Article for a dry powder inhaler having a mark at the upstream end

Abstract

In this specification, an inhaler article (100) for insertion into a holder is disclosed for forming an inhaler system for delivering a compound to a user's lungs. The inhaler article comprises a tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis from a downstream mouthpiece end (153) to an upstream end (152), the upstream end including an upstream element, the upstream element including an upstream end face, the upstream end face including a colored mark (155).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inhaler article for insertion into a holder to form an inhaler system for delivering an aerosolized active ingredient to a user's lungs. The inhaler article is a tubular body extending from a downstream mouthpiece end to an upstream end along a longitudinal axis, and each of the downstream mouthpiece end and the upstream end has an end face, and the upstream end face has a mark.

Background Art

[0002] The inhaler system may have two components, an inhaler article and a holder. The inhaler article may contain an active ingredient. When combined, the inhaler article and the holder form an inhaler system. The inhaler article has an upstream end for insertion into the holder for use and a downstream end or mouthpiece end. During use, the user's mouth contacts the downstream end. When the inhaler article is inserted into the holder, the inhaler article is activated. The inhaler article can be activated, for example, by discharging a pharmaceutically active powder contained in a capsule through the capsule inside the inhaler article. Alternatively, the inhaler article can be activated, for example, by heating an aerosol generating substrate contained in the inhaler article. Alternatively, the inhaler article can be activated, for example, by initiating an air flow through the inhaler system. The user "smokes" at the downstream end of the activated inhaler article. The user's smoking initiates an air flow through the inhaler article that delivers the aerosolized active ingredient to the user's lungs. Alternatively, the inhaler article may be activated by a combination of actions. For example, the user's smoking may trigger a heater.

[0003] Conventional smoking articles such as cigarettes have an upstream end (ignition end) and a downstream end (mouth-side end). In conventional smoking articles, the tobacco is conventionally visible at the upstream end or ignition end, while the downstream end conventionally has a filter, so it is easy to distinguish between the upstream end and the downstream end. In conventional smoking articles, before the inhaler article is used, when the user looks at the ignition end which is the upstream end face of the conventional smoking article, the user can see the tobacco contained inside the wrapper. In conventional smoking articles, before using the smoking article, when the user looks at the mouth-side end which is the downstream end face of the conventional smoking article, the user can see the end face of the filter wrapped with a paper wrapper. The end face of the filter at the downstream end may show the end face of the filter and may, for example, appear white. Conventional smoking articles are consumed during use. The upstream end (ignition end) is consumed or burned at the end of the smoking experience such that the upstream end of the conventional smoking article no longer exists and is no longer visible.

[0004] In conventional smoking articles, at the downstream end or filter end, there may be a colored mark on the wrapper on the outer periphery of the conventional smoking article. For example, the wrapper of a conventional cigarette may be colored at the filter end. This color can be a mark of the manufacturer of the product, the strength of the product, the flavor, or other information. This mark helps consumers identify the product. Conventionally, the mark is on the outside of the article and is not on either the upstream end face or the downstream end face of the article.

[0005] Conventional smoking articles do not have an element at the upstream end of the smoking article. The upstream end of a conventional smoking article is the ignition end. Fire is applied to the upstream end of the conventional smoking article, and the aerosol released from the firing of the aerosol-generating substrate is inhaled. Fire can be applied to any element at the upstream end of the conventional smoking article, and the aerosol released from the combustion of such elements at the upstream end can be inhaled. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In the dry powder inhaler articles disclosed herein, the upstream end is not ignited during use. Thus, the upstream end of the inhaler article can carry a utility not desired in conventional smoking devices.

[0007] An inhaler article structured and arranged to engage with a holder to provide an aerosolized active ingredient to a user may not have an ignition end. These articles may not burn during use. The upstream end of an inhaler article structured and arranged to engage with a holder to provide an aerosolized active ingredient may have an upstream element providing an upstream end face of the inhaler article. The upstream end face may not be distinguishable from the downstream end face of these inhaler articles both before and after use.

[0008] For example, the inhaler article may contain an active ingredient in dry powder form. If the dry powder active ingredient is contained within a capsule inside the inhaler article, the dry powder may be released when the inhaler article engages with the holder, and when the inhaler article is activated (e.g., by piercing the capsule), airflow through the holder and through the inhaler article is initiated by the user's inhalation, and the dry powder active ingredient released from the capsule mixes with the airflow and the aerosolized dry powder active ingredient is delivered to the user's lungs.

[0009] Alternatively, for example, the inhaler article may contain an aerosol-generating substrate. During use, when an inhaler article containing an aerosol-generating substrate engages with a holder, the inhaler article may be activated by heating the aerosol-generating substrate, whereby a volatile compound is released from the aerosol-generating substrate, the volatile compound mixes with the airflow, and the aerosolized volatile active ingredient is delivered to the user's lungs. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate can be tobacco.

[0010] In both of these embodiments, the inhaler article itself may have an upstream end and a downstream end that appear the same to the user before use. The inhaler article may have an upstream end face and a downstream end face that appear similar. That is, before use, the upstream end and the downstream end may appear the same. In both of these embodiments, the inhaler article itself may have an upstream end and a downstream end that appear the same to the user after use. That is, after use, the upstream end and the downstream end may appear the same.

[0011] In both of these embodiments, the end that is inserted into the holder, which is the upstream end, may appear the same before and after use. That is, the user may not be able to determine whether the inhaler article is new or used by looking at the upstream end face of the inhaler article after use. Also, in both of these embodiments, the mouthpiece end, which is the downstream end, may appear the same before and after use. That is, the user may not be able to determine whether the inhaler article is new or used by looking at the downstream end of the inhaler article after use.

[0012] The inhaler article is often packaged in a "pack" for sale to the user. For example, 10, 20, or more individual inhaler articles may be stacked together in a box so that multiple inhaler articles can be purchased together in a pack by the user. In many cases, multiple inhaler articles are provided in the pack with the downstream end inserted into the pack and the upstream end face of the inhaler article visible to the user when the user opens the pack. Alternatively, multiple inhaler articles may be provided in the pack with the upstream end inserted into the pack and the downstream end face of the inhaler article visible to the user when the user opens the pack.

[0013] To reduce contamination, users often take an inhaler article out of a pack, use the inhaler article, and then may return the used inhaler article to the pack. By returning the used inhaler article to the pack instead of discarding the used inhaler article into the environment, the user reduces contamination. It is desirable to reduce contamination. However, when the user opens the pack to take out the next inhaler article, the user may not be able to distinguish between a new inhaler article and a used inhaler article. If the user is unaware of the difference between the new inhaler article housed in the pack and the used inhaler article returned to the pack, then when the user next takes an inhaler article out of the pack, the user may accidentally take out the used article. A used inhaler article may not provide a satisfactory experience when the user uses the inhaler article. If the user is unaware of the difference between a new inhaler article and a used inhaler article returned to the pack, the user may be less likely to return the used inhaler article to the pack. If the user is less likely to return the used inhaler article to the pack, the user is more likely to discard the used inhaler article into the environment.

[0014] Therefore, in order to reduce contamination, it is desirable to provide an inhaler article that can enable a user to distinguish the difference between a new inhaler article housed in a pack and a used inhaler article. One way to indicate to the user whether the inhaler article housed in the pack is a new inhaler article or a used inhaler article is to provide a mark on either the upstream end face or the downstream end face, or different marks on both the upstream end face and the downstream end face. By providing a mark on one or both of the upstream end face and the downstream end face, the user can return the used inhaler article into the pack in an orientation opposite to that of the new article in the pack. When the used inhaler article has a mark on the upstream end face, the downstream end face, or both, and the used inhaler article is returned into the pack in an orientation opposite to that of the new article in the pack, the returned inhaler article will appear different from the unused inhaler article in the pack. The user can tell which of the inhaler articles in the pack is new and which of the inhaler articles in the pack is used by looking at the end faces of the inhaler articles in the pack. When the user takes out the next inhaler article from the pack, the user can tell which of the inhaler articles in the pack is unused and which of the inhaler articles in the pack is used. Due to the presence of the mark, the user can tell at a glance which inhaler article in the pack is unused and thus can take out the unused inhaler article from the pack.

[0015] For example, when a used inhaler article is returned into the pack, if the inhaler article has a mark on one end face and the user returns the used inhaler article into the pack in an orientation opposite to that of a new inhaler article that has not been taken out of the pack, the user can tell which of the inhaler articles housed in the pack is used and which is unused by looking at the end face in the pack. In this way, by using a visual mark, the user can distinguish between the new inhaler article and the used inhaler article returned to the pack. If the user can distinguish between the new inhaler article and the used inhaler article, the likelihood that the user will return the used inhaler article to the pack increases. If the likelihood that the user will return the used inhaler article to the pack is high, the likelihood that the user will discard the used inhaler article into the environment is low. Therefore, providing an inhaler article having a mark on one end face has a high potential to reduce environmental pollution. Therefore, in order to reduce pollution, it is desirable to provide a mark on the end face of the article.

[0016] In an embodiment, the mark is a colored mark. In an embodiment, the mark is one or more symbols. The mark is distinguishable or perceivable by the human eye. "Colored mark" means a color different from the color of the inhaler article itself. That is, the "colored mark" can be seen against the background of the inhaler article. For example, if the inhaler article is white, the colored mark is a color different from white. This is because if the mark is the same color as the color of the inhaler article, the colored mark may not be visible or perceivable to the user. The "colored mark" can be seen on the inhaler article. The "colored mark" can include the surface of the inhaler article that is a color different from the color of the inhaler article. The "colored mark" may be a single color (different from the color of the inhaler article). Alternatively, the "colored mark" may include two or more colors different from the color of the inhaler article. Alternatively, the colored mark may be in the form of a symbol. The symbol may be a character. The symbol may be a series of characters. The symbol may be a word. The symbol may be a shape. The symbol may be an emoji. The symbol may be one color. The symbol may be multiple colors. Similarly, the visible symbol may be a color different from the inhaler article. If the symbol is the same color as the color of the inhaler article, the colored mark is not visible. For example, the "colored mark" may include colors such as blue, red, green, purple, yellow, black, gray-yellow, or orange, or any color different from the unique color of the inhaler article. If the inhaler article is white, the colored mark is any color other than white. When the inhaler article is a color different from white, the mark may be white because a white mark can be seen on a non-white inhaler article. In an embodiment, the mark is one or more colors indicating the manufacturer of the inhaler article. In an embodiment, the mark is one or more colors indicating the flavor of the inhaler article. In an embodiment, the mark is one or more colors indicating the strength or dosage of the inhaler article. In an embodiment, the mark is one or more symbols indicating the manufacturer of the inhaler article. In an embodiment, the mark is one or more symbols indicating the flavor of the inhaler article. In an embodiment, the mark is one or more symbols indicating the strength or dosage of the inhaler article. In an embodiment, the mark is a combination of colors and symbols.In an embodiment, the mark is one or more colored symbols. In an embodiment, the colored mark is one or more symbols indicating the manufacturer of the inhaler article. In an embodiment, the colored mark is one or more symbols indicating the flavor of the inhaler article. In an embodiment, the colored mark is one or more symbols indicating the strength or dosage of the inhaler article.

[0017] The inhaler article may contain an active ingredient between a downstream element and an upstream element. The active ingredient may be, for example, tobacco or a tobacco-related product or a dry powder active ingredient. The dry powder active ingredient may be contained within a capsule in the inhaler article.

[0018] In an embodiment, the mark is provided on the upstream end face of the inhaler article. Since the upstream end of the inhaler article is upstream of the active ingredient, the active ingredient does not contact the upstream end face during use. In contrast, the active ingredient mixed into the air stream passes through the downstream end face. Therefore, it is desirable to provide the mark on the upstream end face to prevent the active ingredient from contacting the mark and the mark material from being delivered to the user.

[0019] The present disclosure provides an inhaler article for use in an inhaler system having a mark on the upstream end face. If the inhaler article has an upstream element providing an upstream end face on which the mark can be displayed, it is possible to position the mark on the upstream end face. In an embodiment, if the upstream end face exists before and after use of the inhaler article, it is possible to position the mark on the upstream end face. That is, in an embodiment, if the upstream end face is destroyed by using the inhaler article, it is impossible to provide the mark on the upstream end face after use of the inhaler article.

[0020] To assist the user in differentiating between a new inhaler article and a used inhaler article, it is desirable to provide an inhaler article for use in an inhaler system having a colored mark on the upstream end face. It is desirable to provide an inhaler article for use in an inhaler system having a colored mark on the upstream end face before and after use of the inhaler article. It is desirable to provide an inhaler article for use in an inhaler system having a colored mark on the upstream end face visible to the user before and after use of the inhaler article.

[0021] Furthermore, it is desirable to provide an inhaler article for use in an inhaler system having a colored mark on the upstream end face to provide information to the user. Such information may include information about the manufacturer, flavor, strength of the inhaler article, or other information.

[0022] The present disclosure provides an inhaler article for insertion into a holder to form an inhaler system for delivering a compound to a user's lungs, the inhaler article comprising a tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis from a downstream mouthpiece end to an upstream end. The upstream end has an upstream element. The upstream element has an upstream end face. The upstream end face includes a colored mark.

[0023] These inhaler articles may be used in an inhaler system that provides a dry powder to the user's lungs by releasing the dry powder contained within the inhaler article and mixing the dry powder into an air stream through the inhaler system. These inhaler articles may be used in a system that provides an aerosol released from an aerosol-generating substrate by heating the aerosol-generating substrate and releasing an active ingredient into an air stream through the inhaler system for delivery to the user's lungs. An inhaler article having an upstream element with an upstream end face including a mark can be used in both of these inhaler systems.

[0024] Two embodiments of an inhaler article are provided herein that have an upstream element providing an upstream end face suitable for a colored mark. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any inhaler article having an upstream end face suitable for a colored mark falls within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, an inhaler article having an upstream element that provides an upstream end face suitable for a colored mark before and after use also falls within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] Inhaler article for delivery of dry powder It is desirable to provide an inhaler article for use in an inhaler system designed to deliver dry powder to a user, the inhaler article having an upstream element structured to reduce or minimize leakage of dry powder or loss of a capsule containing dry powder before and after use. For example, it is desirable to provide an inhaler article containing an active ingredient in the form of dry powder having an upstream element having an upstream element end face that is closed before and after use.

[0026] Dry powder inhaler articles do not always provide an airflow optimized for dry powder drug delivery during use, while also minimizing leakage of dry powder or loss of capsules from the inhaler article before and after use.

