Aerosol-generating article having a repellent

Abstract

An aerosol generating article (10, 100) comprising an aerosol generating substrate (12), a downstream section (14) extending from the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate to the downstream end of the aerosol generating article, and a wrapper (29) surrounding at least a portion of at least one of the aerosol generating substrate (12) and the downstream section (14), the wrapper (29) being held in place by a seam adhesive (30), wherein the seam adhesive (30) contains an aversion agent, and in particular an aerosol generating article (10, 100) for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate and adapted to generate an inhalable aerosol upon heating. In particular, the present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising an aversion agent.

Background Art

[0002] Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-generating substrate such as a tobacco-containing substrate is heated rather than burned are known in the art. Typically, in such heated smoking articles, an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a heat source to a physically separated aerosol-generating substrate or material, which may be in contact with the heat source, within the heat source, around the heat source, or downstream of the heat source. During use of the aerosol-generating article, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-generating substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and entrained in the air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. The released compounds condense as they cool to form an aerosol.

[0003] Numerous prior art documents disclose aerosol-generating devices for consuming aerosol-generating articles. Such devices include, for example, electrically heated aerosol-generating devices in which an aerosol is generated by heat transfer from one or more electrical heater elements of the aerosol-generating device to the aerosol-generating substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article. For example, an electrically heated aerosol-generating device has been proposed that includes an internal heater blade adapted to be inserted into an aerosol-generating substrate. Alternatively, an inductively exothermic aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate and a susceptor disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate has been proposed by WO2015 / 176898.

[0004] For example, there is a general perception of the need to prevent and guard against dangerous behaviors such as the accidental ingestion of aerosol-generating articles and objects containing their components, especially by children. The risks associated with such a behavior can increase for aerosol-generating articles containing hard parts, such as in the case of susceptor elements embedded within an aerosol-generating substrate.

[0005] The use of compounds having an unpleasant, for example bitter, taste as aversive agents is known. As an example, sodium benzoate has been proposed as a deterrent to the accidental ingestion of toxic substances such as liquid surfactants by children. Among other candidate compounds, sodium benzoate has been selected for use in the context in question based on its existing use in alcohols as a denaturant, as well as in finger-sucking deterrent products and nail-biting deterrent products.

[0006] Also, it has been proposed to utilize the unpleasant bitter flavor associated with certain aversive agents to encourage consumers to quit smoking. For example, WO 2019 / 056029 A1 discloses a smoking cessation attachment that is fitted onto the circumferential surface of a cigarette and can come into contact with a consumer's lips during use of the cigarette. The attachment contains a bitter substance that can be absorbed through the consumer's lips or oral mucosa or both. This causes a change in taste during normal use of the cigarette.

[0007] The smoking cessation attachment disclosed by WO 2019 / 056029 A1 is intended to make the intended use of the cigarette very unpleasant for the consumer. In contrast, in the context of the present disclosure, there is a felt need to deter and prevent the incorrect use of aerosol-generating articles (such as the ingestion or chewing of aerosol-generating articles), while at the same time ensuring that the normal intended use of the aerosol-generating articles is not substantially affected.

[0008] In fact, the technical solution disclosed by International Publication No. WO 2019 / 056029 A1 substantially depends on direct contact between the attachment and the consumer's lips to intentionally deliver bitter substances to the consumer and induce an unpleasant sensory response during normal use of a cigarette. In contrast, in this context, the contact between an aerosol-generating article and the consumer's lips and oral mucosa during normal use of the aerosol-generating article is not associated with any kind of strong and unpleasant taste response, and it is desirable that the specific compound used as this aversive agent can elicit a taste response even at higher dilutions.

[0009] An additional problem is represented by the fact that the consumer's fingers may be contaminated by the aversive agent when handling the aerosol-generating article, which is also undesirable as it may cause an unpleasant sensory experience afterwards. Therefore, in this context, there is a felt need to ensure that contact between the consumer's fingers and the aerosol-generating article during normal handling and use of the aerosol-generating article does not result in the transfer of the aversive agent onto the consumer's fingers.

[0010] Furthermore, it must be borne in mind that the aversive agent may have an undesirable effect on the quality of the aerosol delivered to the consumer, especially when even trace amounts of the aversive agent can volatilize into the aerosol upon heating of the aerosol-generating substrate and can therefore be delivered to the consumer.

[0011] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a new and improved aerosol-generating article adapted to deter ingestion of the aerosol-generating article or components thereof, while generally limiting or preventing at least one of the undesirable effects mentioned above. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article, particularly for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating.

[0013] The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate.

[0014] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a downstream section extending from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0015] The aerosol-generating article may comprise an air flow path through which air can enter the aerosol-generating article, pass through the aerosol-generating substrate, and exit the aerosol-generating article. For example, when there is one such downstream section, the air may exit the aerosol-generating article through the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may further comprise an aversion agent.

[0016] The aversion agent may be provided in a location within the aerosol-generating article such that during normal intended use of the aerosol-generating article, direct contact between the aversion agent and the consumer's lips or oral mucosa can be substantially prevented.

[0017] The aversion agent may be provided in a location within the aerosol-generating article such that during normal intended use of the aerosol-generating article, direct contact between the aversion agent and the consumer's finger can be substantially prevented.

[0018] Furthermore, the aversion agent may be provided in a location within the aerosol-generating article such that the aversion agent is not directly exposed to the air flow path, and as a result, the aversion agent may be substantially prevented from directly entering the air flow path.

[0019] For example, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a wrapper surrounding at least a portion of at least one of the aerosol-generating substrate and the downstream section, and the wrapper is held in place by a seam adhesive. The seam adhesive may comprise the aversion agent.

[0020] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating article further comprises a downstream section extending from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article further comprises a wrapper surrounding at least a portion of at least one of the aerosol-generating substrate and the downstream section, the wrapper being held in place by a seam adhesive. The seam adhesive contains an aversion agent.

[0021] In contrast to existing aerosol-generating articles, in the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, an aversion agent is provided within the seam adhesive, and the seam adhesive holds the wrapper in place.

