curved. In one embodiment (not shown), the first and / or second outer edges follow a zigzag path.

[0230] In some embodiments, first inner edge 22 is continuous. In other embodiments, first inner edge 23 is intermittent, with one or more intermediate portions of sheet material 10 connecting adjacent portions of first inner edge 23. Similarly, second inner edge 23 may be continuous or intermittent.

[0231] The first and second inner edges 22, 23 may be provided on opposite sides of the at least one object 11 and may face in opposite directions.

[0232] The component 3 includes first and second ends 3A, 3B, with the first end 3A being the mouth end of the component 3 and the second end 3B being opposite the first end 3A. In this example, the first inner edge 22 is located between the at least one object 11 and the first end 3A of the component 3. In other embodiments, the first inner edge 22 is located between the at least one object 11 and the second end 3B of the component 3.

[0233] In this example, the second inner edge 23 is located between the at least one object 11 and the first end 3B of the component 3. In other embodiments, the second inner edge 23 is located between the at least one object 11 and the first end 3A of the component 3.

[0234] In some embodiments, the first or second inner edge 22, 23 may be omitted, with the remaining inner edge 22, 23 still at least partially defining the boundary of the space 8 and thus serving to improve the positioning of the at least one object 11 within the component 3 and at least partially obscuring the component 3.

[0235] In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22 is configured such that, when the sheet material 10 is assembled to form the body 7, the side of the sheet material 10 opposite the at least one object 11 of the first inner edge 22 extends to the central axis AA of the component 3 (as shown in FIG. 4 ). Similarly, the second inner edge 23 is configured such that, when the sheet material 10 is assembled to form the body 7, the side of the sheet material 10 opposite the at least one object 11 of the second inner edge 23 extends to the central axis AA of the component 3. However, in other embodiments, the first and / or second inner edges 22, 23 are configured such that the sheet material 10 does not extend to the central axis AA but instead forms an annular wall portion (not shown). The annular wall portion still at least partially defines the boundary of the space 8, thereby helping to improve the placement of the at least one object 11 within the component 3 and the aesthetics of the component 3, provided that the space within the annular portion is of a smaller diameter than the space 8 containing the at least one object 11.

[0236] In some embodiments, the first and / or second wall portion 22A, 23A surround the entire central axis AA of the component 3. In some embodiments, the first wall portion 22A surrounds the entire central axis AA of the component 3. Alternatively or additionally, the second wall portion 23A surrounds the entire central axis AA of the component 3.

[0237] In some embodiments, the first and / or second wall portions 22A, 22B are porous, in this example allowing the inhalant to flow through the layer of assembled sheet material 10 of the first wall portion 22A and the layer of assembled sheet material 10 of the second wall portion 23A.

[0238] In some embodiments, the first portion 9 of the sheet material 10 surrounds at least one object 11. First and second inner edges 22, 23 may be provided on opposite sides of the first portion 9 of the sheet material 10. The first portion 9 may be generally tubular or cylindrical. A space 8 is formed within the first portion 9 of the sheet material 10.

[0239] In some embodiments, the first and / or second inner edge 22, 23 extend within a range of 10% to 95% across the width W of the sheet material 10. For example, if the sheet material 10 has a width W of 150 mm, when laid flat, the first inner edge 22 extends within a range of 15 mm to 142.5 mm across the width W of the sheet material 10, and / or the second inner edge 23 extends within a range of 5 mm to 142.5 mm across the width W of the sheet material 10.

[0240] In some embodiments, the first and / or second inner edges 22, 23 extend at least 10% across the width W of the sheet material 10, preferably at least 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 95% across the width W of the sheet material 10.

[0241] In some embodiments, the first and / or second inner edges 22, 23 extend at most 95% across the width W of the sheet material 10, optionally at most 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20 or 10% across the width W of the sheet material 10.

[0242] In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22 has a length L1 in the range of 5 mm to 360 mm, preferably in the range of 5 mm to 270 mm, when the sheet material 10 is laid flat.

[0243] In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22 has a length L1 of at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 250, 270 or 300 mm when the sheet material 10 is laid flat.

[0244] In some embodiments, the second inner edge 23 has a length L2 in the range of 5 mm to 360 mm, preferably in the range of 5 mm to 270 mm, when the sheet material 10 is laid flat.

[0245] In some embodiments, the second inner edge 23 has a length L2 of at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 250, 270 or 300 mm when the sheet material 10 is laid flat.

[0246] In some embodiments, the first and / or second inner edges 22, 23 are spaced apart from at least one of the third and fourth outer edges 10C, 10D of the sheet material 10. In this example, the first and / or second inner edges 22, 23 are spaced apart from both the third and fourth outer edges 10C, 10D of the sheet material 10. This makes the sheet material 10 easier to handle during manufacture of the component 3, because if the first and / or second inner edges 22, 23 were to extend all the way to the third or fourth outer edges 10C, 10D, flaps of the sheet material 10 would otherwise occur, making it more difficult to maintain proper registration. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first and / or second inner edges 22, 23 extend all the way to the third and / or fourth outer edges 10C, 10D.

[0247] In some embodiments, the first and / or second inner edges 22, 23 are substantially perpendicular to the third and / or fourth outer edges 10C, 10D of the sheet material 10.

[0248] In some embodiments, the first and / or second inner edges 22, 23 are spaced apart from the third and / or fourth outer edges 10C, 10D by at least 3 mm, preferably at least 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 mm, when measured with the sheet material 10 laid flat.

[0249] In some embodiments, the first and / or second inner edges 22, 23 are spaced apart from the third and / or fourth outer edges 10C, 10D by at least 2.5%, preferably at least 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9% or 10% of the width W of the sheet material 10 when measured with the sheet material 10 laid flat.

[0250] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 surrounds the central axis AA of the component 3, and preferably surrounds the entire central axis AA of the sheet material 10. The sheet material 10 can be gathered or wrapped around at least one object 11.

[0251] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 includes a coating, and preferably the coating includes an aerosol modifier. Optionally, the aerosol modifier includes a flavoring.

[0252] The first and second slits 20, 21 may be the same shape or different shapes. The first and second slits 20, 21 may be the same size or different sizes.

[0253] Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown an alternative embodiment of a sheet of material 10 of component 3. The sheet of material 10 of Figure 8 is similar to the sheet of material 10 of component 3 of Figures 1-6, with like features retaining the same reference numbers, except that the first and second slits 20, 21 have been omitted and replaced with first and second apertures 120, 121.

[0254] An edge 122 of the first aperture 120 forms a first inner edge 122 of the sheet material 10 , and an edge 123 of the second aperture 121 forms a second inner edge 123 of the sheet material 10 .

[0255] In this example, the first and second apertures 120, 121 are formed as notches in the sheet material 10, for example, by cutting a portion of the sheet material 10 from the remainder of the sheet material 10 to form the first and second apertures 120, 121. For example, the first and second apertures 120, 121 may be formed by punching the portions out of the sheet material 10.

[0256] In other embodiments, the first and / or second apertures 120, 121 may be formed by a different method, such as by using one or more lasers to cut the sheet material 10. In yet another embodiment, the sheet material 10 may be molded such that the first and / or second apertures 120, 121 are formed in the sheet as the sheet material 10 is molded.

[0257] In this example, the first and second apertures 120, 121 are rectangular. However, in other embodiments, the first and / or second apertures 120, 121 may be different shapes, for example circular, oval, triangular, hexagonal or D-shaped.

[0258] The first aperture 120 is closer to a first inner edge 10A of the sheet material 10 and the second aperture 121 is closer to a second inner edge 10B of the sheet material. At least one object (not shown) is placed in a portion of the sheet material 10 between the first and second apertures 120, 121, and the sheet material 10 is then assembled to form a body (not shown) having a space (not shown) that contains the at least one object.

[0259] The first inner edge 122 is the edge 122 of the first aperture 120 that is closest to the first outer edge 10A of the sheet material 10 and farthest from the portion of the sheet material 10 that will receive at least one object (not shown). The second inner edge 123 is the edge 123 of the second aperture 121 that is closest to the second outer edge 10B of the sheet material 10 and farthest from the portion of the sheet material 10 that will receive at least one object (not shown).

[0260] When the sheet material 10 is assembled to form a body (not shown), the first aperture 120 allows the sheet material 10 on a first side of the at least one object to be assembled such that the first inner edge 122 at least partially or completely defines a boundary of a space (not shown) containing the at least one object. Thus, the first inner edge 122 can form a first wall portion (not shown). Similarly, when the sheet material 10 is assembled to form a body, the second aperture 121 allows the sheet material 10 on a second side of the at least one object to be assembled such that the second inner edge 123 at least partially or completely defines a boundary of a space containing the at least one object. Thus, the second inner edge 123 can form a second wall portion.