[0027] It is desirable to provide a dry powder inhaler article having an upstream element that closes the upstream end of the dry powder inhaler article before and after use and can also be opened during use. To prevent loss of the capsule contained within the dry powder inhaler article, it is desirable to provide a dry powder inhaler article that is sufficiently closed before and after use. To prevent loss of the dry powder contained within the capsule contained within the dry powder inhaler article, it is desirable to provide a dry powder inhaler article that is sufficiently closed before and after use. To enable an optimal airflow through the dry powder inhaler article during use, it is desirable to provide a dry powder inhaler article that is sufficiently open during use. It is desirable to provide a dry powder inhaler article having an upstream elastic element that is closed before and after use and opened during use. It is desirable to provide a dry powder inhaler article having an upstream element that is closed before and after use and has a colored mark that provides information to the user. The colored mark may include a color. The colored mark may include at least one symbol. The colored mark may include a color and at least one symbol.

[0028] To form an inhaler system for delivering a compound to a user's lungs, the inhaler article for insertion into a holder may include a tubular body extending along the longitudinal axis from the downstream mouthpiece end to the upstream end, the upstream end including an upstream element, the upstream element including an upstream end face, the upstream end face including a mark. The mark may be a colored mark. The mark may be at least one symbol. The mark may be a combination of a colored mark and at least one symbol. The mark may be at least one colored symbol. The inhaler article may be a tubular article having an upstream end and a downstream end. The upstream end may be inserted into the holder. The mouth-side end, which is the downstream end, may engage the user's mouth and enable inhalation of the dry powder into the user's lungs.

[0029] In one embodiment, the inhaler article contains a single dose, or multiple doses, of a dry powder active ingredient. The dry powder may be contained within a capsule inside the inhaler article. The inhaler article may be a disposable article. To use the inhaler system, the user can insert the inhaler article into the holder, activate the system to release the dry powder from the capsule, inhale the dry powder, and then remove the used inhaler article from the holder. Activating the system may include piercing the capsule. In an embodiment, the active ingredient is nicotine.

[0030] It is desirable that the inhaler article be structured and arranged to optimize the delivery of dry powder from the inhaler system to the user's lungs during use. Further, it is desirable to ensure that the capsule and the dry powder active ingredient are safely contained within the inhaler article before and after use. That is, it is desirable that the capsule does not fall out of the inhaler article before and after use. Also, it is desirable that the dry powder contained within the capsule does not fall out of the inhaler article before and after use. Further, it is desirable that the upstream end face of the inhaler article includes a colored mark so that the user can check information about the inhaler article before and after use. Such information includes, but is not limited to, the manufacturer, flavor, or strength of the inhaler article. Further, it is desirable that the user use the colored mark on the upstream end of the inhaler article to distinguish the used inhaler article from the new inhaler article when the user returns the used inhaler article into the pack of inhaler articles. For example, if the user returns the inhaler article into the pack in an orientation different from that of the new inhaler article contained in the pack, the user can use the colored mark to distinguish the new inhaler article from the used inhaler article when the user selects the inhaler article to use. For example, the inhaler article has a colored mark on the upstream end of the inhaler article and does not have a colored mark on the downstream end of the inhaler article. All of the inhaler articles are initially positioned in the pack in the same orientation. That is, when the user opens the pack, all of the upstream ends of the inhaler articles are visible. Alternatively, when the user opens the pack, all of the downstream ends of the inhaler articles are visible. Then, if the user takes out one of the inhaler articles from the pack containing a plurality of inhaler articles, uses the inhaler article, and returns the inhaler article into the pack containing a plurality of inhaler articles in an orientation opposite to that of the unused inhaler articles, the user can easily tell which inhaler article in the pack is used.

[0031] The upstream end face including the colored mark is desirably visible when the inhaler article is housed in the pack, and the pack houses a plurality of inhaler articles. At least one upstream end face including the colored mark of at least one inhaler article housed in the pack is desirably visible when the pack is open. In an embodiment, when a plurality of inhaler articles are disposed in the pack, at least one of the inhaler articles is disposed in the pack in an unused orientation. In an embodiment, when a plurality of inhaler articles are disposed in the pack, at least one of the inhaler articles is disposed in a used orientation. In an embodiment, when a plurality of inhaler articles are disposed in the pack, the inhaler articles are disposed in the pack in a combination of unused and used orientations.

[0032] The present disclosure provides an inhaler article having a tubular body, the tubular body having, in a linear and continuous arrangement, from an upstream end to a downstream mouthpiece end, an upstream element, a capsule cavity for housing a capsule, a capsule containing a dry powder active ingredient, and a blocker element. The upstream element has an upstream end face. The upstream element may have an elastic element. The elastic element may form the upstream end face of the upstream element. The elastic element may be applied to the upstream end of the upstream element to form the upstream end face of the upstream element. The elastic element may be attached to the upstream end of the tubular body. The elastic element may be attached to the upstream end face of the upstream element of the tubular body.

[0033] The present disclosure provides an inhaler article having an elastic element at the upstream end of the inhaler article, the elastic element being in a closed position prior to insertion into a holder, the elastic element opening to an open position in response to an opening force applied to the elastic element when the inhaler article is inserted into the holder during use, and the elastic element closing to the closed position as the inhaler article is removed from the holder after use. In one aspect, the upstream end of the capsule cavity of the inhaler article may be an elastic element forming an openable closed end of the inhaler article. The present disclosure provides an inhaler article having an elastic element at the upstream end of the inhaler article, the elastic element including a colored mark.

[0034] The elastic element of the inhaler article of the present disclosure is closed before and after use. By looking at the end face of the elastic element on the upstream end of the inhaler article, it may not be possible to distinguish a new inhaler article having a closed elastic element on the upstream end from a used inhaler article having a closed elastic element on the upstream end. By looking at the end face of the elastic element on the upstream end of the inhaler article, it may be possible to distinguish a new inhaler article from a used inhaler article.

[0035] The elastic element of the present disclosure has the advantage of ensuring that the capsule is housed within the inhaler article prior to use. The elastic element opens when inserted into the holder and provides an airflow path from the upstream end of the inhaler article to the downstream mouthpiece end of the inhaler article. As air moves through the inhaler article, the dry powder released from the capsule is entrained in the airflow and delivered to the mouthpiece end of the inhaler article for inhalation by the user. That is, the elastic element is structured and arranged to open to optimize the delivery of dry powder from the inhaler system to the user's lungs during use. After use, as the inhaler article is removed from the holder, the elastic element closes to retain the capsule within the inhaler article. To provide sufficient airflow to deliver the pharmaceutically active agent to the user's lungs, it is advantageous for the inhaler article to open when inserted into the holder during use. To prevent the capsule from falling out of the inhaler article prior to use, it is advantageous for the inhaler article to be closed prior to use. To prevent the capsule from falling out of the inhaler article after use, it is advantageous for the inhaler article to be closed after use. To prevent the capsule from falling out of the inhaler article after use, it is advantageous for the inhaler article to be sufficiently closed after use after the inhaler article has been activated. The elastic element enables both opening and closing of the upstream end of the inhaler both before and after use of the inhaler article. The elastic element can open to provide sufficient airflow to optimize the delivery of dry powder to the user's lungs when engaging the holder, and can close to prevent the capsule from falling out of the inhaler before and after inserting the inhaler article into the holder. The elastic element on the upstream end of the inhaler article provides both the advantage of allowing sufficient airflow and preventing unwanted loss of the pharmaceutically active agent from the inhaler article before and after use.

[0036] The present disclosure provides an inhaler article for insertion into a holder to form an inhaler system for providing a dry powder to a user's lungs. The inhaler article may be a tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis from a downstream mouthpiece end to an upstream end, and having a capsule cavity within the tubular body between the downstream mouthpiece end and the upstream end, the capsule cavity accommodating a capsule. The upstream end of the inhaler article may have an elastic element. When the inhaler article is inserted into the holder, the elastic element opens to an open position in response to an opening force provided by the holder. As the inhaler article is removed from the holder, the opening force is removed from the inhaler article. With the removal of the opening force from the inhaler article, the elastic element closes to a closed position and closes sufficiently to hold the capsule within the capsule cavity of the inhaler article between the elastic element at the upstream end and the downstream mouthpiece end. The elastic element is made of an elastic material suitable for opening and closing as described. The elastic element includes a colored mark.

[0037] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the inhaler article may be a tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis from a downstream mouthpiece end to an upstream end, having a capsule cavity between the downstream mouthpiece end and the upstream end within the tubular body, the capsule cavity accommodating a capsule. In one aspect, the downstream mouthpiece end has a blocker element. In one aspect, the blocker is a filter element. The blocker element functions to ensure that the capsule does not exit the tubular body from the downstream end before, during, and after use. When the blocker is a filter, the filter element ensures that the pharmaceutically active powder delivered to the user's lungs is a powder small enough to pass through the filter. Thereby, it is ensured that the pharmaceutically active powder is suitable for delivery to the user's lungs.

[0038] According to one aspect, the elastic element is a disk. In one aspect, the elastic element is circular. In one aspect, the elastic element is an applied elastic element. The elastic element may be attached to the upstream end of the inhaler article. The elastic element may be attached to the upstream end of the inhaler article by any suitable process for attaching the elastic element to the inhaler article, including gluing, heat sealing, pressing, friction fitting, or other means. The elastic element may be attached to the upstream end of the inhaler article by gluing. The elastic element may be attached to the upstream end of the inhaler article by heat sealing. The elastic element may be attached to the upstream end of the inhaler article by pushing the elastic element into the inhaler article. The elastic element may be attached to the upstream end of the inhaler article by friction fitting. The elastic element may be attached to the upstream end of the inhaler article by any suitable means.

[0039] According to one aspect, the elastic element of the inhaler article is an elastic element having a flap. The elastic element may be pre-cut to form the flap. Alternatively, the flap may be formed by assembling it together with a flap portion to form an elastic element having a flap. The flap of the elastic element is folded back when inserted into the holder to provide an opening that forms an air flow path from the upstream end of the inhaler article to the downstream mouthpiece end of the inhaler article. As air moves through the inhaler article, the dry powder released from the capsule mixes into the air flow and is delivered to the mouthpiece end of the inhaler article and inhaled by the user. That is, the flap of the elastic element opens during use to form a relatively large air flow opening in order to optimize the delivery of the dry powder from the inhaler system to the user's lungs. This relatively large air flow opening enables the formation of a swirling air flow through the inhaler system and enables maximum powder release from the capsule and maximum delivery of the powder to the user. After use, as the inhaler article is removed from the holder, the elastic element is closed to hold the capsule within the inhaler article. The elastic element may be pre-cut to form at least 4 flaps. The elastic element may be pre-cut to form at least 6 flaps. The elastic element may be pre-cut to form at least 8 flaps. The cut may extend from about 65% to about 95% of the diameter of the elastic element. The elastic material provided at the upstream end of the inhaler article in the form of a flap may open and close in a suitable manner during use to provide an open inhaler article when inserted into the holder, and may also be closed before and after use to prevent the capsule from falling out of the inhaler article.

[0040] In one aspect, the flap may open to an open position by folding a pre-cut flap into the capsule cavity of the inhaler article in response to an opening force. The opening force may be provided by the holder. That is, a portion of the holder may fit inside the upstream end of the inhaler article when the inhaler article is inserted into the holder. Since a portion of the holder fits inside the inhaler article, the holder may force the flap to fold into the capsule cavity. When the flap is folded into the capsule cavity of the inhaler article, an opening is opened and an airflow path is generated. An elastic element having a pre-applied cut forming the flap opens to the open position by folding the pre-cut flap into the capsule cavity in response to the opening force. By inserting the inhaler article into the holder, an opening force may be provided that forces the flap of the pre-cut elastic element into the capsule cavity of the inhaler article.

[0041] In one aspect, the elastic element of the inhaler article is an elastic element having a central opening that opens to an open position by stretching the opening in response to an opening force. In other words, in one aspect, the elastic element of the inhaler article is an annular elastic element of elastic material that opens to an open position by stretching the opening in response to an opening force. The central opening diameter may be less than 30% of the elastic element diameter. The opening force may be provided by the holder. The opening force may be provided by the movement of the prong of the holder into the central opening of the upstream end of the inhaler article when the inhaler article is inserted into the holder. By inserting the inhaler article into the holder, an opening force may be provided that forces the central opening to stretch the opening in response to the opening force.

[0042] The elastic element of the inhaler article may be made of an elastic material. The elastic element of the inhaler article may be made of, for example, silicon, latex, plastic, paper, paper tape, laminated PLA on a paper layer, or cardboard. The elastic element may be made of silicon, latex, rubber, or a combination. The elastic element of the inhaler article may be made of, for example, silicon. The elastic element of the inhaler article may be made of, for example, latex. The elastic element of the inhaler article may be made of, for example, plastic. The elastic element of the inhaler article may be made of, for example, paper. The elastic element of the inhaler article may be made of, for example, aluminum foil. The elastic element of the inhaler article may be made of, for example, paper tape. The elastic element of the inhaler article may be made of, for example, laminated PLA laminated on a paper layer. The elastic element of the inhaler article may be made of, for example, cardboard. The elastic element of the inhaler article may be made of, for example, rubber. The elastic element of the inhaler article may be made of, for example, a combination of materials. The elastic element of the inhaler article may be made of, for example, any suitable elastic material.

[0043] In one aspect, when the elastic element is in the open position and engaged with the holder, the resulting opening or aperture provides an unrestricted or minimally restricted airflow into the capsule cavity. In one aspect, the holder is configured to provide a swirling or rotational inhalation airflow to the inhaler article. In one aspect, the holder includes a housing that defines a housing cavity and a movable cap configured to hold the inhaler article within the housing cavity, the movable cap being movable within the housing cavity along the longitudinal axis of the housing and including a prong, and a through element. The prong of the movable cap extends into the elastic element at the upstream end of the inhaler article when the inhaler article is engaged within the holder. A through element attached to the inner surface of the bottom of the holder extends through the through end of the movable cap. As the movable cap moves relative to the through element, the inhaler article moves as provided by the through element. The through element then penetrates the capsule within the inhaler article and releases the pharmaceutically active dry powder from the capsule.