[0022] As will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, by providing an aversion agent in the seam adhesive, advantageously, during normal intended use of the aerosol-generating article, contact between the aversion agent and the consumer's lips and oral mucosa can be substantially prevented. This is because the wrapper and the seam adhesive itself provide a barrier between the aversion agent and the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article. Advantageously, this also serves to eliminate direct contact between the consumer's fingers and the aversion agent during normal handling and use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0023] Furthermore, since the aversion agent is not on the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article, movement of the aversion agent to other aerosol-generating articles, such as other aerosol-generating articles provided in the same package during transportation or storage, can also be advantageously avoided. In certain embodiments, it may be possible to exclude direct exposure of the aversion agent to the generated aerosol stream, and in certain preferred embodiments, it may even be possible to prevent even trace amounts of the aversion agent from being released into the aerosol.

[0024] Since the joint adhesive is airtight, airflow into the article through the joint adhesive is prevented. Thus, since the repellent is contained within the joint adhesive, the repellent is not within the mainstream airflow path. Thus, it will be appreciated that the present invention effectively provides an aerosol-generating article, and the repellent is provided in a location such that the repellent is not directly exposed to the airflow path.

[0025] In the context of the present invention, the expression "not directly exposed to the airflow path" means that there is at least a layer of another material separating the repellent from the airflow path at its intended location. For example, the repellent may be embedded in a component of the aerosol-generating article far from any surface of a component that may be directly contacted by the aerosol during use.

[0026] Furthermore, in such embodiments where the article is heated by a heater element disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate, the repellent is not provided in a location within the aerosol-generating article where heat is supplied during normal use. This reduces the amount of repellent entering the mainstream airflow path.

[0027] However, according to the present invention, even providing the repellent in a location within the aerosol-generating article such that the repellent is not directly exposed to the airflow path may not completely prevent movement of the repellent from its intended location to other parts or components of the aerosol-generating article, and thus trace amounts of the repellent may be detected at other locations within the aerosol-generating article. Nevertheless, the inventors have found that in the aerosol-generating articles according to the present invention, no repellent is detected in the aerosol delivered to the consumer at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. Without wishing to be bound by theory, if trace amounts of the repellent move from its intended location into the aerosol-generating substrate, the heat supplied to the aerosol-generating substrate during use is assumed to raise its temperature above the decomposition temperature of the repellent. As a result, only trace amounts of decomposition products may actually be delivered to the consumer.

[0028] At the same time, by disposing an aversive agent near the outside of the aerosol-generating article, particularly at a position within the aerosol-generating article adjacent to the wrapper, accidental ingestion of the aerosol-generating article can be efficiently prevented. This is because when the aerosol-generating article is bitten, the aversive agent is rapidly released. Such a deterrent effect is particularly beneficial in embodiments where the susceptor element is embedded within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0029] As briefly described above, the present invention provides an aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol by heating.

[0030] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article that heats an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an inhalable aerosol and delivers it to a consumer. The term "aerosol-generating substrate" as used herein means a substrate having the ability to release a volatile compound upon heating to generate an aerosol.

[0031] Conventional cigarettes are ignited when a user applies a flame to one end of the cigarette and draws air through the other end. The localized heat provided by the oxygen in the air drawn through the flame and the cigarette causes the end of the cigarette to ignite, and the resulting combustion generates inhalable smoke. In contrast, in a heated aerosol-generating article, the aerosol is generated by heating a flavor-generating substrate, such as tobacco, without combustion of the flavor-generating substrate. Known heated aerosol-generating articles include, for example, electrically heated aerosol-generating articles and aerosol-generating articles in which the aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from a heat source to an aerosol-forming material physically separated therefrom.

[0032] The aerosol generating article according to the present invention has a specific use in an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device having a heating chamber in which the aerosol generating article is received so that heat can be supplied to the aerosol generating substrate. This may be achieved by providing one or more heating elements disposed around the periphery of the heating chamber, and the one or more heating elements are resistively heated or inductively heated. As another method, this may also be achieved by a resistively heated blade-shaped component of the aerosol generating device that is inserted into the aerosol generating substrate when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating chamber.

[0033] According to yet another alternative, the susceptor element may be provided within the aerosol generating substrate, and the aerosol generating device may have an inductor for generating an alternating electromagnetic field or a fluctuating electromagnetic field. When the aerosol generating article engages with the aerosol generating device, the fluctuating electromagnetic field generated by the inductor induces a current within the susceptor element to heat the susceptor element. The electrically operated aerosol generating device preferably has the ability to generate a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a magnetic field strength (strength of the H field) of 1 to 5 kiloamperes per meter (kA / m), preferably 2 to 3 kA / m, for example about 2.5 kA / m.

[0034] The aerosol generating article may be in the shape of a rod. The term "rod" as used herein in connection with the present invention is used to denote a generally cylindrical element having a substantially circular, oval or elliptical cross-section.

[0035] The term "longitudinal direction" as used herein refers to the direction corresponding to the major longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article, which extends between the upstream end and the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" as used herein describe the relative position of an element (or portion of an element) of the aerosol generating article with respect to the direction in which the aerosol is conveyed through the aerosol generating article during use.

[0036] In use, air is drawn longitudinally through the aerosol-generating article. The term "transverse direction" refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Any reference to a "cross-section" of the aerosol-generating article or a component of the aerosol-generating article refers to a transverse cross-section, unless otherwise specified.

[0037] The term "length" means the dimension of a component of the aerosol-generating article in the longitudinal direction. For example, it may be used to mean the dimension of the aerosol-generating substrate or the upstream section in the longitudinal direction.

[0038] The term "aerosol former" is used herein to describe a compound that, upon volatilization, can assist in the transport of nicotine and flavorants, and other vaporized compounds released from the aerosol-generating substrate upon heating, in the aerosol. Suitable aerosol formers for inclusion in the aerosol-generating substrate are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate).

[0039] The term "aversive agent" is used herein to describe a compound that can be added to a product for the purpose of deterring or restricting its intake. The chemical properties of the aversive agent determine the type of product to which the aversive agent can be added. In particular, the chemical properties of the aversive agent determine the type of adhesive to which the aversive agent can be added. For example, chemical stability and solubility can affect the compatibility of the aversive agent with a given type of product. Examples of aversive agents include pungent agents (also called irritants) and bitter agents.

[0040] The term "pungent agent" is used herein to describe a group of compounds that produce a sharp, stinging taste and a burning sensation when topically applied to mucosal and skin surfaces. Common pungent agents include, but are not limited to, capsaicin (chili pepper), piperine (black pepper), allyl isothiocyanate (mustard oil), and resiniferatoxin.

[0041] The term "bitter agent" is used herein to describe a group of chemically different compounds having the common property of imparting bitterness to a substance. Compounds considered to be bitter agents include, but are not limited to, sodium benzoate, columbin, amalogentin, quassin, absinthin, and quinine hydrochloride.