[0261] Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, the first inner edge 122 of the embodiment of FIG. 8 allows the sheet material 10 to be gathered on one side of a space to at least partially define a boundary of the space to prevent at least one object from exiting the first end of the space. This improves the positioning of at least one object within the component. Additionally, the gathered sheet material 10 helps to obscure at least one object within the space when viewed from the first end of the component. Furthermore, the second inner edge 123 allows the sheet material 10 to be gathered on one side of the space to at least partially define a boundary of the space to prevent at least one object from exiting the second end of the space. This also improves the positioning of at least one object within the component. Additionally, the gathered sheet material 10 helps to obscure at least one object within the space when viewed from the second end of the component.

[0262] The first and second apertures 120, 121 may be the same shape or different shapes. The first and second apertures 120, 121 may be the same size or different sizes.

[0263] In this example, the first and second inner edges 122, 123 are each linear. This facilitates more uniform gathering of the sheet material 10 as it is formed into the body. However, in some embodiments (not shown), the first and / or second inner edges 122, 123 are partially or completely non-linear. For example, the first and / or second inner edges 122, 123 may be curved. In one embodiment (not shown), the first and / or second outer edges follow a zigzag path.

[0264] In some embodiments, the first and / or second inner edges 122, 123 extend substantially perpendicular to the central axis AA of the component 3. When the sheet material 10 is laid flat, the first and second inner edges 122, 123 are parallel to the first and second outer edges 10A, 10B and / or perpendicular to the third and fourth outer edges 10C, 10D. However, in alternative embodiments, the first and / or second inner edges 122, 123 may be angled relative to the first, second, third and fourth outer edges 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D.

[0265] It should be appreciated that any of the features or variations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 may be applied to the embodiment of FIG.

[0266] In some embodiments (not shown), one of the first and second inner edges may be formed by a slit, and the other of the first and second inner edges may be formed by an aperture.

[0267] In some embodiments (not shown), one of the first and second inner edges 22, 23, 122, 123 is omitted. For example, the first or second slit 20, 21 may be omitted in the embodiment of Figures 1-6, or the first or second aperture 120, 121 may be omitted in the embodiment of Figure 8.

[0268] 9 and 10, another embodiment of component 3 is shown. Component 3 of the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 is similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, with like features retaining the same reference numerals. The difference is that component 3 is formed within body 7, which further includes second space 208 for receiving at least one additional object 211. Furthermore, in addition to the first and second slits 20, 21 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, sheet material 10 of the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 further includes a third slit 220 on one side of the additional object 211 and a fourth slit 221 on the other side of the additional object 211, with third slit 220 forming a third inner edge 222 of sheet material 10 and fourth slit 221 forming a fourth inner edge 223.

[0269] At least one object 11, e.g., one or more capsules 11, and at least one further object 211, e.g., one or more further capsules 211, may be applied to the sheet material 10 before or simultaneously with the sheet material 10 being formed into the body 7. In some embodiments, the at least one object 11 and / or the at least one further object 211 is attached to the sheet material 10, for example by adhesive (not shown) or using static electricity. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the at least one object 11 and / or the at least one further object 211 is not attached to the sheet material 10. Indeed, an advantage of the inner edges 22, 23, 222, 223 is improved positioning of the object 11 / further object 211 within the component 3, which may allow such adhesive to be omitted in some embodiments while still maintaining correct positioning of the object 11 / further object 211.

[0270] In some embodiments, the at least one additional object 211 includes one or more aerosol modifier-releasing components 211, which may be capsules 211. The at least one additional object 211 may be different from the at least one object 11, e.g., including a different modifier or configured to release a different amount or concentration of a modifier. Alternatively, the at least one object 11 and the at least one additional object 211 may be of the same configuration.

[0271] The at least one further object 211 can have any of the features of the at least one object 11 described above with respect to Figures 1-6. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one further object 211 can have any of the features of the at least one object 11 described above with respect to Figures 1-6, such as an aerosol modifier-releasing component 211 or a capsule 211 including an outer shell (not shown) and an inner shell (not shown). The at least one further object 211 comprises a different type of object, for example, a filtering material such as beads or granules.

[0272] Aerosol modifier component 11 allows the user to control whether or not an aerosol modifier is introduced into the gas stream passing through body 7, and further aerosol modifier component 211 also allows the user to control whether or not an aerosol modifier is introduced into the gas stream passing through body 7 (whether this is a different type of aerosol modifier than component 11, or whether it allows for increased delivery of the same type of aerosol modifier as component 11). When the user desires to introduce a modifier, they apply an external force to component 3, rupturing one or both of aerosol modifier-releasing components 11, 211 depending on the position of the user's finger and / or the amount of force applied.

[0273] The first, second, third, and fourth slits 20, 21, 220, 221 extend in a direction generally perpendicular to the third and fourth outer edges 10C, 10D, respectively, of the sheet material 10. The first, second, third, and fourth slits 20, 21, 220, 221 extend in a direction generally parallel to the first and second outer edges 10A, 10B, respectively. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth slits 20, 21, 220, 221 may be angled relative to the first, second, third, and fourth outer edges 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D.

[0274] In some embodiments, the first, second, third and fourth slits 20, 21, 220, 221 are spaced apart from the third and fourth outer edges 10C, 10D, respectively; in other words, the first, second, third and fourth slits 20, 21, 220, 221 do not extend across the entire width (indicated by arrow W in FIG. 10) of the sheet material 10.

[0275] 1-6, first slit 20 forms first inner edge 22 of sheet material 10, and second slit 21 forms second inner edge 23 of sheet material 10. That is, when sheet material 10 is gathered to form body 7, first slit 20 enables sheet material 10 on a first side (e.g., downstream side) of at least one object 11 to be gathered such that first inner edge 22 at least partially or completely defines a boundary of space 8 containing at least one object 11. Thus, first inner edge can form first wall portion 22A. Similarly, when the sheet material 10 is gathered to form the body 7, the second slit 21 is on a second side (e.g., upstream side) of the at least one object 11, but the sheet material 10 is gathered on a first side (e.g., downstream side) of the at least one further object 211, thereby enabling the second inner edge 23 to at least partially or completely define the boundary of the space 8 containing the at least one object 11. Thus, the second inner edge 23 can form a second wall portion 23A.

[0276] Additionally, the third slit 220 forms a third inner edge 222 of the sheet material 10, and the fourth slit 221 forms a fourth inner edge 223 of the sheet material 10. That is, when the sheet material 10 is gathered to form the body 7, the third slit 220 is on a first side (e.g., downstream side) of the at least one additional object 211, but the sheet material 10 is gathered on a second side (e.g., upstream side) of the at least one additional object 11, allowing the third inner edge 222 to at least partially or completely define the boundary of the second space 208 that contains the at least one additional object 211. Thus, the third inner edge 222 can form a third wall portion 222A. Similarly, when the sheet material 10 is gathered to form the body 7, the fourth slit 221 enables the sheet material 10 on a second side (e.g., upstream side) of the at least one further object 211 to be gathered such that the fourth inner edge 223 at least partially defines a boundary of the second space 208 that contains the at least one further object 211. Thus, the fourth inner edge 223 can form a fourth wall portion 223A.

[0277] Thus, first inner edge 22 allows sheet material 10 to be gathered on one side of space 8 to at least partially define a boundary of space 8 that prevents at least one object 11 from exiting a first end of space 8. This improves the positioning of at least one object 11 within component 3. In addition, because sheet material 10 is gathered, it helps to obscure at least one object 11 within space 8 when viewed from a first (e.g., downstream) end of component 3. In addition, second inner edge 23 allows sheet material 10 to be gathered on another side of space 8 to at least partially define a boundary of space 8 that prevents at least one object 11 from exiting a second end of space 8. This also improves the positioning of at least one object 11 within component 3. In addition, because sheet material 10 is gathered, it helps to obscure at least one object 11 within space 8 when viewed from a second (e.g., upstream) end of component 3.

[0278] The third inner edge 222 allows the sheet material 10 to be gathered on one side of the second space 208 to at least partially define a boundary of the second space 208 to prevent the at least one additional object 211 from exiting a first end of the second space 208, thereby improving the positioning of the at least one additional object 211 within the component 3. Additionally, because the sheet material 10 is gathered, it helps to obscure the at least one additional object 211 within the second space 208 when viewed from the first (e.g., downstream) end of the component 3. Additionally, the fourth inner edge 223 allows the sheet material 10 to be gathered on another side of the second space 208 to at least partially define a boundary of the second space 208 to prevent the at least one additional object 211 from exiting a second end of the second space 208, again improving the positioning of the at least one additional object 211 within the component 3. Additionally, as the sheet material 10 is gathered, it serves to obscure at least one further object 211 within the second space 208 when viewed from the second (e.g., upstream) end of the component 3 .

[0279] In some embodiments, the first and second inner edges 22, 23 are axially spaced apart by a distance in the range of 3 mm to 50 mm. In some embodiments, the first and second inner edges 22, 23 are spaced apart by a distance of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 mm. In some embodiments, the first and second inner edges 22, 23 are spaced apart by a distance of at most 50 mm, preferably at most 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, or 3 mm.

[0280] In some embodiments, the third and fourth inner edges 222, 223 are axially spaced apart by a distance in the range of 3 mm to 50 mm. In some embodiments, the third and fourth inner edges 222, 223 are spaced apart by a distance of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 mm. In some embodiments, the third and fourth inner edges 222, 223 are spaced apart by a distance of at most 50 mm, preferably at most 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, or 3 mm.