[0044] In one aspect, the elastic element has a mark. In an embodiment, the mark is a colored mark. In an embodiment, the mark is one or more symbols. In an embodiment, the mark is one or more colors different from the color of the inhaler article that indicate the manufacturer of the inhaler article. In an embodiment, the mark is one or more colors different from the color of the inhaler article that indicate the flavor of the inhaler article. In an embodiment, the mark is one or more colors different from the color of the inhaler article that indicate the strength or dosage of the inhaler article. In an embodiment, the mark is one or more symbols of a color different from the color of the inhaler article that indicate the manufacturer of the inhaler article. In an embodiment, the mark is one or more symbols of a color different from the color of the inhaler article that indicate the flavor of the inhaler article. In an embodiment, the mark is one or more symbols of a color different from the color of the inhaler article that indicate the strength or dosage of the inhaler article. "Color" can be any color. For it to be a mark, the color needs to be different from the color of the inhaler article. That is, if the mark cannot be seen against the background of the inhaler article, the mark is invisible. The mark must be visible to be useful. "Color" includes white. If the background color to which the mark is applied is not white, the colored mark can be made white. In an embodiment, the mark is a combination of color and symbol. In an embodiment, the mark is one or more colored symbols.

[0045] Disclosed herein is an inhaler article for insertion into a holder to form an inhaler system for delivering a compound to a user's lung, the inhaler article comprising a tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis from a downstream mouthpiece end to an upstream end, the upstream end including an upstream element, the upstream element including an upstream end face, the upstream end face including a colored mark. The upstream element may be an elastic element.

[0046] In one aspect, the capsule contains a pharmaceutically active dry powder. The pharmaceutically active dry powder may be nicotine.

[0047] In a dry powder inhaler system, the system is used to provide a pharmaceutically active dry powder to the user's lungs. The present disclosure provides a system, particularly an inhaler article, structured and arranged to contain an active dry powder before and after use and to allow the dry powder to exit or be delivered from the inhaler article during use. The inhaler article has two ends, an upstream end and a downstream end. The downstream end is the mouthpiece end. The upstream end has an upstream end face with a colored mark. During use, the user inserts the downstream end of the inhaler article into the user's mouth and inhales through it.

[0048] The upstream end of the inhaler article is inserted into the holder during use. When the upstream end of the inhaler article is inserted into the holder, the upstream end of the inhaler article opens. When the upstream end of the inhaler article is inserted into the holder, the inhaler article and the holder form the inhaler system. The inhaler article is inserted into the holder during use. The upstream end of the inhaler article opens during use to allow air to flow through the inhaler article and release the pharmaceutically active dry powder to the user. The upstream end of the inhaler article opens when the inhaler article is inserted into the holder. The holder provides an opening force to the inhaler article to open the inhaler article during use to release the pharmaceutically active powder from the inhaler article.

[0049] To prevent the pharmaceutically active dry powder from falling from the inhaler article before use, the upstream end of the inhaler article before use is closed. After use, after the inhaler article is removed from the holder, to prevent the pharmaceutically active dry powder from falling from the inhaler after use, the upstream end of the inhaler article is closed. The upstream end of the inhaler article opens when the inhaler article is inserted into the holder and is closed before and after the inhaler article is inserted into the holder.

[0050] The upstream end of the inhaler article is an elastic element in order to be able to close it before use, open it during use, and then close it again after use. The elastic element is closed before use, opens during use, and then returns to the closed position after use. The elastic element is closed before use, opens when the inhaler article is inserted into the holder, and then closes again when the inhaler article is removed from the holder. The elastic element may be colored, or may have one or more symbols, or may have both color and one or more symbols. The color and the symbol are markings. These markings exist alone or in combination and convey information to the user.

[0051] The inhaler article may be of any shape or size. In order to facilitate insertion into the holder, the inhaler article may be a tubular article. The inhaler article may be a tubular body extending along the longitudinal axis from the downstream mouthpiece end to the upstream end. The inhaler article may be cylindrical. The inhaler article contains a pharmaceutically active powder.

[0052] The inhaler article may be similar in size and shape to a smoking article or a cigarette. The inhaler article may be a tubular body extending along the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article. The inhaler article may have a substantially uniform outer diameter along the length of the elongated body. The inhaler body may have a circular cross-section that is uniform along the length of the elongated body. The inhaler body may have an outer diameter in the range of about 6 mm to about 10 mm, or about 7 mm to about 10 mm, or about 7 mm to about 9 mm, or about 7 mm to about 8 mm, or an outer diameter of about 7.2 mm. The inhaler body may have a length in the range of about 40 mm to about 80 mm, or about 40 mm to about 70 mm, or about 40 mm to about 50 mm, or a length of 45 mm (along the longitudinal axis).

[0053] The inhaler article may be a tubular body extending along the longitudinal axis from the downstream mouthpiece end to the upstream end. There is a central cavity between the downstream mouthpiece end and the upstream end.

[0054] The downstream end of the inhaler article is the mouthpiece end. That is, the downstream end of the inhaler article is intended to engage with the user's mouth to enable the user to inhale the contents of the inhaler article. The downstream end is structured and arranged to engage with the user's mouth. The downstream end is sized and shaped to engage with the user's mouth. The downstream end of the inhaler article acts as a conduit for providing a pharmaceutically active powder to the user's mouth and lungs. The downstream end of the inhaler article has a rigidity or hardness, size, and shape for engaging with the user's mouth. The downstream end of the inhaler article may have a blocker. The blocker may be an element of the inhaler article that provides rigidity or hardness. The rigidity or hardness of the blocker is suitable for insertion into the user's mouth during use of the inhaler system. The blocker may have a size and shape for engaging with the user's mouth.

[0055] Furthermore, the blocker may be a filter element. The filter element may have an internal structure that allows smaller particles to flow through the filter element and blocks larger particles from flowing through the filter element. The filter element may act to filter larger particles of the pharmaceutically active powder as they flow out of the inhaler article. The filter element may act to control the size of those particles of the pharmaceutically active powder as they flow out of the inhaler article. The filter element may allow particles of the pharmaceutically active powder to flow from the inhaler article to the user. The filter element may allow sufficiently small particles of the pharmaceutically active powder to flow from the inhaler article through the filter element to the user. The filter element may be formed of a cellulose acetate material. The filter element may be cellulose tow. The filter may be formed of a biodegradable material.

[0056] The blocker element may extend from the central cavity of the inhaler article to the mouthpiece end. The blocker element may extend from the capsule cavity of the inhaler article to the mouthpiece end. The filter element may have a length within the range of about 10 mm to about 30 mm, preferably about 15 mm to about 25 mm, more preferably about 20 mm to about 22 mm.

[0057] The inhaler article has an upstream end. The upstream end has an upstream element. The upstream element may be an elastic element. The elastic element of the inhaler article may have a cut that allows the elastic element to open when the prong is inserted into the elastic element. These cuts may be referred to as cuts or precuts. These cuts may be described as radial cuts or diametrical cuts. Two diametrical cuts result in the formation of four flaps within the elastic element. Two diametrical cuts extending partially across the diameter of the elastic element are the same as four radial cuts extending partially across the radius of the elastic element. The cuts may extend in the range of about 65% to about 95% of the diameter of the elastic element. The cuts may extend in the range of 65% to 95% of the diameter of the elastic element. Alternatively, the flaps may be manufactured by assembling the parts together to form the flaps.

[0058] When an inhaler article having an elastic element with a cut (and a flap) is inserted into the holder, the prong of the holder pushes the flap into the inside of the inhaler article. When the prong of the holder pushes the flap into the inside of the inhaler article, the inhaler article opens. The prong of the holder provides an opening force for opening the upstream end of the inhaler article. When the inhaler article opens, an air flow passage is provided that improves the air flow through the inhaler system. When the inhaler article is withdrawn from the holder, the prong is withdrawn from the inhaler article and the flap returns to its position at the upstream end of the inhaler article. When the opening force is removed, the inhaler article closes. When the inhaler article is removed from the holder, the opening force is removed from the upstream end of the inhaler article. When the opening force is removed from the inhaler article, the elastic element returns to the closed position. With the removal of the opening force, the elastic element is closed to the closed position. The elastic element having a cut and a flap may not be completely closed before and after use, but may be partially closed before and after use. The elastic element is not open after use.

[0059] The elastic element of the inhaler article may have a central opening that opens to the open position by stretching the opening in response to an opening force. In other words, in one aspect, the elastic element of the inhaler article is an annular elastic element of elastic material that opens to the open position by stretching the opening in response to an opening force. The central opening diameter may be less than 30% of the elastic element diameter. The opening force may be provided by the holder. The opening force may be provided by the movement of the prong of the holder into the central opening at the upstream end of the inhaler article when the inhaler article is inserted into the holder. By inserting the inhaler article into the holder, an opening force can be provided that forces the central opening to stretch the opening in response to the opening force. Further, the elastic element returns to the closed position when the opening force is removed. When the inhaler article is removed from the holder, the opening force is removed from the upstream end of the inhaler article. When the opening force is removed from the inhaler article, the elastic element returns to the closed position. With the removal of the opening force, the elastic element is closed to the closed position. The elastic element having a central opening may not be completely closed before and after use, but may be partially closed before and after use. The elastic element is not open after use.

[0060] The elastic element of the inhaler article may have a combination of a cut and a central opening that opens to an open position by stretching the opening in response to an opening force. In other words, in one aspect, the elastic element of the inhaler article is an annular elastic element of elastic material that opens to an open position by stretching the opening in response to an opening force. The central opening diameter may be less than 30% of the elastic element diameter. The cut may extend in the range of 65% to 95% of the diameter of the elastic element. The opening force may be provided by the holder. The opening force may be provided by the movement of the prong of the holder into the central opening at the upstream end of the inhaler article when the inhaler article is inserted into the holder. By inserting the inhaler article into the holder, an opening force may be provided that forces the central opening to stretch the opening in response to the opening force.

[0061] When the inhaler article is removed from the holder, the prong is removed from the inhaler article and the elastic element is closed. When the inhaler article is removed from the holder, the opening force is removed. When the prong is removed from the inhaler article, the opening force is removed. When the opening force is removed, the elastic element is closed. When the inhaler article is removed from the holder, the opening force is removed from the upstream end of the inhaler article. When the opening force is removed from the inhaler article, the elastic element returns to the closed position. With the removal of the opening force, the elastic element is closed to the closed position. As the inhaler article is removed from the holder, a colored mark on the upstream end face of the closed elastic element is visible.

[0062] Between the downstream end and the upstream end of the tubular body is a central cavity containing a pharmaceutically active powder. The central cavity may have a length in the range of about 3 mm to about 12 mm, or about 3 mm to about 7 mm, or about 4 mm to about 6 mm, or about 5 mm.

[0063] The cavity may contain a pharmaceutically active powder contained within a capsule. When the cavity contains a pharmaceutically active powder contained within a capsule, the cavity is a capsule cavity.

[0064] The capsule cavity may be inside the inhaler article between the downstream blocker element and the upstream elastic element. The downstream blocker element may be joined to the upstream elastic element by a wrapper. The wrapper may form the tubular body of the inhaler article. The tubular body defining the capsule cavity may be formed of a biodegradable material such as cardboard or paperboard.

[0065] The capsule cavity may have an inner diameter in the range of about 6 mm to about 7 mm, or about 6.5 mm to about 6.7 mm. The capsule cavity may have a lateral length in the range of about 15 mm to about 30 mm, or about 20 mm to about 25 mm.

[0066] The capsule cavity may define a cylindrical space configured to contain a capsule (e.g., the capsule may have an oval or circular cross-section). The capsule cavity may have a substantially uniform, or uniform diameter along the length of the capsule cavity. The capsule cavity may have a fixed cavity length. The capsule cavity has a cavity inner diameter orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and the capsule has a capsule outer diameter. The capsule cavity may be sized to contain an oval capsule. The capsule cavity may have a substantially cylindrical, or cylindrical cross-section along the capsule cavity length. The capsule cavity may have a uniform inner diameter. The capsule may have an outer diameter of about 80% to about 95% of the inner diameter of the capsule cavity. The configuration of the capsule cavity with respect to the capsule may facilitate restricted movement of the capsule during activation or penetration of the capsule.

[0067] The configuration of the capsule cavity with respect to the capsule may facilitate the capsule rotating stably within the capsule cavity. The longitudinal axis of the capsule may rotate coaxially and stably with the longitudinal axis of the inhaler body during inhalation. The configuration of the capsule cavity with respect to the capsule may facilitate the capsule rotating with some vibration within the capsule cavity.

[0068] Stable rotation refers to the long-axis direction axis of the inhaler body being substantially parallel or coaxial with the rotation axis of the capsule. Stable rotation may mean the absence of forward movement of the rotating capsule. The long-axis direction axis of the inhaler body preferably has substantially the same spread as the axis of rotation of the capsule. Stable rotation of the capsule can provide a uniform admixture of a portion of the nicotine particles from the capsule over two or more, or five or more, or ten or more "smokes" or inhalations by the consumer.

[0069] The capsule can be housed within the inhaler article prior to consumption. The inhaler article may be housed within the capsule cavity by an elastic element.

[0070] The capsule may be formed of an airtight material, which may be pierced or perforated by a through element that may be separate from or combined with the inhaler. The capsule may be formed of a metallic material or a polymeric material that functions to keep contaminants out of the capsule but may be pierced or perforated by a through element prior to consumption of the nicotine particles within the capsule. The capsule may be formed of a polymeric material. The polymeric material may be hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). The capsule may be a size 1 to size 4 capsule, or a size 3 capsule.

[0071] The capsule contains pharmaceutically active particles. The pharmaceutically active particles may include nicotine (also referred to as "nicotine powder" or "nicotine particles"), and optionally, flavor-containing particles (also referred to as "flavor particles"). The capsule may contain a predetermined amount of nicotine particles and optional flavor particles. The capsule may contain sufficient nicotine particles to provide at least 2 inhalations or "smokings", or at least about 5 inhalations or "smokings", or at least about 10 inhalations or "smokings". The capsule may contain sufficient nicotine particles to provide about 5 to 50 inhalations or "smokings", or about 10 to 30 inhalations or "smokings". Each inhalation or "smoking" may deliver about 0.1 mg to about 3 mg of nicotine particles to the user's lungs, or about 0.2 mg to about 2 mg of nicotine particles to the user's lungs, or about 1 mg of nicotine particles to the user's lungs.

[0072] The nicotine particles may have any useful concentration of nicotine based on the particular formulation employed. The nicotine particles may have at least about 1 wt% to up to about 30 wt% nicotine, or about 2 wt% to about 25 wt% nicotine, or about 3 wt% to about 20 wt% nicotine, or about 4 wt% to about 15 wt% nicotine, or about 5 wt% to about 13 wt% nicotine. Preferably, about 50 to about 150 micrograms of nicotine may be delivered to the user's lungs per inhalation or "smoking".

[0073] The capsule may hold or contain at least about 5 mg of nicotine particles, or at least about 10 mg of nicotine particles. The capsule may hold or contain less than about 900 mg of nicotine particles, or less than about 300 mg of nicotine particles, or less than 150 mg of nicotine particles. The capsule may hold or contain about 5 mg to about 300 mg of nicotine particles, or about 10 mg to about 200 mg of nicotine particles.