[0042] The "bitterness value" of a given substance, such as a bitter agent, can be determined according to the standard procedure described in the European Pharmacopoeia (European Pharmacopoeia. Volume 1: General part of monograph groups, 5th edition, basic work. Stuttgart 2005, ISBN 3-7692-3638-6, 2.8.15 Bitterwert, p. 278). More specifically, the "bitterness value" can be determined as the reciprocal of the dilution of a compound, liquid, or extract that still has a bitter taste. The bitterness value of a given substance is effectively determined by comparing the threshold bitter concentration of an extract of the substance with that of a dilution solution of quinine hydrochloride.

[0043] The bitterness value of quinine hydrochloride is set at 200,000. This means that 1 gram of quinine hydrochloride imparts bitterness to 200,000 grams of water.

[0044] To evaluate the bitterness value of a given test compound, stock solutions and dilution solutions of quinine hydrochloride at increasing concentrations are prepared as standard solutions. In parallel, stock solutions and dilution solutions of the test compound with increasing concentrations of the given compound are also prepared.

[0045] A test panel is assembled. To correct for individual differences in taste for bitterness among the members of the test panel, a correction factor may be determined for each panel member based on the member's response to the taste of the quinine hydrochloride standard solution.

[0046] Before each tasting, the members of the test panel rinse their mouths with drinking water. The maximum dilution that still has a bitter taste is determined by taking 10 milliliters of the most diluted solution into the mouth and passing it from side to side at the back of the tongue for 30 seconds. If the solution is found to have no bitter taste, the member of the test panel spits it out, waits for 1 minute, and then rinses their mouth again with drinking water. After 10 minutes, the next dilution with an increased concentration is tasted.

[0047] For each member of the test panel, the maximum dilution at which the test compound still causes bitterness after 30 seconds is taken as the individual threshold bitter concentration. The bitterness value of the test compound results from calculating the average of the individual threshold bitter concentrations of all the members of the test panel.

[0048] The aversion agent may include a pungent agent and / or a bitter agent, or both.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the aversion agent is a bitter agent.

[0050] The aversion agent may particularly have a bitterness value of at least 500,000. Preferably, the aversion agent has a bitterness value of at least 1,000,000. More preferably, the aversion agent has a bitterness value of at least 2,500,000. Even more preferably, the aversion agent has a bitterness value of at least 5,000,000.

[0051] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aversion agent has a bitterness value of at least 10,000,000. More preferably, the aversion agent has a bitterness value of at least 25,000,000. Even more preferably, the aversion agent has a bitterness value of at least 50,000,000.

[0052] Sodium benzoate is generally considered to be the most bitter compound known, and its bitterness value is estimated to exceed 100,000,000.

[0053] The following table lists several known bitter agents, along with their respective bitterness values.

Table 1

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the aversion agent is selected from the group consisting of sodium benzoate, columbin, amalogentin, quassin, absinthin, quinine hydrochloride, and combinations thereof. For example, sodium benzoate is commercially available under the trade name Bitrex®.

[0055] In the aerosol generating article according to the present invention, the aversion agent may be provided at a concentration of at least 1 ppm based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article. Preferably, the aversion agent is provided at a concentration of at least 2 ppm based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article. More preferably, the aversion agent is provided at a concentration of at least 5 ppm based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the aversion agent is provided at a concentration of at least 10 ppm based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article. Preferably, the aversion agent is provided at a concentration of at least 25 ppm based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article. More preferably, the aversion agent is provided at a concentration of at least 50 ppm based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article.

[0057] In the aerosol generating article according to the present invention, the aversion agent may be provided at a concentration of 250 ppm or less based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article. Preferably, the aversion agent is provided at a concentration of 200 ppm or less based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article. More preferably, the aversion agent is provided at a concentration of 150 ppm or less based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article.

[0058] In some embodiments, the aversion agent may be provided at a concentration of 2 ppm to 250 ppm, preferably 5 ppm to 250 ppm, more preferably 10 ppm to 250 ppm, even more preferably 25 ppm to 250 ppm, and most preferably 50 ppm to 250 ppm based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article.

[0059] In other embodiments, the aversion agent may be provided at a concentration of 2 ppm to 200 ppm, preferably 5 ppm to 200 ppm, more preferably 10 ppm to 200 ppm, even more preferably 25 ppm to 200 ppm, and most preferably 50 ppm to 200 ppm based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article.

[0060] In further embodiments, the aversion agent may be provided at a concentration of 2 ppm to 100 ppm, preferably 5 ppm to 100 ppm, more preferably 10 ppm to 100 ppm, even more preferably 25 ppm to 100 ppm, and most preferably 50 ppm to 100 ppm based on the total weight of the aerosol generating article.

[0061] In the aerosol generating article according to the present invention, the total amount of the aversion agent may be at least 0.5 micrograms. Preferably, the total amount of the aversion agent is at least 0.75 micrograms. More preferably, the total amount of the aversion agent is at least 1.0 microgram. Even more preferably, the total amount of the aversion agent is at least 1.5 micrograms. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the total amount of the aversion agent is at least 2 micrograms, preferably at least 2.5 micrograms, and more preferably at least 2.7 micrograms.

[0062] In the aerosol generating article according to the present invention, the total amount of the repellent may be 50 micrograms or less. Preferably, the total amount of the repellent is 45 micrograms or less. More preferably, the total amount of the repellent is 40 micrograms or less. Even more preferably, the total amount of the repellent is 35 micrograms or less. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the total amount of the repellent is 30 micrograms or less, preferably 28 micrograms or less, more preferably 27 micrograms or less.

[0063] In some embodiments, the total amount of the repellent in the aerosol generating article is from 0.5 micrograms to 50 micrograms, preferably from 0.75 micrograms to 50 micrograms, more preferably from 1.0 micrograms to 50 micrograms, still more preferably from 1.5 micrograms to 50 micrograms, particularly preferably from 2.0 micrograms to 50 micrograms, or from 2.5 micrograms to 50 micrograms, or from 2.7 micrograms to 50 micrograms.

[0064] In other embodiments, the total amount of the repellent in the aerosol generating article is from 0.5 micrograms to 45 micrograms, preferably from 0.75 micrograms to 45 micrograms, more preferably from 1.0 micrograms to 45 micrograms, still more preferably from 1.5 micrograms to 45 micrograms, particularly preferably from 2.0 micrograms to 45 micrograms, or from 2.5 micrograms to 45 micrograms, or from 2.7 micrograms to 45 micrograms.