[0281] In some embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth slits 20, 21, 220, 221 (and thus the respective inner edges of the sheet material) extend linearly, and preferably the entire first, second, third, and / or fourth slits 20, 21, 220, 221 extend linearly. However, in other embodiments, the first, second, third, and / or fourth slits 20, 21, 220, 221 (and thus the respective inner edges of the sheet material) may be at least partially non-linear, e.g., curved. In some embodiments, one of the first, second, third, and / or fourth slits 20, 21, 220, 221 may follow a zigzag path.

[0282] In some embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth inner edges 22, 23, 222, 223 are continuous. In other embodiments, one or more of the first, second, third, and / or fourth inner edges 22, 23, 222, 223 may be interrupted, with one or more intermediate portions of the sheet material 10 intervening.

[0283] The first and second inner edges 22, 23 may be provided on opposite sides of the at least one object 11 and may face in opposite directions.

[0284] The third and fourth inner edges 222, 223 may be provided on opposite sides of the at least one further object 211 and may face in opposite directions.

[0285] The component 3 includes first and second ends 3A, 3B, with the first end 3A being the front end of the component 3 and the second end 3B being opposite the first end 3A. In this example, the first inner edge 22 is located between the at least one object 11 and the first end 3A of the component 3, the second inner edge 23 is located between the at least one object 11 and the second end 3B of the component 3, the third inner edge 222 is located between the at least one further object 211 and the first end 3A of the component 3, and the fourth inner edge 223 is located between the at least one further object 211 and the second end 3B of the component 3.

[0286] In this example, the first, second, third and fourth inner edges 22, 23, 222, 223 are arranged consecutively.

[0287] In some embodiments, one or more of the first, second, third or fourth inner edges 22, 23, 222, 223 may be omitted, the remaining inner edges 22, 23, 222, 223 still at least partially defining the boundary of the space 8 and / or the second space 208, thus helping to improve the positioning of the at least one object 11 and / or the at least one further object 211 within the component 3 and to improve the aesthetics of the component 3.

[0288] In one such embodiment, one of the second or third inner edges 23, 222 is omitted, with the other of the second or third inner edges 23, 222 still facilitating the sheet material 10 to converge between the at least one object 11 and the at least one further object 211 and assist in their separation within the component 3. In yet another embodiment, both the second and third inner edges 23, 222 are omitted.

[0289] In some embodiments, the first inner edge 22 is configured such that, when the sheet material 10 is gathered to form the body 7, the side of the sheet material 10 opposite the at least one object 11 of the first inner edge 22 extends to the central axis AA of the component 3. Similarly, the second and / or third inner edges 23, 222 may be configured such that, when the sheet material 10 is gathered to form the body 7, the side of the sheet material 10 between the second and third inner edges 23, 222 extends to the central axis AA of the component 3. Additionally, the fourth inner edge 223 is configured such that the side of the sheet material 10 opposite the at least one further object 211 of the fourth inner edge 223 extends to the central axis AA of the component 3. However, in other embodiments, the first, second, third and / or fourth inner edges 22, 23, 222, 223 are configured such that the sheet of material 10 does not extend to the central axis AA, but instead may form an annular wall portion (not shown).

[0290] In some embodiments, the first, second, third and / or fourth wall portions 22A, 23A, 222A, 223A surround the entire central axis AA of the component 3.

[0291] In some embodiments, the first, second, third and / or fourth wall portions 22A, 23A, 222A, 223A are porous, in this example allowing the inhalant to flow through the assembled layers of sheet material 10 of the first, second, third and / or fourth wall portions 22A, 23A, 222A, 223A.

[0292] In some embodiments, the first portion 9 of the sheet material 10 surrounds at least one object 11. First and second inner edges 22, 23 may be provided at opposite ends of the first portion 9 of the sheet material 10. The first portion 9 may be generally tubular or cylindrical. A space 8 is formed within the first portion 9 of the sheet material 10.

[0293] In some embodiments, the second portion 209 of the sheet material 10 surrounds at least one additional object 211. Third and fourth inner edges 222, 223 may be provided at opposite ends of the second portion 209 of the sheet material 10. The second portion 209 may be generally tubular or cylindrical. A second space 208 is formed within the second portion 209 of the sheet material 10.

[0294] In some embodiments, first, second, third and / or fourth inner edge 22, 23, 222, 223 each extend within a range of 10% to 95% across the width W of sheet material 10. For example, if sheet material 10 has a width W of 150 mm, when laid flat, first inner edge 22 may extend within a range of 15 mm to 142.5 mm across the width W of sheet material 10, and / or second inner edge 23 may extend within a range of 15 mm to 142.5 mm across the width W of sheet material 10, and / or third inner edge 222 may extend within a range of 15 mm to 142.5 mm across the width W of sheet material 10, and / or fourth inner edge 223 may extend within a range of 15 mm to 142.5 mm across the width W of sheet material 10.

[0295] In some embodiments, the first, second, third and / or fourth inner edges 22, 23, 222, 223 extend at least 10% across the width W of the sheet material 10, preferably at least 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 95% across the width W of the sheet material 10.

[0296] In some embodiments, the first, second, third and / or fourth inner edges 22, 23, 222, 223 each extend at most 95% across the width W of the sheet material 10, optionally at most 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20 or 10% across the width W of the sheet material 10.

[0297] In some embodiments, the first, second, third and / or fourth inner edges 22, 23, 222, 223 each have a length in the range of 5 mm to 360 mm, preferably in the range of 5 mm to 270 mm, when the sheet material 10 is laid flat.

[0298] In some embodiments, the first, second, third and / or fourth inner edges 22, 23, 222, 223 each have a length of at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 250, 270 or 300 mm when the sheet material 10 is laid flat.

[0299] In some embodiments, the first, second, third, and / or fourth inner edges 22, 23, 222, 223 are spaced apart from at least one of the third and fourth outer edges 10C, 10D of the sheet material 10. In this example, the first, second, third, and / or fourth inner edges 22, 23, 222, 223 are spaced apart from both the third and fourth outer edges 10C, 10D of the sheet material 10. This makes the sheet material 10 easier to handle during manufacture of the component 3, because if the first, second, third, and / or fourth inner edges 22, 23, 222, 223 otherwise extended all the way to the third or fourth outer edges 10C, 10D, flaps of the sheet material 10 would result, making it more difficult to maintain proper registration. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first, second, third and / or fourth inner edges 22, 23, 222, 223 extend to the third and / or fourth outer edges 10C, 10D.

[0300] In some embodiments, the first, second, third and / or fourth inner edges 22, 23, 222, 223 are substantially perpendicular to the third and / or fourth outer edges 10C, 10D of the sheet material 10.

[0301] In some embodiments, the first, third, third and / or fourth inner edges 22, 23, 222, 223 are spaced apart from the third and / or fourth outer edges 10C, 10D by at least 3 mm, preferably at least 4, 5, 6, 7, 89 or 10 mm, when measured with the sheet material 10 laid flat.

[0302] In some embodiments, the first, second, third and / or fourth inner edges 22, 23, 222, 223 are spaced apart from the third and / or fourth outer edges 10C, 10D by at least 2.5%, preferably at least 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9% or 10% of the width W of the sheet material 10 when measured with the sheet material 10 laid flat.

[0303] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 surrounds the central axis AA of the component 3, and preferably surrounds the entire central axis AA of the sheet material 10. The sheet material 10 may be wrapped or gathered around at least one object 11 and / or a further object 211.

[0304] In some embodiments, the second and third inner edges 23, 222 are separated by a distance (indicated by arrow "D" in FIG. 10) in a range of 3 mm to 50 mm. In some embodiments, the second and third inner edges 23, 222 are separated by a distance D in a range of 4 mm to 45 mm, in a range of 4 mm to 25 mm, or in a range of 4 mm to 10 mm.

[0305] In some embodiments, the second and third inner edges 23, 222 are spaced apart by a distance D of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 mm.

[0306] In some embodiments, the second and third inner edges 23, 222 are spaced apart by a distance D of at most 50 mm, preferably at most 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 4 or 3 mm.

[0307] In some embodiments, the sheet material 10 includes a coating, and preferably the coating includes an aerosol modifier. Optionally, the aerosol modifier includes a flavoring.

[0308] The sheet material 10 of the embodiment of Figure 8 or the embodiments of Figures 9 and 10 can have any of the characteristics of the sheet material 10 of the embodiment of Figures 1-6, including, but not limited to, any or all of the same dimensions, shape, basis weight, thickness, length, width, or materials.

[0309] The first, second, third and fourth slits 20, 21, 220, 221 may have the same shape or different shapes.The first, second, third and fourth slits 20, 21, 220, 221 may have the same size or different sizes.