[0074] The nicotine particles may have any size distribution useful for preferentially inhaled delivery into the user's lungs. The capsule may contain particles other than the nicotine particles. The nicotine particles and other particles may form a powder system.

[0075] The filter element can provide a structure that allows particles of a desired size to pass through while preventing particles of a larger size from passing through the filter. For example, the filter element can prevent dry powder having an average diameter of about 60 micrometers or more from passing through while allowing dry powder having an average diameter of about 60 micrometers or less to pass through the filter element. Alternatively, if flavor particles are desired, the filter element may provide a structure that allows particles having a maximum of 200 micrometers to pass through the filter.

[0076] The nicotine in the powder system or in the nicotine particles can be pharmaceutically acceptable free base nicotine, or a nicotine salt or nicotine salt hydrate. Useful nicotine salts or nicotine salt hydrates include, for example, nicotine pyruvate, nicotine citrate, nicotine aspartate, nicotine lactate, nicotine bitartrate, nicotine salicylate, nicotine fumarate, mono-pyruvate nicotine, nicotine glutamate, or nicotine hydrochloride. The compound combined with nicotine to form a salt or salt hydrate may be selected based on its expected pharmacological effect.

[0077] The nicotine particles preferably contain an amino acid. The amino acid is preferably leucine such as L-leucine. Providing an amino acid such as L-leucine to the particles containing nicotine may reduce the adhesion force of the particles containing nicotine, and also reduce the gravitational force between the nicotine particles, and thus may reduce the aggregation of the nicotine particles. Similarly, the adhesion force to the particles containing flavor may also be reduced, and thus the aggregation of the nicotine particles with the flavor particles is also reduced. Therefore, the powder system described herein may be a free-flowing material, and even when the nicotine particles and the flavor particles are combined, it has a stable relative particle size of each powder component.

[0078] The nicotine may be a surface-modified nicotine salt. In that case, the nicotine salt particles include coated particles or composite material particles. A preferred coating material or composite material may be L-leucine. One particularly useful nicotine particle may be nicotine bitartrate having L-leucine.

[0079] The holder for the inhaler article includes a housing for receiving the inhaler article, a movable cap for insertion into the upstream end of the inhaler article that enables engagement with the piercing element, piercing element, prong of the inhaler article when the inhaler article is inserted into the holder, and an air inlet and an air flow passage that enable a swirling air flow through the inhaler article when the inhaler article is engaged within the holder. This swirling or rotational inhalation air flow may be sent into the inhaler article to rotate and agitate the capsule to release the dry powder contained within the capsule. The holder has an open end and a through end. The housing cavity is sized to receive the inhaler article. The inhaler article is inserted into the open end.

[0080] The holder has a penetrating element. The penetrating element is attached inside the bottom surface of the holder. The length of the penetrating element can be any suitable length relative to the length of the housing. For example, the length of the penetrating element can be about 25% to about 60%, or about 30% to about 50% of the housing length. The distal end of the penetrating element can be adjacent to or fixed to the distal end of the housing. The entire length of the penetrating element can have the same spread within the housing length. The penetrating element is formed of a rigid material. The rigid material is rigid enough to penetrate, pierce, or activate a capsule housed within the inhaler article. The penetrating element can be formed of metal. The penetrating element can be formed of stainless steel, such as 316 stainless steel for example. The penetrating element can be formed of a polymeric material. The penetrating element can be formed of a fiber-reinforced polymeric material.

[0081] The penetrating element extends through a movable cap. The movable cap is movable relative to the penetrating element. When the inhaler article is inserted into and pushed down in the holder, the movable cap moves downward within the holder and the penetrating element is exposed. When the inhaler article is pushed down relative to the movable cap, the penetrating element extends into the inhaler article and penetrates the capsule. By penetrating the capsule, the capsule is activated. By penetrating the capsule, the inhaler system is activated. By penetrating the capsule, it becomes possible to release powder from the capsule.

[0082] When the inhaler article is inserted into the holder, a portion of the holder is inserted into the upstream end of the inhaler article, and the upstream end of the inhaler article opens. When a portion of the holder is inserted into the upstream end of the inhaler article, the holder provides an opening force to the inhaler article. In an embodiment, the portion of the holder inserted into the upstream end of the inhaler article is a prong. When the inhaler article is inserted into the holder, the prong of the holder is inserted into the upstream end of the inhaler article. When the prong of the holder is inserted into the upstream end of the inhaler article, the prong provides an opening force to the inhaler article. When the prong of the holder is inserted into the upstream end of the inhaler article, the upstream end of the inhaler article is opened. When the prong of the holder is inserted into the upstream end of the inhaler article, an opening force is applied to the upstream end of the inhaler article. When the prong of the holder is inserted into the upstream end of the inhaler article, which is an elastic element, the elastic element opens. When the inhaler article is removed from the holder, the opening force is removed from the upstream end of the inhaler article. When the opening force is removed from the inhaler article, the elastic element returns to the closed position. With the removal of the opening force, the elastic element is closed to the closed position.

[0083] When the inhaler article is inserted into the holder, a portion of the holder is inserted into the elastic element at the upstream end of the inhaler article, and the elastic element of the inhaler article opens. When a portion of the holder is inserted into the elastic element of the inhaler article, the holder provides an opening force to the inhaler article. When a portion of the holder is inserted into the elastic element of the inhaler article, the holder provides an opening force to the elastic element. When a portion of the holder is inserted into the upstream end of the inhaler article, the holder provides an opening force to the upstream end of the inhaler article. When the inhaler article is removed from the holder, the opening force is removed from the upstream end of the inhaler article. When the opening force is removed from the inhaler article, the elastic element returns to the closed position. With the removal of the opening force, the elastic element is closed to the closed position.

[0084] The prong can be shaped and sized to optimize insertion into the upstream end of the inhaler article. The prong can be shaped and sized to optimize insertion into the elastic element of the inhaler article. For example, if the elastic element has a central opening, the prong may be angled to optimize insertion into the central opening and expansion of the elastic element. There may be two or more prongs. For example, there may be two prongs. There may be three prongs. There may be four prongs. There may be five prongs. There may be six prongs. There may be seven or more prongs. Alternatively, the prong may mean an annular ring inserted into the upstream end of the inhaler article. Alternatively, the prong may mean an annular ring inserted into the elastic element of the inhaler article.

[0085] The housing can be formed of any rigid material. The housing can be formed of a polymeric material. Polymeric materials useful for forming the housing include, for example, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, acrylonitrile, butadiene styrene, styrene acrylonitrile, polyacrylate, polystyrene, PBT polyester, PET polyester, polyoxymethylene, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyetheretherketone, or liquid crystal polymer.

[0086] The present disclosure provides an inhaler article having a pharmaceutically active dry powder contained within a capsule. An inhaler article containing a capsule is disclosed herein, the capsule containing a pharmaceutically active powder. In embodiments, the pharmaceutically active powder contains nicotine, although other pharmaceutically active powders are contemplated by the present disclosure, as discussed below. The inhaler article can be used to deliver the pharmaceutically active powder to a user when the user inhales from the mouthpiece end (downstream end, proximal end) of the inhaler article. To deliver the pharmaceutically active dry powder contained within the capsule to the user, the pharmaceutically active powder is released from the capsule and the powder is aerosolized and inhaled by the user. That is, the powder is released from the capsule and entrained in an air stream generated by the user when the user inhales from the mouthpiece end (downstream end, proximal end) of the inhaler article.

[0087] According to the present disclosure, the inhaler article has a tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis from a downstream mouthpiece end to an upstream end. The inside of the tubular body is a capsule cavity. The capsule cavity houses a capsule containing a pharmaceutically active powder.

[0088] To release the pharmaceutically active powder from the capsule housed within the capsule cavity of the inhaler article, the capsule must be opened in a manner that allows the powder contained inside the capsule to be released. In one embodiment, the capsule is penetrated. When the capsule is penetrated, a hole is introduced into the capsule. This release step or penetration step can also be considered an "activation". According to the present disclosure, the capsule is activated when penetrated by a penetrating element. In embodiments, the penetrating element is located within a holder.

[0089] When the inhaler article is inserted into the holder, the upstream end of the inhaler article is inserted into the holder. During insertion of the inhaler article into the holder, the inhaler article may be pushed down against a through element located within the holder, and the capsule may be penetrated by the through element. After insertion, the downstream end of the inhaler article extends from the holder and is accessible to the user's mouth. After the capsule has been penetrated or activated, the powder contained within the capsule can be released from the capsule. The powder from the capsule can then be released into an air stream and inhaled by the user. The inhaler article is inserted into the holder to form an inhaler system, the capsule is penetrated by a through element of the holder, an air stream is initiated by the user, the air stream passes through the inhaler article, mixes with the powder released from the capsule, and a pharmaceutically active powder is delivered to the user's mouth.

[0090] The holder is separate from the inhaler article, but a consumer may utilize both the inhaler article and the holder while consuming the particles released within the inhaler article. A plurality of these inhaler articles may be combined with the holder to form a system or kit. A single holder may be utilized with 10 or more, or 25 or more, or 50 or more, or 100 or more inhaler articles to activate (perforate or penetrate) the capsules contained within each inhaler article and to provide reliable activation.

[0091] The holder for an inhaler article includes a housing having a housing cavity for receiving the inhaler article and configured to hold the inhaler article within the housing cavity. A movable cap is within the housing cavity and movable within the housing cavity along the longitudinal axis of the housing. The movable cap has a prong. The prong of the movable cap is configured to be inserted into the inhaler article when the inhaler article is introduced into the holder. The movable cap is configured to move relative to a through element. When the inhaler article is introduced into the housing cavity of the holder, the inhaler article is pushed into the holder. When the inhaler article is pushed into the housing cavity, the prong of the movable cap is pushed into the upstream end of the inhaler article. At the same time, the inhaler article is pushed into the housing relative to the movable cap. The movable cap moves downward. The through element extends through the movable cap as the movable cap moves such that an inner capsule of the inhaler article contacts and thereby penetrates the through element. The inhaler article is then released and the movable cap returns to its rest position. The movable cap may return to its rest position by a spring. The position of the inhaler article inserted into the holder after the capsule has been penetrated is shown in Figure 2 below.

[0092] The prong of the movable cap can be inserted into the upstream end of the inhaler article through an elastic element at the upstream end of the inhaler article.

[0093] The method includes removing an unused inhaler article from a pack, where the unused inhaler article was in the pack in an unused orientation; inserting the inhaler article into a housing cavity of a holder to form an inhaler system; activating the inhaler article to mix an active ingredient into an air stream through the inhaler system; delivering the active ingredient to a user's lungs; removing the inhaler article from the holder; and returning the inhaler article to the pack in an orientation opposite to the unused orientation. Then, another unused inhaler article can be inserted into the holder and the method can be repeated.

[0094] The inhaler article associated with the above holder is configured to directly receive a swirling inhalation airflow within the distal end of the inhaler article. The swirling inhalation airflow is initiated when the user "smokes" the downstream end of the inhaler article inserted within the holder. As a result, a negative pressure is generated inside the inhaler article. Due to this negative pressure, air enters the holder through the air intake opening. Subsequently, the air moves through the air passage within the holder. The air passage within the holder directs air tangentially into the inhaler article with respect to the longitudinal axis of the inhaler article when inserted within the holder. This tangential air generates a swirling airflow within the inhaler article when inserted within the holder. This swirling airflow causes the capsule to rotate and / or agitate within the inhaler article. This agitation of the capsule improves the outflow of powder from the activated capsule and improves the efficiency of the powder mixing into the airflow delivered to the user.

[0095] The elastic element may be made of any material suitable for opening and closing. For example, the elastic element may be made of silicon. The elastic element may be made of latex. The elastic element may be made of rubber. The elastic element may be made of plastic. The elastic element may be made of paper. The elastic element may be made of aluminum foil. The elastic element may be made of laminated PLA on a paper layer. The elastic element may be made of cardboard. The elastic element may be made of silicon, latex, or rubber. The elastic element may be made of silicon, latex, rubber, or a combination thereof.

[0096] The elastic element may be attached to the inhaler article. The elastic element may be attached to the inhaler article by any means. For example, the elastic element may be attached to the inhaler article by gluing, friction fitting, heat sealing, or any means.

[0097] An inhaler article for use in a heated inhaler system Also disclosed herein is an inhaler article for insertion into a holder to form an inhaler system for delivering a compound to a user's lungs, the inhaler system including a heater for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substrate. Such inhaler systems are disclosed, for example, in WO2021170667, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0098] For example, in a heated inhaler system, the tubular body of the inhaler article is in a linear and continuous arrangement from an upstream end to a downstream mouthpiece end, including an upstream element, a rod of an aerosol-generating substrate located downstream of the upstream element, an aerosol cooling element located downstream of the support element, a mouthpiece element located downstream of the aerosol cooling element, and an outer wrapper surrounding the upstream element, the aerosol cooling element, and the mouthpiece element. The upstream element has an upstream end face with a colored mark.

[0099] Similar to in a dry powder inhaler system, a heated inhaler system does not need to ignite the end of the inhaler article. Instead, the upstream end is inserted into the holder, whereby heat is provided to the rod of the aerosol generating substrate. In a heated aerosol generating article, the aerosol is generated by heating an aerosol generating substrate such as tobacco. Known heated aerosol generating articles include, for example, an electrically heated aerosol generating inhaler article and an aerosol generating article in which the aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from a heat source to an aerosol forming material physically separated therefrom. When the aerosol generating substrate is heated, in a heated inhaler article, the aerosol is generated by heating an aerosol generating substrate such as tobacco. For example, the inhaler article according to the present invention has a specific use in an aerosol generating system comprising an electrically heated aerosol generating device having an internal heater blade adapted to be inserted into the rod of the aerosol generating substrate. In an embodiment, the internal heater blade is inserted into the rod of the aerosol generating substrate and heats the aerosol generating substrate by conduction. In an embodiment, the internal heater blade is a susceptor that is heated by induction from a magnetic field generated within or by the holder. In an embodiment, the susceptor is located within the rod of the aerosol generating substrate of the inhaler article.

[0100] An inhaler article for insertion into a holder is disclosed herein for forming an inhaler system for delivering a compound to a user's lungs. The inhaler article comprises a tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis from a downstream mouthpiece end to an upstream end. The upstream end includes an upstream element. The upstream element provides a barrier between the active ingredient and the upstream end face of the inhaler article. The upstream element prevents contact with an aerosol-generating substrate. The upstream element may prevent the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate from falling out of the inhaler article. The upstream element may prevent direct contact with a susceptor housed within the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate. This helps to prevent displacement or deformation of the susceptor element during handling or transportation of the inhaler article. As a result, this helps to fix the form and position of the susceptor element. The upstream element may prevent a susceptor housed within the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate from falling out of the inhaler article.