[0065] In a further embodiment, the total amount of the repellent in the aerosol-generating article is from 0.5 micrograms to 40 micrograms, preferably from 0.75 micrograms to 40 micrograms, more preferably from 1.0 microgram to 40 micrograms, still more preferably from 1.5 micrograms to 40 micrograms, particularly preferably from 2.0 micrograms to 40 micrograms, or from 2.5 micrograms to 40 micrograms, or from 2.7 micrograms to 40 micrograms.

[0066] In yet a further embodiment, the overall amount of the repellent in the aerosol-generating article is from 0.5 micrograms to 35 micrograms, preferably from 0.75 micrograms to 35 micrograms, more preferably from 1.0 microgram to 35 micrograms, still more preferably from 1.5 micrograms to 35 micrograms, particularly preferably from 2.0 micrograms to 35 micrograms, or from 2.5 micrograms to 35 micrograms, or from 2.7 micrograms to 35 micrograms.

[0067] In another group of embodiments, the total amount of the repellent in the aerosol-generating article is from 0.5 micrograms to 30 micrograms, preferably from 0.75 micrograms to 30 micrograms, more preferably from 1.0 microgram to 30 micrograms, still more preferably from 1.5 micrograms to 30 micrograms, particularly preferably from 2.0 micrograms to 30 micrograms, or from 2.5 micrograms to 30 micrograms, or from 2.7 micrograms to 30 micrograms.

[0068] In a further group of embodiments, the total amount of the repellent in the aerosol-generating article is from 0.5 micrograms to 27 micrograms, preferably from 0.75 micrograms to 27 micrograms, more preferably from 1.0 microgram to 27 micrograms, still more preferably from 1.5 micrograms to 27 micrograms, particularly preferably from 2.0 micrograms to 27 micrograms, or from 2.5 micrograms to 27 micrograms, or from 2.7 micrograms to 27 micrograms.

[0069] In the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, the seam adhesive may be provided as a line of adhesive. The seam adhesive may be provided as a line of adhesive extending from the upstream end of the wrapper to the downstream end of the wrapper. This can advantageously facilitate the manufacture of the aerosol-generating article and ensure that the wrapper is firmly held in place.

[0070] In the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, it is preferred that the seam adhesive is not provided on the outside of the aerosol-generating article. Advantageously, this reduces the possibility of the repellent contaminating the user's fingers during transport or storage and reduces the possibility of the repellent migrating to other aerosol-generating articles, such as other aerosol-generating articles provided within the same package.

[0071] In the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, it is preferred that the seam adhesive does not contact any component of the aerosol-generating article other than the wrapper. Advantageously, this reduces the possibility of the repellent contaminating the aerosol-generating substrate or any other component within the aerosol-generating article that may be exposed to the airflow path.

[0072] In the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, the seam adhesive is preferably provided as a line of adhesive extending in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article.

[0073] In the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, the line of adhesive preferably extends to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0074] In the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, it is preferable that the line of the adhesive containing the repellent does not extend to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the line of the adhesive containing the repellent is not provided within 5 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. More preferably, the line of the adhesive containing the repellent is not provided within 8 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. Even more preferably, the line of the adhesive containing the repellent is not provided within 12 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. Advantageously, this ensures that the repellent is not located at the end of the aerosol-generating article closest to the user's mouth during normal use.

[0075] In the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, it is preferable that the wrapper surrounding at least a part of at least one of the aerosol-generating substrate and the downstream section is at least one of an outer wrapper and tipping paper.

[0076] The wrapper surrounding at least a part of at least one of the aerosol-generating substrate and the downstream section is preferably an outer wrapper.

[0077] Alternatively, the wrapper surrounding at least a part of at least one of the aerosol-generating substrate and the downstream section may be an outer wrapper and tipping paper. In this alternative embodiment, the tipping paper may at least partially surround the outer wrapper.

[0078] Briefly as described above, the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention may include an upstream section positioned upstream of the aerosol-generating substrate and extending entirely from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0079] The upstream section may further include a plug, such as a plug of filter material. The wrapper may surround at least a part of the plug. Preferably, the wrapper surrounds the entire length of the plug.

[0080] The plug may be porous or substantially air-impermeable. For example, the plug may be made of a filter material compressed to the point of being substantially air-impermeable. Alternatively, the plug may be made of an air-impermeable material such as a silicone polymer material.

[0081] The plug of the upstream section may be made of any filter material suitable for use in aerosol-generating articles. The plug of the upstream section preferably contains at least one of cellulose acetate fibers, polylactic acid fibers, polyhydroxybutyric acid fibers, and polyhydroxyalkanoic acid fibers.

[0082] The plug of the upstream section may have a length of at least 2 millimeters. The plug of the upstream section preferably has a length of at least 3 millimeters. More preferably, the plug of the upstream section has a length of at least 4 millimeters. Even more preferably, the plug of the upstream section has a length of at least 5 millimeters.

[0083] The plug of the upstream section may have a length of 15 millimeters or less. The plug of the upstream section preferably has a length of 12 millimeters or less. More preferably, the plug of the upstream section has a length of 10 millimeters or less. Even more preferably, the plug of the upstream section has a length of 7 millimeters or less.

[0084] In some embodiments, the plug of the upstream section has a length of from 2 millimeters to 12 millimeters, preferably from 3 millimeters to 12 millimeters, more preferably from 4 millimeters to 12 millimeters, and even more preferably from 5 millimeters to 12 millimeters. In other embodiments, the plug of the upstream section has a length of from 2 millimeters to 10 millimeters, preferably from 3 millimeters to 10 millimeters, more preferably from 4 millimeters to 10 millimeters, and even more preferably from 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters. In further embodiments, the plug of the upstream section has a length of from 2 millimeters to 7 millimeters, preferably from 3 millimeters to 7 millimeters, more preferably from 4 millimeters to 7 millimeters, and even more preferably from 5 millimeters to 7 millimeters.

[0085] The plug of the upstream section may have an outer diameter that is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article. The outer diameter of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article may then be substantially equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0086] The plug of the upstream section may have an outer diameter of at least 4 millimeters. The plug of the upstream section preferably has an outer diameter of at least 5 millimeters. The plug may have an outer diameter of 9 millimeters or less. The plug of the upstream section preferably has an outer diameter of 8 millimeters or less.