[0310] It should be appreciated that any of the features or variations of the embodiment of Figures 1-6 may be applied to the embodiments of Figures 8 or Figures 9 and 10. For example, in one embodiment (not shown), a component is provided that includes a sheet material having first, second, third, and fourth apertures of the configuration described above in connection with Figure 8, which form first, second, third, and fourth inner edges, respectively. In another embodiment (not shown), one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth inner edges are formed by respective slits, and others of the first, second, third, and fourth inner edges are formed by respective apertures.

[0311] In some embodiments, the first, second, third and / or fourth apertures are modified to be notches that extend to the third or fourth outer edge 10C, 10D of the sheet material and may be, for example, U-shaped.

[0312] In one embodiment (not shown), the second and third inner edges are omitted such that a space is formed within the body between the first and fourth inner edges, and the at least one object and the at least one further object are both received in the space.

[0313] 11 , a block diagram illustrating steps of an embodiment of a method 400 of manufacturing a component for a delivery system is shown. The method includes providing an assembly including at least one object and a sheet material including a first inner edge (step S1), and disposing the sheet material within a body such that the body includes a space for receiving the at least one object, the first inner edge at least partially or completely defining a boundary of the space (step S2).

[0314] In some embodiments, providing the assembly (S1) includes forming a first inner edge in the sheet material. Alternatively, the sheet material may be provided with the first inner edge pre-formed therein.

[0315] In some embodiments, forming the first inner edge in the sheet material comprises cutting the sheet material to form the first inner edge, preferably cutting through the entire thickness of the sheet material to form the first inner edge.

[0316] In some embodiments, forming the first inner edge comprises cutting the sheet material with a suitable cutting device, for example, with a knife and / or a laser.

[0317] In some embodiments, forming the first inner edge comprises forming a slit in the sheet material.

[0318] In some embodiments, forming the first inner edge comprises forming an aperture in the sheet material such that an edge of the aperture comprises the first inner edge of the sheet material. The aperture may be substantially rectangular or may be another shape, for example, circular, oval, triangular, hexagonal, or D-shaped.

[0319] In some embodiments, forming the apertures includes forming cutouts in the sheet material. For example, the method can include cutting a portion of the sheet material from a remainder of the sheet material to form the first and second apertures. In some embodiments, the first and second apertures can be formed by punching the portions from the sheet material.

[0320] In other embodiments, the first and / or second apertures may be formed in a different manner, for example by cutting the sheet material with one or more lasers. In yet another embodiment, the sheet material may be molded such that the first and / or second apertures are formed in the sheet as the sheet material is molded.

[0321] In some embodiments, providing the assembly (S1) comprises providing a sheet material including a first inner edge and then providing at least one object on the sheet material, preferably providing the assembly comprises forming a first inner edge in the sheet material and then providing at least one object on the sheet material.

[0322] In another embodiment, providing the assembly (S1) includes providing a sheet material, providing at least one object on the sheet material, and then forming a first inner edge on the sheet material.

[0323] In some embodiments, the method includes crimping the sheet material, preferably crimping the sheet material as described above, to a crimp depth of, for example, 0.1 mm to 2 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 1 mm or 0.2 mm to 0.7 mm. In some embodiments, the method includes heating the sheet material as it is crimped.

[0324] The method may include crimping the sheet material after the or each inner edge is formed, or crimping the sheet material before the or each inner edge is formed.

[0325] In some embodiments, the method includes providing at least one object on a sheet material using an object feeding device, for example, an object delivery wheel.

[0326] In some embodiments, the sheet material of the assembly includes a second inner edge, and disposing the sheet material within the body includes disposing the sheet material such that the second inner edge at least partially or completely forms a boundary of the space.

[0327] In some embodiments, the step (S1) of providing an assembly includes forming a second inner edge portion in the sheet material, hi some embodiments, the second inner edge portion is formed similarly to the first inner edge portion described above.

[0328] In some embodiments, providing the assembly (S1) includes providing a continuous web of sheet material.

[0329] In some embodiments, the method includes cutting the continuous web of sheet material (and any surrounding wrapper) after placing the sheet material within the body. In some embodiments, cutting the continuous web of sheet material forms one or more separate components. In some embodiments, cutting the continuous web of sheet material after placing the sheet material within the body includes cutting the web to form single-length components (i.e., final lengths for use in a delivery system). In other embodiments, cutting the continuous web of sheet material after placing the sheet material within the body includes cutting the web to form multiple-length components, which may then be cut to form single-length components (before or after being attached to additional components, such as tobacco rods).

[0330] An example of a continuous web 500 of sheet material is shown in FIG.

[0331] In this example, continuous web 500 is intermittently cut in the region between adjacent first and second inner edges 22, 23 (along dashed line "ZZ" in FIG. 12 ) to separate a portion of sheet material 10 from the remainder of continuous web 500. In this example, continuous web 500 and the overlying plug wrap (not shown) are cut in this region once the sheet material is gathered into a body and wrapped with the plug wrap. That is, web 500 is formed into a rod containing at least one object 11, and then web 500 is cut. In some embodiments, the rod is cut so that each separated portion of sheet material 10 corresponds to the final length of the component (i.e., the cut rod is a single-length component). In other embodiments, the rod is cut so that each separated portion of sheet material 10 corresponds to a multiple of the final length of the component (e.g., the cut rod is a double-length component that is then cut to form a single-length component, or is 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more times the final length of the component). In some embodiments, each discrete portion of sheet material includes one or more pairs of first and second inner edges and / or one or more pairs of third and fourth inner edges.

[0332] In some embodiments, the method includes forming a plurality of inner edges on the continuous web at regularly spaced intervals. For example, the method can include forming first, second, third, and / or fourth inner edges on the continuous web at regularly spaced intervals. In the example of Figure 12, a plurality of first inner edges 22 are formed at regularly spaced intervals on web 500 (see arrow "D2" in Figure 12), and a plurality of second inner edges 23 are formed at regularly spaced intervals on web 500 (indicated by arrow "D3" in Figure 12).

[0333] The distance D2 between each first inner edge 22 and / or the distance D3 between each second inner edge 23 may be in the range of 5 mm to 50 mm, preferably in the range of 10 mm to 30 mm. In some embodiments, the distance D2 and / or D3 is at least 5 mm, optionally at least 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 45 mm. In some embodiments, the distance D2 and / or D3 is at most 50 mm, preferably at most 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, or 5 mm.

[0334] Each first inner edge 22 is spaced a distance (indicated by arrow "D1" in FIG. 12) from a respective second inner edge 23, and at least one object 11 is disposed between each pair of first and second inner edges 22, 23. When the sheet material of web 500 is gathered to form a body, the first and second inner edges 22, 23 enable the sheet material to be gathered such that the first and second inner edges 22, 23 at least partially define a boundary of a space containing at least one object 11. In other embodiments, one of the first and second inner edges 22, 23 may be omitted. In still further embodiments, third and / or fourth inner edges (not shown) may be formed on the continuous web 500, and optionally, at least one additional object (not shown) may be disposed within the web 500 proximate the third and / or fourth inner edges.

[0335] In some embodiments, the distance D1 between the first and second inner edges 22, 23 is in the range of 3 mm to 50 mm. In some embodiments, the first and second inner edges 22, 23 are spaced apart by a distance D1 of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 mm. In some embodiments, the first and second inner edges 22, 23 are spaced apart by a distance D1 of at most 50 mm, preferably at most 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, or 3 mm.

[0336] In some embodiments (not shown), the web includes third and fourth inner edges, and the distance between the third and fourth inner edges is in the range of 3 mm to 50 mm. In some embodiments, the third and fourth inner edges are spaced apart by a distance of at least 3 mm, preferably at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 mm. In some embodiments, the third and fourth inner edges are spaced apart by a distance of at most 50 mm, preferably at most 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, or 3 mm.

[0337] In some embodiments, the method includes moving the continuous web 500 along a transport path (indicated by arrow "Y" in FIG. 12 ) and providing at least one object 11 (and / or at least one further object) at regular intervals as the continuous web 500 moves along the transport path Y. The at least one object 11 may be located between the first and second inner edges 22, 23, or may be located adjacent the other of the first and second inner edges 22, 23 if one of the first and second inner edges 22, 23 is omitted.

[0338] In some embodiments, the web 500 has a width (indicated by arrow "W1" in FIG. 12) in the range of 30 mm to 400 mm, preferably in the range of 40 mm to 300 mm, in the range of 50 mm to 280 mm, in the range of 75 mm to 225 mm, or in the range of 100 mm to 200 mm.

[0339] In some embodiments, the web 500 has a width W1 of at least 30 mm, preferably at least 40, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 190, 250, 280, 300, or 400 mm.

[0340] In some embodiments, the web 500 has a width W1 of at most 400 mm, preferably at most 300, 280, 250, 225, 200, 175, 150, 125, or 100 mm.

[0341] While in the example described above the inner edges 22, 23 are provided on a web 500 of continuous sheet material which is then gathered and formed into a body and then cut to form individual components (or multiple length components), in an alternative embodiment (not shown) the web is cut into individual sheets after which the inner edges are provided on the sheet material and at least one object is provided on the sheet.

[0342] In some embodiments, the step (S2) of placing the sheet material within the body includes consolidating the sheet material to form the body.