[0101] The upstream element may be a porous plug element. The porous plug element preferably does not change the draw resistance of the aerosol-generating article. The upstream element preferably has a porosity of at least about 50 percent in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article. Alternatively, in embodiments, the upstream element has a porosity of from about 50 percent to about 90 percent in the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal porosity of the upstream element is defined by the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the material forming the upstream element to the internal cross-sectional area of the aerosol-generating article at the location of the upstream element. In embodiments, the upstream element may be formed from a material that is impermeable to air. In such embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may be configured such that air flows into the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate through suitable venting means provided within the wrapper. The upstream element may be made of any material suitable for use in an inhaler article. The upstream element may be made of the same material as one of the other components of the inhaler article, such as a blocker or a filter, for example. Suitable materials for forming the upstream element include filter materials, ceramics, polymeric materials, cellulose acetate, cardboard, or zeolites. The upstream element may be formed, for example, from a plug of cellulose acetate.

[0102] The upstream element may be formed of a heat-resistant material. For example, the upstream element may be formed from a material that can withstand temperatures up to 350 degrees Celsius. This ensures that the upstream element is not adversely affected by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The upstream element may have a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the inhaler article. The upstream element may have a substantially homogeneous structure. The upstream element may have a continuous and regular surface over its entire cross-section.

[0103] Looking at the upstream end of the inhaler article, the active ingredient is not visible. Compared to a conventional smoking article where the tobacco is visible at the ignition end or upstream end, the upstream end of the upstream element is visible at the upstream end of the inhaler article. The upstream end face of the inhaler article is available for marking with a colored mark.

[0104] The upstream element has an end face. The upstream element end face may have a colored mark. The upstream element end face may have a color as a mark. For it to be visible, the color of the mark should be different from the color of the inhaler article itself. The upstream element may have one or more symbols as a mark. The upstream element may have both a color and one or more symbols as a mark. The upstream element may have one or more colored symbols as a mark.

[0105] The rod of the aerosol generating material may be a plant material. The plant material may be tobacco. The tobacco may be present in the rod as a homogenized plant material. The homogenized plant material can be provided in any suitable form. For example, the homogenized plant material may be present as a sheet or web, pellet, particle, granule, strand, chip, fragment, or crimped material. The sheet may be assembled, folded, shredded, crimped, or corrugated. "Tobacco particles" include ground or powdered tobacco leaf laminas, ground or powdered tobacco leaf stems, tobacco dust, tobacco fines, and other particulate tobacco by-products formed during the processing, handling, and shipping of tobacco. Different types of tobacco may be used, and these types of tobacco may be processed, cured, dried, and blended to provide a preferred tobacco formulation for use in the rod of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0106] The aerosol generating material may contain a compound. The aerosol generating material may contain a pharmaceutically active compound. The aerosol generating material may contain an active agent. In an embodiment, the compound is nicotine. In an embodiment, the active agent is nicotine.

[0107] The rod of the aerosol generating substrate may also contain an aerosol former. This aerosol former volatilizes upon heating, and the flow of the aerosol former contacts the aerosol generating substrate so as to mix the flavor and the active agent from the aerosol generating substrate in the aerosol into the aerosol delivered to the user. In an embodiment, the aerosol former is glycerol.

[0108] In an embodiment, the rod of the aerosol generating substrate contains a susceptor. The elongated susceptor preferably has a length that is the same as or shorter than the length of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate. The elongated susceptor preferably has the same length as the rod of the aerosol generating substrate. The susceptor may be formed from any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating substrate. Preferred susceptors include metal or carbon. Preferred susceptors may include, or consist of, ferromagnetic materials (such as ferromagnetic alloys, ferrite iron, or ferromagnetic steel or ferromagnetic stainless steel). A suitable susceptor may be aluminum, or may include aluminum. Preferred susceptors may be formed from 400 series stainless steels, such as grade 410, or grade 420, or grade 430 stainless steel. Different materials dissipate different amounts of energy when positioned within an electromagnetic field having similar values of frequency and magnetic field strength. Thus, all of the susceptor parameters, such as the type, length, width, and thickness of the material, may be modified to provide the desired power dissipation within a known electromagnetic field. Preferred susceptors may be heated to temperatures above 250 degrees Celsius. Suitable susceptors may comprise a non-metallic core having a metal layer disposed thereon (such as a metal track formed on the surface of a ceramic core). The susceptor may have a protective outer layer that encapsulates the susceptor, such as a protective ceramic layer or a protective glass layer. The susceptor may include a protective coating formed of glass, ceramic, or an inert metal, formed over the core of the susceptor material. The susceptor is disposed in thermal contact with the aerosol generating substrate. Thus, when the temperature of the susceptor increases, the aerosol generating substrate is heated and an aerosol is formed. The susceptor is preferably disposed in physical and direct contact with the aerosol generating substrate, for example, within the aerosol generating substrate.

[0109] In an embodiment, downstream of the rod of the aerosol generation substrate is an aerosol cooling element. In an embodiment, the aerosol cooling element is a hollow section downstream of the rod of the aerosol generation substrate. The aerosol cooling element can cool the aerosol moving through the inhaler article by any means including introducing outside air into the aerosol cooling element. The aerosol cooling element is disposed substantially in alignment with the rod of the aerosol generation substrate. The aerosol cooling element may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the aerosol cooling element may be formed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of cellulose acetate, cardboard, crumpled paper (such as crumpled heat-resistant paper or crumpled sulfuric acid paper), and polymeric materials (such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE)) or cellulose acetate. Other suitable materials include polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) fibers. The aerosol cooling element is between the rod of the aerosol generation substrate and the mouthpiece or blocker element.

[0110] In an embodiment, the blocker element or mouthpiece element is preferably located at the downstream end or mouth side end of the inhaler article. In an embodiment, the mouthpiece element is the blocker element. In an embodiment, the blocker element is a filter. When the blocker element is a filter, the filter filters the aerosol generated from the aerosol generation substrate in the inhaler article to prevent large particles from entering the user's mouth. The blocker can be formed of a segment of fibrous filter material.

[0111] In an embodiment, the upstream element, the rod of the aerosol generation substrate, the aerosol cooling element, and the blocker element are held together by an outer wrapper surrounding the upstream element, the aerosol cooling element, and the blocker element. The outer wrapper may be a hydrophobic paper. The outer wrapper may be paper. The hydrophobic wrapper may be a paper layer containing PVOH (polyvinyl alcohol) or silicon. PVOH may be applied to the paper layer as a surface coating, or the paper layer may include a surface treatment containing PVOH or silicon.

[0112] In an embodiment, the holder includes a cavity for receiving the inhaler article and the heater. For example, the heater is an induction heater. The induction heater includes an induction source for generating an alternating magnetic field within the cavity that receives the inhaler article. The magnetic field is used to induce at least one of a heat generating eddy current or a hysteresis loss in a susceptor disposed thermally proximate to or in direct physical contact with the aerosol generating substrate within the rod of the aerosol generating substrate. When the magnetic field is generated, the susceptor is heated. The susceptor heats the aerosol generating substrate, thereby releasing the aerosol and the active ingredient into the airflow from the inhaler article and the holder to the user. In an embodiment, the heater is an induction coil, and the induction coil is disposed around at least a portion of the receiving cavity.

[0113] The present disclosure provides a plurality of inhaler articles as described above, and the inhaler articles are packaged within a pack. The present disclosure provides a pack for accommodating a plurality of inhaler articles. For example, the plurality of inhaler articles are packaged within the pack such that the end faces of the plurality of inhaler articles are visible when the pack is opened. That is, the plurality of inhaler articles are packaged with the end faces "upward" such that the end faces are visible at the top of the pack when the pack is opened. In an embodiment, the inhaler articles are packaged within the pack in an "unused" state. When the pack is first opened, the inhaler articles are packaged within the pack in an "unused" state. When the pack is first opened and the inhaler articles are packaged within the pack in an "unused" state, all of the inhaler articles are packaged within the pack in the same orientation. That is, when assembling the pack, the plurality of inhaler articles are oriented in the same direction within the pack. When the pack is new, all of the inhaler articles are packaged within the pack with the same end face facing "upward". When the pack is new, all of the inhaler articles can be packaged with the upstream element end face facing upward. When the pack is new, all of the inhaler articles can be packaged with a colored mark visible when the pack is opened. When the pack is new, all of the inhaler articles can be packaged with the downstream element end face facing upward.

[0114] In an embodiment, the end face of at least one inhaler article has a colored mark. In an embodiment, the upstream end face of at least one inhaler article has a colored mark. In an embodiment, a plurality of inhaler articles are packaged in a pack such that when the pack is opened, the upstream end faces of all the inhaler articles in the pack are visible. In an embodiment, when the pack is first opened and all of the inhaler articles contained in the pack are unused, the colored mark on the end face of the upstream element is visible. In an embodiment, when the pack is first opened and all of the inhaler articles contained in the pack are unused, the colored mark on the end face of the downstream element or the blocker element is visible. When the pack is first opened, all of the unused inhaler articles are in an unused orientation within the pack. In one embodiment, when the pack is first opened, all of the unused inhaler articles are within the pack having a colored mark with the end face visible. In one embodiment, when the pack is first opened, all of the unused inhaler articles are within the pack having a colored mark with the upstream end face visible.

[0115] The method includes the steps of removing an inhaler article from a pack, inserting the inhaler article into a holder to form an inhaler system, providing a compound to a user's lungs using the inhaler system, and removing the used inhaler article from the holder and returning the used inhaler article to the pack. The returned used inhaler article is returned to the pack in an orientation opposite to the unused orientation. The orientation opposite to the unused orientation is the "used orientation". In an embodiment, the pack houses a plurality of inhaler articles in the unused orientation. In an embodiment, a colored mark is visible on an end face of an inhaler article packaged in the pack in the unused orientation. In an embodiment, a colored mark is visible on an end face of an inhaler article packaged in the pack in the used orientation. In an embodiment, the plurality of inhaler articles are disposed in the pack in a combination of the unused orientation and the used orientation. In an embodiment, in the unused orientation, the colored mark is visible on an end face of an upstream element of the inhaler article in the pack (facing "upward"). In an embodiment, in the used orientation, when the used inhaler article is returned to the pack in an orientation opposite to the unused orientation of the inhaler article in the pack, the colored mark is not visible (facing "downward"). In an embodiment, the plurality of inhaler articles are disposed in the pack in a combination of "upward" and "downward" such that the colored mark is visible on an end face of an inhaler article disposed in the "upward" orientation and not visible on an end face of an inhaler article disposed in the "downward" orientation.

[0116] The method includes scanning end faces of a plurality of inhaler articles packaged in a pack in a combination of an "upward" or "unused" orientation and a "downward" or "used" orientation, and removing an inhaler article in the "upward" or "unused" orientation for use with the inhaler system.

[0117] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" also include embodiments having a plural subject, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0118] As used herein, "or" generally is employed in a sense that includes "and / or", but not necessarily so where the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "and / or" means one or all of the recited elements, or any combination of two or more of the recited elements.

[0119] As used herein, "have", "having", "include", "including", "comprise", "comprising", or the like are used in an unrestricted sense and generally mean "including but not limited to". Of course, "consisting essentially of", "consisting of", and the like are subsumed within "comprising" and the like.

[0120] The terms "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain advantages under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or other circumstances. Further, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, nor is it intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, including the claims.

[0121] As used herein, "provide" in the context of providing an apparatus or system means manufacturing the apparatus or system, purchasing the apparatus or system, or otherwise obtaining the apparatus or system.

[0122] As used herein, "or" generally is employed in a sense that includes "and / or," but not to the extent that the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "and / or" means one or all of the recited elements, or any combination of two or more of the recited elements.

[0123] Any directions referred to herein, such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "above," "below," and other directions or orientations, are described herein for purposes of clarity and brevity and are not intended to limit the actual device or system. The devices and systems described herein may be used in numerous directions and orientations.

[0124] As used herein, "downstream" and "proximal" mean the mouthpiece end of the inhaler article. "Downstream" and "proximal" mean the end of a tubular inhaler article where the user's mouth is intended to contact. "Upstream" and "distal" mean the opposite end of the inhaler article. "Upstream" and "distal" mean the end of a tubular inhaler article that is intended to be inserted into a holder.

[0125] The term "nicotine" refers to nicotine and nicotine derivatives (e.g., free base nicotine, nicotine salts, and the like).

[0126] As used herein, the term "closed" means being closed sufficiently to hold a capsule inside the inhaler article before and after use. "Closed" means being closed sufficiently to reduce loss of pharmaceutically active powder from the inhaler article before and after use. The inhaler article may be less closed after use than before use, but may still be considered closed if it provides a function to reduce loss of the contents of the inhaler article.

[0127] As used herein, the term "use" means the steps of inserting an inhaler article into a holder, initiating an airflow through the holder and the inhaler article, and delivering an active ingredient to a user's lungs. "Use" may optionally include the additional step of removing the inhaler article from the holder.

[0128] As used herein, the term "longitudinal direction" refers to the direction corresponding to the major longitudinal axis of the inhaler article, which extends between the upstream end and the downstream end of the inhaler article.

[0129] As used herein, the term "rod" means a generally cylindrical element having a substantially circular, oval, or elliptical cross-section.

[0130] As used herein, the term "color" means any color detectable by a user. "Color" includes white.

[0131] As used herein, the term "mark" means a color or one or more symbols visible and recognizable by a user. The symbol may include a cut or a flap. The mark can convey information to the user. This information may be related to the manufacturer of the product, flavor, strength, other information, or a combination thereof.

[0132] As used herein, the term "colored indicia" means a color or one or more symbols visible to the user. When the indicia is colored, the indicia has a color different from the color of the inhaler article. That is, if the inhaler article is white, the colored indicia can be a color other than white. A white indicia on a white inhaler article is not visible to the user. In order to be visible and recognizable, the colored indicia needs to be a color different from the inherent color of the inhaler article. Thus, "colored indicia" is any use of a color visible to the user. The "colored indicia" may be a color on the surface of the inhaler article. For example, the "colored indicia" may mean that the end face of the inhaler article is a color different from the color of the rest of the inhaler article. Or, the "colored indicia" may be a shape that is a color different from the color of the rest of the inhaler article. For example, the "colored indicia" may be a square of a color different from the color of the rest of the inhaler article. The "colored indicia" may be a circle of a color different from the color of the rest of the inhaler article. The "colored indicia" may be a rectangle of a color different from the color of the rest of the inhaler article. The "colored indicia" may be of any shape. The "colored indicia" may be in the form of a symbol. That is, the symbol may be a color different from the color of the inhaler article. The terms "colored indicia" and "color indicia" are used interchangeably.