[0087] In some embodiments, the plug of the upstream section has an outer diameter of from 4 millimeters to 9 millimeters, preferably from 5 millimeters to 9 millimeters. In other embodiments, the plug of the upstream section has an outer diameter of from 4 millimeters to 8 millimeters, preferably from 5 millimeters to 8 millimeters.

[0088] The draw resistance (RTD) of the plug in the upstream section depends on several parameters, including the porosity of the material from which the plug is made and the geometric shape of the plug (e.g., cross-sectional area, length). As discussed in more detail below, in certain embodiments, the plug may be provided in the form of a hollow body and may define an internal air flow channel that extends through the plug from the upstream end of the plug to the downstream end of the plug. In such embodiments, since the air flow through the plug occurs mainly through the internal air flow channel rather than being complete, the RTD of the plug is generally very low but not zero.

[0089] In contrast, in other embodiments where the plug is a solid (i.e., not hollow) body, such as a solid plug made of, for example, a porous material, the RTD of the plug may generally be higher and may vary more significantly depending on the length of the plug and the porosity of the material from which the plug is made. This is because the air flow occurs generally across the entire cross-section of the plug rather than along a preferential path.

[0090] In certain embodiments, the plug in the upstream section includes cellulose acetate. Preferably, the plug in the upstream section includes cellulose acetate that has been crimped, swollen, and coated with a plasticizer thereon. In other embodiments, the cellulose acetate may be at least partially replaced by other fibers suitable for use in aerosol generating articles, such as PHA-PBA fibers, PLA fibers.

[0091] In certain embodiments, the upstream section further includes a predetermined air flow channel that extends through the plug from the upstream end of the plug to the downstream end of the plug. For example, the plug in the upstream section may be a hollow tubular plug. Further, the upstream section may include a hollow tubular element connected to the hollow tubular plug, and the hollow tubular element defines the air flow channel. In some embodiments, the hollow tubular element may be provided in the form of a cardboard tube.

[0092] In embodiments where the plug of the upstream section comprises a predetermined air flow channel extending through the plug from the upstream end of the plug to the downstream end of the plug, the pull - out resistance (RTD) of the plug of the filter material is negligible or substantially zero. From a practical perspective, the control of the pull - out resistance of one such hollow plug may be achieved by adjusting the equivalent diameter of the predetermined air flow channel.

[0093] The pull - out resistance (RTD) of an aerosol - generating article or a component thereof, such as a plug of filter material, may be evaluated as the negative pressure that needs to be applied at the downstream end of the article or component to maintain a stable volumetric air flow rate of 17.5 ml / sec through the article or component. Those skilled in the art can find more details regarding the measurement method, test conditions, etc. of ISO 6565:2015(2015).

[0094] In some embodiments, the aerosol - generating article may further comprise at least one ventilation zone that allows air to enter the aerosol - generating article. The at least one ventilation zone is preferably provided around the downstream section.

[0095] Allowing ventilation air to enter the aerosol - generating article has a number of beneficial effects. For example, the flow of ventilation air entering into the downstream section of the article, i.e., into the aerosol - generating article at a position downstream of the aerosol - generating substrate, can rapidly cool the volatile species released from the aerosol - generating substrate upon heating. It has been observed that this has a favorable effect on the nucleation and growth of aerosol particles such that aerosol delivery to the consumer can be enhanced. At the same time, the temperature of the aerosol delivered to the consumer can be reduced to a desirable value without the need to include in the downstream section an aerosol cooling element that provides a large surface area for heat exchange or a material with a significant heat capacity.

[0096] In some embodiments, the ventilation zone includes a first row of perforations provided through the wrapper. The first row of perforations preferably includes a break where the seam adhesive is provided so that the perforations are not provided through the seam adhesive. Advantageously, during normal use of the aerosol generating article, air is not drawn through the perforations through the seam adhesive. Thus, conveniently, the repellent may always be kept away from the mainstream airflow path.

[0097] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article may further comprise an aerosol cooling element. Such embodiments are described in more detail below. The ventilation zone may comprise a first row of perforations provided through the aerosol cooling element.

[0098] In a further embodiment, the ventilation zone may include a first row of perforations provided through the wrapper and the aerosol cooling element.

[0099] In embodiments where the wrapper is tipping paper and an outer wrapper, the ventilation zone may comprise a first row of perforations provided through the tipping paper and the outer wrapper. Alternatively, the ventilation zone may comprise a first row of perforations provided through the tipping paper, the outer wrapper, and the aerosol cooling element.

[0100] The aerosol generating article may typically have a ventilation level of at least about 10 percent, preferably at least about 20 percent.

[0101] The term "ventilation level" is used throughout this specification to mean the volume ratio of the airflow entering the aerosol generating article through the ventilation zone (ventilation airflow) to the sum of the aerosol airflow and the ventilation airflow. The greater the ventilation level, the higher the dilution of the flow ultimately delivered to the consumer.

[0102] In preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating article has a ventilation level of at least about 30 percent. More preferably, the aerosol generating article has a ventilation level of at least about 35 percent. Additionally or alternatively, preferably, the aerosol generating article has a ventilation level of less than about 60 percent. More preferably, the aerosol generating article has a ventilation level of less than about 50 percent. In particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating article has a ventilation level of from about 30 percent to about 60 percent. More preferably, the aerosol generating article has a ventilation level of from about 35 percent to about 50 percent. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating article has a ventilation level of about 40 percent.

[0103] Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors have found that the temperature drop resulting from allowing cooler outside air to enter the aerosol generating article through the ventilation zone may have an advantageous effect on the nucleation and growth of aerosol particles.

[0104] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate may be in the form of an aerosol generating rod. The aerosol generating rod may comprise a susceptor element, which is thermally coupled to the aerosol generating substrate. More particularly, this may be achieved by extending the susceptor element axially within the aerosol generating rod and embedding it within the aerosol generating substrate.

[0105] By way of example, the aerosol generating rod may comprise a sheet of homogenized tobacco material assembled to form a rod extending along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article. The susceptor element may be embedded within the assembly of the sheet of homogenized tobacco material. Alternatively, the aerosol generating rod may comprise cut filler or reconstituted or homogenized tobacco material obtained by cutting tobacco leaf material. The susceptor element may be embedded within the cut filler, for example, so as to be surrounded by the cut filler.

[0106] The aerosol generating substrate preferably contains one or more aerosol formers. Upon volatilization, the aerosol former can carry other vaporized compounds released from the first aerosol generating substrate upon heating, such as nicotine and flavorants in the aerosol. Suitable aerosol formers for inclusion in the aerosol generating substrate are known in the art and include polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3 - butanediol, and glycerol), esters of polyhydric alcohols (glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate), but are not limited thereto.