[0343] In some embodiments, the first wall portion is defined by converging a first inner edge of the sheet material, and / or the second wall portion is defined by converging a second inner edge of the sheet material. In embodiments, the sheet material further includes a third and / or fourth inner edge, and the method may include converging the third and / or fourth inner edge of the sheet material to define the respective third and / or fourth wall portions. In some embodiments, the assembly includes at least one additional object. Disposing the sheet material within the body (S2) includes disposing the sheet material such that the body includes a second space for receiving the at least one additional object, the third inner edge at least partially defining a boundary of the second space. In some embodiments, disposing the sheet material within the body (S2) includes disposing the sheet material such that the fourth inner edge at least partially defines a boundary of the second space.

[0344] The third inner edge and / or the fourth inner edge may be formed in the same manner as described above with reference to the first and / or second inner edge.

[0345] In some embodiments, the method further comprises connecting the component to a further component of a delivery system, such as a further component of a combustion or non-combustion aerosol delivery device. In one embodiment, the further component is a tobacco rod, which may be connected to the component by a wrapper such as tipping paper.

[0346] Method 400 can be used to manufacture components of the embodiments described above with reference to Figures 1-6, 8, or 9 and 10, including components with any of the variations described therein. For example, the sheet material can have any of the features described above in relation to any of the embodiments, the first, second, third, and / or fourth inner edges can have any of the features described above in relation to any of the embodiments, and / or the object and / or further object can have any of the object / further object features described above in relation to any of the embodiments.

[0347] Referring now to FIG. 13, an embodiment of an apparatus 600 for manufacturing components for a delivery system is shown.

[0348] The apparatus 600 comprises a supply 601 of sheet material 10, a crimping device 602, and an edge forming device 603 comprising a first pair of cutting drums 604 and a second pair of cutting drums 605. The apparatus 600 further comprises an adhesive applicator 606, an object supply device 607, and a body forming device 608.

[0349] In this example, the supply 601 is a reel 601 of sheet material 10 that is fed along a transport path (indicated by arrow "Y" in FIG. 13). As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the sheet material 10 may be fed along the transport path Y by, for example, rollers and / or belts. In this example, the sheet material 10 is fed to the body forming device 608 as a continuous web 500.

[0350] In this example, the crimping device 602 comprises first and second crimping rollers 602A, 602B. However, in other embodiments, the crimping device 602 may be omitted or may have a different configuration, for example, it may alternatively or additionally comprise an embossing device, such as an embossing roller.

[0351] The crimping device 602 is configured to crimp the sheet material 10 as it passes between the rollers 602A, 602B. In some embodiments, the crimping device 602 is configured to crimp the sheet material 10 to a crimp depth as described above, for example, in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, or in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.7 mm. In some embodiments, the crimping device 602 is configured to heat the sheet material, for example, one or both of the rollers 602A, 602B may be heated. In one such embodiment, one or both of the crimping rollers 602A, 602B include one or more heating elements, for example, resistive heating elements.

[0352] In this example, crimping device 602 is configured to crimp sheet material 10 before edge forming device 603 forms the inner edge. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), crimping device 602 is configured to crimp sheet material 10 after edge forming device 603 forms the inner edge.

[0353] The first pair of cutting drums 604 includes a scissor drum 604A and a support drum 604B. The scissor drum 604A is equipped with a plurality of knives 604C configured to successively contact the sheet material 10 as it passes between the scissor drum 604A and the support drum 604B to form first slits in the sheet material 10 of the web 500. The knives 604C are regularly spaced about a central axis of the scissor drum 604A such that the knives 604C form first slits in the sheet material 10 at regularly spaced intervals. The distance between each first slit can be selected by adjusting the distance between adjacent knives 604C and / or multiple knives 604C on the scissor drum 604A.

[0354] The second pair of cutting drums 605 includes a scissor drum 605A and a support drum 605B. The scissor drum 605A is equipped with a plurality of knives 605C configured to successively contact the sheet material 10 as it passes between the scissor drum 605A and the support drum 605B to form second slits in the sheet material 10 of the web 500. The knives 605C are regularly spaced about a central axis of the scissor drum 605A such that the knives 605C form second slits in the sheet material 10 at regularly spaced intervals. The distance between each second slit can be selected by adjusting the distance between adjacent knives 605C and / or multiple knives 605C on the scissor drum 605A.

[0355] In some embodiments, the rotation of the first and second pair of cutting drums 604, 605 may be synchronized.

[0356] The first slit forms a first inner edge of the sheet material 10, and the second slit forms a second inner edge of the sheet material 10. The first and second slits and / or first and second inner edges can have any of the slit / inner edge features described above with respect to the embodiments of Figures 1-6 and 8-12, including similar shapes and / or dimensions.

[0357] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), one pair of cutting drums forms both the first and second inner edges. For example, one knife or set of knives forms the first inner edge and a second knife or set of knives forms the second inner edge. In other embodiments, the first or second inner edges are omitted.

[0358] In some embodiments, the first and / or second pair of cutting drums 604, 605 may be replaced with one or more cutting lasers configured to create slits or apertures in the sheet material that form the inner edge of the sheet material 10.

[0359] In this example, the edge forming device 603 forms a slit in the sheet material 10. In other embodiments, the edge forming device 603 forms apertures in the sheet material 10 that form the inner edges. For example, the edge forming device 603 may be configured to form notches in the sheet material 10 to form the or each aperture. In one such embodiment, the cutting device 603 comprises a punching drum that includes a plurality of protrusions that each punch out a portion of the sheet material 10 from the remainder of the sheet material 10 to form an aperture. The apertures can have any of the characteristics of the apertures described above with respect to the embodiments of Figures 1-6 and 8-12, including similar shapes and / or dimensions.

[0360] In some embodiments, the edge forming device 603 is configured to form a first inner edge that passes through an object feeding device that then places at least one object on the sheet material. In other embodiments, the edge forming device is configured to form the first inner edge after the object feeding device places at least one object on a first portion of the sheet material.

[0361] The adhesive applicator 606 is configured to apply adhesive to the sheet material 10, for example, by spraying the adhesive or applying the adhesive with a roller or brush. Alternatively, the adhesive may be gravity fed to the sheet material 10. The adhesive is applied to the sheet material 10 as it moves along the transport path Y and passes the adhesive applicator 606. The adhesive applicator 606 may use compressed gas to supply adhesive to the sheet material 10 through a nozzle 606A. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the adhesive applicator 606 may be omitted.

[0362] The object supply device 607 is configured to provide at least one object at regular intervals on the continuous web. The object supply device 607 may be configured to place the at least one object on a first side of the first inner edge and on a second side of the second inner edge such that the at least one object is disposed on the sheet material between the first and second edges.

[0363] The object supply device 607 includes a hopper 607A and a screw feeder 607B. The hopper 607A contains objects, which in this example are aerosol modifier-releasing components such as capsules. The screw feeder 607B is configured to supply objects from the hopper 607A to the sheet material 10 as the sheet material 10 moves along the conveying path Y and passes through the object supply device 607.

[0364] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the screw feeder 607B is replaced by an alternative object feeding device, for example, a belt that feeds objects, such as capsules, to the sheet material. In some embodiments (not shown), the objects are stored in a container and fed to the sheet material through a pipe using compressed gas.

[0365] In some embodiments, the object feeding device 607 includes an object delivery wheel.

[0366] The body forming device 608 includes a tongue 608A. The sheet material 10 is fed into the tongue 608A. The tongue 608A reduces the cross section of the sheet material 10 so that it gathers to form a body as it passes through the tongue 608A. In one embodiment, the body forming device is a CU-20 paper filter maker manufactured by Decouflé™. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that other devices may be used to form the sheet material 10 into a body, such as equipment for manufacturing "crepe filters" or "paper filters."

[0367] The body forming device 608 can place the sheet material 10 into a body of material surrounded by a wrapper (not shown). The body and wrapper can form a continuous rod which can then be cut into segments for inclusion in a delivery system; in some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a component cutting device configured to cut the rod into single-length or multi-length components / segments.

[0368] The body forming device 608 is configured to place the sheet material 10 within the body such that the body includes a space for receiving at least one object. When the web of sheet material is gathered to form the body, the first and second inner edges 22, 23 enable the sheet material to be gathered such that the first and second inner edges 22, 23 at least partially or entirely define the boundary of the space that contains the at least one object 11.

[0369] In some embodiments, the edge forming device 603 is configured to provide a third and / or fourth slit or aperture in the sheet material 10 to form a third and / or fourth inner edge, respectively, in the sheet material 10. In one embodiment, the first pair of cutting drums 604 is configured to form the first and third inner edges in the sheet material 10, and the second pair of cutting drums 605 is configured to form the second and fourth inner edges in the sheet material 10. In another embodiment (not shown), the edge forming device 603 further comprises a third pair of cutting drums (not shown) configured to form the third inner edge (e.g., form a third slit / aperture in the sheet material) and / or a fourth pair of cutting drums (not shown) configured to form the fourth inner edge (e.g., form a fourth slit / aperture in the sheet material). In yet another embodiment (not shown), a single pair of cutting drums forms all of the first, second, third, and fourth inner edges. In another embodiment (not shown), one or more lasers can be used to form the first, second, third and fourth inner edges.