[0133] As used herein, the term "symbol" means a mark or character, shape, letter, image, pictograph, hieroglyph, emoji or other visual element. As used herein, a "symbol" can represent or indicate a concept including, but not limited to, the manufacturer, strength, flavor, or nature of the product. The symbol may be one or more symbols.

[0134] As used herein, the term "pack" means a container that houses a plurality of inhaler articles.

[0135] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more of the features of any other example, embodiment, or aspect described herein. Here, examples are further described with reference to the figures.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0136]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

Figure 7C

Figure 7D

Figure 7E

Figure 7F

Figure 7G

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 8C

Figure 9A

Figure 9B

Figure 9C

Figure 9D

Figure 10A

Figure 10B

Figure 10C

Figure 11A

Figure 11B

Figure 12A

Figure 12B

Figure 12C

Figure 13A

Figure 13B

Figure 13C

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0137] The schematic diagrams are not necessarily to scale and are presented for illustrative purposes and not for limitation. The drawings illustrate one or more aspects described in the present disclosure. However, other aspects not illustrated in the drawings fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0138] Figure 1A illustrates an inhaler article 100 having an upstream end 120 (which is also the distal end), a downstream end 130 (which is also the proximal end or the mouthpiece end), and a tubular body 121 extending from the downstream end 130 to the upstream end 120 along the longitudinal axis 122. The upstream end 120 has an upstream end face 152. The downstream end 130 has a downstream end face 153. The upstream end face 152 may have a colored mark 155. The downstream end face 153 may have a colored mark 155. Both the upstream end face 152 and the downstream end face 153 may have colored marks. The mark 155 may be a colored mark 157. The mark 155 may be one or more symbols 156. The mark 155 may be both a visible color 157 and one or more symbols 156. The symbol mark 156 may be a colored symbol mark 156. Figure 1A shows an embodiment of an inhaler article having an elastic element 101 at the upstream end 120 that is cut 104 to form a flap 103. Figure 1A shows the cut 104 and the flap 103 formed by the cut 104. The elastic element may have a mark 155. The elastic element may be the mark 155. For example, the elastic element may be colored and may provide a color mark 157. The elastic element may be a different color from the color of the rest of the inhaler article. For example, the colored mark 157 may be blue. The colored mark 157 may be red. The colored mark 157 may be orange. The colored mark 157 may be black. The colored mark 157 may be green. The colored mark 157 may be yellow. The colored mark 157 may have a design that is a different color from the background color of the inhaler article 100. Alternatively, the elastic element may have at least one symbol mark 156. For example, the flap 103 is a symbol mark 156. The mark may indicate the manufacturer of the inhaler article. The mark may indicate the flavor of the inhaler article. The mark may indicate the nature of the powdered active ingredient within the inhaler article. The mark may indicate the strength of the active ingredient within the inhaler article. The mark may indicate whether the inhaler article has been used. The mark may indicate that the inhaler article is suitable for use in a holder.The mark may provide information related to the inhaler article to the user.

[0139] Figures 1A and 1B also show a capsule cavity 123 that houses the capsule 125. Figure 1B shows an embodiment of an inhaler article having an elastic element 101 at the upstream end 120, the elastic element having a central opening 105. Figures 1A and 1B also show that the inhaler article 100 may have a blocker 131 located near the downstream end 130 of the inhaler article 100. The central opening 105 is the symbol mark 156.

[0140] The tubular body 121 may be made of a carton or wrapping paper wound in the form of a tube. The elastic element 101 has an opening formed by a cut 104 that forms a flap 103, as shown in Figure 1A. These cut flaps 103 provide an opening in the elastic element 101. In Figure 1B, the central opening 105 is shown. These openings provide access such that when the inhaler article 100 is placed in the holder 200 and the capsule 125 is activated, the through-pin 205 can reach the capsule 125 and pierce it. At the same time, these openings are smaller than the diameter of the capsule 125 to prevent the capsule 125 from falling out of the inhaler article 100 before, during, or after use. Figures 1A and 1B also show the blocker element 131.

[0141] Figure 2 shows the inhaler article 100 of the present disclosure inserted within a holder 200 that forms an inhaler system 300. The inhaler article 100 has a capsule 125, a capsule cavity 123, and a tubular body 121. The holder 200 has a housing 201 that defines a housing cavity 216. The housing cavity 216 has an open end 220 and a through end 221. When the inhaler article 100 is introduced into the holder 200 and into the housing cavity 216, the inhaler article 100 pushes against a movable cap 202 that is movable at the distal end of the housing cavity 216. The movable cap 202 has prongs 210. These prongs 210 may be part of the movable cap or may be separated from the movable cap. The prongs 210 are positioned within the housing cavity 216. The prongs 210 are structured to be inserted into the tubular body 121 of the inhaler article 100 when the inhaler article 100 is inserted into the holder 200. The movable cap 202 moves downward relative to the housing 201 as indicated by the arrow. As the inhaler article and the movable cap 202 move downward relative to the housing 201, a through pin 205 extends through an elastic element (not shown in FIG. 2, see FIGS. 3A and 3B) and penetrates the capsule 125.

[0142] There is an air inlet 206 through the housing 201 that enables air to enter the inhaler system 300. Air enters the inhaler system 300 by flowing into an air flow path 301 through the air inlet 206, passes through an air flow passage 208 through the movable cap 202, and flows into the capsule cavity 123 of the inhaler article 100. Since the air flow passage 208 is tangential to the longitudinal axis 122 of the inhaler article 100 (and the capsule cavity 123), the air flowing through the capsule cavity 123 flows into a swirling air flow path 302. In an embodiment, there is one air flow passage 208. In an embodiment, there are two air flow passages 208. In an embodiment, there are three or more air flow passages 208.

[0143] When using such an article, the user removes the inhaler article 100 from its packaging which may include the pack 150 shown in FIG. 6. The user inserts the inhaler article 100 into the holder 200 to form the inhaler system 300. When the inhaler article 100 is inserted into the holder 200, the user depresses the inhaler article, whereby the movable cap 202 moves relative to the through-pin 205, and the capsule 125 housed in the capsule cavity 123 of the inhaler article moves to contact the through-pin 205 and the capsule 125 is penetrated. When the capsule 125 is penetrated, the movable cap 202 is retracted, for example, by the action of the spring 212. The movement of the movable cap is indicated by the arrow 215.

[0144] After the capsule 125 has been penetrated, the inhaler article moves away from the capsule 125 as shown in FIG. 2. Air flows into the system through the air inlet 206, through the air flow path 208, through the capsule cavity 123, through the blocker element 131, and out of the system through the downstream end 130 of the inhaler article 100 into the user's mouth. The powder released from the penetrated capsule 125 is entrained within the air flow path 302 and the powder is delivered to the downstream end 130 (mouthpiece end) of the inhaler article 100 and inhaled by the user. This air flow is initiated by the suction provided by the user at the mouthpiece end, downstream end 130 of the inhaler article 100. Further, the swirling air flow path 302 provides a stirring or swirling air flow that agitates the capsule 125 inside the capsule cavity 123 and improves the release of powder from the capsule 125 during use.

[0145] To provide the user with an appropriate dose of powder, it is desirable to generate an effective airflow through the inhaler system 300 and to be able to mix an appropriate amount of powder within the airflow. The powder is released from the capsule 125 through holes introduced into the capsule by the piercing pin 205. This piercing pin 205 also passes through the upstream end 120 of the inhaler article. When the upstream end 120 of the inhaler article 100 is closed, the piercing pin 205 introduces holes into the upstream end 120 of the inhaler article 100. The holes created by the piercing pin 205 in the upstream end 120 of the inhaler article are generally related to the size of the piercing pin 205. Generally, the holes created by the piercing pin 205 are not large enough to allow an airflow through the inhaler system 300 sufficient to provide the user with an appropriate volume of powder. That is, the small holes in the upstream end 120 of the inhaler article 100 within the inhaler system 300 introduce a significant draw-through resistance (RTD) into the system, creating a system that does not have sufficient airflow to provide the user with an appropriate dose of powder released from the capsule 125. One solution to this RTD problem is to provide an inhaler article 100 with an upstream end 120 that is open when inserted within the holder.

[0146] After using the inhaler system 300, the user can pull the inhaler article 100 out of the holder 200. After the inhaler article 100 is pulled out of the holder, the elastic element 101 returns to its pre-use state, or substantially its pre-use state. After the inhaler article 100 has been used and pulled out of the holder, the inhaler article 100 can be returned into the package or pack 150. As shown in FIG. 6A below, the inhaler article may be packaged in the pack with a colored mark 153 facing "upward" towards the consumer or visible at the upstream end of the article 100 that is visible to the consumer. When the inhaler article 100 is returned into the pack, it may be inverted so that the colored mark, which may be a color or at least one symbol provided by the elastic element, is not visible. In this way, the consumer can readily tell which of the articles in the pack have been used. Alternatively, the inhaler article may be packaged in the pack with a colored mark facing "downward" that is not visible to the consumer as the pack is opened, at the upstream end of the article. When the inhaler article 100 is returned into the pack, it may be inverted so that the colored mark, which may be a color or at least one symbol provided by the elastic element, is visible. For example, the inhaler article may be provided in the pack with an elastic element 101 oriented "downward" such that the elastic element is not visible to the user when the user opens the lid 151 of the pack 150 that contains a plurality of unused inhaler articles 100. After use, when the user returns the inhaler article into the pack, the user may invert the used inhaler article so that the elastic element of the used inhaler article is "upward" and visible to the user. This colored mark that is visible to the user when the used inhaler article 100 is returned into the pack indicates to the user that the inhaler article with the colored mark has been used. The user can then distinguish between the used and unused inhaler articles in the pack. The user can select an unused inhaler article for the next dose and repeat the process described above. Alternatively, when the inhaler article 100 is returned into the pack, it may be inverted so that the colored mark, which may be a color or at least one symbol provided by the elastic element, is not visible.For example, the inhaler article may be provided within the pack with an elastic element 101 oriented "upward" such that the elastic element is visible to the user when the user opens the lid 151 of the pack 150 that houses a plurality of unused inhaler articles 100. After use, if the user returns the inhaler article into the pack, the user may invert the used inhaler article such that the elastic element of the used inhaler article is "downward" and not visible to the user. When returning the used inhaler article 100 into the pack, the lack of a colored mark on this inverted inhaler article indicates to the user that the inhaler article without a mark is the used inhaler article. The user can then distinguish between the used inhaler articles and the unused inhaler articles within the pack. The user can select an unused inhaler article for the next dose and may repeat the process described above. Further, the presence of the colored mark 155 facilitates the user to return the used inhaler article into the pack instead of discarding the used inhaler article into the environment. The presence of the colored mark provides information to the user. Also, the presence of the colored mark reduces contamination.

[0147] Before and after inserting the inhaler article 100 into the holder 200, it is desirable to ensure that the capsule 125 containing the active ingredient is retained within the inhaler article. Further, it is desirable to prevent powder from flowing out of the inhaler article 100 before and after inserting the inhaler article 100 into the holder 200. It is desirable to prevent the capsule powder from falling or flowing out of the inhaler article 100 before and after use. By providing an inhaler article 100 having an open upstream end 120, the capsule 125 cannot be retained inside the capsule cavity 123 of the inhaler article 100. The present disclosure addresses both the RTD issue and the retention issue and provides a solution that also provides information to the user to reduce contamination. These solutions are closed (or relatively closed) before and after insertion into the holder 200, retain the capsule and powder to form the inhaler system 300, and open while being inserted into the holder 200 during use to provide an appropriate airflow and an appropriate volume of powder to the user of the inhaler system 300, and can also provide information to the user to prevent contamination, and are provided by providing an elastic element at the upstream end of the inhaler article with a colored mark.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 2, when inserting the inhaler article into the holder, the user simultaneously moves the movable cap 202 to pierce the capsule 125 and inserts the insertion portion of the movable cap 202 into the inhaler article to provide an airflow opening 140 for an appropriate RTD for the proper operation of the inhaler system 300 at the upstream end 120 of the inhaler article 100. That is, the hole at the upstream end 120 of the inhaler article 100 is large enough for the inhaler system to function when the movable cap is inserted into the inhaler article and the elastic element 101 moves or stretches and opens.

[0149] Furthermore, when the inhaler article 100 is removed from the holder 200, the elastic element returns (partially or fully) to its pre-insertion state. When the elastic element 101 returns to its pre-insertion state, the capsule 125 and the powder are contained inside the inhaler article 100. However, the elastic element 101 including the colored mark 155 remains, which can provide information to the user and also reduce contamination.

[0150] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate the insertion of the inhaler article 100 having the elastic element 101 with the flap 103 into the holder 200. The inhaler article 100 is inserted into the housing cavity 216 of the holder 200. The arrows in Figures 3A and 3B illustrate the insertion of the inhaler article 100 into the holder 200. Figure 3A illustrates the inhaler article 100 having the elastic element 101 with the flap 103 at the upstream end 120. Figure 3B illustrates the inhaler article 100 having the elastic element 101 with the flap 103 at the upstream end 120 inserted into the holder 200, and the flap 103 is opened by the prong of the movable cap 210 of the holder 200 at 106. When the flap 103 is opened, an air flow opening 140 is generated. This air flow opening 140 generates a large area for the swirling air flow to flow through the inhaler system 300. The flap 103 cut in the elastic element 101 is the mark 155. That is, the flap 103 is a symbol in the form of a flap shape within the elastic element 101.

[0151] After using the inhaler system 300, the user can pull out the inhaler article 100 from the holder 200. When the inhaler article 100 is pulled out from the holder and the prong of the movable cap 210 is removed from the inhaler article 100, the elastic element 101 returns to its pre-use state or substantially its pre-use state. After use, the flap 103 on the upstream end 120 of the inhaler article 100 returns to the closed state, for example, as shown in Figure 1A.