[0107] The aerosol generating substrate may have an aerosol former content of from about 5 weight percent to about 30 weight percent on a dry weight basis.

[0108] Preferably, the aerosol generating substrate has an aerosol former content of at least about 10 weight percent, more preferably at least about 15 weight percent on a dry weight basis.

[0109] The aerosol generating substrate preferably has an aerosol former content of about 25 weight percent or less, more preferably about 20 weight percent or less on a dry weight basis.

[0110] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate has an aerosol former content of from 5 weight percent to 25 weight percent, preferably from 10 weight percent to 25 weight percent, more preferably from 15 weight percent to 25 weight percent on a dry weight basis. In other embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate has an aerosol former content of from 5 weight percent to 20 weight percent, preferably from 10 weight percent to 20 weight percent, more preferably from 15 weight percent to 20 weight percent on a dry weight basis.

[0111] These relatively high-level aerosol formers are particularly suitable for aerosol-generating substrates intended to be heated at temperatures below 275 degrees Celsius.

[0112] The downstream section may include one or more elements.

[0113] In some embodiments, the downstream section may comprise a support element positioned downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the support element can be provided in an arrangement immediately downstream of, and preferably adjacent to, the aerosol-generating substrate. The support element may be in the form of a plug of, for example, cellulose acetate. The support element may be hollow. In some embodiments, the support element may be surrounded by its own plug wrap.

[0114] The downstream section may comprise an aerosol cooling element positioned downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol cooling element may be provided immediately downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate. Alternatively, another element may be provided between the aerosol-generating substrate and the aerosol cooling element. For example, the above-described support element may be positioned between the aerosol-generating substrate and the aerosol cooling element. In such cases, all three elements may be arranged in abutting relation along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0115] In certain embodiments, the aerosol cooling element may be provided in the form of a hollow tubular element having the above-described ventilation zone disposed along the hollow tubular element of the aerosol cooling element and configured to allow air to enter from the external environment when a consumer inhales on the aerosol-generating article. In some embodiments, the aerosol cooling element may be surrounded by its own plug wrap. In other embodiments, the aerosol cooling element and the support element upstream of the aerosol cooling element may be combined and surrounded by a single plug wrap.

[0116] The downstream section may include a mouthpiece element. The mouthpiece element may be positioned at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article and, thus, may be positioned not only downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate but also downstream of any one of the optional elements of the downstream section. The mouthpiece element extends all the way to the mouth-side end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0117] The mouthpiece element preferably comprises at least one mouthpiece filter segment of fibrous filter material. Suitable fibrous filter materials will be known to those skilled in the art. Particularly preferably, at least one mouthpiece filter segment comprises a cellulose acetate filter segment formed from cellulose acetate tow.

[0118] In certain embodiments of the invention, the downstream section may comprise a mouth-side end recess at its downstream end, downstream of the mouthpiece filter segment as described above. The mouth-side end cavity may be defined by a hollow tubular element provided at the downstream end of the mouthpiece. The mouth-side end cavity may also be defined by a mouthpiece wrapper of the mouthpiece element, which extends in the downstream direction from the mouthpiece element.

[0119] The mouthpiece element may optionally include a flavorant provided in any suitable form. For example, the mouthpiece element may include one or more capsules, flavorant beads or granules, or one or more flavor-loaded threads or filaments.

[0120] Preferably, the mouthpiece element has a low particle filtration efficiency.

[0121] Preferably, the mouthpiece is formed from a segment of fibrous filter material.

[0122] In some embodiments, the mouthpiece element is surrounded by its own plug wrap.

[0123] In any one of the above embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may further comprise an outer wrapping paper, which includes an impermeable coating for preventing the repellent from moving to the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article. This is beneficial in that it provides an additional barrier layer between the repellent component and the consumer during normal use or any operation of the aerosol-generating article. At the same time, the use of the paper wrapper allows the repellent to reach the consumer in the event of inadvertent ingestion of the article, etc.

[0124] As briefly described above, the aerosol generation system according to the present invention comprises a heating device and an aerosol-generating article in accordance with the above description.

[0125] Therefore, the present invention also relates to an aerosol generation system comprising one heating device, such as, for example, an electrically heated aerosol generator, and an aerosol-generating article.

[0126] Examples of suitable aerosol generators are known to those skilled in the art. Generally, a suitable aerosol generator comprises a recess (i.e., a heating chamber) for receiving the aerosol-generating article and one or more heating elements for supplying heat to the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0127] For example, when the aerosol-generating article comprises a susceptor element embedded in the aerosol-generating substrate, the one or more heating elements may comprise one or more inductor elements adapted to generate a varying electromagnetic field within the cavity.

[0128] Alternatively, the one or more heating elements may comprise one or more resistively heatable elements disposed in, on, or around the heating chamber at a position facing the aerosol-generating substrate when the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating chamber.

[0129] These heating arrangements are such that, during use, heat is selectively supplied to the aerosol generating substrate, while at the same time only a small amount of heat is supplied to the upstream section or substantially no heat is supplied to the upstream section.

[0130] Furthermore, a suitable aerosol generating device typically comprises a power supply connected to one or more inductor elements or resistively heatable elements, and a control element configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to the one or more inductor elements or resistively heatable elements.

[0131] The aerosol generating device is preferably a portable or hand-held aerosol generating device that can be comfortably held between the fingers of one hand by the user.

[0132] The aerosol generating device may have a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0133] The aerosol generating device may have a length of approximately 70 millimeters to approximately 120 millimeters.

[0134] The power supply may be any suitable power supply, for example, a direct voltage source such as a battery. In one embodiment, the power supply is a lithium-ion battery.

[0135] The control element may be a simple switch. Alternatively, the control element may be an electrical circuit and may comprise one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers.

[0136] The features described with respect to one or more aspects may equally apply to other aspects of the present invention. In particular, the features described in relation to the aerosol generating article may equally apply to the aerosol generating system.

[0137] 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 described above, for example, any one or more of the features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0138] Example 1: An aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate, a downstream section extending from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article, and a wrapper surrounding at least a portion of at least one of the aerosol-generating substrate and the downstream section, the wrapper being held in place by a seam adhesive, the seam adhesive containing an aversion agent.

[0139] Example 2: The aerosol-generating article according to Example 1, wherein the aversion agent has a bitter taste.