[0370] The third and fourth slits / apertures and / or the third and fourth inner edges can have any of the slit / inner edge features described above with respect to the embodiments of Figures 1-6 and 8-12, including similar shapes and / or dimensions.

[0371] The object supply device 607 is configured to place at least one additional object on the sheet material 10. For example, the object supply device 607 can include a second hopper (not shown) and a second screw feeder (not shown). The second hopper contains additional objects, which in this example are additional aerosol modifier-releasing components such as capsules. The second screw feeder is configured to supply the additional objects from the second hopper to the sheet material 10 as the sheet material 10 moves along the conveying path Y and passes through the object supply device 607. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the second screw feeder is replaced with an alternative object supply device, for example, a belt that supplies the additional objects, such as capsules, to the sheet material. In some embodiments (not shown), the additional objects are stored in a container and supplied to the sheet material through a pipe using compressed gas.

[0372] In such an embodiment, the body forming device 608 is configured to position the sheet material 10 within the body such that the body includes a second space for receiving at least one further object, the third inner edge at least partially or completely forming a boundary of the second space, and the fourth inner edge at least partially or completely forming a boundary of the second space.

[0373] In some embodiments, the body forming device 608 is configured to gather a first inner edge of the sheet material to form a first wall portion. In some embodiments, the body forming device 608 is configured to gather a second inner edge of the sheet material to form a second wall portion. In some embodiments, the body forming device 608 is configured to gather a third inner edge of the sheet material to form a third wall portion. In some embodiments, the body forming device 608 is configured to gather a fourth inner edge of the sheet material to form a fourth wall portion.

[0374] In some embodiments, the apparatus 600 includes a sensor 650 (shown in FIG. 14) configured to detect information indicative of at least one inner edge 22, 23, 222, 223 of the sheet material (e.g., one or more of the first, second, third and / or fourth inner edges 22, 23, 222, 223).

[0375] In some embodiments, the device 600 further comprises a controller 660 (shown in FIG. 14) configured to control the position of the at least one object based on information indicative of the at least one inner edge detected by the sensor 650.

[0376] In some embodiments, the controller 660 controls the object feeding device 607 based on information indicative of the position of the at least one inner edge detected by the sensor 650 to control the position of the at least one object and / or the further objects. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 660 is configured to control the speed at which the sheet material 10 is conveyed along the conveying path Y to control the position of the at least one object and / or the further objects.

[0377] Sensor 650 may include a camera (not shown) configured to detect each first inner edge as it passes the camera. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor may include a different type of sensor (not shown), such as a light gate, a capacitive sensor, a magnetic or Hall effect sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor. In some embodiments, sensor 650 or one or more additional sensors also or alternatively detect second, third, and / or fourth inner edges.

[0378] The controller 60 may include a memory 661 and a processor 662. The memory 661 may be configured to store instructions and / or information, and the processor 662 may be configured to execute the instructions.

[0379] The controller 602 may be configured to control the object supply device 607 based on information indicative of the position of the at least one inner edge 22, 23, 222, 223 detected by the sensor 650 to control the position of the at least one object, e.g., by controlling the timing and / or frequency at which the at least one object is dispensed onto the sheet material 10, to align each at least one object within the space between adjacent first and second inner edges. For example, in an embodiment, the object supply device 607 includes an object insertion wheel, and the controller 660 may control the rotational speed. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 660 may be configured to control the speed at which the sheet material 10 is transported along the transport path Y to control the position of the at least one object, e.g., to control the speed of a belt, drum, and / or roller that feeds the sheet material 10 along the transport path Y. Again, this serves to align each at least one object within the space between adjacent first and second inner edges (and / or align each at least one further object within the second space between adjacent third and fourth inner edges).

[0380] Controlling the position of the at least one object / at least one further object being fed to the sheet material 10 based on information indicative of the at least one first, second, third and / or fourth inner edge 22, 23, 222, 223 detected by the sensor helps to ensure that the at least one object / further object does not become misaligned with the sheet material 10 due to, for example, the sheet material stretching or slipping on the transport path. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments the sensor is omitted.

[0381] 15, there is shown a base rod 700 configured to be cut along lines ZZ to form multiple components as described herein. In this example, the rod 700 is six times the length of the individual components that will ultimately be incorporated into the delivery system, such that the rod is cut five times. The rod includes five spaces 8, each containing at least one respective object 11 (and may optionally further include five second spaces, each containing at least one additional object).

[0382] In some embodiments, rod 700 is at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 times the length of an individual component such that it is configured to be cut to form at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 components. That is, rod 700 is a multi-length base rod. In some embodiments, rod 700 includes at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 objects, each within a respective space. In some embodiments, rod 700 further includes at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 objects, each within a respective second space. In some embodiments, rod 700 is 60 mm to 180 mm long and includes at least six spaces, each space receiving a respective at least one object.

[0383] In the above embodiment, the delivery system is a combustion-based aerosol delivery system. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the delivery system is other than a combustion-based aerosol delivery system. For example, the delivery system may be a non-combustion aerosol delivery system or an aerosol-free delivery system. Thus, the components may be components for a non-combustion aerosol delivery system or an aerosol-free delivery system.

[0384] In the above embodiment, component 3 takes the form of a filter 3. However, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments (not shown), component 3 may take a different configuration. For example, component 3 may comprise part of an aerosol generating device, such as an e-cigarette, which may not include a filter.

[0385] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass a system that delivers at least one substance to a user; Combustion aerosol delivery systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for hand-rolled or handmade cigarettes, whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes, or other smoking materials; a non-combustion aerosol delivery system that releases compounds from an aerosol-forming material without burning the aerosol-forming material, such as an electronic cigarette, tobacco heating product, or mixing system for generating an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-forming materials; an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance, including but not limited to lozenges, gums, patches, articles containing inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco products (including snus and moist snuff), which may or may not contain nicotine, to a user orally, nasally, transdermally, or otherwise, without forming an aerosol; Includes.

[0386] According to the present disclosure, a "combustion-based" aerosol delivery system is one in which the aerosol-generating component (or components thereof) of the aerosol delivery system is combusted or burned during use to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0387] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustion aerosol delivery system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo, and a cigar.

[0388] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to components for use in combustion aerosol delivery systems, such as filters, filter rods, filter segments, tobacco rods, string, aerosol modifier-releasing members such as capsules, twine or beads, or papers such as plug wrappers, tipping paper or cigarette paper.

[0389] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol delivery system is one in which the aerosol-generating components of the aerosol delivery system (or components thereof) are not combusted or burned to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0390] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol delivery system.

[0391] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0392] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0393] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is a mixing system for generating an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-forming materials, and one or more of the aerosol-forming materials can be heated. Each of the aerosol-forming materials can be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the mixing system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-forming material and a solid aerosol-forming material. The solid aerosol-forming material can include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0394] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol delivery system can include a non-combustible aerosol delivery device and a consumable item for use with the non-combustible aerosol delivery device.

[0395] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables, sometimes referred to as articles throughout this disclosure, that include aerosol-generating materials and are configured for use with non-combustible aerosol delivery devices.

[0396] In some embodiments, a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, e.g., a non-combustion aerosol delivery device of a non-combustion aerosol delivery system, can include a power source and a controller. The power source can be, for example, an electrical source or a heat source. In some embodiments, the heat source includes a carbon substrate that can be excited to dissipate power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a heat transfer material in proximity to the heat source.

[0397] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system may include an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0398] In some embodiments, consumables for use with non-combustible aerosol delivery devices may include an aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage region, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating region, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0399] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to components for use in non-combustible aerosol delivery systems, such as filters, filter rods, filter segments, tobacco rods, string, aerosol modifier-releasing members such as capsules, twine or beads, or papers such as plug wrappers or tipping papers.

[0400] In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance, which may or may not contain nicotine, to a user orally, nasally, transdermally, or otherwise, without forming an aerosol, including, but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles containing inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco products (including snus and moist snuff).

[0401] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material not intended to be aerosolized, either of which may optionally include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0402] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active agent.

[0403] As used herein, an active substance may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from, for example, dietary supplements, nootropics, and psychoactive substances. The active substance may be naturally derived or synthetically obtained. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6, B12, or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or another botanical substance.

[0404] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises nicotine, hi some embodiments, the active agent comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0405] As described herein, the active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0406] As described herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanical substances, or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical substance" includes any material derived from a plant, including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fiber, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husks, shells, etc. Alternatively, the material may comprise synthetically derived active compounds naturally occurring in the botanical substance. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, ground particles, granules, pellets, fragments, strips, sheets, etc. Examples of botanical substances include tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice, matcha, yerba mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, and lavender. , lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, shiso, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, bell pepper, mace, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, kavi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof.The mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: common mint (Mentha arvensis), grapefruit mint (Mentha cv), Egyptian mint (Mentha niliaca), peppermint (Mentha piperita), lime mint (Mentha piperita citrata cv), chocolate mint (Mentha piperita cv), curly mint (Mentha spicata crispa), wild mint (Mentha cardifolia), horse mint (Mentha longifolia), pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens variegata), pennyroyal mint (Mentha pulegium), English spearmint (Mentha spicata cv), and apple mint (Mentha suaveolens).