[0152] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate the insertion of the inhaler article 100 of the present disclosure into the holder 200 to form the inhaler system 300. The arrows in Figures 4A and 4B illustrate the insertion of the inhaler article 100 into the housing cavity 216 of the holder 200. Figure 4A illustrates the inhaler article 100 having the elastic element 101 at the upstream end 120, and the elastic element 101 has a central opening 105. Figure 4B illustrates the inhaler article 100 having the elastic element 101 with the central opening 105 at the upstream end 120 inserted into the holder 200, and the central opening 105 is opened to form the airflow opening 140. The central opening 105 is opened to form the airflow opening 140 by inserting the prong of the movable cap 210 that can move through the central opening 105 of the elastic element 101 of the inhaler article 100. The central opening 105 provided in the elastic element 101 is the mark 155. That is, the central opening 105 is a symbol in the form of the central opening shape of the elastic element 101. In an embodiment, the diameter of the central opening 105 may be about 30% of the diameter of the elastic element. In an embodiment, the diameter of the central opening may be less than 30% of the diameter of the elastic element.

[0153] After using the inhaler system 300, the user can pull the inhaler article 100 out of the holder 200. When the inhaler article 100 is pulled out of the holder and the prong of the movable cap 210 is removed from the inhaler article 100, the elastic element 101 returns to its state before use, or substantially its state before use. After use, the central opening 105 of the elastic element 101 returns to the closed state, for example, as shown in Figure 1B. When the inhaler article 100 is removed from the holder 200, the elastic element returns to its state before insertion (partially or completely). When the elastic element 101 returns to its state before insertion, the capsule 125 and the powder are accommodated inside the inhaler article 100. However, the elastic element 101 including the mark 155 remains, which can provide information to the user and also reduce contamination.

[0154] Figure 5A is an embodiment of an inhaler article of the present disclosure for use with a holder having a heater. The inhaler article 100 shown in Figure 5A includes a rod 12 of an aerosol generating substrate 12 and a downstream section 14 located downstream of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate. Further, the inhaler article 100 includes an upstream section 16 located upstream of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate. Thus, the inhaler article 100 extends from an upstream end face 152 and an upstream element 18 to a downstream or mouth-side end 130 having a downstream end face 153. The inhaler article has an overall length of about 45 millimeters. The downstream section 14 includes a support element 22 located immediately downstream of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate, and the support element 22 is aligned with the rod 12 in the longitudinal direction. In the embodiment of Figure 5A, the upstream element 18 abuts against the upstream end of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate. Further, the downstream section 14 includes an aerosol cooling element 24 located immediately downstream of the support element 22, and the aerosol cooling element 24 is aligned with the rod 12 and the support element 22 in the longitudinal direction. In the embodiment of Figure 5A, the upstream end of the aerosol cooling element 24 abuts against the downstream end of the support element 22. In this embodiment, the inhaler article has an upstream element 18.

[0155] The support element 22 and the aerosol cooling element 24 together define an intermediate hollow section 50 of the inhaler article 100. The support element 22 includes a first hollow tubular segment 26. The first hollow tubular segment 26 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube made of cellulose acetate. The first hollow tubular segment 26 defines an internal cavity 28 that extends entirely from the upstream end 30 of the first hollow tubular segment to the downstream end 32 of the first hollow tubular segment 26. The internal cavity 28 is substantially empty, and thus substantially unrestricted air flow is possible along the internal cavity 28. The aerosol cooling element 24 includes a second hollow tubular segment 34. The second hollow tubular segment 34 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube made of cellulose acetate. The second hollow tubular segment 34 defines an internal cavity 36 that extends entirely from the upstream end 38 of the second hollow tubular segment to the downstream end 40 of the second hollow tubular segment 34. The internal cavity 36 is substantially empty, and thus substantially unrestricted air flow is possible along the internal cavity 36. The downstream section 14 further includes a blocker element 131 located downstream of the intermediate hollow section 50. More specifically, the blocker element 131 is positioned immediately downstream of the aerosol cooling element 24. As shown in the drawing of Figure 5A, the upstream end of the blocker element 131 abuts the downstream end 40 of the aerosol cooling element 24. The blocker element 131 is provided in the form of a cylindrical plug of low density cellulose acetate. The blocker element 131 can be a filter. The blocker element 131 has a length of about 12 millimeters and an outer diameter of about 7.25 millimeters. The RTD of the mouthpiece element 131 is about 12 1 0 millimeters H2O. The rod 12 includes an aerosol generating substrate of one of the types described above. The rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate has an outer diameter of about 7.25 millimeters and a length of about 12 millimeters.

[0156] The inhaler article 100 further includes an elongate susceptor 44 within the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate. More particularly, the susceptor 44 is disposed substantially longitudinally within the aerosol generating substrate so as to be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod 12. The susceptor 44 is positioned at a radially central location within the rod and extends effectively along the longitudinal axis of the rod 12. The susceptor 44 extends fully from the upstream end to the downstream end of the rod 12. In fact, the susceptor 44 has substantially the same length as the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0157] In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, the susceptor 44 is provided in the form of a strip and has a length of about 12 millimeters, a thickness of about 60 micrometers, and a width of about 4 millimeters. The upstream section 16 includes an upstream element 18 positioned immediately upstream of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate, and the upstream element 18 is longitudinally aligned with the rod 12. In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, the downstream end of the upstream element 18 abuts the upstream end of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate. This advantageously prevents the susceptor 44 from becoming detached. Further, this ensures that a consumer cannot accidentally come into contact with the heated susceptor 44 after use. The upstream element 18 is provided in the form of a cylindrical plug of cellulose acetate surrounded by a rigid wrapper. The upstream element 18 has a length of about 5 millimeters.

[0158] FIG. 5B is an illustration of one embodiment of the inhaler article 100 of the present disclosure that engages with one embodiment of the holder 200 to form the inhaler system 300. As shown in FIG. 5B, the inhaler article 100 of FIG. 5A is inserted into the holder 200 having the cavity 120 to receive and accommodate the inhaler article 100. The holder 200 includes a power source 160 (e.g., a lithium ion battery) and an electrical circuit 170 including a controller for controlling the operation of the inhaler system 300, particularly for controlling the heating process. The holder 200 includes an induction source including an induction coil 310 for generating an alternating, particularly high frequency electromagnetic field. The induction coil 310 is a helical coil that circumferentially surrounds the cylindrical receiving cavity 120. The induction coil 310 is formed from a wire 380 and has a plurality of turns or windings extending along its length. The wire 380 has a circular cross-section. In other embodiments, the wire may have a flat cross-sectional shape.

[0159] In use, in the embodiments of FIGS. 5A and 5B, when the device is activated, a high frequency alternating current passes through the induction coil 310. This causes the coil 310 to generate an alternating magnetic field within the cavity 120. As a result, the susceptor 44 located within the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate heats up due to at least one of eddy currents or hysteresis losses, depending on the magnetic and electrical properties of the susceptor element 44. The susceptor 44 then heats the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate to a temperature sufficient to form an aerosol. The aerosol can be drawn downstream through the inhaler article 100 for the user to inhale.

[0160] In an embodiment, the upstream end face 152 of the inhaler article 100 includes a colored mark 155. In an embodiment, the downstream end face 153 of the inhaler article 100 includes a colored mark. In an embodiment, both the upstream end face 152 and the downstream end face 153 of the inhaler article include a colored mark 155. In an embodiment, the mark 155 is a color mark 157. In an embodiment, the mark 155 is at least one symbol 156. In an embodiment, the mark is both a color 157 and at least one symbol 156. In an embodiment, the colored mark 155 on the upstream end face 152 is a different color from the colored mark 155 on the downstream end face 153 of the inhaler article 100.

[0161] In an embodiment, the inhaler article includes a tubular body, and in a linear and continuous arrangement, from an upstream end to a downstream mouthpiece end, an upstream element, a rod of an aerosol generating substrate located downstream of the upstream element, an aerosol cooling element located downstream of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate, a blocker element located downstream of the aerosol cooling element, and an outer wrapper surrounding the upstream element, the aerosol cooling element, and the blocker element.

[0162] Figures 6A and 6B are examples of a plurality of inhaler articles 100 of the present disclosure packaged within a pack 150. The pack 150 has a lid 151. When the lid 151 of the pack 150 is opened, the end faces of the plurality of inhaler articles 100 are visible to the user. The end face that is visible when the lid of the pack 151 is opened is "upward". The end faces that are not visible when the lid 151 of the pack 150 is opened, the end faces inserted into the pack, these end faces are "downward". The visible end face can be the upstream end face 152 or the downstream end face 153 depending on their orientation when the inhaler article is packaged within the pack 150. Initially, since the inhaler articles are packaged within the pack 150 during manufacture, all of the inhaler articles are initially packaged in the same orientation within the pack. That is, either the upstream end face 152 or the downstream end face 153 is "upward" and visible when the lid 151 of the pack 150 is opened.

[0163] FIG. 6A is an illustration showing the inhaler article 100 packaged within the pack 150. In FIG. 6A, the mark 155 is visible when the lid 151 of the pack 150 is opened. That is, the mark 155 is oriented “upward” within the pack. In this embodiment, the inhaler article has the mark 155 on the upstream end face 152 and no mark on the downstream end face 153. As shown in FIG. 6A, the upstream end face 152 is upward and the downstream end face 153 is downward. The downstream end face 153 does not have the mark 155. The opposing end face, the upstream end face 152, faces “upward” and is visible with the lid of the pack 150 open. Thus, as shown in FIG. 6A, the mark 155 is visible when the lid 151 of the pack 150 is opened. That is, in this illustration of FIG. 6A, the inhaler article 100 is packaged within the pack 150 such that when the lid 151 of the pack 150 is opened, the upstream end is inside the pack (the upstream end is “upward”) and the downstream end 153 is at the bottom of the pack and not visible (the downstream end 153 is “upward”). That is, as shown in FIG. 6A, the inhaler article is packaged within the pack 150 with the upstream end upward.

[0164] In an embodiment, the inhaler article may be packaged within the pack 150 with the upstream end face 152 downward and the downstream end face 153 upward. That is, in an embodiment, the inhaler article may be packaged within the pack such that the consumer sees the downstream end face 153 as the pack is opened. In an embodiment, the downstream end face 153 has a colored mark 155.

[0165] Figure 6B shows that a part of the visible end face of the plurality of inhaler articles 100 may have a colored mark 155 that is visible when the lid 151 of the pack 150 is opened. The mark 155 may be a colored mark 157. For example, the colored mark 157 may be blue. The colored mark 157 may be red. The colored mark 157 may be orange. The colored mark 157 may be black. The colored mark 157 may be green. The colored mark 157 may be yellow. The colored mark 157 may have a design with a color different from the background color of the inhaler article 100. The mark may be a symbol mark 156. The mark can be both a mark of the color 157 and the symbol 156. The mark may be on the elastic element 101. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the mark 155 is present on the upstream end face 152 of the inhaler article 100 and not on the downstream end face 153 of the inhaler article 100.

[0166] As illustrated in FIG. 6B, the pack 150 can accommodate some of the inhaler articles 100 within the pack 150 with the downstream end 153 facing upward without a mark. Also, the same pack 150 may accommodate some of the inhaler articles 100 within the pack 150 with the upstream end 152 facing upward having a mark 155. That is, a portion of the inhaler article 100 is inverted within the pack as shown in FIG. 6B. In this way, the mark 155 on the upstream end face 152 of these inverted inhaler articles is visible when the lid 151 of the pack 150 is opened. This can occur when, as shown in FIG. 6A, the user removes the inhaler article from the new pack 150 and all of the inhaler articles 100 are packaged within the pack 150 with the visible mark on the upstream end face 152 facing upward. Next, the user uses the inhaler article removed from the pack 150. If the user returns the used inhaler article into the pack 150, the user inverts the used inhaler article 100 and places the used inhaler article 100 within the pack in a state where the downstream face 153 does not have a mark 155 facing "upward". That is, the user inverts the inhaler article when returning the used inhaler article into the pack 150. As seen in FIG. 6B, some of the inhaler articles 100 have visible marks 155 and some of the inhaler articles do not have visible marks. When the user removes the inhaler article from the pack, the used inhaler article is inverted within the pack, and also, since the mark 155 on the upstream end face 152 of the unused inhaler article 100 indicates to the user that the inhaler article 100 having the visible mark 155 is new, the user can tell which inhaler articles are used. The inhaler articles without visible marks and the inhaler articles inverted when reinserted into the pack are used. Thereby, the user can easily distinguish between the new inhaler articles 100 and the used inhaler articles 100 housed within the pack 150. Since the user can distinguish between the new inhaler articles and the used inhaler articles within the pack, the user is more likely to return the used inhaler articles within the pack and less likely to discard the used inhaler articles into the environment.

[0167] Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, and 7G illustrate embodiments of an inhaler article of the present disclosure having an elastic element 101 cut at its upstream end to form a flap 103. The number of cuts 104 and the length of the cuts 104 define the geometric shape of the flap 103 formed by the cuts 104. Figure 7A illustrates a flap 103 that folds back to form an internal opening. Figure 7A shows the number of cuts 104 that define an arc 135 and the shape of the flap 103 where the flap is folded inward. The arc 135 changes depending on the number of cuts (3 diametrical cuts or 6 radial cuts as shown in Figure 7B, or 8 radial cuts or 4 diametrical cuts as shown in Figure 7C). Increasing the number of cuts reduces the arc 135. For example, Figure 7B illustrates an elastic element having 3 diametrical cuts or 6 radial cuts to form 6 flaps. As shown in Figure 7C, the resulting arc 135 for an elastic element with 6 flaps is larger than the arc obtained from an elastic element of the same size having 4 diametrical cuts or 8 radial cuts to form 8 flaps. Increasing the number of cuts 104, and thus the number of flaps 103, reduces the arc 135. Further, the length of the cuts 104 affects the arc 135. By changing the geometric shape of these flaps and reducing the arc 135, it may be possible to use different materials for the elastic element 101. For example, providing more flaps reduces the arc and the elasticity of the elastic material, and it may be possible for the flap 103 to return to its original shape, or nearly its original shape, even after being opened. For example, cardboard may be a suitable material when there are more flaps and a smaller arc. When there are 4 or 6 flaps, the material may need to be more elastic, such as silicon, latex, rubber, or plastic. In an embodiment, the elastic material may be, for example, silicon, latex, rubber, plastic, paper, aluminum foil, paper tape, a paper layer, or a laminated PLA on cardboard. When more elasticity is required, the material may be selected from kesilicone, latex, rubber, or a combination.In an embodiment, the elastic element can have a thickness of less than, for example, 0.5 mm.