[0140] Example 3: The aerosol-generating article according to Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the aversion agent is a bittering agent.

[0141] Example 4: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the aversion agent has a bitterness value of at least 10,000.

[0142] Example 5: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the aversion agent contains at least one of sodium benzoate (Bitrex), columbin, amalogentin, quassin, absinthin, and quinine hydrochloride.

[0143] Example 6: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the aversion agent is provided at a concentration of at least 2 ppm.

[0144] Example 7: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the seam adhesive is provided as a line of adhesive extending from the upstream end of the wrapper to the downstream end of the wrapper.

[0145] Example 8: The aerosol generating article according to Example 7, wherein the adhesive line extends to the upstream end of the aerosol generating article.

[0146] Example 9: The aerosol generating article according to Example 7 or Example 8, wherein the layer of the adhesive containing the repellent does not extend to the downstream end of the aerosol generating article.

[0147] Example 10: The aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 7 to 9, wherein the adhesive line containing the repellent is not provided within 12 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol generating article.

[0148] Example 11: The aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the seam adhesive is provided as an adhesive line extending in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article.

[0149] Example 12: The aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the aerosol generating article includes at least one ventilation zone for allowing air to enter the aerosol generating article.

[0150] Example 13: The aerosol generating article according to Example 12, wherein the ventilation zone includes a first row of perforations provided through the wrapper.

[0151] Example 14: The aerosol generating article according to Example 13, wherein the first row of perforations includes a break where the seam adhesive is provided so that the perforations are not provided through the seam adhesive.

[0152] Example 15: The aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 12 to 14, wherein at least one ventilation zone is provided around the downstream section.

[0153] Example 16: The aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein the wrapper surrounding at least a part of at least one of the aerosol generating substrate and the downstream section is at least one of an outer wrapper and tipping paper.

[0154] Example 17: The aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, further comprising an upstream section extending from the upstream end of the aerosol generating substrate to the upstream end of the aerosol generating article.

[0155] Example 18: The aerosol generating article according to Example 17, wherein the upstream section includes a plug.

[0156] Example 19: The aerosol generating article according to Example 18, wherein the plug of the upstream section includes at least one of cellulose acetate fiber, polylactic acid fiber, polyhydroxybutyric acid fiber, and polyhydroxyalkanoic acid fiber.

[0157] Example 20: The aerosol generating article according to Example 18 or Example 19, wherein the plug has a draw resistance of at least 50 millimeters of water column.

[0158] Example 21: The aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 18 to 20, wherein the wrapper surrounds at least a part of the plug. Example 22: The aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 21, further comprising an outer wrapping paper, and the outer wrapping paper includes an impermeable coating for preventing the repellent from moving to the outer surface of the aerosol generating article.

[0159] Here, the examples will be further described with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0160]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0161] Figure 1 shows an aerosol generating article 10 according to the present invention. A cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating article according to this embodiment is shown in Figure 4A and will be described in more detail below. The aerosol generating article 10 shown in Figure 1 includes a rod 12 of an aerosol generating substrate and a downstream section 14 located downstream of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0162] An air ventilation zone 60 is provided at a position downstream of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0163] More specifically, in the embodiment of Figure 1, the downstream section 14 includes a mouthpiece element 18 and a hollow section 20. The hollow section 20 includes an aerosol cooling element 22 having a hollow tubular element and an air ventilation zone 60 having a plurality of openings formed through the wall of the hollow tubular element. The aerosol cooling element 22 is located immediately downstream of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate. As shown in the drawing of Figure 1, the upstream end of the aerosol cooling element 22 abuts against the downstream end of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate. The mouthpiece element 18 is positioned immediately downstream of the aerosol cooling element 22. As shown in the drawing of Figure 1, the upstream end of the mouthpiece element 18 abuts against the downstream end of the aerosol cooling element 22. The mouthpiece element 18 includes a plug 24 of a low-density filtering material and a mouthpiece filter wrapping paper 25.

[0164] The rod 12 includes an aerosol generating substrate in the form of an assembly of sheets of homogenized tobacco material. However, other types of tobacco-containing substrates, such as tobacco cut filler, can replace the assembly of sheets of homogenized tobacco material.

[0165] A portion of the rod 12 and the aerosol cooling element 22 of the aerosol generating article 10 is surrounded by an outer wrapper 28. The cross-section of FIG. 1 is shown such that a seam adhesive 30 is also shown. The seam adhesive 30 holds the outer wrapper 28 in a fixed position within the aerosol generating article 10. The seam adhesive 30 contains an aversive agent. The aversive agent is a bittering agent. The bittering agent is present in an amount of 2.7 micrograms to 27 micrograms. The seam adhesive 30 is provided in the form of a line of adhesive extending in the longitudinal direction along the length of the outer wrapper 28. The outer wrapper 28 is held in a fixed position on the rod 12 and the aerosol cooling element 22 by a fixing adhesive (not shown).

[0166] A portion of the mouthpiece element 18 and the aerosol cooling element 22 is surrounded by tipping paper 29. The tipping paper 29 surrounds a portion of the outer wrapper 28. Perforations are provided within the tipping paper 29 and are aligned with perforations within the aerosol cooling element 22, and both of these have a ventilation zone 60. In this particular embodiment, the outer wrapper 28 does not extend as far downstream as the ventilation zone 60.

[0167] Thus, the aversive agent is separated from the outer surface of the aerosol generating article by both the seam adhesive and the outer wrapper 28. In addition, the aversive agent is provided slightly away from the mouth-side end of the aerosol generating article, and the tipping paper 29 provides an additional layer that acts as a barrier between the consumer's lips and the more radially inner portion of the aerosol generating article, so the likelihood that the consumer's lips or oral mucosa will come into contact with the aversive agent during normal intended use of the aerosol generating article is very low. FIG. 2 shows another example of an aerosol generating article 100 according to the present invention. The aerosol generating article 100 is similar to the aerosol generating article 10 of FIG. 1 and will only be described below to the extent that it differs from the aerosol generating article 10 of FIG. 1.

[0168] The aerosol generating article 100 comprises an upstream section 16 at a position upstream of the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate. The upstream section 16 comprises a cylindrical plug 26 of cellulose acetate surrounded by an outer wrapper 28. The plug 26 of the upstream section 16 has a length of about 5 millimeters. The RTD of the plug 26 is about 100 millimeters H2O.