[0407] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the botanical substance is tobacco.

[0408] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the botanical substances are selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, and hemp.

[0409] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is derived from one or more botanical substances or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the botanical substances are selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0410] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a fragrance.

[0411] As used herein, the terms "flavor" and "flavoring" refer to materials that may be used, where local regulations permit, to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatosensory sensation in products intended for adult consumers.These ingredients may be naturally derived flavoring materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically derived materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, etc.). Fruits: papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberries, mulberries, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel quid, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang Orchids, sage, fennel, wasabi, bell peppers, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, mint oil of any species of Mentha genus, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, shiso, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, black currant, valerian, bell peppers, mace, Damian marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, caraway, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners.The materials may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients, or mixtures thereof. The materials may be in any suitable form, for example, a liquid such as an oil, a solid such as a powder, or a gas.

[0412] In some embodiments, the flavoring includes menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and / or red berry flavoring ingredients. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes flavoring ingredients extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes flavoring ingredients extracted from cannabis.

[0413] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent may include a sensory elicitor intended to achieve a somatosensory sensation typically perceived chemically induced by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to or instead of the scent or taste nerves, and may include agents that provide a heating, cooling, tingling, or anesthetic effect. A suitable heating agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and a suitable cooling agent may be, but is not limited to, eucalyptol WS-3.

[0414] An aerosol-generating material is a material capable of generating an aerosol when activated by heating, irradiation, or any other method. The aerosol-generating material can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material can include an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid can be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material can include, for example, about 50%, 60%, or 70% by weight of an amorphous solid to about 90%, 95%, or 100% by weight of an amorphous solid.

[0415] The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active agents and / or fragrances, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0416] The aerosol-forming material can include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material can include one or more of glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, mesoerythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixtures, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0417] The one or more other functional ingredients may include one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a filler, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0418] The material may be on or in a support to form a substrate. The support may be or include, for example, paper, card, corrugated board, cardboard, recycled material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or both sides of the material.

[0419] A consumable is an item containing or consisting of an aerosol-generating material that is intended to be consumed, in part or in whole, by a user during use. A consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that generates heat during use to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. The heater may include, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0420] The susceptor is a material that can be heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, such that the penetration of the varying magnetic field into the conductive material results in induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, such that the penetration of the varying magnetic field into the magnetic material results in magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, such that the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0421] An aerosol modifier is a substance typically located downstream of the aerosol-generation area and configured to modify the generated aerosol, for example, by altering the flavor, aroma, acidity, or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier may be provided within an aerosol modifier-releasing component operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

[0422] The aerosol modifier may be, for example, an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may include, for example, one or more of a flavoring, a coloring, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may be, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol modifier may be in the form of a powder, a string, or a granule. The aerosol modifier may not have a filter material.

[0423] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol material to thermal energy, releasing one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material to form the aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0424] The delivery systems described herein can be implemented as combustion aerosol delivery systems, non-combustion aerosol delivery systems, or aerosol-free delivery systems.

[0425] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely as an aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as a representative sample of embodiments and are not intended to be exhaustive and / or exclusive. It is understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or on the equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, the present disclosure may include other inventions not claimed herein but which may be claimed in the future.