[0168] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 7D, 7E, and 7F, the length of the cut can also affect the size and shape of the flap and the arc 135. The size of the flap 103, the length of the cut 104, and the geometric shape of the arc 135 can be adjusted in correlation with the material of the elastic element to optimize the ability of the elastic element to close before and after use and to form a suitable airflow path when the inhaler article 100 is inserted into the holder 200 to form the inhaler system 300 during use. FIGS. 7D, 7E, and 7F illustrate a precut 104 that forms the flap 103, and the precut extends to about 90% of the diameter of the inhaler article (FIG. 7D), about 78% of the diameter of the inhaler article (FIG. 7E), and about 65% of the inhaler article (FIG. 7F). FIG. 7G is an illustration of an embodiment of an inhaler article having a central opening 105 and a flap 103. In an embodiment, the elastic element 101 is pre-cut to form at least four flaps. In an embodiment, the elastic element 101 is pre-cut to form at least six flaps. In an embodiment, the elastic element 101 is pre-cut to form four, six, or eight flaps. Such a number of flaps provides an arc region of the elastic element to provide good elasticity and tear resistance (when pushed into the holder 200) and appropriate stiffness to return to its initial position when the article is removed from the holder 200. In an embodiment, the cut extends to about 65% - 95% of the diameter of the elastic element 101.

[0169] In an embodiment, the cuts have a cross at the same length at the center of the elastic element and have similar angles therebetween to provide a symmetric force distribution on the flap when pushed into the holder 200. Providing this symmetry helps prevent tearing of the elastic element associated with inserting the inhaler article into the holder and can contribute to the desired opening and closing of the elastic element.

[0170] In an embodiment, the cut 104 of the elastic element 101 is a mark 155. That is, the cut of the elastic element is a symbol mark 156. In an embodiment, the flap 103 of the elastic element 101 is a symbol mark 156. In an embodiment, the elastic element is colored to have a color mark 157. In an embodiment, the elastic element 103 has both a color mark 157 and a symbol mark 156. The elastic element shown in FIG. 7 provides a mark 155.

[0171] FIG. 8A is an illustration of an embodiment of an inhaler article 100 of the present disclosure having an elastic element 101 at its upstream end that forms an upstream end face 152, the elastic element having a central opening 105. FIG. 8A shows that the elastic element 101 can form the upstream end face 152 of the inhaler article. The elastic element can be colored to provide a color mark 157. The central opening 105 can provide a symbol mark 156. FIG. 8B is another illustration of an inhaler article 100 of the present disclosure having an elastic element 101 at its upstream end, and a plurality of inhaler articles 100 can have a plurality of color marks 157. That is, different colors can be used for the color marks 157. These colors can indicate different manufacturers, different flavors, different strengths, or other information to the user. FIG. 8C is an illustration of an embodiment of the inhaler article 100 of FIG. 5 having a mark 155 on the upstream end face 152 of the upstream element 18. FIG. 8C illustrates that the mark 155 can be a symbol mark 156. However, a color mark 157 may be used. In an embodiment, the diameter of the central hole can be about 30%, less than 30% of the disk diameter.

[0172] FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D are illustrations of embodiments of an inhaler article 100 of the present disclosure. FIG. 9A is an illustration of an elastic element 101 having an applied glue ring 108 before attaching the elastic element 101 to the upstream end 120 of the inhaler article 100. FIG. 8B is a photograph of an embodiment of the upstream end 120 of the inhaler article 100 before the elastic element 101 is attached. FIG. 9C is an illustration of the application of the elastic element 101 to the upstream end 120 of the inhaler article 100. FIG. 9D shows an illustration of the inhaler article 100 after the elastic element is attached to the upstream end 120 of the inhaler article 100.

[0173] Figures 10A, 10B, and 10C illustrate a manufacturing apparatus 400 and method for an inhaler article 100 having an elastic element 101 affixed to an upstream end 120 of the inhaler article 100. This manufacturing apparatus 400 operates to cut out a round disk of elastic material to form an elastic element 101 that fits onto the upstream end 120 of the inhaler article 100. Figure 10A shows a ribbon cutter 403 having a feeder reel 401, a ribbon 402, a cutter 403, a cutter stage 405, and a take-up reel 404. In use, as shown in Figure 10A, the feeder reel 401 contains an uncut ribbon of elastic material 402. This uncut ribbon 402 of elastic material is provided to the ribbon cutter 403 on the cutter stage 405. The cutter 403 cuts a round disk of elastic material to produce the elastic element 101. Further, the cutter 403 may cut the elastic element to form a flap 103 and form an elastic element 101 having the flap 103. Alternatively, the cutter 403 may cut a central opening 105 in the disk to form an elastic element 101 having the central opening 105. As another method, the cut 104 or the central opening 105 may be made in the elastic element 101 in a separate cutting or assembly step. After the disk is cut from the ribbon 402, the used ribbon 406 proceeds to the take-up reel 404. Figure 10B shows a glue station 500 having a glue stage that optionally provides a glue ring to the disk or elastic element in the manufacturing process. Figure 10C shows an element holder 600 that holds three elastic elements and is provided to the glue stage 502 to apply glue to the elastic elements cut during the manufacturing process.

[0174] Figures 11A and 11B illustrate manufacturing equipment and methods for a manufacturing embodiment of an inhaler article 100 having an elastic element 101 attached to an upstream end 120 of the inhaler article 100. Figure 11A shows a cutting process in which a ribbon 402 of elastic material is provided at a cutting stage 405 and a ribbon cutter 403 is directed at the cutting stage 405 towards the ribbon 402 of elastic material. The ribbon cutter 403 cuts an elastic material disk from the ribbon 402 of elastic material. The cutting can occur by press cutting, knife cutting, laser cutting, or any means. Figure 11B shows the process of removing the elastic material disk from the cutting stage 405. Once the cutting is done, the elastic material disk can be removed from the cutting stage 405 and proceed to the next step of the manufacturing process. Further, the cut ribbon 406 proceeds to a take-up reel and a new uncut ribbon is provided to the cutter stage 405 so that the cutting process can be repeated. The cutting process can also include cutting a line within the elastic element to form a flap, or cutting a central opening within the elastic element, or cutting a combination of a central opening and a flap within the elastic element. The cutting process can also include cutting an indicium 155 within the elastic element 101. The cutting process may include cutting a line, a flap, or a central opening within the elastic element. The cutting line 104, the flap 103, or the central opening 105 may be an indicium 155.

[0175] Figures 12A, 12B, and 12C illustrate manufacturing equipment and methods for a manufacturing embodiment of an inhaler article 100 having an elastic element 101 affixed to an upstream end 120 of the inhaler article 100. Figures 12A, 12B, and 12B illustrate the gluing step of the manufacturing process. Figure 12A illustrates the step of providing the elastic element to the gluing station. Figure 12B illustrates the step of loading the glue ring 502. The glue may be extruded onto the stage from a glue storage located below the glue stage. As another method, the glue may be provided in dots, discontinuous rings, thick rings, thin rings, or any other shape to provide the glue to the glue station. Figure 12C illustrates the step of applying glue to the elastic element. Figure 12A illustrates the step of presenting the cut elastic element 101 to the glue stage 500. The glue stage 501 has a glue ring 502. The elastic element 101 is provided on the glue stage 501 on the element holder 600. Figure 12A shows the glue ring 502 before the glue is provided to the glue ring 502. Figure 12B illustrates the glue stage 501 and the glue ring 502 after the glue is provided to the glue ring 502. In other words, the glue ring is loaded with glue as shown in Figure 12B. In an embodiment, the glue may be provided to the glue ring 502 by pushing the glue into the glue ring 502 from a glue storage below the glue stage 501. Figure 12C illustrates the step of pressing the cut elastic element 101 onto the glue stage 501 to provide glue to the elastic element 101. Suitable glues may include starch adhesives such as dextrin, casein-based adhesives, polyamide glue, hot melt glue, cyanoacrylate, organic glue, or any other suitable glue, etc.

[0176] Figures 13A, 13B, and 13C illustrate manufacturing equipment and a manufacturing method for a manufacturing embodiment of an inhaler article having an elastic element 101 attached to the upstream end 120 of the inhaler article 100. Figure 13A illustrates a perspective view of the elastic element 101 having an applied glue ring 503 after the manufacturing process of Figure 12C. Figure 13B illustrates the provision of the elastic element 101 having the applied glue ring 503 to the gluing surface of the inhaler article 100. Figure 13C illustrates an inhaler article having an elastic element 101 attached to the upstream end 120 of the inhaler article 100. In an embodiment, the elastic element 101 is an upstream element. In an embodiment, the elastic element 101 includes a mark 155. In an embodiment, the mark is a color mark 157. In an embodiment, the mark is a symbol mark 156. In an embodiment, the elastic element 101 includes marks of both color and symbol.

[0177] Example 1: An inhaler article for insertion into a holder to form an inhaler system for delivering a compound to a user's lungs, the inhaler article comprising a tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis from a downstream mouthpiece end to an upstream end, the upstream end including an upstream element, the upstream element including an upstream end face, the upstream end face including a mark. Example 2: The inhaler article according to Example 1, wherein the mark includes a colored mark. Example 3. The inhaler article according to Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the mark includes at least one symbol. Example 4. The inhaler article according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the tubular body is in a straight and continuous arrangement and includes, from the upstream end to the downstream mouthpiece end, an upstream element, a capsule cavity for accommodating a capsule, a capsule containing a dry powder active ingredient, and a blocker element. Example 5. The inhaler article according to Example 4, wherein the upstream element includes an elastic element. Example 6. The inhaler article according to Example 5, wherein the elastic element includes an applied elastic element. Example 7. The inhaler article according to Example 6, wherein the applied elastic element is attached to the upstream end of the tubular body. Example 8. The inhaler article according to any one of Examples 5 to 7, wherein the elastic element includes a mark. Example 9. The inhaler article according to any one of Examples 5 to 8, wherein the elastic element includes a cut forming a flap. Example 10. The inhaler article according to Example 9, wherein the elastic element includes at least two diametrical cuts to form at least four flaps. Example 11. The inhaler article according to Example 9, wherein the elastic element includes at least three diametrical cuts to form at least six flaps. Example 12. The inhaler article according to any one of Examples 9 to 11, wherein the cut extends in the range of about 654% to about 95% of the diameter of the elastic element. Example 13. The inhaler article according to any one of Examples 5 to 8, wherein the elastic element includes a central opening. Example 14. The inhaler article according to Example 13, wherein the central opening has a diameter including less than 30% of the diameter of the elastic element. Example 15. The inhaler article according to any one of Examples 5 to 14, wherein the elastic element includes silicon, latex, rubber, plastic, paper, aluminum foil, paper tape, PLA laminated on a paper layer, or cardboard. Example 16. The inhaler article according to any one of Examples 5 to 15, wherein the elastic element includes silicon, latex, rubber, or a combination thereof. Example 17. The inhaler article according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the blocker element includes a filter. Example 18. The inhaler article according to any one of Examples 1 to 17, further comprising a holder, wherein the holder includes a through element. Example 19. The tubular body is arranged in a straight and continuous manner, from the upstream end to the downstream mouthpiece end, including an upstream element, a rod of an aerosol generation substrate located downstream of the upstream element, an aerosol cooling element located downstream of the support element, a blocker element located downstream of the aerosol cooling element, and an outer wrapper surrounding the upstream element, the aerosol cooling element, and the blocker element. The inhaler article according to any one of Examples 1 to 3. Example 20. The inhaler article according to Example 19, wherein the aerosol generation substrate contains tobacco. Example 21. The inhaler article according to Example 19 or 20, further comprising a holder, wherein the holder contains a heater. Example 22. The inhaler article according to Example 21, wherein the heater contains an induction heater. Example 23. The inhaler article according to any one of Examples 1 to 22, further comprising a pack, wherein the pack houses a plurality of inhaler articles. Example 24. The inhaler article according to Example 23, wherein at least one upstream end face including a mark of at least one inhaler article housed in the pack is visible when the pack is opened. Example 25. The pack according to Example 23 or 24, comprising a plurality of inhaler articles according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, arranged in the pack in an unused orientation. Example 26. The pack according to Example 23 or 24, wherein a plurality of inhaler articles are arranged in the pack in a combination of an unused orientation and a used orientation.

[0178] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc. are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and any intermediate ranges therebetween, whether or not specifically enumerated herein. Thus, in this context, a number A is understood as A ± 10% of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values within the general standard error of the measured value of the property being modified by the number A. The number A may deviate by the percentages listed above in some instances used in the appended claims, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not substantially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and any intermediate ranges therebetween, whether or not specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

1. An inhaler article for insertion into a holder to form an inhaler system for delivering a compound to the user's lungs, wherein the inhaler article is It has a tubular body that extends along the long axis from the downstream end of the mouthpiece to the upstream end, The upstream end includes an upstream element, The upstream element includes an upstream end face, An inhaler article wherein the upstream end face includes a colored mark, the color of which is different from the color of the upstream end face on which the colored mark is located.

2. The inhaler article according to claim 1, wherein the colored mark includes at least one symbol.

3. The tubular body is arranged in a straight and continuous manner, from the upstream end to the downstream mouthpiece end, The aforementioned upstream element, The capsule cavity that houses the capsule, The capsule containing the dried powder active ingredient, An inhaler article according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a blocker element.

4. The inhaler article according to claim 3, wherein the upstream element includes an elastic element.

5. The inhaler article according to claim 4, wherein the elastic element is attached to the upstream end of the tubular body.

6. The inhaler article according to claim 4, wherein the elastic element includes a cut that forms a flap.

7. The inhaler article according to claim 4, wherein the elastic element includes a central opening.

8. The inhaler article according to claim 4, wherein the elastic element includes silicone, latex, rubber, or a combination thereof.

9. The inhaler article according to claim 3, wherein the blocker element includes a filter.

10. The tubular body is arranged in a straight and continuous manner, from the upstream end to the downstream mouthpiece end, The aforementioned upstream element, A rod of an aerosol generating substrate located downstream of the aforementioned upstream element, An aerosol cooling element located downstream of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate, A blocker element located downstream of the aerosol cooling element, An inhaler article according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising the upstream element, the aerosol cooling element, and an outer wrapper surrounding the blocker element.

11. The elastic element opens to the open position in response to an opening force, and closes to the closed position when the opening force is removed. The inhaler article according to claim 4, wherein when the elastic element is in the closed position, the elastic element is sufficiently closed to hold the capsule within the capsule cavity between the downstream mouthpiece end and the elastic element.

12. Inhaler system, A holder, wherein the holder includes a through element, An inhaler system comprising an inhaler article according to claim 1 or claim 2, which is inserted into the holder.

13. The inhaler system according to claim 12, wherein the holder provides an opening force for opening the upstream element.

14. The inhaler system according to claim 12, wherein the holder includes a heater.

15. A pack for containing a plurality of inhaler articles according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least one upstream end face of at least one inhaler article contained in the pack, including a colored mark, is visible when the pack is opened.

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