[0169] The aerosol generating article 100 further comprises a susceptor element 70 provided within the rod 12 of the aerosol generating substrate. More particularly, the susceptor element 70 is elongated and extends axially within the rod 12 so as to be thermally coupled to the aerosol generating substrate.

[0170] In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the outer wrapper 28 extends so as to surround the entire aerosol cooling element 22, the rod 12, and the plug 26.

[0171] In this embodiment, there is also a ventilation zone 60. The ventilation zone 60 comprises perforations passing through the tipping paper 29, the outer wrapper 28, and the aerosol cooling element 22.

[0172] To ensure that the repellent is separated from any air flow path, there are no perforations at the circumferential position of the seam adhesive 30 through the wrapper 28 or the seam adhesive 30. In this particular embodiment, there are no perforations in the aerosol cooling element 22 at the circumferential position of the seam adhesive 30, although the perforations may be present in the aerosol cooling element 22 at the circumferential position of the seam adhesive 30 to simplify the manufacture of the aerosol cooling element 22.

[0173] FIG. 3 illustrates an aerosol generating system 200 comprising an exemplary aerosol generating device 1 and the aerosol generating article 100 of FIG. 2.

[0174] The aerosol generating device 1 comprises a housing (or body) 40. The housing 40 includes a peripheral wall 42 and an end wall 44. The peripheral wall 40 defines a device cavity for receiving the aerosol generating article 100. The device cavity is defined by a closed distal end and an open mouth-side end. The mouth-side end of the device cavity is located at the mouth-side end of the aerosol generating device 1. The aerosol generating article 100 is configured to be received through the mouth-side end of the device cavity and to abut against the closed end of the device cavity.

[0175] The device air inlet 46 is defined within the end wall 44. Air may be introduced into the upstream section 16 of the aerosol generating article through the device air inlet 46.

[0176] The aerosol generating device 1 further comprises a heater element in the form of an inductor coil 48 adapted to induce a current within the susceptor element 70. When a current is induced within the susceptor element 70, the temperature of the susceptor element 70 rises and heats the surrounding rod 12. The aerosol generating device 200 further comprises a power source (not shown) for supplying power to the heater element. A controller (not shown) is also provided to control the supply of such power to the heater element. The heater element is configured to controllably heat the aerosol generating substrate within the rod 12 during use when the aerosol generating article 100 is received within the device 1.

[0177] FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating article according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 in a manufacturing process. FIG. 4B shows an enlarged view of a selection of FIG. 4A. The cross-section is taken through the rod 12. The outer wrapper 28 is surrounded around the rod 12 and also around a part of the aerosol cooling element 22 in the case of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. During manufacture, the seam adhesive 30 is applied along the inner surface of the first major axis edge of the outer wrapper 28.

[0178] The first major axis edge of the outer wrapper 28, which is directly opposite the second major axis edge, is fixed to a portion of the rod 12 and the aerosol cooling element 22. The second major axis edge is fixed to a portion of the rod 12 and the aerosol cooling element 22 by a first additional major axis line 50 of adhesive. The adhesive 50 is applied to the inner surface of the second major axis edge before the process of fixing the outer wrapper 28 to a portion of the rod 12 and the aerosol cooling element 22. The adhesive 50 ensures that the outer wrapper 28 remains in place when it first contacts a portion of the rod 12 and the aerosol cooling element 22.

[0179] A second additional major axis line 52 of adhesive is applied to the inner surface of the outer wrapper 28 at a line equidistant from the first major axis edge and the second major axis edge of the outer wrapper 28. The adhesive 52 ensures that the rod 12 and the aerosol cooling element 22 are fixed in their correct positions. In the illustrated embodiment, neither the adhesive 50 nor the adhesive 52 contains a repellent.

[0180] The process of applying the outer wrapper 28 to the rod 12 and the aerosol cooling element 22 is shown in FIG. 4C. The application of the outer wrapper 28 is achieved by rolling the rod 12 and the aerosol cooling element 22 relative to the outer wrapper 28 when the rod 12 and the aerosol cooling element 22 contact the outer wrapper 28. The contact between the rod 12 and the aerosol cooling element 22, and the outer wrapper 28, is achieved by a first additional major axis line 50 of adhesive. The rod 12 and the aerosol cooling element 22 are rolled relative to the outer wrapper 28 by a rotating drum (not shown) that applies a frictional force to the outer wrapper 28, and a stationary surface (not shown) that applies an opposing frictional force to the rod 12 and the aerosol cooling element 22. Thus, the outer wrapper 28 is wound around a portion of the rod 12 and the aerosol cooling element 22 such that the seam adhesive 30 contacts the outer surface of the second major axis edge of the outer wrapper 28.

[0181] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like 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 ± 5 percent of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values within the general standard error of a measured value of the property being modified by the number A. A number A may deviate by the percentages recited above, in some instances as 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 aerosol generating article, comprising: an aerosol generating substrate; a downstream section extending from the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate to the downstream end of the aerosol generating article; a wrapper surrounding at least a portion of at least one of the aerosol generating substrate and the downstream section, the wrapper being held in a fixed position by a seam adhesive; the aerosol generating article, wherein the seam adhesive contains an aversion agent.

2. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the aversion agent has a bitter taste.

3. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the aversion agent has a bitterness value of at least 10,000.

4. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the aversion agent contains at least one of sodium benzoate (Bitrex), columbin, amalogentin, quassin, absinthin, and quinine hydrochloride.

5. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the aversion agent is provided at a concentration of at least 2 ppm.

6. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the seam adhesive is provided as a line of adhesive extending from the upstream end of the wrapper to the downstream end of the wrapper.

7. The aerosol generating article according to claim 6, wherein the line of adhesive extends to the upstream end of the aerosol generating article.

8. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the line of adhesive containing the aversion agent does not extend to the downstream end of the aerosol generating article.

9. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the line of adhesive containing the aversion agent is not provided within 12 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol generating article.

10. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising at least one ventilation zone for allowing air to enter the aerosol generating article.

11. The aerosol generating article according to claim 10, wherein the ventilation zone includes a first row of perforations provided through the wrapper.

12. The aerosol generating article according to claim 11, wherein the first row of perforations includes a break in the seam adhesive such that no perforations are provided through the seam adhesive.

13. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the at least one ventilation zone is provided around the downstream section.

14. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising an upstream section extending from an upstream end of the aerosol generating substrate to an upstream end of the aerosol generating article.

15. The aerosol generating article according to claim 14, wherein the upstream section comprises a plug.

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