[0426] The present disclosure includes the following aspects. [Claim 1] A component for a delivery system, comprising: a body formed from a sheet of material; at least one object held in a space within said body; Equipped with The component, wherein the sheet material includes a first inner edge that at least partially defines a boundary of the space. [Claim 2] The component of claim 1 , wherein the first inner edge is a cut edge of the sheet material. [Claim 3] 3. The component of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sheet material includes a slit that forms the first inner edge. [Claim 4] 3. A component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sheet material comprises an aperture therein, the edge of the aperture comprising the first inner edge of the sheet material, preferably the aperture being substantially rectangular. [Claim 5] 5. The component of claim 1, wherein the sheet material comprises a first outer edge and a second outer edge at axial ends of the sheet material, and the first inner edge is substantially parallel to the first outer edge and / or the second outer edge. [Claim 6] 6. The component of claim 1, wherein the first inner edge is configured to resist the at least one object from exiting the space. [Claim 7] 7. The component of claim 1, wherein the component comprises a first end and a second end, the first end being an opening end of the component, the second end being opposite the first end, and the first inner edge being located between the at least one object and the first end of the component, or between the at least one object and the second end of the component. [Claim 8] 8. The component of claim 1, wherein the first inner edge forms a first wall portion. [Claim 9] 9. The component of claim 1, wherein the sheet material further comprises a second inner edge that at least partially defines a boundary of the space. [Claim 10] 10. The component of claim 9, wherein the second inner edge has any of the features of the first inner edge in claims 1 to 8. [Claim 11] 11. The component of claim 9 or 10, wherein the first inner edge and the second inner edge are axially spaced apart by a distance in the range of 3 mm to 50 mm. [Claim 12] Component according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the second inner edge forms a second wall portion. [Claim 13] 13. The component according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one further body, preferably said at least one further body being axially spaced apart from said at least one body. [Claim 14] 14. The component of claim 13, wherein the at least one additional object is held in a second space within the body, and the sheet material includes a third inner edge that at least partially defines a boundary of the second space. [Claim 15] 15. The component of claim 14, wherein the sheet material further comprises a fourth inner edge that at least partially defines a boundary of the second space. [Claim 16] 16. The component of claim 15, wherein the third inner edge and / or the fourth inner edge has any of the features of the first inner edge of claims 1 to 12. [Claim 17] 17. The component of any one of claims 13 to 16 when dependent on any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the second inner edge portion and the third inner edge portion are separated by a distance in the range of 3 mm to 50 mm. [Claim 18] 18. The component of claim 15, wherein the third inner edge forms a third wall portion and / or the fourth inner edge forms a fourth wall portion. [Claim 19] 1. A method of manufacturing a component for a delivery system, comprising: providing an assembly including at least one object and a sheet material including a first inner edge; placing the sheet material within the body such that the body includes a space for receiving the at least one object, the first inner edge at least partially defining a boundary of the space; A method comprising: [Claim 20] 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of providing an assembly includes forming the first inner edge in the sheet material. [Claim 21] 21. The method of claim 20, wherein forming the first inner edge in the sheet material comprises cutting the sheet material to form the first inner edge, preferably cutting through the entire thickness of the sheet material to form the first inner edge. [Claim 22] 22. The method of claim 21, wherein forming the first inner edge comprises cutting the sheet material with a knife and / or a laser. [Claim 23] 23. The method of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein forming the first inner edge comprises forming a slit in the sheet material. [Claim 24] 23. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein forming the first inner edge comprises forming the aperture in the sheet material such that an edge of the aperture comprises the first inner edge of the sheet material, preferably the aperture being substantially rectangular. [Claim 25] 25. The method of claim 24, wherein forming the aperture comprises forming a notch in the sheet material. [Claim 26] 26. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein the step of providing an assembly comprises providing the sheet material including the first inner edge, and then providing the at least one object on the sheet material, preferably wherein the step of providing an assembly comprises forming the first inner edge in the sheet material, and then providing the at least one object on the sheet material. [Claim 27] 26. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of providing an assembly comprises providing the sheet material, providing the at least one object on the sheet material, and then forming the first inner edge on the sheet material. [Claim 28] 28. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 27, comprising the step of crimping the sheet material, preferably crimping the sheet material to a crimp depth in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm or in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.7 mm. [Claim 29] 30. The method of claim 28, including the step of crimping the sheet material after the first inner edge is formed. [Claim 30] 30. The method of claim 28, including the step of crimping the sheet material before the first inner edge is formed. [Claim 31] 31. The method of claim 19, wherein the sheet material of the assembly includes a second inner edge, and wherein the step of disposing the sheet material within the body includes disposing the sheet material such that the second inner edge at least partially forms a boundary of the space. [Claim 32] 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the step of providing an assembly includes forming the second inner edge in the sheet material. [Claim 33] 33. The method according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the second inner edge portion is formed in the same manner as the first inner edge portion according to any one of claims 20 to 30. [Claim 34] 34. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 33, wherein the step of providing an assembly comprises providing a continuous web of sheet material. [Claim 35] 35. The method of claim 34, including forming a plurality of inner edges in the continuous web at regularly spaced intervals. [Claim 36] 36. A method according to claim 34 or 35, comprising the steps of: moving the continuous web along a transport path; and providing the at least one object at regular intervals as the continuous web moves along the transport path. [Claim 37] 37. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein the web has a width in the range of 30 mm to 400 mm, preferably in the range of 40 mm to 300 mm, in the range of 50 mm to 280 mm, in the range of 75 mm to 225 mm, or in the range of 100 mm to 200 mm. [Claim 38] 38. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 37, wherein the step of placing the sheet material within the body comprises consolidating the sheet material to form the body. [Claim 39] 39. The method of claim 38, wherein a first wall portion is defined by converging the first inner edge of the sheet material and / or a second wall portion is defined by converging the second inner edge of the sheet material. [Claim 40] 40. The method of any one of claims 19 to 39, wherein the assembly comprises at least one further object. [Claim 41] 41. A method according to claim 40, wherein the sheet material of the assembly includes a third inner edge, and wherein the step of disposing the sheet material within the body includes disposing the sheet material such that the body includes a second space for receiving the at least one further object, the third inner edge at least partially defining a boundary of the second space, and preferably the step of providing the assembly includes forming the third inner edge in the sheet material. [Claim 42] 42. The method of claim 41, wherein the sheet material of the assembly includes a fourth inner edge, and wherein the step of disposing the sheet material within the body includes disposing the sheet material such that the fourth inner edge at least partially defines a boundary of the second space, and preferably the step of providing the assembly includes forming the fourth inner edge in the sheet material. [Claim 43] 43. The method according to claim 42, wherein the third inner edge portion and / or the fourth inner edge portion is formed in the same manner as the first inner edge portion according to any one of claims 20 to 30. [Claim 44] 44. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 43, wherein the method comprises detecting information indicative of at least one inner edge of the sheet material. [Claim 45] 45. The method of claim 44, comprising controlling a position at which the at least one object is fed relative to the sheet material based on the information indicative of the at least one inner edge detected by a sensor. [Claim 46] 46. ​​A method as claimed in claim 45, comprising the step of controlling an object supply device based on the information indicating the position of the at least one inner edge detected by the sensor to control the position at which the at least one object is supplied relative to the sheet material, and preferably controlling the timing and / or frequency at which the at least one object is dispensed onto the sheet material. [Claim 47] 1. An apparatus for manufacturing components for a delivery system, comprising: an edge forming device configured to form a first inner edge in the sheet material; an object feeding device configured to place at least one object onto the sheet material; a body-forming device configured to place the sheet material within the body such that the body includes a space for receiving the at least one object, the first inner edge at least partially defining a boundary of the space; and An apparatus comprising: [Claim 48] 48. Apparatus according to claim 47, wherein the edge forming device is configured to form the first inner edge in the sheet material by cutting the sheet material to form the first inner edge, preferably configured to cut through the entire thickness of the sheet material to form the first inner edge. [Claim 49] 49. Apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the edge forming device comprises one or more knives and / or one or more lasers configured to cut the sheet material. [Claim 50] 50. Apparatus according to any one of claims 47 to 49, wherein the edge forming device is configured to form the aperture in the sheet material such that an edge of the aperture comprises the first inner edge of the sheet material, preferably such that the aperture is substantially rectangular. [Claim 51] 51. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the edge forming device is configured to form a notch in the sheet material to form the aperture. [Claim 52] 52. The apparatus of any one of claims 47 to 51, wherein the edge forming device is configured to form the first inner edge before the object feeding device places the at least one object on the first portion of the sheet material. [Claim 53] 52. The apparatus of any one of claims 47 to 51, wherein the edge forming device is configured to form the first inner edge after the object feeding device has placed the at least one object on a first portion of the sheet material. [Claim 54] 54. Apparatus according to any one of claims 47 to 53, comprising a crimping device configured to crimp the sheet material, preferably configured to crimp the sheet material to a crimping depth in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm or in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.7 mm. [Claim 55] 55. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the crimping device is configured to crimp the sheet material before the edge forming device forms the first inner edge or to crimp the sheet material after the edge forming device forms the first inner edge. [Claim 56] 56. The apparatus of any one of claims 47 to 55, wherein the edge forming apparatus is configured to form a second inner edge in the sheet material, and the body forming device is configured to position the sheet material within the body so that the second inner edge at least partially defines a boundary of the space. [Claim 57] 57. Apparatus according to claim 56, wherein the edge forming device is configured to form the second inner edge in a manner similar to the first inner edge according to any one of claims 47 to 55. [Claim 58] 58. Apparatus according to any one of claims 47 to 57 configured to supply a continuous web of sheet material along a transport path. [Claim 59] 59. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the edge forming device is configured to form a plurality of first inner edges in the continuous web at regularly spaced intervals and / or to form a plurality of second inner edges in the continuous web at regularly spaced intervals. [Claim 60] 60. Apparatus according to any one of claims 47 to 59, comprising a supply of sheet material, preferably said supply of sheet material comprising a reel of sheet material. [Claim 61] 61. Apparatus according to any one of claims 47 to 60, wherein the object supply device is configured to place at least one further object onto the sheet material. [Claim 62] 62. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein the edge forming device is configured to form a third inner edge in the sheet material, and the body forming device is configured to position the sheet material within the body such that the body includes a second space for receiving the at least one further object, the third inner edge at least partially forming a boundary of the second space. [Claim 63] 63. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the edge forming device is configured to form a fourth inner edge in the sheet material, and the body forming device is configured to position the sheet material within the body so that the fourth inner edge at least partially defines a boundary of the second space. [Claim 64] 64. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the edge forming device is configured to form the third inner edge portion and / or the fourth inner edge portion in a manner similar to the first inner edge portion of any one of claims 47 to 55. [Claim 65] 65. Apparatus according to any one of claims 47 to 64, comprising at least one sensor configured to detect information indicative of at least one inner edge of the sheet material. [Claim 66] 66. The apparatus of claim 65, further comprising a controller configured to control a position at which the at least one object is fed relative to the sheet material based on the information indicative of the at least one inner edge detected by the sensor. [Claim 67] 67. The apparatus of claim 66, wherein the controller is configured to control the object supply device based on the information indicative of the position of the at least one inner edge detected by the sensor to control the position at which the at least one object is supplied relative to the sheet material, preferably to control the timing and / or frequency at which objects are dispensed onto the sheet material. [Claim 68] 68. A component, method or apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 67, wherein the first inner edge is substantially linear. [Claim 69] 69. A component, method or apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first inner edge extends in the range of 10% to 95% across the width of the sheet material. [Claim 70] 70. A component, method or apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each inner edge has a length in the range 5mm to 360mm, preferably in the range 5mm to 270mm. [Claim 71] 71. A component, method or apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 70, wherein the sheet material comprises a first outer edge and a second outer edge extending substantially parallel to a central axis of the component, and wherein the first inner edge is spaced apart from at least one of the first outer edge and the second outer edge, preferably spaced apart from both the first outer edge and the second outer edge. [Claim 72] 72. A component, method or apparatus according to claim 71, wherein the first inner edge is substantially perpendicular to the first outer edge and / or the second outer edge. [Claim 73] 73. A component, method or apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheet material circumscribes a central axis of the component, preferably being wrapped around the at least one object. [Claim 74] 74. A component, method or apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet material is crimped, preferably the sheet material having a crimp depth in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, preferably in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm or in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.7 mm. [Claim 75] 75. A component, method or apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 74, wherein the sheet material comprises cellulose. [Claim 76] 76. The component, method, or apparatus of any one of claims 1-75, wherein the sheet material comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of at least one of paper, cotton, tobacco, lyocell, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(1-4 butylenediol succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-cotterephthalate) (PBAT), starch-based materials, aliphatic polyester materials, polysaccharide polymers, nonwoven materials, and / or biodegradable materials. [Claim 77] 77. A component, method or apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheet material of the component has a length in the range 5mm to 50mm, preferably in the range 10mm to 30mm. [Claim 78] 78. A component, method or apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet material of the component has a width in the range of 30mm to 400mm, preferably in the range of 40mm to 300mm, in the range of 50mm to 280mm, in the range of 75mm to 225mm, or in the range of 100mm to 200mm. [Claim 79] 79. A component, method or apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheet material of the component has a thickness in the range of 20 microns to 1000 microns. [Claim 80] 80. A component, method or apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheet material of the component has a basis weight in the range of 20 gsm to 200 gsm, preferably in the range of 25 gsm to 70 gsm, or in the range of 35 gsm to 65 gsm. [Claim 81] 81. A component, method or apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one object comprises one or more capsules, preferably one or more additional capsules. [Claim 82] Component, method or apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 17, claims 40 to 43 or claims 61 to 64, wherein the at least one further object comprises one or more capsules, preferably one or more additional capsules. [Claim 83] 83. A component, method or apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheet material comprises a coating, preferably the coating comprises an aerosol modifying agent. [Claim 84] A component manufactured according to a method according to any one of claims 19 to 46 or claims 68 to 83, or by an apparatus according to any one of claims 47 to 83. [Claim 85] A rod configured to be cut at least once to form a plurality of components according to any one of claims 1-18 or claims 68-84. [Claim 86] A delivery system comprising a component according to any one of claims 1 to 18 or claims 68 to 84, preferably said delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery system, preferably said aerosol delivery system being a combustion aerosol delivery system or a non-combustible aerosol delivery system.

Claims

[Claim 1] Components substantially as herein described and illustrated in the drawings.

Images